CABINET AGENDA
Tuesday 26 February 2013 at 10.00am at the Civic Centre, Gateshead
From the Chief Executive, Jane Robinson Item Business
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Minutes (Page 3)
The Cabinet is asked to approve as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting held on 12 February 2013.
Key Decisions
3. Gateshead Review of Community Centres (Phase 2) – Outcome of Consultations and Implementation Proposals (Page 7)
Report of the Strategic Director, Community Based Services
4. Library Service Review – Report on Library Service Phase 2 Public Consultation (Page 31)
Report of the Strategic Director, Community Based Services
5. North East Local Transport Body Assurance Framework (Page 93)
Report of the Strategic Directors, Legal and Corporate Services and Development and Enterprise
6. Tender for the Supply of Goods and Services (Page 99)
Report of the Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services
Recommendations to Council
7. Capital Programme
Report of the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT (to follow)
8. Review of Fees and Charges 2013/14
Report of the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT (to follow)
Contact: Kevin Ingledew (0191) 433 2142 Date: 19 February 2013
Item Business
9. Budget and Council Tax Level 2013/14
Report of the Chief Executive and Strategic Director, Finance and ICT (to follow)
10. Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan (Page 103)
Report of the Strategic Director, Community Based Services
11. Employment Issues - Revised Redundancy Policy and Procedure (Page 111)
Report of the Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services
12. Calendar of Meetings 2013/14 (Page 137)
Report of the Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services
Non Key Decisions
13. Transfer of the NHS Public Health Workforce to the Council (Page 157)
Report of the Strategic Directors, Legal and Corporate Services and Community Based Services
14. Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund) (Page 165)
Report of the Strategic Director, Community Based Services
15. Smokefree Play Areas Gateshead(Page 177)
Report of the Strategic Directors, Community Based Services and Learning and Children and Director of Public Health
16. Local Economic Assessment – Refresh (Gateshead) (Page 183)
Report of the Strategic Director, Development and Enterprise
17. Appointment of Authority School Governors (Page 191)
Report of the Strategic Director, Learning and Children
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GATESHEAD METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL
CABINET MEETING
12 FEBRUARY 2013
PRESENT: Councillor M Henry (Chair)
Councillors: C Donovan, A Douglas, M Foy M Gannon, M Graham, L Green J McElroy, McNestry and P Mole
C215 MINUTES
The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 22 January 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.
C216 CONTRACT FOR THE PROVISION OF CORPORATE PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES
Consideration has been given to tenders received for the provision of Corporate Physiotherapy Services.
RESOLVED - That the tender from Treatment Solutions, Newcastle upon Tyne for the provision of Corporate Physiotherapy Services for a period of 24 months commencing on 1 March 2013, with an option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods, be accepted.
The above decision has been made for the following reason:
A comprehensive evaluation of the five tenders received has been undertaken. The recommended tender is the most economically advantageous tender submitted.
C217 COMMUNITY SAFETY BOARD STRATEGIC ASSESSMENT
Consideration has been given to the key findings from the Community Safety Board Strategic Assessment 2012, which identifies the Community Safety Board’s strategic priorities for 2013/14.
RESOLVED - (i) That the draft Community Safety Board Strategic Assessment be endorsed.
(ii) That a further report be submitted to Cabinet following the production of the draft Community Safety Board Partnership Plan.
1 The above decisions have been made for the following reason:
The Police and Justice Act 2006 imposes a statutory duty on the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership to produce an annual Partnership Plan.
C218 APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC ANALYSTS
Consideration has been given to the appointment of nine public analysts.
RESOLVED - That the following analysts be appointed as public analysts for the Council.
• Alan Richards BSc, MChemA, CChem, FRSC • Elizabeth Moran MSc, MChemA, FRSC, MIFST • Ron Ennion BSc, MChemA, CChem, FRSC, MIFST • Kevin Wardle MSc, MChemA, CChem, MRSC • John Waller MSc, MChemA, CChem, MRSC • Peter Brown BSc, MChemA, CChem, FRSC, FIFST • Jeremy Wootten MA, MChemA, CChem, MRSC • Duncan Arthur BSc, MChemA, CChem, MRSC • Nigel Payne MSc, MChemA, CChem, MRSC
The above decision has been made to meet a statutory duty under the Food Safety Act 1990 and Agricultural Act 1970.
C219 RESPONSES TO CONSULTATIONS
Consideration has been given to responses to recent Government consultations.
RESOLVED - That the responses to the following consultations be endorsed.
• ‘Measuring Child Poverty: A Consultation on better measures of child poverty’ - Department for Work and Pensions
• Future Reserves 2020: Delivering the Nation’s Security Together Green Paper – Ministry of Defence
The above decision has been made to enable the Council to contribute responses to the consultations.
C220 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME – TRANSFER OF UNCOLLECTABLE AMOUNTS
Consideration has been given to the transfer out of the Council’s accounts outstanding balances in excess of £500 from certain miscellaneous income accounts where all possible recovery action has been taken and the balances are now considered to be uncollectable.
2 RESOLVED - (i) That the action taken under delegated powers to transfer out of the Council’s accounts 885 balances totalling £86,500.84 be noted.
(ii) That the transfer of balances on 94 accounts, amounting to £123,485.12 be approved.
To ensure the effective management of the Council’s resources.
C221 APPOINTMENT OF SCHOOL GOVERNORS
Consideration has been given to the appointment of School Governors.
RESOLVED - That the appointment/reappointment of Authority/Local Authority School Governors/Authority Members for a period of four years from the date indicated in accordance with the Instrument of Governance/Articles of Association of each school.
School Appointment Reappointment Date from
Glynwood Cllr F Hindle 12.2.13
Oakfield Junior Cllr Mrs Goldsworthy 8.2.13
Portabello Cllr N Weatherley 8.3.13
Wardley Cllr P Mole 8.3.13
Whickham Cllr Mrs M Ord 8.3.13 Parochial
Charles Thorp Cllr Liz Twist 12.2.13
St Mary & St Thomas Aquinas Cllr Liz Twist 12.2.13
Joseph Swan Academy Mr P De Vere 12.2.13
Rowlands Gill Primary Mr H Kelly 12.2.13
The above decision has been made to ensure the required appointments are made to Governing Bodies.
3 C222 PETITIONS SCHEDULE
Consideration has been given to the latest update on petitions submitted to the Council and the action taken on them.
RESOLVED - That the petitions received and the action taken on them be noted.
The above decision has been made to inform Cabinet of the progress of the petitions received.
Copies of all reports and appendices referred to in these minutes are available online and in the minute file. Please note access restrictions apply for exempt business as defined by the Access to Information Act.
The decisions referred to in these minutes will come into force and be implemented after the expiry of 3 working days after the publication date of the minutes identified below unless the matters are ‘called in’.
Publication date: 13 February 2013
Chair…………………..
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3 REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Gateshead Review of Community Centres (Phase 2) – Outcome of Consultation and Implementation of Proposals
REPORT OF: David Bunce, Strategic Director, Community Based Services
Purpose of the Report
1. To update Cabinet on progress following the outcome of the phase 2 consultation agreed by Cabinet on 18 September 2012 (minute number C84) and to seek agreement to proceed with implementing the review with effect from 1 April 2013.
Background
2. There are currently 42 Community Centres across Gateshead which are owned by the Council and/or the Council resources the running costs of the centres. This current phase of the Community Centre Review has identified 16 Centres which support options to either develop asset transfer; review use; relocation or are surplus to Council requirements and may close (based on consultation on the 5 options agreed by Cabinet on 18 September 2012 and listed below in para 5).
3. The overall budget for Community Centres is £731,000 for 2012 / 13. On the 02 March 2012 Council agreed £300,000 savings in 2013/14 for Community Centres in the Spending Proposals of February 2012/13 (CNV1) (minute number CL/97). In September 2012, Cabinet approved the strategy which involved some Community Centres becoming self financing and self supporting where there is capacity and demand to do so. Since September 2012, there has been a thorough consultation phase with Community Centres and Management Committees.
4. The Council agreed the establishment of the Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund) in February 2011 (minute number CL115). The purpose of this Fund is to support the community and voluntary sector in Gateshead. Capacity Building Funding is open to all community and voluntary sector groups and is also targeted at area based youth and community organisations to support community groups and centres to become more sustainable. In 2012/13, 125 community groups have accessed the Fund to support their business planning and development needs. The Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund) has supported 13 Community Centres directly to build capacity to become more sustainable in 2012/13.
Consultation Phase 2 of the Community Centre Review
5. On 18 September 2012, Cabinet agreed five options for community centres and a second phase of consultation with ward councillors, Community Centre Management Committees and public meetings. The consultation period came to an end in February 2013. The five options were as follows:
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• Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease • Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease • Retain a community centre where there is a viable business case and strategic need as part of greatly reduced network of community centres, the level of financial and development support will be reviewed with this option • A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements • Where the Council does not own or has leased the building but provides financial and development support, review and ultimately reduce the level of funding and support.
6. Phase 2 of the consultation process is summarised at Appendix 2.
Outcome of Consultation
7. The outcome of the consultation is twofold:
• Firstly, 16 of the 42 Community Centres across the Borough have supported options to develop asset transfer, relocation or closure. The proposal for each centre is identified in paragraph 11 below. • Secondly, a new vision for Community Centres has emerged and the five options agreed by Cabinet in September 2012 have been refined into three categories of Community Centres in Gateshead.
A Vision for Community Centres in Gateshead
8. On 24 July 2007, Cabinet approved a vision and outcomes for community centres in Gateshead. This second consultation phase has reinforced this vision and outcomes for community centres. In addition, building capacity in the community and voluntary sector; supporting and enhancing volunteering; and supporting a network of Council owned and non Council owned centres have been highlighted as additional outcomes to achieve the Council Plan aim of economic growth and well being.
