To elect a Chair for the forthcoming year.

RESOLVED,     that Mr EW Nicholson be elected as Chair for the forthcoming year.

To elect a Vice Chair for the forthcoming year.

RESOLVED,     that Mr G Humes be elected as Vice Chair for the forthcoming year.

To receive any apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

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.

Mrs BA Cannon, Mr AJ Markley, Mr J Cowell, Mr DS Fairbairn, Mr T Fee, Mr AL Barry, Mr G Humes, Mr EW Nicholson and Mr JS Holliday all declared a personal interest in agenda item 18 (West Cumbria Economic Blueprint) as they were members of Allerdale Borough Council.

Mr KA Little and Mr AL Barry declared a personal interest in agenda item 15 (Local Committee Budget Allocations 2012/13) as they were members of the CAB Board.

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

RESOLVED              that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of Agenda Item No 27 – Library Service Review – Next Steps for Allerdale, by virtue of Paragraph 4 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as this report contains exempt information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority.

There are no questions, petitions or deputations at the time of despatch.

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

To receive a presentation from the Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park Authority.

Members received a presentation from the Chief Executive of the Lake District National Park Authority, which provided an update on the work of the LDNPA.

The LDNPA had changed their way of working over the last 5 years, and were at a point where they had a different attitude to the way in which they managed the National Park.  The new vision for the National Park, which had been achieved with partner organisations including the County Council, comprised of:

Prosperous economy: the LDNPA had changed the nature of its planning policy and had allocated land for employment in the National Park, for example the small industrial centre at Threlkeld.

Visitor experience: the LDNPA had made a £7m investment in public transport infrastructure in Central Lakes, which made it easier for visitors and the general public to access public transport.

Vibrant comunities: there was a lack of affordable housing in some of the settlements within the National Park.  The LDNPA had made allocations of land for affordable housing, and were making progress with providing housing and facilities for young people.

World class landscape: the LDNPA were managing the landscsape and ensuring it was fit for purpose.  Agreements had been negotiated with farmers to maintain sustainable sheep numbers,

The LDNPA had also signed up to the Cumbria Tourism Discount Card scheme which offered discounts to local people at visitor attractions such as the Brockhole Visitor Centre.

The Chair thanked the Chief Executive of the LDNPA for his presentation.

To receive a presentation from the Service Development Manager – Autism.

Local Committee received a presentation from the Service Development Manager – Autism which provided an introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders. 

Autism was described as the inability to single out people as special, separate, unique entities – different from pieces of furniture or the family pet.  This was a lifelong developmental disability which affected how a person communicated with, and related to, other people; and also affected how they made sense of the world around them. 

A number of initiatives had been set up, including:

·                    The Cumbria Autism Partnership Board, which comprised of representatives from Health, Social Care, the voluntary sector, carers and people with Autism.

·                    The Autism Alert Card Scheme, which people could carry to alert, for example, the Police to their Autism and which contained contact details of carers or relatives.

Work was ongoing to identify the type of services needed, to raise awareness of Autism in the wider community, and to improve broader family support.  Further information was available on the National Autistic Society website  www.autism.org.uk.

The Chair thanked the Service Development Manager – Autism for her presentation.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 16 March 2012 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,     that the minutes of the Local Committee held on 16 March 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

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

The report updates Local Committee on actions arising from previous meetings.

The Committee considered a report by the Area Support Manager, which updated Members on actions arising from previous meetings.

Minute 153: Northside Bridge

The iterpretation panel for Northside Roundabout was almost complete and would be installed in the near future.

The Highways and Transport Manager would progress the issue of a policy regarding the maintenance of roundabouts.  This related to private individuals who wished to undertake work to improve the appearance of roundabouts, for example at Glasson, Solway Road and Thursby.

Minute 246: Quality of the road surface of the A596

Issues in relation to specific roads should be reported to the helpline in the first instance.  More complex issues, with the County Council, Connect or Highways Agency road network, should be reported to the Highways and Transport Manager.

