Agenda, decisions and minutes

To sign the minutes of the meetings held on 17 June and 1 July 2008.

The minutes of the meetings of the Executive held on 17 June and 1 July 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The minutes of the meetings of the Executive held on 17 June and 1 July 2008 were taken as read and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

Councillors are reminded of the need to declare personal and prejudicial interests, including the nature and extent of such interests, in relation to business on the agenda, before any discussion takes place on the item.  Councillors requiring clarification should seek the advice of the Monitoring Officer prior to the day of the meeting.

No declarations of interest were made.

No declarations of interest were made.

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Museums.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2 September 2008 and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, clarifying the status of Topsham Museum Society with respect to its custody of the City Council’s building and collection.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted.

Noting the options available and for the reasons stated in the report, Executive resolved that:-

(1)        a 3 year funding agreement with Topsham Museum Society be concluded in

time for the 2009/10 funding round;

(2)        the basis of the agreement be that an annual grant equivalent to the

premises rent and the cost of insurance be made in return for the Society

maintaining an accredited museum;

(3)        the additional cost of insurance over and above what has been granted be

absorbed by the City Council, the cost will be £4,155 for 2007/8 and £1,074 for 2008/9.

(4)        future increases in insurance costs are funded by the City Council through

additional budget provision; and

(5)        Topsham Museum Society be thanked for its excellent work in maintaining a free access museum with high standards, and congratulated on being shortlisted for the Art Fund prize for its recent developments.

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, clarifying the status of Topsham Museum Society with respect to its custody of the City Council’s building and collection.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)        a 3 year funding agreement with Topsham Museum Society be concluded in

time for the 2009/10 funding round;

(2)        the basis of the agreement be that an annual grant equivalent to the

premises rent and the cost of insurance be made in return for the Society

maintaining an accredited museum;

(3)        the additional cost of insurance over and above what has been granted be

absorbed by the City Council, the cost will be £4,155 for 2007/8 and £1,074 for 2008/9.

(4)        future increases in insurance costs are funded by the City Council through

additional budget provision; and

(5)        Topsham Museum Society be thanked for its excellent work in maintaining a free access museum with high standards, and congratulated on being shortlisted for the Art Fund prize for its recent developments.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Museums.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2 September 2008 and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, advising Members that the Leisure and Museums Strategy adopted as a draft last year has been subjected to wide consultation and broadly welcomed and supported.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted.

Executive recommendedthe formal adoption of the Leisure & Museums strategy.

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, advising Members that the Leisure and Museums Strategy adopted as a draft last year has been subjected to wide consultation and broadly welcomed and supported.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted.

RECOMMENDED that the formal adoption of the Leisure & Museums strategy be approved.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Economy and Tourism. The draft Action Plan can be viewed on the Council’s website http://www.exeter.gov.uk or on request to Member Services.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4 September 2008 and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Economy and Tourism was submitted, seeking Members views on the draft Economic Development Strategy for Exeter and the sub-region for 2008 – 2013 following the comments received from the consultation process.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted. Executive welcomed the Strategy, noting the emphasis on science and innovation, and endorsed the proposed strategic priorities and action plan.

Executive noted the report and recommended that the proposed strategic priorities and action plan for the City of Exeter and also for the Exeter and Heart of Devon Economic Partnership’s Economic Development Strategy 2008 – 2013 be endorsed.

The report of the Head of Economy and Tourism was submitted, seeking Members views on the draft Economic Development Strategy for Exeter and the sub-region for 2008 – 2013 following the comments received from the consultation process.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted. Executive welcomed the Strategy, noting the emphasis on science and innovation, and endorsed the proposed strategic priorities and action plan.

RECOMMENDED that the report be noted and the proposed strategic priorities and action plan for the City of Exeter and also for the Exeter and Heart of Devon Economic Partnership’s Economic Development Strategy 2008 – 2013 be endorsed.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Economy and Development Directorate Projects Officer.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4 September 2008 and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Economy and Development Directorate Projects Officer was submitted, seeking approval for the Centre for Energy and Environment (CEE) at Exeter University to undertake an initial feasibility assessment of options for a) low carbon energy solutions in those parts of Exwick without a mains gas connection and b) shared energy solutions for the City’s industrial estates, drawing on a survey of energy use in these areas. The Director Economy and Development reported that the £14,500 identified as a funding deficit in the report would be met from the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) performance reward grant.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted. Executive members also welcomed the potential benefits of the initiative in Exwick in terms of social inclusion.

