Agenda, decisions and minutes

None.

The Interim Monitoring Officer read out a statement to Members in relation to decision making throughout Purdah, as follows:

As members may be aware (following on from the announcement of the general election) a period of Purdah commenced on 6 November. The agenda for this meeting was published on the 5 November. Further as you know this meeting has been scheduled for some time.

Section 2 of the Local Government Act 1986 as amended states that essentially councils “… should – not publish any material which, in whole or in part, appears to be designed to affect public support for a political party.”

In general councils should not issue any publicity which seeks to influence voters, and should ensure that publicity relating to policies and proposals from central government is balanced and factually accurate.

However, none of this means that the ordinary functions of the council cannot continue.

We have reviewed the agenda tonight. We do not consider that there will be any breach of Purdah restrictions here if the reports are considered by Cabinet.  We have taken independent advice from the LGA in this regard.

However we would appreciate if members could be aware that we are in the Purdah period and try and confine their comments to what is factual and objective.

Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 16 October 2019 attached to be signed as a correct record.

Decision made (Unanimously):

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 16 October 2019 be approved as a correct record for signing by the Leader of the Council.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

Jane Blundell, Interim Section 151 Officer declared a personal interest in Item 20.

Cabinet Forward plan for the 12 month period 1 November 2019 to 31 October 2020 attached.

The Forward Plan had been amended since the publication of the agenda to reflect that some items would now be considered after the purdah period.

Decision made (Unanimously):

That the Cabinet forward plan be noted.

Recommendations from the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel being held on Monday 11 November 2019 attached.

The Cabinet considered the recommendations with the relevant items 6 and 13 to provide some context to the suggestions.

Decision made (Unanimously):

That the Cabinet accept and will action all the recommendations of the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel held on 11 November 2019.

Report of the Interim Chief Executive attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes that the performance summary outlined within Quarter 2, reflects the deliverables and priorities identified by the previous administration and Corporate Plan, approved February 2019.

2.    Cabinet note the update in progress on implementation of the approved Corporate Plan, September 2019.

3.    Cabinet note a correction to the report on Quarter 1, against the measure reported on a number of complaints. It was reported that 38 complaints were made, however this should have been 31.

4.    Cabinet agree an amendment to the following measures for future reporting based on trend and narrative rather than applying a RAG rating approach:

·         Number of complaints Resolved;

·         % of Complaints Upheld

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster, presented a report of the Interim Chief Executive that updated on the Quarter 2 performance against those programmes, projects and key performance indicators agreed by the Council within the Corporate Plan approved in February and refreshed and approved in September 2019.

At the end of Quarter 2, the Council could report that of the 32 live projects contained within the Corporate Plan, 31 were on track.

At the request of the Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel, further information had been provided on homelessness in the Borough and what the Council is doing to alleviate it. The report detailed the duty of the Council, the reasons why people present as homeless or at risk, the role of temporary accommodation and bed and breakfast and the work that had been undertaken on the Homeless Strategy Review.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes that the performance summary outlined within Quarter 2, reflects the deliverables and priorities identified by the previous administration and Corporate Plan, approved February 2019.

2.    Cabinet note the update in progress on implementation of the approved Corporate Plan, September 2019.

3.    Cabinet note a correction to the report on Quarter 1, against the measure reported on a number of complaints. It was reported that 38 complaints were made, however this should have been 31.

4.    Cabinet agree an amendment to the following measures for future reporting based on trend and narrative rather than applying a RAG rating approach:

·         Number of complaints Resolved;

·         % of Complaints Upheld

Reason(s) for the decision:

In line with the Council’s performance framework, performance reports for all quarters (Quarters 1, 2, 3 and 4) are considered by the Council’s Leadership Team, Scrutiny Budget and Performance Panel and Cabinet, with a final annual report being considered by Full Council at the end of the financial year.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.

Director of Neighbourhoods and Development attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the information contained within the report.

2.    Cabinet approves the expansion of the scheme to include further areas and the development of a Pantry project.

3.    Cabinet approves a Holiday Hunger budget of £60,000 over a four year period and authorises expenditure on this scheme up to the overall budget.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health, Wellbeing and Leisure), Councillor Mick Titherington, presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development that provided an evaluation of a pilot project that had run over the six weeks summer holidays of 2019, in the Broad field area. The report also sought to extend the project.

