Agenda, decisions and minutes

Councillor David Smith

Members are asked to declare any interest and the nature of that interest which they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting.

There were none.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 17 January 2023.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the previous meeting were agreed subject to the following amendment:

Councillor Adam Brown advised that having a governance framework was necessary to enable the Council to meet statutory requirements and other obligations.

The minutes of the meeting of 17 January 2023 were agreed subject to the following amendment to Section 141:

Councillor Adam Brown advised that having a governance framework was necessary to enable the Council to meet statutory requirements and other obligations.

To receive communications from the Chair.

None

The Chairman to advise whether they have agreed to any items of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

None

No report.

The budget scrutiny report was presented under Item 10 (2023-24 Final Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan).

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

a)    Noted the forecast outturn position for 2022-23 and associated risks

b)    Noted the deliverability assessment of West Northamptonshire Council savings requirement for 2022-23 summarised in section 7 and detailed in Appendix B

c)    Delegated authority to the Executive Director – Finance in consultation with the portfolio holder for finance to apply any budget virements required to effectively manage the overall budget.

REASONS RESOLVED:

To update members on the financial position of the Council and ensure that the Authority complies with its financial regulations.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

None

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Longley presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following comments:

·         What was being done about homelessness? 

·         Care workers should be paid more to avoid the issues arising from lack of staff.

·         £150k was spent on legal costs at SEND tribunals - 90% of which were won by parents.  Educational Psychologists were spending time in tribunals instead of assessing children.

·         There had been an underspend in children’s care due to family breakdown.  Early preventative work was needed, such as children’s hubs.

·         Could street lights be dimmed at night to save energy?

·         Alternative budgets had been drawn up which Cabinet should consider.

·         The Housing Revenue Budget was balanced but did not recognise the pressures involved such as inflated material costs and staff leaving due to below inflation pay increases.

·         Roads had taken a battering over the winter – were we keeping pace with the repair work needed?

·         Was there any impact on services or funding from general reserves in respect of the £3.9m overspend?

·         What measures were being taken to mitigate the forecast overspend of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust (NCT)?

Cllr Longley made the following comments:

·         There were currently sufficient contingencies to cover the forecast overspend of £3.9m.

·         NCT were in charge of their own accounts so WNC would not be able to control overspending.

·         HRA had a balanced budget but this had not been easy.  NPH set their own pay levels.

·         A temporary accommodation scheme was being planned. 

·         Alternative budget ideas would always be welcomed and considered.

Councillor Hallam advised that the lowest paid WNC staff had seen an 18% increase since vesting day.  WNC would like to do more but it had to be affordable.

Councillor Brown stated that more temporary accommodation was being provided – and stressed that it needed to be of good quality.

Councillor Larratt pointed out that street lights were already dimmed late at night.  There would also be additional savings provided by LED lighting.

Councillor Baker stated that although WNC had not been eligible for government funding for family hubs for early help, a programme was being developed to put these in place without the funding.  The needs of children had to be put first and with the increase of children coming into care, NCT had to fund what was needed.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

a)    Noted the forecast outturn position for 2022-23 and associated risks

b)    Noted the deliverability assessment of West Northamptonshire Council savings requirement for 2022-23 summarised in section 7 and detailed in Appendix B

c)    Delegated authority to the Executive Director – Finance in consultation with the portfolio holder for finance to apply any budget virements required to effectively manage the overall budget.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

a)    Noted the latest capital monitoring position for the General Fund and HRA.

b)    Noted the new capital schemes and changes to the Capital Programme since the report that was considered by Cabinet in December 2022.

REASONS RESOLVED:

In order to continue to ensure sound management of the council’s finances.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

None

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Longley presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following comments:

·         It was important to find ways to deliver against housing targets and to increase them in line with demand.

·         Innovative ways of providing housing needed to be considered.

·         No figures had been provided for the Disabled Facility Grant (DFG) for South Northants and Northampton (page 61 of report).

·         The pothole fund was noted, but pavements were not being repaired quickly or well enough.

