Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Chapman and Councillor Mallon.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on   2012 (CA3) and to receive information arising from them.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 27 November 2012 were approved and signed.

Any county councillor may, by giving notice to the Proper Officer by 9 am two working days before the meeting, ask a question on any matter in respect of the Cabinet’s delegated powers.

The number of questions which may be asked by any councillor at any one meeting is limited to two (or one question with notice and a supplementary question at the meeting) and the time for questions will be limited to 30 minutes in total. As with questions at Council, any questions which remain unanswered at the end of this item will receive a written response.

Questions submitted prior to the agenda being despatched are shown below and will be the subject of a response from the appropriate Cabinet Member or such other councillor or officer as is determined by the Cabinet Member, and shall not be the subject of further debate at this meeting. Questions received after the despatch of the agenda, but before the deadline, will be shown on the Schedule of Addenda circulated at the meeting, together with any written response which is available at that time.

Councillor Jean Fooks had given notice of the following question to Councillor Rodney Rose:

“Councillor Rose has been quoted recently as saying he would not introduce any more 20mph limits until the police started to enforce them. Nevertheless, people have noticed reductions in speed in residential roads and there is evidence that accidents are down. Were the 20mph limits to be enforced, which is still not happening despite an apparent change of mind by the police, speed would certainly be further reduced and this is almost certain to be accompanied by a reduction in accidents of all kinds. When the 20mph limit was introduced in almost all residential roads in Oxford, the County Council said that if the signs were insufficient on their own to reduce speeds, physical measures would be considered. As many residents, not only in the city but across the county, are keen to have the benefits of lower speeds, would the Cabinet member consider

·      encouraging the police to do more enforcement

·      consulting with members  and residents where new 20mph limits might be introduced when funds are available from whatever source?”

          Councillor Rose replied:

“Monitoring at 60 sites in Oxford show that the average reduction in speed following the introduction of the 20mph speed limit in September 2009 was 1mph. Some roads however have seen appreciably greater reductions, of up to 4mph; as would  be expected, on minor roads where the speeds were on average already lower than 20mph before the limit was reduced, there has been little change.

We are planning to carry out further surveys in the summer of 2013 to see if there have been any further change - as with other speed limits, it can take time for drivers to adjust their behaviour when a limit is introduced. We very much hope to see increasing compliance which can only help to improve safety especially for pedestrians and cyclists, but  until we have more positive evidence of their effectiveness, we are not proposing to introduce any new 20mph limits.

Enforcement of 20mph limits has been a resource and prioritisation issue for the Police but I am aware they are reviewing their approach on a national basis.

I await more certainty on our coming Budget position before supporting  use of any funding on anything but Highway maintenance, and would expect this to be on the assumption that all of the County had the same opportunity to gain from any change in focus, not just in our more wealthy areas.”

Supplementary: Councillor Fooks referring to the final sentence of the response pointed out that Summertown and Wolvercote were not entirely wealthy areas. Councillor Rose in response indicated that he would want to see an equality of opportunity. In response to a request from Councillor Fooks for recent accident statistics in areas where the speed limit had been introduced to see the impact of the reduction Councillor Rose undertook to get that information sent to her.

The following requests to address the meeting had been agreed

Item 6 – Councillor Roz Smith, Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance

Item 7 – Councillor Roz Smith, Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance

Item 9 – Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Services

Item 10 – Councillor Alan Armitage, Opposition Deputy Leader

Item 12 – Councillor Anne Purse, Shadow Cabinet Member for Growth and Infrastructure

Apologies were received from Councillor Anne Purse who was unwell and Councillor Roz Smith.

Cabinet Member: Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2012/106

Contact: Kathy Wilcox, Principal Financial Manager Tel: (01865) 323981

Report by Assistant Chief Executive & Chief Finance Officer (CA 6).