9. A proposed new vision and outcomes for Community Centres, building upon Vision 2030, the Council Plan and the outcome of this consultation is proposed. This would be:
a. A network of community activities and services that are tailored to the needs of local communities b. The appropriate buildings infrastructure required to provide flexible and accessible space for community activities – a sustainable network of council and community owned buildings and activities. c. Maximised community use of council assets by providing clear leasing and letting arrangements and resources, supporting and enabling communities to take responsibility and ownership of facilities to the level they require and/or have the capacity to sustain. d. A support mechanism to build capacity in the Community and Voluntary Sector will empower the sector to achieve the above. This will be provided through a clear and consolidated package of support, already provided across Council groups and services, but brought together to make access simpler and clearer.
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e. Supporting and encouraging volunteering in Gateshead, to achieve Vision 2030 and Gateshead Council Volunteer Plan aims of strong, sustainable communities.
10. The consultation has helped refine the five options agreed by Cabinet in September 2012 (paragraph 5) into three categories of Community Centres across Gateshead. This would help to achieve the outcomes for Community Centres described above. They are:
(i) Core Centre - these centres will provide the prime community hubs within their localities, supported by viable business plans to ensure the Borough has a sustainable network of centres. They will: • Play a prime role in delivering Vision 2030 outcomes • Facilitate delivery of the Council Plan objectives • Be directly resourced by the Council to contribute to the day to day operation of the centre • Enter into an agreement with the Council that will set out the Council’s offer (resource), including youth and adult learning provision, against a set of agreed outcomes relating to a Centre’s activities, income generation, community participation and volunteering.
(ii) Transitional Centre - these centres will be supported by the Council towards independence, through an asset transfer process and/or business plan development. These Centres will be supported through transition, with the Council supporting the management committees to develop skills and capacity. The Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Funding) would be available where appropriate to support community groups in this transition period. If, over an agreed period of time, the asset transfer process does not proceed, the centre would be considered for closure or disposal.
(iii) Independent Centre - these centres operate independently of the Council and offer a significant contribution to local community provision across Gateshead.
The implementation of the Community Centre Review Phase 2
11. The 16 Community Centres which have formed part of Phase 2 of the Community Centre Review are listed below. To achieve the spending proposal of £300,000 savings it is proposed that the following centres either become independent through asset transfer in the form of a long term, full repairing lease; review use; relocate; or are surplus to Council requirements and may close.
Transition (Asset transfer or Closure) • Allerdene Community Centre (Relocation of activity and closure) • Brandling Community Centre (Asset Transfer or consideration of strategic need and core centre in the future) • Clara Vale Village Hall (Asset Transfer) • Dunston Community Centre (Asset Transfer) • Dunston Drop In (Annual Tenancy Agreement) • Eighton Banks Village Hall (Asset Transfer) • Highfield Community Centre (Closed) • Lobley Hill Community Centre (Asset Transfer) • Mary Sanders Hall (Asset Transfer)
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• Marley Hill Community Centre (Asset Transfer) • Ryton and Crawcrook District Youth Centre (Asset Transfer) • Stargate Village Hall (Asset Transfer) • Swalwell Community Centre (Asset Transfer) • Teams Community Centre (Review of use; Relocation of activity; or asset transfer) • Whickham Community Centre (Asset Transfer) • Winlaton Mill Village Hall(Asset Transfer)
12. All of the Centres that are pursuing an Asset Transfer have submitted an Expression of Interest to the Council in accordance with the Council’s Asset Transfer Policy. Implementation of these proposals will take place between April – October 2013.
Review of Community Centres – Phase 3
13. The remaining 27 Centres are currently being analysed to identify whether they will form part of a Core Network of Community Centres or whether they are independent or will be in transition to become independent. The definition of a Core Community Centre will essentially be those Centres where there is a strategic need for community provision and the Council will resource community centre provision. The analysis is based on:
• Strategic Needs Assessment – the needs within the neighbourhood for a community facility, including socio-economic factors; alternative community provision; location and geographic factors • Demand within the neighbourhoods for community facilities and access to services • Delivery of Vision 2030 and Council Plan priorities • Ability of the Centre to sustain a community hub in the longer term • Sustainable business case.
14. A further report will be presented to Cabinet in June 2013 with options for the implementation of the phase 3 review of community centres.
Recommendations
15. It is recommended that Cabinet:
(i) note the outcome of the second phase of consultation on the options outlined in paragraph 7 and Appendix 2;
(ii) agree to the vision for Community Centres and categories proposed in paragraphs 9 and 10;
(iii) Agree to the implementation of the proposals outlined in paragraph 11 as part of phase 2 of the Community Centre Review.
(iv) Agree to receive a further report in June 2013 outlining Phase 3 of the Community Centre Review
For the following reasons:
(i) To enable the Council to achieve its aims for working in areas and neighbourhoods, specifically in relation to engaging and empowering communities and supporting a sustainable community centre network.
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(ii) To provide an opportunity for councillors, residents and users of community centres to be consulted on the detailed options for each community centre in their ward.
(iii) To ensure the spending proposal CNV1 can be implemented.
CONTACT: Lindsay Murray, ext 2794
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APPENDIX 1 Policy Context
1. Community Centres and services support the community engagement priorities within the Council Plan and priorities in Vision 2030. In particular, they support the Council’s approach to areas and neighbourhoods.
Background
2. The overall budget for Community Centres is £731,000. Cabinet spending proposal (CBS 11) when implemented will realise £300,000 in savings to the Council in 2013/14.
Consultation
3. Councillors discussed the five options at a Advisory Group People on 24 September 2012 and at Corporate Vitality Advisory Group on 12 February 2013. Consultation has taken place with the Cabinet Members for Area and Neighbourhood Services Portfolios. Consultation has taken place with all ward councillors. The dates and outcomes of ward councillor consultation is at Appendix 2.
Consultation has also taken place at the last three meetings of the Gateshead Community Centre Network, a group that meets quarterly and is attended by representatives of Community Centre management committees.
Local and regional organisations such as GVOC have been consulted about the proposals and the Council has consulted Community Matters and Locality (formerly the Development Trust Association (DTA)) to seek their assistance based on their respective experience of what is happening regionally and nationally.
The Corporate Asset Strategy Team has written to organisations expressing an interest in community buildings or accommodation to identify any potential matches between groups and buildings.
Alternative Options
4. The review of community centres consultation has identified three categories:
• Core - community centres that the Council will directly resource • Transition – community centres where the management committee is progressing to become independent • Independent – community centres that operate autonomous and without Council financial support.
The provision of Community Centres is not a statutory duty or requirement of the Council. Alternative options would include the Council not providing any financial or other support for Community Centres. This is not a preferred option in this report. Community Centres provide an essential service in neighbourhoods and it is recommended that the Council continue to support a core network of community centres in the future.
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Implications of Recommended Option
5. Resources:
a) Financial Implications –
The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirms that if the proposals outlined within the report, within the timescales proposed that £300,000 savings will be realised.
13 Community Centres have been supported by the Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund) in 2012/13 to build capacity and sustainability totalling £86,500. These are Birtley Hub; Blackhall Mill; Dunston Community Centre; Community Centre Network;Hertfordshire House; Springwell Community Centre; Trinity Centre; Blaydon Youth and Community Centre; Swalwell Community Centre; Winlaton Community Centre; Route 26; Ryton and Crawcrook Youth Centre; Windmill Hills.
b) Human Resources Implications -
Some of the specific options indentified for community centres will have a direct impact on the terms and conditions or continued employment of Council employees. This could impact directly on 8FTE. Consultations with employees and their representatives will continue, using the agreed consultative procedures, inorder to minimise any compulsory redundancies.
c) Property Implications -
The property implications arising from this report are detailed in paragraph 11 of the report.
6. Risk Management Implication -
The Neighbourhood Management Team will monitor the risk associated with each community centre, in particular the team will:
• Support and manage community centre management committees, ensuring business planning and capacity is in place to sustain community centres, including asset transfer, where appropriate • Manage budgets allocated to community centres including allocation of the resources from the Council • Oversee building management and health and safety requirements in partnership with management committees including management of Cleaners in Charge and Cleaners • Support management committees to ensure activities both meet the needs of the local community and generate sufficient income to cover running costs of the building.
7. Equality and Diversity Implications -
Community centres contribute to the implementation of the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy through identified service improvements. Centres are used by
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local residents from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. The revisions to the grant aid system will assist fairer distribution, reflective of the costs incurred by each centre.
8. Crime and Disorder Implications –
There are no crime and disorder implications arising from this report.
9. Health Implications -
There are no health implications arising from this report.
10. Sustainability Implications -
There are no sustainability implications arising from this report.
11. Human Rights Implications -
There are no human rights implications arising from this report.
12. Area and Ward Implications -
All community centres will be affected by the review, therefore the report is applicable to all wards.
13. Background Information
Data and information has been gathered and analysed for each community centre regarding the condition of the building, proximity to other community buildings (both Council / voluntary), potential land and spatial development, running costs, usage of the building and an assessment of the existing management committees strength and weaknesses.
Appendix 2 contains the summary of phase 2 consultation and appendix 3 describes the option (s) consulted upon and the options to be implemented for each community centre identified in paragraph 11.
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Appendix 2 – Consultation
Centre / Consultation Date(s) Comments Building
Ward 5.2.13. Ward Councillors agree option to relocate activities and Councillors 12.02.13 services to Chowdene Children's Centre
Management Committee informed the Council they do Allerdene Management 02.10.12 not wish to pursue asset transfer, but are keen to Community Committee 05.02.13 support the Council through relocation to Chowdene Centre Children's Centre
Public
Councillors view that Brandling should be retained by 31.10.12 Ward the Council as part of the strategic network, have been 27.11.12 Councillors very supportive of the management committee in their 21.01.13 deliberations about asset transfer.
01.10.12 Brandling 12.11.12 Hall Management Management Committee do not wish to pursue asset 07.12.12 Community Committee transfer 07.01.13 Centre 21.01.13
Public
Councillors agree option to transfer the building to the Ward 12.11.12 existing management committee through asset transfer Councillors 7.2.13 in the form of a lease
Clara Vale Management Management Committee indicated interest in exploring 15.11.12 Village Hall Committee asset transfer
Public 15.11.12 Residents recognise the need for asset transfer 25.05,12 26.07,12 Councillors agree option to transfer the building to the Ward 27.09.12 ex isting management committee through asset transfer Councillors 19.12.12 in the form of a lease 10.01.13
Dunston Management Community Asset Transfer Expression of Interest Community 06.02.13 Committee received from the Management Committee Centre
Public
25.05.12 26.07,12 Ward 27.09.12 Councillors agree option of an Annual Tenancy Councillors 19.12.12, Agreement 10.01.13 06.02.13
Dunston Management Management Committee offered the option of an 05.02.13 Drop In Committee Annual Tenancy Agreement.
