Agenda item

To receive the Leader’s report on the work of the Executive since the Council meeting held on 16 September 2015.

Council is asked to resolve a recommendation in respect of:

• Invest to Save: LED Streetlights

The Executive will be meeting on 17 November 2015, if any matters arise at that meeting which require a decision by Council, a supplementary report will be circulated. It is expected that the Council will be asked to resolve recommendations in respect of:

• Statement of Licensing Policy
• Statement of Gambling Principles

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Bettison, presented his report on the work of the Executive since that reported at the Council meeting on 16 September 2015. The Executive had met three times on 22 September, 20 October and 17 November 2015.

The Leader highlighted the following matters that had been considered:

·         The Council Plan 2015 – 19 translates the Conservative manifesto into a coherent policy framework for the Council recognising the need for reduced public expenditure. The Plan introduces new narrative focussing on individual choice and responsibility; clear prioritisation and living within the Council’s means.

·         The process to appoint school providers had been agreed for both the Binfield Learning Village and Amen Corner North.

·         Proposals had been agreed for Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub which would be based in Easthampstead House.

·         Examination and test results had been noted.

·         Consultation on Draft Parking Standards Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) had been launched to run until 30 November. The new document builds on the existing policies and addresses: school pick up, garage provision, lower car ownership areas and the balance between on street and off street parking costs.

·         Invest to save proposal to replace all street lights with LED was recommended to Council. The £7.3m investment delivers minimum £8m savings over 20 years and savings may be higher if fuel prices increase. 2857 tonnes of CO² would be saved each year

·         The Local Enforcement Plan had been agreed which set out clear standards and processes to be applied.

·         The Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan had been agreed. The Plan set out maintenance policies with a focus on priorities identified by Department for Transport. It was noted that the Plan set the framework but not the level of spending.

·         The Medium Term Financial Strategy had been considered to respond to reductions in public expenditure by the Government with the framework for addressing this gap set by the Council Plan.

·         Reduction in subsidy for discretionary Garden waste collection service had been agreed by increasing charge to £40.

·         Consultation conducted on £70 fixed penalty for intentionally/knowingly failing to notify changes affecting Council Tax liability.

·         Revised debt collection policies had been agreed for non-payment of Council Tax & Business Rates.

·         Consultation on re-commissioning Heathlands Residential Care Home and Day Care Centre in private sector. Recognised that close liaison with residents and families essential but that current building does not meet modern standards or future resident expectation. It was noted that occupation was currently at less than 50%.

·         Local Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report had been reviewed.

·         A pan Berkshire Smoking Cessation contract had been agreed.

·         The outcome of the Care Act 2015 consultation had been considered. The Council would continue to charge for residential and nursing care. As joint financial assessments are no longer allowed under the Care Act the assessment of couples would change as the Council was required to assess individuals. Changes for Universal or Discretionary Deferred Payments had been agreed and there would be no charges for any support to carers.

·         In response to the Control of Horses Act 2015 a new policy had been approved to deal with horses grazing in public places. This would only apply to Council land (including Town & Parish Councils).

The agenda report and supplementary report contained recommendations that the Council was asked to resolve in respect of the following matters:

·         Invest to Save: LED Streetlights

·         Statement of Licensing Policy

·         Statement of Gambling Principles

Councillor Mrs Temperton asked why key enforcement triggers were omitted from the Local Enforcement Plan such as building a school and opening a shop once threshold numbers of properties had been built. Councillor Turrell committed to providing her with a response in writing but indicated that the Local Enforcement Plan related to smaller applications as the triggers referred to in larger developments were tied up to S106 agreements.

Invest to Save: LED Streetlights

On the proposition of Councillor Turrell, Executive Member for Planning and Transport, seconded by Councillor Heydon it was

RESOLVED that:

i)              a supplementary capital approval of £7.3m be approved for the replacement of the borough’s existing streetlights with LED lights.

Statement of Licensing Policy and Statement of Gambling Principles

On the proposition of Councillor McCracken, Executive Member for Culture, Corporate Services and Public Protection, seconded by Councillor Allen it was

RESOLVED that:

ii)             the Licensing Policy (attached as Annex A to the Supplementary Executive report) be approved.

iii)            the Statement of Gambling Principles (Attached as Annex B to the Supplementary Executive report) be adopted with effect from 31 January 2016.