Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Head of Legal & Democratic Services advised that a personal interest on general school agenda items would be recorded for those Members who were school governors, as none of the items related to the specific schools of which Cabinet Members were governors.  A personal interest was recorded for Councillors J.B. Attridge, H. Brown, C.M. Jones, R.K. Jones and A.P. Shotton for Agenda Item numbers 20 - School Funding Formula Review Update, 21 - Consultation on the future of Post-16 Provision and 22 - School Admission Arrangements 2014.

The Cabinet Member for Housing also declared a separate personal interest in Agenda Item 22: School Admission Arrangements 2014 in relation to her children.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2013.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 January 2013 had been circulated with the agenda.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes be approved as a correct record.

As detailed in the recommendations.

* In accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules, this decision is not subject to call in.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report to present the finalised Council Fund Revenue Budget strategy and detailed proposals for 2013/14 for recommendation to County Council on 1 March 2013.  He commented on the work undertaken by officers and Members to close the budget shortfall and thanked all those who had been involved in the process.  He spoke of the principles which had guided the budget for the continuation of the delivery of key services along with tackling the challenges facing the Council, requiring the development of financial planning and decisive decisions though the Flintshire Futures programme.

The Head of Finance said that the report included a full reconciliation of changes to the budget since that reported to Cabinet in December 2012.  The improved position on the projected outturn in 2012/13 would allow the underspend in the current year to be utilised to fund one-off items in 2013/14 and enable a view to be taken on the budget required in 2013/14 on out of county placements and other areas.  In commending the report to Members, she said that the proposals represented a measured and acceptable level of risk.

The Chief Executive commented on the positive responses to issues raised during consultation with Overview & Scrutiny Committees and the excellent progress made in caseload management of out of county placements, which was a measured risk.

RESOLVED:

That the following be recommended to County Council on 1 March 2013:-

(a)     That the 2013/14 Council Fund Revenue Budget Requirement be set at £258,284,539 (which is £1,720,145 below the calculated Standard Spending Assessment) (4.01);

(b)     That there be a 2.9% increase in Council Tax at Band D and an assumed 97.5% collection rate (4.02);

(c)      The inclusion of the Outcome Agreement Grant of £1.467m in the budget (4.03);

(d)     The levels of inflation assumed in the budget (4.05-4.07);

(e)     That items of non-standard inflation are only allocated out to services when the actual increase in cost is known (4.06);

(f)      The amounts included in the budget relating to transfers into and out of the settlement (4.08);

(g)     The inclusion of £3.261m of pressures in the budget (Appendix 5 a-d);

(h)     That the Council's adopted practice continues that resources to fund new pressures be approved for the purpose set out.  Any proposals to vary the use of the sums allocated are to be the subject of a further report to Cabinet (4.09);

(i)       The inclusion of estimated one-off costs totalling £0.297m in the budget (Appendix 6), to be funded from the contingency reserve;

(j)       The inclusion of efficiencies of £5.437m in the budget (4.11 and Appendix 7 a-e);

(k)      That if it should become apparent that achievement of any of the savings (in full or part) is proving to be not as anticipated that this is dealt with corporately, with the Corporate Management Team bringing alternatives to Cabinet for consideration (4.11); and

(l)       That additional income derived from the anticipated collection fund surplus be utilised to fund welfare reform costs and increase  ...  view the full minutes text for item 167.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Cabinet Member for Housing introduced the report to consider the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget proposals for the 2013/14 financial year following consultation with the Housing Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Tenants’ Federation.  She outlined the background to the proposals including a rental increase of 5.1% which was in line with Welsh Government guidelines.

The Head of Housing reassured Members that levels of efficiencies in the HRA were being maximised and that in response to concerns raised by the Tenants’ Federation on the proposed increased rental charge, assurances had been given that the additional income would significantly benefit works in the Capital Programme.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance commented on the significant response to the housing ballot in the previous year, the expectation to deliver the Choices document and exceeding the number of adaptations from that originally anticipated.  He also referred to the commitment to invest in additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour in the county.

