23 September 2003

This notice is published at 5.00 pm on Wednesday 24 September 2003. The deadline for the receipt of requests to call-in any decision is 5.00 pm on Wednesday 01 October 2003. The decisions will come into force (if no valid call-in application is received) on Thursday 02 October 2003.

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

IN ATTENDANCE :Councillors G. Ellis, S.G.Hopley

(10:00 a.m. – 2:15p.m. )

C212

Minutes of the Meeting held on 09 September 2003

DECISION

To confirm as a true record the Minutes of the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 09 September 2003 subject to noting that Minute 172 should read “That the three Political Groups should  nominate a Member to serve on the Panel to judge the Award”.

C213

Matters Arising

C172 Ceredigion Award of Merit

The Chief Executive reported that a meeting of the Panel had been held last Friday and that the two winners of the Award in 2003 had been chosen with the Awards being given at the Annual Council dinner.

C214

Decisions called in

There were no decisions called in from the Scrutiny Committees in relation to the Meeting of the Cabinet held on 09 September 2003.

C215

Protection of Vulnerable Adults from Abuse-Annual Report

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Social Services upon the Protection of Vulnerable Adults from Abuse, Annual Report

DECISION;

(i) to note the increased activity on Vulnerable Adult Protection in 2002 as outlined in the Annual Report and the need to establish a Practitioners Group and support the newly formed Adult Protection Committee;

(ii) to note the implication for additional resources to continue to be built into business plans and growth for 2004/05; and

(iii) to note the implications for the continuation of funding of the Adult Protection Co-ordinator built into business plans and growth for 2004/05.

Reason for decision

Need to not the implications of the continuing funding requirements.

C216

Day Services Development Manager (DSDM) Confirmation of Post

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Social Services on  the need to confirm of the Day Services Development Manager post in the permanent establishment of the Social Services Department.

DECISION

To make the post a permanent post within the Learning Disability Services of the Social Services Department.

Reason for decision

Proven need for a permanent post within the Department.

C217

Improving Capacity in the Care Home Sector

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Social Services on Improving Capacity in the Care Home Sector by the way of the development of care home places on the Bro Dyfi site of Machynlleth Hospital.

DECISION

(i) to approve the proposal; and

(ii) to authorise the Director to complete the partnership arrangements with Powys Local Health Board subject to suitable terms and conditions, as outlined in the Report presented to Cabinet.

Reason for decision

To  increase  capacity in the Nursing Home provision for Ceredigion residents

C218

Affordable Broadband Telecommunications in Ceredigion

Consideration was given to the Report of the Chief Executive on Affordable Broadband Telecommunications in Ceredigion.

DECISION

(A)ADSL Enablement -

(i) to support an application for Objective 1 funding in partnership with BT and other appropriate organisations to enable the market town telephone exchanges to be upgraded to ADSL; and

(ii) to authorise officers to develop the proposal and report to Cabinet when details are developed in accordance with Objective 1 procedures and to forward a letter of intent to BT

(B)RABNET  (Rural Affordable Broadband Network)

(i) to support in principle an exploratory Phase 1 of the concept of RABNET to provide affordable broadband, utilising wireless technology and school internet feeds, where appropriate in partnership with the other public and private sector organisations; and

(ii) to receive further reports as the project is developed with detailed financial, human and legal implications.

(C)All other Villages

(i) to recognise that broadband needs to be ubiquitous; and

(ii) to consider further reports on how broadband can be delivered to all villages in Ceredigion utilising available technology, funding and processes established with Tier A and in particular Tier B proposals

(ii) to invite a representative appointed  by WAG, Michael Eaton, to make a presentation on Broadband Communications to Cabinet, and members of MOEGCG.

Reason for decision

To provide affordable broadband telecommunications throughout Ceredigion.

C219

Development of a Corporate Strategy approach for Ceredigion County Council

Consideration was given to the Report of the Chief Executive upon a Corporate Strategy approach for Ceredigion County Council.

DECISION

To adopt a working group approach between the Cabinet and Management Team to develop a draft Corporate Strategy and to report to Cabinet for adoption.

Reason for decision

To progress the Corporate Strategy and achieve a link between the Community Strategy and departmental and service plans.

C220

Cardigan Integrated Health and Social Care Project

Consideration was given to the request by Ceredigion Local Health Board for the support of the Council for the Cardigan Integrated Health and Social Care Project.

DECISION

To provide a letter of support for the project.

Reason for decision

In recognition of the Council’s support for the project.

[Councillors S.M.Morris and R.E. Thomas disclosed an interest under the Local Code of Conduct in the matter referred to in Minute C220.]

C221

Appointment of WLGA advisers

Consideration was given to a request from WLGA for the nomination of Advisers.

DECISION

To delegate authority to the Chief Executive to nominate 4 to 5 Advisers, as appropriate in consultation with the Leader.

Reason for decision

To support the work of the WLGA

C222

Review of relationship between the WLGA the LGA

Consideration was given to a letter from the WLGA concerning the review of the relationship between the Association and the LGA.

