Agenda item
QUESTIONS TO THE CABINET MEMBERS AND CHAIRMEN UNDER STANDING ORDERS
To receive any written questions.
Minutes:
The Chairman advised that 11 Councillors had lodged questions with several relating to Bloor Homes at Bullinghope. One composite answer was been provided at the Council meeting by Councillor J Jarvis Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing which covered all key points raised by questions received from Councillors Dawe, Chappell, Hubbard, James and Davies.
Composite answer provided by Councillor J Jarvis, Cabinet Member for Environment and Strategic Housing
(a) Position on the Planning Application
(i) The application to develop 300 dwellings on land at Bullinghope, Hereford (DCCE2008/0970/F) was submitted on 3 April 2008. A detailed Environmental Statement and other supporting information have been submitted and are available for public scrutiny and comment. No detailed timetable has been established for the determination of the application. A separate but related challenge to the allocation of the site in the UDP would be considered in the Royal Court of Justice on 26 and 27 June 2008.
(ii) The Council is currently carrying out detailed consultations with statutory consultees and local groups. At this stage elements of the detailed information raised in some of the questions is not available at this stage of the processing of the application.
(iii) The quality and detail set out in any planning application is ultimately a matter for the applicant's discretion within the context set by national and local standards. Contractors working for Bloor Homes are completing a full evaluation process as set out in PPG 16. This will allow the County Archaeologist to have an appropriate opportunity to assess the results before the Committee determines the application. Additional consultation will be carried out on the completion of the evaluation.
(iv) The issues raised on the accuracy or otherwise of the traffic assessment and the flood risk assessment submitted with the application is a matter which is awaiting detailed responses from key consultees. Due to the comprehensive nature of the Environmental Statement the Council is procuring its own consultants to verify the accuracy or otherwise of its contents.
(b) Position on Funding for the Rotherwas Access Road
(i) The Rotherwas Access Road is fully funded as part of the Rotherwas Futures Project. The Council has fully explored a range of different funding methods for the Rotherwas Access Road and as a result secured a funding package for the Road through the Rotherwas Futures Scheme. In addition, the Council will continue to seek Section 106 agreements from any developments that could further contribute to the package. The Rotherwas Access Road has secured its own funding package and is not financially reliant on the development of the Bullinghope site.
(ii) Detailed discussions will take place with Bloor Homes shortly on the range and nature of the Section 106 agreement package that would accompany the application in the event that planning permission is granted. The submitted application includes no proposals for affordable homes on the site. This reflects the contents of paragraph 5.4.13 of the adopted Unitary Development Plan.
(C) ARCHAEOLOGY
(i) The Council carried out some preliminary studies on the site when it was proposed as an objection site in earlier stages of the UDP. Further detailed work has been carried out since the adoption of the Plan and as the application has been prepared. This work is informing the detailed archaeological assessment which is being undertaken by contractors engaged by Bloor Homes.
(D) FLOODING AND SEWERAGE
(i) Bloor Homes has carried out a range of work on the technical considerations in relation to its proposed development of the Bullinghope site. This work is detailed in the Environmental Statement and other supporting documents. The Council is still awaiting the detailed responses from a range of statutory consultees on the proposal.
Supplementary question from Councillor Dawe
Is the Rotherwas Access Road fully funded as in earlier answer reference was made to prudential borrowing?
Answer from Councillor J Jarvis Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
Yes, that is correct
Supplementary question from Councillor Chappell
It is perplexing as to why houses are developed in the North of the City of Hereford and pay for the development of the Rotherwas Access Road. Could details be made available of all funding methods for the Rotherwas Futures and Road.
Answer from Councillor J Jarvis Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
The information relating to the funding of the Rotherwas Access Road funding is in the public domain.
Supplementary question from Councillor M Hubbard
There is a link between affordable housing and funding of the Access Road as there is no reference to affordable housing in the Bloor Homes development as the development would be contributing to the Access Road. If the development is not contributing to the Access Road, why have Bloor Homes been relieved of the requirement to ensure the development provides for 35% affordable housing?
Answer from Councillor J Jarvis Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
When the development is considered by the Planning Committee, Members will discuss the content of the application. It is for the Planning Committee to determine the outcome of the application having taken all aspects into consideration.
Supplementary question from Councillor T James
What is really known about the archaeological importance of the site as this needs to be clarified before any further progress is made?