RESOLVED:

That the following be recommended to County Council:-

(a)       The proposed HRA budget for 2013/14 as set out in Appendix 1, incorporating the proposals for Service Improvements and Efficiencies in Appendix 2;

(b)       The level of rent charges for 2013/14 as set out in paragraphs 3.02 and 3.05;

(c)        The level of projected balances at 31^st March 2014 at 3.20% of total expenditure; and

(d)       The proposed HRA Capital Programme as set out in Appendix 3.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Director of Environment presented the report to propose the Council Fund Capital Programme for 2013/14 and to provide indicative details for 2014/15 to 2022/23, following consultation with the Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee.  Since approval of the indicative allocations by Cabinet in December 2012, specific allocations were now £2,000 less than had been notified as a result of the final settlement.  The Director drew attention to the main points raised by Overview & Scrutiny in January 2013 and advised that the full programme for 2013/14 amounted to £29.908m.

RESOLVED:

That, taking account of the detail contained in the report to Cabinet on 18 December 2012 and the positive response from Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny, the following be recommended to Council on 1 March 2013:

(a)       Note the work that has been undertaken (and continues) to develop a Council Fund Capital Strategy and 10 year capital programme;

(b)       Note the estimated capital funding available over the 10 year period 2013/14 to 2022/23 (as shown in Appendix 1);

(c)        Approve the inclusion in the programme of the core service allocations to the maximum levels shown for 2013/14 (as detailed in Appendix 2), which takes account of the second year funding requirement (and funding through to completion in 2015/16) in respect of those schemes funded from ‘headroom’ as part of the approved 2012/13 Capital Programme;

(d)       Approve the allocation of resources on the basis of a two year programme (2013/14/15), which provides a net £0.106m available to meet minor contingencies, as necessary;

(e)       Note the total Council Fund Capital Programme for 2013/14 (as set out in Appendix 3) which includes those schemes funded from specific grants, unsupported (prudential) borrowing and LGBI, over and above the general funding detailed in Appendix 1; and

(f)        Note the indicative core programme details for 2014/15 to 2022/23 (as set out in Appendix 2).

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Head of Finance presented the draft Treasury Management Strategy 2013/14, draft Treasury Measurement Policy Statement 2013-2016 and draft Treasury Management Practices 2013-2016 for approval and recommendation to Council.

She explained that the draft Strategy, Policy Statement and Practices had been approved by the Audit Committee on 30 January 2013 following a training session delivered by the Council’s treasury management advisors the previous day to which all Members had been invited.

RESOLVED:

That the draft Treasury Management Strategy 2013/14 in conjunction with the draft Treasury Management Policy Statement 2013-16 and draft Treasury Management Practices 2013-16 be approved and recommended to Council.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Head of Finance introduced the proposals for setting a range of prudential indicators in accordance with the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities (the Prudential Code).  She went on to explain the background to the Prudential Code which aimed to ensure that Councils’ capital investment plans were affordable, prudent and sustainable.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approve and recommend to County Council on 1 March 2013:

a)         the prudential indicators as detailed in Section 3 of the report

·         Capital expenditure (3.05)

·         Ratio of financing costs to net revenue stream (3.06)

·         Incremental impact of capital investment decisions on the council tax (3.07)

·         Incremental impact of capital investment decisions on housing rents (3.07)

·         Capital financing requirement (3.08)

·         Gross debt and the capital financing requirement (3.10)

·         Authorised limit for external debt (3.11, 3.13)

·         Operational boundary for external debt (3.12)

·         Adoption of the CIPFA Treasury Management in the Public Services: Code of Practice and Cross-Sectoral Guidance Notes (3.14)

b)         delegated authority for the Head of Finance to effect movements between the separately agreed limits within the authorised limit for external debt and the operational boundary for external debt (3.11, 3.12).

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Head of Finance introduced the report which outlined proposals for the setting of a prudent minimum revenue provision for the repayment of debt in 2013/14, as required under the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 (‘the 2008 Regulations’).  This was an annual requirement for all Councils to set aside an amount of revenue reserves as provision for the repayment of debt in respect of capital expenditure financed from borrowing or credit arrangements.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approve and recommend to County Council on 1 March 2013:-

·                     Option 1 (Regulatory Method) be used for the calculation of the minimum revenue provision in 2013/14 for all supported borrowing; this represents a continuation of the approved and adopted policy for 2012/13.