This report focuses on the delivery of the Directorate Business Strategies which were agreed as part of the Service and Resource Planning Process for 2012/13 – 2016/17.  Parts 1 and 2 include projections for revenue, reserves and balances as at the end of October 2012.   The Capital monitoring is included at Part 3.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)       note the report;

(b)       approve the use of £0.100m revenue funding towards the capital project at the Littlemore Early Intervention Hub as set out in paragraph 8;

(c)       approve the virement requests over £0.250m set out in Annex 2a;

(d)       agree the creation of new reserves as set out in paragraph 43 and 47 and the proposed changes to reserves set out in paragraph 45 and 46;

(e)       note the Treasury Management lending list at Annex 7;

Cabinet considered a report that focused on the delivery of the Directorate Business Strategies which were agreed as part of the Service and Resource Planning Process for 2012/13 – 2016/17.  Parts 1 and 2 included projections for revenue, reserves and balances as at the end of October 2012.   The Capital monitoring was included at Part 3.

The Leader in introducing the report commended the funding of the work to Littlemore Early Intervention Hub; the additional room created would make a difference.

RESOLVED:                        to:

(a)       note the report;

(b)       approve the use of £0.100m revenue funding towards the capital project at the Littlemore Early Intervention Hub as set out in paragraph 8;

(c)        approve the virement requests over £0.250m set out in Annex 2a;

(d)       agree the creation of new reserves as set out in paragraph 43 and 47 and the proposed changes to reserves set out in paragraph 45 and 46; and

(e)       note the Treasury Management lending list at Annex 7;

Cabinet Member: Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2012/107

Contact: Lorna Baxter, Deputy Chief Finance Officer Tel: (01865) 323971

Report by Assistant Chief Executive & Chief Finance Officer (CA7).

The report is the second in a series on the Service & Resource Planning process for 2013/14 to 2016/17, providing councillors with information on budget issues for 2013/14 and the medium term.  The report provides information on budgetary pressures faced by the Council and gives an update on the changes to the local government funding system. The report also provides an update on government consultations and initiatives and sets out the review of charges.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)              note the report and that an addenda will be produced following the announcement of the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement;

(b)              consider, in forming their budget proposals, the council tax referendum threshold announced by the Chancellor;

(c)               consider, in forming their budget proposals, the implications in future years of accepting the Council Tax Freeze Grant in 2013/14;

(d)              consider, in forming their budget proposals, the revised inflation assumptions set out in paragraph 29; and

(e)              in relation to the review of charges:

(1)  note those charges prescribed by legislation;

(2)  approve those charges where there is local discretion as set out in Annex 3 noting that some of these charges will commence before April 2013.

Recommendations agreed taking into account the additional report set out in the Addenda.

Cabinet considered the report, which is the second in a series on the Service & Resource Planning process for 2013/14 to 2016/17. It provided councillors with information on budget issues for 2013/14 and the medium term; on budgetary pressures faced by the Council and it gave an update on the changes to the local government funding system. The report also provided an update on government consultations and initiatives and set out the review of charges. Cabinet further considered an addenda that summarised the key announcements in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 5 December Statement and set out the implications for the County Council.

Cabinet noted that the provisional local government finance settlement was still awaited and that it was likely that there would be continued uncertainty even after it was announced.

RESOLVED:             to:

(a)               note the report and addenda;

(b)               consider, in forming their budget proposals, the council tax referendum threshold announced by the Chancellor;

(c)               consider, in forming their budget proposals, the implications in future years of accepting the Council Tax Freeze Grant in 2013/14;

(d)               consider, in forming their budget proposals, the revised inflation assumptions set out in paragraph 29; and

(e)               in relation to the review of charges:

(1)   note those charges prescribed by legislation;

(2)   approve those charges where there is local discretion as set out in Annex 3 noting that some of these charges will commence before April 2013.

Cabinet Member: Growth & Infrastructure

Forward Plan Ref: 2012/131

Contact: Martin Tugwell, Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Strategy & Infrastructure Planning Tel: (01865) 815113

Report by Director for Environment & Economy (CA 8).

This report sets out the County Council's proposed response to the West Oxfordshire Local Plan.  The Local Plan sets the framework for development across West Oxfordshire for the period to 2029.  Growth is focused primarily at Witney and Carterton and to a lesser extent at Chipping Norton, with more modest growth at Eynsham, Woodstock, Burford, Charlbury and the larger villages.

Increasing emphasis is given to the importance of the planning regime facilitating and supporting sustainable economic growth in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF); facilitating economic growth is also a key County Council’s strategic objective.

The County Council has worked closely with West Oxfordshire District Council in the preparation of this draft Local Plan for consultation.  It will continue to work with the District Council as the policies in it are refined and the Infrastructure Delivery Plan developed further.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to agree the County Council’s response to the West Oxfordshire Draft Local Plan for consultation, as specifically outlined in paragraph 1 and described throughout this report.

Cabinet considered a report that set out the County Council's proposed response to the West Oxfordshire Local Plan.  The Local Plan sets the framework for development across West Oxfordshire for the period to 2029.  Growth is focused primarily at Witney and Carterton and to a lesser extent at Chipping Norton, with more modest growth at Eynsham, Woodstock, Burford, Charlbury and the larger villages.

RESOLVED:             to agree the County Council’s response to the West Oxfordshire Draft Local Plan for consultation, as specifically outlined in paragraph 1 and described throughout this report.

Cabinet Member: Adult Services

Forward Plan Ref: 2012/146

Contact: Alison Partridge, Public Engagement Manager Tel: (01865) 328548

Report by Director of Social & Community Services (CA9).

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, all (top tier) Local Authorities are responsible for commissioning a Local Healthwatch by April 2013. Local Healthwatch will be the new independent consumer champion for people of all ages using social care, and patients using health services. It replaces the Local Involvement Network (LINKs) and will have a number of extended and statutory functions. A member of Healthwatch Oxfordshire will have a seat on the Health and Wellbeing Board.

The report sets out the procurement and commissioning process for approval.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to delegate decision-making for the contract award and funding allocation John Jackson, Director for Social and Community Services in consultation with Councillor Arash Fatemian, Cabinet Member for Adult Services

Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, all (top tier) Local Authorities are responsible for commissioning a Local Healthwatch by April 2013. Local Healthwatch will be the new independent consumer champion for people of all ages using social care, and patients using health services. It replaces the Local Involvement Network (LINKs) and will have a number of extended and statutory functions. A member of Healthwatch Oxfordshire will have a seat on the Health and Wellbeing Board. Cabinet considered a report that set out the procurement and commissioning process for approval.

Councillor Jenny Hannaby, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Services commented that it was essential that Healthwatch be in place by April 2013. She would welcome the input they could provide the Health & Wellbeing Board, which currently often seemed to be a repetition of Scrutiny discussions. She thanked officers for the excellent work undertaken. She raised the issue of funding which was a concern as it would not be ring fenced. Councillor Hannaby suggested that the final decision should be taken by Cabinet.

During discussion Cabinet commented on the extensive consultation and engagement process that had taken place. They noted that the scoring process for the contract was weighted for various factors and not just based on price.

RESOLVED:             to delegate decision-making for the contract award and funding allocation John Jackson, Director for Social and Community Services in consultation with Councillor Arash Fatemian, Cabinet Member for Adult Services

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2012/108

Contact: Alexandra Bailey, Senior Performance & Improvement Manager Tel: (01865) 816384

Report by County Council Management Team (CA10).

Quarterly performance monitoring report against the Corporate Plan priorities - Quarter 2

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note this report.

Cabinet considered a quarterly performance monitoring report against the Corporate Plan priorities for Quarter 2.

Councillor Alan Armitage, Opposition Deputy Leader, commented that there was still little in the report on risk management and it would be better to take the wording out of the heading if information was not provided. He queried why a reported decrease in participation by 16-19 year olds in education, employment in training or training from 40.8% in September 2011to 26.9% in September 2012 had not triggered a red warning. He further queried the reported figures in relation to the Customer Service Centre.

Cabinet noted that risk management was considered primarily by the Audit & Governance Committee and that this report contained exception reporting only. It was explained that each RAG rating covered a number of targets  and it was necessary to look behind the rating to the detail. Often an amber rating indicated that most were on track or that remedial action was in place.

RESOLVED:             to note the report.