Answer from Councillor J Jarvis Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
PPG 16 states that proper investigation must take place prior to further development. It is difficult to know in detail what may be found until the works commence. Additionally, in responding to a point of order raised by Councillor Toon, the Cabinet Member stated that a further response would be provided with relation to question 6.1 (which refers to the Council’s records on historic archaeological information on the Bullinghope/Bloor Homes site).
Question from Councillor ACR Chappell to Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources
With an ever increasing population of migrants coming to the county, from several different parts of Europe and Asia, will the Leader give serious consideration to the appointment of a ‘Herefordshire Ambassador’?
An ‘Ambassador’ for the county would travel to the main countries from which migrants to the county come, would liaise with government departments, local authorities, families etc., to foster good relations between our communities. In the event of illness, or other serious incidents within the migrant community, the Ambassador would be first port of call for migrants and their families and for the authorities in this country.
Answer from Councillor French, Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources
An ambassador that is funded by public money, travelling to an extensive number of countries (over 20) would be difficult to justify. What we would like to see is a local approach, with a central point of contact, to support foreign nationals.
Significant elements of the ambassador role are already undertaken within this country with local and international business and public service partners by Herefordshire’s Leader, Deputy Leader and other political leaders.
Supplementary question from Councillor Chappell
The Council seeks to maintain the status quo. The economic contribution of migrant groups within the County is substantial and this, together with their other contributions should be acknowledged through a dedicated position. The business sector could also be requested to consider a similar proposal.
Answer from Councillor French, Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources
Whilst the Council is actively involved in a number of projects, including the Friendship Centre this does not preclude consideration with partners of future options.
Question from Councillor GFM Dawe to Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources.
Can you tell me how many times Herefordshire Council has used the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (2000)?
If the RIPA Act (2000) has been used, what offences were investigated and what surveillance methods employed.
Which departments within HC have made use of RIPA?
Answer from Councillor French, Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources
Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights confers a right to respect for private and family life. This right makes it unlawful for a public body to covertly monitor the private or family life of a citizen unless it be for the purposes of investigating crime, safeguarding national security or public safety, the protection of public health or morals, the protection of the rights of others or safeguarding the economic well being of the country. In the exercise of its duties, the Council sometimes needs to covertly investigate allegations of wrongdoing. Where such techniques are used, the Council adheres to the legal requirements of The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA). Before undertaking any surveillance, investigators must firstly obtain a written authority from one of a handful of specially trained senior officers. In Herefordshire authorisations are comparatively rare, as less intrusive evidence-gathering techniques must be exhausted or prove impractical before permission will even be considered. The Office of the Surveillance Commissioner oversees all public bodies operation of procedures under The Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and conducts periodic spot-audits. The Council has received two such audits over the past few years and has received consistent praise for the way in which it operates its procedures, under the supervision of The Legal Practice Manager. The Council also completes an Annual return to the Office of the Surveillance Commissioner each April, outlining the numbers of authorisations made in the previous twelve months. The following numbers of authorisations have been made:- 2003/04 - 11 authorisations; 2004/05 - 2 authorisations; 2005/06 - 3 authorisations; 2006/07 - 4 authorisations; 2007/08 - 7 authorisations.
RIPA authorisations have been given to assist Council officers investigate various matters including allegations of benefit fraud; the apprehension of 'joy-riders' in the County's parks at night; the adherence of retailers to the new no-smoking laws and the operation of unlicensed vehicles in the City. Additionally RIPA powers have been used to facilitate test-purchases at a number of stores in order to clamp down on the sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. The Council also makes RIPA authorisations at the request of the Police, to allow our CCTV cameras to be used in the furtherance of police-lead criminal investigations. Surveillance methods include video and still photography along with officer observations which are subsequently captured in formal statements.
The Directorates which have used RIPA are Resources and Environment.
Questions from Councillor GFM Dawe to Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources
Is it Council Policy to censor political films, if so can you point me to that policy?
On 26 March 2008 (or thereabouts) The Barrels pub received a hand delivered letter from the council saying that if the film ‘On The Verge’ was screened the landlord would be fined and possibly imprisoned. Who wrote the letter, on whose instructions and why? Was this letter written with the full backing of the Council?
Who was the most senior officer to authorise the Council’s action to prevent the showing of the film ‘On The Verge” at the Barrells pub on 26 March 2008?