·                     Option 3 (Asset Life Method) be used for the calculation of the minimum revenue provision in 2013/14 for all unsupported (prudential) borrowing; this represents a continuation of the approved and adopted policy for 2012/13.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Chief Executive introduced the report on the Council’s Improvement Assessment Letter January 2013 from the Auditor General for Wales and the Council’s response, which would also be shared with the Audit Committee and Corporate Resources Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

Ms. Karen Lees of Wales Audit Office (WAO) was welcomed to the meeting and was invited to provide an overview of the key points detailed in the WAO letter.  It was noted that although there were no new statutory formal recommendations, four proposals for improvement had been suggested.  In outlining the Cabinet’s response to the four suggestions, the Chief Executive said that three were technical process issues.

On the proposal for better balance of narrative in improvement reporting, the Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Waste & Recycling said that a balance was required on the over/under use of narrative taking into account internal needs and external understanding.

RESOLVED:

That the Council’s Improvement Assessment Letter received from the Auditor General for Wales and the Council’s response be noted.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report to outline proposed changes to the delivery of bus subsidy funding from 1 April 2013 and to highlight the implications of a budget cut in the available funding for bus subsidies.  The report also sought approval to revise management arrangements linked to the delivery of a new bus funding scheme via the Regional Transport Consortia and to change the Constitution of TAITH to allow the delivery of the new scheme in North Wales.

The Director of Environment spoke of the link between the report and the Transforming Transport item to be considered later on the agenda.  He explained that a review of the county’s subsidised bus services and related services would be undertaken this year and a report seeking to agree a policy would be brought to Cabinet in April 2013.  This would help to shape the review, which would be conducted afterwards.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the new arrangements for the delivery of bus funding to be in place from 1 April 2013, following the approval of the bus funding report by the Minister for Local Government and Communities, be noted;

(b)       That the proposed additional wording set out in paragraph 3.06 of the report to be inserted into the TAITH Constitution to allow the delivery of the new scheme by the Consortium be approved; and

(c)        That further work to be progressed to identify new management arrangements for the delivery of the new scheme during the initial implementation and transitional period for Regional Transport Services Grant be noted.

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report to seek approval of the Council’s policy on highway safety inspections, intervention criteria and response times.  He outlined the background and key considerations of the policy, a copy of which was appended to the report.

RESOLVED:

That the Council’s policy on highway safety inspections, intervention criteria and response times be approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

* This matter has already been called in.  Following reconsideration of the issue in light of the comments made by the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee, this is the final decision and is not subject to call in.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report to make a final decision on Civil Parking Enforcement (CPE) following a call in of the decision taken on 18 December 2012.  In outlining the key points within the report, he advised that since the receipt of a petition from Holywell Town Council seeking the removal of charges from the town, a petition had also been received from Buckley residents.  However, it was noted that any decision to withdraw parking charges from all of the Council’s car parks would result in a budget pressure of £194.75K in 2013/14.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment continued by saying that the proposal to maintain free parking at the Halkyn Street car park in Holywell ensured free parking provision in the vicinity of healthcare facilities in each of Flintshire’s town centres and that the suggestion raised by a member of the public for free parking after 3pm had been recognised in the policy.  He added that the policy sought to address historical inconsistencies on parking charges and permits.

The Head of Legal & Democratic Services explained that the Cabinet decision of December 2012 had been called in and that subsequent consideration by the Environment Overview & Scrutiny Committee had resulted in a decision to refer the item back to the Cabinet with comments.  Cabinet Members were required to make a final decision by either agreeing to the recommendations in the report or to amend the decision to reflect the concerns put forward by Overview & Scrutiny.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the list of Contravention Codes and Policies on Residents Permits and Disabled Parking Bays shown in Appendix ‘1’ to the report (Appendices ‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’) be approved;

(b)       That the ‘Off-Street’ Parking Policy shown in Appendix ‘4’ be approved and delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, to review the Policy annually and implement any changes, following appropriate consultation;

(c)        That the Summary Business Case shown in Appendix ‘5’ for submission to Welsh Government, as a formal request for CPE powers to be conferred upon Flintshire County Council, be approved;

(d)       That the use of Wales Penalty Processing Partnership {WPPP} to process all Parking Contraventions Notices (PCNs) be approved;

(e)       That delegated authority be granted to the Director of Environment, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, to finalise all detailed aspects of the process, including the matters listed in paragraph 2.09 of the report; and

(f)        That the Cabinet Member for Environment, or their nominated substitute, as the Council’s representative on the Adjudication Joint Committee outlined in paragraph 2.07 of the report, be approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report on progress of the Flintshire Connects programme, the preferred options for the second and third Connects centres in Connah’s Quay and Flint and the strategy for the complete programme across the county.