Public
Councillors agree option to transfer the building to the Ward 31.10.12 existing management committee through asset transfer Councillors 25.01.13 in the form of a lease
Eighton Management Committee meeting with Locality to Management Banks 04.12.12 progress Asset Transfer. Condition survey shared with Committee Village Hall the committee
Public Ward Declared Ward Councillors consulted and agreed to surplus Councillors surplus declaration agreed by Cabinet 18.09.12
Highfield Management The building is now empty and awaiting Community Committee demolition/disposal through Property Services Centre
Public
12.11.12 Councillors agree option to transfer the building to Ward 24.01.13 another interested organisation through asset transfer Councillors 29.01.13 in the form of a lease
Lobley Hill Youth & Management 22.11.12 Management Committee have no interest in asset Community Committee 14.02.13 transfer Centre
Public 01.12.12 Joint consultation event with libraries
Councillors agree option to transfer the building to Ward 31.10.12 another interested organisation through asset transfer Councillors 25.01.13 in the form of a lease
Mary Management Sanders Committee Hall
27.10.12 6.12.12 Birtley Community Partnership indicated interest in Public 17.1.13. exploring asset transfer 14.2.13 12.04.12 22.05.12 Councillors agree option to transfer the building to the Ward 24.07.12 existing management committee through asset transfer Councillors 18.09.12 in the form of a lease 07.11.12 08.01.13
Marley Hill Management Management Committee are developing their capacity Community Centre Committee to assist with asset transfer
Public
29.11.12 Councillors agree option to transfer the building to the Ward 25.1.13 existing management committee through asset transfer Councillors 6.2.13 in the form of a lease
Ryton Management Committee has been exploring Asset Crawcrook Management Transfer for some time. They have been approached and District 17.10.12 Committee by Locality with a view to offering more intensive Youth support for Asset Transfer. Centre
Public
Councillors agree option to transfer the building to Ward 29.11.1225 another interested organisation through asset transfer Councillors .1.136.2.13 in the form of a lease
16.10.12 Stargate Management Residents forming a new residents' group with a view 18.10.12 Hall Committee to pursuing asset transfer 26.11.12
Public 07.01.2013 User Groups recognise the need for asset transfer 25.05.12 03.08.12 Councillors agree option to transfer the building to the Ward 28.09.12 existing management committee through asset transfer Councillors 09.11.12 in the form of a lease 11.01.13
September Swalwell October Management Management Committee are developing their capacity Community November Committee to assist with asset transfer Centre December January
Public
27.09.12 19.12.12 Ward Councillors agree to review use; or relocation of 10.01.13 Councillors activities/services; or option to asset transfer 30.01.13 06.02.13
29.10.12 Teams 2.11.12 Management Management Committee to be engaged further Community 7.01.13 Committee regarding the above options Association 16.01.13 28.01.13
Public
25.05.12 03.08.12 Councillors agree option to transfer the building to the Ward 28.09.12 existing management committee through asset transfer Councillors 09.11.12 in the form of a lease 11.01.13
Whickham Management Community The committee are in the final stages of asset transfer. Committee Centre
Public 8.11.12, Councillors agree option to transfer the building to the Ward 25.1.13 existing management committee through asset transfer Councillors 13.2.13 in the form of a lease
Winlaton Mill Management Management Committee indicated interest in exploring 16.01.13 Community Committee asset transfer Centre
Public 13.02.13 Residents recognise the need for asset transfer
Appendix 3
Allerdene Community Centre • Large Council owned and maintained Community Centre on the edge of the Allerdene Estate, the centre has a large hall, office, modern kitchen and lounge/meeting room area. • Centre is a relatively new, modern building but not in the best location for the majority of residents living in the Chowdene Ward. • Only 5 sessions take place each week. Three older people’s groups, line dancing and karate. • All activities to be relocated to Chowdene Children’s Centre.
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
Option for consultation Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Option for implementation Relocation of the current activity / services and a community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Brandling Community Centre • Is located in North Felling within the Joint Venture site for regeneration. • Comprises a large community space, kitchen, IT suite and multi purpose room. • Provides services for young people from Heworth Grange Comprehensive School • The building is managed by a management committee that has charitable status whom do not want to asset transfer the building.
A centre identified as a site to support the delivery of the youth offer across the area and will address particular issues related to the 13 – 19 population.
Options for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Retain a community centre where there is a viable business case and strategic need as part of greatly reduced network of community centres, the level of financial support will be reviewed with this option.
Clara Vale Village Hall • Council owned and maintained building but a voluntary Charitable Management Committee manages the building day to day • The hall offers the only provision in an otherwise very small and isolated village
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
Options for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Dunston Community Centre • Community centre with a main hall and 3 rooms, Office, Kitchen and band room, • Gateshead Council community facility, approx 110 years old • Association have no lease • Association meet regularly, hold good accounts and manage the building and projects effectively, they employ 2 members of staff caretaker/cleaner • No council services operate from the building • Building is host to a several dance groups, Adult Ed Sessions – (painting), groups, lunch club, Taekwondo, Silver Band Practice, Carpet Bowls, Ladies social, mother & Babies, craft group, machine knitting, Coffee morning/social activities.
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
Option for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Dunston Drop In • Youth facility on industrial estate with 1 large room with multiple uses, kitchen, office, computer space and two smaller rooms, chill out area and music room. • Gateshead Council community facility. • Association are reforming committee with a view to asset transfer at some point in the future. • Income from rental of rooms to NEERAF deposited with the association.
A centre identified as a site to support the delivery of the youth offer across the area and will address particular issues related to the 13 – 19 population.
Options for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through an Annual Tenancy Agreement.
Eighton Banks Village Hall • Council owned and maintained, the building has a main hall and small meeting room. • Management Committee manage the day to day running of the hall and arrange cleaning and some repairs • The hall is relatively well used and has a strong Management Committee who are keen to progress with asset transfer
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
Option for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Highfield Community Centre • Temporary Sibcas structure with limited life span. • There is planning permission to be on current site until November 2015. • Children's Centre has moved out. • Management Committee agreed to close the building in response to health and safety concerns and cost of outstanding repairs. Support is being provided to change the constitution of the committee and assist in the allocation of reserves to local community groups. • The building is currently closed and Cabinet agreed to declare the building surplus and demolish it at its meeting on 18 September 2012.
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
Option for consultation A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Option for implementation The building is currently closed and Cabinet agreed to declare the building surplus and demolish.
Lobley Hill Community Centre • Used to deliver 2 evening youth sessions and inclusive 14 – 19 youth sessions and alternative curriculum programme activities for Kingsmeadow pupils Monday to Friday. • There is some community use of the building outside the hours of alternative education. A Library service is provided for 12 hours a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. • Used in Easter and summer school holidays for activity weeks for young people with disabilities. • Management Committee have limited involvement in the day to day management of the building.
A centre identified as a site to support the delivery of the youth offer across the area and will address particular issues related to the 13 – 19 population.
Options for consultation Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Retain a community centre where there is a viable business case and strategic need as part of greatly reduced network of community centres, the level of financial support will be reviewed with this option.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Mary Sanders Hall • The Hall is owned and directly maintained by the Council, the building comprises of a large main hall with a stage, small office and kitchen. The building is part of a wider facility that includes Mary Sanders Bowling Green and pavilion which is managed by Local Environmental Services. • The Council operates a Learning Disabilities Service three days per week. • Hall is also used twice a week by a spiritualist organisation and a yoga group. • Birtley Children’s Centre is looking to establish activities for families with children under 5 at the Hall. • Birtley Community Partnership is keen to take on the asset transfer of the hall and negotiations are at an advanced stage.
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
Option for consultation Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Marley Hill Community Centre • Former Miners Welfare held in Trust by Gateshead Council, leased to a Marley Hill Community Association with a main hall and 8 rooms • No council services operate from the building • Building is host to a Dance studio (Commercial – Several toddler groups, activity groups i.e. Badminton, Dancing etc.
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
Options for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Retain a community centre where there is a viable business case and strategic need as part of greatly reduced network of community centres, the level of financial and development support will be reviewed with this option.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Ryton and Crawcrook District Youth Centre • The Centre is located centrally between Ryton and Crawcrook on the main corridor transport route. It is a main youth centres for the west • A voluntary Charitable Management Committee manages the building. • A well used centre with a range of users and provides after school and holiday provision. • A multi use games area and skate park is located to the rear of the building. • Youth services currently operating from the Centre
A centre identified as a site to support the delivery of the youth offer across the area and will address particular issues related to the 13 – 19 population.
Option for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Retain a community centre were there is a viable business case and strategic need as part of greatly reduced network of community centres, the level of financial and development support will be reviewed with this option.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Stargate Village Hall • The building is a former miner’s welfare hall and is held in Trust by the Council • The building comprises a main hall with open plan kitchen and football changing provision. • There is currently no Management Committee, a residents group is developing and has expressed an interest in asset transfer
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
Options for consultation Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Swalwell Community Centre • Gateshead Council large single storey community centre with main hall with stage, canteen, kitchen, and a large meeting/activity room. Substantial investment in 2010 / 11. • Swalwell Community Association operate almost all aspects of the building through the committee and is asset transfer ready with capacity building support • Building delivers a range of community orientated activity largely deliverd by the association themselves and other independent groups from the local neighbourhood
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
A centre identified as a site to support the delivery of the youth offer across the area and will address particular issues related to the 13 – 19 population.
