Cabinet Members will be asked to make any declarations of interest in respect of items on this agenda.  A flowchart providing guidance on interests is attached to assist councillors.

There were no declarations of interest made by councillors in accordance with the code of conduct in relation to items under consideration at this meeting.

To sign and confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2013.

Agreed the minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2013.

To receive questions from the public in accordance with the Constitution.

Questions, of no longer than 50 words, can be submitted to the Democratic Support Unit, Plymouth City Council, Civic Centre, Plymouth, PL1 2AA, or email to democraticsupport@plymouth.gov.uk. Any questions must be received at least five clear working days before the date of the meeting.

There were no questions from the public for this meeting.

To receive reports on business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be brought forward for urgent consideration.

The Chair reported that Mike Sullivan had been appointed as the city’s first Poet Laureate which was an honorary role. He would undertake this role for a year and would be a critical friend on cultural and arts’ issues.  

The Chair reported that this item related to negotiated property deals and would be considered in private at the end of the meeting as it was likely that it would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.  The decision was also an urgent key decision and would be implemented immediately after the meeting, with the consent of Councillor James (Chair of the Co-operative Scrutiny Board).  

The Director for Place will submit a report on the city celebrations and events in 2014, the benefits to the city of hosting these events and seeking approval of a financial commitment to facilitate these significant celebration events including the 350^th anniversary event of the Royal Marines on the Hoe.

Anthony Payne (Director for Place) submitted a report on the city celebrations and events in 2014, the benefits to the city of hosting these events and seeking approval of a financial commitment to facilitate these significant celebration events including the 350^th anniversary event of the Royal Marines on the Hoe in July 2014.

Councillor Peter Smith (Deputy Leader) introduced the proposals and indicated that the visitor economy was worth £307m to the city.  In order to support the event for the Royal Marines, infrastructure would be required on the Hoe, costs for which would be covered through ticket and commercial sales.  During the same week, it was proposed to hold a celebration music event to commemorate the 100^th anniversary of the City of Plymouth.  The additional revenue budget required to deliver these events was £395k.

David Draffan (Assistant Director for Economic Development) reported that the programme of events demonstrated the city’s commitment to culture and hoped that the public would support the events. Amanda Lumley (Chief Executive, Destination Plymouth) and Jamie Yabsley (Visitor and Events Manager) also attended the meeting for this item.

Councillor Lowry (Cabinet Member for Finance) also referred to the recent announcement that the city would be hosting a stopover for the sailing event La Solitaire du Figaro, which had received significant media coverage and could attract 10,000 visitors per day. 

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreedadditional funding of £395,000 to support a major series of events in 2014 including the Royal Marines 350^th anniversary celebrations and a major musical event to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the City.

(Following the meeting, the Council was in discussion with a key third party promoter for the event who was insisting that in order to secure the national/ international promotion of the events they required the contracts signed by 18 December 2013.  Accordingly, in the interests of the Council and the public, and with the consent of Councillor James (Chair of the Co-operative Scrutiny Board) and Councillor Evans (Council Leader), the decision was implemented on 16 December 2013).

Councillor Evans (Council Leader) will update members on the progress of the City Deal bid.

Anthony Payne (Director for Place) reported on the current position of the City Deal bid and indicated that Councillor Evans (Council Leader) had led a delegation including representatives of Plymouth University to meet with four government ministers in early November 2013.  He had presented the proposals which focussed on the marine sector (marine engineering and manufacturing) and included partnership working across Cornwall, Devon Somerset and Torbay.  The bid had received support with regard to the business support and the skills agenda and a decision was expected shortly on funding requests and the proposal relating to South Yard.

Councillor Evans in particular highlighted the work of Patrick Hartop (Senior Policy, Performance and Partnerships Adviser) in progressing this bid and recognised the team effort in order to get to this position.

The Director for Place will submit a report on the EU Structural and Investment Fund Strategy and will detail what funding will be potentially available, how and why the Local Enterprise Partnership is developing this strategy, how the City Council are assisting in developing it and what the implications of the Local Enterprise Partnership’s strategy are for the City Council and the city as a whole.

Anthony Payne (Director for Place) submitted a report on the EU Structural and Investment Fund Strategy (SIF) and detailed -

Councillor Evans (Council Leader) introduced the item.

David Draffan (Assistant Director for Economic Development) indicated that the EU programme would support the city’s ambitious programme for growth and jobs.

