Solihull Council

The Cabinet:-

 (i)       noted the information from the consultation process with Cabinet Members and Opposition Spokespersons, the comments from  Overview and Scrutiny and results from the Citizens Panel questions;

(ii)       noted the implications of the Final Settlement;

(iii)       explored the  Budget Options for 2003/04 and the Council Tax implications; and

(iv)       agreed that there was no need to a further set of informal meetings between the Cabinet Members and Opposition Spokespersons on Budget Options at present.

To advise Cabinet of:-

the emerging inescapable service pressures, possible self funded options and potential use of passporting from the consultation by Cabinet Members with the Opposition Spokespersons and Lead Directors;

the Final Settlement is expected on 3rd February 2003, after the despatch of the report, and an oral update will be provided;

feedback of any comments and/or recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny Management Board;

the latest draft of the three year plan and associated assumptions and risks; and

the results from the Citizens Panel questions relating to Finance.

To advise Cabinet of possible Budget Options for 2003/04 and the Council Tax implications.

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Housing Revenue Account Estimates 2003-04

The Cabinet;-

  (i)          Considered and noted the comments from the Housing, Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Board;

 (ii)          agreed in line with the Government's rent restructuring proposals,the average rent increase of £1.21 per week from 7 April 2003;

(iii)          agreed a 50p per week increase in garage rents from 7 April 2003 with increases in future years rising in line with inflation;

(iv)          noted the Housing Revenue Account estimates as submitted in Appendix B subject to a zero-base  review;

 (v)          agreed the realignment of reserves as set out in the report; and

(vi)          Noted the 2002/03 forecast out-turn position.

To consider the Housing Revenue Account estimates for 2003-04 and proposed rent rises for dwellings and garages.

12 February 2003

The Cabinet:-

(a)       approved the list of Strategic Objectives and definitions in   the appendix, subject to review in one year.

(b)       approved, as amended, the list of Step Change Improvement Priorities in the appendix, subject to review in one year; and

(c)        noted the outline approach to the review contained in the report.

To seek approval of a proposed set of Strategic Objectives and Step Change Improvement Priorities for the Council and for further consultation and involvement of Members, the community and the Local Strategic partnership.

The Cabinet:-

  (i)      received the final version of the Waste Management Review: and

 (ii)      agreed the Action Plan contained within the review.

To receive the final version of the Wastes Management Review revised following consideration and comment by Regeneration, Environment and Leisure, Overview and Scrutiny Board.

To establish strategic direction for the Waste Management Service.

To agree to the Action Plan contained within the review.

The Cabinet agreed to submit an expression of interest to the Department for Education & Skills for the development of a City Academy sponsored by Mr Bob Edmiston of IM Group, on the basis of replacing Whitesmore School on the existing school site

To decide whether Solihull MBC should submit an expression of interest to the Department for Education & Skills for the development of a City Academy sponsored by Mr Bob Edmiston of IM Group.

To determine whether such an expression of interest should be on the basis of replacing either Whitesmore ~ School  or Smith's Wood School on the existing school site, or Whitesmore School on a new site

The Cabinet authorised the extension of Education Catering Contract from 31 March 2004 to 31 March 2005 and the groceries and provisions contract from 31 March 2003 to 31 March 2005 subject to continuing satisfactory performance and to consult with the Schools Forum.

To approve the extension of the Education Catering Meals and associated contracts for primary and special schools  until 31 March 2005.   This would enable full consultation to take place with the Schools Forum in the light of the developing discussions on partnering arrangements.

12 February 2003

The Cabinet authorised the extension of Home to School Education Transport contracts for pupils with Special Educational Needs from 31 March 2003 until 31 March 2005 subject to continuing satisfactory performance.

To approve the extension of the Home to School Education Transport contracts for pupils with Special Educational Needs from 31 March 2003 until 31 March 2005.  This would enable time for the integration of all Children's Services travel arrangements and consideration of the impact of possible partnering arrangements.

12 February 2003

Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) - Implementation Plan 2003-2004

The Cabinet approved the EYDCP Implementation Plan 2003-2004

The DfES require the local authority, as well as the EYDCP, to approve implementation plans before they undertake their own assessment process.  This year the cabinet meets after the DfES deadline (31 January 2003), however the DfES are happy to receive the plan as long as they know local authority approval will be forthcoming.

