To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr A Barry, Mr T Fee, Mr T Markley and Mrs M Rae.

To disclose any personal and prejudicial interests relating to any item on the agenda.

NB   The following is a summary of what constitutes a personal interest and a personal and prejudicial interest.  Please seek advice or refer to the Code of Conduct (paragraph 8) for full definitions.

Personal Interests

You have a personal interest if the issue being discussed in the meeting affects the well-being or finances of you, your family or your close associates more than most other people who live in the Electoral Division affected by the issue.

Personal interests are also things that relate to an interest you must register.

N.B. If the personal interest arises because of your membership of another public body, you only need to declare it if you intend to speak.

A personal interest should be declared as follows:

I have a personal interest in agenda item […] regarding the report on […] because I am […].

Personal and Prejudicial Interests

If you have a personal interest in a matter you will also have a prejudicial interest in that matter if the interest is one which a member of the public, with knowledge of the relevant facts, would reasonably regard as so significant that it is likely to prejudice your judgement of the public interest.  If you have a personal and prejudicial interest you must withdraw from the meeting room for that item, unless you are there to make representations and the public have the same opportunity to do so

NB You only have a prejudicial interest if the matter

• affects your financial position or that of your family, close associate, employer etc or it
• relates to a regulatory matter

A personal and prejudicial interest should be declared as follows:

I have a personal and prejudicial interest in agenda item […] regarding the report on […] because I am […].

Advice on this can be sought from staff in Legal and Democratic Services.  Members are requested to seek advice, wherever possible, before the meeting starts.

Mr M Johnson declared a personal and prejudicial  interest in relation to agenda item 8 Local Committee Devolved Budget – use of underspend) and item 10 (Highways and Transport Working Group) due to being an employee of Amey. Mr M Johnson also declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 9 (Local Committee Devolved Budget 2011/12) due to being an employee of Amey.

Mrs B Cannon, Mr D Fairbairn, Mr G Humes, Mr J Holiday and Mr E Nicholson all declared a personal interest in relation to any reference made to Allerdale Borough Council during the meeting as they were Members of the Borough Council - namely  agenda item  12 (Joint Working with Partners) and Agenda item 16 (Derwent Forest). 

During the course of the meeting Mr D Fairbairn declared a personal interest in relation to Agenda item 6 ( Action arising from previous meetings) as he was a Member of Age Uk.

To consider whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of any item on the agenda.

RESOLVED,     that Item 16 – Derwent Forest Update – be taken in the absence of the press and public by virtue of Paragraph 3 or Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as it contains exempt information relating to financial or business affairs.

At this stage, no questions or petitions have been recieved under the public participation scheme for this agenda.

There were no questions or petitions received under the public participation scheme for this meeting.

(a)   18 July 2011

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting held on  18 July 2011 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,          that the minutes of the meeting of the Local Committee held on 18 July  2011 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

(b) 11 April  2011

The Committee is asked to approve a revised set of minutes for the meeting of 11 April as an amendment has been identified to Minute 139 – Electoral Divisions Local Capital Schemes.  A revised set of minutes is enclosed for approval.

A revised set of minutes for the meeting of 11 April was submitted. The secretary explained that an amendment to minute 139 – Electoral Divisions local capital schemes  had been identified subsequent to the confirmation of the minutes in June.  The Committee was therefore being asked to consider and approve a revised set of Minutes for 11 April 2011.

RESOLVED,          that the revised minutes of 11 April 2011 be approved as a correct record of the meeting; signed by the Chair and that these replace the original version in the minute book.

[Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale ]

To consider a report by the Area Support Manager (copy to follow).

This report updates the Committees on actions arising from previous meetings.

The Committee considered a report by the Area Support Manager on actions arising from previous meetings.  Verbal updates were provided on many of the items and the Area Support manager was asked to retain the references to Community Safety Partnership and Children’s Services (minute 155 and 132(4)) as further updates or work were required.

The following items were discussed in more detail:-

Minute 154 of 6 June 2011 – Appointments to Working Groups

The Committee was advised that Mrs M Rae had been appointed by the Labour Group to fill a vacancy on the Children and Young People Working Group.

RESOLVED,  that the appointment of Mrs M Rae be endorsed.

Minute 173  - 18 July 2011 – Youth Services in Cumbria

Mr E Martin, Council Leader, advised the Committee that the County had developed a new specification for Youth Service provision in Cumbria.   It was his view however that the Committee should know exactly what services would be provided in Allerdale as a result of the changes of what the centrally let contract.

Concerns were expressed by a member at the consequences of a contract being managed at ‘arms length’ and she questioned whether this was the best way of delivering these services.  Other members expressed the need for improved reporting and information on Youth Services and concern that the new arrangements would result in even less involvement and information about youth services for Elected members. It was suggested that the Corporate Director – Children’s Services should attend a future meeting to explain the changes more fully.

Whilst the Council Leader stated that he was totally confident with new procurement methods for youth services. He accepted that members had concerns and agreed that if the County Council was spending money on youth services in Allerdale, the Local Committee should know exactly what services were being purchased and for what areas. He agreed also that Members should have been given an opportunity for input in determining the architecture of services provided. Reference was made to an Executive Function of the Local Committees ‘to provide oversight of services provided and procured by the Council across their area etc……’  and whilst a report on children’s services activity had been presented to the last Local Committee,  there had not yet been a structured opportunity for input or comment by the Local Committee in the specification  for youth service provision. 

It was agreed that this matter should be reviewed by officers.

Members were reminded that the Committee had previously asked for a Task and Finish Group to examine the situation of Youth Services across the County but Scrutiny had deferred a decision on the proposal for a review for 6 months.

18 July - Min 144  - Community Planning

The Area Highways and Transport Manager was asked to provide an update report on the Community Travel Plans to the next meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group

11 April 2011 – Street Furniture – Keswick Moot Hall

The Local Member for Keswick updated the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 192.

[Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale ]

To consider the minutes of the Combined Grants Panel held on 23 September 2011 (to follow).

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive setting out the deliberations of the Combined Grants Panel.

Details of a number of  grant applications that might otherwise have been dealt with at Combined Grants Panel had been considered at the last meeting of Allerdale Local Committee.  As a result of concerns expressed by members, a meeting of the Combined Grants Panel had been arranged for 26 July 2011 and the report provided details of the applications considered.

The Area Support Manager explained that the Cumbria Theatre Trust application for a contribution of funds towards a mini-bus had been withdrawn. The request from Wigton Youth Station for £10,000 had also been withdrawn as the funds were no longer required. 

The Committee also considered a proposal, raised at its recent planning seminar that rather than have a separate Combined Grants Panel, all future applications  be brought direct to Local Committee for a decision. 

RESOLVED,          that

                                 (1)          £5,000 be allocated to Cumbria Theatre Trust towards the delivery of year 2 of the Workington Schools Cluster programme;

                                 (2)          the Committee should continue to have a Combined Grants Panel which will make recommendations to the Local Committee. on applications that fit the criteria.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Environment (copy enclosed).

This report contains provisional proposals for the allocation of the 10/11 capital underspend which has been carried forward to the current financial year.

A report by the Corporate Director – Environment was submitted which contained provisional proposals for the allocation of the 2010/11 capital underspend which had been carried forward to the current financial year.

There was discussion on whether sufficient funds were being allocated from the underspend to lighting column replacement.  Previous Reilux testing of these columns had highlighted a potential danger of collapse of the columns. Some of these columns had been taken down and the report proposed a sum of £26,000 for replacement columns.  The Area Highways and Transport Manager advised that the necessary safety programmes were in place to deal with any faults in a prioritised way and that any dangerous columns would be dealt with. Members still had concerns regarding any potential for collapse and asked that the matter be considered at the next Highways and Transport Working Group.  

With regard to capacity for to carry out the additional work, the Area Highways and Transport Manager fully expected that the remainder of the current programme and the additional work would be delivered.  The Committee recognised the volume of work being undertaken and asked the Area Highways and Transport Manager to pass their thanks to his Team.  

RESOLVED,     that

                            (1)      the provisional programme of Works, as set out in the Appendix to the report, be approved for implementation during the current financial year.

2010/11 Underspend

         Proposed additional Repairs throughout Allerdale 

  Carriageway Repairs                                            Estimate

B5299/U2151 Caldbeck Village                                     £20,000

U2349 Picture House Road Aspatria                             £8,000

U2137 Bolton Low Houses Village                                 £25,000

C2046 Leegate to Blencogo                                          £20,000

B5307 Fingland to Kirkbampton                                    £15,000

C2052 Skinburness Marsh Road                                  £9,000

B5307 Abbeytown to Kirkbride                                       £20,000        

U2139 Aikbank Road                                                     £15,000     

U2004 Easton                                                                £20,000

U2012 Kirkbampton to Studholme                                 £10,000

C2049 Hesket to Haltcliff Bridge                                    £16,000

Lighting Column Replacement 

Reilux Testing Replacement Columns,

Various Locations                                                          £26,000

Senhouse Street Area, Workington

Replacement columns                                                   £24,000

Workington Parking Restrictions

Physical measures to comply with current                   £50,000

Regulations, Workington Town

                                                               Total               £278,000            

                           (2)       An item on lighting be included on the agenda for the next meeting of the Highways and Transport Working Group;

                           (3)       An item on activities of street wardens be included on the agenda for the next Joint Liaison Meeting with the Allerdale Borough Council.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Resources (copy enclosed).

This report presents the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committees Highways Budgets

[Mr M Johnston withdrew for this item having declared a personal and prejudicial  interest earlier in the meeting] 

The Committee considered a report by the Corporate Director – Environment which presented the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committees Highways Revenue and Captial Budgets as at 31 August 2011.

RESOLVED,     that

                            (1)   the budget allocations for 2011-12 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to date be noted;

                            (2)   the Highways Revenue budget currently projected a balanced budget be noted;

                            (3)   the Highways Capital budget projected underspend of £345,571 against budget be noted;

                            (4)   the Winter Damage budget, currently projected a balanced position at the end of the financial year be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Resources (copy enclosed).

This report presents the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committeee’s communities budget

The Committee received a report for the Corporate Director – Resources that presented the Local Committee’s Communities Budget as at 31 August 2011.

RESOLVED,    that

                            (1)    the budget allocations for 2011-12 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to date be noted;

                            (2)    the unallocated resources in the Communities Revenue budgets of £48,8019 be noted;

                            (3)    the unallocated resources in the Local Member Capital budgets of £44,775 be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To consider a report by the Chief Executive ( copy enclosed).

This report sets out proposals as to how Local Committee will disperse its 0-19 years budget (copy enclosed).

[Mr M Johnston re-joined the meeting at this point]

At its workshop seminar on 30 August, Allerdale Local Committee Members had considered proposals regarding the allocation of their 0-19 years budget and a report by the Chief Executive was submitted setting out proposals arising from the Seminar.

RESOLVED,    that a central 0-19 years budget of £14,593 for the purpose of meeting strategic demands be retained, but the remaining budget be allocated to each forum area, in order to meet local needs, using the same deliberation formula used for Neighbourhood Forum Grant allocation.

[Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale ]

To consider the minutes of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 30 August 2011(copy enclosed).

[Mr M Johnston withdrew for this item having declared a personal and prejudicial  interest earlier in the meeting] 

The Committee received the minutes of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 30 August 2011.