Who gave the advice that the Landlord could be fined or imprisoned if the film was shown?
Since the Police had chosen not to intervene, who would have initiated a prosecution if the film had been shown? Please identify the exact legal reference that demonstrates an obligation for the Council to have followed this course.
Answer from Councillor French, Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources
No, it is not Council Policy to censor political films
The Barrels was not licensed for showing films. The penalties for breaching the licence were detailed as is normal in these circumstances and follows the principles laid out in the National “Enforcement Concordat” issued by the Home Office and agreed by the LGA. We acted as a responsible council by helping them apply for and obtain a temporary events notice.
It was agreed by the Head of Service
The Licensing Service gave the advice that the Landlord could be fined or imprisoned if the film was shown.
The Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards has delegated powers to initiate prosecutions for a breach of licensing conditions. Section 136 of the Licensing Act 2003 makes it an offence for a premises to be used for any licensable activity otherwise than under and in accordance with an authorisation subject to which the licence is held.
Question from Councillor ACR Chappell to Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
With a long waiting list for allotments, will the Leader ensure that Planning Policies include either a financial contribution towards provision of allotments or land provision by Developers?
Answer from Councillor J Jarvis Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
Para 3.9.12 of the recently adopted Supplementary Planning Document on Planning Obligations recognises the importance of allotment gardens as a response to a specific set of needs. The document indicates that any contributions will be negotiated on a case by case basis. The Head of Planning Service is in direct contact with the Acting Town Clerk at Hereford City Council on this matter
Supplementary question from Councillor ACR Chappell
Consideration of access to allotments needs to be given for both market towns and City dwellers.
Answer from Councillor J Jarvis Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
Comments were noted and would be taken into consideration.
Question from Councillor ACR Chappell to Cabinet Member Economic Development and Community Services
The Hay Festival is a week away and 1000s of people from across the UK and further will pass through Herefordshire. Next year Hereford will host the Three Choirs Festival. The Royal National College for the Blind will host part of the Blind World Cup Football Championships in 2010 and will be host to one of the national teams for the 2012 Para Olympics in 2012.
What plans does the Cabinet Member have to ensure the County and the City gets maximum benefit from these events? Will he talk to traders, hoteliers, cafes etc., about extending opening hours and ensuring that suitable access is available for all?
Answer from Councillor A Blackshaw, Cabinet Member Economic Development and Community Services
Visit Herefordshire are working with the Hay Festival by helping with accommodation enquiries via the Tourist Information Centre and we have contributed to a shuttle bus service running from Hereford Railway station to Hay on Wye and back 4 times a day. This makes it easier for people who are travelling by train but also has the benefit of ensuring that people stay within Herefordshire during the festival. The total cost for this service is £10,000, of which Herefordshire Council was contributing £1,000 (other partners included the Welsh Assembly, Powys Council and Brecon Beacons National Park)
In relation to the Three Choirs Festival we have always helped with accommodation enquires if we can but the Three Choirs have their own accommodation sub committee that they have indicated they would be pleased to have us sit on, this is being followed up and there is close working taking place with the Chairman of the Committee.
The World Blind Football Championships in 2010 is already being prepared for, the Visit Herefordshire team are working on a guide of accessible accommodation, attractions, restaurants, shops etc and this is being done in partnership with the Royal National College for the Blind. There is an action point on the Herefordshire Olympics Action plan to develop relationships with overseas teams and we are working with Tony Larkin, Chair of the Sports Council (who is leading on the project from the Royal National College for the Blind) to establish what countries will be visiting Hereford in 2010 and how we can work with them to maximise the publicity for both residents and visitors who may be in the county at that time. It is planned to have a full meeting and put a formal proposal together following the Paralympics in Beijing this year.
In relation to getting people to stay open for longer for visitors we did have a discussion with operators in the city before the last Three Choirs and many of them operate at their full capacity did not really feel the need to extend their opening hours or change the way they operated their business. We will however approach them again for next year's Three choirs Festival by working with the Festival committee to get times of concerts out early for businesses to plan.
In relation to the 2012 games we will have a comprehensive guide available by then and hopefully we will have offered training to businesses (subject to funding) on Customer Care and dealing with customers with disabilities.
