Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from County Councillor Lorraine Beavers.

Members are asked to consider any Pecuniary and Non-Pecuniary Interests they may have to disclose to the meeting in relation to matters under consideration on the Agenda.

None

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 July 2021 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Cabinet received the annual reports of the county council's six Champions for 2020/21. The reports outlined the activities each of the Champions had undertaken between 1 April 2020 and 31 March 2021, in their respective roles, and from the resources previously allocated to them.

Cabinet expressed thanks to both the current Champions and to former Champions, former County Councillors David Foxcroft and Peter Steen, for all the work they had done.

Resolved: That, the annual reports of the Champions and former Champions for 2020/21 as set out in Appendices 'A' - 'F' be noted.

Cabinet considered a report that provided an update on the county council's 2021/22 revenue and capital financial position, as at the end of June 2021 and an updated medium term financial strategy (MTFS) covering the period 2022/23 to 2024/25.

It was noted that there were still an ongoing and unprecedented uncertainty in relation to future local government funding and the financial impact of the COVID-19 emergency had exacerbated the problem.

Resolved: That;

1. The current forecast underspend of £5.219m on the revenue budget in 2021/22 be noted;
2. The revised funding gap of £63.958m covering the period 2022/23 to 2024/25 as set out in the revised financial outlook forecast for the council be noted;
3. The budget adjustments for 2021/22, and following years' changes, included in the revised MTFS be approved;
4. The contents of the county council's reserves position be noted; and
5. The revised 2021/22 capital delivery programme of £160.324m and the forecast outturn of £160.558m be noted.

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to commence the following procurement exercises in accordance with the county council's procurement rules:

1. Boost Business Lancashire Programme 4;
2. Occupational Health;
3. Ormskirk Eastern Gateway (Phases 2 to 4);
4. Maintained Equipment – Fixed Lifting Equipment; and
5. Supply and Delivery of Street Lighting Materials.

Resolved: That, the commencement of procurement exercises for the following be approved:

1. Boost Business Lancashire Programme 4;
2. Occupational Health;
3. Ormskirk Eastern Gateway (Phases 2 to 4);
4. Maintained Equipment – Fixed Lifting Equipment; and
5. Supply and Delivery of Street Lighting Materials.

Cabinet considered a report that proposed to introduce 'No Waiting At Any Time' (double yellow lines) on Elker Meadows and Elker Lane, Billington.

Resolved: That, the introduction of 'No Waiting At Any Time' parking restrictions on Elker Meadows/Elker Lane Street as set out in the Draft Order at Appendix 'C' of the report, the Plan at Appendix 'B' of the report and the Statement of Reasons at Appendix 'D' of the report, be approved.

Cabinet considered a report that proposed to introduce a Prohibition of U-Turn along the A6 Garstang Road at Fulwood, Preston, and at the junction of Crescent East/Crescent West, Thornton-Cleveleys, and make alterations to the current Prohibition of Driving and One-Way restrictions along Church Street, Ormskirk. The order further proposed to remove restrictions that are no longer required due to duplication or bridge strengthening works and addressed a number of anomalies in current orders to allow for effective enforcement.

Resolved: That, the proposals included in the draft order at Appendix 'A' of the report and indicated on the plans attached at Appendices 'B' to 'H' of the report as per the reasons set out in the Statement of Reasons at Appendix 'I' of the report, be approved.

Cabinet considered a report that proposed to provide a cycle track with a parallel crossing on a road-hump, across its junction with Kingsway, on Liverpool Road, Penwortham.

Resolved: That, the provision of a cycle track with a parallel crossing on a road-hump, across its junction with Kingsway, on Liverpool Road, Penwortham as shown in Appendix 'A' of the report and to abandon the proposal to introduce a one-way traffic restriction on Kingsway, be approved.

Cabinet considered a report that proposed to publish a review of the progress made during year 1 of Phase 2 of the Transport Asset Management Plan and to refresh the Data to show the latest condition of the county council's assets and progress in a number of key areas in highway asset management over the past 12 months and to use the Data in the delivery of the Transport Asset Management Plan.

