Agenda and decisions

To receive apologies for absence of Members who are unable to attend this meeting.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillor Calvert.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 28 July 2015 and 25 August 2015.

That the Minutes of the meetings held on 28 July and 25 August 2015 be approved as a correct record.

The Councillors will be asked to say if there are any items on the Agenda in which they have disclosable pecuniary interests, which would prevent them from participating in any discussion of the items or participating in any vote upon the items, or any other interests.

Councillor C Scott declared an ‘other’ interest in Agenda Item 16 on the grounds that she has family members attending faith based schools.

Most debates take place in public. This only changes when there is a need to consider certain issues, for instance, commercially sensitive information or details concerning an individual. You will be told at this point whether there are any items on the Agenda which are to be discussed in private.

It was noted that Agenda Items 30 and 31 would be considered in private session.

The Committee will receive any petitions and hear any deputations from members of the public. A deputation is where up to five people can attend the meeting and make a presentation on some particular issue of concern. A member of the public can also hand in a petition at the meeting but that petition should relate to something on which the body has powers and responsibilities.

Cabinet received deputations from;

(i)         Jenny Tomlinson Walsh in respect of Agenda Item 8

(ii)        Martin Jones in respect of Agenda Item 8

(iii)       Paul Scaife in respect of Agenda Item 8

(iv)       Gerry McGinley in respect of Agenda Item 8

(v)        Kevin Higgins in respect of Agenda Item 16 (a petition was also submitted)

The Committee will hear any questions from the general public.

No questions were asked.

To consider questions from Councillors.

No questions were asked.

A report proposing the future of the library provision following the Council debate.

Officer: Jane Brady: 01484 221000

(1)       That approval be given to the delivery of a library service from the eight town libraries and sixteen community supported libraries, within Council control, at the hours as set out in appendix E of the considered report.

(2)       That a social inclusion offer be developed covering the Transcription Service, Kirklees Talking News and the Home Service.

(3)       That the library and tourist information centre in Holmfirth be merged as soon as is practically possible.

(4)       That by 1 April 2016 the libraries at Thornhill Lees and Lepton be closed and the Mobile Library Service ceases operation.

(5)       That, should the volunteer levels fall below expectations in any of the Community Supported Libraries, where support for the paid member of staff does not attend during the hours agreed for over 25% of the time in a quarterly period, that a report be submitted for Cabinet to consider the closure of the service point.

(6)       That in regards to Community Supported Libraries where the asset is transferred, the Council will not pay a hosting fee to the group, for example for rent or utility costs.

A report updating Cabinet on the services, outcomes and outputs for tenants delivered through Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing (KNH) over the last financial year.

Officer: Helen Geldart 01484 221000

That the Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing Performance Report be noted and submitted to the meeting of Council on 7 October 2015 for information.

A report advising members of the decision reached by the Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee following their consideration of the Call-In.

Officer: Helen Kilroy 01484 21000

That the recommendations of the Scrutiny Panel be accepted and that Cabinet amend its decision accordingly in-line with the recommendations as detailed in paragraph 2.7 of the considered report.

A report updating Cabinet on the progress of delivering new service standards to parks and open spaces sites and to reflect recommendations following the scrutiny process.

Officer: Rob Dalby

(1)       That the methodology and analysis applied to determine the operational standards be noted.

(2)       That Officers provide District Committees with an update on the implementation of the standards for 2016, in February 2016.

(3)       That Officers be tasked with, where possible within the budget allocated,  accommodating suggestions from District Committees or Friends of Groups.

(4)       That Officers be permitted the flexibility to change standards to meet seasonal and operational needs.

(5)       That responsibility be delegated to the Assistant Director (Physical Resources and Procurement) to find the most cost effective solution for the future provision of seasonal plants to ensure best value is achieved and that Officers be asked to brief Cabinet on potential options.

A report seeking approval of the engagement strategy regarding the revised service standards for grounds maintenance by District Committees.

Officer: Rob Dalby

(1)       That the Parks and Open Spaces Engagement Strategy be approved in order to allow District Committees to make informed comment on the application of grounds maintenance standards of their districts on an annual basis.

(2)       That approval be given to Officers to investigate the Council managing some resources in partnership with third party organisations.

A report seeking approval for adoption of the Statement of Community Involvement.

Officer: Richard Hollinson: 01484 221000

(1)       That the Statement of Community Involvement as outlined at Appendix 2 of the report be adopted and that authority be delegated to the Director of Place to agree minor amendments.

(2)       That the document be published on the Council’s website and all contacts on the Local Plan database be notified of its adoption.

A report advising members on the outcome of the statutory processes for the related statutory proposals by Kirklees Council and the Leeds Diocesan Board of Education within The Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales to establish a new all-through Church of England voluntary controlled primary school for pupils aged 2-11 years.