Councillor Brown advised that a governance regime with NPH had been agreed at the last cabinet meeting.  NPH had been innovative in converting garage sites for housing.

Councillor Longley stated that DFG figures would be reported when received.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

a)    Noted the latest capital monitoring position for the General Fund and HRA.

b)    Noted the new capital schemes and changes to the Capital Programme since the report that was considered by Cabinet in December 2022.

RESOLVED: Cabinet noted the report and treasury activity for the third

quarter of the 22-23 financial year.

REASONS RESOLVED: To ensure that the Authority complied with its financial regulations and its Treasury management policies.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

None

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Longley presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following comments:

·         In relation to social and corporate governance some countries should be favoured more than others regardless of ratings.

·         A training exercise on treasury management had been circulated to all members and was recommended.  Could the link be sent again in the weekly newsletter?

RESOLVED: Cabinet noted the report and treasury activity for the third

quarter of the 22-23 financial year.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

a)    Approved the 2023-24 Budget for West Northamptonshire set out in this report, and recommended the Budget to the Full Council meeting on 22 February 2023, including:

              i.        an estimated net revenue budget of £826.069m (£382.391m excluding Dedicated Schools Grant) as set out in Appendix A.

            ii.        an average Band D Council tax of £1,693.73 for West Northamptonshire Council, which represents an average increase of 4.99%. (2.99% increase in ‘core’ Council Tax and 2% Adult Social Care precept).

           iii.        fees and charges schedule as detailed in Appendix D.

           iv.        dedicated schools grant budget of £443.7m as detailed in Appendix EP.

            v.        the Capital Strategy as set out in section 7 and Appendix F1, and Capital Programme as set out in Appendix F2.

           vi.        the Flexible Use of Capital Receipts Strategy set out in Appendix G.

          vii.        the Treasury Management Strategy set out in Appendix J.

         viii.        setting the authorised limits for borrowing as set out in Appendix F1 section 8.13 and 8.14.

b)    Recommended the following to Full Council on 22 February 2023, to ensure that the revenue and capital budget and all associated financial policies can be delivered in a safe and legal manner from 1 April 2023 and also to ensure there is flexibility to manage the overall budget in the year:

              i.        To delegate authority to the Executive Director - Finance to manage any variation in budget prior to the start of 2023-24 as a result of final confirmation of the local government finance settlement, or as a result of unforeseen commitments; in consultation with the Finance Portfolio Holder.

            ii.        To delegate authority to the Executive Director - Finance in consultation with the portfolio holder for Finance to amend the capital programme for 2023-24 going forward so that it accurately reflects issues such as slippage on current year projects that will need to be added to the programme, any amendments made to existing capital programmes, adjustments to accommodate any future use of capital receipts policy and for any other reason where the capital programme needs to be adjusted.

           iii.        To note the use of reserves as summarised in the table contained at paragraph 5.102.

           iv.        To delegate authority to the Executive Director - Finance to employ earmarked reserves for the purposes they were set up for including the release of the risk reserve if required.

            v.        To delegate authority to the Executive Director – Finance in consultation with the portfolio holder for finance to release the general contingency fund of £11.1m if required in the year.

           vi.        To note the Executive Director – Finance has delegated authority to amend fees and charges.

c)    For the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG):

              i.        Noted the allocations and planned usage of the DSG for 2023-24.

            ii.        Following consultation with the Schools Forum, delegates authority to the Executive Director - People to determine the DSG 2023-24 schools funding formula, high needs funding arrangements and the Early Years Funding Formula in line with Department for Education guidance.

d)    Considered the  ...  view the full decision text for item 159.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor McCord made the following comments on behalf of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

·         Thanks were expressed to all those involved in the scrutiny process and preparation of the report.

·         The process of budget scrutiny needed to be started earlier in the year.

·         Where figures were quoted it would be helpful if narrative could be provided around assumptions.

·         A better communications plan was needed for fees and charges.

·         The removal of parking charges for the Racecourse was welcomed.

