Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Gordon Lishman and Margaret Lishman.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the previous meeting.

The minutes of the meeting held on 27^th June 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the Key Decisions to be taken for the period September to December 2018.

Eric Dickinson reported that the following items on the Notice of Key Decisions and Private Meetings, originally scheduled for the 18^th September 2018 Executive meeting, would be taken to a future meeting with the next Executive on the 7^th November 2018;

·         Burnley Physical Activity and Sport Strategy

·         Houses in Multiple Occupation

·         On the Banks Development

He also indicated that there was an additional item on the agenda for 18^th September 2018 Executive relating to the Worsthorne Recreation Ground Lease.

IT WAS AGREED That the Notice of Key Decisions and Private Meetings be noted.

To consider the Annual Report of the Council’s partner, Burnley Leisure.

Gerard Vinton gave a presentation on the headline items from Burnley Leisure’s 2017/18 Annual Report including its trustees, achievements, live memberships, key finance points, and future plans.

He also highlighted the quality nature of Burnley Leisure’s general offer.

Members made the following points;

·         Equipment was of the highest quality but its maintenance could be improved.

Gerard Vinton stated that the 5 yearly maintenance package was in the process of being reviewed and until then an ad hoc maintenance agreement was in operation

·         The Pension Deficit was highlighted and the percentage to which the Pension is funded was enquired about.

Gerard Vinton stated that LCC had not raised the need for a lump sum payment or contributions to be increased, and agreed to ask the Fund’s actuary about the percentage funding. 

·         The Council’s grant was highlighted, which was reducing year on year.

Gerard stated that the Service Level Agreements between the Burnley Leisure and the Council appeared to be working well.

Mick Cartledge explained that the Council still owned the buildings and also maintained them, and paid for the utility bills which were also reducing every year.

·         The working arrangement between Burnley Leisure and Classic Cuisine was highlighted.

Gerard Vinton stated that arrangements were made on a case by case basis with Classic Cuisine, usually for bigger events.

·         Potential future investment in Padiham by Burnley Leisure

Gerard Vinton highlighted the need for more certain funding from Sport England before any future investment in Padiham was confirmed ,and also stressed the need for investment to be shared out throughout the Borough with the Mechanics being the first priority.

IT WAS AGREED That Gerard Vinton be thanked for his presentation and attendance.

To consider the feedback from the Peer Review follow up visit.

Mick Cartledge presented a report on a Peer Review carried out on 25^th July 2018 and a letter sent by the Local Government Association following the review.

He highlighted a number of recommendations made to support the Council in particular the importance of communication and engagement with residents, and then referred to the Town Centre Masterplan Consultation report which was due to be considered on the 18^th September 2018 Executive as an example of this being applied..

Members made the following points;

·         The need for forward planning regarding the town becoming more university focused and engagement with the Private Sector Landlord Forum

Mick Cartledge stated that the focus was on accommodation for students’ first years but also recognized the increased involvement of private sector housing in the second and third years, and that UCLAN now had an increased commitment to Burnley due to its expansion in the town

·         Solving the problem of empty properties by an influx of students should be managed to ensure there was no disconnect with local residents caused by a major demographic change occurring, and the Council needed to communicate these changes

·         GCSE and A level attainment needed to be increased in Burnley with the message that opportunities were now available in Burnley due to UCLAN’S investment and there needed to be additional capacity in secondary schools to enable attainment to be raised.

Mick Cartledge stated there were a number of different programs in secondary schools both in operation and planned, including on mental health and resilience

·         Need to support primary schools especially the provision of special needs, in particular early intervention which needed cross party support

·         How could Burnley be promoted internationally in areas such as the technical sector and UCLAN?

Mick Cartledge highlighted the opportunities regarding UCLAN’s international students working with Marketing Lancashire, and also referred to the international nature of Burnley Football Club

IT WAS AGREED That the letter sent to the Chief Executive from the Local Government Association be noted.

To receive a report outlining the revenue budget position as at 30^th June 2018.

Howard Hamilton-Smith reported on the revenue budget position as at 30^th June 2018.

He highlighted the salary savings target of 150k and non-salary savings target of 250k, and the amounts secured up to 30^th June 2018 as being 118k and 136k respectively

IT WAS AGREED That the report be noted

To receive a report outlining the capital budget position as at 30^th June 2018.

Asad Mushtaq reported on the capital budget postion as at 30th June 2018.

IT WAS AGREED That the report be noted

To receive a report outlining savings proposals and the latest position regarding balancing the Council’s budgets for 2019/22.

Asad Mushtaq reported on the savings proposals and the latest position regarding balancing the Council’s budget as at 30^th June 2018.

IT WAS AGREED That the report be noted.

To receive an update on the work of any active Scrutiny Review Groups.

The Chair reported on the Dementia Working Group, highlighting progress regarding the Herbert Protocol and on a future meeting at 6.30pm on 31^st  October 2018 at the Town Hall.

He also indicated that a Review Group on the Manchester Road station was proposed to start in December 2018 or January 2019 in order to review progress made to date by relevant organisations.

IT WAS AGREED That the report be noted.

To consider any additions to the draft Work Plan for 2018/19.

Eric Dickinson introduced the work plan, and highlighted the items scheduled to be considered at the next meeting on the 10^th December 2018.

IT WAS AGREED That the report be noted.