The project contributed to the development of a sustainable approach to reducing holiday hunger in South Ribble, when children do not have access to free school meals.

Members thanked staff for delivering the project in such a short space of time and feedback received had proved its popularity within the community. In future, greater emphasis would be placed into ensuring that similar projects were aligned to make better use of resources. The vision was to develop the scheme Borough wide.

It would be difficult to find out how many people used the scheme due to promoting anonymity to break down barriers within the community, however, the Cabinet Member gave assurances that every effort would be made to ensure that the scheme would reach those in need.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the information contained within the report.

2.    Cabinet approves the expansion of the scheme to include further areas and the development of a Pantry project.

3.    Cabinet approves a Holiday Hunger budget of £60,000 over a four year period and authorises expenditure on this scheme up to the overall budget.

Reason(s) for the decision:

This is a key part of the Corporate Plan to tackle poverty and to ensure residents can live in a place where they can be happy, healthy and safe.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not to run the project at all, but based on the research undertaken as highlighted in the report, children from poorer backgrounds were more likely to report loneliness and hunger during the summer holidays, and were less likely to spend time with friends or engage in physical activities.

Not to expand the pilot, but as shown there would be areas of deprivation that would miss out on the project.

Report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the progress made in planning a Borough music event.

2.    Cabinet approves the delivery of a music event linked to Leyland Festival in June 2020, in partnership with Leyland Town Team.

3.    Cabinet approves a spend of £75,000 to secure performers and infrastructure, and to underwrite the overall cost of the event.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health, Wellbeing and Leisure), presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development that updated on progress made in the planning of a Borough music event. The report also sought approval of a £75,000 spend to secure performers and infrastructure.

The Music Festival would take place on the eve of the Leyland Festival, taking place on 19-21 June 2020, and market the two events as one, namely the Big Weekend.

Members considered Worden Park to be a great asset that could be utilised more to raise revenue. It was hoped that the music event could grow to be as big as the Lytham Festival and become one of the must see festivals on the circuit.

Whilst in support of the event, ward Councillors expressed reservations on how the festival would impact local residents and asked that the Council work closely with the community on the preparations

The Cabinet Member gave assurances that due regard would be given to all aspects of safety and parking options so that disruptions to residents would be kept to a minimum.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the progress made in planning a Borough music event.

2.    Cabinet approves the delivery of a music event linked to Leyland Festival in June 2020, in partnership with Leyland Town Team.

3.    Cabinet approves a spend of £75,000 to secure performers and infrastructure, and to underwrite the overall cost of the event.

Reason(s) for the decision:

To gain approval to spend and move the music event forward to the next stage of preservation. Given the Corporate Plan commitment to deliver an event in summer 2020, much of the preparation needs to begin in November 2019.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The first alternative consideration was to commission an external provider to run the event on the Council’s behalf. This was discounted on grounds of affordability, as well as potential negative impact on the long-standing and successful relationship with Leyland Festival Committee.

The second alternative consideration was to transfer the new budget in its entirely to Leyland Town Team. In agreement with the Chair of the Town Team, this was rejected as not in keeping with the desired model of partnership delivery.

Report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet supports the implementation of a two year pilot costed programme of youth activities and initiatives as outlined in the report to effectively tackle crime and disorder.

2.    Cabinet supports the creation of a new two year fixed term post of Youth Support Officer to lead on the new programme. Post to be filled through a secondment process.

3.    Cabinet supports the development of a Youth programme done in partnership with Community Safety partners and the South Ribble Partnership to ensure sustainability and long-term measurable outcomes are achieved for individuals, groups and local communities within targeted areas of South Ribble.

4.    Cabinet authorises revenue expenditure on this scheme over a two year period up to the overall budget value of £120,000, in year one and a second revenue cost of £85,000, to be funded from the Sports Development reserve budget for the two years of the initial project.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Health, Wellbeing and Leisure), Councillor Mick Titherington, presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development that set out a programme of proposed activity to support targeted groups of young people in South Ribble.

The report proposed how the programmes of activity would be set up and costed for an initial period of two years. The proposed initiative is part of a wider programme to support vulnerable groups using physical, social and wellbeing activity as a catalyst, to be led by our Sports Development and Leisure Services teams supported by the Community Involvement team to improve health and wellbeing along with reducing anti-social behaviour.

