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Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Suite - County Hall

Contact: Karen Strahan, 01392 382264  Email: karen.strahan@devon.gov.uk

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Items
Note No. Item

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426.

Minutes

Minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2019 (previously circulated).

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2019 be signed as a correct record.

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427.

Items Requiring Urgent Attention

Items which in the opinion of the Chair should be considered at the meeting as matters of urgency.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There was no item raised as a matter of urgency.

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428.

Announcements

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There was no announcement by the Chair at this meeting.

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429.

Petitions

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There was no petition received from a Member of the Public or the Council.

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430.

Question(s) from Members of the Council

Additional documents:

Minutes:

There was no question from a Member of the Council.

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431.

Target Budget for the Forthcoming Year (2020/2021) pdf icon PDF 104 KB

Report of the County Treasurer (CT/19/120) on the Target Budget, an update on the Local Government Settlement for forthcoming year and preparation of the budget and service expenditure targets.

 

This Report will follow.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Councillors Biederman, Connett, Greenslade and Hannaford attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

 

The Cabinet considered the Report of the County Treasurer (CT/19/120) on the Target Budgets, the current status of the provisional Local Government Settlement for the forthcoming year, preparation of the budget for 2020/2021 and affirmation of service expenditure targets, circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with regulation 7(4) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

 

The Report outlined that the setting of the Budget Targets was the first step in the formal, Council wide, budget process.  The Targets were set out in paragraph 3 of the Report and represented an overall increase of £31.9 millions or 6.4%.

 

The Cabinet also noted that the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement was due to be announced in early December but had now been delayed to an unspecified date. It was hoped that the Provisional Settlement would be received in sufficient time to report to the next meeting of Cabinet on 15th January 2020.

 

2019/20 had been the last year of the four-year Local Government Financial Settlement and 2020/21 was expected to be the first year of a new multi-year settlement that would contain the outcome of the Fairer Funding Review, the Business Rates reset and 75% or 100% Business Rates Retention.  However, in September the Chancellor announced a one-year Spending Round badged as a ‘Roll-forward’ for Local Government with some additional funding including the SR19 Social Care Support Grant, Schools funding and SEND High Needs Block. The Fairer Funding Review along with both the Business Rates reset and Retention plans had been delayed until at least 2021/22.

 

Due to the unprecedented level of uncertainty around the Provisional Settlement content, and timing, there was an increased likelihood that the Targets, as set out in the Report would be amended at the Cabinet meeting on 15th January 2020. 

 

The proposed targets set out in the report (2020/21 Budget, £000’s) were;

 

Adult Care & Health £252,558 (6.8%)

Children’s Services £144,345 (6.7%)

Community Health, Environment & Prosperity £39,713 (2.4%)

Corporate Services £37,100 (7.0%)

Highways, Infrastructure Development & Waste £56,508 (3.3%)

 

The Report, having been debated and other relevant factors as set out in the County Treasurer’s Report and/or referred to above having been considered:

 

it was MOVED by Councillor Barker, SECONDED by Councillor Hart, and

 

RESOLVED

 

(a) that the delay in the announcement of the Provisional Settlement be noted;

 

(b) that the revenue spending targets for 2020/21, as set out in paragraph 3, be approved;

 

(c) that the increased likelihood of the Targets as set out in paragraph 2.6 being amended in January be noted; and

 

(d) that Members agree that the Capital Programme be determined by the Cabinet in February 2020.

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432.

Park and Change facility, nr Exeter Science Park: Approval to Construct pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/19/49) seeking approval to construct a Park and Change facility, near Exeter Science Park, attached.

 

An Impact Assessment is also attached for the attention of Members at this meeting and can be found here https://www.devon.gov.uk/impact/park-and-change-facilities-nr-exeter-science-park/.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Councillor Hannaford attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

 

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Head of Planning, Transportation and Environment (PTE/19/49) seeking approval to construct a Park and Change facility, near Exeter Science Park, circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with regulation 7(4) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

 

The Report explained that the Park and Change site was on the eastern side of Exeter Science Park and was part of the successful National Productivity Investment Fund bid package, which was also delivering the Moor Lane roundabout improvement, Exeter

cycle route improvements and the expansion of the Co-Bikes electric bike1 hire scheme. It was receiving funding from the Exeter and East Devon Enterprise Zone, which also had

funded an enhanced bus service to Exeter Airport and the Long Lane improvements,

recently approved by Cabinet.

 

There had been significant growth in housing and jobs on the eastern edge of Exeter, which   collectively would put increased pressure on the A30/Honiton Road approach to M5 Junction 29, therefore the proposal sought to reduce the impacts of car-borne journeys by specifically intercepting private car trips before they impacted on the worst part of the network in terms of congestion and air quality.

