BOROUGH OF POOLE
CABINET
3 JUNE 2008
The Meeting commenced at 7.00pm and finished at 8:42pm
Present:
CouncillorLeverett (Chairman)
CouncillorsAdams, Collier, Parker, White and Woodcock.
Also in attendance
CouncillorsBrown, Clement and Mrs Lavender
Members of the public present at the Meeting: 2
CA6.08APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE – AGENDA ITEM 1
Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ms Atkinson, Sorton and Mrs Stribley.
CA7.08DECISIONS OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING – AGENDA ITEM 2
DECISION TAKENThat the decisions of the last Meetings held on 1 April and 13 May 2008 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
For:Unanimous
CA8.08DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST – AGENDA ITEM 3
Councillors Adams, Leverett and Woodcock declared personal interests in Agenda Item 7 – “The Education Capital Programme”, Agenda Item 7(a) – “The Capital Programme” and Agenda Item 9 – “Medium Term Financial Plan 2008/9 to 2011/12”, as Governors of Stanley Green First, Poole High School and Baden Powell Middle School respectively.
Councillor Adams declared a prejudicial interest in Agenda Item 4 - “Proposal to use Whitecliff Recreation Ground in Connection with a Temporary Day Care Centre” as one of his daughters was employed by Social Services and his other daughter was a user of the Fourways Centre.
With the consent of the Meeting the Chairman varied the order of the Agenda, taking Agenda Items 13 and 14 first.
CA9.08CANFORD HEATH MIDDLE SCHOOL: REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE’S OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE – AGENDA ITEM 13
DECISIONS TAKEN
(i)that all staff involved in the Joint Area Review Inspection be thanked for their efforts in Education and Social Services in ensuring the best for Poole’s children;
(ii)that Cabinet agree that the Local Authority’s Statement of Action is a robust and successful response to the School Under Special Measures;
(iii)the proposal to federate Canford Heath Middle School with Canford Heath First School proceed; and
(iv)note of the actions taken to federate the schools and the current response of parents to this proposal.
For:Unanimous
REASON FOR THE DECISIONS
To consider the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Report on the Progress of Canford Heath Middle School since its Ofsted Inspection which found it to be a School requiring Special Measures.
PART OF THE PUBLISHED FORWARD PLANNo
KEY DECISIONYes
PORTFOLIO AREAChildren and Young People
DISCUSSIONS/OPTIONS
Before inviting Councillor Mrs Lavender, the Vice-Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee to address the Meeting, the Chairman allowed the Portfolio Holder, Councillor Woodcock, to address the Meeting.
Councillor Woodcock referred to both Agenda Items 13 and 14, explaining that a Joint Area Review (JAR) Inspection had taken place on 22 April 2008 which judged the contribution the Council made in relation to the safeguarding of children at risk, Children Looked After and those with learning difficulties. The Local Education Authority had received a score of 3 in all capacities, including the capacity to improve.
Cabinet joined with Councillor Woodcock in congratulating all those involved in the Inspection on its success reflecting the excellence of delivery of the Council’s Children’s Education and Social Services. Cabinet agreed that all members of staff should be thanked for their efforts.
Councillor Mrs Lavender, in the absence of Councillor Mrs Evans, the Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee, presented her Report to Cabinet, explaining that Canford Heath Middle School had been in Special Measures. Canford Heath First School was an exceptional School and the Local Education Authority had proposed the combining of Canford Heath First and Canford Heath Middle School in a Federation. This meant there would be one Headteacher, one Governing Body but the Schools would continue to act as separate entities with separate budgets. Following consultation, both the parents and Governing Body were supportive of this Proposal.
Councillor Woodcock queried whether the reason for Federation was to more quickly assist Canford Heath Middle School in improving and getting out of Special Measures? Councillor Mrs Lavender agreed.
Cabinet concurred that this was an excellent way to progress the matter.
CA10.08LONGSPEE SCHOOL: REPORT OF THE CHAIRMAN AND YOUNG PEOPLE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE – AGENDA ITEM 14
DECISIONS TAKEN
(i)That Cabinet note the most recent findings on progress from the Ofsted Monitoring; and
(ii)Approve the Local Authority’s Statement of Action as a robust and successful response to a School under Special Measures.