Supplementary question from Councillor Chappell
Most retailers close by 6.00p.m each evening and are closed on a Sunday. Public conveniences close by 10.00p.m. With the huge possibilities events of this nature can offer, it is imperative that local businesses, both within the City and in the Market Towns, are made aware of such opportunities.
Answer from Councillor A Blackshaw, Cabinet Member Economic Development and Community Services
It is recognised that there are phenomenal opportunities to grasp in relation to the centres of our city and market towns. It is important to emphasise that a thriving café culture is not about extending the opportunity for binge drinking. It is acknowledged that there is much to do prior to 2010 and 2012.
Question from Councillor ACR Chappell to Cabinet Member Children’s Services
Following the Scrutiny Committee’s overwhelming support to re-open the St Martin’s LEA Swimming Pool, which organisation has she spoken to with regard to ‘Partnership’ working of the pool?
Answer from Councillor J Hyde, Cabinet Member Children’s Services
Officers have not spoken to individual organizations about the possibility of a partnership running the pool, as it was important to clarify possible costs. Scrutiny Committee did request an independent view of running costs of the St Martin’s Pool. These have been estimated by an independent consultant to be over £130,000 per annum, excluding maintenance costs. Cabinet will be considering the future of the pool and a report is being prepared setting out options, and including the views expressed at Scrutiny Committee.
In response to concerns raised concerning the lack of reference about partnerships, the Chairman stated that he understood the concerns raised and had been present at the Scrutiny Committee in question.
Supplementary question from Councillor Chappell
The South Wye Regeneration Partnership was only contacted about this issue yesterday and other organisations that use the pool had yet to be contacted. As Cabinet would discuss the item on 29 May, it was important that all problems were raised in order that they could be fully considered.
Answer from Councillor J Hyde, Cabinet Member Children’s Services
An independent scrutiny of costs outlined the importance of getting the full costs known which included the increased cost of pool use. It was emphasised that that full consideration of all information would be taken on board and that it was not about forming a quick decision.
Councillor Toon stated that Halo had been good partners in the provision of Swimming Pools and in accommodating the needs of both schools and ordinary swimmers.
Question from Councillor ACR Chappell to Cabinet Member Children’s Services
What is the Cabinet Member doing to ensure that county schools provide locally accessed food for our schools? Is she aware that local producers want to provide decent wholesome food in our schools and schools are trying to encourage pupils to learn to cook home grown fresh food?
Answer from Councillor J Hyde, Cabinet Member Children’s Services
The Council is aware of the interest of local producers in this matter and of the efforts of schools to promote local, healthy food. There are a number of initiatives being undertaken to use locally grown food in schools.
There is a policy encouraging school caterers to use local sources, and this is being translated into contracts. In future the aspiration is for schools to work towards the Food for Life Targets of using 75% fresh, 50% local and work towards 30% organic ingredients in the next two years. This is being put into catering contracts as they are renewed.
In partnership with Bulmer’s foundation and through the Healthy Schools Initiative, staff have been employed to establish gardens in schools to produce fruit and vegetables for consumption.
Under the Fruit Scheme complaints have been made to the government appointed agency who manage this scheme through regional contracts. The Council has made representation that we wish our schools to be supplied where possible from Herefordshire Grown fruit rather than fruit from Europe. It has now been established that we can get out of the regional contract and establish our own arrangements. The practical arrangement of how this is to be done is being discussed by a Schools Meals Working party on which all interested parties are represented.
An initiative in partnership with the Duchy of Cornwall Local Food Partnership Feeding Young Minds, the Bulmer Foundation and Health Schools is encouraging schools to; promote food safety, increase the consumption of healthy and nutritious food, improve sustainability of production and distribution, increase tenders from local producers, increase co-operation among buyers and producers and increase the sustainability of public food procurement
Question from Councillor RI Matthews to Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation
Having discovered by reading in the local press, that the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation was hopeful that the extra cash being raised from the recent increase in Car Parking charges would be invested in a Park and Ride scheme to be situated off the A49 at Holmer, is it not time that he informed Members of the exact location and size of this proposed site? Or, does he intend to announce that through the press as well?