 

The scheme was shown in full in Appendices 1 and 2 of the Report. The scheme would provide 300 parking bays, including bays for disabled people and some dedicated to electric cars, charging points, secure cycle lockers and a new dock for electric bikes.

 

A new footway/cycleway along the southern side of Anning Road from the Park and Change

entrance to Babbage Way would be constructed, to allow cyclists to connect into the E4

cycle route and a path providing access to the old A30. The connecting paths would enable onward access to Exeter Business Park, Sowton Industrial Estate and the city centre via Redhayes Bridge over the M5.

 

The site would have approximately 15-minute frequency buses and improved crossing points.

 

There would be extensive landscaping and planting (trees, hedges, grass and thicket) to enhance the habitat for wildlife, as well as improving the appearance and security for people making use of the car park.

 

The overall construction cost of the proposal was estimated to be £2,241,787, of which £0.440m related to the acquisition of land and the Report outlined the relevant funding sources.

 

The Head of Service’s Report also incorporated an Impact Assessment circulated for the attention of Members this meeting. https://www.devon.gov.uk/impact/park-and-change-facilities-nr-exeter-science-park/. The positive impacts of the proposal included increasing participation in active travel, a safe and secure environment and improved journey time reliability as well as the environmental considerations in ensuring the scheme integrated with the landscape setting and enhanced the habitat for wildlife, extensive landscaping and planting, surface water and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). It was also proposed to use LED lanterns for good control and reduction of sky glow or obtrusive light.

 

Overall, the scheme would improve access to retail,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 432.

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433.

Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee - Treasury Management Stewardship - Mid Year Position pdf icon PDF 106 KB

Report of the County Treasurer (CT/19/117) outlining the Council's Treasury Management Mid-Year Stewardship 2019/20, which updates on key matters arising from the Council’s Treasury and Debt Management activities during the first seven months of the 2019/20 financial year, previously considered and endorsed by the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee on 26 November 2019 (Minute *157 refers) and commended to the Cabinet, attached.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Councillors Connett and Hannaford attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

 

The Cabinet considered the Report of the County Treasurer (CT/19/117) outlining the Council’s Treasury and Debt Management activities undertaken during the first half of 2019/20 in line with the CIPFA Code of Practice, the Report having also been considered and endorsed by the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee on 26th November 2019.

 

There were no particular issues to draw to the attention of the Cabinet as part of that process.

 

The Report updated the Cabinet on key matters arising from the Council’s Treasury and Debt Management activities during the first seven months of the 2019/20 financial year; to enable Members to satisfy themselves that agreed policy had been implemented.

 

The Report outlined the Borrowing Strategy and its aims for 2019/20 - 2021/22,  the implementation of the Borrowing Strategy in 2019/20, Analysis of long term debt, Investment Strategy, Implementation of the Investment Strategy 2019/20, the current position with the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) (a charge to make provision for the repayment of the authority's external debt and internal borrowing), the Council’s compliance with the Prudential Indicators as laid out in the CIPFA Code of Practice, and prospects for 2020/21.

 

In summary, the Report stated that no long term or short-term borrowing had been undertaken to date in 2019/20 and the expectation was that no new borrowing would be required during the remainder of the 2019/20 financial year; and that investment income at the end of October stood at around £1.5 million compared to the budget target for the year of £1.6 million.

 

The matter having been debated and other relevant factors set out in the County Treasurer’s Report and/or referred to above having been considered:

 

it was MOVED by Councillor Barker, SECONDED by Councillor Hart and

 

RESOLVED that the Mid-Year Stewardship Report for the 2019/2020 financial year be noted and welcomed.

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434.

Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee - Food Waste Spotlight Review pdf icon PDF 404 KB

In considering the Report of the Food Waste Spotlight Review, the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee had at its meeting on 26th November 2019 (Minute *159 refers), RESOLVED that the Spotlight Review Report and recommendations be commended to the Cabinet.

 

Recommendations

 

(a) That the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Service Scrutiny Committee be thanked for its Spotlight review and associated Report and that the recommendations of the Review be endorsed; and

 

(b) that the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Development and Waste and the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste be asked to take forward the Report and progress / co-ordinate the recommendations contained therein, engaging other partners and community organisations as necessary.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Councillors Connett, Hannaford and Whitton attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

 

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Scrutiny Food Waste Spotlight Review which had been reviewed at the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 26th November 2019 (Minute *159 refers). The Cabinet noted that the Committee had expressed its thanks to those involved in the production of the comprehensive report.

 

The Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee had RESOLVED that the Spotlight Review Report and recommendations be commended to the Cabinet.