REASON FOR THE DECISIONS
To consider the progress on Longspee School following the School requiring Special Measures and to approve its Statement of Action.
PART OF THE PUBLISHED FORWARD PLANNo
KEY DECISIONYes
PORTFOLIO AREAChildren and Young People
DISCUSSIONS/OPTIONS
Councillor Mrs Lavender introduced her Report, explaining that Longspee School was a Special School with places for up to 42 children with Statements for Emotional, Behaviour And Social Difficulties. The School had been inspected in November 2007 and was found to require Special Measures as it was failing to give its pupils an acceptable standard of education and the persons responsible for leading, managing and governing the School were not demonstrating the capacity to secure the necessary improvement. The Headteacher had since left and excellent progress was being made under the new Head.
Councillor Woodcock commented that he felt the new Headteacher did not have time to introduce any improvements before the Ofsted decision was received. He felt this decision was harsh as the School was already beginning to improve. It was now hoped that the School would be out of Special Measures by next year.
Members were supportive of the work being undertaken at the School and thanked Councillor Mrs Lavender for her Report.
CA11.08PROPOSAL TO USE WHITECLFIF RECREATION GROUND IN CONNECTION WITH A TEMPORARY DAY CARE CENTRE
DECISIONS TAKEN
(i)That the Proposal to make use of the existing site’s portacabins on Whitecliff Recreation Ground in connection with a temporary Day Care Centre whilst Fourways site is redeveloped, be approved. Cabinet noted that consequent upon this decision the process would commence on 4 June 2008 to enable the necessary adaptation work to the portacabins to be scheduled for completion by the end of July, thus enabling the relocation of Fourways to occur on schedule; and
(ii)that no Service Unit or any part of the Council will consider making further use of the portacabins on Whitecliff and the land will be returned to public open space once Fourways has ceased use of the land.
For:Councillors Leverett, Parker, Woodcock and White.
Abstained: Councillor Collier
Note: Councillor Adams, having declared a prejudicial interest, left the Meeting before discussion and voting on this item.
REASON FOR THE DECISIONS
To consider the background of the proposals to make use of the Whitecliff Recreation Ground in respect of a temporary Day Care Centre and to approve the proposal to make use of the existing sited portacabins, noting the urgency of the decision required in respect of these proposals in order that the Scheme could progress and on schedule.
PART OF THE PUBLISHED FORWARD PLANYes
KEY DECISIONYes
PORTFOLIO AREAHousing, Health and Wellbeing
DISCUSSIONS/OPTIONS
In the absence of the Portfolio Holder, Councillor Leverett introduced this Report.
Councillor Leverett explained that temporary planning permission had been granted to site prefabricated buildings on the Whitecliff Recreation Ground for use as a temporary surgery whilst the redevelopment of the Surgery in Elms Avenue had taken place. This work had now been completed and the General Practice relocated to its new home.
Planning permission had been granted to erect a Wellbeing Centre, a Residential Care Home, and a residential development comprising 66 units and parking on land at Fourways, Constitution Hill Road. In the meantime, accommodation was required to temporarily re-house Fourways Day Centre. The Poole Primary Care Trust and Doctors’ Surgery had been approached and indicated that they would be happy for the Borough to take over the responsibility of the temporary buildings at Whitecliff Recreation Ground which they had vacated.
Councillor Leverett explained that the Officers had investigated a number of alternative sites, including Upton House, the Liberal Hall at Hamworthy, Dolphin Pool Car Park, East End Baiter, Harbourside Car Park, Baiter North (near the Skate Park) and the Whitecliff Park (existing portacabins). The existing portacabins at Whitecliff were considered the most feasible for this temporary use. Planning permission was sought and granted on 20 March 2008 to allow the occupation of the existing portacabins for Day Centre use.