DECISION

(i)that the information provided was unclear; and

(ii) that further information was required upon the options for the future arrangements between the WLGA and LGA and to consider the mater when that information was received.

Reason for decision

Need to clarify the current situation.

C223

Report of the Local Government Data Unit-Wales Consultation ‘Developing a National Performance Measurement Framework for Local Government in Wales’

Consideration was given to the Report of the Chief Executive upon the need to respond the above mentioned consultation paper.

DECISION

To respond to the consultation paper ‘Developing a National Performance Measurement Framework for Local Government in Wales’ in accordance with comments contained in the Report.

Reason for decision

Need to respond to the WAG

C224

Welsh Assembly Government ‘s (WAG) Consultation Paper on Uplifting Enforcement Agents’ Fees for Council Tax and Non Domestic Rate Debts

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Finance upon the WAG Consultation Paper on Uplifting Enforcement Agents’ Fees for Council Tax and Non Domestic Rate Debts.

DECISION

(i) to agree that fees need uplifting and that it would be reasonable for the fees to  increase in accordance with the proposals to reflect the inflationary increases since 1998; and

(ii) that the proposed inflationary uplift would be sufficient increase.

Reason for decision

Need to respond to the WAG

C225

Council’s Approved Investment and Credit Criteria list under the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2003/04

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Finance upon the need to consider and approve a revised Approved Investment and Credit Criteria list under the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy for 2003/04.

DECISION

(i) to note the content of the report; and

(ii) to approve the list of investments and credit criteria a set out in Appendix B of the report

Reason for decision

To modify the criteria in accordance with advice

C226

Report of the Director of Finance on Departmental Reports for Information

DECISION

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

(i) Funding of Capital Expenditure for Dyfed Powys Magistrates Courts Committee

(ii) Budget for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2003/04 to August 2003

(iii) Controllable Revenue Budget Performance for County Fund 2003/04 to August 2003

(iv) 2003-2004 Capital Programme

C227

Countryside Research

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Environmental Services and Housing upon Countryside Research.

DECISION

To establish a Panel to consult on the questions raised in the Research Document and report back to Cabinet on their response to the research questions.

Reason for decision

To convey the authority’s priorities to WAG

C228

Homelessness Strategy

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Environmental Services and Housing upon the Homelessness Strategy.

DECISION

(i) to approve the Draft Strategy subject to any amendments that are deemed necessary, bearing in mind any comments received from partners and other agencies;

(ii) to commend the Draft Strategy for adoption by Council;

(iii) that it recognizes the increased statutory responsibilities and duties in respect of the Homelessness function render the current staffing insufficient; and

(iv) to agree that consideration be given to this issue during the budget process, bearing in mind substantial savings in net homelessness costs in recent years.

Reason for decision

To progress the preparation and adoption of the Homelessness Strategy by the Council

C229

Re-modelling of Warden Support in Sheltered Accommodation

Consideration was given to the Joint Report of the Director of Environmental Services and Housing and the Director of Social Services upon the Re-modelling of Warden Support in Sheltered Accommodation.

DECISION

(i) to support the proposal in principle, including the fact that there will be no longer a requirement for live in wardens at the Council’s sheltered housing schemes;

(ii) to support the development of a pilot scheme with “support workers” in the north of Ceredigion covering the sheltered schemes at Afallen Deg, Glynpadarn, Maes Gogerddan and Rheidol Place;

(iii) to authorise officers in DESH and DSS, in consultation with DF to develop the funding aspect of the proposal, with the view to covering costs from existing budgets and charges, including Supporting People funding, and any additional funding that may become available from the Welsh Assembly Government to support the Strategy for Older People; and

(iv) that DESH and DSS include Housing Associations such as Cymdeithas Tai Cantref in future discussion regarding the remodelling of the sheltered housing warden service where appropriate.

Reason for decision

To implement the re-modelling of the support provision in the Council’s sheltered housing schemes in line with the strategic plan for older people in Ceredigion.

C230

Business Plans

Consideration was given to the Business Plans submitted for the following Departments:-

§        Corporate and Legal Services

§        Education and Community Services

§        Environmental Services and Housing

§        Finance

§        Highways, Property and Works

§        Social Services

§        Personnel

DECISION

(i) to accept the Departmental Business Plans for Quarter 1 2003/04 subject to amending the “Percentage of turnout for local elections” target to 58% outlined in the Corporate and Legal Services Business Plan.

(ii) to approve the recommended actions as set out in each department’s report, subject to (iv) and (vi) below.

(iii) to agree that the Finance Department’s Revenue Services be not considered for outsourcing in partnership with neighbouring Authorities due to the evidence of recent, and continuing, improvement in performance;

(iv) to request the Personnel Officer to report on alternative options for dealing with recruitment and advertising costs before deciding whether to extend the existing contract requirements;

(v) to approve a reduction in the target for fly tipping to 2 days in the Department of Highways, Property and Works Business plan;

(vi) to request all Departments to report quarterly on the Corporate indicators for radical incidents and sickness absence;

(vii) DESH - NAWWPI 4.14 additional resources to be in accordance with the Homelessness Strategy; and

(viii) to agree that a more challenging target be considered next year for average rent lost per tenant - vacant dwellings and the appropriate actions be included in DHPW and DESH business plans to achieve this.