·         Concern was expressed about the net zero target of the Council.

·         Care services were the most challenging part of the Council’s budget and operation as they were demand-led services with statutory rights and needs.  Central government should be asked to sort out the problem.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Longley presented the report and summarised the salient points.  The budget summary appeared on page 135 of the report.

Councillor Larratt advised that there had been changes to the proposed car parking charges as outlined in the two documents circulated at the meeting and published online.  Charges had been withdrawn for the Racecourse to allow further consultation.  Charges had been amended for Country Parks with free parking for blue badge holders and a Park Run season ticket had been introduced.  This was valid between 08.30 am and 10.30 am (not 08.00 am and 10.00 am as in the report).  An hourly charge was proposed for Country Parks with all day parking reduced to £8.00.  Two hours free parking would be introduced at weekends in Northampton town centre.  The financial impact of these changes would be £282k and the contingency had been reduced by this amount.

Mr Mark Mullen (Northampton Town Centre BID) was invited to address the Cabinet and made the following comments:

·         Northampton Town Centre BID represented over 600 businesses and there was strong opposition to the proposals.  The consultation process needed to be more transparent – the proposals were amongst 144 pages of other proposals. 

·         There were towns within the county with no parking charges.  Given that there was an overhead charge for car parking, other towns should be making a contribution.

·         Council employees were able to benefit from reduced cost parking – why could this not be provided for other businesses too?

·         A graph was available on request from democraticservices@westnorthants.gov.uk showing that parking charge increases resulted in fewer people visiting Northampton town centre.

Councillors made the following comments:

·         Council tax harmonisation resulted in some residents receiving a reduced service but a higher increase.

·         Country Park charges increasing from a flat rate of £2.20 per day would result in parking on local roads around Daventry Country Park.

·         WNC needed to look at policy and budget consultation and development.  The process should start earlier and work through conflicting issues to obtain buy-in from residents and businesses.

·         Parking needed to be considered holistically.  It was good to have the opportunity to stay and pay for a shorter time in Country Parks.  The proposed introduction of ANPR was positive.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 159.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet recommended Council to approve: -

a)    The HRA revenue budget for 2023-24 of £61.19m.

b)    An average maximum rent increase of 7% per dwelling, in line with the legislation and the government’s amended national rent standard, to take effect from 3 April 2023.

c)    An average maximum increase of 10% in garage rents and commuter surcharges to take effect from 3 April 2023.

d)    An average increase of 10% in tenants and leaseholders service charges with effect from 3 April 2023.

e)    The HRA capital programme for 2023-24, noting the future year estimated commitments, and proposed sources of finance.

f)     The total management fee of £32.8m for NPH to deliver the services in scope for 2023-24.

g)    The setting of the minimum working balance at £5m, informed by the outcome of the latest financial risk assessment.

h)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance to transfer monies to/from earmarked reserves and the working balance, should that become necessary during the financial year.

i)     That authority be given to the Executive Director of Finance to update the prudential indicators in the Treasury Management Strategy reported to Council.

j)     That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance in consultation with the portfolio holder for Finance to amend the capital programme for 2023-24 going forward so that it accurately reflects issues such as slippage on current year projects that will need to be added to the programme, any amendments made to existing capital programmes, adjustments to accommodate any future use of capital receipts policy, and for any other reason where the capital programme needs to be adjusted.

k)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance to make any technical changes necessary to the papers for the Council meeting of 22 February 2023.

REASONS RESOLVED:

1.    To ensure that the HRA reflects the statutory requirement under Section 74 of the Housing and Local Government Act 1989 to account separately for local housing services.

2.    To ensure the Council sets a balanced HRA and avoids going into deficit operating, within national standards in relation to rent increases.

3.    To ensure that the Council is able to meet its wider duties and obligations to tenants.

4.    To ensure that the Council complies with its Constitution and all other relevant requirements in setting the budget for West Northamptonshire Council.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

None

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Longley presented the report and Councillor Brown highlighted the salient points.  The rent increase of 7% had been essential to allow NPH to maintain properties and pay staff.  80% of NPH tenants have rent covered by universal credit.  The other 20% would have to find an extra £30 per month.  A hardship fund to mitigate the rent increase had been budgeted for.