DfES approval of the plan will release £557,376 Childcare Grant and also give the EYDCP opportunity to take up futher NOF and ESF funding allocations

12 February 2003

Asset Management Plan and Capital Porgramme update

The Cabinet:-

(i)         noted the new indicated admission numbers and referred the matter to the Cabinet Member for Education and Children for further consideration; and

(ii)         approved the additions and amendments to the Capital programme for 2002/3 to 2005/6.

To receive information on the latest developments in the Asset Management Plan with particular regard to the planning of school places and to note new indicated admission numbers.  To receive information on the latest Capital allocations and to approve proposals for amendments to the Capital plan and new schemes.

12 February 2003

Invitation to Tender - Asbestos Survey

The Cabinet;-

(i)      approved the invitation to tender for an asbestos survey and resultant immediate requirements; and

(ii)      authorised acceptance by a Cabinet Member in accordance with the Rules for Contracts and Financial Matters.

To enable the invitation to tender for an asbestos survey to respond to the requirements of 'The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002'.

12 February 2003

Elected Regional Assemblies

The Cabinet approved a response that on the basis of the available evidence, there was insufficient interest in a referendum and that accordingly Solihull should not support such a referendum. Representations should be made to Government about the importance of education in and promotion of Regional Elected Assemblies taking place.

To consider the Council's response to the soundings exercise on the level of interest in holding a referendum on an elected regional assembly.

12 February 2003

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Proposed Capital Programme Management System 2004/05

The Cabinet agreed the proposed project plan outlined at
Appendix A of the report.

To inform Cabinet of:-

  (i)              Proposed Project Plan for implementation of a Capital Programme Management System

12 February 2003

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Public Transport Strategy

The Cabinet agreed the content of the Public Transport Strategy and agreed to receive regular monitoring reports regarding the action plan.

To approve the content of the Council’s Public Transport Strategy.

12 February 2003

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West Midlands Local Transport Plan - Solihull Input

That the contents of the report be noted and that the outline LTP bid programme be endorsed

To seek Members’ views on the outline bid programme for Solihull to be included in the West Midlands Local Transport Plan (LTP) for 2004/05 to 2010/11.

12 February 2003

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Proposed Introduction of New Tenancy Agreement

The Cabinet:-

  (i)      noted the responses to the Preliminary Notice consultation on the proposals to introduce the new Tenancy Agreement

 (ii)      approved the latest version of the Tenancy Agreement which had been amended following the consultation period; and

(iii)      approved the issue of the Variation Notice which would take effect from the 31st March 2003

Review consultation, approve the content of the new Tenancy Agreement and authorise the issue of the formal Variation Notice as set out in Section 103 of the Housing Act 1985.

12 February 2003

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Forward Plan

The Leader of the Council approved the Forward Plan for the next 4 Months

To approve the Forward Plan

12 February 2003

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Issues considered by Scrutiny Boards and Committees

The Cabinet noted the report

To note the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Boards

12 February 2003

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Economic Development - Sub Regional Partnerships

 (i)     That future sub-regional partnership working on Economic Development matters be as set out in Option 2 in the report.

(ii)     That a further report be submitted to Cabinet exploring ways of maintaining links with Coventry and Warwickshire through some form of associate membership.

To seek Members' views on the current arrangements for sub-regional working on Economic Development and Regeneration matters review current Partnership working and agree preferred option for future working.

12 February 2003

Private

Strategic Partnering: Proposed Heads of Terms

The Cabinet:-

(i)         Received an oral update about any matters outstanding – including transfer, exclusivity and the proposed arrangements for shares in the Partnership.

(ii)         Agreed that the proposed structure satisfies the need to continue to exercise democratic control over the Joint venture Structure; and

 (iii)      That the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Resources, be authorised to sign the draft Heads of Terms subject to satisfactory resolution of outstanding matters.

To determine whether the outline contractual arrangements set out in the draft Heads of Terms agreement for Strategic Partnering provide a sound or suffuicient basis to proceed to detailed negotiations.

12 February 2003