Councillors: S J Anderson, H Bettison, D G R Buckle, J M F Nesbit, F I Simpson, J W Stephenson, W G R Weeks and M J Young.
367 APOLOGIES :
An apology for absence was received on behalf of Councillor H E Elliott.
IN ATTENDANCE:
Councillor A E Breckons, A B Douglas, R J Patterson and J E Smith.
368 1. DECLARATION OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of interest.
369 2. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF POLICY (ENVIRONMENT) COMMITTEE HELD ON 13TH OCTOBER 2004 1
DECISION: To receive and endorse the Minutes of the Meeting of Policy (Environment) Committee held on 13th October 2004 already circulated.
370 3. MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE HOUSING STOCK OPTIONS WORKING GROUP HELD ON 10TH NOVEMBER 2004 1
DECISION: To receive and endorse the Minutes of the Meeting of the Housing Stock Options Working Group held on 10th November 2004. 1
371 4. BUDGETARY CONTROL FOR POLICY (ENVIRONMENT) COMMITTEE TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2004 1
DECISIONS: (i) To consider the detail of this report when considering draft estimates; and
(ii) To agree that £2,400 is vired to the refuse trading account in 2004/05 only, to meet telephone costs resulting from implementation of vehicle tracking.
372 5. DETAILED ESTIMATES FOR POLICY (ENVIRONMENT) COMMITTEE 2005/06 4
DECISION: To agree the detailed estimates as the current approvals budget.
373 6.HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT – BUDGETARY CONTROL – TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2004 6
DECISION: To note the report .
374 7. BUDGETARY CONTROL TO 30TH SEPTEMBER 2004 7
DECISION: To note the report and progress with delivery of the Housing Investment Programme 2004/05.
375 8. EXTENSION TO RECYCLING PROGRAMME 8
DECISION: To note the delay in this matter and agree to receive a further report.
376 9. UPDATE OF STREET SWEEPING IMPROVEMENT PLAN 9
DECISION: To agree to the conclusion of this Improvement Plan.
377 10. UPDATE ON PUBLIC CONVENIENCES IMPROVEMENT PLAN 10
DECISION: To note the updated Improvement Plan report and agree to receive further reports at six monthly intervals.
[Note: Item 11 – (Northumberland Home Improvement Agency) was withdrawn.]
378 12. REPLACEMENT OF HOME CARE ALARM EQUIPMENT AND RELATED SERVICES WITHIN THE COUNCIL’S SHELTERED HOUSING AND DISPERSED SCHEMES 14
DECISION: (i) To replace, through a tender exercise, the equipment and related services to tenants of care alarms within the Council’s sheltered housing and group schemes, as outlined above and subject to the financial implications set out;
(ii) to review, through a tender exercise, the provision of a 24 monitoring service for all users of care alarms; and
(iii) To determine the source of funding.
379 13. LOCAL TRANSPORT PLAN 15
DECISION: (i) To consider the report and agree to submit the programme enclosed with the Agenda, to Northumberland County Council for consideration for funding in financial year 2005/06;
(ii) To add Scremerston to the lighting list;
(iii) To assess the access requirements to Berwick High School once the reorganisation of education in the County has been finalised; and
(iv) To note that the Council are in discussion with the Harbour Commissioners regarding the sustainable development of the docks.
380 14. NORTHUMBRIAN WATER AUTHORITY: MAINS RENEWAL PROGRAMME 17
DECISION: To consider the report and welcome proposals to hold a public meeting in The Maltings on Friday 3rd December 2004.
DECISIONS: (i) To agree that ramps be provided at both Berwick & Tweedmouth Cemetery Chapels; and
(ii) To report back to the next Meeting of Policy (Environment) Committee on the usage of the Magdalene Fields Public Convenience and also to report whether the facilities were closed, in the past, over the summer period.
382 16. EAST COAST MAIN LINE : FRANCHISE RENEWAL 18
DECISIONS: (i) To consider the report and agree to write to each TOC and SRA seeking their support with the following:
Reinstatement of 18.35 Edinburgh – Newcastle service; and
Reinstatement of 17.30 Kings Cross – Edinburgh service.
Introduce later departures from Edinburgh especially at weekends.
Better integration of services on completion of the bus/rail interchange at Berwick Station.
Improved car parking facilities at Berwick Station.
Continue to include in the franchise the provision of “requested fares” i.e. super savers, etc.
Ensure that the “early morning train arriving in London at 10am continues to stop at Berwick.
Promote more through ticketing to destinations; and
(ii) To request that a representative from the Strategic Rail Authority meets with the Council.
383 17. FOOD SAFETY AND HEALTH AND SAFETY ENFORCEMENT 21
DECISIONS: (i) To note the content of the report; and
(ii) To agree to receive a report on the findings of the Audit of Health and Safety activity.
URGENT ITEMS:
384 HANDY PERSON SCHEME
DECISION: To refer to the Fundamental Budget Review Working Group as a budget bid.
385 A1 TRUNK ROAD
DECISION: To welcome the report and request the Highways Agency to prepare a programme outlining the timing of the proposed works.
386 18. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC 23
DECISION:
To exclude under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and the public from the Meeting during consideration of the following items on the grounds that they were likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act:
Minute 387 : Paragraph 7: Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (other than the authority).
Minute 388 : Paragraph 9: Any terms proposed or to be proposed by or to the authority in the course of negotiations for a contract for the acquisition or disposal of property or the supply of goods or services.
387 19. CONCESSIONARY FARES 23
DECISION: (i) To agree that negotiations continue with ARRIVA regarding the extension of the scheme; and
(ii) If negotiations are successful a bid for approximately £10k be made when considering the budget for the financial year.
388 20. RENT ARREARS 23
DECISION: To approve the amounts of rent arrears for write off.