C231

Prisons in Ceredigion

Councillor G Ellis addressed the Committee on the possibility of a Prison in Ceredigion and its impact on the local economy . It was agreed that a report on this issue would be compiled and submitted to Cabinet for consideration.

C232

Presentation by Dwynwen Lloyd Raggett, Head of Theatre Felin-fach on “Community Animateurs”

The Chairman welcomed Dwynwen Lloyd Raggett to make a presentation on “Community Animateurs” Ms Raggett outlined the project in Ceredigion and how it would operate within five designated areas within Ceredigion.

DECISION

Following questions from the floor on this matter it was agreed that the Council agrees in principle to this project and further reports would be submitted to Cabinet on its progress as appropriate.

Exclusion of Public and Press

It was RESOLVED that the public and press be excluded from the Meeting during the consideration of the matters referred to in Minutes C233 to C236 below owing to the likely disclosure of exempt information as contained in Paragraphs 1, 4,7,8 and 9 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and in accordance with Section 100B(2) of the Act that papers are not available for public inspection.

C233

Ceredigion Catering Services

Consideration was given to the Joint Report of the Working Party on Ceredigion Catering Services.

DECISION

(i) to note the position for 2002/03;

(ii) to note that the 2003/04 budget would be revised later in the year;

(iii) to retain traditional home cooked meals, sourced wherever possible and practicable, from local suppliers

(iv) to agree that the following options, and their implications, be considered further and reported for consideration:

a) to rationalise high cost kitchens such that some become non producing kitchens;

b) meal price increase

c) re-tender the service

(v) to consider realigning budgets to ensure

adequate funding for future years;

(vi) a further report be presented to Cabinet on employees receiving free meals e.g. teachers

Reason for decision

Need to review the service in accordance with the findings of the Working Party.

C234

Development of a Specialist Care Home facility for People with Dementia

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Social Services on the Development of a Specialist Care Home facility for People with Dementia to meet the chronic shortfall identified in the provisions of the EMI facilities within Ceredigion, or within reasonable reach of the County.

DECISION

(i) endorse the proposal to designate MHA Care as preferred provider;

(ii) to authorise officers of the Authority to negotiate suitable terms and conditions with the preferred provider; and that

(iii) the Director of Social Services reports further to Cabinet on the progress of the negotiations

Reason for decision

To meet the chronic shortfall in specialist Elderly Mentally Ill Facilities within Ceredigion or within reasonable reach of Ceredigion

C235

RTC/64/03/UWB

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

DECISION

Not to support the application for the reason given in the Report.

Reason for decision

As detailed in the Report

C236

Recruitment and Retention Issues

Consideration was given to the Report of the Personnel Officer outlining a range of options aimed at addressing current recruitment and retention difficulties.

DECISION

(i) to authorise a job evaluation exercise on all non-teaching jobs across the authority immediately; and to authorise Personnel Officer to invite into discussion with staff representations and appropriate Trade Unions and to encourage consultants to undertake the work on behalf of the Council, to include staff at fourth tier level within the agreed category, the cost of the exercise to be met from the Council’s reserves, and the work to be commenced    as soon as possible and to make the necessary future financial commitment to future implementation of the evaluation;

(ii) that the Personnel Officer prepares a Work-life Balance Policy for consideration by Cabinet based on the findings of the task and finish group;

(iii) that the Health Authority service be treated in the same way as service with any public authority to which the Redundancy Payments Modification Order (Local Government ) 1983 (as amended) applies;

(iv) Heads of Department be requested to  identify potential traineeships and to include the employment and training costs as growth items in next years budget preparation round; and

(v) where a Head of Department feels that there may be capable internal candidates for a vacant post he/she may internally advertise the post (across the authority) in the first instance. Any internal applicants to then be rigorously assessed in the normal way against the person specification and an offer of an appointment mad only if the candidate meets all the selection criteria

Reason for decision

To aid the retention of existing staff and in order to attract candidates to unfilled posts within the department

Procedure - Urgent Business It was RESOLVED to note that the Chairman in exercise of his powers under Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 was of the opinion that the matters referred to in Minutes C237 below were for the attention of the Cabinet in view of the need to take an urgent decision

C237

Arriva’s withdrawal of Service 516 - Aberystwyth to Tregaron

Consideration was given to the Report of the Director of Highways, Property and Works on Arriva’s withdrawal of Services 516 - Aberystwyth to Tregaron

DECISION

To request “Brodyr James “ buses to provide the Service between Aberystwyth and Tregaron three times daily, any cost falling on the Council to be financed from the transfer of an appropriate sum from earmarked reserves.

Reason for decision

Need to re-instate the public transport service