To receive the Leader’s report.  The report provides an overview of the Executive’s activity since the Council meeting of November 2009.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor RJ Phillips, presented his report which provided an overview of the Executive’s activity since the previous Council meeting held in November 2009.  A correction was provided to paragraph 13 of the report; the figure £650million should have read £280million.

Members were informed by the Leader that the aligned joint corporate property strategy was being used by the Audit Commission as an example of good practice.  Such initiatives not only demonstrated the commitment to the partnership, but were in line with Total Place, which sought to make efficient and effective use of public sector monies.  The West Midlands Leaders Board had agreed to lobby for the West Midlands to be the first region to undertake a Total Place approach.

Responding to questions raised in relation to the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Waste Disposal Contract, the Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing stated that the Council would be underwriting expenditure incurred by Mercia Waste should the proposed development not be successful; such costs would equate to 25% of the total (75% being underwritten by Worcestershire).  Whilst the liability was recognised as a risk it was smaller than other risks identified in the project.  Developing an Energy from Waste plant on Rotherwas, whilst technically a possibility, would not prove as viable due to the amount of waste produced by the county (currently circa 55k tonnes) which would increase the cost per unit.  The Hartlebury site had been considered to be the most appropriate to deal with the collective waste for both counties of around 200k tonnes.  It was acknowledged by the Leader that further debates would need to be held in relation to the energy from waste issue.

The Cabinet Member Economic Development and Community Services, in response to a question posed on the need to urgently address issues of connectivity and the unacceptable levels of ‘not spots’ in the county, emphasised the importance of broadband both economically and socially in growing sustainable communities.  Members were advised that a variety of options and methods which would increase connectivity and capacity were being considered

The Leader informed Council that the Government criterion for the future funding for schools was expected to be published in advance of the pre-election period; the authority (together with other Councils) had been lobbying for the criterion to include the number of children per hectare, however this would not be known until publication of the criterion.

Members acknowledged the quality of the work being undertaken as part of the Local Development Framework consultation and commended the efforts and commitment of the team.  Council Members were thanked for their support and responses to the consultation process.

Responding to a question which sought clarification as to the opportunity given to Hereford City residents to formally consider and sign up to the growth agenda and the deep concerns expressed that decisions relating to the city would be determined by those not living in the city, the Leader outlined some serious underlying issues that needed to be addressed which underpinned the options for growth.  These included the average wage levels being sub £20,000, with the average house price being £200,000.  The agenda for growth included employment, infrastructure and increased standard of living.  The Leader posed the question that should these options not be acceptable, what could be the alternatives? 

The Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation, in response to a question raised, advised Council that the Widemash Street and Maylord Street refurbishment scheme was the first part of the design strategy as presented by Bill Hamilton Baillie.  A commitment had been given to keep businesses informed of developments and a further newsletter would be issued soon.  Shoppers were being encouraged to continue to visit and purchase from businesses on the Street.  The project was scheduled to last 40 weeks and would be due for completion for the end of October/early November, in time for the Christmas shopping period.

The Leader informed Council of the development of the West Midlands Leaders Board (WMLB), which included all of the region’s 33 local authority Leaders, which had been established to reflect the changes within the regional governance landscape.  Executive Groups would be set up to support and advise the WMLB on specific areas (Transport and Planning currently proposed) with task and finish groups formed as appropriate.  Sub regional groupings had been established, though it was emphasised that discussions and decisions needed to be held at the appropriate level.  Whilst nationally the number of private sector jobs increased during 1998-2005, there had been a 2% decrease in the West Midlands.  The region needed to work together to rebuild a successful regional economy and support such initiatives as the advancement of the carbon agenda in the motor vehicle industries.  The Leader acknowledged comments raised by a Member in attendance regarding the need to create and incubate businesses and encourage entrepreneurship (as well as ensure growth and prosperity) by making available appropriate support and affordable business accommodation in the right locations.

RESOLVED:  That the Leader’s reports be noted.