Cabinet Member: All

Contact Officer: Sue Whitehead, Committee Services Manager (01865 810262)

The Cabinet Procedure Rules provide that the business of each meeting at the Cabinet is to include “updating of the Forward Plan and proposals for business to be conducted at the following meeting”.   Items from the Forward Plan for the immediately forthcoming meetings of the Cabinet appear in the Schedule at CA11.  This includes any updated information relating to the business for those meetings that has already been identified for inclusion in the next Forward Plan update.

The Schedule is for noting, but Cabinet Members may also wish to take this opportunity to identify any further changes they would wish to be incorporated in the next Forward Plan update.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings.

The Cabinet considered a list of items for the immediately forthcoming meetings of the Cabinet together with changes and additions set out in the schedule of addenda.

RESOLVED:            to note the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings.

RESOLVED:                        that the public be excluded for the duration of item 12 in the Agenda since it is likely that if they were present during that item there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and specified in relation to that item in the Agenda and it is considered that, in all the circumstances of each case, the public interest in exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

PUBLIC SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS FOLLOWING THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

Cabinet Member: Growth & Infrastructure

Forward Plan Ref: 2012/088

Contact: Andrew Pau, Head of Waste Management Tel: (01865) 815867

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Growth & Infrastructure (CA12).

The information contained in Annex 1 is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category:

3    –    information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

It is considered that in this case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, in that such disclosure would distort the proper process of the transaction and the Council’s standing generally in relation to such transactions in future, to the detriment of the Council’s ability properly to discharge its fiduciary and other duties as a public authority.

Oxfordshire County Council as a Waste Disposal Authority (WDA) has a responsibility to dispose of residual waste collected by the Waste Collection Authorities (WCAs) and residual waste delivered to Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).  The Council currently manages approximately 300,000 tonnes of municipal waste per year.

In March 2011 the Council entered into a long term contract for the treatment of residual municipal waste with Viridor Oxfordshire Ltd (Viridor) who are constructing an energy from waste (EfW) facility at Ardley in north Oxfordshire. Under the terms of the contract all residual municipal waste that is processable must be delivered for treatment at the EfW facility once it is operational which is currently estimated to be in autumn 2014. 

A procurement process has been undertaken to secure a bulking and haulage service for residual municipal waste from the districts of South Oxfordshire, Vale of White Horse, West Oxfordshire and the northern part of Cherwell to ensure that waste can be delivered to the EfW facility efficiently from those parts of the county that are furthest away from Ardley.

The tenders submitted have been subject to rigorous evaluation using technical and financial criteria, including consideration of the implications for the WCAs who will be delivering to waste transfer stations. The results of the evaluation demonstrate that good technical and value for money solutions can be provided for each lot and authorisation is sought to award contracts for municipal waste bulking and haulage services.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the outcome of the evaluation and endorse the award of contracts for the provision of residual municipal waste bulking and haulage services as follows;

(a)              Lot 1 northern part of Cherwell to Tenderer 2 on the basis of their variant 2 tender ;

(b)              Lot 2 South Oxfordshire and Lot 3 Vale of White Horse to Tenderer 1 on the basis of their variant 2 tender; and

(c)               Lot 4 West Oxfordshire to Tenderer 1 on the basis of their compliant tender.

The information contained in Annex 1 is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category:

3    –    information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

It is considered that in this case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, in that such disclosure would distort the proper process of the transaction and the Council’s standing generally in relation to such transactions in future, to the detriment of the Council’s ability properly to discharge its fiduciary and other duties as a public authority.

Oxfordshire County Council as a Waste Disposal Authority (WDA) has a responsibility to dispose of residual waste collected by the Waste Collection Authorities (WCAs) and residual waste delivered to Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs).  The Council currently manages approximately 300,000 tonnes of municipal waste per year.

Cabinet considered a report that sought authorisation to award contracts for municipal waste bulking and haulage services.

RESOLVED:             to note the outcome of the evaluation and endorse the award of contracts for the provision of residual municipal waste bulking and haulage services as follows;

(a)               Lot 1 northern part of Cherwell to Tenderer 2 on the basis of their variant 2 tender ;

(b)               Lot 2 South Oxfordshire and Lot 3 Vale of White Horse to Tenderer 1 on the basis of their variant 2 tender; and

(c)               Lot 4 West Oxfordshire to Tenderer 1 on the basis of their compliant tender.