Chris Grace (Head of Economy) advised that the date for completion of the strategy was 31 January 2014 and that the SIF would sit alongside the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) which was currently being developed.  The SEP was the overarching document that would determine the LEP’s aims and would be used to bid for the competitive part of the Local Growth Fund. 

Julia Blaschke (EU and Funding Officer) also attended the meeting for this item.

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreed –

The Director for Place will submit a report seeking approval for a number of land transactions that will enable significant development in the north of Plymouth, including a new Seaton Neighbourhood, Forder Valley Link Road, Community Park and a new two form entry primary school. 

A separate private report is also submitted which contains commercially sensitive information.

Anthony Payne (Director for Place) submitted a report seeking approval for a number of land transactions that would enable significant development in the north of Plymouth, including a new Seaton Neighbourhood, Forder Valley Link Road, Community Park and a new two form entry primary school. 

A separate private report was also submitted which contained commercially sensitive information and was referred to in minute 83 below.

Councillor Lowry (Cabinet Member for Finance) introduced the proposals which had secured £4m of funding for the new school, included 873 new homes which would attract £8.3m of New Homes Bonus, new local shops, 275 construction jobs, Section 106 and Community Infrastructure Levy payments in addition to the link road and community park, totalling £21m.  

Councillor Williams (Cabinet Member for Children and Young People) welcomed the proposal for a new school in particular.

Cabinet Members thanked Matt Ward (Principal Surveyor) and David James (Head of Strategic Development Projects) for their hard work and paid tribute to the whole team for their work on the proposals presented today.

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreedin accordancewith the detailsprovidedin the report, –

The City Council is Recommended to include the acquisition of the NHS land  detailed in the report and the associateduseof a loan fromthe Council’s InvestmentFund of£2.170m inthe CapitalProgramme2013- 2015.

The Director for People will submit a report on the rising numbers in primary schools and the progress of action to meet the demand for primary school places in the city, known as ‘basic need’ following the allocation of Targeted Basic Need Capital.

The report will set out consultation proposals for in year expansion of the Planned Admission Numbers for reception age pupils at Widewell, Woodford, Holy Cross RC, Woodfield, Pennycross and St Peter’s CE Primary Schools.

The report will also seek approval of the funding to build a new two form entry school with early year’s provision to replace current provision at Knowle Primary School and a new classroom at St Peter’s CE Primary School.   

Carole Burgoyne (Director for People) submitted a report on the rising numbers in primary schools and the progress of action to meet the demand for primary school places in the city, known as ‘basic need’ following the allocation of Targeted Basic Need Capital.

The report set out consultation proposals for in year expansion of the Planned Admission Numbers for reception age pupils at Widewell, Woodford, Holy Cross RC, Woodfield, Pennycross and St Peter’s CE Primary Schools.

The report also sought approval of the funding to build a new two form entry (FE) school with early year’s provision to replace current provision at Knowle Primary School and a new classroom at St Peter’s CE Primary School.  

Councillor Williams (Cabinet Member for Children and Young People) introduced the proposals which demonstrated the Council’s commitment to investing in the school estate and had, in part, been drawn up following her visit to Knowle Primary School.  

Jayne Gorton (School Organisation Access and Services to Schools Manager) indicated that unusually all the bids put forward for funding had been successful which had enabled the investment to be made.

Cabinet Members thanked the team who had drawn up the bids and looked forward to receiving progress reports. 

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreed –

The City Council is recommended to amend the Capital Programme to include the allocation of an additional -

The Director for Place will submit a report seeking approval of funding for a scheme to provide replacement toilets at Quay Point and Elphinstone Car Park, The Barbican.  

Anthony Payne (Director for Place) submitted a report seeking approval of funding for a scheme to provide replacement toilets at Quay Point and Elphinstone Car Park, The Barbican, with the introduction of a 20p charge to offset some of the costs. 

Councillor Vincent (Cabinet Member for the Environment) introduced the proposals and indicated that the officers were drawing up a rolling programme of refurbishment and modernisation for public conveniences for consideration.  

Cabinet Members were also advised that the Armada Way toilets had won the Platinum award, attendant of the year award for the best kept toilet and a National Category winner for public toilets.

Jayne Donovan (Assistant Director for Environmental Services) and Catherine Dilloway (Project Manager) also attended the meeting.