Councillors made the following comments:

·         How much would the hardship fund provide for each tenant and how would they get it?  Help needed to be provided for all those in Housing Association properties, not just NPH.

·         It was suggested that the hardship fund form was difficult to complete.

·         Could the Council’s pension fund be used to borrow money for providing new housing?

·         The proposals for Ecton Brook were welcomed.

Councillor Brown advised that the tenant support details were being worked out.  This would only be for NPH tenants but WNC were offering cost of living help to residents.

Councillor Longley noted that hardship funds were often not taken up.  Pension fund borrowing would be looked into.

The Executive Director Finance advised that the hardship fund had been better used this year.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet recommended Council to approve: -

a)    The HRA revenue budget for 2023-24 of £61.19m.

b)    An average maximum rent increase of 7% per dwelling, in line with the legislation and the government’s amended national rent standard, to take effect from 3 April 2023.

c)    An average maximum increase of 10% in garage rents and commuter surcharges to take effect from 3 April 2023.

d)    An average increase of 10% in tenants and leaseholders service charges with effect from 3 April 2023.

e)    The HRA capital programme for 2023-24, noting the future year estimated commitments, and proposed sources of finance.

f)     The total management fee of £32.8m for NPH to deliver the services in scope for 2023-24.

g)    The setting of the minimum working balance at £5m, informed by the outcome of the latest financial risk assessment.

h)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance to transfer monies to/from earmarked reserves and the working balance, should that become necessary during the financial year.

i)     That authority be given to the Executive Director of Finance to update the prudential indicators in the Treasury Management Strategy reported to Council.

j)     That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance in consultation with the portfolio holder for Finance to amend the capital programme for 2023-24 going forward so that it accurately reflects issues such as slippage on current year projects that will need to be added to the programme, any amendments made to existing capital programmes, adjustments to accommodate any future use of capital receipts policy, and for any other reason where the capital programme needs to be adjusted.

k)    That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance to make any technical changes necessary to the papers for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 160.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

a)    Noted the progress towards the commitment to publish WNC emission levels

b)    Noted the commitment to Net Zero Emission Levels

REASONS RESOLVED:  Key reasons for the recommendations: -

·         To keep members up to date in relation to the progress towards publishing the CO2e emission levels

·         To reaffirm the Council’s commitment to Net Zero Emission Levels

·         The Council recognises the climate emergency, its importance to residents and impact on their everyday lives;

·         The Council has committed to making the emissions data publicly available to keep its communities informed and build credibility with external stakeholders such as Climate Action West Northants (CA-WN)

·         Making the data publicly available shows accountability and reinforces the Council’s commitment to the 2030 net zero target and will help set the format for work towards the 2045 target.

·         Local authorities have the ability to influence up to 30% of local emissions sources, publication of the report is evidence of transparency and demonstrates the Council’s commitment to lead by example

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

Through consultation with members of the cross-party working group, the LGA tool was adopted for use in calculating CO2e emissions for the Council. During the consultation a number of emissions calculation options were considered, this included The MacKay Carbon Calculator, The

Green House Gas Protocol and BSI PAS 2060.

The Chair presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following comments:

·         The work undertaken was to be commended.  There was much to do in changing culture and if targets were to be met budget decisions needed to be looked at and aligned with. 

·         Emissions needed to be reduced massively.

·         There was no budget of sufficient size to deliver net zero and the case for it should be ended.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

a)    Noted the progress towards the commitment to publish WNC emission levels

b)    Noted the commitment to Net Zero Emission Levels

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

1.    Noted the inclusion of the scheme in Capital Programme contained within the final budget proposals being considered by Council on 22 February 2023.

2.    Authorised the procurement of services and works and, subject to Council approval of the budget, delegate the award of contracts for the services and works to the Executive Director of Place, Economy and Environment in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Portfolio Holder.