The proposal will meet the aims of the Corporate Plan and additionally will support key partners to provide a public health focus response, with the addition of diversionary and educational activities.

The new approach is supported by the local police who have recently remodelled their Neighbourhood Policing Teams, to meet current demands with the ambition to ‘keep people safe and feeling safe’.

The new initiative and policing model was fully supported, however there was still other sources of funding available that the Council could tap into and the  Cabinet Member was urged to keep lobbying the Police and Crime Commissioner, through the Police and Crime Panel to ensure that South Ribble received the right amount of funding for the area.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet supports the implementation of a two year pilot costed programme of youth activities and initiatives as outlined in the report to effectively tackle crime and disorder.

2.    Cabinet supports the creation of a new two year fixed term post of Youth Support Officer to lead on the new programme. Post to be filled through a secondment process.

3.    Cabinet supports the development of a Youth programme done in partnership with Community Safety partners and the South Ribble Partnership to ensure sustainability and long-term measurable outcomes are achieved for individuals, groups and local communities within targeted areas of South Ribble.

4.    Cabinet authorises revenue expenditure on this scheme over a two year period up to the overall budget value of £120,000, in year one and a second revenue cost of £85,000, to be funded from the Sports Development reserve budget for the two years of the initial project.

Reason(s) for the decision:

To bring forward a tangible programme of activity, working with our Community Safety Partners to look at how we can fund activities that effectively tackle crime and disorder. This is a key part of the Corporate Plan to ensure that our residents can live in a place where they can be happy, healthy and safe. Where we see poverty, we can tackle it, where we see poor health we will offer opportunities for wellness, and where people want to learn and develop we will do what we can to provide opportunities to grow.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The Council could choose to do nothing in this area of work. There  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

Report of the Director of Customer and Digital attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the outcomes of the consultation.

2.    Cabinet recommends to Council the amendment of the scheme to reflect the removal of the minimum payment (£3.50 charge for passported claimants).

3.    Cabinet notes the further work undertaken in relation to the second homes and empty homes premium.

4.    Cabinet notes the budget implications.

The Cabinet Member (Community Engagement, Social Justice and Wealth Building), Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder, presented a report of the Director of Customer and Digital that provided an update on the outcome of the consultation exercise carried out with preceptors and residents in relation to proposed changes to the Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS). The consultation will inform the proposal for introducing an amended scheme for the year 2020/21. Members were also provided with a copy of the consultation documentation appended to the report.

The report set out the outcomes from the consultation undertaken in line with Government guidance and legislation. The report also provided a rationale for an amendment to the existing scheme which will in effect remove the minimum payment of £3.50 for passported claimants. The Cabinet agreed that this work was now complete.

The Cabinet Member thanked officers for providing a report that was easy to understand for such a complex subject and asked Members to leave any debate to the Council meeting on 29 January 2020, when the report on the amended scheme would be considered for decision.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the outcomes of the consultation.

2.    Cabinet recommends to Council the amendment of the scheme to reflect the removal of the minimum payment (£3.50 charge for passported claimants).

3.    Cabinet notes the further work undertaken in relation to the second homes and empty homes premium.

4.    Cabinet notes the budget implications.

Reason(s) for the decision:

The Council is committed to protecting the most vulnerable applicants and would like to increase the financial assistance available to them by increasing support available for certain vulnerable groups.

The adoption of a revised Council Tax Support Scheme (CTSS) is a priority in the refreshed Corporate Plan.

To ensure that any future, new or revised scheme reduces the burden of Universal Credit and satisfies the statutory requirement within the localisation of Council Tax Support that consultation must take place with major preceptors and residents.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Contained within the proposals in the report. Options 1, 2 and 3.

Report of the Assistant Director of Property and Housing attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet supports a review being undertaken of the Council’s commercial investment property portfolio which will assess the performance of assets, develop the asset management plan and inform strategy for acquisitions and disposals.

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, presented a report of the Assistant Director of Property and Housing that provided Cabinet with an update on the suggested approach for undertaking a strategic review of the investment property portfolio.

The Cabinet Member reported that the Council owned around 700 assets across the Borough but did not have much information as to why we own some of our assets. However, occupancy rates were good. The review would evaluate which assets should be retained or disposed of, for the benefit of residents.