Councillor Evans (Council Leader) advised councillors that this was Jayne’s last meeting of Cabinet before her retirement and thanked her for her service to the city and the Council.

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreed that the Capital Programme is amended to include £371,000 for a scheme to provide replacement toilets at Quay Point and Elphinstone Car Park, The Barbican, the funding to be met from capital receipts.

The Director for Place will submit a report on the outcome of the procurement for the renewal of the maintenance contract for the inspection, maintenance, repair, modification, supply and installation of street lighting and illuminated road signs and recommends the appointment of the successful tenderer.

A separate private report is also submitted which contains commercially sensitive information.

Anthony Payne (Director for Place) submitted a report on the outcome of the procurement for the renewal of the maintenance contract for the inspection, maintenance, repair, modification, supply and installation of street lighting and illuminated road signs and recommended the appointment of the successful tenderer.

A separate private report was also submitted which contained commercially sensitive information and was referred to in minute 84 below.

Councillor Coker (Cabinet Member for Transport) introduced the proposals and indicated that the decision would need to be taken in private.  

Ian Ellis (Network Policy Manager) reported on the potential savings from reduced maintenance costs and low energy street lighting luminaires. 

(See minute 84 below)

The Director for People will submit a report on the outcome of the tender process following approval, in March 2013, to Plymouth City Council’s Young Persons’ (Aged 16-25) Accommodation Commissioning Plan for the period 2013-2020 in order to remodel services and realign the accommodation pathway and recommends approval of the successful tenderer.

A separate private report is also submitted which contains commercially sensitive information.

Carole Burgoyne (Director for People) submitted a report on the outcome of the tender process following approval, in March 2013, to Plymouth City Council’s Young Persons’ (Aged 16-25) Accommodation Commissioning Plan for the period 2013-2020 in order to remodel services and realign the accommodation pathway and recommends approval of the successful tenderer.

A separate private report was also submitted which contained commercially sensitive information and was referred to in minute 85 below.

Councillor McDonald (Cabinet Member for Public Health and Adult Social Care) introduced the proposals and indicated that they would provide a single point of access, a short term assessment centre and longer term support and accommodation where necessary for young people.  If agreed, the commissioning would save £118k annually.

Craig McArdle (Head of Joint Strategic Commissioning) and Katy Shorten (Strategic Commissioning Manager) attended the meeting for this item and advised that the commitment for 56 units of accommodation would enable the Council to respond to young people in a crisis and the capital investment in the units would ensure high standards of accommodation for the young people.

Councillor Evans (Council Leader) congratulated the officers on their work and asked that any learning from the process was communicated to other areas in the Council.

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreed to award a three year contract, containing an option to extend the contract for a further three years in annual increments, to the most economically advantageous tenderer, as detailed in the private report referred to in minute 85, for the management of a ‘Young Person’s (16-25) Accommodation Service in Plymouth.  

The PLUSS Organisation is a Local Authority owned provider of a range of employment and training programmes for people with disabilities. It was set up in 2005.   

The Assistant Director for Finance, Efficiencies, Technology and Assets will submit a report on a proposal by Plymouth City Council, together with its three partner Authorities, Devon County Council, Torbay Council, and Somerset Council, to sell its interest in the PLUSS Organisation and transfer ownership to the national charity Turning Point. 

Turning Point offers an ideal opportunity for PLUSS to achieve its aims and will help secure the long term future for PLUSS.    

A background paper to this report can be accessed at the Council’s website Council and Democracy/Councillors and Committees/Library/Cabinet background papers or using the following hyperlink –

http://tinyurl.com/bdqgk2r

Malcolm Coe (Assistant Director for Finance, Efficiencies, Technology and Assets) submitted a report -

Councillor Lowry (Cabinet Member for Finance) introduced the proposals and emphasised that there would no impact from the proposal on service users, staff or existing loan repayments.

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreed –

The Director for People and the Interim Director for Corporate Services will submit a report providing a framework for co-operative commissioning and market management and setting out a number of overarching commissioning principles for approval.

Carole Burgoyne (Director for People) and David Trussler (Interim Director for Corporate Services) submitted a report providing a framework for co-operative commissioning and market management and setting out a number of overarching commissioning principles for approval.

Councillor Evans (Council Leader) introduced the proposals.  

Craig McArdle (Head of Joint Strategic Commissioning) emphasised that the proposals provided an opportunity to transform commissioning with co-development, co-production and co-evaluation of services with the core values at the centre of commissioning.