Resolved: That;

1. The update on progress outlined in the Transport Asset Management Phase 2 - Data Refresh 2021 as set out at Appendix 'A' of the report, be noted;
2. The Director of Strategy and Performance be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to approve and publish the full and final version of the 'Transport Asset Management Plan Phase 2 Data Refresh 2021';
3. Support be given for the use of the data for lifecycle modelling and allocation of funds in line with the Transport Asset Management Plan principles in the development of the 2022\23 capital programme, which will be presented to Cabinet in March 2022; and
4. Support be given for the continued monitoring of performance against the standards set.

Cabinet considered a report setting out the revised Terms of Reference of the Corporate Parenting Board.

Resolved: That, the Corporate Parenting Board's revised Terms of Reference, as set out at Appendix 'A' of the report, be approved.

Cabinet considered a report on the Department for Education's School Rebuilding programme and the works the programme carries out on major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools and sixth form college buildings across England.

Resolved: That;

1. The approach set out in the report be endorsed and that the benefit that additional investment in Lancashire schools would deliver, as provided through the Department for Education School Rebuilding Programme (the Programme) be recognised;
2. The Director of Strategy and Performance and the Director of Corporate Services be authorised to consult with the Department for Education and other relevant stakeholders to support the Programme, and
3. The Director of Strategy and Performance and the Director of Corporate Services (where existing delegations are insufficient) be authorised to negotiate and enter into such agreements as are deemed necessary to support effective Programme delivery and/or protect the interests of the county council.

Please note that Appendix 'D' to this report is in Part II and appears as Item No. 26 on the Agenda.

Cabinet received a report that provided an update on the implementation of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Sufficiency Strategy following the strategy's original approval by Cabinet at its meeting on 1 October 2020.

It was noted that Appendix 'D' of the report was in Part II and appeared at item 26 on the Agenda.

Resolved: That;

1. The results of the formal consultations following the publication of statutory proposals be noted and approval be given for the creation of a SEN unit within the following schools:

-  Morecambe Bay Community Primary School,

-  Barden Primary School;

-  Walverden Primary School;

-  Delph Side Community Primary School;

-  Highfield Community Primary School; 

-  Seven Stars Primary School; and

-  Ashton Community Science College.

2. Approval be given for the funding for building alterations at the above premises where required to enable the units to be established. Cost estimates were provided at Appendix 'D' of the report;
3. Approval be given for the initiation of feasibility studies and the informal consultation process to establish SEN units at the following mainstream schools:

-  Mossgate Primary School;

-  Fleetwood Chaucer Community Primary School;

-  Fleetwood High School;

-  Alder Grange Community and Technology School;

-  St Augustine’s Roman Catholic High School;

-  Colne Primet Academy;

-  St John’s Catholic Primary School, Skelmersdale;

-  St Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Primary School, Skelmersdale; and

-  Penwortham Girls’ High School.

4. Approval be given for the initiation of a process to seek expressions of interest to expand and increase the number of special school places through the creation of special school satellite provision in different locations across the county;
5. Subject to approval of (iii) above, approval be given for the initiation of the informal consultation process to expand and increase the number of special school places through the creation of satellite units across the county where this would be required;
6. Approval be given for the initiation of a consultation as part of the process to establish a new free school in an area where it is identified this would be required through the sufficiency strategy and the potential for expansion in existing schools would not be possible; and
7. Approval be given for the initiation of a feasibility study and the formal consultation process to expand and increase the numbers of school places at Red Marsh School.

Cabinet considered a report that provided feedback on the consultation to provide additional primary school places in Clitheroe, by extending the age range of Ribblesdale High School.

Resolved: That;

1. The consultation that had been undertaken and the responses that were received in respect of the authority's proposal be noted; and
2. Approval be given to  the publication of  a Statutory Notice of its proposal to extend the age range of Ribblesdale High School to allow for the admission of 30 reception pupils per year to be admitted to the school from September 2023 be given, as this would be enabled by providing accommodation on the Higher Standen site.

Cabinet considered a report on the proposed adoption of the new Lancashire Religious Education Syllabus 2021, which had previously been approved by the Agreed Syllabus Conference.

Resolved: That, the county council adopts the new Religious Education Syllabus 2021 for Lancashire as set out at Appendix 'A' of the report and as unanimously recommended by the Agreed Syllabus Conference.

Please note that Appendix 'A' to this report is in Part II and appears as Item No. 27 on the Agenda.

