9 September 2003

Notice of the Decisions of the Meeting of the CABINET held at the Council Chamber, Neuadd Cyngor Ceredigion, Penmorfa, Aberaeron on Tuesday 9 September 2003.

This notice is published at 5.00 pm on Wednesday 10 September 2003. The deadline for the receipt of requests to call-in any decision is 5.00 pm on Wednesday 17 September 2003. The decisions will come into force (if no valid call-in application is received) on Thursday 18 September 2003.

PRESENT: Councillor D.Ll. Evans (Chairman); Councillors W.G. Bennett, P W Eklund, E.J.K. Evans, A Ll Jones, R.P. Quant, S M Morris and R.E. Thomas.

IN ATTENDANCE: Councillors T J Adams-Lewis, B L Davies, H G Evans, P James and A Wilson.

(9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.)

C170

Personal

The Chairman congratulated the Authority’s schools on the excellent GCSE and A Level results which had been achieved again this year.

The Cabinet also congratulated the substantial number of young Ceredigion musicians who had taken part in the Three Counties Youth Musical Festivial in July and September.

C171

Minutes of the Meeting held on 15 July  2003

DECISION

To confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 July 2003 subject to correcting minute C164 (iv) by deleting the words “as part of the Cardigan Regeneration Initiative”.

C172

Matters Arising

Minute C125 Ceredigion Award of Merit.

The Director Of Corporate and Legal services reported that persons invited to form the adjudicating panel had indicated that they were unable to accept the invitation to judge the Award.

DECISION

To invite the three Groups on the Council to nominate one Political Member each to serve on the Panel to judge the Award.

Reason for decision

To appoint Members to serve on the Panel in place of the three original invitees.

C173

Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 July  2003

DECISION

To confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 18 July 2003.

C174

Decisions called in

There were no decisions called in from the Scrutiny Committees in relation to the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 15 & 18 July 2003.

C175

Charitable Relief under Section 43 & 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Finance on new applications received for Charitable Rate Relief under Sections 43 & 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1998.

DECISION;

(i) to adhere to the previous decision with regard to Highmead School, Llanybydder and, in accordance with policy, not to grant the 20% discretionary relief; and

(ii) to grant authority for the determination  of late applications by the Director of Finance in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Personnel in respect of applications received by 30th September 2003.

Reason for decision

Applications determined in accordance with the provisions of the Act and Council policy.

C176

Cheque Signatories

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Finance on the need to up-date Cheque Signatories.

DECISION

To approve the signatory list as outlined in the Report.

Reason for decision

To review and update the authorised signatories list.

C177

Bank of Scotland Reserve Account

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Finance upon the Bank of Scotland Reserve Account.

DECISION

(i) to authorise the Director of Finance to close the 30 day reserve account and open a replacement Business Current Account with the Bank of Scotland; and

(ii) that the usual authorised signatories be applied

Reason for decision

In order to obtain a better rate of interest for investments.

C178

Report of the Director of Finance on Departmental Reports for Information

DECISION

To note the following Reports of the Director of Finance for information:-

1.Ceredigion Community Grant Scheme

2. Rural Rate Relief subject to information being given to the appropriate Local Members of any businesses not claiming the Relief.

3. Budget for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2003/2004 to July 2003

4. Controllable Revenue Budget Performance for County Fund 2003/04 to July 2003

5. 2003-2004 Capital Programme subject to a press release being issued outlining the present situation with regard to applications for housing renovation grants.

[Councillors A Ll Jones and W G Bennett disclosed an interest under the Local Code of Conduct in the matter referred to in Item2 of Minute C178 above and left the Council Chamber during consideration thereof, taking no further part in the discussion thereon.]

C179

Bus Route

DECISION

The Director of Highways, Property and Works to report to the next Cabinet meeting the position with regard to the reported intention of the operator to cease the provision of the bus service that serve on Route Tregaron to Aberystwyth in the morning.

Reason for the decision

Cabinet requiring clarification of  any proposals.

C180

Welsh Government Strategy- “A Winning Wales” and WLGA responses together with the 2002/03 Annual Report.

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Corporate and Legal Services upon the Welsh Government Strategy- “ A Winning Wales” and WLGA responses together with the 2002/03 Annual Report.

