Agenda and minutes

To note changes to the Local Committee’s Terms of Reference agreed by Council at its meeting on 5 September 2012 (minute extract attached).

RESOLVED,       to note the Terms of Reference.

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Mr J Hamezeian, Mr D Marcus and Mr O Pearson.

Members are invited to disclose any disclosable pecuniary interest they have in any item on the agenda which comprises

1          Details of any employment, office, trade, profession or vocation carried on for            profit or gain.

2          Details of any payment or provision of any other financial benefit (other than from the authority) made or provided within the relevant period in respect of any expenses incurred by you in carrying out duties as a member, or towards your election expenses.  (This includes any payment or financial benefit from a trade union within the meaning of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992.

3          Details of any contract which is made between you (or a body in which you have a beneficial interest) and the authority

(a)       Under which goods or services are to be provided or works are to be executed; and

            (b)       Which has not been fully discharged.

4          Details of any beneficial interest in land which is within the area of the authority. 

5          Details of any licence (alone or jointly with others) to occupy land in the area of the authority for a month or longer. 

6          Details of any tenancy where (to your knowledge)

            (a)       The landlord is the authority; and

            (b)       The tenant is a body in which you have a beneficial                                                         interest.

7          Details of any beneficial interest in securities of a body where

(a)       That body (to your knowledge) has a place of business or land in the    area of the authority; and

(b)       Either –

(i)      The total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one            hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body; or

(ii)     If that share capital of that body is of more than one class, the total nominal value of the shares of any one class in which the relevant person has a beneficial interest exceeds one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that class.

In addition, you must also disclose other non-pecuniary interests set out in the Code of Conduct where these have not already been registered.

Note

A “disclosable pecuniary interest” is an interest of a councillor or their partner (which means spouse or civil partner, a person with whom they are living as husband or wife, or a person with whom they are living as if they are civil partners).

There were no disclosures of interest made.

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 of No. 22 Rural Projects Officer Post.

There are no questions, petitions or deputations relating to the business of the Committee on this occasion.

There were no questions, petitions or deputations relating to the business of the Committee on this occasion.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the special meeting held on 6 September 2012 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,       that the minutes of the meeting held on 6 September 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the special meeting held on 6 September 2012 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED,       that the minutes of the meeting held on 12 September 2012 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive a presentation on Neighbourhood Care from Andrea Smith, Strategy Officer, Adult and Local Services.

The Chair explained that due to a family bereavement the officer would not be able to present the report.  He asked that the Local Committees condolences be sent to the Officer.  A briefing note would be sent to members at a later date.

RESOLVED,       that the item be withdrawn.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report presents the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 30 September 2012.

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director – Resources which presented the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Highways Revenue and Capital Budgets as at 30 September 2012.

RESOLVED,       to

(1)   note the budget allocations for 2012/13 and the commitments recorded to date;

(2)   note the Highways Revenue budget is showing a projected underspend of £40,000 against budget;

(3)   note the Highways Capital budget is showing a projected underspend of £79,656 against budget.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report presents the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budgets as at 30 September 2012.

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director – Resources which presented the actual expenditure and commitments recorded against the Local Committee’s Communities Budget as at 30 September 2012.

RESOLVED,       to

(1)   note the budget allocations for 2012/13 and the commitments and expenditure recorded to date;

(2)   note the unallocated resources of £147,995 in the Communities Revenue budgets as at 30 September 2012;

(3)   note the unallocated resources of £7,114 in the Local Capital Schemes budgets as at 30 September 2012.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report seeks approval of nominated County Council Governors of Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools.

The Committee considered a Schedule which outlined the position regarding vacant County Council Governor positions at County Council Nursery, Primary and Secondary Schools in the area.

RESOLVED,       that subject to their approval the following be appointed:-

                              School                                                     Representative

                              Community, Nursery & Primary

                              Greengate Junior School                       Mrs Rebecca Rawlings

                                                                                                4 St Georges Square

                                                                                                Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                                LA14 2JQ

                              Victoria Infant & Nursery School            Mrs Linda Last

                                                                                                82 Victoria Road

                                                                                                Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                                LA14 5NL

                                                                                                (a reappointment)

                                                                                                Mrs Ann Wells

                                                                                                34 Norfolk Street

                                                                                                Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                                LA14 5NU

                                                                                                (a reappointment)

                              Vickerstown Primary School                 Mr Des Barlow

                                                                                                Beach Breeze

                                                                                                4A Combe View

                                                                                                Walney

                                                                                                Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                                LA14 3TA

                                                                                                (A reappointment)

                              Greengate Infant & Nursery School       Mr David Morrison

                                                                                                c/o Greengate

Children’s Centre

Greengate Street

Barrow-in-Furness

                                                                                                LA14 1BG

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report makes recommendations to introduce additional information into the current process to recruit LA Governors across Cumbria to implement the new statutory requirements.

The Committee considered a report from the Corporate Director – Children’s Services which made recommendations to introduce additional information in to the current process to recruit LA Governors across Cumbria to implement the new statutory requirements. 

A skills audit would be completed by schools which would then be used when recruiting new governors.  The Chair referred to Appendix 2 the Process Map for Recruiting LA Governors and believed that the relevant Local Committee Chair should be informed if the school rejected a nomination.  One member was concerned that the new process might exclude some people, as they may not have the skills needed but did care about their local school.  The Senior Manager, Learning Improvement Service replied that the governing body role was growing with more autonomy being devolved to them but they did not want that to be a barrier to other people putting themselves forward.  It was noted that the report did not mention CRB checks for governors.  Members were informed that a risk assessment of governors in schools was carried out but if the governor was not in direct contact with children, they would not need a CRB.

RESOLVED,       to note and support the operational implementation of the presented process.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow local Committee from the Children and Young People’s Working Group meeting held on 10 October 2012.

The Committee received a report from the Corporate Director – Children’s Services which provided information and recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Children and Young People’s Working Group.  Members were especially pleased to note the £5,000 allocated towards a Social Fund for Care Leavers.

RESOLVED,       to

(1)   note the minutes of the Children and Young People’s Working Group held on 10 October 2012;

(2)   approve an amount of £2,400 to be allocated to Dare Dance towards the cost of providing opportunities for children to access dance opportunities but are unable to afford it from the 0-19 Services Grant budget;

(3)   approve an amount of £450 to be allocated to the Octopus Collective towards Co-Mmotion, a music and movement pilot project working with children and young people with autism from the 0-19 Services Grant budget;

(4)   approve an amount of £2,000 to be allocated to provide funding to support an arts project under Celebrating Youth from the 0-19 Services Grant budget;

(5)   approve an amount of £5,000 to be allocated to provide support for activities for the ‘Get Connected’ Child Poverty Reduction Pilot project in the Central and Hindpool wards form the 0-19 Services Grant budget;

(6)   approve an amount of £5,000 to provide a Social Fund for Care Leavers from the 0-19 Services Grant budget;

(7)   approve an amount of £3,000 to Pit Stop towards a project which advances young people’s education through practical and classroom based activities, involving motor vehicles and joinery skills.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report seeks to commit elements of the 2012/13 Local Revenue Scheme budget and includes Members’ proposals that have been sufficiently worked up, to enable Local Committee spending decisions.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which sought to commit elements of the 2012/13 Local Revenue Scheme budget and included Members’ proposals that had been sufficiently worked up, to enable Local Committee to consider spending decisions.  The Area Support Manager thanked the Area Engagement Officer for all her hard work which was reiterated by members.

RESOLVED,       to agree a contribution of

(1)   £2,400 towards a new barrier for Vickerstown CCFC for Walney North ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme ;

(2)   £1,000 towards equipment and clothing for Walney Wind Cheetahs for Walney North ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(3)   £600 towards the installation of the electrical connection for lighting column on ginnel from Dalton Train Station to Hollygate Road for the Dalton South ward for the Highways Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(4)   £560 towards new tracksuits for Lindal and Marton School Gymnastics Club for Dalton North ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(5)   £200 towards re-pointing of paving stones for Askam and Ireleth Parish Council for Dalton North ward for the Public Realm Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(6)   £500 for equipment for Duddon Inshore rescue for Dalton North ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(7)   £1,642 towards staging for Chapel Street Infants School for Dalton North ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(8)   £4,000 towards a central heating system for Griffin Community Centre for Ormsgill ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(9)   £200 towards a London trip for Ormsgill Nursery and Primary School for Newbarns ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(10)    £1,000 towards a Chritmas Party for Barrow Wanderers FC for Newbarns ward for the Community Infrastructure Revenue Programme;

(11)    £700 towards new car park signs for Roa Island Car Park for Roosecote ward for the Highways Infrastructure Revenue Programme.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report gives recommendations for approval by Barrow Local Committee from the Highways Advisory Sub-Group meeting held on Friday 12 October 2012.

The Committee considered a report from the Corporate Director – Organisational Development which gave details of the discussion and recommendations of the Highways Advisory Sub-Group (HASG) for the Barrow area which met on 12 October 2012. The Chair commented on the number of recommendations in the report and believed it showed how well the HASG was doing.  He thanked the members on the Group for representing the Local Committee. 

RESOLVED,       to

(1)   note the minutes of the Highways Advisory Sub-Group meeting held on 12 October 2012;

(2)   decrease the NPRN Pre Surface Dressing Patching budget by £21,000 to give a revised allocation of £24,000;

(3)   decrease the NPRN Back Street Surfacing Programme budget by £18,000 to give a revised allocation of £33,000;

(4)   increase the NPRN Preparation Pool budget by £15,000 to give a revised allocation of £25,000;

(5)   decrease the NRPN Abbey Road Resurfacing budget by £21,000 to give a revised allocation of £189,000;

(6)   increase the NPRN Douglas Street budget by £37,000 to give a revised allocation of £248,000;

(7)   decrease the NPRN Hawthwaite Lane budget by £70,000 to give a revised allocation of £20,000;

(8)   approve the draft devolved Highways Capital Programme for 2013/14, as detailed in Appendix 2 of the report, pending confirmation of county wide budget allocations for the new 2013/14 financial year;

(9)   note the non-devolved elements of the draft capital programme as detailed in paragraphs 4.35 to 4.39 of the report attached as Appendix 2;

(10)    defer the works construction element of the previously approved Hawthwaite Lane drainage scheme to the next financial year, and to approve the delivery of the Ireleth Brow surfacing scheme at a cost of £77,250 within this current financial year, as detailed in paragraphs 4.9 and 4.10 of the report attached as Appendix 2;

(11)    overrule the further objection received regarding the proposed waiting restrictions on Keppel Street further to the resolution of the Local Committee on 12 September 2012, relating to the draft Traffic Regulation Order (VO 29);

(12)    agree to accede to the further objections received regarding the proposed waiting restrictions on Bath Street and therefore omit the proposals for waiting restrictions on a section of Bath Street, further to the resolution of the Local Committee on 12 September 2012, relating to the draft Traffic Regulation Order (VO 29);

(13)    omit the proposed waiting restrictions on Abbey Way, following advice from Legal Services, as this will need to be re-advertised, as it was originally omitted from the statutory advertisement further to the resolution of the Local Committee on 12 September 2012, relating to the draft Traffic Regulation Order (VO 29);

(14)    bring into operation The County of Cumbria (Various Road, Barrow-in-Furness) (Consolidation and Minor Amendment of Traffic Regulations) (Order 2001) Variation Order (No. 29) 20><, as advertised, having taken into consideration the matters contained in Section 122(2) Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, which are more specifically referred to at paragraph 7.2 of the report attached as Appendix 3, save for the restrictions referred to and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 85.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Safer and Stronger Communities (copy enclosed).

This report will make members aware of the current countywide partnership delivery structure for Community Safety as well as give an update on the upcoming elections for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), and the potential impact this will have on the delivery of Community Safety services.

The Committee considered a report from the Corporate Director – Safer and Stronger Communities which gave details of the current countywide partnership delivery structure for Community Safety, along with an update on the upcoming elections for the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) and the impact it would have on the delivery of Community Safety services. 

The Community Safety Manager explained that input from elected members into the Community Safety agreement (for Cumbria which was a statutory document on the Council’s Policy Framework) was currently lacking.  The establishment of a small working group would ensure that local member community safety priorities were captured.  A member understood the need for the Policy but wanted to know how he could ensure that the Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) in his area would be retained.  He was informed that there was a Police and Crime Panel (PCP), with a membership of 12, which was politically proportional and made up of 3 Cumbria County Councillors; 7 district councillors; along with 2 independent co-optees.  Their remit was to scrutinise and hold the PCC to account, they could also veto the precept.  Members were concerned that there was no prescribed way for them to get their views heard by the PCC.  In response they were informed that a procedure was being drawn up on how Local Committees could raise concerns. 

A couple of members had attended a Neighbourhood Watch meeting the previous night in which the 4 prospective PCC candidates had been invited to.  Barrow was the only area in Cumbria which still had a neighbourhood policing team, which attributed to the decline in crime figures so was a priority for the area.  The candidates all had different priorities and were reminded that Cumbria was a very diverse county which although had large rural areas, also had very deprived urban areas, all of which had to be policed differently.

The Chair proposed that 3 members work with the Community Safety Manager to identify the strategic community safety issues in Barrow.  After some discussion, it was decided that any member who was interested should put themselves forward.

RESOLVED,      

(1)   To note the current delivery structure in place for community safety, and note the potential impact of the Police and Crime Commissioner;

(2)   That Mr Bleasdale, Mrs Burns, Mr Hamilton, Ms Hammond, Mrs Macur and Mr Guselli work with the Community Safety Manager to identify those strategic community safety issues they consider of greatest importance.

Mr Bleasdale left the meeting at 11.05 am.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

To consider a report by the Corporate Director – Adult and Local Services (copy enclosed).

This report seeks members approval to open Barrow Library on Thursday afternoons from January 2013.

The Committee considered a report from the Corporate Director – Adult and Local Services which proposed an extension to opening hours at Barrow Library.  The County Manager – Library Services Review informed members that they had been able to increase the opening hours at no additional cost, thanks to staff who had agreed to work flexibly.  A member asked if there would be a trial period, where numbers of people using the library would be taken.  Although, numbers of customers would be noted, the extended opening hours would be permanent.  An update report would be produced in 12 months time.

RESOLVED,      

(1)   to note and approve the new opening hours of 9:30 am to 5.00 pm for Barrow Library on Thursdays from January 2013;

(2)   that an update report on the extension to opening hours be produced in 12 months time.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report seeks Members support for the proposed format of an Apprenticeship grant to employers and that it be initiated as soon as possible.

The Committee considered a report from the Corporate Director – Resources  which made proposals for use of the Apprenticeship Fund in Barrow.  The Area Support Manager reminded members that they had already allocated £10,000 towards the Fund the previous year so there was actually £23,106 in total which would support at least 9 apprenticeships.  The funding would be focussed on small and medium employers with a particular focus on engaging employers in the area of engineering and renewable energy sources.  The Chair was in favour of the scheme but added that it was extremely important that permanent jobs were created at the end of the apprenticeships and that it was not just seen as a 12 month cheap labour opportunity.  In response to his concerns, he was informed there was a robust policy in place whereby only businesses who offered the best quality and most sustainable opportunities would be approved. 

A member suggested that more apprenticeships could be created by offering a £1,000 wage subsidy instead of £2,500.  Following a short discussion it was agreed that the full £2,500 per apprenticeship be given, as the Corporate HR Learning and Skills Manager wanted to start the scheme as of 1 April 2013.

RESOLVED,       that the proposed format of an Apprenticeship grant to employers be supported and that it be initiated as soon as possible.

[Electoral Divisions: All Barrow]

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

This report updates the Committee on progress made and plans being implemented for developing Credit Union coverage for Barrow & District.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which gave an update on progress made and plans being implemented for development of the Barrow and District Credit Union.  Mr Cairns, the Chairman of Barrow and District Credit Union introduced Mr Balm, General Manager and Ms Walders, Assistant Treasurer.  They each gave a short explanation of their roles and progress made to date.  All members thanked them for their hard work and professional manner and wished them every success for the future.  Mr Cairns thanked members for their funding and support.  He urged any member who had not already made a pledge to do so.

RESOLVED,       to note the achievements and progress made since the last report in March 2012.

Mr Roberts left the meeting at 11.40 am.

[Electoral Divisions: Dalton North, Dalton South]

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

This report gives details of the work programme being undertaken by the Rural Projects Officer.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which gave details of the work programme being undertaken by the Rural Projects Officer.  The Local Member for Dalton North thanked the officer for her hard work in securing funding for the many schemes in the Dalton area.

RESOLVED,       to note the report.

[Electoral Division: All Barrow]

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

This report gives details of the 2012/13 Monitoring report for Barrow Local Committee.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive which presented the 2012/13 Monitoring report for Barrow Local Committee.

RESOLVED,       to note the content of the information contained within the report at Appendix 1.

To enable local members to give verbal reports on and share information in respect of outside bodies to which they have been appointed.

None for this meeting.

[Electoral Divisions: Dalton North, Dalton South]

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

Not for publication by virtue of Paragraph 2 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as this report contains exempt information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

The Committee considered a report from the Chief Executive relating to the Rural Projects Officer post.

RESOLVED,       that the Local Committee continue to support the post of Rural Projects Officer through a contribution of £8,890 from the General Provisions Budget for 3 years, subject to funding being available,and match funding being sourced.  

The next scheduled meeting will take place on Friday 11 January 2013, Barrow Fire Station, Phoenix Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2NS.

RESOLVED,       The next scheduled meeting will take place on Friday 11 January 2013, Barrow Fire Station, Phoenix Road, Barrow-in-Furness, LA14 2NS.