The attention of Cabinet Members was also drawn to the appendices in the report which demonstrated that the Council had already started to work in this way. 

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreed that –

The Chief Executive will submit a report on the indicative three year balanced budget for the period 2014/15 to 2016/17 to fulfil the Council’s statutory responsibility of setting a robust and realistic annual budget.

Tracey Lee (Chief Executive) submitted a report on the indicative three year balanced budget for the period 2014/15 to 2016/17 to fulfil the Council’s statutory responsibility of setting a robust and realistic annual budget. A correction to Figure 16 on page 27 of the report was also submitted.

Councillor Lowry (Cabinet Member for Finance) and Councillor Evans (Council Leader) introduced the proposals, highlighting the Council’s ambitious transformation programme to help the Council become a brilliant co-operative council and deliver the priorities for the city despite the funding gap caused by government cuts, rising costs and increasing demand for some services.  The programme included -    

Cabinet Members were also advised that –

The Corporate Management Team was thanked for producing the budget proposals and the Chief Executive undertook to raise the challenges that the Council faced with the citys’ Members of Parliament.

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report.

Agreed that –

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the following item(s) of business on the grounds that it (they) involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000. At the time this agenda is published no representations have been made that this part of the meeting should be in public.

(Members of the public to note that, if agreed, you will be asked to leave the meeting).

Agreed that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as amended by the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

The Director for Place will submit a report on commercially sensitive details relating to acquisition and disposal of land at Seaton Neighbourhood.  (Agenda item 9 refers).    

Further to minute 74 above, Anthony Payne (Director for Place) submitted a report on commercially sensitive details relating to acquisition and disposal of land at Seaton Neighbourhood.   

The Director for Place will submit a report on commercially sensitive details following the procurement for the renewal of the maintenance contract for the inspection, maintenance, repair, modification, supply and installation of street lighting and illuminated road signs.  (Agenda item 12 refers).

Further to minute 77 above, Anthony Payne (Director for Place) submitted a report on commercially sensitive details following the procurement for the renewal of the maintenance contract for the inspection, maintenance, repair, modification, supply and installation of street lighting and illuminated road signs.

Alternative options considered and reasons for the decision –

As set out in the report referred to in minute 77 above.

Agreed that the contract for the Maintenance and Installation of Street Lighting and Illuminated Traffic Signs 2014 to 2018 is awarded to the most economically advantageous tenderer, subject to compliance with the requirements of the Council on blacklisting.  In the event of non-compliance, then the contract is awarded to the most economically advantageous tenderer who complies with the requirements on blacklisting. 

The Director for People will submit a report on commercially sensitive details following the tender process for the Young Persons’ (16 – 25) Supported Accommodation Service.  (Agenda item 13 refers).

Further to minute 78 above, Carole Burgoyne (Director for People) submitted a report on commercially sensitive details following the tender process for the Young Persons’ (16 – 25) Supported Accommodation Service.

The Directors of People and Place will submit a joint report on two property transactions to facilitate the decant of staff and services from the Civic Centre.

With reference to minute  70 above, Carole Burgoyne (Director for People) and Anthony Payne (Director for Place) submitted a joint report seeking approval of two property transactions to facilitate the decant of staff and services from the Civic Centre.  

The report indicated that the matter was urgent private business and the decision was an urgent key decision because it was impracticable to defer the decision until Cabinet on 14 January 2014 (with publication of the forward plan on 16 December 2013) as the Council needed to secure negotiated property deals in the market now to secure its accommodation requirements and a decision was required before this date.  In the interest of the Council, immediate action was required to secure the best deals and it was therefore proposed to implement the decision immediately after Cabinet.  Approval for the urgent Cabinet decision had been obtained from Councillor James, Chair of the Co-operative Scrutiny Board and the report would be submitted to the Co-operative Scrutiny Board. 

Les Allen (Transformation Programmes Manager), Alwyn Thomas (Senior Commercial Lawyer) and Chris Trevitt (Head of Capital and Assets) attended the meeting and presented the proposals. 

Further discussions were sought between the Cabinet Member for Finance and officers, to include the Head of Communications on a further report to Cabinet in due course.   

Agreed the two property transactions as detailed in the report and that the decisions are implemented immediately.

City Celebrations and Events 2014

Future Accommodation Requirements