Answer from Councillor DB Wilcox, Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation
The link between the Council’s approach to car park charges and future support for Park and Ride is made clear in the Council’s Local Transport Plan. The Plan highlights that it is necessary to coordinate the provision of park and ride sites with our strategy for car parking charges in the centre of the City to encourage use of park and ride and to assist with the future revenue costs of operating such services. As Chairman of the Environment Scrutiny Committee, Councillor Matthews may recall this link in policy terms was also recently highlighted at the Environment Scrutiny Committee meeting on 25 February 2008 in relation to a report on On-Street Parking.
With regard to progress on delivering the Hereford Park and Ride Scheme to the north of the City, this has been subject to lengthy land negotiations. Whilst potential sites have been identified in the vicinity of the A49, discussions are currently underway with land owners to secure agreement for a suitable site. As these negotiations have not been concluded it has not been appropriate to discuss the details in the public arena. Once negotiations are complete it is anticipated that a planning application would be submitted to take the proposal forward. This will enable full consideration of the proposal in the public arena and will need to be accompanied by details on environmental and traffic impacts of park and ride. In accordance with normal practice, Members will be advised of the proposed site at the appropriate time and any press releases placed in the Members Room.
Supplementary question from Councillor Matthews
Whilst appreciating the need to maintain confidentiality, Members take a dim view of reading issues of such a nature in the press. It is imperative that relevant and appropriate briefings are provided to Members.
Answer from Councillor DB Wilcox, Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation
The issues under question were raised on 25 February during a public meeting.
Question from Councillor PJ Edwards to Cabinet Member Children’s Services
Why were Local Members not informed of plans to withdraw transport provision for all non entitled riders' going to Bishops and St Mary's RC High School, from South Wye?
Has the Council considered promoting some alternative environmental friendly transport scheme to aid these pupils travel to schools of their preference, given that the withdrawal of buses will almost certainly exasperate school travel congestion times across the City?
Local Councillors were advised by e-mail on 8 May of the planned withdrawal of the Vacant Seat opportunities for some of the denominational transport routes, effective from September 2008.
Answer from Councillor J Hyde, Cabinet Member Children’s Services
The reasons for the withdrawal was a review of the routes and provision of transport for pupils attending The Bishop Of Hereford's Bluecoat School & St Mary's RC High School from all areas south of the river including Belmont, Hinton, Putson areas along the A49, Ross on Wye, Fownhope and Mordiford.
The numbers of non-entitled riders (56 overall ), the numbers of pupils leaving at the end of year 11 being less than those starting in year 7 and the numbers of spare seats on buses. Currently we have 7 buses serving the schools and this will be reduced to 5, resulting in savings of approx £40,000 as from September 2008.
Transport will be withdrawn from all non-entitled riders (those pupils who are not attending the schools on denominational grounds or are in the catchment area for Bishop's), as from September 2008.
Parents of those pupils affected were informed and local Members were also supplied with a copy of that letter for their information.
In the letter to parents there was information about alternative public transport arrangements that they could make use of if they so wished - a particularly environmentally friendly transport solution albeit it may cost more than the subsidised Vacant Seat Scheme. The uptake of alternative public transport would not exacerbate travel congestion.
Supplementary Question from Councillor PJ Edwards
As the local Ward Member, he was only informed of the issue when a number of parents contacted him. Whilst letters were sent to parents on a Friday the email to Members was not sent until the following Monday. It is imperative for Members to be notified in a timely manner and for them to be informed of such issues.
Question from Councillor PJ Edwards to Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation
Given that I have requested the very poor quality paving at Haywood Lane / A465tr between Belmont Housing Estate and Newton Coppice plus Belmont Abbey PCT Office complex be repaired for some years, when will this important 'pedestrian safety action' be carried out?
Is the Cabinet Member aware that "South Wye Walking to Health" formal guided walks use this junction? Is he aware that approx 600 staff are employed at the PCT offices, many wishing to walk between their homes and their place of employment?
Is the Cabinet Member aware that the footway was scheduled to be reinstated during August 2007, then January 2008 (due to Bellwin flood damage works) and was last promised to be completed by the end of March 2008 yet has not yet been attended to?
Whilst welcoming the new speed limit order on Haywood Lane approach road to Belmont from The Callow, was there a statutory duty to place 16 speed limit signs along this relatively short distance of 2 mile country lane and are they to be a permanent or temporary blots on the landscape?