In response to a query the Cabinet Member clarified that discussions were in an advance stage for the letting of the vacant space available on the Civic Centre and they were confident that the building would be filled to capacity in the near future.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet supports a review being undertaken of the Council’s commercial investment property portfolio which will assess the performance of assets, develop the asset management plan and inform strategy for acquisitions and disposals.

Reason(s) for decision:

It is important that the Council develops a rigorous and robust approach to managing its assets in order to ensure that returns are maximised, managed and mitigated, and a clear process is put in place to address any under-performing assets.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The Council could choose not to undertake a review. However, it is evident that there is a pressing need for greater clarity and assurance in relation to the performance of the commercial asset portfolio and it is essential that the Council adopts a pro-active approach to managing and minimising any risks which are highlighted through the review.

Report of the Assistant Director of Property and Housing attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet approves the development for 15 dwellings and proposed scheme mix for the site for the purposes of providing affordable housing.

2.    Cabinet approves to enhance the scheme to the Passivhaus standard.

3.    Cabinet agrees in principle to commit Section 106 and other funding to finance the scheme and recommends to Council that Section 106 and other funding should be committed to take this scheme forward.

4.    That Cabinet approves the proposal to be developed into a planning application.

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, presented a report of the Assistant Director of Property and Housing that updated on the development appraisal for the former McKenzie Arms site, off Station Road in Bamber Bridge, with a view to developing the site for housing. The Business Case for the site was confidentially appended to the report.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Paul Foster commented that an audit had been undertaken by Lancashire County Council on the approval process for the purchase, the results of which would be published in the public domain in the New Year.

The Cabinet Member explained that a development appraisal had been completed which recommended redevelopment of the site to provide 15 dwellings for affordable housing. The development would comprise of 3, three bedroom Townhouses, 9, one bedroom apartments and 3, two bedroom apartments. There is a healthy demand for all three types of properties.

The properties have been designed to high environmental and energy efficiency standards and there is potential to develop an exemplar Passivhaus scheme design. Development of the scheme would also be dependent on obtaining planning permission.

There were a number of reasons for the funding gap of £704,819, for the total costs of the scheme against its value, that included a high quality design and meeting national guidance on space standards (circa 30% bigger than what is typically provided by the market), rental values are low and subsequently the payback period for the scheme is circa 37 years. This gap would have to be met by the Council.

Members queried if it was better to spend the £700k to buy additional family homes, so that the scheme could benefit more people. The Council could still build homes to a higher standard than what is currently available on the market. The Cabinet Member explained that the Council were committed to providing a high quality build for its residents that would stay in Council ownership. The Leader of the Council added, that this was the first of many schemes aimed at providing affordable homes to residents across the Borough and included a wide range of different housing schemes.

A request was made to update the Investment Property Strategy to include the Affordable Housing proposals.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet approves the development for 15 dwellings and proposed scheme mix for the site for the purposes of providing affordable housing.

2.    Cabinet agrees to enhance the scheme to the Passivhaus standard.

3.    Cabinet agrees in principle to commit Section 106 and other funding to finance the scheme and recommends to Council that Section 106 and other funding should be committed to take this scheme forward.

4.    That Cabinet approves the proposal to be developed into a planning application.

Reason(s) for the decisions:

The decision taken will meet the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities in relation to delivering different models to provide quality homes that people can afford to live in whether they choose home ownership or rented accommodation.

The decision shall  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

Report of the Interim Section 151 Officer attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the report.

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, presented a report of the Interim Section 151 Officer that provided an update on the Councils overall financial position as at the end of September 2019, Quarter 2 of the financial year 2019/20.

The report also provided a forecast of the projected outturn to 31 March 2020 compared to the current approved budget and explains what the differences are and what impact they will have.

The Cabinet Member reported that the revenue outturn forecast for 2019/20 is a net saving of £515,000 which represents a variance of 3.5% of the total net budget requirement. A breakdown of how this had been achieved was provided within the report.

In response to a query around the purchase of assets, the Cabinet Member explained that the current Strategy had an allocated budget spend and that the Cabinet’s current intention was to keep within this amount. The current Investment Strategy would be circulated to all Members of the Council.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the report.