DECISION

To note the contents of the reports.

C181

Reports of the Director of Highways Property and Works on departmental matters

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Highways, Property and Works upon departmental matters and the decision recorded in Minutes C182 to C194 below were taken.

C182

Adoption of Swn-y-Llethi Estate Road, Llanarth

DECISION

That the estate road known as Swn-y-Llethi, Llanarth as delineated on the plan attached to the Report of the Director of Highways, Property and Works be adopted as Council maintained under Section 38 Highway Act 1980.

Reason for decision

Road meets adoption standards.

C183

Road Safety Issues at A482 West of Ystrad Aeron

DECISION

(i) that external consultants be appointed to undertake the work;

(ii) that the work be funded from existing budgets; and

(iii) that the proposed brief be agreed with the local members prior to the consultants being appointed

Reason for decision

Need to investigate road safety issues fully.

C184

Road Safety Issues at A482 and B437 Temple Bar

DECISION

(i) that the draft proposals be taken forward to meet the timescale as outlined in the report:

(ii) that the proposed speed limit be consulted upon with the statutory consultees including the Local Member, Community Council and Police, and

(iii) to request the Director of Environmental Services and Housing to investigate whether the highway conditions applied to planning permissions for housing outlined in the Report had been fully met and to report back to Cabinet on whether further action was required.

Reason for decision

To carry out road safety improvements at this location.

C185

Young Drivers and Pass Plus Scheme

DECISION

To confirm the establishment of a Young Drivers and Pass Plus Scheme as detailed in the Report.

Reason for the decision

In accordance with the Council’s Road Safety Development policy.

C186

Proposed Community Biomass Energy Station, Tregaron

DECISION

(i) that subject to consultations with the School the Council supports the scheme in principle and confirms:

(ii) the use of the land as shown for an Energy Station subject to satisfactory agreement on price and technical considerations;

(iii) that the future purchase of heat and electricity from the Energy Station, subject to satisfactory agreement on price and technical considerations; and

(iv) that Sundance Renewables Limited be informed of the Council’s decision

Reason for decision

To support the  development of  a community owned Energy Station  in accordance with the Council’s Energy Usage Policy.

C187

Office Accommodation - Police Accommodation at Penmorfa, Aberaeron

DECISION

To make accommodation available for a new police station on the ground floor of the existing building at Penmorfa; as shown in the Report subject to planning approval and satisfactory terms and conditions.

Reason for decision

To provide suitable accommodation for the Police at Penmorfa.

C188

Council land adjoining the Library at New Quay

DECISION

That the land adjoining the Library at New Quay should not be sold.

Reason for decision

Land to be retained for possible future use by the Council.

C189

Purchase of Council Land at the Front of 4 Maesmaelor, Penparcau, Aberystwyth

DECISION

That the land be sold subject to agreement on the new steps, and on terms and conditions.

Reason for decision

Land surplus to requirements.

C190

County Farms - Non-Milk Producing Quota Holders

DECISION

(i) that negotiations be undertaken with the three tenants to buy back their fraction and release the Council’s (landlord) fraction;

(ii) that existing milk producing tenants of the estate be contacted to enquire whether or not they would be interested in purchasing further milk quota; and

(iii) the milk quota be allocated on a pro-rata basis to interested tenants

Reason for decision

In accordance with the recommendations of the Specialist Valuer on non milk producing milk quota holders appointed by the Council  to advise on this matter.

C191

56 Portland Street and Museum Storage Premises, Bath Street, Aberystwyth

DECISION

(i) not to agree to the sale of 56 Portland Street at this time, as it is required for office accommodation; and

(ii) to defer consideration relating to the sale of the Museum storage premises pending a further report to include details of the offer made by the proprietor to provide alternative premises for storage use by the Council.

Reason for decision

Need for further details in respect of the request.

C192

County Farms - Smallholdings at Tremain, near Cardigan

DECISION

(i) that the house, outbuildings and approximately three acres of land at Bronallt be offered for sale on the open market;

(ii) that if possible a condition be placed on the sale of the house similar to the condition placed on sale of Council houses, i.e. that the purchaser should be resident in the County for at least five years

(iii) the remaining land at Bronallt be subdivided between Maesllyn and Rhandir as shown on the plan; and

(iv) that further seven years farm tenancies of the enlarged holdings be offered to each of the current tenants from March 2004

Reason for decision

To retain and rationalise the County Farm Estate policy.