REASONS RESOLVED:

1.    To replace end of life heating systems and, reducing risks of failure and improving customer service to leisure centre users.

2.    To mitigate the energy costs of the buildings.

3.    To support the Council’s efforts in meeting the net zero target for 2030 by decarbonising heat and increasing generating capacity from renewable resources.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

1.    The choices available to the Council are as follows.

2.    Option 1: Do nothing and leave the buildings as they are. This would not enable the Council to mitigate against increasing energy costs, maintenance costs or carbon emissions. There is also a high risk that the heating systems stop operating which will lead to long service disruptions, poor customer service, and reputational harm for the Council

3.    Option 2: Carry out the proposed installation and benefit from a grant of £7.075m, with the savings outlined above.

4.    Option 3: Like for like replacements. This would cost around £1m. The new heating systems would be more efficient, but this would not help as much with mitigating utilities costs. It would theoretically fall within the responsibility of the two operators of the leisure centres as they have full repairing leases. In practice this is unlikely to be secured, as the operators are likely to maintain the increasingly inefficient currently systems until the end of their contract terms rather than take that scale of capital investment. Alternatively, they may simply seek to exit the contracts or renegotiate terms on the grounds they were no longer viable. This option would also mean that Council would lose the opportunity to benefit from a grant to decarbonise the heating systems.

5.    Option 2 is clearly preferable, enabling the Council to deliver good customer service, support its public health objectives, reduce net operating costs, and take a major step forward in reducing its carbon emissions.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Brown presented the report and summarised the salient points.

Councillors made the following points:

·         The opportunity to access funding to implement heat decarbonisation schemes was welcomed.

·         If cost savings were being made was there scope for providing help, such as some free swimming sessions?

Councillor Brown advised that this was a difficult time for leisure centres.  They needed to save money and therefore would be unable to provide free sessions.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

1.    Noted the inclusion of the scheme in Capital Programme contained within the final budget proposals being considered by Council on 22 February 2023.

2.    Authorised the procurement of services and works and, subject to Council approval of the budget, delegate the award of contracts for the services and works to the Executive Director of Place, Economy and Environment in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and the Portfolio Holder.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

a)    Approved the recommendation to commence procurement for a new contract for mixed recycling.

b)    Agreed to delegate authority to the Executive Director for Place, Economy and Environment in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste Services, and the Executive Director for Finance to

              i.        take decisions related to the procurement process, to enable it to progress as planned; and

            ii.        award the contract, (provided the procurement reaches a satisfactory conclusion).

REASONS RESOLVED:

·         To ensure the Council has secure outlets at a competitive price for the dry mixed recyclable material it collects at the kerbside from residents, which will enable statutory recycling services to continue without disruption.

·         To ensure a compliant procurement process is commenced with a view to a new contract being awarded at the completion of the process and that the new contract is awarded as soon as possible to minimise the Council’s exposure to ‘spot prices’ (6.10).

·         To ensure value for money for these arrangements.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

Option 1 - Interim Contract for the Daventry Area from June 2023 – Feb 2024

·         The Daventry area contract expires before the South area contract, and officers have considered whether to enter an interim arrangement for the Daventry area to cover the period between June 2023 and February 2024. However, initial investigation of this option indicates a temporary arrangement is likely to be subject to a high price per tonne because there is no guarantee for a long-term contract for the contractor.

·         The total value of this interim contract would be less than the procurement regulation threshold because of its short duration. This would simplify the initial procurement process. However, a second procurement for a new contract commencing in February 2024 for DMR from the Daventry and South areas would still be necessary.

Option 2 – New Contract, phasing in DMR from Geographic Areas, commencing June 2023

·         The alternative option is for the current arrangements to be combined into a single new contract, with separate lots, in phased start dates from June 2023 for Daventry area DMR and February 2024 for South area DMR.

·         The length of the new contract is still to be determined. However, if the length of the new contract is beyond June 2028, it may also be possible for DMR from the Northampton area to be included, which may provide further economies of scale.

