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To Members of the Executive

Notice of a Meeting of the Executive

Wednesday 4 September 2002 at 10.00 am

County Hall, Oxford

Chris Impey
Assistant Chief Executive

Contact officer: Deborah Mitchell (Tel: 01865 815463; E-mail)

Membership

The Agenda follows. Decisions taken at the meeting will become effective at the end of the working day on 12 September 2002 unless called in by that date for review by the appropriate Scrutiny Committee.

Copies of this Notice, Agenda and supporting papers are circulated to all Members of the County Council.

AGENDA

1. Apologies for Absence
2. Declarations of Interest
3. Minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 19 August 2002 (EX3) and to receive for information any matters arising therefrom.

4. Petitions and Public Address
5. Review of the Council’s Treasury Management Activity in 2001/02

Executive Member: Leader of the Council
Forward Plan Ref: 2002/145
Contact Officer: Barry Phillips, Senior Assistant County Treasurer (01865 810805)

Report by Director for Business Support & County Treasurer (EX5).

The CIPFA "Code of Practice for Treasury Management in Local Authorities" recommends the formal reporting of Treasury Management matters to the appropriate body of members, specifying in particular the annual strategic plan and the annual review of activity. This report, reviewing the Council’s Treasury Management activity during 2001/02, is submitted in accordance with this recommendation.

The debt restructuring carried out during 2001/02 produced a real interest saving of £380,000 and the opening of two new call accounts made savings of £67,000. The Council’s Treasury Management administration costs are significantly lower than the average of other local authorities. The appointment of Alliance Capital to manage £15 million of the Council’s balance was made with the objectives of diversifying risk and producing a higher investment return.

The Executive is RECOMMENDED to note the Council’s Treasury Management activity in 2001/02 described in the report.

6. Oxford Castle

Executive Member: Leader of the Council
Forward Plan Ref: 2002/150
Contact Officer: Neil Monaghan (01865 815712)

Report by Director of Environmental Services (EX6).

At the meeting on 11 December 2001 a report was presented to the Executive explaining the progress which had been made with the scheme for the redevelopment of the Oxford Castle site. In particular there was reference to the acquisition of the premises at 30–35 Castle Street and the Executive authorised the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order for the acquisition of the leasehold interest in 35 Castle Street. The scheme is generally progressing well but this report deals specifically with the need to acquire the other interests in property required for the project.

The Executive is RECOMMENDED to authorise the making, publication and submission to the Secretary of State for confirmation of Compulsory Purchase Orders for the acquisition of all the leasehold and freehold interests in 30a to 35 Castle Street, Oxford, and adjoining highway land, and the land at Paradise Street, which are shown on the plans attached to the report, such acquisition being necessary to enable the redevelopment of these properties to proceed.

7. Neithrop Schools, Banbury

Executive Member: Schools
Forward Plan Ref: 2002/105
Contact Officer: Robert Capstick, Principal Education Officer (01865 815144)

Report by Acting Chief Education Officer (EX7).

Following a long period of operational and standards difficulties, the Executive on 17 April, asked that consultations should take place on a specific proposal which would close Neithrop Junior School, and would see Neithrop Infants School change from being a school for children aged 3 – 7, to 3 – 11. The consultations revealed widespread support for the proposal, so much so that at its meeting on 25 June, the Executive authorised the publication of the necessary statutory notices to effect the changes. The report identifies the next steps towards implementation of the proposal, including funding considerations in the light of discussions with DfES.

The governing body of the Infant School, with the support of the Junior School, have led a local debate over the name of the proposed new school. The outcome of this is that both sets of governors would like to see the new school named "Orchard Fields Community School", from this autumn.

The Executive is RECOMMENDED, in view of no objections having been received, to determine to proceed with the reorganisation proposals as outlined in the report and instruct officers to implement the reorganisation proposals by the October school half term.

8. Regional Transport Strategy

Executive Member: Transport
Forward Plan Ref: 2002/111
Contact Officer: Peter Mann (01865 815479)

Report by Director of Environmental Services (EX8).