Option for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Teams Community Centre • Gateshead Council building, large single story, multi room facility with 8 rooms, main hall and a gymnasium. • Building largely delivers youth work and adult Education sessions. • Income from rental of rooms on short term lets • A youth team will continue to work with young people in the Teams area
Options for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Option for implementation Review of use and strategic need; or
Relocation of the current activity / services and a community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements; or
Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Whickham Community Centre • Large single storey community centre with main hall, 1 small hall, 3 rooms and a kitchen. • Gateshead Council community facility in the final stages of asset transfer to Whickham Community Association. Association manage the facility. • Building delivers sessional work by adult learning and vast array of community orientated activity. Play group operates from the building.
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
Option for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Winlaton Mill Village Hall • Small village hall with one large hall and two smaller meeting rooms serving a relatively isolated community with no other facilities and relatively poor transport links. • Council owned and maintained building but Management Committee responsible for day to day operation and utilities.
There is no interest or desire to develop youth work practice from this centre.
Options for consultation Transfer the building to the existing management committee through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
A community centre without a business case or no interest from the community will be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.
Option for implementation Transfer the building to another interested organisation through asset transfer in the form of a lease.
4
REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Library Service Review – report on Library Service Phase 2 public consultation
REPORT OF: David Bunce, Strategic Director, Community Based Services
Purpose of the Report
1. The purpose of this report is to feedback the findings of the second phase of detailed public consultation relating to the library service review. The report also details the options for future service delivery following this consultation and the proposed service changes agreed by Cabinet in Oct 2012. Cabinet’s agreement to progress with the implementation of the service review is sought.
Background
2. The key proposal that the Phase 2 consultation has consulted on has been the proposal for the Council to have a core library network of twelve libraries. This core network would meet statutory requirements. The remaining five libraries are proposed to be non-core libraries and whilst they would be supported by the Council, the opening and running of these libraries would be the responsibility of volunteers. Appendix 2 lists the core and non-core libraries and Appendix 3 provide a map of the core library network coverage, supplemented by volunteer run libraries. The proposed five non-core libraries are Lobley Hill, Low Fell, Ryton, Sunderland Road and Winlaton.
3. After consideration of a range data the proposed ‘core library network’ was identified. This network of libraries, whilst reduced from existing provision, would still achieve 79% of residents in Gateshead, living within 1 mile of a library and 99.7% within 2 miles.
4. Libraries not in the ‘core library network’ are proposed to be community run and operated, with building running costs being met by the Council and with support from the library service. These libraries would be seen as additional and complementary to this core network and would not be essential to the Council meeting its statutory requirements . 5. The Council has also proposed that the Readers at Home service, which is currently delivered by Council employees, transfers to the voluntary sector to be delivered by volunteers. This is a common arrangement in many local authorities. The Readers at Home Service, which serves a vulnerable elderly group of residents, would remain part of the core statutory library service, but delivered in a new way in partnership with the WRVS, using recruited volunteers.
Page - 1 - 6. The Council has agreed total savings of £748,000 to be achieved by the library service. Savings of £140,000 have been achieved in financial year 2012/13. These savings have been made from a range of revenue budgets, including the bookfund and voluntary redundancies.
7. Of the remaining £608,000 savings to be achieved in 2013/14 it is proposed that approximately £285,000 will be saved through changes to the network of local libraries and savings made by changes to the Readers at Home Service. Other savings will be made through reductions in transport costs, overtime savings and employment cost savings. Due to the phasing of the proposals achievement of the savings will be delayed until 2014/15 where a further saving of 197,000 will be achieved. As a result of changes to proposals in the consultation period there is £126,000 of savings that are unlikely to be achieved.
8. Council wide budget consultation Nov 2011 – Jan 2012 showed that 35% of respondents were in favour of ‘reducing the number of libraries across the borough’, and 58% were against. Importantly it also showed that 62% of respondents said they were in favour of ‘involving the community in running libraries and delivering library services’. The Phase 1 Library Service consultation, run Feb-March 2012, showed that 22% of the 1400 respondents were willing to volunteer to support library services and that this level of interest in volunteering was consistent across the borough.
9. Public libraries are a statutory service required by the 1964 Public Libraries and Museums Act. This legislation requires, in summary, a comprehensive and efficient service to meet the needs of the local population. The requirements are very broad. The legislation does not specify how the service should be delivered, and does not exclude the use of volunteers.
Finding of Phase 2 consultation
10. Appendix 4 provides full account of the methodology and the findings of Phase 2 consultation. The consultation was conducted between November 2012 and January 2013, in total there were 1173 respondents to questionnaires. The key findings from these questionnaires are:
i) Understanding of Proposals. Very good / good 57% Adequate 30% 87% Positive understanding Poor / Very Poor 13% There is a very good level of understanding of the proposals.
ii) Support for the concept of a core library network. Strongly agree 5 % Agree 41% 46% support CLN proposal Disagree 18% Strongly Disagree 23% 41 % against CLN proposal Don’t Know 13% Overall a small majority of respondents were in favour of the proposal of a core library network. .
Page - 2 - iii) Support for the use of volunteers to deliver ‘non core’ services. Strongly Agree 6% Agree 31% 37% support use of volunteers Disagree 22% Strongly Disagree 27% 49% against use of volunteers Don’t Know 14%
Public opinion drifts against the use of volunteers to run libraries, but not overwhelmingly. When the public chose to write a comment about the proposals, an objection to using volunteers to run local libraries was most common.
iv) Overall level of volunteering interest In total 19% of respondents expressed an interest in volunteering. In Phase 1 22% of respondents indicated they would volunteer. Again the majority of volunteers are offering 1 – 5 hours per week
11. In addition to the consultation questionnaire, during the Phase 2 consultation there have been two public meetings in each community where it is proposed the local library will be volunteer run. • Meeting 1 – These focused on explaining the proposals. Questions were answered as to why specific libraries had been chosen and the rationale behind the proposals was explained. • Meeting 2 – These provided a brief summary of the proposals but focused on discussing volunteer responsibilities, answering questions around volunteering and assessing attendees interest in volunteering. Table1 Community Meeting 1 - attendees Meeting 2 – attendees (Total number of known interested volunteers in brackets) Lobley Hill 10 4 (8) Low Fell 25 50 (61) Ryton 8 27 (27) Sunderland 6 13 (20) Rd Winlaton 25 28 (26) Readers at N/A 25 (33) Home Service
12. Key conclusions from public meetings i) The library service consultation has been extensive and robust. Initial views were gathered from Phase 1, and more detailed work has been carried out in Phase 2. Phase 2 consultation has shown that the community has a good understanding of the proposals to create a core library network, with other
Page - 3 - libraries and services being delivered by volunteers. The public agreement with the proposals is split fairly evenly. ii) Attendance has varied at public meetings, but all meetings have been productive and informative. The meetings have not revealed a significant campaign against the proposals. A petition has been received by the Council from the Winlaton community.
13. Summary of emerging issues from consultation There are a number of emerging issues that have repeatedly arisen during the public meetings. The most significant of these are: i) The longevity of the Council’s financial support for the community operation of a local library. This is a key issue that communities are seeking reassurance on ii) The reluctance of people to volunteer, if paid employees are being made redundant iii) The importance of CRB checking volunteers iv) The day to day financial operation of libraries and the covering of volunteer expenses
14. Assessment of volunteer interest in running local libraries There has been a variable level of interest in volunteering (see Table 1). The greatest level of volunteer interest has emerged in Low Fell, the lowest in Lobley Hill. In all communities there are a sufficient number of volunteers to work with, with ambition of these individuals forming groups to take on the running of local libraries. There is also a viable number of volunteers who have expressed an interest in becoming involved in the delivery of Readers at Home Service.
15. The Library Service review has considered a number of options for the colocation of libraries into buildings shared with other Council services or shared community buildings. Appendix 5 details the colocation opportunities that have been explored. Currently the Council is looking at options for the colocation of Chopwell and Wrekenton Libraries and the potential benefits of moving Winlaton library into Winlaton Community Centre.
16. Impact assessments The process of identifying local libraries to be offered to the community to run required assessments to be carried out, so that impacts were understood and minimised. This analysis has also sought to identify new and existing mitigation that would reduce any negative impacts from the proposal
17. A Comprehensive Impact Assessment has been produced to reflect the proposals (Appendix 6). Additional to this impact assessment has been produced for each non-core library and the Readers at Home service. These are attached as appendices 7-12
18. Mitigation The Council is offering a high degree of financial support for the development of volunteer run libraries. This support, including building costs, ICT and new books give a strong platform for the development of a volunteer run library. The saving being made are the library employees who currently open and deliver an excellent
Page - 4 - service. The request to communities to ‘open and operate the library day to day’ is not insignificant and should not be underestimated.
19. The training and development of volunteers will be a key commitment from the Council. The most intensive period for this will be prior to the transfer of operation. It will be necessary to offer training in all relevant library operational issues, Training will also need to be provided at an appropriate level in area of health and safety and equalities. This training will be delivered by a Library Service team and using online learning resources. Additionally it is anticipated that the Council’s Neighbourhood Management team or GVOC will support the development of volunteers into community organisations.
20. The supported development of community run libraries that will supplement the statutory service provided by the Council is mitigation for the Council ceasing to operate the identified non-core libraries. Community run libraries can be a very positive way of volunteers sustaining a valued local service. These libraries will offer core library service of book lending and ICT access. The development of community run libraries should contribute positively to stronger and more cohesive communities.
21. Volunteer run libraries should not, however, be seen as like for like replacements of Council delivered libraries. They will require a different viable model of operation, which will be determined by library managers working with volunteer groups. Library functionality may be limited, and community run libraries may not be able to contribute to wider Council priorities such as ICT skills development, support of job seekers or health promotion.
22. Analysis of the consultation questionnaire shows very high levels of customer satisfaction (91% of respondents stating customer care was good or very good). It is unlikely that these levels of satisfaction will be sustained with a volunteer run library.
23. The Library Service is proposing to keep operating a Mobile Library. This service reaches more remote parts of the borough. Mobile library stops will be reviewed annually, and will be used as alternative provision, if volunteer libraries cease to operate.
24. The WRVS has demonstrated a strong track record in the management of book delivery services to people who are unable to access a local library. The Library Service review has concluded that by establishing a partnership arrangement with the WRVS, this is the most efficient way of sustaining this service in Gateshead. Under the current proposals the Council will remain responsible for the provision of accommodation from which the service is delivered. The accommodation is currently within the Sunderland Road Library. It is anticipated that a second base for this service will be established in the west of the borough.