Executive resolved that:-

(1)  the proposal for an initial feasibility assessment of options for energy solutions to be undertaken by Exeter University, as outlined in the report, be approved; and

(2)  the work to be funded by a £6000 contribution from EDF, £5,000 from the Economy and Development Directorate partnership reserve and £14,500 from the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) performance reward grant.

The report of the Economy and Development Directorate Projects Officer was submitted, seeking approval for the Centre for Energy and Environment (CEE) at Exeter University to undertake an initial feasibility assessment of options for a) low carbon energy solutions in those parts of Exwick without a mains gas connection and b) shared energy solutions for the City’s industrial estates, drawing on a survey of energy use in these areas. The Director Economy and Development reported that the £14,500 identified as a funding deficit in the report would be met from the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) performance reward grant.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted. Executive members also welcomed the potential benefits of the initiative in Exwick in terms of social inclusion.

RESOLVED that:-

(1)  the proposal for an initial feasibility assessment of options for energy solutions to be undertaken by Exeter University, as outlined in the report, be approved; and

(2)  the work to be funded by a £6000 contribution from EDF, £5,000 from the Economy and Development Directorate partnership reserve and £14,500 from the Local Public Service Agreement (LPSA) performance reward grant.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Planning Services. The full Guide can be viewed on the Council’s website http://www.exeter.gov.uk or on request to Member Services.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Planning Services was submitted, reporting the results of the recent public consultation on the draft supplementary planning document (SPD) on householder extensions, considering proposed amendments and seeking approval for an adopted document.

The Director Economy and Development reported that an alternative image would be included at Figure 1.6 at the request of the Planning Member Working Group.  Executive members welcomed the document which they considered well-constructed and helpful.

Executive resolved that the amended document on householder extensions be adopted as a formal supplementary planning document.

The report of the Head of Planning Services was submitted, reporting the results of the recent public consultation on the draft supplementary planning document (SPD) on householder extensions, considering proposed amendments and seeking approval for an adopted document.

The Director Economy and Development reported that an alternative image would be included at Figure 1.6 at the request of the Planning Member Working Group.  Executive members welcomed the document which they considered well-constructed and helpful.

RESOLVED that the amended document on householder extensions be adopted as a formal supplementary planning document.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Planning Services.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Planning Services was submitted seeking approval to a draft Mont le Grand Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan for the purpose of public consultation.

Executive resolved that the proposed boundary amendments outlined in section 4 of the report and the draft Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan be approved for public consultation.

The report of the Head of Planning Services was submitted seeking approval to a draft Mont le Grand Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan for the purpose of public consultation.

RESOLVED that the proposed boundary amendments outlined in section 4 of the report and the draft Conservation Area Appraisal and Management Plan be approved for public consultation.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Planning Services.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Planning Services was submitted seeking approval to a proposed response to a consultation from Exeter International Airport on a draft Airport Master Plan.

Councillor Winterbottom attended the meeting and spoke on this item under Standing Order 44. Whilst welcoming the success of the Airport and the benefits which it brought to the City, he advised members that he received a large number of complaints from residents in relation to the noise caused by night flights.  He referred to the master plan produced by Airport Concern Exeter (ACE) which expressed concern at the impact of the proposed increase in aircraft movements and sought tighter controls on night flights.  He was pleased to note that Flybe proposed to replace their aircraft with quieter models and hoped that Royal Mail might be encouraged to do the same.

The Director Economy and Development reported that each airport was required to produce a Master Plan which needs to be consistent with the Department for Transport’s Airports Strategy. East Devon District Council was the relevant authority in relation to planning issues. This Council had no direct powers but would seek to influence the Plan through the response to the consultation.

Executive members expressed sympathy for residents experiencing disruption due to aircraft movements. They acknowledged the benefits of the airport in economic and employment terms as well as the convenience for local people of a regional airport.  Whilst appreciating the difficulty of tightening controls and accepting they had no direct planning powers in relation to the airport’s expansion, members wished to send a strong message about the disruption caused by night flights. They considered that the comments and proposed controls set out in paragraph 3 of the report adequately reflected their views, subject to the installation of real time noise monitoring equipment being made an immediate requirement rather than a long term objective.      