Reason(s) for the decision:

Robust financial monitoring, including scrutiny and challenging information, is a crucial aspect of running a successful and effective organisation.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.

Report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet approves the use of the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) framework to tender for the contract for supply of fuel to enable continued operation of the Council’s fleet of vehicles and those of our waste partner FCC Environmental.

2.    Cabinet grants delegated authority to the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member (Environment) to award the contract for supply of fuel obtained through a framework agreement.

The Cabinet Member (Environment), Councillor Susan Jones, presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development that sought approval of the use of Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation Framework for the tender of the contract for fuel oil procurement. The report also sought approval of delegated authority for awarding of the contract.

The Council purchases diesel fuel and gas oil for the operation of its fleet of vehicles, plant and equipment; in addition fuel is also supplied to our waste partner FCC Environmental to facilitate their contracts with both South Ribble and Chorley Councils. Fuel is supplied to FCC Environmental at cost plus and administration charge of 6%, realising an income of approximately £23k an annum.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet approves the use of the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) framework to tender for the contract for supply of fuel to enable continued operation of the Council’s fleet of vehicles and those of our waste partner FCC Environmental.

2.    Cabinet grants delegated authority to the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development in consultation with the Cabinet Member (Environment) to award the contract for supply of fuel obtained through a framework agreement.

Reason(s) for the decision:

To enable the Council to procure fuel for the operation of its vehicles and plant and those of its waste partner FCC Environmental in an efficient and effective manner offering best value for money.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Previously the Council has a concluded a mini competition through the Chest procurement system, this can prove labour intensive and the prices realised are not as competitive as those realised via the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation due to combined volumes purchased.

Report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet note the Preston and South Ribble Flood Management Scheme proposals and will provide on-going support, feedback and suggestions to help shape/inform the ongoing process.

2.    Cabinet agrees to work with the Environment Agency to deliver improvements as part of the Green Links programme along the River Ribble and Darwen which will include a range of works to pathways, woodlands and open spaces.

The Cabinet Member (Environment), Councillor Susan Jones, presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development that provided information on the Preston and South Ribble Flood Management Scheme.

The existing Preston and South Ribble flood defences were built between the 1960’s and the 1980’s. These defences are now reaching the end of their design life and are required to be either repaired, raised or replaced. Additionally some locations will require new flood defences.

The Environment Agency have secured all the funding necessary for the scheme but not for the enhancements that may be required following the series of public engagement events. The Council have been asked to look to fund some additional enhancement for the scheme which will include a range of works to pathways, woodlands and open spaces along the River Ribble and Darwen.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet note the Preston and South Ribble Flood Management Scheme proposals and will provide on-going support, feedback and suggestions to help shape/inform the ongoing process.

2.    Cabinet agrees to work with the Environment Agency to deliver improvements as part of the Green Links programme along the River Ribble and Darwen which will include a range of works to pathways, woodlands and open spaces.

Reason(s) for the decision:

The Council is focused on ensuring South Ribble remains a great place to live and work by protecting green and open spaces and safeguarding our environment. The protection for our residents and businesses against flooding is essential especially for residents living near the River Ribble and River Darwen. The Council want our residents to feel that where they live is a place where they can be happy, healthy and safe.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Do nothing or reduce the scheme. The flood risk modelling has shown that the residents and businesses in the area are at significant risk of flooding and that the current defences are coming to an end of their design life and are required to be either repaired, raised or replaced.

Report of the Director of Planning and Property attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    That following the end of the consultation period, Cabinet agree to forward the Memorandum of Understanding on Housing Provision and Distribution to Council appended to the report, together with a report on the outcome of the consultation for consideration.

The Cabinet Member (Planning, Regeneration and City), Councillor Bill Evans, presented a report of the Director of Planning and Property that provided an update on housing numbers in relation to the Central Lancashire Local Plan. The report also sought approval to agree a Memorandum of Understanding on the approach across Central Lancashire.

The Cabinet Member explained that housing numbers are a keystone of the Local Plan process. The current housing number for South Ribble was established in the Central Lancashire Core Strategy which was adopted in 2012 and confirmed in a Memorandum of Understanding from September 2017.

Since then there have been significant changes in national government policy through changes to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Guidance (NPPG). There has also been the introduction of a Government standard method of calculation of housing need.