25. Other mitigation includes the recent implementation of e-book and e-audiobook loan services. These are available to all library service users with a home Internet connection. These services provide access to library services without the need to visit a physical library. Overall questionnaire analysis shows that these remote services are seen as potential services to use for approximately 20% of library
Page - 5 - customers.
26. The public also identified that more accessible opening hours at Gateshead central Library and other area libraries, especially Whickham and Blaydon, who improve accessible to the core library network, following the implementation of the proposals.
Proposals
27. It is proposed that Cabinet approves the following: • That the identified non-core libraries; Lobley Hill, Low Fell, Ryton, Sunderland Road and Winlaton cease to be operated by the Council at the end of June 2013. • That there is ongoing work with these five communities with the intention that the operation of these libraries will pass to community volunteers in July 2013 • Continue to work with WRVS, with the intention to transfer the running of the Readers at Home service operation to the voluntary sector in July 2013. • The ongoing assessment of colocation opportunities to achieve efficiencies and improve the sustainability of local libraries. In particular approval is sought to progress the assessment of colocation opportunities for Chopwell Library, Wrekenton Library and Winlaton Library, detailed in Appendix 5. • That the Cabinet agrees to receive future reports, should a volunteer offer to run a non-core library cease to be viable
Recommendations
28. It is recommended that Cabinet:
(i) Notes the findings of the Phase 2 library service public consultation.
(ii) Approves the recommended option for the implementation of the core library network, with the intention that the Council ceases day to day delivery of 5 non-core libraries on 30th June 2013.
(iii) Approves the transfer of the day to day operation of five non-core libraries to community volunteers.
(iv) Approves ongoing dialogue with WRVS, with the intention to transfer of the operation of the readers at Home service to the WRVS, who will manage delivery using volunteers.
(v) Agrees to receive future reports, should the viability of a volunteer offer to run a non-core library cease to be viable.
Contact: Ann Borthwick Extension: 2355
Page - 6 - APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. The Council’s vision for the Library Service is to “Connect people to knowledge, learning and creative opportunities through an excellent, innovative and inclusive library service”
The Library Services supports a range of priorities within the Council Plan and objectives as outlined in Vision 2030. These priorities include community engagement, digital inclusion, skills development and health improvement.
Background
2. The overall base budget 2013/14 for the Library Service after the 2012/13 budget savings as outlined below is £3.620 million. The Library Service review when implemented was estimated to realise £748,000 in savings to the Council. The savings were phased over 2 financial years 2012/13 - £100,000 and 2013/14 £648,000. Due to changes to the proposals during the consultation period and the timing of their introduction the savings will be 2012/13 £140,000, 2013/14 £285,000 (spending proposal LSC7) and 2014/15 £197,000. There is a projected £126,000 shortfall in delivery of the planned savings.
Consultation
3. Consultation has taken place with the Cabinet Members for Culture P and with ward councillors where a non-core library is located. Proposals and the results of the Phase 2 consultation have also been presented to Corporate Vitality Advisory Group on 12 February 2012. The views and issues raised by this Advisory Group are attached as appendix 13.
Alternative options
4. The option would be to not carry out this review . This would result in the Council not arriving at an evidence based conclusion in its spending and service proposals.
Implications of Recommended proposal
5. Resources:
a) Financial Implications –
The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirms that £140,000 has already been realised from these proposals and further savings of £285,000 in 2013/14 (spending proposal LSC 7) and £197,000 in 2014/15 will be achieved.
b) Human Resources Implications -
The implementation of spending proposal will in total lead to the loss of 18 FTE posts from the library service over financial years 2012-13 and 2013-14. The savings to be achieved in 2013/14 will require approximately 12 FTE
Page - 7 - posts to be lost from the service, these will be achieved through the established corporate processes. It is hoped that a significant proportion of the posts to be saved will be achieved through voluntary redundancy.
c) Property Implications -
There are no immediate property implications arising out of this report as the intention is to retain the current number of library buildings. Proposals for co- locating a number of the libraries within other Council buildings are under consideration details of which are set out in Appendix 5. Should all or any of these proposals proceed then further reports would be submitted to Cabinet and the full property implications be addressed at that time..
6. Risk Management Implication -
Following Phase 2 consultation a much clearer picture of volunteer interest has emerged. Where a community expresses an interest in taking over the management of a library a ‘health check’ process will be run to assess capability and capacity of this community to taking over the running of a local library. This process would also aim to identify relevant library service and Council support.
The proposed transfer of the Readers at Home service to the WRVS has been identified as potential risk for this service for vulnerable adults. However the track record and experience of the WRVS in managing these services across the country should minimise any disruption to service as a result of the transfer.
7. Equality and Diversity Implications -
Library services are used by local residents from a wide variety of cultures an backgrounds. It is essential that volunteers will receive equalities and diversity training to ensure that community run libraries remain accessible to all members of the community.
8. Crime and Disorder Implications –
There are no crime and disorder implications arising from this report.
9. Health Implications -
There are no health implications arising from this report.
10. Sustainability Implications -
There are no sustainability implications arising from this report.
11. Human Rights Implications -
There are no human rights implications arising from this report.
Page - 8 - 12. Area and Ward Implications -
All wards are affected by the proposals for the Readers at Home service, but specifically the proposals for community run libraries the following wards are affected; Lobley Hill and Bensham, Low Fell, Chowdene, Bridges, Ryton Crookhill and Stella, Winlaton and High Spen.
13. Background Information
A wide range of background information has previously been presented to Cabinet that supported the identification of the core library network. Appendix 4 give detailed information of the methodology and findings of the Phase 2 consultation. Appendix 5 gives detailed analysis of the consultation questionnaire. Appendices 7 – 12 provide impact assessments on the proposals.
Page - 9 - List of appendices Appendix 1. Standard Appendix 2. List of core and non-core libraries Appendix 3. Map of core library network, plus proposed non-core libraries Appendix 4. Phase 2 Consultation – questionnaire analysis Appendix 5. Assessment of colocation opportunities for core and non-core libraries Appendix 6. Library service CIA Appendix 7. Lobley Hill library impact assessment Appendix 8. Low Fell library impact assessment Appendix 9. Ryton library impact assessment Appendix 10. Sunderland Road library assessment Appendix 11. Winlaton Library impact assessment Appendix 12. Readers at Home impact assessment Appendix 13. Corporate Vitality Advisory group – 12 February 2013
Page - 10 - Appendix 2 – Core Library Network
Core Library Network • Gateshead Central Library • Birtley Library • Blaydon Library • Chopwell Library – proposed exploration of collocation • Crawcrook Library • Dunston Library • Felling Library – agreed colocation to Felling Children’s Centre • Leam Lane Library • Pelaw Library • Rowlands Gill Library • Whickham Library • Wrekenton Library – proposed exploration of collocation
• Readers at Home Service – delivered in partnership with WRVS
Proposed community / volunteer run libraries • Lobley Hill Library • Low Fell Library • Ryton Library • Sunderland Road Library • Winlaton Library
Library Service Review – Leaders briefing 25th Sept 2012 – Core Library Network P r o p o s e d C o r e L ii b r a r y N e tt w o r k a n d P r o p o s e d C o m m u n ii tt y R u n L ii b r a r ii e s
Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc Æc
Æc
Key Æc Library 1 or 1/2 mile radius of libraries Reproduced from Ordnance Survey mapping with the permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office © Crown copyright. Unauthorised 1/2 mile radius of community managed library reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. Gateshead Council Licence Number 100019132 (2011). Appendix 4 - Gateshead Library Service Consultation
Phase 2 - Winter 2012/13
Consultation questionnaire analysis
1
1 Background ...... 3 2 Introduction ...... 3 2.1.1 Methodology ...... 3 3 Consultation Results ...... 4 3.1 Membership of Gateshead Library Service ...... 4 3.2 Libraries Used by Respondents ...... 5 3.2.1 Libraries Used...... 5 3.2.2 Library Used Most Frequently ...... 5 3.3 Satisfaction with Current Service ...... 6 3.3.1 Current Opening Hours ...... 6 3.3.2 Standard of Customer Care ...... 7 3.3.3 Overall Satisfaction ...... 7 3.4 Understanding of the Proposals ...... 8 3.5 Level of Agreement with Proposals ...... 9 3.6 Volunteers Running Libraries ...... 9 3.7 Services to be Offered by Community-Run Libraries ...... 10 3.8 Interest in Attending a Meeting ...... 10 3.8.1 Interest in Volunteering ...... 11 3.9 RAH Service ...... 112 3.9.1 RAH Service and Volunteers ...... 112 3.10 Minimising Impact of Changes ...... 112 3.10.1 New and Redesigned Services ...... 13 3.10.2 Changed to Core Network Opening Hours ...... 13 3.10.3 Should Hours be Changed? ...... 13 3.10.4 Changes Preferred ...... 14 4 Demographics ...... 15 4.1 Gender ...... 15 4.2 Disability ...... 15 4.3 Employment Status ...... 16 4.4 Ethnicity ...... 17 4.5 Religion...... 17 4.6 Sexuality ...... 18
2
1 Background
This report presents findings from a second phase consultation questionnaire with the public, looking in detail at proposals to change the library network in Gateshead. This questionnaire forms part of the Library Service Review underway to help us achieve the £748,000 savings required as part of the Council wide savings.
The Council’s budget consultation in Winter 2011/12 showed that 35% of respondents were in favour of ‘reducing the number of libraries across the borough’ and 58% were against. Importantly it also showed that 62% of respondents said they were in favour of ‘involving the community in running libraries and delivering library services’.
Based on this, in Spring 2012 Gateshead Library Service carried out Phase 1 of a consultation on potential changes to the service. This showed that 22% of the 1400 respondents were willing to volunteer to support library services and that this level of interest in volunteering was consistent across the borough. Phase 2 of the consultation ran from November 2012 to January 2013 and involved public meetings to discuss proposals as well as a second questionnaire looking in depth at proposals.