Executive supportedthe draft Exeter Airport Master Plan in principle subject to the comments in section 3 of the report with an amendment to paragraph 3.8 to request the immediate installation of real time noise monitoring equipment.

The report of the Head of Planning Services was submitted seeking approval to a proposed response to a consultation from Exeter International Airport on a draft Airport Master Plan.

Councillor Winterbottom attended the meeting and spoke on this item under Standing Order 44. Whilst welcoming the success of the Airport and the benefits which it brought to the City, he advised members that he received a large number of complaints from residents in relation to the noise caused by night flights.  He referred to the master plan produced by Airport Concern Exeter (ACE) which expressed concern at the impact of the proposed increase in aircraft movements and sought tighter controls on night flights.  He was pleased to note that Flybe proposed to replace their aircraft with quieter models and hoped that Royal Mail might be encouraged to do the same.

The Director Economy and Development reported that each airport was required to produce a Master Plan which needs to be consistent with the Department for Transport’s Airports strategy. East Devon District Council was the relevant authority in relation to planning issues. This Council had no direct powers but would seek to influence the Plan through the response to the consultation.

Executive members expressed sympathy for residents experiencing disruption due to aircraft movements. They acknowledged the benefits of the airport in economic and employment terms as well as the convenience for local people of a regional airport.  Whilst appreciating the difficulty of tightening controls and accepting they had no direct planning powers in relation to the airport’s expansion, members wished to send a strong message about the disruption caused by night flights. They considered that the comments and proposed controls set out in paragraph 3 of the report adequately reflected their views, subject to the installation of real time noise monitoring equipment being made an immediate requirement rather than a long term objective.      

RESOLVED that the draft Exeter Airport Master Plan be supported in principle subject to the comments in section 3 of the report with an amendment to paragraph 3.8 to request the immediate installation of real time noise monitoring equipment.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Director Economy and Development.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Director Economy and Development was submitted seeking approval for the adoption of a policy relating to the street naming and numbering function.

Executive members emphasised the importance of consulting with ward Councillors in considering names as residents would often wish to preserve local or historical connections. Members requested that so far as possible and within the guidelines, names be selected to suit the location - for example “Street” was considered more appropriate for a City rather than a residential estate. They also discussed the proposal not to permit the use of names that relate to living people. It was acknowledged that this had happened in the past and members requested that some flexibility be retained in this respect.

Executive resolvedthat the proposed Street Naming and Numbering Policy set out in Annex 1 to the report be adopted, subject to the deletion of the reference to not permitting the use of a name relating to living people.

The report of the Director Economy and Development was submitted seeking approval for the adoption of a policy relating to the street naming and numbering function.

Executive members emphasised the importance of consulting with ward Councillors in considering names as residents would often wish to preserve local or historical connections. Members requested that so far as possible and within the guidelines, names be selected to suit the location - for example “Street” was considered more appropriate for a City rather than a residential estate. They also discussed the proposal not to permit the use of names that relate to living people. It was acknowledged that this had happened in the past and members requested that some flexibility be retained in this respect.

RESOLVED that the proposed Street Naming and Numbering Policy set out in Annex 1 to the report be adopted, subject to the deletion of the reference to not permitting the use of a name relating to living people.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Director Economy and Development.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Director Economy and Development was submitted, informing Members of progress in bringing forward the regeneration proposals for the Canal Basin area; advising on the consequent funding implications; and seeking authority to enter into an Exclusivity Agreement with Sutton Harbour and the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust.

Executive welcomed progress on the Canal Basin regeneration scheme. A number of members regretted the lack of toilet facilities on the Canal Basin side of the river. Visitors often requested to use toilet facilities in shops which was generally not welcomed by shop owners. Members were advised of schemes elsewhere in the country where traders permitted public use of their toilets in return for a contribution towards the maintenance costs of the facility. One member felt that the cost of providing toilets was not justified since he considered the facilities on the other side of the river were not an unreasonable distance away.  Members also queried the possible impact of the outcome of the Boundary Committee review of local government in Devon on the funding of new facilities for the Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre. An assurance was given that Devon County Council was also committed to making the Centre a key attraction. 