The Chief Executive commented on phases 1 and 2 of the project and the first centre in Holywell and said that the vision had always been to create provision across the county, including partnership arrangements with other public bodies.  Consultation with employees in Holywell was assisting in the development of other sites, although the location of Mold as a future site was not deemed a priority, given the services based at County Hall.  The Chief Executive spoke of consultation on engaging with residents in rural communities with the potential for improved access in rural and remote areas.  The approach being taken by the Council on Flintshire Connects had been recognised positively at Ministerial level.

The Head of ICT & Customer Services reported on the working arrangements at the Holywell centre which had received positive feedback from members of the public, employees and partner organisations and had brought about efficiencies.  He expressed his appreciation to the Project Manager and team for their efforts in making the centre a success.

The Cabinet Member for Housing commented on the locations of the first three centres which had been agreed by Council in 2011.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That Cabinet approve:

§         Progressing Phase 1 of the Flintshire Connects programme;

§         That a Flintshire Connects Centre is located on the ground floor of County Offices, Flint, with a proposed opening to the public of February 2014;

§         The modular extension to Connah’s Quay Library and Learning Centre to deliver a Flintshire Connects Centre, opening to the public in October 2013 and enabling closure of the Connah’s Quay Office;

§         Authorises lead officers to proceed to design approval and conclude negotiations with North Wales Police and Jobcentre Plus on their proposed occupation of County Offices, Flint;

§         Authorises lead officers to proceed with the migration of cash collection services into the Flintshire Connects Centres;

§         Authorises lead officers to undertake a consultation period with the local community and stakeholders on proposals for Flintshire Connects Centre at both Flint and Connah’s Quay;

§         That Cabinet receive an update report on final working arrangements with partners and resulting financial implications.

(b)       That Cabinet authorise lead officers to proceed with key activities to explore proposals for Phases 2 and 3 of the Flintshire Connects programme; and

(c)        That Cabinet authorise lead officers to develop options for Flintshire Connects Customer Service Advisors to offer Flintshire Connects services in outlying and rural areas.

As detailed in the recommendations which would be subject to consultation with Overview & Scrutiny with any resultant comments brought back to Cabinet.

The Chief Executive introduced the report seeking approval on the final business case for a regional emergency planning service.

The Chief Executive explained that this low-risk project formed part of the Compact between the Welsh Government and Local Government.  A standard report had been submitted to all six North Wales Councils, with Flintshire agreed as the lead Authority.  The recommendations in the report would be subject to consultation with Overview & Scrutiny with any resultant comments brought back to Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Council adopts the final business plan to join a regional emergency planning service on the basis that:-

·         the new service will be established on a cost neutral basis and will aim for annual savings of 5%-10% on existing costs (£35-£75,000 per annum)

·         the service will be commissioned by a management board accountable to the constituent councils with regional oversight provided by the North Wales Safer Communities Board

·         Flintshire will host the new service and lead the transition to the new service

·         the cost of the new service will be recovered from the partners on the basis of population

·         implementation will include transitional arrangements to ensure that no authority pays more than the current cost of the service

·         the employment model will be decided as part of the transition plan

·         current employees will be given prior consideration for posts in the new structure and the new service will be implemented in such a way as to maximise staff retention and redeployment.

·         the Implementation Team will protect competition for the senior posts within the framework of prior consideration.

·         each Local Authority will nominate to an Implementation Team. The Implementation Team to assist in the appointment of the temporary Project Manager.

(b)       Authority to approve the detailed transition arrangements to the new service and undertake all necessary tasks to establish the new service is delegated to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Portfolio/ Cabinet Member.