C193

Disposal of Land – WAG Relaxation of Consultation Arrangements

DECISION

To advise the Welsh Assembly Government as follows:-

(a) that any greater freedom to Councils to exercise responsible discretion is welcomed; and

(b) that the detailed responses as submitted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and CLAW should be taken into account in the final draft of the proposed Order

Reason for decision

Proposals for greater flexibility to Councils was welcomed.

C194

Reports of the Director of Highways, Property and Works on Departmental Reports for Information

DECISION

To note the following Reports of the Director of Highways, Property and Works for information:-

1.Building Control

2.Planning Applications

3.Tenders

4.Consent to Use Council Land

5.Petition - Ysgol Craig-yr-Wylfa, Borth

6.Petition - Regarding the enforcement of the 30mph speed limit, Clarach Road, Borth

7.Petition - Requesting Measures to reduce the speed of traffic on the B4337 at Ffynnon Oer, Felinfach

8.Highway Roundabout Options, TRA487 Aberteifi/Cardigan

9.Review of the Trunk Road Network in Wales

10.Staff Achievements

C195

Trunk Roads Agencies – WAG Review

DECISION

To forward to the Welsh Assembly Government the response being recommended by the Panel which had met earlier that morning to support the proposals for the creation of three Trunk Roads Agencies in Wales, with Ceredigion being placed in the Mid Wales Agency area.

Reason for the decision

In accordance with response prepared by the Panel and following consultation with Powys County Council.

C196

Education, Culture and Leisure Scrutiny Committee Summary on “Giving Voice to the Learner/Young Person”

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Education and Community Services on the observations and recommendations of the Education, Culture and Leisure Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to its review of “Giving Voice to the Learner/Young Person”

DECISION

To note the presentation and to defer consideration of the matter pending a detailed response on the issues raised by the Cabinet Member and Director.

Reason for the decision

Need for a detailed response to the report to be prepared to enable the matter to be considered fully.

C197

Junior Artisans Club (JAC) scheme at Llwyn yr Eos Community Primary School, Penparcau

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Education and Community Services on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommendations and observations of its work in relation to Junior Artisans Club (JAC) scheme at Llwyn yr Eos Community Primary School, Penparcau.

DECISION

(i) to note the content of the report and that a sum of ¦pound;8,000 was available from the education budget to continue the scheme in the current financial year; and

(ii) to request the Cabinet Member and Director to consider the recommendations concerning the enhancing of the scheme to other schools, as part of the 2004-2005 budget round; and

(iii) that the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning be invited to Ysgol Llwyn yr Eos to witness the project at work with a view to pursing the possibility of WAG funding.

Reason for the decision

Need to consider the recommendations as part in the context of Departmental Spending priorities.

C198

LEA Representatives on Governing Bodies

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Education and Community Services on LEA Representatives on Governing Bodies.

DECISION

To confirm the nominations of LEA Representatives on Governing Bodies namely

        Cllr L Ll Lloyd, Adsolwen, Nebo for UWCH ABERAERON

        Dr D Kelly, Bwa Bach, Capel Dewi, Aberystwyth for COMINS COCH

C199

Reports of the Director of Environmental Services and Housing on departmental matters

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Environmental Services and Housing upon departmental matters and the decision recorded in Minutes C200 to C204 below were taken.

C200

Council Housing – Amendment of Scheme for Internal Decoration

Scheme for External Decoration Grants

DECISION

(i) to agree that internal decoration grants can be offered to transferred tenants as well as new tenants in appropriate circumstances; and

(ii) to approve the adoption of an External Decoration Grant Scheme for Council dwellings on the basis of the draft proposal attached to the Report and subject to details of operation, updating of rates and any amendment being agreed between the Director of Environmental Services and Housing and the Director of Highways, Property and Works as necessary

Reason for decision

To facilitate the decoration of Council dwellings.