Minute 150 – LTP3 Implementation

Some Members expressed disappointment that the Committee had not had an prior opportunity to analyse the proposed list of Transport Improvement Schemes for the LTP3.  A Member referred to the need to promote a development route for South Workington/Southern Link which the Committee had been seeking for many years and proposed that this should be included in the programme.  A further proposal was the need to develop further schemes/links to the Port of Workington.  Members agreed that a comprehensive analysis was required of the programme and prioritisation was also required as not all schemes could be carried out.   It was therefore

RESOLVED,    that the area transport statement and transport improvement schemes for Allerdale be deferred and a Seminar for the Local Committee be arranged for a comprehensive examination of the programme and prioritisation of schemes;

Minute 152 – Provisional NPRN Programme 2012/13

RESOLVED,    that the Provisional NPRN Programme of Works for 2012/13,(as set out in the report attached as Appendix C to the Minutes)  supported by  details of each individual programme of work by type set out in each appendix to that report  be approved for design and subsequent implementation subject to final funding approval in 2012.

Minute 153 Transport Capital Programme

RESOLVED,    that consideration of the recommendations in the report be deferred in the light of the seminar to be held to discuss the LTP3 and transport capital programme for Allerdale.

Minute 154  - Speed reduction Measures in High Seaton

In considering the recommendation from the Highways and Transport Highways and Transport Working Group,  the Committee noted that there had been many letters of objection to the proposals contained in the second consultation on speed reduction measures from the residents of High Seaton although the parish council and some residents had said that they would welcome the proposals.

Having considered these views it was

RESOLVED,    that

                           (1)    the proposed speed reduction measures in either consultation notbe  implemented;

                           (2)    further investigation into non-intrusive speed reduction measures be considered.

Minute 156 – Better Highways

In the discussion on this item the Area Highways and Transport Manager was asked to take up a matter on supervision relating to the Highways Contract and was reminded of the importance of informing the Local Members whenever engineering project work was  being carried out in their Electoral Division.

RESOLVED     that

                           (1)    the paper presented at the meeting of the Highways and Transport Working  Group on Better Highways be used as the basis for all future reporting  on this subject;

                           (2)    the Area Highways and Transport Manager submit a report on re-instating the Community Travel Plans in Allerdale to the next the Highways and Transport Working Group or the seminar to be arranged for the Committee.

[Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale ]

To consider a report by the Area Support Manager (copy to follow).

This report sets out proposals as to how Local Committee meetings will be given officer support (copy enclosed)

The Committee considered a report by the Chief Executive which set out proposals discussed at the recent seminar for Allerdale Local Committee on future support arrangement for the Committee and Working Groups.

Democratic Services support would extend to 6 full meetings of Local Committee; 2 meetings of the Joint working group between the Local Committee and Allerdale Borough Council (assuming these meetings take place on a quarterly basis with servicing shared with the Borough Council) and quarterly meetings of the Children and Young Person’s Working Group   Highways and Transport Working Groups across Cumbria were already being supported by staff from within the Environment Directorate and remaining meetings requiring support including the planned workshop sessions and the Combined Grants Panel would be maintained by the Area Support Team.

There was discussion around the new support arrangements for Local Committees.  A member emphasised that full training was crucial for the new staff who would be taking over the support of Local Committees. The Council Leader advised that after 6 months there would be a review as to how things were progressing with the reduced Democratic Services structure.

RESOLVED,     that the proposed, revised support arrangements for Allerdale Local Committee be  noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To consider a report by the Chief Executive ( copy enclosed).

This report sets out proposals as to how the Local Committee will move forward with its partners in Allerdale (copy enclosed)

The Committee considered a report by the Chief Executive setting out proposals as to how the Local Committee could move forward with its partners in Allerdale.

The Area Support Manager explained that at its workshop seminar on 30 August, Local Committee members had received updates on recent proposals from Allerdale Borough Council, in respect of their “locality working” agenda.  Members at the Seminar had broadly welcomed the principle of this fresh member-led approach, with its acknowledgement of the importance of the county’s approach to community engagement.  Some reservations had been expressed about the cost of setting up and supporting these arrangements, but  those present had indicated support for an early informal discussion between a representative group of county councillors and borough councillors.

As an interim measure to ensure the issue was progressed, a number of Members had been nominated (subject to ratification at Local Committee), to have an initial meeting with the Borough Council which had taken place in September.

