This report seeks approval of the Capital Programme Scheme proposal forms 2014/15 and additional schemes in 2013/14.

In accepting the recommendations, the capital programme scheme proposal forms 2014/15 detailed in Annex A1-A22 of the report will be approved for implementation in 2014/15; and the capital programme schemes in 2013/14 detailed at paragraph 1.4 and further detailed in Annex B1-B2 of the report will be approved for implementation in the current financial year 2013/14.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought approval of the Capital Programme Scheme proposal forms 2014/15 and additional schemes in 2013/14.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that this would be an efficient use of Council resources and demonstrated value for money in the implementation of the individual schemes.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council:-

(1)     the capital programme 2014/15 be increased by £141,000 to £2,126,350;

(2)     the capital programme scheme proposal forms 2014/15 detailed in Annex A1-A22 be approved for implementation in 2014/15;

(3)     the capital programme schemes in 2013/14 detailed at paragraph 1.4 of the report and further detail in Annex B1 be approved for implementation in the current financial year 2013/14; and

(4)     the Prudential and Treasury Indicators attached at Annex C of the report be approved.

This report submits for consideration a policy for the determination of the allocation of Discretionary Rate Relief to retail business premises.

In accepting the recommendation, Cabinet will approve the Retail Relief for Business Rates Policy to Council in accordance with the Department for Communities and Local Government guidance with the following exclusions:-

(a)     any ratepayer that occupies 50 or more premises in England and Wales; and

(b)     Charity shops in receipt of 80% Mandatory Business Rate Relief.

and that approval of Discretionary Business Rate Relief be delegated to Officers in line with this policy.

The subject of the decision:

This report submitted for consideration a policy for the determination of the allocation of Discretionary Rate Relief to retail business premises.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that it was prudent for the Council to have a policy for the award of this discount.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council:-

(1)     the Retail Relief for Business Rates Policy in accordance with the Department for Communities and Local Government guidance with the following exclusions:-

          (a)     any ratepayer that occupies 50 or more premises in England and Wales; and

          (b)     Charity shops in receipt of 80% Mandatory Business Rate Relief.

(2)     approval of Discretionary Business Rate Relief be delegated to Officers in line with this policy.

This report set out a timetable for the preparation of the Local Plan/Local Development Framework (LDF) documents.

In accepting the recommendation, Cabinet will approve the Local Development Scheme for publication and will recommend it to Council.

The subject of the decision:

This report set out a timetable for the preparation of the Local Plan/Local Development Framework (LDF) documents.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To comply with the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves and recommends to Council the Local Development Scheme for publication.

THE DECISION:

That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded from the meeting during consideration of the items of business at minute nos CA.94 and CA.95 on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as the Cabinet was satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

This report seeks approval to acquire land to create a Sports Village in Sowerby that is linked to the South West Thirsk allocated development site.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought approval to acquire land to create a Sports Village in Sowerby that was linked to the South West Thirsk allocated development site.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that the acquisition of the land would help the Council deliver its priority to support the community and voluntary sector to provide high quality sports facilities and activities for people of all ages.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet agrees and recommends to Council to progress the acquisition of piece of land off Gravel Hole Lane in Sowerby as shown in the plan at Appendix 1 of the report.

The subject of the decision:

This report considered the introduction of a Deputy Chief Executive and a revised pay policy.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the current position regarding the implementation of a new management structure.

THE DECISION:

That Cabinet approves and recommends that Council endorses:-

(1)     the revised pay policy at Annex 1;

(2)     the decision of the Leader shown in paragraph 1.4 of the report;

(3)     the introduction of a Deputy Chief Executive designation be agreed with an additional salary payment of £5,000; and

(4)     that political proportionality be suspended and an interview panel is arranged consisting of 3 Conservative Members, 1 Liberal Democrat Member and 1 Independent Member – nominations to be submitted by group leaders to the Chief Executive.

Declaration of Interest

The Chief Executive answered questions relating to the post of Deputy Chief Executive then withdrew from the meeting prior to further discussions and the vote taking place.

To confirm the decisions of the meeting held on 11 February 2014 (CA.78 - CA.89), previously circulated.

THE DECISION:

That the decisions of the meeting held on 11 February 2014 (CA.78 – CA.89), previously circulated, be signed as a correct record.

This report presents the final report from the Scrutiny Committee 1 on Paperless Working within the Council for consideration.