Officer: Jo-Anne Sanders 01484 221000

(1)       That the advice of Kirklees School Organisation Advisory Group that the propoals are valid and that the required statutory processes have been carried out be noted.

(2)       That it be agreed that the decision making regarding the proposals will be undertaken within the statutory time period.

(3)       That the outcomes and recommendations of the Kirklees School Organisation Advisory Group, and associated officer recommendations, be noted.

(4)       That the human resource and financial implications of the proposals be noted.

(5)       That it be confirmed that, in meeting the obligations of the Equality Act 2010 and the Public Sector Duty 2011, full regard has been given to the Equalities Impact Assessment throughout the statutory process.

(6)       That the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales be authorised to make an application to the DfE to designate the proposed new all-through Church of England voluntary controlled primary school for pupils aged 2-11, with early learning and childcare provision as a school with religious character.

(7)       That the following related statutory proposals by Kirklees Local Authority, without modification or condition, be approved;

(i)         To discontinue Dryclough CE (VC) Infant School on 30 April 2016

(ii)        To discontinue Crosland Moor Junior School on 30 April 2016

(iii)       To discontinue Thornton Lodge Nursery School on 30 April 2016

(8)       That the following related statutory proposal by the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales, without modification or condition, be approved;

The proposal by The Leeds Diocesan Board of Education within the Diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales to establish a new all-through Church of England voluntary controlled primary school for pupils aged 2-11 years with early learning and childcare provision on 1 May 2016.

A report providing an update about the current position following the publication of the invitation to seek proposals to establish a new 630 place all-through primary free (academy) school for pupils aged 4-11 years to serve the Huddersfield South West area.

Officer: Jo-Anne Sanders: 01484 221000

(1)       That it be noted that one proposal has been received which has been reviewed in accordance with the Council’s published assessment criteria and that a recommendation has been made to the DfE.

(2)       That it be acknowledged that new free (academy) school proposals are decided by the Regional Schools Commissioner on behalf of the Secretary of State for Education.

(3)       That, subject to the approval of the proposal by the Regional Schools Commissioner, authorisation be given for Officers to work on the required capital project and to report back to Cabinet with detailed proposals in 2016.

A report seeking approval for the home to school transport policies for 2015/16 and 2016/17.

Officer: Michael Bunting

That the Home to School Transport Policies for 2015/2016 and 2016/2017, be approved, and that consequently assistance for Home to School transport is no longer automatically provided for travel to faith schools with effect from September 2016.

A report seeking agreement of the provisional budget strategy that informs the MTFP update as set out in Section 2.2 of this report, as a basis for member consideration at full Council.

Officer: Debbie Hogg

(1)       That approval be given to the provisional budget strategy that informs the Medium term Financial Plan update, as set out in Section 2.2 of the report, as a basis for consideration at Council.

(2)       That the early high level review of cost and income assumptions, and resultant spending control allocations and funding gap update, as incorporated into Appendix 1, be noted.

(3)       That the proposed budget engagement and consultation approach and timetable be noted.

(4)       That it be noted that the Director of Resources will provide an update later in the year on any material changes to high level cost and income assumptions as set out in the Medium Term Financial Plan update, particularly as a result of the Autumn Statement announcement planned for 25 November 2015, and the 2016 Local Government Finance Settlement.

A report, supported by reports on progress against outcomes in the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Kirklees Economic Strategy, providing  Members with an overview of the Council’s performance at the end of quarter 1, 2015/16.

Officer: Sue Grigg:  01484 221000

That the Quarter 1 2015/2016 Corporate performance Report be received and noted.

A report seeking consideration of one objection for the land at Elm Street in Newsome.  

Officer: Mark Gregory

That the consideration of the item be deferred and re-submitted to a future Cabinet meeting, once Cabinet have received further details of the site.

To outline the potential, to refinance the senior debt finance, supporting the Excellent Homes for Life (EHL), PFI project.

Officer: Paul Kemp 01484 221000

(1)       That the potential financial benefits from refinancing the senior debt funding within the Excellent Homes for Life PFI project, be noted.

(2)       That authority be delegated to the Director of Resources to agree the terms of any refinance, and the Assistant Director (Legal and Governance), to enter into any documentation required to secure this, on the basis that the negotiated terms demonstrate a financial benefit to the Council and do not amend the current balance of risk between the parties.

A report setting out the direction for the future delivery of council housing management and maintenance services.

Helen Geldart 01484 221000

(1)      That Officers be asked to produce a detailed analysis of the option to merge Kirklees Neighbourhood Housing and Kirklees Building Services and a longer term management agreement, as detailed in paragraph 11 of the report.