The Area Support Manager clarified that although the Borough Council aimed to work with 5 locality groups, centred on the larger towns in the district there had been nothing specific decided as to the boundaries for these Groups.

Members agreed that a key issue to be discussed would be the need for the support arrangements for this work to be identified.

The Chair asked that a reference in the report in relation to County Council member allowances  be clarified.

RESOLVED,     that a representative group from the Committee (Mr G Humes, Mr E Nicholson, Mr MJohnson and Mr K Little begin discussions with Allerdale Borough Council regarding the future direction of joint working between the authorities with local communities.

[Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale ]

To consider a report by the Area Support Manager (copy enclosed).

This report, seeking to commit elements of the Electoral Divisions local revenue schemes’ budgets, includes those Members’ proposals that have been sufficiently worked up, to enable Local Committee to consider spending decisions.

A report was received by the Chief Executive seeking to commit elements of the Electoral Divisions local revenue scheme budgets, including those Member’s proposals that have been sufficiently worked up, to enable Local Committee to consider spending decisions.

Cockermouth East

An additional sum of £361 had been requested in addition to a sum agreed by the Committee in July 2011 to support the erection of signs in the villages of Setmurthy and Thackthwaite.  The cost of the signs had been was under represented by a small amount  in the previous  report to Local Committee.

Maryport West

The local member’s proposal was for funds to renovate the war memorial at Flimby, in time for Remembrance Day.  Members noted that estimates for the work had not yet been received but wished to approve the proposal so that the work could be carried out before Remembrance Day.

RESOLVED,    that

                            (1)    in respect of the Electoral Division local revenue scheme for Cockermouth East, a sum of £361 be committed towards the erection of road signs at Setmurthy and Thankthwaite;

                            (2)    in respect of the Electoral Division local revenue scheme for Maryport West, to agree in principal to support a sum of up to £12,000 for the amount required to pay for the renovation of the Flimby War Memorial and confirmation of the actual amount be submitted to the next meeting.

[Electoral Divisions – All Allerdale ]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Children’s Services (copy enclosed).

This report seeks approval of nominations of Cumbria County Council Governors of Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools

The Committee considerd a report by the Corporate Director – Children’s Services seeking approval of nominated County Council Governors of nursery, primary and secondary schools.

RESOLVED,     that the following appointments be made:

                            School                                                   Representative

                            Community Nursery

                            And Primary

                            St Bridgets CE Primary                        Mr Craig Hatch

                                                                                             10 Lanty Close

                                                                                             Brigham

                                                                                             Cockermouth

                                                                                             CA13 0UZ

                            Thursby Primary School                        Ruth Harland

                                                                                             Holly House

                                                                                             48 Shaw Wood Road

                                                                                             Thursby

                                                                                             Carlisle CA5 6QQ

                            Secondary Community

                            Netherhall School                                   Jean Clements

                                                                                             13 Curzon Street

                                                                                             Maryport

                                                                                             CA15 6LL

[Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale ]

To consider the minutes of the Leadership and Local Committee Chairs meeting held on 8 September  2011 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,    that the Committee receive the minutes of the Leadership and Local Committee Chairs meeting held on 8 July  2011.

The next meeting will be held on Friday 18 November 2011 at 10:00am at Moorclose Community Centre, Workington. 

PART 2: ITEMS LIKELY TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

Friday 18 November 2011 at 10.00 am at Moorclose Community Centre, Workington.

To receive, for information, a brieifing note by the Corporate Director- Environment (copy to follow for Members only).

It is likely that this item will be taken in the absence of the press and public by virtue of  Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act 1972 as it contains exempt information relating to financial or business affairs

PART 2: ITEM CONSIDERED IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

The Committee received, for information, a briefing note by the Corporate Director – Environment which provided an update of progress in relation to the disposal of the Derwent Forest site.  The Council Leader also provided a verbal update on the latest position and referred to meetings he would be holding with the Corporate Director– Environment and the Cabinet Member for Economy and Highways to examine various matters.

RESOLVED,    that the briefing note be received for information.