The subject of the decision:

This report presented the final report from the Scrutiny Committee 1 on the introduction of paperless working within the Council for consideration.  Cabinet commended the work undertaken by the Scrutiny Committee and officers involved in carrying out the review.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To take account of the findings of Scrutiny Committee 1.

THE DECISION:

That the introduction of paperless working within the Council be supported subject to:

(1)     the introduction being undertaken in a staged approach;

(2)     adequate back up being in place in the event of system failure;

(3)     the review of the website ensuring that it can facilitate paperless working for Members;

(4)     adequate training being provided in a phased manner;

(5)     the provision of hard copies being maintained on a request basis;

(6)     consideration being given to the use of a screen to relay the agenda at meetings; and

(7)     Town/Parish Councils being supported to operate as they decide.

This report provides information on the Living Wage Campaign.  It advises on issues to be considered in deciding whether to adopt the Living Wage and also sets out an alternative initiative that the Council might introduce to help the Council’s lowest paid staff.

In accepting the recommendation, Cabinet will approve, subject to negotiation with the union, the introduction a local living wage pay scheme from 1 April 2014 which increases the salaries of low paid employees by reference to the national Living Wage, the details to be determined by the Chief Executive.

The subject of the decision:

This report provided information on the Living Wage Campaign.  It advised on issues to be considered in deciding whether to adopt the Living Wage and also set out an alternative initiative that the Council might introduce to help the Council’s lowest paid staff.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that this decision would demonstrate the Council’s commitment to helping lower paid employees.

THE DECISION:

That, subject to negotiation with the union, the Council introduce a local living wage pay scheme from 1 April 2014 which increases the salaries of low paid employees by reference to the national Living Wage, the details to be determined by the Chief Executive.

This report seeks consideration and adoption of the revised Management Plan for the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

In accepting the recommendation the Management Plan for the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty will be approved and adopted.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought consideration and adoption of the revised Management Plan for the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

The existing Management Plan ran from 2009-2014 and a new plan had to be in place and adopted by the three constituent local planning authorities (Hambleton, Ryedale and North Yorkshire) and submitted to Defra by 1 April 2014.

THE DECISION:

That the Management Plan for the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty be approved and adopted.

This report seeks endorsement of the Public Open Space, Sport and Recreation Action Plans for Northallerton, Romanby and Sowerby.

In accepting the recommendation, the Public Open Space, Sport and Recreation Action Plans in Annex B of the report will be endorsed.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought endorsement of the Public Open Space, Sport and Recreation Action Plans for Northallerton, Romanby and Sowerby.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

To comply with the Council’s legal responsibility to ensure funding is used in a way consistent with the individual S106 Agreements.

THE DECISION:

That the Public Open Space, Sport and Recreation Action Plans attached at
Annex B of the report be endorsed.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the press and public from the meeting during consideration of items 11 to 14 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

THE DECISION:

That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public were excluded from the meeting during consideration of the items of business at minute nos CA.102 and CA.103 on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as the Cabinet was satisfied that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

This report seeks consideration of further information in relation to the development of Bedale Gateway Car Park.

The subject of the decision:

This report sought consideration of further information in relation to the development of Bedale Gateway Car Park.

Alternative options considered:

Cabinet considered deferring the decision for further discussions with the Ward Members.

The reason for the decision:

Concern was raised regarding the proposals and Cabinet was satisfied that deferring the decision for further discussions with the Ward Members would be in the interests of moving the project forward.

THE DECISION:

That consideration of the proposals be deferred to enable further discussions to take place with the Ward Members and a report be submitted to the meeting of Cabinet in April 2014.

This report provides information in relation to the disposal of land at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold.

The subject of the decision:

This report provided information in relation to the disposal of land at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold.

Alternative options considered:

None.

The reason for the decision:

Cabinet was satisfied that the disposal of the land at the Galtres Centre, Easingwold was in the interests of the social, economic or environmental wellbeing of the area.

THE DECISION:

That:-

(1)     in principle the land hatched on the attached plan to the report be transferred to the Galtres Centre Management Committee for a peppercorn, subject to the clauses referred to in paragraph 4.2 of the report; and

(2)     Officers begin negotiations with the Galtres Centre Management Committee and report back to Cabinet.

Declaration of Interest

Prior to discussion of the above item, Councillor N Knapton declared a pecuniary interest as he maintains the Galtres Centre IT equipment and left the room.