Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 28 June 2016 be agreed as a correct record subject to the correction of the spelling of Councillor Alon Or-bach’s name.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Joan Scannell and Councillor Tom Davey who was substituted for by Councillor Melvin Cohen.

The following interests were declared:

None

Members of the public asked supplementary questions (arising from the answers provided to public questions in advance of the meeting). The Chairman and officers provided answers to supplementary questions at the meeting.

The committee received a public comment relating to items 6b (Former Park Keeper’s Lodge, Victoria Park) and 8 (Copthall Planning Brief) and asked questions of the public speaker and officers.

In response to a request from public questioners, the Chairman gave an undertaking that answers to public questions would be published on the council’s website by midday on the day of the relevant committee meeting.

Councillor Barry Rawlings introduced the member’s item in his name which considered the matter set out in paragraph 1.1 of the committee report.

The Chairman agreed that Barnet’s Strategic Partnership Board should set a date to meet again during the 2016/17 municipal year provided there was business to be transacted. The Chairman and Councillor Rawlings would discuss agenda items.

The Policy and Resources Committee resolved to request officers to develop a work programme, agenda and schedule a meeting for the Barnet Strategic Board, following discussion with the Conservative and Labour Group Leads.

Councillor Dean Cohen left the meeting room for the duration of this item.

Councillor Ross Houston introduced the member’s item in his name which considered the matter set out in paragraph 1.1 of the committee report.

Councillor Houston expressed his concern that the sale of the former Park Keeper’s Lodge did not constitute value for money and emphasised his belief that it was in the public interest that written answers (to the questions in the report) be provided in the public domain within a specified timescale.

In response to points raised during discussion, the Interim Chief Executive confirmed that proceeds from the sale of the lodge were held separately under a specific cost centre within the council’s accounts. Mr Hooton also advised the committee that an application for planning permission on the site had been refused.

Regarding the future uses of Victoria Park, Mr Hooton confirmed that the proceeds of the sale would be reinvested into the park with both councillors and members of the public being consulted on the nature of the reinvestment.

Regarding the master plan, the Director of Resources advised the committee that details had not been finalised but there were no plans for a car park.

The Interim Chief Executive undertook to respond in writing to the questions in the committee report and to publish those answers.

The Policy and Resources Committee resolved to request the Interim Chief Executive to provide written answers to the questions in the committee report and to publish the answers on the council’s website within ten working days of the meeting.

The Chairman directed that items 6c and 7 be considered jointly.

Councillor Alison Moore introduced the member’s item in her name which considered the matter set out in paragraph 1.1 of the committee report.

Councillor Arjun Mittra addressed the committee in accordance with section 9.3 of the meeting’s procedures rules in the constitution.

The committee was requested to agree that a further options appraisal be brought back for consideration which included an option to retain the diving provision within the facilities mix at the redeveloped Copthall Leisure Centre. It was suggested that the options appraisal should explore possible alternative funding streams including Sport England and the National Lottery to support retention of a diving facility within Barnet.

The committee’s resolution on this item arose following consideration of item 7 and is recorded under the Save Barnet Diving Petition minute.

A representative for the #SaveBarnetDiving Team, Ms Vanessa Bradley (on behalf of the lead petitioner, Ms Wendy Kravitz) addressed the committee.

Committee members asked questions of the lead petitioner.

The Commissioning Director, Adults and Health, together with the Chairman, responded to the issues raised in the petition.

Committee members ask questions of the Commissioning Director.

The Chairman responded to the issues raised in a closing address. 

The Policy and Resources Committee resolved:

1.    That the potential for provision of diving facilities to be included in the core facilities mix for the new leisure centre in Barnet Copthall be reassessed but without delay to the existing project (in accordance with the committee’s decision (report and minutes) on 16 December 2015 to redevelop Copthall Leisure Centre).  

2.    That a report is brought to a future Policy and Resources Committee meeting (before the end of the year) which explores the potential for provision of diving facilities and addresses:

-          How many people would use diving facilities at the redeveloped leisure centre

-          How provision of diving facilities could be funded

-          Planning permission implications

3.    That the proposed use of Copthall Leisure Centre in the Copthall Planning Brief (section 7.1 Scope of Development) be amended to include “potential for diving facilities.”

The committee received a report in the name of the Commissioning Director, Growth and Development.

The committee amended the proposed use of Copthall Leisure Centre in the Copthall Planning Brief (section 7.1 Scope of Development) to include “potential for diving facilities” in accordance with the decision made under the previous item, Save Barnet Diving Petition.