Executive resolvedthat:-

(1)        the progress to date on the delivery of the Exeter Canal Basin Regeneration Strategy be noted;

(2)        the proposed spending levels for the current financial year as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report be approved, and that the revisions to the financial implications of the project be noted:

(3)        the Head of Estates Services, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for

Economy & Tourism, be authorised to agree terms for and enter into an Exclusivity Agreement with Sutton Harbour and the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust along the lines set out in this report; and

(4)        a feasibility study be undertaken into the provision of public conveniences on the Canal Basin side of the river.

The report of the Director Economy and Development was submitted, informing Members of progress in bringing forward the regeneration proposals for the Canal Basin area; advising on the consequent funding implications; and seeking authority to enter into an Exclusivity Agreement with Sutton Harbour and the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust.

Executive welcomed progress on the Canal Basin regeneration scheme. A number of members regretted the lack of toilet facilities on the Canal Basin side of the river. Visitors often requested to use toilet facilities in shops which was generally not welcomed by shop owners. Members were advised of schemes elsewhere in the country where traders permitted public use of their toilets in return for a contribution towards the maintenance costs of the facility. One member felt that the cost of providing toilets was not justified since he considered the facilities on the other side of the river were not an unreasonable distance away.  Members also queried the possible impact of the outcome of the Boundary Committee review of local government in Devon on the funding of new facilities for the Haven Banks Outdoor Education Centre. An assurance was given that Devon County Council was also committed to making the Centre a key attraction. 

RESOLVED that:-

(1)        the progress to date on the delivery of the Exeter Canal Basin Regeneration Strategy be noted;

(2)        the proposed spending levels for the current financial year as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report be approved, and that the revisions to the financial implications of the project be noted:

(3)        the Head of Estates Services, in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for

Economy & Tourism, be authorised to agree terms for and enter into an Exclusivity Agreement with Sutton Harbour and the Exeter Canal and Quay Trust along the lines set out in this report; and

(4)        a feasibility study be undertaken into the provision of public conveniences on the Canal Basin side of the river.

(Report circulated)

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Museums.

(Report circulated)

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, reviewing the City Council’s policy of seeking to set up a Trust Port to carry out the responsibilities of Harbour Authority for the Exe Estuary, following the interim proposals of the Boundary Committee with respect to the establishment of a unitary local government system for Devon, government consultation on municipal ports and the change in administration of the City Council.

The Director Community and Environment reported that endorsement of existing Council policy on the establishment of a Trust Port was required in view of the developments identified in the report. The public inquiry was currently underway at the Corn Exchange. The Director commented that progress had been made with Exe Estuary users and it was disappointing that they had withdrawn their support at a late stage.

Executive members requested that their appreciation be conveyed to the Head of Leisure and Museums and the Leisure Manager for the significant work they had undertaken on the proposal over a long period.   

Executive resolved:-

(1)        to note the decision taken under delegated powers to confirm the existing policy of seeking a Harbour Revision Order to set up a Trust to manage navigation on the Exe; and

(2)        to refer the decision of the Secretary of State to the shadow authority of any successor council, and not to implement any order without the express agreement of the shadow authority, or, if the latter so wishes, the successor council.

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, reviewing the City Council’s policy of seeking to set up a Trust Port to carry out the responsibilities of Harbour Authority for the Exe Estuary, following the interim proposals of the Boundary Committee with respect to the establishment of a unitary local government system for Devon, government consultation on municipal ports and the change in administration of the City Council.

The Director Community and Environment reported that endorsement of existing Council policy on the establishment of a Trust Port was required in view of the developments identified in the report. The public inquiry was currently underway at the Corn Exchange. The Director commented that progress had been made with Exe Estuary users and it was disappointing that they had withdrawn their support at a late stage.

Executive members requested that their appreciation be conveyed to the Head of Leisure and Museums and the Leisure Manager for the significant work they had undertaken on the proposal over a long period.   

RESOLVED:-

(1)        to note the decision taken under delegated powers to confirm the existing policy of seeking a Harbour Revision Order to set up a Trust to manage navigation on the Exe; and

(2)        to refer the decision of the Secretary of State to the shadow authority of any successor council, and not to implement any order without the express agreement of the shadow authority, or, if the latter so wishes, the successor council.