It was felt that it was in the interest of the Community to make use of the Recreation Ground in connection with the Fourways Project as it would provide a temporary facility which would be accessible to the Community, served by adequate parking and was deliverable in the current Financial year. There would be no permanent loss of open space.
Councillor Leverett drew Members’ attention to the reasons for urgency detailed at paragraph 9.1 of the Report, explaining that it was essential this decision was made this evening as the delay could result in contractual problems.
Councillor Leverett drew Members’ attention to a representation received from Councillor Eades in relation to this item, requesting Cabinet not to make the decision under Urgency Powers detailing a number of reasons, inter alia:
- the retention of the Recreation Ground as public open space, its use for this especially the siting of portacabins would affect the amenity of residents and visitors alike.
- He was concerned that there would be a possibility of third parties wishing to use the portacabins after the current permission expired.
- Inadequate investigation of alternative sites.
- Reduction in car parking spaces detracting from the public’s use of Whitecliff Recreation Ground.
- He felt there would be an inevitable delay in the Fourways Project, meaning the portacabins would remain for longer than December 2010.
These representations had been circulated to all Cabinet Members and were available at the Meeting. Cabinet had considered Councillor Eades representations before making its decision.
Councillor Collier felt that consideration of alternative sites had been properly addressed. He also explained that, at the Parkstone and Newtown Area Committee, he had raised a concern about a Planning Consent and moved an amendment in the following terms (replacing (ii) of the Decisions Required Section of the Report to Cabinet) which was seconded and unanimously approved by Cabinet.
“Members moved that Cabinet be asked to consider a Motion that “no Service Unit or any part of the Council will consider making further use of the portcabins on Whitecliff and the land will be returned to public open space once Fourways has ceased use of the land”.
The second “Decision Required” printed in the Agenda papers and reports as follows:-
“Members agree that the Council will accept no further Planning Applications from Council Service in respect of the open space occupied by the portacabins at Whitecliff” was deleted by Cabinet and the Amendment approved by Cabinet as printed out (ii) in the “Decision Taken” Section of the Minutes.
Councillor Collier reminded the Cabinet that he had voted against the placing of the portacabins on Whitecliff Recreation Ground for the Doctors Surgery but realised they had a use for the Fourways Project. Councillor Collier pointed out that he was aware that a Council could not bind its successor in title but felt that his amendment covered most of the concerns.
Councillor Parker stated that he understood the concerns of residents but that Fourways required this use and it was a sensible solution to ensure the Project could be completed on time.
Councillor Woodcock accepted residents’ concerns but felt that this temporary use by Fourways would benefit the Community.
CA12.08DRAFT TERMS OF REFERENCE- AGENDA ITEM 5
DECISION TAKEN
That Cabinet approve the following Terms of Reference:
- To carry out all of the Local Authority’s functions which are not the responsibility of any other part of the Local Authority whether by law or under the Council’s Constitution;
- To make day to day Cabinet decisions;
- To lead the Community Planning Process;
- To make spending decisions to discharge the Budget as approved by Council;
- To appoint Portfolio Holders to make decisions on its behalf within their areas of responsibility and operation. In the absence of a Portfolio Holder the Leader or Deputy Leader may make a decision in any Portfolio area;
- To consider and receive reports from Overview and Scrutiny Committees;
- To ensure that equalities and diversity are embedded in the policies and culture of the Council.
For:Councillor Collier, Parker, White and Woodcock
(Councillor Adams was absent)
REASON FOR THE DECISION
To consider and adopt the proposed Terms of Reference.
PART OF THE PUBLISHED FORWARD PLANNo
KEY DECISIONNo
PORTFOLIO AREASAll
DISCUSSIONS/OPTIONS
Cabinet concurred with the proposed Terms of Reference on the published Agenda.
CA13.08CORPORATE ASSESSMENT REPORT AND IMPROVEMENT PLAN OF THE AUDIT COMMISSION – AGENDA ITEM 6
Note: Councillor Adams returned to the Meeting.