Answer from Councillor DB Wilcox, Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation
It had been hoped to provide a section of footway behind the existing kerb-line across the frontage of Lake Cottage, on the approach to the junction of Haywood Lane with the A465. This work would have dealt with part of the concerns expressed but was delayed due to resources having to be directed towards flood damage repairs and the ongoing revision of the highways programme for 2007/08. Whilst generally the overall programme was successfully delivered, it was not possible to complete this particular scheme during the financial year. Unfortunately due to staff changes the local Member was not kept informed of this change to the programme, and for that I apologise.
The footways alongside the A465 Trunk Road are the responsibility of the Highways Agency, and this includes any current or new paving around the corner of the junction into Haywood Lane. The Highways Agency has identified a proposed scheme for footways and cycleways at the Tesco roundabout, and the wider picture of other pedestrian movements around the Trunk Road will be raised with them.
In order to provide a more comprehensive solution to improving conditions for pedestrians at this location, it is now proposed to combine the minor works previously planned as part of a new footway from the junction on the A465 along Haywood Lane to where the recently re-stoned footway emerges onto the lane opposite Newton Coppice. It is intended to take forward a suitable scheme during the current financial year.
I am aware of the importance of this pedestrian route both for the staff employed at the PCT and those taking part in the Walking to Health initiative. I will ensure that we continue to work with the Highways Agency to seek to bring forward a comprehensive scheme to improve conditions for pedestrians.
I am pleased that the introduction of the new speed limit order on Haywood Lane is welcomed. The speed limit has been introduced in accordance with the relevant standards to ensure that it is effective and enforceable.
The Traffic Signs And General Directions Regulations require repeater signs to be placed throughout speed limits, with a few exceptions, such as 30mph limits under streetlights. These repeater signs have been placed in Haywood Lane at the maximum spacing distance required by the regulations to keep the number of signs to the minimum whilst still complying with the regulations. Without these signs the speed limit is not legal and cannot be enforced and, as such, the effectiveness of this Experimental Traffic Regulation Order, and its impact on the safety and network management issues that led to its introduction, would therefore be curtailed. The regulations seek to ensure motorists remain aware of the prevailing speed limit throughout its length. The Council cannot deviate from the requirements of the Regulations without Department for Transport authorisation. It is considered that this authorisation is highly unlikely to be forthcoming in this particular case. Should the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order be deemed a success, then the signs will have to remain as a consequence.
Supplementary question from Councillor PJ Edwards
How can an authority leave a well used paving in such a dangerous state?
Answer from Councillor DB Wilcox, Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation
There is a possibility of a better scheme once the Highways Agency have given due consideration. The work on the footway will be undertaken in this financial year.
Question from Councillor AT Oliver to Cabinet Member Resources
In respect of the new contract that Herefordshire Council has taken out with TNT for the sorting of the Council’s second class mail at their Bristol Centre and return to Royal Mail’s Worcester office for final delivery by Royal Mail, projected savings are said to be £70,000 a year. Would you advise the following:
(a) The length of the contract with TNT?
(b) The consultancy fee paid to Civica UK Ltd for reviewing the Council’s postal services?
(c) The consultancy fee paid to Stenmoore for reviewing the review by Civica UK Ltd, and implementing the new service?
(d) What are the average number of items collected daily by TNT?
Answer from Councillor H Bramer, Cabinet Member Resources
The Council agreed a procurement efficiency programme as part of its financial strategy for 2008 – 2011 in March 2008. We are aiming to deliver £750k a year in savings through more efficient procurement of goods and services in order to protect services to the public. One of the projects included in that programme was to reduce postal costs. Initial estimates are that up to £70k a year could be saved.
The Council is therefore piloting new postal arrangements with TNT for second-class post with a view to making cost savings. This company collect post from Council offices and take it to their sort station and are paid a fee per item. Royal Mail then collects the sorted post and makes the final delivery. They also get paid a fee. The Council saves approximately 7p per item compared to the existing arrangement with Royal Mail.
We have secured TNT’s services through a framework contract prepared by the Eastern Shires Purchasing Consortium, a partner of West Mercia Supplies, the purchasing organisation that Herefordshire Council co-owns with Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin. This framework contract expires in 2010 and the current fees paid to TNT are guaranteed until then. The Council is not, however, tied into using TNT until this period. This gives us total flexibility in piloting this initiative. Approximately 1,400 items of second class post a day were handled by TNT in their first month of operation. The number of items handled by TNT is expected to grow as more buildings pilot the new arrangement. Where the new arrangement proves not to be practical, the Council will pursue cost reductions with Royal Mail although we do not expect this to produce the same level of saving.