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to provide additional secondary school places in Pendle for the 2022/23 academic year and beyond, due to the rising populations of primary and secondary schools.

It was noted that Appendix 'A' of the report was in Part II and appeared at item 27 on the Agenda.

Resolved: That;

1. Approval be given for a temporary increase, for one year only, in the admission number of:

-  Colne Primet Academy from 165 to 210 places for 2022.

-  SS John Fisher and Thomas More Roman Catholic High School from 160 to 180 places for 2022.

2. Approval be given for a permanent increase in the admission number of:

-  Colne Primet Academy from 165 to 210 places from 2023 (subject to academy consultation and Regional Schools Commissioner approval).

-  SS John Fisher and Thomas More Roman Catholic High School from 160 to 180 places from 2023.

3. Approval be given for the provision of a Special Educational Needs Unit within Colne Primet Academy to provide up to 16 Special Educational Needs places, in addition to mainstream places.
4. Approval be given for the capital expenditure as set out at Appendix 'A' of the report to provide additional accommodation and associated works at Colne Primet Academy and SS John Fisher and Thomas More Roman Catholic High School.

Cabinet considered a report on the county council's move to the use of Electric Vehicles and the need for an initial investment to be made for the installation of onsite charging capabilities at county council offices to allow the vehicles to be charged.

Resolved: That, the investment of £1m to fund the installation of site charging infrastructure at county council offices and depots where Electric Vehicles will be based, be approved.

Cabinet considered a report that sought approval for funding to adopt electric vehicles and other zero tailpipe emission vehicles within the county council fleet.

Resolved: That, the investment of £1.985m to fund the adoption of Electric Vehicles and Zero Tailpipe Emission Vehicles within the county council's fleet, be approved.

Cabinet considered a report on a revised library collection management and development policy following a review.

Resolved: That, the revised library collection management and development policy as set out at Appendix 'A' of the report, be approved.

The following urgent decision was taken by the Leader of the County Council and the relevant Cabinet Member in accordance with Standing Order C16(1) since the last meeting of Cabinet, and can be viewed by clicking on the relevant link:

-  The Future of Queen Street Mill Museum and Helmshore Textile Mills Museum

-  Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Home to School Transport Policy Update

Cabinet noted the explanation of the reasons for urgency from the Director of Corporate Services, and the assurance that the process was only used where absolutely necessary.

It was also noted that officers would continue to monitor this closely and ensure that, where it was necessary that urgent decisions were taken, all efforts were made to involve and inform councillors at the earliest opportunity.

Resolved: That the two urgent decisions taken by the Leader of the County Council and the relevant Cabinet Members, since the last meeting of Cabinet, be noted.

An item of urgent business may only be considered under this heading where, by reason of special circumstances to be recorded in the Minutes, the Chair of the meeting is of the opinion that the item should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.  Wherever possible, the Chief Executive should be given advance warning of any Member’s intention to raise a matter under this heading.

There were no items of Urgent Business to be considered.

The next meeting of Cabinet will be held on Thursday 7 October 2021 at 2.00pm at County Hall, Preston.

It was noted that the next meeting of Cabinet would be held at 2pm on Thursday 7 October 2021 at County Hall, Preston.

No representations have been received.

Click here to see the published Notice of Intention to Conduct Business in Private.

Cabinet noted the Notice of Intention to Conduct Business in Private and that no representations had been received.

The Cabinet is asked to consider whether, under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, it considers that the public should be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that there would be a likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as indicated against the heading to the item.

Resolved: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business on the grounds that there would be a likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the appropriate paragraph of Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 as indicated against the heading to the item.

Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. The report contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. The report contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Cabinet considered a report on a disposal of land by way of a formal tender.

Resolved: That, the recommendations as set out in the report, be approved.

Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. The appendix contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. The appendix contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Resolved: That, Appendix 'D' of Item 16 - Developing Provision for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, be noted.

Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. The appendix contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. The appendix contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Resolved: That, Appendix 'A' of Item 16 - Pendle Secondary School Provision 2022, be noted.

Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. The report contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. The report contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). It is considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Cabinet considered a report setting out the approach to the commissioning and funding of Lancashire's Growth Hub from January 2022 to September 2023.

Resolved: That, the recommendations as set out in the report, be approved.