COUNTY BOROUGH OF BLAENAU GWENT

REPORT TO: / THE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL
SUBJECT: / EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE –
11TH MARCH, 2015
REPORT OF: /

EXECUTIVE / SCRUTINY OFFICER

PRESENT: Leader of the Council

Councillor H. McCarthy, B.A. (Hons.) (CHAIR)

Deputy Leader/Executive Business Manager

Councillor S.C. Thomas

Executive Member – Corporate Services & Strategy

Councillor B. Sutton

Executive Member – Skills & Work Preparation

Councillor D. Wilkshire

Executive Member – Highways & Transportation

Councillor K. Hayden

Executive Member – Social Services Children & Active Living

Councillor A. Hobbs

Executive Member – Social Services Adult Services

Councillor H. Trollope

Executive Member – Waste Management & the Environment

Councillor D. White

Executive Member – Economic Strategy & Development

Councillor G. Bartlett

WITH: Chief Executive

Head of Legal and Corporate Compliance

Corporate Director Strategy Transformation & Culture

Corporate Director Environment & Regeneration

Corporate Director of Education

Head of Financial Services

Service Manager for Development & Commissioning

Press & Communications Officer

DECISIONS UNDER DELEGATED POWERS

ITEM / SUBJECT / ACTION
CONDOLENCES
The Executive Committee was informed of the sad death of Councillor Jen Morgan’s husband, and also Councillor Derek Coughlin’s mother and the Committee stood as a mark of respect.
1. / APOLOGIES
Apologies for absence was received from:-
Councillor J. McIlwee, Executive Member Financial Management & Strategy
Liz Majer, Corporate Director of Social Services
Mr. David Hopkins, Chair of the Recovery Board
2. / DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST AND
DISPENSATION
Councillor H. Trollope and D. White declared an interest in the following item:-
Item No. 9 Grants to Organisations
MINUTES
3. / SPECIAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The minutes of the Special Executive Committee held on 4TH March, 2015 were submitted.
RESOLVED that the minutes be accepted as a true record of proceedings.
4. / EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The minutes of the Executive Committee held on 18th February, 2015 were submitted.
RESOLVED that the minutes be accepted as a true record of proceedings.
EDUCATION RECOVERY BOARD DECISIONS AND REPORTS
5. / EDUCATION RECOVERY BOARD DECISIONS AND REPORTS
The Leader of the Council reported that the Chair of the Recovery Board was unable to attend. However, the Executive Member for Skills & Work Preparation presented an update on his behalf as follows:-
The Board met on the 24th February, 2015, and the key points arising were:-
·  The Board asked that the record of the meeting should show that the quality of data and information it was now receiving from the Authority was of a very high quality, and on a level with some of the best practice evident elsewhere. The analyses that accompany data were good and showed an understanding of how one can effectively identify and tackle issues through using that data.
·  An update on progress on the current 3-16 consultation process was received, and an additional Board meeting was planned for mid-April so that a final and detailed report on that process could be considered. It was important that the Board does not engage in any discussions with interest groups during consultation, so that it can take an objective and evidence based view at the end of the process.
·  Self-evaluation and review updates were presented and discussed, and the Board could see how it was intended to develop this important area in advance of the Autumn 2015 Estyn visit.
·  Keeping on top of progress in Secondary Schools in relation to GCSE outcomes this Summer was a key area for the Authority, and updates were received, which indicated that for the most part, these were on track for improved results. This continued to be monitored closely.
·  The Chair advised that his next report to the Minister was due by the end of March, and it was agreed that a report for the Council’s Executive would also be prepared for discussion.
EDUCATION MATTERS (LOCAL AUTHORITY SPECIFIC)
6. / EDUCATION MATTERS LOCAL AUTHORITY SPECIFIC