(c)        The project works to the following timeline:-

·                     Councils agree to join a regional service by end March 2013

·                     commencement of briefing and consultation of staff on the business case and proposals - February 2013

·                     each Council to nominate to an Implementation Team by February 2013

·                     appoint a project manager to deliver the project by end March 2013

·                     appoint Regional Manager and Deputy by June/July 2013

·                     employment model agreed by June/July 2013

·                     creation of operational structure, operating processes, development of the detailed budget and identification of accommodation by September 2013

·                     development of Service Level Agreement and Partnership agreement by September 2013

·                     employee selection and transfers made by September 2013

·                     new service operational from October 2013.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Chief Executive presented the report which sought approval of the draft revised Diversity & Equality Policy and 2011/12 Annual Equality Report together with an update on the first six months of the implementation of the Council’s Strategic Equality Plan 2012-2016.

RESOLVED:

(b)       That the Diversity and Equality policy be approved before publication and wider promotion;

(b)       That the 2011/12 Annual Equality Report be endorsed; and

(c)        That the progress made in relation to the implementation of the Strategic Equality Plan 2012/16 be noted.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Head of Finance introduced the report to seek approval of various policies for the administration of Council Tax and Business Rates for the financial year 2013-14, with the recommendation for current arrangements to continue.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the current Council Tax and Business Rate Policies for 2013-14 continue as follows:-

§         Not to award Council Tax discounts on any prescribed class and that this applies to the whole of the County area (2.02).

§         For the Head of Finance and Cabinet Member for Corporate Management to consider section 13a discretionary discounts through the use of delegated powers (3.03).

§         Discretionary rate relief for as set out (4.02).

§         For the Head of Finance and Cabinet Member for Corporate Management to consider any applications for Business Rate discretionary discounts not within the scope of the existing policy as set out in 4.02 through the use of delegated powers (4.06).

§         Not to award discretionary 'top-up' discounts to small business (5.03).

(b)       That the payment dates for Precepting/Levying Bodies (6.01) and payment dates for Council Tax and Business Rates (7.01 - 7.04) be noted.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Head of Finance presented the latest revenue budget monitoring information (Month 8) for the Council Fund and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) 2012/13.

It was reported that the projected year end position, as estimated at Month 8, was a net underspend of £0.611m on the Council Fund and a net underspend of £0.401m on the HRA.  The impact of an improved position on out of county placements was noted and the in year over/(under) spends as detailed in the report reflected a number of risks and assumptions.  The Head of Finance referred to the fourth recommendation in the report which related to the following agenda item on the Municipal Mutual Insurance Scheme of Arrangement.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the overall report be noted;

(b)       That the Council Fund contingency sum as at 31 March 2013 (paragraph 5.02) be noted;

(c)        That the projected final level of balances on the Housing Revenue Account (paragraph 6.03) be noted;

(d)       That the financial impact of the triggering of the MMI Scheme of Arrangement be reflected in future budget monitoring reports from Month 9 (paragraph 3.08); and

(e)       That the requests for carry forward of underspends to 2013/14 as detailed within paragraphs 3.10 to 3.13 be approved.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Head of Finance presented the report to advise Members of the significant financial risk associated with the trigger of the Scheme of Arrangement by Municipal Mutual Insurance (MMI).

The Head of Finance detailed the historic background to MMI which was not the result of any new insurance risk and where specific financial provision was required for any potential liability.  The Council was required to make an estimated financial provision in this year’s accounts and it was therefore proposed that a mid-range figure of £0.770m be set aside for this purpose.  There was an opportunity to utilise the current year’s underspend to meet this estimated risk.

The Head of Legal & Democratic Services stated that he was not aware of the timescale in which the potential levy would be known but suggested that discussions with the other unitary Authorities on the sharing of costs would need to take place before any payment was made.  The Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Waste & Recycling asked if the response could be shared with Cabinet Members.

The Chief Executive said that an updated estimate of the levy was now in the range of £0.577m and £0.962m.  The figure had been revised since the earlier publication of the previous report on Revenue Budget Monitoring (Month 8) for the recent meeting of the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 

RESOLVED:

a)         That the significant financial risks associated with the trigger of the Scheme of Arrangement by MMI be noted; and

b)         That an allocation of £0.770m from the contingency reserve to provide for the estimated future costs arising from the levy be approved.