In June 2002 the South East England Regional Assembly published a draft revised Regional Transport Strategy "From Crisis to Cutting Edge" for consultation. This will form part of guidance to local authorities on how their transport and land use policies should assist in addressing the priorities within the region. This report includes the comments of the Director of Environmental Services on the consultation draft, and recommends that these form the basis of the County Council’s response to the consultation. Particular concerns are identified in relation the treatment of the A34 "Multi Modal Study"; the relationship of the new "Mobility Management Plans" with other parts of the planning system; and the possible imposition without adequate consultation of a congestion charging strategy.

The report has been drawn to the attention of the members of the Environment Scrutiny Committee and any comments on their part will be reported at the meeting.

The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:

1. agree to the report forming the basis of a written response to SEERA on the draft Regional Transport Strategy, with particular emphasis on the points on the A34, Mobility Management Plans, Congestion Charging and Finance; and
2. request that SEERA holds a further consultation on any changes to the Strategy prior to submission to the Secretary of State.

9. Lewknor/M40 Interchange Improvement

Executive Member: Transport
Forward Plan Ref: 2001/103
Contact Officer: Noel Newson (01865 815894)

Report by Director of Environmental Services (EX9).

This report describes proposals for an improvement scheme to address long-standing concerns about road safety in the vicinity of the junction of the B4009 with junction 6 of the M40 at Lewknor. It also updates the Executive on proposals to introduce a new Rural Bus Challenge funded feeder taxibus service to link with the Oxford Tube service at junction 6, and how this would be incorporated into the improvement scheme, subject to its inclusion in a future capital programme.

It is anticipated that the improvement scheme as proposed would not only facilitate operation of the taxibus service and interchange, but would also make a significant contribution to the Council’s casualty reduction targets, and enhance community safety.

The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:

1. approve the Improvement Scheme shown on Drawing No BPS 087219/01/03 for implementation subject to its inclusion in a future capital programme:
2. authorise the promotion and implementation of a traffic regulation order incorporating the waiting and parking arrangements shown on Drawing No BPS 087219/02/01 subject to consideration by the Director of Environmental Services in consultation with the Executive Members for Transport and Strategic Planning & Waste Management, of any objections and representations received as a result of publication of the draft order; and
3. authorise the Director of Environmental Services, following consultation with the Executive Members for Transport and Strategic Planning & Waste Management and affected local members to invite appropriate tenders for the taxibus services.

10. European Car Free Day

Executive Member: Transport
Forward Plan Ref: 2002/94
Contact Officer: Noel Newson, Group Manager, Sustainable Transport (01865 815894)

Report by Director of Environmental Services (EX10).

22 September 2002 has been designated ‘European Car Free Day’. The Council on 2 April 2002 considered a motion by Councillor Simmons inviting support for a proposal for the closure of Broad Street to traffic on that day. Whilst not formally opposing the principle of closure the Council rejected the motion as moved. During the debate some support was expressed for a suggestion that the Executive explore the possibility of Broad Street being closed for May Day 2003.

The Executive considered this on 17 April and agreed to investigate a ‘Celebrate our City Day’ on 1 May 2003 instead, as this would not prohibit the inclusion of rural dwellers who have no access to alternative modes of transport. At the same time the Executive asked officers to explore the potential for promotion of non-car alternatives to coincide with the 22 September events. This report reviews progress so far.

The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:

1. endorse the arrangements outlined in the report for promotion of bus use on 22 September 2002;
2. consider possible arrangements for a Celebrate our City event on 1 May 2003 following further investigation by officers and report to a future meeting.

11. Forward Plan and Future Business

Executive Member: All
Contact Officer: John Leverton (01865 815314)

The Executive Procedure Rules provide that the business of each meeting of the Executive is to include "updating of the Forward Plan and proposals for business to be conducted at the following meeting".

The publication date of the next Forward Plan, for the period October – January 2003, is 17 September 2002. It will therefore be necessary to determine its content at this meeting. Recommendations for additions and amendments are attached as EX11 (download as .rtf file)- Schedules 1-3.

In this context the Executive is asked to consider a request by Councillor Olive McIntosh Stedman, endorsed by Councillor David Robertson in accordance with Paragraph (9)(b) of the Executive Procedure Rules, for an item on the possible re-opening of Littlemore Station to be placed before the Executive.

Items from the Forward Plan (as now proposed to be updated) for the next two meetings appear in Schedule 4 of EX11.

The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:

1. agree the additions and amendments set out in Schedules 1 - 3 for the purpose of the Forward Plan for the ensuing four months;
2. decide what arrangements to make for the consideration of the item requested by Councillor Stedman;
3. subject to (a) above, note the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings as set out in Schedule 4.