(Report circulated)

Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 empowers the Council to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent service to the Council as a past member. An Honorary Alderman is invited to participate in those Civic ceremonies which the Lord Mayor attends In State, and to which it is usual to invite Past Mayors/Lord Mayors.

Council on 17 July 2007, on the recommendation of Executive, approved the amendment of the eligibility criteria for considering the bestowal of the title “Honorary Alderman” on a past member to require that person to have served a total of at least twelve years as a City Councillor. It is not required for this to be a continuous period.

Former Councillors are eligible to have the title of Honorary Alderman conferred upon them should the Council so decide. An application has been received on behalf of former Councillor and Past Mayor Mary Evans who served on the Council for 14 years and as Mayor of the City in 2000/01.

RECOMMENDED that:-

(1)     the title of Honorary Alderman be conferred on former Councillor and Past Mayor Mary Evans; and

(2)     the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor be requested to convene an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council to be held prior to the Council meeting on 16 December 2008, for the purpose of passing the appropriate resolution under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 empowers the Council to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent service to the Council as a past member. An Honorary Alderman is invited to participate in those Civic ceremonies which the Lord Mayor attends In State, and to which it is usual to invite Past Mayors/Lord Mayors.

Council on 17 July 2007, on the recommendation of Executive, approved the amendment of the eligibility criteria for considering the bestowal of the title “Honorary Alderman” on a past member to require that person to have served a total of at least twelve years as a City Councillor. It is not required for this to be a continuous period.

Former Councillors are eligible to have the title of Honorary Alderman conferred upon them should the Council so decide. An application has been received on behalf of former Councillor and Past Mayor Mary Evans who served on the Council for 14 years and as Mayor of the City in 2000/01.

Executive recommended that:-

(1)        the title of Honorary Alderman be conferred on former Councillor and Past Mayor Mary Evans; and

(2)        the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor be requested to convene an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council to be held prior to the Council meeting on 16 December 2008, for the purpose of passing the appropriate resolution under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.

Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972 empowers the Council to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on persons who have, in the opinion of the Council, rendered eminent service to the Council as a past member. An Honorary Alderman is invited to participate in those Civic ceremonies which the Lord Mayor attends In State, and to which it is usual to invite Past Mayors/Lord Mayors.

Council on 17 July 2007, on the recommendation of Executive, approved the amendment of the eligibility criteria for considering the bestowal of the title “Honorary Alderman” on a past member to require that person to have served a total of at least twelve years as a City Councillor. It is not required for this to be a continuous period.

Former Councillors are eligible to have the title of Honorary Alderman conferred upon them should the Council so decide. An application has been received on behalf of former Councillor and Past Mayor Mary Evans who served on the Council for 14 years and as Mayor of the City in 2000/01.

RECOMMENDED that:-

(1)        the title of Honorary Alderman be conferred on former Councillor and Past Mayor Mary Evans; and

(2)        the Right Worshipful the Lord Mayor be requested to convene an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council to be held prior to the Council meeting on 16 December 2008, for the purpose of passing the appropriate resolution under Section 249 of the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider the attached schedule seeking the appointment of representatives to serve on outside bodies.

(Schedule circulated)

The schedule by the Assistant Chief Executive was submitted seeking appointment of representatives to serve on Exeter Municipal Charities (General List).

Executive resolvedthat former Councillor Lyons be appointed as the City Council’s representative to the Exeter Municipal Charities (General List) in place of and with the agreement of Councillor Wadham.

The schedule by the Assistant Chief Executive was submitted seeking appointment of representatives to serve on Exeter Municipal Charities (General List).

RESOLVED that former Councillor Lyons be appointed as the City Council’s representative to the Exeter Municipal Charities (General List) in place of and with the agreement of Councillor Wadham.

(Schedule circulated)

To pass the following resolution:-

RESOLVED that, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of items 16  and 17 on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part I, Schedule 12A of the Act. 

Executive resolved that, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the consideration of the following items on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.  

RESOLVED that, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the consideration of the following items on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1 and 2 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.  

To consider the report of the Head of Leisure and Museums relating to proposals for the Leisure and Museums Unit.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2 September 2008 and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated to members)

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, providing further information relating to the proposals for cost savings in the Leisure & Museums Unit.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2

September 2008. The report sought to address a number of issues which had previously been raised by members at Scrutiny Committee – Community and the Committee had indicated they were satisfied with the response to the questions raised.