(2)      That a report be submitted to Cabinet in January 2016 to enable a final decision on the future delivery of housing management and maintenance services to be made.

A report seeking approval of a request to support the Friends of the Earth initiative and approve the request to write to Kirklees schools to encourage them to consider solar technologies.

Officer: John Atkinson 01484 221000

(1)       That approval be given to supporting the Friends of the Earth ‘Run on Sun’ Solar Schools Strategy Initiative, highlighting the need for further assistance for schools to maximise the installation of solar technologies and can reduce costs for schools and reduce carbon emissions.

(2)       That contact be made with Kirklees Schools in order to encourage them to consider the use of solar technologies, and that action be taken promptly in advance of proposed reductions to the Feed-in Tariff.

A report seeking commitment to the implementation of highway asset management and endorsing the Highway asset management policy and strategy.

Officer: Kathryn Broadbent 01484 221000

(1)       That the approach to highways asset management as detailed within the report be endorsed and that the Policy and Strategy for Highway Maintenance, as set out in Appendix One, be approved.

(2)       That authority be delegated to the Director of Place to keep policy under review and update as required, in consultation with relevant Cabinet Members, if any change in policy or approach is required.

A report seeking  approval for a scheme to reconstruct 1.78km of the A638 Bradford Road, Littletown.

Officer: Katherine Hunt: 01484 221000

That the scheme for the reconstruction of A638 Bradford Road, Littletown, as detailed in the report, be approved.

A report seeking approval for a scheme to reconstruct Thornhill Road, Marsh from A640 New Hey Road to Occupation Road.

Officer: Katherine Hunt: 01484 221000

That the scheme for the reconstruction of Thornhill Road, Edgerton, as detailed in the report, be approved.

A report presenting options and seeking approval to incorporate a trial contra-flow cycle lane into the Huddersfield Connectivity Project on High Street and Ramsden Street.

Officer: Chris Dunn: 01484 221000

That approval be given to option 1 as detailed as set out in the report; to incorporate contra-flow proposals into the Huddersfield Connectivity Project with a contingency plan in place if the cycle infrastructure needed to be removed at a future date.

A report seeking approval to prepare the site for development, and to note an outline programme for site clearance works.

Officer: Peter Steniulis and Liam Wilcox 01484 221000

(1)       That approval be given to the outline specification for site clearance works, as set out in paragraphs 2.15 to 2.19 of the considered report.

(2)       That approval be given to expenditure not exceeding £1.75 million in total on site clearance, development brief, and any site disposal activities, asset out in paragraphs 2.20, 2.21, and Appendix 2 of the report.

(3)       That the outline programme for site clearance works, as set out in paragraph 2.22, be noted.

(4)       That the Assistant Director (Physical Resources and Procurement), in consultation with the Acting Assistant Director (Investment and Regeneration) and the Assistant Director (Legal, Governance and Monitoring), be authorised to apply for all necessary statutory and other consents required for site clearance.

(5)       That the Assistant Director (Physical Resources and Procurement), in consultation with the Acting Assistant Director (Investment and Regeneration) and the Assistant Director (Legal, Governance and Monitoring), be authorised to procure and appoint contractors and consultants for site clearance, development brief, and any site disposal activities.

(6)       That a report be submitted to a future meeting to consider a draft development brief, an assessment of any Council use(s) for the site, and any proposals for marketing the site for disposal to other parties.

A report seeking approval for the demolition of nos 172 – 184 Wakefield Road and to seek in principle approval to acquire No. 184 Wakefield Road by Compulsory Purchase Order.

Officer: Julie Hyde:  01484 221000

(1)       That the content of the report and condition of the properties be noted.

(2)       That approval be given to the demolition of No.s 172 and 184 Wakefield Road.

(3)       That the Assistant Director (Physical Resources and Procurement) be authorised to negotiate the acquisition of No. 184 Wakefield Road if it is possible to make contact with the property owner.

(4)       That, pursuant to (3) above, approval be given to the principle of acquiring No. 184 Wakefield Road by Compulsory Purchase Order should it not be possible to acquire the property by negotiation.

(5)       That the Assistant Director (Physical Resources and Procurement) be authorised to proceed with site disposal following the completion of the project.

To resolve that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business, on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information, as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

That acting under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act, as specifically stated in the undermentioned Minutes.

A private appendix in relation to the previous public agenda item.

Officer: Peter Steniulis and Liam Wilcox

Cabinet gave consideration to the exempt information prior to the determination of Agenda Item 27.

Approval for a Compulsory Purchase Order for No. 184

A private appendix in relation to the previous public agenda item.

Officer: Julie Hyde:  01484 221000

Cabinet gave consideration to the exempt information prior to the determination of Agenda Item 28.