The new Local Plan for Central Lancashire is, however, only at an early stage with Issues and Options being consulted upon from November 2019. The new Local Plan will take at least another 2 years to be adopted therefore it is imperative to establish an interim position on housing numbers across the Central Lancashire area.

A short period of consultation with interested parties such as house builders, developers and planning agents was commenced at the beginning of November, the responses of which will be reported to Council at the end of the month.

The Director of Planning and Property explained that prior to the meeting, the Council had received a letter from PWA Planning who had sought advice on the approach being taken and found it to be unlawful. It was however stressed that a decision would not be taken at this meeting and that any decision taken by Council would be following the undertaking of all necessary consultation.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    That following the end of the consultation period, Cabinet agree to forward the Memorandum of Understanding on Housing Provision and Distribution to Council appended to the report, together with a report on the outcome of the consultation for consideration.

Reason(s) for the decision:

It is important that a revised and up to date position on housing requirements for the Central Lancashire are is established. Government challenges authorities to ensure a 5 years’ supply of deliverable homes and also ensure delivery matches need. It is felt that the current provision and distribution in the Central Lancashire Core Strategy needs updating to reflect the most up to date circumstances prior to the adoption of a new Local Plan in 2022.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

To continue with the current Local Plan figure of 417 homes per annum. This would however, put South Ribble at risk against measures on supply and delivery and it is felt that this does not reflect the housing needs arising in the Borough.

To consider the exclusion of the press and public for the following items of business on the ground that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

By Virtue of Paragraph 1: Information relating to any individual.

Condition:

Information is exempt to the extent that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Information is not exempt if it relates to proposed development for which the local planning authority may grant itself planning permission pursuant to Regulation 3 of the Town & Country Planning General Regulations 1992(a).

By Virtue of Paragraph 3: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Condition:

Information is not exempt if it is required to be registered under-

The Companies Act 1985

The Friendly Societies Act 1974

The Friendly Societies Act 1992

The Industrial and Provident Societies Acts 1965 to 1978

The Building Societies Act 1986 (recorded in the public file of any building society, within the meaning of the Act)

The Charities Act 1993

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    That the press and public be excluded from the meeting.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    That the press and public be excluded from the meeting.

Report of the Director of Neighbouhoods and Development attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet approves the recommendations in the confidential report.

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, presented a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods and Development that sought approval to commit capital expenditure and accept the most economically advantageous tenders for the procurement of the vehicles.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet approves the recommendations in the confidential report.

Reason(s) for the decision:

To enable the continued delivery of services to residents of the Borough through the provision of effective and suitable vehicles.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The retention of the existing vehicles was considered however maintenance costs for these vehicles has now started to show a steep increase, in addition, over time these vehicles will be unreliable leading to a deterioration in the service. It will also remove the opportunity to reduce current levels of particulates released into the air and reduce air pollution within the Borough.

Consideration was also given to contract hire.

Report of the Director of Policy and Governance attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the consultation responses appended to the report.

2.    Cabinet notes the changes to the structure in line with the consultation responses, given that the original report was approved at full Council;

3.    Cabinet approves the final structure for the Shared Management Accountants team.

The Interim Section 151 Officer, Jane Blundell left the meeting.

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, presented a report of the Director of Policy and Governance (Chorley Council), that briefed Members on the outcome of a review of, and amendments to, the existing shared services for finance between South Ribble and Chorley Borough Council.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet notes the consultation responses appended to the report.

2.    Cabinet notes the changes to the structure in line with the consultation responses, given that the original report was approved at full Council;

3.    Cabinet approves the final structure for the Shared Management Accountants team.

Reason(s) for the decision:

To align the two currently separate management accountancy services more closely and better support the ambition at both councils to expand shared services.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The structure in the original report was rejected and has been adjusted as part of the consultation process.

Report of the Director of Policy and Governance attached.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet approves the final structure of the Financial Systems and Exchequer Services.

The Cabinet Member (Finance, Property and Assets), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, presented a report of the Director of Policy and Governance (Chorley), that briefed members on a review of, and amendments to, the existing shared services for finance between South Ribble and Chorley Borough Councils.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    Cabinet approves the final structure of the Financial Systems and Exchequer Services.

Reason(s) for the decision:

To create a permanent structure that provides necessary support to both Councils whilst improving resilience and effectiveness of the service.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.