Exempt Items

The meeting will be invited to resolve to exclude the public for the consideration of the following exempt items (marked E) by passing a resolution in relation to each such item in the following terms:

"that the public be excluded during the consideration of the following items in the Agenda since it is likely that if they were present during those items there would be a disclosure of "exempt" information as described in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972 and specified below each item in the Agenda".

THE REPORTS RELATING TO THE EXEMPT ITEMS HAVE NOT BEEN MADE PUBLIC AND SHOULD BE REGARDED AS STRICTLY PRIVATE TO MEMBERS AND OFFICERS ENTITLED TO RECEIVE THEM.

12. Park and Ride Car Parks – Management and Operation

Executive Member: Transport
Forward Plan Ref: 2002/66A
Contact Officer: Noel Newson (01865 815894)

Report by Director of Environmental Services (EX12E).

Tenders have been invited for the management and operation of the new Water Eaton and Thornhill Park and Ride car parks. Further clarification of tender proposals has now been undertaken since this issue was considered by the Executive on 23 July, and a recommendation is made for the award of a contract. The financial implications over the life of the contract are explained.

The contract will include ticket machine operation, cash collection and access control, enforcement, cleaning and general maintenance and security (with CCTV monitoring). Staff cover will be provided from 05.30 to 23.30 Monday to Saturday and 08.30 to 21.30 on Sunday at Thornhill, and from 06.30 to 21.00 Monday to Saturday at Water Eaton.

The Executive is RECOMMENDED to award the contract to Company B on the basis discussed in the report.

13. Bus Subsidies

The Executive is RECOMMENDED to:

1. note the comments of Parish, Town and District Councils and Parish Transport Representatives made in response to the consultation exercise as part of the Witney Area Review;
2. thank West Oxfordshire District Council for its active assistance in promoting the Review consultation;
3. make its decisions on subsidy for services described in this report on the basis of the tender prices contained in exempt Annex 4 to be reported subsequently;
4. extend current contract PT/W 35 (service 69 Ramsden Village diversion) until 24 October 2003 and for this contract in future to form part of the main service 69 review relating to the Chipping Norton area;
5. secure the continuation of the weekly Standlake and Northmoor Community Bus Service by a pro-rata payment of up to £700 per annum with an annual adjustment for inflation for the period 7 September 2002 until 31 March 2004, this decision to be the subject of further review, should an Abingdon to Witney bus service be introduced;
6. terminate contract PT/S 73 on 24 October; and
7. operate contract PT/W 130 until 25 October 2003.

September 2002

ADDENDA

Item

4. Petitions and Public Address

Request from	Agenda Item
Mrs Gillian Bindoff Chairman, Lewknor Parish Council	9 - Lewknor/M40 Interchange Improvement

Request from	Agenda Item
Councillor Biddy Hudson	8 - Regional Transport Strategy
Councillor Roger Belson	9 - Lewknor/M40 Interchange Improvement
Councillor Jean Fooks	12E - Park & Ride Car Parks – Management & Operation

6. Oxford Castle

8. Regional Transport Strategy

1. endorse the officer recommendations set out in the report (EX8), subject to greater emphasis being given to the A34 Multi Modal corridor, which is in crisis and heavily congested and of National, European and local importance;
2. urge SEERA to liase with other Regional Assemblies to ensure that Oxfordshire’s interests are taken into account in the development of Regional Transport Strategies for adjacent regions.

11. Forward Plan and Future Business

2002/130	Medium Term Financial Plan – Budget Parameters		to be included in 1 October budget report
2002/90	Charging Policies Best Value Review		Defer to 1 October
2002/95	Family Support in Banbury		Defer to 29 October
2002/151	Integrated Health & Social Services Equipment Service		Defer to 1 October
2002/133	Carterton, Witney and Oxford – Public Transport Links		Defer to 15 October
2002/77	Local Traffic and Highway Schemes:
Cherwell 30mph Speed Limit Project (Phases 1 and 2)		Defer to 15 October
Oxford, County Council Car Parks - Temporary/ Emergency Use at Peak Christmas Shopping Periods		Defer to 29 October
Witney to Freeland, A4095 - Route Action		Defer to 26 November

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