DECISION TAKEN
(i)That Cabinet receive and accept the Audit Commission’s Corporate Assessment Report;
(ii)That Council be recommended to approve work undertaken to establish the scope of the actions and resources required to respond to both the acceleration of our Equalities, Work, Performance Management and an Independent Review of Governance. The cost associated with this would be reported back to the Corporate Budget Monitoring Report with the intention, at this stage, of this being funded from part of the 2007/2008 General Fund surplus;
(iii)The Asset Management Group be asked to report specifically on physical access to buildings for people with disabilities (by October 2008);
(iv)Note that the detailed Improvement Plans would be implemented through Management Action/Business Plans;
(v)Request the Overview and Scrutiny Board to consider the appropriate timing for the review of the effectiveness of the Council’s response to the Corporate Assessment Report.
For – Unanimous
REASON FOR THE DECISION
To consider the Corporate Assessment, one element of the Audit Commission’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment and to approve an Action Plan for implementation to address improvement areas identified.
PART OF THE PUBLISHED FORWARD PLANYes
KEY DECISIONYes
PORTFOLIO AREASAll
DISCUSSION/OPTIONS
Councillor Leverett introduced this Report, noting that, despite its very low funding the Council had achieved the Audit Commission’s 4 star rating. The Corporate Assessment Inspection, part of the 4 star status, was positive about the Council’s ambitions, priorities and achievements but gave the Council a warning that it needed to underpin these more securely in at least 3 key areas:
- Governance Arrangements
- Equalities and Diversity
- Performance Management Practices
Cabinet was keen that these areas should be addressed.
CA14.08EDUCATION CAPITAL PROGRAMME – AGENDA ITEM 7
Primary Capital Programme
THE SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE – TRANSFORMING EDUCATION IN
POOLE – PRIMARY CAPITAL PROGRAMME: PORTFOLIO HOLDER
COUNCILLOR WHITE SCHOOLS FOR THE FUTURE – AGENDA ITEM 7A
DECISIONS TAKEN
1.That Members note the outcome of the Primary Capital Programme (PCP) Phase 2 consultation details as Appendix A to the Report Cabinet.
2.That Council be recommended to approve the PCP “Strategy for Change” Document at Appendix A to the Report to Cabinet for submission to the Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF) and
3. That Cabinet approve the initial investment priorities and School organisation proposals and recommend the PCP investment plan (at Section 8 to the report) for the first Phase Programme to Council for approval
REASON FOR THE DECISION
To consider the outcome of the Primary Capital Programme Phase 2 Consultation and consider recommending the PCP strategy for change document to Council for approval for onwards admission to the Department for Children Schools and Families. To approve the initial investment priorities and School organisation proposals and to recommend the first phase of PCP investment plans to Cabinet and Council for approval.
PART OF THE PUBLISHED FORWARD PLANYes
For- Unanimous
KEY DECISIONYes
PORTFOLIO AREADelivering Major Projects (Including Schools for
the Future) and Transportation
DISCUSSIONS/OPTIONS
The Portfolio Holder, Councillor White, introduced this Report, explaining that the Primary Capital Programme was intended to support the achievement of National and Local goals for Primary Education. The “Strategy for Change” Document contained detailed proposals for each School.
Since last Autumn the Council had undertaken extensive consultation on its educational aims and the prioritisation of projects within the Primary Capital Programme. The evaluation of all Schools had been undertaken and masterplans had been developed for the fifteen highest ranking priority schools with a further thirteen to be undertaken over the next year. The masterplans take into consideration the future plans for the school in terms of size, whether it would be an Infant, Junior, or Primary School and proposals for extended schools and in children’s services provision. Existing buildings had been compared with relevant DCSF design guidance to identify the extent of modernisation required.
The Portfolio Holder assured Councillor Collier that the carbon footprint of any new building would comply with Government Guidance.
Reference was made to the admission pressures experienced that Lilliput CEVC First School and the published admission numbers, (PAN) of this School was to increase from 60 (2 FE) to 90 (3 FE) from September 2009.
Baden Powell and St. Peter’s CEVC Middle School published admission numbers was to increase from 150 (5 form of entry) to 180 (6 form of entry) from September 2012 when the School was to become a Junior School in 2013.