To receive a report from the leader on the activities of cabinet since the meeting of Council in March.

The Leader presented his report on the activities of cabinet since the meeting of Council in March 2016 

In the ensuing discussion, the following issues were raised:

It was suggested that resolution a and resolution b of the cabinet member, infrastructure’s decision of 24 June on the adoption and maintenance of new public open space were contradictory and the decision should be reviewed.  Ensuring finance for the management of public open space had been an ongoing issue for the Planning Committee with several applications referring to that future provision being made through the formation of a management company.  Developers should be required to meet the ongoing cost of managing public open space provided as part of any new development.

The cabinet member, infrastructure replied that the decision was clear that the council would no longer actively adopt or take on the maintenance of new public open space, except in exceptional circumstances in which case the cost would be recovered from the developer.  He would ensure that officers were applying this policy to all relevant planning applications.

A member asked how the management of the policy was to be taken forward and suggested the formation of a Public open Space Management Company be included in the draft heads of terms in any planning agreement for housing developments.  The cabinet member, infrastructure, replied that there was no intention to adopt the open spaces within a development unless mitigated by the costs of that development.  The question would be referred to the Planning Officers for a written reply.

A member said that there had been no meaningful debate around the 100% retention of business rates.  This was an issue that needed to be addressed as, he believed, it fell under objective four of the chief executives objectives, as outlined in appendix 2 of the report, and that the chief executive needed to be empowered to address this issue.  The Leader replied that it was not clear at this point whether business rate retention would impact local authorities.  It would impact the choices that a local authority would make.  A further report on the issue would be made when there was a definitive answer.

The chief executive agreed with a member’s comment that objective eight should be extended to all elections and referendums, rather than just those held in May and June. 

In reply to a question, the cabinet member health and wellbeing said that the award of contracts for learning disability services would provide a comprehensive service that would include respite care.

A member questioned whether objective seven had been met, as there was currently an overspend in adult social care.  The cabinet member health and wellbeing replied that action was being taken to address this overspend in order to ensure that the budget was brought in on target.

In reply to a further question, the leader said that the chief executive’s objectives were monitored on a daily basis, but that by their very nature they were not easy to split down further.  He would be happy to discuss any other form of dissemination of this information with members and group leaders.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.