Items on the list of matters arising would not be deleted until the issue had been completely resolved.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

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

The report presents the provisional actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budget as at 31^st March 2012.

Members considered a report by the Corporate Director – Resources which  presented the provisional actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budget as at 31^st March 2012.

RESOLVED, that:

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

(2)               noted the final unspent balances of £367,943 of which £193,561 were  unallocated in the Communities Revenue budgets as at 31 March 2012

(3)               noted the final unspent balances of £152,643 which had all been allocated in the Local Member Capital Schemes budgets as at 31 March 2012.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

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

The report presents the provisional actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 31^st March 2012.

Members considered a report by the Corporate Director – Resources which  presented the provisional actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 31^st March 2012.

The Highways Capital underspend of £133,460 against budget was due to some of the works programmed coming in under budget, and certain work not being completed by the contractor.

RESOLVED, that:

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

(2)               noted the Highways Revenue budget overspend of £125,824 against budget

(3)               noted the Highways Capital underspend of £133,460 against budget

(4)               noted the Winter Damage Budget underspend of £17,255 against budget.

[Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale]

To consider the minutes of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 20 April 2012 (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the minutes of the Highways and Transport Working Group held on 20 April 2012.

Minute 3: Allerdale Capital Programme 2012/13

Faulty street lighting was currently being replaced with the modern equivalent.  The Highways and Transport Manager would update Local Committee regularly on street lighting.

Bus shelters in Workington would be an agenda item at the next Joint Liaison Group.

The Highways and Transport Manager was currently looking at more cost effective ways of working in relation to procurement of tarmac supplies.

RESOLVED,that:

(1)               Members agreed the proposed local allocation of the devolved Transport Capital budget for 2012/13 as outlined in Appendix 1 of the report

(2)               agreed the proposed list of named schemes detailed in Appendix 2 of the report as the devolved Highways and Transport Capital Programme for Allerdale for 2012/13.

Minute 4: Allerdale Revenue Budget 2012/13

RESOLVED,     that Members agreed the Highways Revenue Budget allocation 2012/13 as shown in Appendix 1 of the report.

Minute 5: Local Improvements for Transport and Community Travel Plans Review

RESOLVED, that:

(1)               Members noted the review process

(2)               agreed the recommended approach to continue to work through the revised Community Travel Plans, with schemes funded within the devolved Transport Capital Programme for 2012/13 and beyond.

[Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale]

To consider a report by the Chief Executive (to follow).

Members considered a report by the Chief Executive which set out the deliberations of the Combined Grants Panel for endorsement by Local Committee.

RESOLVED, that:

(1)               Members agreed to allocate £3,000 from the 0-19 years fund to Safety Net Advice and Support Centre towards supporting trauma focused therapeutic support

(2)               agreed to allocate £3,000 from the 0-19 years fund to Allerdale Schools Consortium to help host an inter-school sports day with an Olympic theme

(3)               agreed to allocate £500 from the 0-19 years fund to Active Allerdale to deliver a four day event focusing on physical development

(4)               agreed to allocate £600 from the 0-19 years fund to Active Allerdale to deliver an inter-schools Triathlon events linking in with the Olympics

(5)               agreed to allocate £400 from the 0-19 years fund to Asante Sana Foundation to help start a meningitis awareness campaign

(6)               agreed to allocate £2,000 from the 0-19 years fund to Annie Mawson’s Sunbeams Music Trust to help support therapeutic music services to disadvantaged and disabled people in Allerdale

(7)               agreed to allocate £2,000 from the 0-19 years fund to the Northern Fells Group to fund out of school activities for young people

(8)               agreed to allocate £750 from the 0-19 years fund to the All Saints Home Association to fund a jubilee celebration for young people

(9)               agreed to allocate £2,000 from the 0-19 years fund to the South Workington Youth Partnership to fund out of school activities