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Davis, SECONDED by Councillor Hart, and

 

RESOLVED

 

(a) that the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Service Scrutiny Committee be thanked for its Spotlight review and associated Report and that the recommendations of the Review, be endorsed; and

 

(b) that the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Development and Waste and the Chief Officer for Highways, Infrastructure Development and Waste be asked to take forward the Report and progress / co-ordinate the recommendations contained therein, engaging other partners and community organisations as necessary.

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435.

Question(s) from Members of the Public pdf icon PDF 97 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with the Council's Public Participation Rules, the relevant Cabinet Members responded to four questions from members of the public on PHE responses and realistic safety tests, sharing information with other Councils and the LGA on 5G and EMF transmissions, installations on lampposts and any frequencies emitted by street lamps and other highways furniture and clarification over the responsibilities for street furniture, infrastructure and planning permissions and issues.

 

The Cabinet Members also responded orally to supplementary questions arising from the above.

 

A copy of the questions would be sent to those not present at the meeting.

 

[NB: A copy of the questions and answers are appended to these minutes and are also available on the Council’s Website at http://www.devon.gov.uk/dcc/committee/mingifs.html and any supplementary questions and answers may be observed through the webcast of this meeting  – see Notes below]

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436.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 68 KB

Minutes of the bodies shown below are circulated herewith for information or endorsement as indicated therein, including Minute 129(a) of the Devon Education Forum:

 

[NB: Minutes of County Council Committees are published on the Council’s Website:

Minutes of the Devon Education (Schools) Forum:  

Minutes of the South West Waste Partnership

Minutes of the Devon & Cornwall Police & Crime Panel

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(Councillors Connett and Hannaford attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Hart, SECONDED by Councillor McInnes, and

 

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the following be endorsed and any recommendations to Cabinet therein be approved, including Minute 129(a) of the Devon Education Forum:

 

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education – 19th November 2019

Devon Education Forum – 20th November 2019

Farms Estate (Interviewing) Committee – 25th November 2019

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437.

Delegated Action/Urgent Matters pdf icon PDF 33 KB

The Registers of Decisions taken by Members under the urgency provisions or delegated powers will be available for inspection at the meeting in line with the Council’s Constitution and Regulation 13 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.  A summary of such decisions taken since the last meeting is attached.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Registers of Decisions taken by Members under the urgency provisions or delegated powers were available for inspection at the meeting in line with the Council’s Constitution and Regulation 13 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012; a summary of decisions taken since the last meeting had been published with the Agenda for this meeting. Decisions taken by Officers under any express authorisation of the Cabinet or other Committee or under any general authorisation within the Council’s Scheme  of Delegation  set out in  Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution may be viewed at  https://new.devon.gov.uk/democracy/officer-decisions/.

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438.

Forward Plan pdf icon PDF 94 KB

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the Cabinet is requested to review the list of forthcoming business (previously circulated) and to determine which items are to be defined as key and/or framework decisions and included in the Plan from the date of this meeting.

 

[NB: The Forward Plan is available on the Council's website at:http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgListPlans.aspx?RPId=133&RD=0&bcr=1 ]

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the Cabinet reviewed the Forward Plan and determined those items of business to be defined as key and framework decisions and included in the Plan from the date of this meeting onwards reflecting the requirements of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (at http://democracy.devon.gov.uk/mgListPlans.aspx?RPId=133&RD=0).

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439.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

Recommendation: that the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act namely, the financial or business affairs of a third party and of the County Council and in accordance with Section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by virtue of the fact that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

It was MOVED by Councillor Hart, SECONDED by Councillor Hughes and

 

RESOLVEDthat the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act namely, the financial or business affairs of a third party and of the County Council and in accordance with Section 36 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by virtue of the fact that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

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440.

Exeter Science Park Guarantee

An item to be considered by the Cabinet in accordance with the Cabinet Procedure Rules and Regulation 5 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

 

Joint Report of the Chief Officer for Communities, Public Health, Environment and Prosperity and County Treasurer (EES/19/6) on Exeter Science Park.

 

This Report will follow. 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

(An item taken under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 during which the press and public were excluded, no representations having been received to such consideration under Regulation 5(5) of the  Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012).

 

(Councillors Connett and Hannaford attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

 

The Cabinet considered the Joint Report of the Chief Officer for Communities, Public Health, Environment and Prosperity and County Treasurer (EES/19/6) on the terms of a guarantee in relation to Exeter Science Park, circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with regulation 7(4) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

 

The matter having been debated and all other relevant factors (e.g. financial, sustainability, risk management, equality and legal considerations) set out in the Chief Officers and County Treasurers Report having been considered:

 

It was MOVED by Councillor Barker, SECONDED by Councillor Gilbert and

 

RESOLVED that the recommendation outlining the terms of the guarantee, as outlined in the Report, be approved.


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