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report on progress of the school funding formula review together with the revised project timeline.

The Director of Lifelong Learning detailed the background to the review which was the first ‘activity led’ funding formula review since re-organisation, taking into consideration the different needs, sizes and profiles of schools and involving consultation with the School Budget Forum.

RESOLVED:

That the change in project timeline for the School Funding Formula Review be endorsed.

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report to seek approval to commence the process of consultation relating to post-16 provision in the Flint and Saltney areas.

The Director of Lifelong Learning commented on extended consultation to include those who had not yet participated and the importance of each learner having the opportunity to contribute.

RESOLVED:

That approval be given for the commencement of consultations with the relevant schools in relation to sustainability of post-16 provision and opportunities to reduce inefficiencies in accordance with the requirements of the 21^st Century Schools Programme and the agreed Strategic Outline Case.

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report to seek approval on the outcome of the statutory consultation exercise on the admission arrangements for September 2014.

RESOLVED:

That the proposed admission arrangements for 2014/15 be approved.

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment introduced the report to inform Members of the response to the consultations relating to the proposed amalgamation of Hawarden Infants and Rector Drew Junior Schools and to consider the publication of the statutory notice for the formal amalgamation process to begin.  He commented on the positive consultation process which had resulted in overwhelming support of the amalgamation.

RESOLVED:

That the response to the consultations be noted and the publication of the Statutory notice be approved.

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report to consider progress with implementation of the Action Plan following the 2011 Estyn Inspection of Local Authority Education Services for Children and Young People (LAESCYP).  He stressed the importance of this item in light of the statement made by the Minister for Education and Skills on improving standards of education in Wales.

The Director of Lifelong Learning said that the recent Estyn visit to Flintshire had been positive and that the outcome would be reported to Cabinet and Overview & Scrutiny.  He summarised the evaluation of progress against the recommendations from the 2011 inspection.  The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment thanked the Director and his team for their efforts during the Estyn inspection.

The Cabinet Member for Social Services commented on the positive effect that the Families First project would have on pupils’ skills in relation to future entry into the Foundation Phase.

The Chief Executive explained Flintshire’s position in the categorisation of Estyn monitoring and the aspiration to progress to the ‘no supervision’ level.

RESOLVED:

That the progress with implementation of the Estyn Action Plan be noted.

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting for the following items by virtue of exempt information under paragraphs 13 and 15 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Head of Finance introduced the report to recommend arrangements for the management of Internal Audit following the current contract with RSM Tenon plc, due to end on 31 March 2013.  She explained the background which had led to a recommendation made by the Audit Committee on 30 January 2013.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance proposed that the third recommendation in the report be amended to clarify the agreed option.  On being put to the vote, this was carried.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the view of the Audit Committee for the Management of the Internal Audit Service to be delivered in-house be supported;

(b)       That the Head of Finance be given delegated authority to extend the contract with RSM Tenon for a sufficient period to allow time for whichever option is chosen by Cabinet to be implemented, initially three months;

(c)        That the Head of Finance be given delegated authority to arrange for the management of the Internal Audit service to be delivered in-house; and

(d)       That the Head of Finance report back to Cabinet and Audit once the arrangements have been finalised.

As detailed in the recommendations.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment presented the report to update Members on progress with the development of an Outline Business Case for further collaboration on passenger transport services and to seek approval to move ahead with the development of a Final Business Case for the Preferred Option.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Outline Business Case and the Preferred Option to move to develop a Final Business Case for the implementation of a single integrated unit for the delivery of passenger transport services, as defined by the scope of the project, be approved; and

(b)       To note that no implementation will take place without further approval of the Final Business Case from Authorities, and that formal future governance arrangements will be considered during the development of the Final Business Case.

As detailed in the recommendation.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment presented the report to outline and seek agreement for the restructure of the Lifelong Learning Directorate Management Team, most notably the School Improvement functions.

RESOLVED:

That the proposed changes to the Lifelong Learning Directorate Management Team structure be implemented.

There were two members of the press and one member of the public in attendance.