C201

Draft Local Housing Strategy

DECISION

(i) to approve the Draft Housing Strategy for the purpose of:-

a) submission to the Welsh Assembly Government as a draft

b) a basis for consultation

(ii) that the Draft Strategy be considered by Members in a specially convened workshop, as part of the consultation process, prior to a final draft being prepared for consideration by Cabinet early in 2004, with a view to adoption by Council in April 2004.

Reason for decision

To progress the preparation and adoption of a Housing Strategy for the Council.

C202

Planning Applications and Staffing Levels in the Development Control Section of the Department of Environmental Services and Housing

DECISION

To agree to the appointment of an additional planner and clerical officer to handle planning applications for a twelve month period in the first instance.

Reason for decision

In response to the current and envisioned level of planning applications.

C203

Unitary Development Plan

DECISION

To note progress and the timetable set out in the Report for the consideration of the representations received and the steps required to be undertaken prior to the proposed public inquiry.

Reason for decision

To progress with UDP towards the public inquiry and eventual adoption.

C204

Ceredigion UDP Housing Land Allocations

DECISION

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Environmental Services and Housing upon the paper of  Messers Mark Tewdwr-Jones & Nick Gallent on ‘An Evaluation of Housing Land Allocations in Ceredigion’, prepared for Simon Thomas MP and Elin Jones AM, referred to at the meeting of the Cabinet on 18 July.

DECISION

(a) to note the contents of the report of Mark Tewdwr-Jones and Nick Gallent including the conclusions and the recommendations;

(b) to note the contents of the report of the Director of Environmental Services and Housing;

(c) to note that further work will be undertaken on issues of needs and affordability; and

(d) to note that responses to the deposit version of the UDP will be considered later this year.

Reason for decision

To consider the Report with the other representations received on the Deposit Version of the UDP.

C205

Proposed  Petition in support of a Referendum under the Local Government Act 2000 for an Elected Mayer

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Corporate and Legal Services upon information that a petition in support of a Referendum under the Local Government Act 2000 was being organised within the County to seek support for an Elected Mayor and Cabinet.

DECISION

To recommend to Council:-

(i) to note the current position that a petition may be presented to the Council by the end of October 2003;

(ii) should a valid petition be received,

(a) to appoint a Proper Officer with authority to progress the steps needed to be taken in accordance with the statutory requirements;

(b) to earmark a sum of ¦pound;86,000 from contingencies or reserves in the current financial year to meet the verification process, consultation and possible referendum costs; and

(c) to include a sum of ¦pound;65,000 as a special item in the 2004/05 budget to meet the cost of a possible mayoral election

Reason for decision

The need to prepare for the possible receipt of a petition.

C206

Delegated Power to Vary Staffing Establishments

Consideration was given to the Report of the Personnel Officer upon the adoption of a delegated power to Directors to the vary  staffing establishments.

DECISION

(i) to recommend to Council that the additional delegated power be generated and included within the Councils Scheme of Delegation to Officers; and

 (ii) to authorise the Chief Executive and Directors to effect variations in the staffing establishment of their respective Departments up to and excluding Assistant Directors, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, and providing that the cost of such variations are met from within approved budgets and are satisfactory to the Chief Executive, Director of Finance and the Personnel Officer.

Reason for decision

To facilitate the management of human resources in Departments.

C207

Minutes of the Voluntary Liaison  Committee held on 7 May 2003

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the Voluntary Liaison Committee held on 7 May 2003

DECISON

To note the content of the minutes.

C208

Exclusion of public and press

It was RESOLVED in accordance with the Local Government act 1972 that the public and press be excluded from the meeting during the consideration of the matters referred to in Minute C209 to C211 below owing to the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 5, 7 and 9 (C209 and C210) and Paragraphs 7, 8, 9 and 13 (C211) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

C209

RTC/62/03/WAG

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Corporate and Legal Services on the support given by the Council, in principle, towards the above-mentioned Objective 1 application.

DECISION

To confirm the support given to the application as detailed in the Report.

Reason for decision

Application accords with Council objectives.

C210

RTC/63/03/WDA

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Corporate and Legal Services on a request to Council for support towards an Objective 1 application.

DECISION

To agree to support the application and that a letter of support be sent accordingly

Reason for decision

Application accords with Council objectives.

C211

Agreements and Licences

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Highways, Property and Works on Agreements and Licences.

DECISION

To note the details presented.

CHAIRMAN:

DATE: