Agenda and minutes

No apologies for absence were received.

In accordance with the provisions of the Code of Conduct adopted by the City and County of Swansea, no  interests were declared

To approve and sign as correct records the Minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 29 July 2014 and Special Cabinet held on 5 August 2014.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of meetings  of Cabinet held on 29 July 2014 and 5 August 2014 be approved as correct records, subject to the following amendment:-

Special Cabinet – 5 August 2014

Councillor M Theaker being deleted from the list of members present.

None.

Mr P East  asked a question in relation to Minute No 59  - minutes of Cabinet held on 29 July 2014 and Special Cabinet held on 5 August 2014. The Leader and Head of Legal, Democratic Services and Procurement responded. He also asked questions in relation to  Minute No  53 – Scrutiny Inquiry into Inward Investment  and Minute No 64 – Reforming Local Government. The Leader responded accordingly.

Councillor C A  Holley asked a question in relation to Minute No 64 – Reforming Local Government. The Leader responded accordingly. Councillor P M Meara asked a question in relation to Minute No 65 – Welsh Language Scheme Draft Annual Monitoring Report 2013 – 14 – A1.4.4 – Language Skills levels. The Cabinet Member for Citizen, Community Engagement and Democracy stated that a written response would be provided.

Councillor J W Jones ( Chair of the Inward Investment  Scrutiny inquiry Panel presented the findings, conclusions and recommendations resulting from the Panel’s Inquiry into Inward Investment.

CABINET DECISION

That Cabinet noted the report and tasked the relevant Cabinet Member to prepare a written response within three months for Cabinet decision on the scrutiny recommendations.

Policy Framework

Council Constitution

Reason for Decision

To consider and action the recommendations made by the Scrutiny Inquiry Panel.

Consultation

Legal, Finance

The Leader presented a report which summarised the key proposals contained within the Welsh Government’s White Paper – Reforming Local Government and outlined the response of the Welsh Local Government Association.

CABINET DECISION

That the proposals within this paper be noted and that the Council respond to the White Paper .

Policy Framework

None

Reason for Decision

To inform Council about the proposals within the white paper  - Reforming Local Government, in relation to the future shape of Local Government in Wales and the response of the WLGA.

Consultation

Legal, Finance, Access to Services

The Cabinet Member for Citizen, Community Engagement and Democracy submitted the Welsh Language Scheme Draft Annual Monitoring Report 2013-14.

CABINET DECISION

That the Welsh Language Scheme Annual Monitoring Report 2013 – 14 be approved for submission to the Welsh Language Commissioner and publication be approved.

Policy Framework

Welsh Language Act 1993,

Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011,

Welsh Language Scheme,

Strategic Equality Plan 2012-2016.

Reason for Decision

The Council is required to undertake an annual review of the implementation of the Welsh Language Scheme with a report presented to the Welsh Language Commissioner and published.

Consultation

Legal, Finance; Access to Services; Equalities Committee.

The Head of Financial Services presented  a report on the financial monitoring of the 2014/15 revenue and capital budgets.

CABINET DECISION

That the comments and variations in the report and the actions in hand to address these, be noted.

Policy Framework

Budget 2014/15

Sustainable Swansea

Reason for Decision

To note any significant variations from the agreed budget 2014/15 and actions planned to achieve a balanced budget.

Consultation

Cabinet Members, Corporate Management Team, Legal and Corporate Equality Unit.

The Head of Financial Services presented  a report on the progress specifically with regard to revenue savings targets set in the 2014/15 revenue budget.

CABINET DECISION

That the comments and variations in this report and the actions in hand to address these be noted.

Policy Framework

Budget 2014/15

Sustainable Swansea

Reason for Decision

To note any significant variations from the agreed budget 2014/15 savings and actions planned to achieve a balanced budget.

Consultation

Cabinet Members, Corporate Management Team, Legal and Corporate Equalities Unit.

Councillor M Theaker  presented a report which sought approval of the nomination submitted to fill LA Governor vacancies on School Governing Bodies.

CABINET DECISION

That the following nominations be approved as recommended by the LA Governor Appointment  Panel:

Portmead Primary School                  -   Mr Andrew Morris

Pentrehafod Comprehensive School -  Mr David Peter Blann

Policy Framework

Policy and Procedure for Appointment of LA Governors as amended by Council on 23 October 2008.

Reason for Decision

To ensure vacancies are to be filled expeditiously.

Consultation

Education, Legal, Finance

The Cabinet Member for Place submitted a report which sought confirmation of the bid for Local Transport Fund ( LTF) Grant and sought approval for expenditure on the proposed schemes and projects in 2014/15.

CABINET DECISION

That the revised scheme for Morfa Road and the new LTF schemes, together with their financial implications, be approved.

Policy Framework

Regional Transport Plan 2010 – 2015

Reason for Decision

To comply with Financial Procedure Rule No. 7 ( Capital Programming and Appraisals) to commit and authorise schemes in the Capital Programme.

Consultation

Legal  and Finance.

Cabinet were requested to exclude the public from the meeting during consideration of urgent items of business identified in the recommendations to the report on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as set out in the exclusion paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 as amended by the Local Government ( Access to Information) ( Variation) ( Wales) Order 2007 relevant to the items of business set out in the reports.

Cabinet considered the Public Interest Test in deciding whether to exclude the public from the meeting for the item of business where the Public Interest Test was relevant as set out in the reports.

RESOLVED that the public be excluded for the following items of business

                                        ( CLOSED SESSION)

The Leader stated that pursuant to paragraph 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972, he considered that the undermentioned reports of The Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources, be considered as urgent items:-

(a) Refurbishment of the three High Rise Blocks of Flats at Clyne Court and the Single Block at Jeffreys Court.

(b) Refurbishment of the two High Rise Blocks of Flats at Matthew Street.

Reason for Urgency

These reports need to be considered as urgent items due to the need to progress the scheme and maximise spend in pursuit of Welsh Housing Quality Standard.

CABINET DECISION

The recommendations as detailed in both reports be approved.

Policy Framework

Council Constitution

Reason for Decision

To comply with Contract Procedure Rule 13, as set out in the Council Constitution.

Consultation

Legal, Finance, Access to Services

The meeting ended at 5.55p.m.

Published on 28 August 2014.