2 Introduction
The key proposal that the Phase 2 consultation has consulted on has been the proposal for the Council to have a core library network of twelve libraries. This core network would meet statutory requirements. The remaining five libraries are proposed to be non-core libraries and whilst they would be supported by the Council, the opening of these libraries would be the responsibility of volunteers. A wide range of data were considered in decisions on which libraries should remain outside the network and it was proposed that the 5 libraries outside of the core network be offered to communities to run should be: • Lobley Hill • Low Fell • Ryton • Sunderland Road • Winlaton
It was also proposed that he Readers at Home Service (RAH) be run by volunteers.
2.1.1 Methodology
Using the same methodology as Phase 1, a survey was carried out across the borough using a questionnaire, made available online via the Council’s Community
3 Consultation Portal and in hard copy, made available at all libraries. The questionnaire asked respondents about • which libraries they used • how satisfied they were with those libraries currently • how well they felt they understood those proposals • how much they agreed or disagreed with the proposals • how they felt volunteers could best contribute to the provision of library services • whether they though it was appropriate for the RAH service to be run by volunteers • how they might use new and redesigned services that could mitigate the impact upon them of any changes, and • whether they themselves were interested in volunteering
1173 respondents completed the questionnaire, 243 online and 930 in hard copy.
Additionally, meetings were held in the communities where the 5 non-core libraries were based, and issues were raised by attendees regarding various aspects of the running of those libraries. This is reported on separately to this report.
3 Consultation Results Data from Phase 2 consultation was analysed and results are detailed in this section.
3.1 Membership of Gateshead Library Service Respondents were asked about their membership of Gateshead Library Service. The vast majority, 92% were members, with only 4% saying they were not members, and 4% uncertain.
Membership of Gateshead Library Service Base: 1173
4% 4%
Yes
No
Don't know/can't remember
92%
4 3.2 Libraries Used by Respondents Respondents were asked about which libraries they had used in the 12 months to 31 December 2011, and which of those libraries they used most frequently.
3.2.1 Libraries Used
The library used by most respondents was the Central Library, which is usual for a Library Service in a Local Authority. The top three Community Libraries used most commonly were Blaydon, Low Fell and Whickham. Of these three, Low Fell was one of the libraries proposed to be a non-core service. Most respondents used more than one library.
Libraries used in 12 months to 31/12/2011 Base: 1154 500 450 400 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 None Ryton Pelaw Birtley Felling Central Blaydon Low Fell Dunston Winlaton Chopwell Lobley Hill Whickham Crawcrook Wrekenton Leam Lane Leam Rowlands Gill Mobile Library Sunderland Road Readers at Home
3.2.2 Library Used Most Frequently
Respondents were also asked to say which library they themselves used most frequently. Again the Central Library was top of the list, followed by Low Fell, Blaydon and Winlaton. The libraries used least frequently were Felling, Ryton and Lobley Hill. The latter two of these three were also proposed to be non-core libraries.
5 Library used most often in 12 months to 31/12/2011 Base: 1142
300
250
200
150
100
50
0 Ryton Pelaw Birtley Felling Central Blaydon Low Fell Dunston Winlaton Chopwell Lobley Hill Whickham Crawcrook Wrekenton Leam Lane Leam Rowlands Gill Mobile Library Sunderland Road Readers at Home
3.3 Satisfaction with Current Service
To gauge general satisfaction with current services and to allow some baseline data for comparison, a standard question from the Public Libraries User Survey (PLUS) was included. This asked respondents to say how satisfied they were with their most frequently used library regarding current opening hours, standard of customer care, and with the library overall.
3.3.1 Current Opening Hours
80% of respondents said the opening hours offered at their most frequently used library were ‘Very good’ or ‘Good’. 18% felt the opening hours were ‘Adequate’ and the remaining 2% felt they were ’poor’.
6 Satisfaction with opening hours at most used library Base: 1136 0% 2%
18%
Very good
Good
49% Adequate
Poor
Very poor
31%
3.3.2 Standard of Customer Care
91% felt the standard of customer care was ‘Very good’ or ‘Good’. Just below 9% felt it was ‘Adequate’ and less than 0.5% felt it was ‘Poor’.
Satisfaction with standard of customer care at most frequently used library Base: 1136
0.4% 9% 0%
16% Very good Good Adequate Poor Very poor
75%
3.3.3 Overall Satisfaction
89% expressed ‘Very good’ or ‘Good’ levels of satisfaction with customer care at their most frequently-used library. Just under 11% felt their library was ‘Adequate’ and less than 1% thought it was ‘Poor’ or ‘Very poor’.
7 Overall satisfaction with most frequently used library Base: 1136
0.2% 0.4% 11%
Very good
Good
Adequate 26% Poor
Very poor 63%
3.4 Understanding of the Proposals It was important to ask how well respondents understood what the proposals were, in order that they could make an informed response to them. 57% felt their understanding of the proposals was ‘Very good’ or ‘Good’. A further 30% said they had an ‘Adequate’ understanding, and 13% felt they had a ‘Poor’ or ‘Very poor’ understanding.
How well respondents understood the proposals Base: 1128
4% 9% 20%
Very good
Good
Adequate
Poor 30% Very poor
37%
8 3.5 Level of Agreement with Proposals
Agreement with the proposals was split almost evenly, with 46% agreeing and 41% disagreeing. 13% were not sure.
Agreement or disagreement with proposals Base: 1123
5% 13%
Strongly agree
Agree
Disagree
23% Strongly disagree 41% Don't know/Not sure
18%
3.6 Volunteers Running Libraries 37% of respondents agreed with the principle of volunteers running libraries. However, almost half, 49% disagreed with this. 14% were unsure.
Agreement or disagreement with volunteers running libraries Base: 1122
6% 14%
Strongly agree
Agree 31% Disagree
27% Strongly disagree
Don't know/Not sure
22%
9
3.7 Services to be Offered by Community-Run Libraries Respondents were asked to consider that if a library were to be run by volunteers, what type of services they would like to be offered from that library. The most popular service was book lending, selected by almost all respondents. Between 400 and 700 respondents said Internet access, activities for children, general information and photocopying and printing were important to them.
Priority services for volunteer-run libraries Base: 1117
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
Book lending Internet access Activities for children General information
Photocopying/printing Study support Computer training courses Activities for adults
Local/family history support Health information Something else Author events
3.8 Interest in Attending a Meeting Just under a quarter of all respondents expressed interest in attending a local meeting to discuss volunteer-run libraries.
10 Interest in attending alocal meeting about volunteer-run libraries Base:1117
24%
Yes
No
76%
3.8.1 Interest in Volunteering
The vast majority, 82% said they were not interested in volunteering to help provide library services. Of the 18% who were interested, most would offer between 1 and 5 hours per week. A small number were willing to offer more than this.
How many hours a week would you help? Base: 1113
0.2% 0.4%
3% None 0% 7% 1 to 2
8% 3 to 5
6 to 10
11 to 15
16 to 20
Over 20
82%
Taking an average of 3 hours per week per volunteer, and a minimum of two volunteers being present while the library was open, to maintain opening hours at a library currently open 35 hours per week, a minimum of 12 people would be needed.
11 This assumes however, that those 12 people’s availability was such that they could be scheduled consecutively, two at a time, which is very unlikely. This suggests that realistically, many more volunteers would be needed to maintain current opening hours.
3.9 RAH Service The RAH Service offers library services to people who are unable to visit a static library service point. Books are delivered to individuals’ homes by library staff on a regular basis. The service is available to any Gateshead resident upon application and does not prevent them from using a static library, including the Mobile Library.
3.9.1 RAH Service and Volunteers
All respondents were asked how much they agreed or disagreed with the RAH Service being run by volunteers. 51% agreed and 24% disagreed, with the remaining 25% expression no preference either way.
Agreement or disagreement with RAH service being run by volunteers Base: 1092
12% 11%
Strongly agree 12% Agree
Neither agree nor disagree
Disagree 40%
Strongly disagree 25%
3.10 Minimising Impact of Changes Respondents were asked to consider the likelihood of them using new and redesigned services that could help minimise the impact upon them of any changes. They were also asked whether changes to opening hours (not increased hours) at the core libraries could help with this mitigation.
12 3.10.1 New and Redesigned Services
New services offered in mitigation of impact included free online magazines, free downloadable eBooks and eAudiobooks for loan. A redesigned Mobile Library route with new stops was also offered.
Overall, around 20% though they would use these services, with the most popular being free downloadable eBooks for loan.
Probable take-up of new services to minimise impact Base: 1085
Free online magazines
Definitely Free downloadable eAudiobooks for loan Probably
Probably not Free downloadable eBooks for loan Definitely not
Don't know/not New mobile library sure stops
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
3.10.2 Changed to Core Network Opening Hours
Respondents were asked to consider whether changes to opening hours within the Core Library Network would be of benefit in mitigating impact, and to select from • Earlier weekday mornings • Later weekday evenings • Earlier Saturday mornings • Later Saturday afternoons, or • No change
3.10.3 Should Hours be Changed?
Aside from the Central Library, a large majority felt no change was necessary in the opening hours at core libraries.
13 Core Libraries opening changes preferred by respondents who expressed a preference Base: 1073
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Central Earlier weekday mornings Birtley (open before 9:00am) Blaydon
Chopwell Later weekday evenings (open after 7:00pm) Crawcrook
Dunston Earlier Saturday mornings Felling (open before 9:00am)
Leam Lane Later Saturday afternoons Pelaw (open after 1:00pm) Rowlands Gill
Whickham None of these
Wrekenton
3.10.4 Changes Preferred
Over 500 people, just over 40% of respondents felt changes to Central Library hours would be appropriate, with the majority of these suggesting that opening later weekday evenings and Saturday afternoons would be best. Although changes to hours in other libraries were desired by fewer respondents (between 8 and 18% of, the same typical times were popular, i.e. opening later weekdays and on Saturday afternoons. The most popular of these were for Blaydon and Whickham Libraries.