·         Soft market testing with contractors interested in providing this service for WNC commenced in January 2023 to gain intelligence on current market prices, length of contract, level of risk that contractors are prepared to enter related to price, capacity within the MRFs and other factors that will affect the contract. This information will enable WNC to tailor the contract specification, contract.

·         A proposed procurement timetable is provided in Appendix 1. Due to the value of this contract (which is over the regulation threshold) the procurement process must follow the full regulations of the Public Contract Regulations 2015. The procurement timescales are short and this is  ...  view the full decision text for item 163.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Larratt presented the report and summarised the salient points.  At present there were several contracts for collection and sorting of mixed recycling across WNC.  The Daventry contract was due to end in June 2023 and South Northamptonshire in February 2024.  The prices quoted for a temporary arrangement were prohibitive so it was proposed to tender for a WNC contract in several stages.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

a)    Approved the recommendation to commence procurement for a new contract for mixed recycling.

b)    Agreed to delegate authority to the Executive Director for Place, Economy and Environment in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Transport, Highways and Waste Services, and the Executive Director for Finance to

              i.        take decisions related to the procurement process, to enable it to progress as planned; and

            ii.        award the contract, (provided the procurement reaches a satisfactory conclusion).

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

Delegated authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Adults, Wellbeing and Health Integration, to extend the current NISHH contract with the existing provider for 2 years (1 + 1).

REASONS RESOLVED:

1.    To enable the contract to be extended in order to continue to provide the service as described in the report.

2.    The recommended course of action is the most cost and clinically effective service provision and enables a review of the current need and service to be carried out ahead of re-procurement.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

1.    Do nothing: Service will cease at end of March 2023 and disrupt service provision and the health and wellbeing of West Northants residents and lose delivery of mandatory services.

2.    Procuring alternate integrated service: The commissioning and procurement process cycle will take time before an alternative provider is commissioned to deliver the integrated service. The commissioning process cannot start before the end of the current arrangement. There will be disruption in service delivery when the existing contract comes to an end. The local authority and Public Health are in a transitional phase of managing the change, this may further impact the service.

3.    Procuring separate sexual health and HIV services: The commissioning and procurement process cycle will take time before an alternative provider is commissioned to deliver the separate services. This would require a re-design of both services with separate specifications and care pathways and commissioning formalities. To deliver 2 separate standalone services will require duplication of resources and capacity which will incur additional costs. The commissioning process cannot start before the end of the current arrangement. There will be disruption in service delivery when the existing contract comes to an end. The local authority and Public Health are in a transitional phase of managing the change, this may further impact the service.

4.    Extend current Integrated service: The extension of the current service will continue the delivery of the mandated service and avoid affecting the health and wellbeing of West Northants residents. Time will be available to carry out a needs assessment, review the current service and design a service model and a care pathway fit for future purpose and subsequently procure the service. NHSE is in agreement to extend the service for 2 years (1 +

1     -  This is the most cost and clinically effective option in the current   scenario.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Golby presented the report and summarised the salient points.

The Chair advised that work was being done with the Terence Higgins Trust.  A pilot scheme was being undertaken and it would be good if this could be extended to WNC.  The aim was to stop new HIV infections by 2030 which required undiagnosed cases to be picked up.

A Councillor stated that they would have expected to see greater improvements for the money spent.

Councillor Golby acknowledged that it was expensive but it was a mandated service.  It could potentially be scrutinised.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet;

Delegated authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Adults, Wellbeing and Health Integration, to extend the current NISHH contract with the existing provider for 2 years (1 + 1).

RESOLVED: Cabinet approved the two co-ordinated schemes as detailed in Appendices A and B.

REASONS RESOLVED: The above is a statutory requirement.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: None

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Baker presented the report and summarised the salient points.  This was a valuable document which gave information on school admissions and was a useful reference.

RESOLVED: Cabinet approved the two co-ordinated schemes as detailed in Appendices A and B.