Executive resolved that:-

(1)        the employment of the holder of the post of Community Outreach Manager (CE 12121) be terminated on the grounds of redundancy as from 31 March 2009, that he be paid a compensation payment in accordance with the discretion exercised by the Council under the provisions of the Local Government (Early Termination) (Discretionary Compensation) (England and Wales) Regulations 2006 and that his post be deleted on that date;

(2)        the post of Play Development Manager (CE 12122) be deleted immediately and savings from this year’s budget of £27,100 inclusive of on-costs be used to fund the extension of the post of Temporary Countryside Ranger (CE 12236), and the remainder be used to assist the funding of the costs of redundancy and early retirement of the Community Outreach Manager;

(3)        the post of Temporary Countryside Ranger (CE 12236) be extended from 11 December 2008 until 31 March 2009;

(4)        the post of Part-time Splash Holiday Co-ordinator (CE 12205) be extended to 31 May 2009, and then deleted, and that the Splash scheme terminate at that point, unless external funding for the post has been identified; and

(5)        the new staffing structure for the Leisure & Museums Unit set out in Appendix IV(b) be approved with effect from 1 April 2009, and the Head of Leisure & Museums be authorised to transfer services and functions as appropriate during the rest of this financial year.

The report of the Head of Leisure and Museums was submitted, providing further information relating to the proposals for cost savings in the Leisure & Museums Unit.

Scrutiny Committee – Community considered the report at their meeting on 2

September 2008. The report sought to address a number of issues which had previously been raised by members at Scrutiny Committee – Community and the Committee had indicated they were satisfied with the response to the questions raised.

RESOLVED that:

(1)        the employment of the holder of the post of Community Outreach Manager (CE 12121) be terminated on the grounds of redundancy as from 31 March 2009, that he be paid a compensation payment in accordance with the discretion exercised by the Council under the provisions of the Local Government (Early Termination) (Discretionary Compensation) (England and Wales) Regulations 2006 and that his post be deleted on that date;

(2)        the post of Play Development Manager (CE 12122) be deleted immediately and savings from this year’s budget of £27,100 inclusive of on-costs be used to fund the extension of the post of Temporary Countryside Ranger (CE 12236), and the remainder be used to assist the funding of the costs of redundancy and early retirement of the Community Outreach Manager;

(3)        the post of Temporary Countryside Ranger (CE 12236) be extended from 11 December 2008 until 31 March 2009;

(4)        the post of Part-time Splash Holiday Co-ordinator (CE 12205) be extended to 31 May 2009, and then deleted, and that the Splash scheme terminate at that point, unless external funding for the post has been identified; and

(5)        the new staffing structure for the Leisure & Museums Unit set out in Appendix IV(b) be approved with effect from 1 April 2009, and the Head of Leisure & Museums be authorised to transfer services and functions as appropriate during the rest of this financial year.

(Report circulated to Members)

To consider the report of the Head of Economy and Tourism regarding the restructuring of the staffing provision of the Underground Passages.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4 September 2008 and their comments will be reported.

(Report circulated to members)

The report of the Head of Economy and Tourism was submitted, seeking approval to re-designate an existing vacant full-time Visitor Guide post (ED05139) to include responsibility for supervision of the other Visitor Guides at the Underground Passages. It also sought approval to change Visitor Guide posts ED05144 – ED05147 from fixed term contracts to permanent positions and to re-organise the contracted hours of work of posts ED05142 and ED05144-ED05147, to improve operational efficiency.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted.

Executive approved the proposed staff changes highlighted in the report.

The report of the Head of Economy and Tourism was submitted, seeking approval to re-designate an existing vacant full-time Visitor Guide post (ED05139) to include responsibility for supervision of the other Visitor Guides at the Underground Passages. It also sought approval to change Visitor Guide posts ED05144 – ED05147 from fixed term contracts to permanent positions and to re-organise the contracted hours of work of posts ED05142 and ED05144-ED05147, to improve operational efficiency.

Scrutiny Committee – Economy considered the report at their meeting on 4

September 2008 and the support and comments of Members were noted.

RESOLVED that the proposed staff changes highlighted in the report be approved.

(Report circulated to Members)