(10)          agreed to allocate £1,000 from the 0-19 years fund to the Impact Housing Association Youth Activities Programme to fund out of school activities for young people

(11)          agreed to allocate £500 from the 0-19 years fund to the St Mary's (Harrington and Salterbeck) Youth Organisation to fund out of school activities

(12)          agreed to allocate £355 from the general provisions fund to Cumbria Cerebral Palsy to fund support worker training and assistance to a disabled member

(13)          agreed to allocate £1,750 from the general provisions fund to Arts out West to support a series of entertainment events.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

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

The report sets out the original revenue and capital budgets for Local Committees for 2012/13, agreed by County Council at the 16 February 2012 meeting, and presents options for the use of the funding for 2012/13.

Members received a report from the Chief Executive which set out the original revenue and capital budgets for Local Committees for 2012/13, agreed by County Council at the 16 February 2012 meeting, and presented options for the use of the funding for 2012/13.

RESOLVED, that:

(1)               Members noted the Local Committee Budgets 2012/1

(2)               agreed the full School Crossing Patrol Budget of £66,070 be allocated to fund the provision of school crossing patrols in the Allerdale area, and that Cumbria Highways be requested to prepare a prioritised list of appropriate projects to which funds can be allocated as surpluses become available.

(3)               agreed the full Neighbourhood Support Budget of £116,857 be allocated to the funding of the Area Support Team for 2012/13.

(4)               agreed the full Money Advice – CAB Budget of £66,570 be allocated to the provision of money advice through the contract with the CAB, and that this be supplemented by means of a one-off grant from the general provisions budget of £10,000 to Allerdale CAB.

(5)               agreed that 75% of the 0 – 19 Services budget be made available for applications submitted through Neighbourhood Forums; with all decisions on the recommendations from Forums being made at the next Local Committee, subject to this fund being ring-fenced to       0 – 19 activities and also subject to compliance with the Cabinet guidance on use of this budget. This amount to be divided between Forum areas on the basis of the 0 – 19 population numbers in each Forum area.

(6)               agreed the remainder of the 0 – 19 Services budget (25%) be made available for use by the Local Committee Grants Panel; with all decisions on the recommendations from the Panel being made at the next Local Committee, within the terms of the Cabinet guidance and with particular emphasis on ensuring delivery against the County Council’s agreed Child Poverty agenda and plans, including support to the development and work of the School/Youth Council(s) in Allerdale.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To receive a report from the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

The report seeks to commit elements of the Local Revenue and Capital Schemes budgets, and includes Members’ proposals which have been sufficiently worked up to enable Local Committee to consider spending decisions.

Members received a report from the Chief Executive which sought to commit elements of the Local Revenue and Capital Schemes budgets, and included Members’ proposals which had been sufficiently worked up to enable Local Committee to consider spending decisions.

RESOLVED, that:

(1)               In respect of the ED local capital scheme for Solway Coast, Members agreed to de-commit £3,000 previously committed at Allerdale Local Committee in March 2011 to a highways scheme in Oughterside, and re-allocate this towards providing new playground equipment at Oughterside.

(2)               In respect of the E.D. local revenue scheme for Keswick, Members agreed to allocate £6,000 towards the provision of new antique effect street lights at Grange village.

Electoral Divisions –  All Allerdale]

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

The purpose of the report is to inform Local Committee on the implementation of the Children in Care Council (CiCC) model, and to request financial support to enable the Allerdale and Copeland CiCC to celebrate and share the achievements of Looked after Children and Care Leavers, as well as to provide opportunities for children looked after to participate in positive activities.

The Committee considered a report by the Chief Executive which informed Members of the implementation of the Children in Care Council (CiCC) model, and requested financial support to enable the Allerdale and Copeland CiCC to celebrate and share the achievements of Looked after Children and Care Leavers, as well as to provide opportunities for Looked after Children to participate in positive activities.

There were currently over 230 children in care in West Cumbria.  At the January Local Committee meeting, Members had agreed to support the formation of a youth council, and 16 young people attended its inaugural meeting.

Children in Care Councils (CiCC) were important as they provided the meaningful involvement of Looked After Children and young people in the decision-making, planning, delivery and evaluation of services that were effective in meeting their needs, both in the short term and the long term.

RESOLVED,     that £5,000 be allocated from the 0-19 years funding to support the development of the West Cumbria Children in Care Council; and its integration with the Children and Young People’s Forum.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

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

The report outlines the West Cumbria Economic Blueprint and requests support from Allerdale Local Committee for the aspirations in the Blueprint and, through the Local Area Plan, describes the County Council’s commitment to its delivery.

Members received a report from the Chief Executive which outlined the West Cumbria Economic Blueprint and requested support from Allerdale Local Committee for the aspirations in the Blueprint and, through the Local Area Plan, described the County Council’s commitment to its delivery.

The West Cumbria Economic Blueprint had been commissioned by Copeland Borough Council on behalf of Britain’s Energy Coast, with support from a broad Partner Working Group which had officer representation from the County Council.  A Member Steering Group, which included the Chairs of the Copeland and Allerdale Local Committees, as well as the Portfolio holders for Economy & Highways and Transport & Environment, had overseen the development of the Blueprint.  Throughout the preparation of the document the Council had sought to ensure there was close alignment with the Authority’s key strategic plans.

The Blueprint was an ambitious, aspirational document targeted at gaining the interest of Government and investors, and sought to build on the area’s assets to maximise future economic opportunities.  In doing so, it aimed to contribute to the nation’s future energy needs and deliver the Government’s low carbon agenda.  The document recognised that, for West Cumbria to realise its full economic potential, investment was required in a wide range of complementary activities and infrastructure that contributed to the area’s quality of life.  However the Blueprint did not attempt to address these “wider conditions”; the focus of the document was economic, and it was not intended to be a broad regeneration or community strategy.   

The Blueprint contained two key areas of activity:

·        “Creating an environment in which businesses and individuals were encouraged to innovate”.  Diversification would be focussed on the Energy Coast Innovation Zone (iZone), a loosely defined spatial area taking in Workington/Whitehaven and Sellafield, where the emphasis would be on creating a competitive business infrastructure and business friendly environment.

·         “Putting in place measures in the short term to ensure that as much of the substantial investment in nuclear new build and decommissioning as possible was captured by local businesses”. This would entail working with nuclear partners and others to commercialise their research and innovation to benefit the local supply chain, as well as enabling local businesses to access key contracts.

The Blueprint sought to achieve four objectives:

·        Optimising worldwide nuclear investment and building on expertise

·        Business expansion and diversification

·        Providing a supportive physical infrastructure.

·        Growing the asset base.

The draft Blueprint had been considered by both the Copeland and Allerdale Local Committees at workshops in April, where there was an opportunity to both input and ensure the necessary linkages had been made with the development of the Area Plans.

The Blueprint was a broad framework, a living document which would continue to be updated, and would be accompanied by a detailed Implementation Plan.

The Member for Moss Bay highlighted the importance of the Port of Workington and access to it via the Workington Southern Link. This would be reflected in the Implementation Plan, together with access to and use of the West Coast Rail Line.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To receive a report by the Chief Executive regarding the draft Area Plan (copy enclosed).

The report updates Members on the timescale and guidance for the development of the Area Plan for Allerdale.  Members are asked to comment on the process and the key issues that will need to be covered in the Area Plan.

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive which updated Members on the timescale and guidance for the development of the Area Plan for Allerdale.  Members were asked to comment on the process and the key issues that would need to be covered in the Area Plan.

The framework of the County Council supported a co-ordinated planning approach across the work of the Council. The Council Plan set the priority themes of the Council which informed the corporate strategic planning process and provided a framework for Directorates and service areas to review their delivery plans. The Area Plans brought the local priorities together, identified how services responded to local differences, and were interlinked with the West Cumbria Economic Blueprint.

As part of the strategic planning process, Local Committees were required to form a plan that would help to shape services and places within the area.  The report presented the guidance that had been developed for the Area Plans, as part of a new refreshed integration of the Area Plans to the strategic planning process.

Members had played a crucial role in developing the plan, supported by a range of officers, and a number of briefing sessions and workshops had taken place.

The timetable for delivery of the plans had been revised to take account of new information coming into the process, and was outlined as:

May/June                    Area Support Manager and Lead Assistant Director continued to work with lead officers from County Council directorates and colleagues in the Chief Executive’s Office to revise the draft Plan

19 or 27 June             Possible dates for further Local Committee Seminar - final draft presented for comment

20 July 2012              Final draft of Area Plan presented to Local Committee for approval.

Members thanked the Area Support Manager for the work he had put into drafting the Area Plan.

RESOLVED,     that the revised timescale and work being planned to develop the Area Plan for Allerdale be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All]

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

The report requests that the Local Committee funds the complex TRO process required to alter the flow of traffic, or to prevent traffic on some roads at certain times, to enable community events to be held during the Olympic Torch Relay. It is expected the amount would be a maximum of £5,000, although the details are yet to be finalised.  The report further requests £1,500 to fund the purchase of no waiting cones for use at this and future events.

Members considered a report from the Chief Executive which requested that the Local Committee funded the complex TRO process required to alter the flow of traffic, or to prevent traffic on some roads at certain times, to enable community events to be held during the Olympic Torch Relay.

The Olympic Torch would travel through Cumbria on 20 and 21 June, leaving Cumbria on 22 June. The relay would travel through Brough, Appleby-in-Westmorland, Penrith, Carlisle, Wigton, Aspatria, Maryport, Flimby, Workington, Whitehaven, Cockermouth, Keswick, Grasmere, Ambleside, Bowness-on-Windermere, Kendal and Milnthorpe.

Where possible, roads would be closed by the Police at the time, and there would be no need for any official road closures.  Where the roads would be closed due to large crowds and in the interest of road safety, the roads would be legally closed by the Districts Councils using the Town Police Clauses Act. However, in certain circumstances, the traffic flow on some roads would be reversed or parking bays would be suspended to allow the convoy to proceed and to give pedestrians clear visibility of the convoy.  In these circumstances, the County Council would progress the TROs and there would be a cost in advertising these legal orders.

The no waiting cones would be stored for use at future events.

The Member for Maryport West raised concerns regarding the allocation of money from the General Provisions budget to advertise legal notices and buy no waiting cones.  Upon being put to the vote, it was

RESOLVED,     that £5,000 be allocated from the General Provisions budget to advertise legal notices and pay for a small number of no waiting cones.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To receive a report from the Corporate Director - Organisational Development (copy enclosed).

This report seeks to inform members regarding the third Cumbria Local Transport Plan (LTP3) and the next steps in its development and promotion during 2012.

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director - Organisational Development  which updated Members regarding the third Cumbria Local Transport Plan and the next steps in its development and promotion during 2012.

The Local Transport Plan comprised three core documents: the Strategy, Moving Cumbria Forward, which was approved in June 2011; the Implementation Plan, Delivering Cumbria’s Transport Needs, which would be published in 2012 following approval of the Area Plan; and the Policies document which would be taken to Cabinet in June 2012.

The Implementation Plan contained the approved transport improvement schemes for the Allerdale area. The schemes would be reviewed by Members during 2012. The review would consider the methodology for scheme assessment and prioritisation, together with all other categories of schemes forming part of the Transport Capital Programme.  The review would take place at the Highways and Transport Working Group meetings in June, August and October. 