The Corporate Director of Education reported that the formal consultation process on the 3-16 proposals was at the half way point, and would continue until the 29th March, 2015.
The Executive Member for Skills & Work Preparation commended the staff involved in the consultation process. He said the team had ensured that everyone concerned was treated with courtesy and understanding.
The Executive Member for Social Services Adult Services concurred with the comments made. He had spoken with representatives of the Youth Council who informed him that a presentation on the proposals had been well received by the Youth Council.
DEPUTY LEADER/EXECUTIVE BUSINESS MANAGER MATTERS
7. / REVIEW AND FUTURE OF THE ‘COALITION FOR CHANGE’
Consideration was given to report of the Chief Executive.
The Deputy Leader presented the report which detailed information regarding the review of the ‘Coalition for Change’, and proposals for it to end.
He said the ‘Coalition for Change’ had been put in place in light of a number of a reports indicating that the Council was being held back from moving forward due to various issues and concerns. As a result the ‘Coalition for Change’ forum was developed in order to enforce the ideas that the Authority had to become a ‘can do’ Council, and Members on that group took the lead and some great work was undertaken.
However, having reviewed the ‘Coalition for Change’ it become apparent that the drive to improve service provision and tackle difficult issues was now embedded right across the Authority, and this was evident through the Transforming Blaenau Gwent Programme, and also the Authority’s delivery of the Let’s Talk sessions.
The Executive Member for Social Services Adult Services said the ‘Coalition for Change’ group had done excellent work, and thanked the Members of that group, namely Councillor Hedley McCarthy, S. Thomas, J. Hopkins and N. Daniels, J. McIlwee, G. Collier, M. Cross, Jen Morgan and John Morgan, and also the Officers involved.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the ‘Coalition for Change’ group is ended.
8. / UPDATE ON FINANCIAL EFFICIENCY AND OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS
Consideration was given to report of the Corporate Director Strategy Transformation & Culture.
The Deputy Leader presented the report which provided Members with an overview of the financial and other major projects being monitored by the Strategic Transformation Team.
He went through the report and highlighted points contained therein. He confirmed that a Programme Board had been established, with Member involvement, to oversee progress of the six major cross cutting projects listed on page 32 of the report.
The latest position for the BRAG status was detailed on page 33, and the updated list of Financial Efficiency Projects was attached at Appendix 1. There was now a shortfall of £371,276 between the savings agreed in December 2013, and the Deputy Leader confirmed that part of this shortfall would be met from specific reserves, as it was a one-off budget pressure in relation to the delay in the transfer to the Leisure Trust.
The Deputy Leader then invited Executive Members to provide updates where necessary.
Project 20 Meals on Wheels
The Executive Member for Waste Management & the Environment confirmed that a lot of work had been done on this, and a report would be submitted shortly.
Projects 24.d5 Review of Existing Service Delivery – Learning Disability Budget and 25a.1 Continuing Health Care
The Executive Member for Social Services Adult Services said these were currently BRAG rated green, however, it was expected that these would be rated blue for the next report.
Project 24.a.3.c Environment – Pest Control
The Executive Member for Highways & Transportation said this project had been reported under his portfolio in error.
RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing, that the report be accepted and the information contained therein be acknowledged.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT & STRATEGY MATTERS
9. / GRANTS TO ORGANISATIONS – MARCH 2015
Consideration was given to report of the Chief Finance Officer.
Councillors H. Trollope and D. White declared an interest in this item.
The Executive were informed of the following additional grants that had been submitted since the preparation of the report:-
ABERTILLERY