Opening hours changes by those who thought changes should be made
Number of respondents 0 100 200 300 400 500 600
Central Birtley Earlier weekday mornings Blaydon (open before 9:00am) Chopwell Crawcrook Later weekday evenings (open after 7:00pm) Dunston
Felling Earlier Saturday mornings (open before 9:00am) Leam Lane
Pelaw Later Saturday afternoons (open after 1:00pm) Rowlands Gill Whickham Wrekenton
14
4 Demographics Respondents were asked standard demographic questions recommended in Government guidance for Local Authority consultations.
4.1 Gender In common with many public consultations, two-thirds of respondents were female, one third male.
Gender Base: 1069
34%
Female
Male
66%
4.2 Disability 55% of respondents did not consider themselves disabled in any way. Of those who stated a disability, the greatest percentage (14%) reported problems with mobility, closely followed by hearing and eyesight problems, each at 9%. This is consistent with the age profile, which tends towards older age groups.
15 Disability Base: 1059
3% 4% 1% None/not applicable 5% Mobility - getting around
9% Hearing
Eyesight
Using hands/fingers 9% 55% Learning disability. e.g. dyslexia
Mental health problem, e.g. depression
Other 14%
4.3 Employment Status Again consistent with age profile, just over half of respondents described themselves as ‘wholly retired from work’. 28% were either employed or self-employed, 3% were ‘unemployed and available for work’, and 3% were ‘looking after the home’. Only 1% said they were in full time education. 8% said they were doing ‘something else’.
Employment status Base: 1059 Employed in a full-time job (30 hours + per week)
8% Employed in a part-time job (under 30 hours per 16% week) 3% Self-employed, full or part-time
On a Government-supported training programme (e.g. Modern Apprenticeship/Training for Work 8% In full-time education at school, college or university Unemployed and available for work 4%
0.1% Permanently sick/disabled 1% 3% Wholly retired from work 6% 51% Looking after the home
Doing something else
16 4.4 Ethnicity A very large majority, 99% were of white British (93%) or other White origin (6.2%). The remainder were of other ethnicities.
Ethnicity Base: 1059 0.3% 0.1% 0.1% 0.4% 0.1% 0.1% 1.0% White: English/Welsh/Scottish/Northern Irish/British 0.1% 6.2% Prefer not to say Any other white background
White; Irish
Mixed/multiple ethnic groups; White and Asian
Mixed/multiple ethnic groups; White and Black Caribbean Any other mixed background
Asian/Asian British: Indian
Other ethnic group: Arab
Other ethnic group: Any other ethnic group
93%
4.5 Religion 63.6% said they were Christians and 21.3% said they had no religion at all. Of the remainder, 2.7% said their religion was one not on the list offered, and very small numbers were Buddhist, Jewish or Muslim.
Religion Base: 1059 0.3% 0.4% 0.4% 0.0% Christian 2.7% 0.0% No religion 11.2% Prefer not to say
Other religion
Buddhist
Jewish 21.3% Muslim
63.6% Hindu
Sikh
17
4.6 Sexuality 20.3% declined to state their sexuality. 78.1% described themselves as ‘heterosexual/straight’, 1.1% were ‘Gay/lesbian’ and the remaining 0.4% were bisexual.
Sexuality Base: 1059
20.3%
0.1%
0.4% Heterosexual/straight
1.1% Gay/Lesbian
Bisexual
Other
Prefer not to say
78.1%
18 Appendix 5 – Evaluation of library colocation and relocation opportunities
1) Background As part of the library service review building performance has been examined. This has included an analyis of building location, building condtion and building runing costs. The review has also consider relocoation and colocation opportunities for libraries that have been identified as core libraries and non-core libraries. The aim of colocation is genrally to imporve effeciency and operation costs, imporve the susatinability of the service and gain benefits from locating with other service providers. 2) Core-library colocation opportunities • Felling Library Felling Library relocated to the Felling Children’s Centre building in October 2012 as part of the library review. This colocation with other services enabled the library to vacate a building which enabled the Council to dispose of a building which had considerable repairs and maintenance issues. The new library is smaller but offers full library functionality and benefits from being located with other Council services. • Chopwell Library There is an ongoing review of Council building assets in Chopwell. Options for Chopwell Library are still being evaluated. Relocation costs are not yet confirmed but are likely to be in the magnitude of £80 - £100k. • Wrekenton Library The Wrekenton library does not occupy a central location and sits within a site identified for residential development in the JV. Colocating the building with other Council services in a building more centrally located would improve the sustainability and efficiency of Wrekenton Library as it would allow, for example extend lone working, and reduced building costs. A Wrekenton Area review is aspiring for a multi-service Council hub in Wrekenton in which the library would be a key element. The financial viability of this is still being assessed. • Lobley Hill Community Centre The Council is in discussions with two organisations potentially interested in the asset transfer of Lobley Hill Community Centre. The Council would need to negotiate arrangements to accommodate the non-core Lobley Hill library provision. These organisations, if they were to take over the community centre, whilst not running the library, could provide volunteer management support for a group of volunteers keen to run the library.
3) Non-core library colocation options explored Colocation options for a number of non-core libraries have been explored. The Council will need to assess the viability of a community offer before investing significant capital amounts to relocate a library to a
Appendix 5 – Evaluation colocation and relocation opportunities Page - 1 - more sustainable community location. The colocation options explored are: • Sunderland Road Library to the Bede Centre An initial assessment of moving the library to a viable space has been made and the capital cost would be approximately £100k. The NMT has facilitated discussions with the centre’s Management Committee. The potential option to move the library to the centre could support the viability of the centre by bringing library revenue budget to the building. Potential library volunteers have a mixed opinion regarding the move of the library to the Bede Centre. Some would not volunteer for a library in this location. • Winlaton Library to Winlaton Community Centre An initial assessment of moving the library to a viable space has been made and the capital cost would be approximately £80k. The NMT has facilitated discussions with the centre’s Management Committee. The potential option to move the library to the centre could support the viability of the centre by bringing library revenue budget to the building. A volunteer run library could also be more viable in the centre. Volunteers would be operating in a supported environment, in a building with other uses. Volunteers seemed generally keen on this idea. 4) Other property issues identified by the library review • Ryton Library Ryton Library is located in an annex of Ryton Methodist Church. This space is leased from the Church. The current lease runs until October 2014, the lease does not specifically restrict the operation of the library by volunteers, but the Council may need to liaise with the landlord regarding the proposal. The Council will need to assess the success of this volunteering operation prior to the termination date to determine if it needs to renew the lease. The Council does not have a ‘right to renew’ this lease.
Appendix 5 – Evaluation colocation and relocation opportunities Page - 2 -
Spending Proposals Comprehensive Impact Assessment 2013-14
Ref No LSC 7
Group: CBS Service: Libraries, Sport and Section: Libraries Lead officer: Stephen Walters Culture Support officers: Ann Borthwick / Stephen Walters Completion date: 28th January 2013
Review date: General information
(1) Name of Spending Proposal: Strategic Need Minimum Service Level Areas of Discretion Spending Description Description & Value (£) Description & Value Proposal Public Library Service restructure (£) Description & Value (£)
The purpose of the spending proposal is to The Library Service is 12 core libraries which Libraries £537 £285k 2013/14 reshape the public library service in a way that a statutory service will meet Gateshead Non core libraries £197k 2014/15 achieves budget savings across the service required by the 1964 Councils Statutory Duty buildings and but ensures that the Council continues to meet Public Library and under the employees. Readers at Total £482k its statutory duty. The proposal defines 12 core Museums Act (PLMA) PLMA Home. libraries (managed/operated and delivered by This requires a 5 non core libraries the Council) that would to meet this duty and 5 comprehensive and Libraries £2,985k St Mary’s Heritage employee costs and non core libraries ( run and managed by the efficient service to be Centre £97k Readers at Home community) which would enhance but would provided, that meets service. not be essential to this statutory provision It the needs of the local Tourism £57k maintains a service that is able to deliver key community. outcomes around health and well-being, digital inclusion, reader development and skills In considering the development. Wirral enquiry (2009) Gateshead Council The service reductions will impact on ease of has developed a access for some residents and reduce choice composite index of that residents currently have re access to ‘library need’ that has more than one library within a mile radius been mapped for all areas. Community organisations have been invited to Travel times, library run the following libraries which are defined as user behaviour have non core also been considered • Winlaton and analysed as part • Low Fell of this process and are available on the • Sunderland Road Gateshead Libraries • Ryton website • Lobley Hill
It is also proposed that the Readers at Home service, that delivers books to housebound residents, transfers from a council managed and run service, to a volunteer delivered service. (2) What are the financial resources used in delivering the discretionary service? The budget resources used to deliver the discretionary service are estimated at £691k, across all (include account and cost centre) CA, CB, CC, CE and CG cost centres.
(3) What will the impact be of (not) delivering the discretionary service? When completing The non delivery of the non core libraries would still ensure that the Council continues to meet its this section please consider risk implications, statutory duty as well as legal and financial implications eg could there be a potential strain on the pension Service consequence: fund. The identification of the reduced statutory service and discretionary elements has been based on a range of data, That data has sought to identify libraries, that if they were to close would result in a minimised negative impact. Analysis showed that currently 52% of the population live with 1 mile of more than one library, within in total 92% living within mile of a library overall. The proposal, if all volunteer library operations were not to succeed, would result in 79% of the population living within one mile, and 99% living within 2 miles.
The basis of selecting the non-core libraries has considered existing patterns of library use, travel times and the proximity of other libraries. It is estimated that there will be approximate 2,000 of 60,000 active library users who would, if volunteer libraries were not to be operated, who not have access to the ‘only’ library that they currently use. 50% of these people live in Low Fell, but respondents to the consultation questionnaire indicated that they would be able to access an alternative library.
If the community were unable to deliver and manage the 5 non core libraries the consequence of this would be that the service will have reduced ability to support the delivery of key council objectives including health improvement work, digital skills building and supporting the development of stronger sustainable communities. The operation of community run libraries will reduce this impact. Community run libraries could positively contribute to a stronger community and support digital access. Volunteers skills or capacity to support health improvement work or to deliver digital skills building may be more limited.
Individual library impact assessments (of the 5 non core libraries) are also available on the Gateshead Libraries web site
The non-delivery of the Readers at Home service would particularly impact on approx 700 elderly housebound residents and people with disabilities and long term illness. The risk of this volunteer delivered operation not being achieved has been minimised by the selection of an experience voluntary sector partner, with a long track record of delivering this type of service in many other local authorities.