The Implementation Plan contained the Port of Workington development route, A595 improvements (Bothel), Wigton Eastern Bypass, and realignment of B5300 at Dubmill Point, as the approved major schemes for the Allerdale area. Significant levels of additional funding could be allocated to Cumbria as part of the devolvement of major local schemes after 2015. The Council had welcomed the recent Department for Transport consultation proposals, and was putting itself forward as the required new Local Transport Body which would govern the assessment, delivery and funding of the schemes.

RESOLVED,             that the report be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To receive a report from the Corporate Director - Organisational Development (copy enclosed).

The report provides Members with details of the proposed process for the development of the Transport Capital Programme (TCP) in 2013/14 and beyond.  The aim is for Members to be fully involved in its development and to provide guidance on how the lists of programmes should be prioritised. 

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director - Organisational Development which provided Members with details of the proposed process for the development of the Transport Capital Programme (TCP) in 2013/14 and beyond.  The aim was for Members to be fully involved in its development and to provide guidance on how the lists of programmes should be prioritised.

The Transport Capital Programme, approved annually in February, was a key means of delivering the transport priorities of the Allerdale area and county-wide. The Programme was divided into four broad areas: the Integrated Transport Block; the Principal Road Network; Bridges and Structures; and Devolvement to Local Committees.

The 2012/13 Transport Capital Programme was based on a Government settlement of £25.931m, and the level of funding allocated to each of the four categories was:

It was proposed to hold a workshop on 19 June at 11.30 am to explain how the Transport Capital Programme is currently prioritised and to set out proposals on how this could be done in the future.  Members’ views would be sought on these proposals.  

Feedback from Members would be considered when finalising the methodology for prioritising the Transport Capital Programme going forwards. The methodology would be presented to the Highways and Transport Working Group on 28 August.

During September, the draft list of schemes for all parts of the Transport Capital Programme would be developed. The draft Programme would be submitted to the Highways and Transport Working Group 19 October, and the Local Committee on 16 November.  The finalised 2013/14 Plan would then be developed and reported to Cabinet.

RESOLVED,             that the report be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To receive a report from the Corporate Director – Organisational Development (copy enclosed).

The report advises Members that the County Council’s Cabinet has requested all six Local Committees to make recommendations regarding alterations to the County Council’s Highways Winter Service.  Any recommendations will be considered by the Cabinet when it meets in Summer 2012.

Members received a report from the Corporate Director – Organisational Development which advised Members that the County Council’s Cabinet had requested all six Local Committees to make recommendations regarding alterations to the County Council’s Highways Winter Service.  Any recommendations would be considered by the Cabinet when it met in Summer 2012.

The Highways Winter Service was a centrally controlled function which was reconsidered annually by the Council’s Cabinet.  It was based on the UK Roads Board’s code of practice ‘Well-maintained Highways.’  The Service was aimed at treating main priority 1 and 2 routes on forecast of wintry weather, and to ensure the routes were  kept open during on-going poor conditions.  Main priority 1 and 2 routes accounted for approximately 31% of the highway network (some 2,460km countywide) and busy town centre footways.

In addition, the service extended to lower priority 3 roads and footways if poor conditions persisted for more than three days.  As funding is insufficient to treat all 7,800 km of highways in Cumbria, lower class roads and footways were provided with grit bins and salt heaps so that local people could help themselves.

As a result of a Scrutiny Panel investigation of the Cabinet’s decision in July 2009, all Local Committees had been invited to make recommendations regarding the service to Cabinet, in time for its annual review in the Summer.

At its meeting in February 2012, Cabinet agreed a budget for winter maintenance (2012/13) of £4.1M.

This winter had been relatively mild, especially in comparison to the previous three winters during which there were long snowy and/or cold periods.  Demands on the service, including the provision of salt/grit mixes to road side bins and heaps and to parish councils, had been much lower than in recent years.  