Six Bells Ward – Councillor D. Hancock

1. / Six Bells Regeneration Ltd (55th Anniversary of the Colliery Disaster) / £100

Six Bells Ward – Councillor M. Holland

1. / Six Bells Regeneration Ltd (55th Anniversary of the Colliery Disaster) / £100
RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing, that the report be accepted.
HIGHWAYS & TRANSPORTATION MATTERS
10. / PROGRESS REPORT TO MEMBERS FOR CONTRACTS OVER £500,000
Consideration was given to report of the Corporate Director Environment & Regeneration.
The Executive Member for Highways & Transportation presented the report which provided an update on the progress of sizeable capital projects ongoing within the Authority.
The Executive Member for Economic Strategy & Development referred to Trinity Chapel Project, Abertillery and reported that in addition to the drainage works detailed on page 52 of the report, a high pressure water pipe had also been discovered on site and needed addressing. This work would be undertaken by Welsh Water, but hopefully would not delay other works proceeding on site.
The Executive Member for Social Services Children & Active Living reported that both the Flying Start Units had been completed, with the Unit at Sirhowy being launched next week.
RESOLVED, subject to the foregoing, that the report be accepted and progress against the contracts attached in Appendix 1 be acknowledged.
WASTE MANAGEMENT & THE ENVIRONMENT MATTERS
11. / PROPOSED LOCAL LETTINGS POLICY – SHOPPING CENTRE FLATS, HILLTOP, EBBW VALE
It was reported that this item came under the remit of the Waste Management & the Environment Portfolio.
Consideration was given to report of the Corporate Director Environment & Regeneration.
The Executive Member for Waste Management & the Environment presented the report which sought approval to adopt a Local Lettings Policy within Tai Calon Community Housing’s housing stock, at Shopping Centre Flats, Hilltop, Ebbw Vale.
The Deputy Leader said whilst he supported the proposal, its impact on other tenanted areas needed to be closely monitored.
In response the Corporate Director Environment & Regeneration confirmed that each case would be judged on its own merits, and a Local Lettings Policy would only be adopted when all other options had been considered.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Local Lettings Policy for Shopping Centre Flats, Hilltop, Ebbw Vale be approved, and the new policy have immediate effect.
CORPORATE SERVICES & STRATEGY MATTERS
12. / SALE OF PART OF CENTRAL DEPOT, BARLEYFIELDS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, BRYNMAWR
Consideration was given to report of the Head of Legal & Corporate Compliance.
The Executive Member for Corporate Services & Strategy presented the report which sought consent to the sale of part of the Council’s Depot at Barleyfields Industrial Estate, Brynmawr.
He said it was proposed to advertise the property for sale and dispose of the property to the successful applicant on terms to be agreed. It would be sold in its existing condition and subject to its existing planning use. Any successful applicant would need to make its own enquiries to the planning section for any change of use.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and sale of part of the Central Depot, Barleyfields Industrial Estate, Brynmawr be approved, on terms to be agreed.
13. / SALE OF LAND FRONTING AND TO THE REAR OF STATION ROAD, BRYNMAWR
Consideration was given to report of the Head of Legal & Corporate Compliance.
The Executive Member for Corporate Services & Strategy presented the report which sought consent to the disposal of various parcels of land at Station Road, Brynmawr on terms to be agreed, to form part of a wider retail development site.
He said the Council’s Strategy and Procedures for the Disposal of Surplus Land and Property and Acquisitions of Land and Property 2012-2015 detailed how the Council dealt with applications for the use/purchase of its land within these circumstances. As the owner of Kwik Save was a Special Purchaser (as defined in the practice statement of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Appraisal and Valuation Manual 7th Edition or subsequent Edition), it was appropriate that an application process apply.
Having regard to the proposed use and the benefits which the development would bring to the Town, it was recommended that the Council dispose of its freehold and leasehold interest in the land to the developer, on terms to be agreed, to form part of a wider development site from the sale, to a national discount retailer.
RESOLVED that the report be accepted and the Council agrees to the sale of its land at Station Road, Brynmawr to the developer to form part of a wider retail development site as set out in the detailed report.
14. / PROPOSED SALE OF THE SITE OF THE FORMER CARTREF ANEURIN BEVAN RESIDENTIAL CARE HOME, TREDEGAR
Consideration was given to report of the Head of Legal & Corporate Compliance.
The Executive Member for Corporate Services & Strategy presented the report which sought consent to the sale of the former Cartref Aneurin Bevan Residential Home site at Ashvale, Tredegar.
He said the former Home was closed in March 2011 as part of the Council’s Living Independently in the 21st Century Strategy. The building was subsequently demolished at a cost of £77,993.00 funded from the Council’s Capital Programme, which would be reimbursed upon the sale of the site.
The Executive Member for Social Services Adult Services referred to the comments of Tredegar Town Council that the site should be offered to a housing association for the development of bungalows. He asked whether it would be possible to approach preferred social registered landlords, as this type of accommodation was much needed.
In response the Corporate Director for Strategy Transformation & Culture said he accepted the views of the local Members, and confirmed that the Authority had a very good relationship with local registered social landlords and housing groups, and engaged with them when identifying needs within the Local Housing Strategy. However, the Council’s position was that should they identify a development opportunity, they would be able to bid alongside any other potential developers.
The Deputy Leader said whilst he appreciated that this type of accommodation was needed, this was a prominent site and was becoming problematic for local residents. He said the sooner the site was resolved the better, and stated that registered social landlords would have the opportunity to bid, if they so wished.