The Policy and Resources Committee resolved to:

1.    Note the addendum.

2.    Note the responses and agree the Council responses in the Consultation Report attached at Appendix A and in the addendum report.

3.    Amend the proposed use of Copthall Leisure Centre in the Copthall Planning Brief (section 7.1 Scope of Development) to include “potential for diving facilities.”

4.    Approve the proposed Copthall Planning Brief attached at Appendix B (as amended) for adoption for use as guidance for planning applications for the site.

The committee received a report in the name of the Commissioning Director, Growth and Development and asked questions of the Chief Planner.

The Policy and Resources Committee resolved to:

1.    Note the addendum.

2.    Approve the Pentavia Retail Park draft Planning Brief for public consultation as set out in paragraph 5.7 of the committee report.

3.    Agree that the proposed final planning brief is reported back to the committee for adoption after taking into account comments made as part of the consultation.

The committee received a report in the name of the Commissioning Director, Growth and Development and asked questions of the Commissioning Lead, Planning.

The Policy and Resources Committee resolved that Barnet’s Local Development Scheme, as set out in Appendix A to the committee report, be approved for publication.

The committee received a report in the name of the Commissioning Director, Environment. Debate ensued regarding the eligibility assessment process and appeals procedure. The Commissioning Director, Adults and Health responded to concerns that people eligible for a freedom pass but not known to the council through adults’ services may be overlooked. The committee welcomed a further report in December which would detail the consultation results and address the proposed appeals process following an internal review conducted by a council officer.

The Policy and Resources Committee resolved to:

1.    Approve the draft Disabled Persons Freedom Pass eligibility Criteria in Appendix 1 of the committee report.

2.    Agree the next steps outlined in this report related to consultation and user group testing of the new process.

3.    Agree to receive a report back on 1 December 2016, with the outcomes from the consultation and a progress update on the introduction of the revised criteria.

The committee received a report in the name of the Commissioning Director, Growth and Development.

The committee discussed Appendix 1 with particular regard to sections 5.4 (risk management) and 5.9 (creation of a new central green space with a children’s playground and the creation of local employment and training opportunities).

The committee believed that the opportunity for social value could be broadened and requested that the museum explore beyond the skills, employment and training requirement of the supplementary planning document, for example becoming a recognised protected safe environment for people with learning disabilities. The Commissioning Director agreed to relay the committee’s suggestions to the RAF Board of Trustees.

The Policy and Resources Committee resolved to:

1.    Note the resolution of the Assets Regeneration and Growth Committee on 11 July 2016.

2.    Approve financial assistance totalling £500,000 to the RAF museum, phased on an agreed basis over the project period 2016-2018, released subject to confirmation by the museum that the remaining balance of the shortfall (£6,151,253) has been secured; and

3.    Authorise the Commissioning Director Growth and Development following consultation with the Chairman of the Committee to agree the details of the payment programme in conjunction with the RAF Museum.

Votes were recorded as follows:

The Committee considered a report presented by the Assurance Director who was present to answer questions on the proposed extension of the inter-authority agreement.

The committee sought assurance that the service provider had sufficient capacity to provide a good service which was equipped to respond to the particular needs of Barnet Council. The Assurance Director confirmed that she was confident it would, based on the information within the report.

The Assurance Director answered questions regarding the hourly rate, hours purchased, budget and disbursement figures contained in Appendix 2. 

Upon putting the recommendations contained within the report (numbers 1 to 3 on page 254 of the agenda pack) to the vote, the committee voted unanimously to agree.

RESOLVED that the Committee:

1.    Note that the shared service has been extended to include Hounslow and Buckinghamshire County Council and Aylesbury Vale District Council.

2.    Agree to extend the agreement with Harrow for a shared legal service, dated 17^th August 2012, for a further period of five years until 1 September 2022 (in accordance with paragraph 2.2 of the agreement).

3.    Agree that the London Borough of Harrow discharge Barnet Council’s function in respect of the delivery of legal services in accordance with section 101 of the Local Government Act 1972 and the inter authority agreement.

The committee received a report in the name of the Interim Chief Executive.

The Policy and Resources Committee resolved that the work programme, as set out in Appendix A to the committee report, be approved for publication.

None

Not required.

None

The Chairman thanked the Director of Assurance, Davina Fiore, for her work and wished her well in her new post at Cardiff Council.

The committee welcomed David Tatlow to Barnet Council as the new Director of Assurance and Monitoring Officer.