Demands from road users had been reduced this winter and few requests for amendments to the service had been made.  It was suggested that the recommendations of Local Committee made in the 2011 review be
re-submitted to Cabinet as Members’ response.  It was also suggested that Parishes wishing to take part in the Parish Salt Scheme should be required to be able to store salt/grit securely, undercover and with controlled drainage.  Also that salt/grit bin and heap policy should be reviewed to better meet needs and manage council stock.   

During the winter, two trials involving local ‘volunteer’ groups had been undertaken at Nenthead and Troutbeck. The trials were aimed at assessing the possibility of allowing local people the opportunity of treating minor local roads.  Cabinet was due to consider the trials the Summer.  Local Committee could recommend Cabinet             to extend the service to local groups, provided the trials were deemed to be successful.  This could mean that local groups would have to enter into an agreement concerning the road network, equipment, treatment standards and financial aspects

RESOLVED,             that the report be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

To receive a report from the Chief Executive (copy enclosed).

The report details engagement activity in the Allerdale area during 2011/12.

The Committee received a report from the Chief Executive which detailed engagement activity in the Allerdale area during 2011/12.

Members had asked to be kept informed about the way in which the Area Support Team continued to support the devolved functions of the Local Committee following changes to the devolved budget framework, changes to the constitution, and taking account of the reduced staff team following restructuring. 

·        Activity April – September 2011

This had been a transition period for staff which included changes around the reorganisation of the directorate and subsequent reduction in staffing levels, new core offer including new job descriptions, and the implementation of single status.  During this transitional period, the changes which had occurred from the new ‘core offer’, and changes in job descriptions, had resulted in a move away from on-the-ground community development work, and made the process of familiarisation with new areas more difficult.  There had been a gradual move towards achieving a system of work which allowed staff to continue supporting Members, as well as offering advice and support to other directorates in their consultation processes and engagement activities.

·        Activity September 2011 - March 2012

During this period, a regular programme of forum meetings and grant panels had been re-established, based on the revised schedule of three meetings per year for each of the 12 forum areas.

·        Grant Activity

Grants were administered in two different ways across the area; at Neighbourhood Forum meetings, or via dedicated grants panels.  During the year, there had been three programmes of grants running: Neighbourhood Forum Community grants; 0-19 grants (devolved to Forum areas for the first time); and Combined Grants.  A total of 249 grants were awarded, and all had been administered through the Workington office.

·        2012/13

Plans were in place for the first round of forum meetings to be held during April – July 2012.

There were a number of ‘new’ roles still to be clarified, such as formal involvement in Emergency Community Recovery.  The implications for training and other aspects of this workstream were yet to be determined.

The team proposed holding a Members’ workshop on 27 June at 10 am to explore Member requirements and expectations, and options for working patterns under the new structure and responsibilities. 

The team also proposed to establish twice yearly formal meetings between individual Members and the relevant Area Engagement Officer, to discuss issues and review progress within the specific area.

RESOLVED,             that the report be noted.

To receive the minutes of the Allerdale Local Committee/Allerdale Borough Joint Liaison Group held on 29 March 2012 (copy enclosed).

Members received the minutes of the Allerdale Local Committee/Allerdale Borough Joint Liaison Group held on 29 March 2012.

RESOLVED,             that the minutes be noted.

[Electoral Divisions: All Allerdale]

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

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

Members considered a report by the Corporate Director – Children’s Services which sought approval of nominations of Cumbria County Council Governors of Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools.

Issues in respect of governor appointments at Maryport Junior School and Southfield Technology College would be followed up by the Area Support Manager.

RESOLVED,             that the following appointments be made:

                                    School                                             Representative

                                    Community Nursery

                                    and Primary

                                    Wigton Infant School                       Mr J Crouch

                                                                                               4 Park Square

                                                                                               Wigton

                                                                                               CA7 9PP

                                    Threlkeld School                              Ms Sheila Files

                                                                                               Chapel Cottage

                                                                                               Scales

                                                                                               Threlkeld

                                                                                               Keswick