Civica UK carried out an initial review of the Council’s procurement arrangements for postal services in 2007. The review cost £16,000 in total with the cost shared equally between the Council and the West Midlands Centre of Excellence – the regional body promoting procurement efficiency.
The Council didn’t have the in-house capacity to review Civica’s work so this activity was outsourced to Stenmore at a cost of £4,500.
Supplementary question from Councillor Oliver
The comprehensive answer was appreciated. However on the statistics given, the Council would need to send 1 million items to deliver the annual £70,000 savings at 7pence per item. Current figures provided are way off the mark. An additional concern is the risk placed on Royal Mail postal delivery and the possible consequences on the provision of rural services. Does the Council not have a social conscience to maintain the services within the Royal Mail system?
Answer from Councillor Bramer, Cabinet Member Resources
The Council has a duty of care for the public’s money. The authority has spent £12,500 to deliver an annual saving of £70,000 which demonstrates that we are using the Council’s money wisely. There is no doubt that the £70,000 will be delivered in efficiency savings as additional office sites are included in the scheme.
Question from Councillor WLS Bowen to Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
Do you agree that it is time that Herefordshire became a plastic bag free county? Are you aware that there are several extremely viable alternatives to plastic bags ranging from paper to jute and even bio-degradable bags made from starches?
Answer from Councillor J Jarvis, Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
The Council has the opportunity to consider whether or not it wishes to become a “Plastic Bag Free” County as it is in the process of agreeing a Draft Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy with its partner local authorities in Worcestershire. The aim for Herefordshire to become “Plastic Bag Free” should be included in the consultation process for that Strategy and discussions are taking place with Officers on this issue.
Question from Councillor PJ Watts to Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
Would the Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing consider a complete review of Herefordshire Council Housing Allocation Policy to take place in conjunction with the ongoing review of Homepoint which is currently taking place by the appropriate Scrutiny Committee chaired by Councillor PA Andrews.
Answer from Coucillor J Jarvis Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing
As this is a matter relating to the operation of Home Point and the Housing Allocations Policy the question would normally be responded to by the Cabinet Member for Social Care Adults and Health. However, in view of cross-cutting considerations around access to affordable housing my colleague Councillor Barnett has agreed that I will respond in my role as Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing. I would like to reassure Councillor Watts that a review of the Home Point Housing Allocations Policy is taking place as part of the current scrutiny review being Chaired by Councillor Andrews and that once concluded, both Cabinet Members will consider what, if any, further actions or amendments to policy will be put into action if required.
Question from Councillor AT Oliver to Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources
What was the total cost of individual contractors on long term placements in the ICT division engaged in implementing the Back Office System (BOP) and the Community Network Upgrade (CNU) projects?
Answer from Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources
Contractors were appointed within ICT to ensure that the Council has the necessary capacity and expertise to deliver on its programmes.
In common with other local authorities contractors are used to facilitate delivery not necessarily limited to one programme or project but to a number of projects that are ongoing at any particular time within a local authority. It is therefore very difficult to breakdown the cost of individual projects to an individual contractor for that reason.
In respect of the Committee network upgrade and back office project five contractors can be identified whose primary role is to support these projects.
Over the three year period 2005 – 2007 the costs identified within ICT for these contractors is approximately £677,546.39.
At present there are not contractors supporting either of these projects within ICT so there is no contractor cost to the Council. Much effort has been put into the recruitment of permanent staff.
Mr McLaughlin, the Assistant Chief Executive Legal and Democratic Services gave a general statement with regards to past ICT issues.
Members and Councillor Oliver will recall that a compromise agreement was entered into by the Council with the person concerned. As part of that agreement both parties are bound by the confidentiality requirements of that agreement. Failure to adhere or comply with the terms of the compromise agreement would place the Council at risk of legal action and cost. Therefore it is not possible to discuss the matter further.
The Chairman thanked all Members for their questions and Cabinet Members for their responses.
In response to a statement made about the style and content of the meeting, and especially the possible negative impression given to the public on the activities of the Council meeting, the Leader stated that he was committed to ensuring a thorough review of both the civic and political processes to ensure their robustness and relevance.
MEETING SUSPENDED AT 1.15 pm for lunch