Legal risk: There have been a number of ongoing judicial reviews of Council library services. The challenges identified have been around failure to consult, failure to meet the needs of the 1964 Library and Museums Act and failure to properly consider equalities issues. All of these issues have been fed in Gateshead Councils process before presenting these proposals
Financial: It was originally estimated that approximately 18 FTE employees would be made redundant by implementing the proposed budget . The securing of VRs and earlier savings has reduced this to an estimated 3 FTEs
Part of the proposal may require the establishment of two neighbourhood libraries in community shared locations. A capital budget has been identified to address this proposal .
(4) Is this new or existing? Existing
(5) Who are the main customer groups affected by this Proposal Public libraries serve all part of the community- at March 2011 31% of the population had used the service in the previous year – approximately 60,000 residents. Specific users groups who are particularly active library users of the service include:
• Unemployed people • People not in education, employment or training • Families with children • Retired people • BME groups • Community organisations who use local libraries to meet • Schools – many schools would no longer be within walking distance of local library – this will greatly reduced the number of class visits to local libraries. • Housebound residents
The people who will be most affected by this proposal are those residents, who will no longer have access to their local library and have stated that they are unable to travel to their next nearest library This is estimated to be under 10% out of a total of 2,000 who only use their local library
(6) Groups affected by Proposal: (7) Geographical areas affected by the Proposal: Central Y/N South Age - (Children 0-16, Young people 16-24, 25-59 year olds, 60+ Y/N Birtley Y/N Year olds) Bridges Y/N Chowdene Y/N Disability - (Physical/mobility, Sensory impairment, learning Y/N Deckham Y/N difficulties, Mental health, Other) High Fell Y/N Saltwell Y/N Gender and gender identity - (Men/Women/Transgender people) Y/N Lamesley Y/N Lobley Hill & Bensham Y/N Lesbians, Gay men, Bisexuals (LGB) Y/N Low Fell Y/N East Y/N Race – (BME groups, Gypsies and travellers, Asylum seekers and Y/N Felling West refugees, new and emerging communities) Y/N Blaydon Y/N Pelaw & Heworth Religion or belief groups – (Including those of no religion or belief) Y/N Y/N Chopwell & Rowlands Gill Y/N Wardley and Leam Lane Socio-economic groups Y/N Y/N Crawcrook & Greenside Y/N Windy Nook and Whitehills Geographic communities – (Urban, Rural, Neighbouring areas) Y/N Ryton, Crookhill and Stella Y/N Inner West Y/N Visitors or those working in the Borough Y/N Dunston Hill & Whickham East Winlaton and High Spen Y/N Y/N Elected Members Y/N Dunston & Teams Y/N Council Employees Y/N Whickham North Y/N Everyone in Gateshead Y/N Whickham South and Sunniside
All Wards Y/N
No Wards Y/N
(8) Who has been consulted in the development of the proposal, and what has changed as a result?
To date all councillors and the community in these 5 (non core library) locations have been consulted as well as a number of community and voluntary organisations Library staff and unions have been fully consulted on the approach being suggested as part of these proposals
Potential risks: The level of (initial) volunteering interest is felt to be high enough to further develop this approach. The viability of this level of interest is yet to be tested further It is proposed that the Readers at Home service – will be delivered by volunteers managed by a third sector organisation. Conversations in this regard are currently progressing well . The volunteer market has not been tested to see if those volunteers exist in the numbers required.
(9) Data analysed during development of the proposal and key issues (Service Data – e.g. Comments and complaints, user surveys, database statistics, etc. Local –Strategic Needs Assessment, JSNA, Household Survey, viewpoint, etc. National – e.g. Census, Labour Force Survey, etc.)
The main source of data analysed to develop this proposal is service date. This data includes:
• Customer travel patterns to local libraries • Customers usage patterns of local libraries • Analysis of the demographic make up of library users for community libraries. • Travel time mapping data • The mapping of a composite index of social need to make it most responsive to the library user demographic (linked to Wirral 2009) • Assessment, for each library, of a range of data covering building costs, building location, library usage levels, social need, the potential of the library to be a hub of the community • Data gathered from regional and statistical neighbours
(10) Equality Impact Description of Impact Mitigation +2, +1, 0, -1, - 2 What impact will this proposal have on;
• Equality of opportunity across all -1 There will be some reduced access and choice to the It is proposed to ask community diverse groups library service if communities arenot able to run their organisation to take on the running of local (non core library) five libraries. This has the potential of enhancing the core library service .
There will be some reduced opportunities for libraries It is proposed to ask community • Eliminating discrimination, -1 to be involved in initiatives such as Gateshead organisation to take on the running of harassment, and victimisation Together Week if communities arenot able to run their five libraries. This has the potential of local (non core library enhancing the core library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known Volunteers will be given equalities training.
• Relations between groups There will be some reduced opportunities for libraries It is proposed to ask community -1 to be involved in initiatives such as Gateshead organisation to take on the running of Together Week if communities arenot able to run their five libraries. This has the potential of local (non core library enhancing the core library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known
• Access to services / facilities / There will be some reduced access and choice to the It is proposed to ask community information -1 library service if communities arenot able to run their organisation to take on the running of local (non core library) . This has been detailed earlier five libraries. This has the potential of in this CIA. enhancing the core library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known
. Readers at Home service will substantially become Volunteers may have longer to spend volunteers delivered. This will reduce the capacity for with housebound customers to meet Council employees to deliver other service information their social needs. during their visit however this will enable to volunteer organisation to offer their support and information
(11) Environment Impact Description of Impact Mitigation +2, +1, 0, -1, -2 What impact will this proposal have on; It is proposed to ask community organisation to take on the running • Energy and Carbon Emissions 0 More customers would need to travel slightly further to a of five libraries. This has the local library.if communities are not able to run their local potential of enhancing the core (non core library. library service and the 5 libraries proposed have good transport links to adjacent libraries. • Built Environment +1 The proposed consolidation of library services into existing buildings will reduce the total number that the service occupies.
It is proposed to ask community • Transportation 0 More customers would need to travel slightly further to a organisation to take on the running local library.if communities are not able to run their local of five libraries. This has the (non core library. potential of enhancing the core library service and the 5 libraries proposed have good transport links to adjacent libraries.
• Natural Environment 0 Neutral impact
• Waste Management 0 Neutral impact
(12) Health and Wellbeing Impact Description of Impact Mitigation +2, +1, 0, -1, -2 What impact will this proposal have on; There is significant research, national and local, of the It is proposed to ask community • The physical and mental health of -1 positive benefits to health, especially mental health, of organisation to take on the running residents reading. There will be some reduced opportunities for of five libraries. This has the residents if communities are not able to run their local potential of enhancing the core (non core library library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known
• The health related behaviours of -1 The library service is proactive in participating in heath It is proposed to ask community residents promotion campaigns. Access to these campaigns would organisation to take on the running be reduced if communities are not able to run their local of five libraries. This has the (non core library potential of enhancing the core library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known
• Social elements of health -1 The OSC review of libraries (2010) showed that libraries It is proposed to ask community are community hubs where people go not just for organisation to take on the running services but also for social networking. There would be of five libraries. This has the some reduced opportunities for residents if communities potential of enhancing the core are not able to run their local (non core library library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known
• Economic well-being and its role in -1 Libraries provide access to learning opportunities and It is proposed to ask community promoting good health access to ICT services / skills developments. Research organisation to take on the running shows that libraries are well used by those not in of five libraries. This has the education, employment or training. There would be potential of enhancing the core some reduced opportunities for residents if communities library service, but the are not able to run their local (non core library sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known
• Physical environment and its role in promoting good health 0 Neutral
• Capacity of health and social care systems 0 Neutral
(13) Economy Impact Description of Impact Mitigation +2, +1, 0, -1, -2 What impact will this proposal have on; • Deprivation and disadvantage There would be some reduced opportunities for It is proposed to ask community • Child and family poverty -1 residents if communities are not able to run their local organisation to take on the running • Financial inclusion (non core library) of five libraries. This has the potential of enhancing the core library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known
• Aspirations and enhancing life Libraries provide access to lifelong learning resources It is proposed to ask community chances -1 and allow local residents to engage with the digital world organisation to take on the running There would be some reduced opportunities for of five libraries. This has the residents if communities are not able to run their local potential of enhancing the core (non core library) library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known
• Supporting people into employment -1 Library customers use public ICT facilities for job seeking It is proposed to ask community and CV wiring. Library employees support customer in organisation to take on the running these activities. There would be some reduced of five libraries. This has the opportunities for residents if communities arenot able to potential of enhancing the core run their local (non core library) library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known library service, and volunteers may not be able to provide the same level of support
• Economic performance and growth – supporting business start-up 0 Neutral development and survival, including social enterprises
• Investment and development 0 Neutral
(14) Community Safety Impact Description of Impact Mitigation +2, +1, 0, -1, -2 What impact will this proposal have on the Council’s statutory duty to address;
• Crime and disorder 0 Neutral impact
Libraries children and young people to engage in It is proposed to ask community • Anti-social behaviour -1 positive activities, especially during school holidays. organisation to take on the running There would be some reduced opportunities for of five libraries. This has the residents if communities are not able to run their local potential of enhancing the core (non core library) library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known • Substance misuse 0 Neutral impact
• Behaviour adversely affecting the local environment 0 Neutral impact
• Reducing re-offending 0 Neutral impact
(15) Community Cohesion Impact Description of Impact Mitigation +2, +1, 0, -1, -2 What impact will this proposal have on; Local libraries participate positively in Council initiatives It is proposed to ask community • Local integration and cohesion -1 such as Gateshead Together week and Local History organisation to take on the running Month. There would be some reduced opportunities for of five libraries. This has the residents if communities arenot able to run their local potential of enhancing the core (non core library library service. A volunteer run library is very likely to contribute positive to local integration and cohesion.
• The visibility of social justice and 0 Neutral impact equality between groups
• Understanding across different -1 Local libraries participate positively in Council initiatives It is proposed to ask community groups such as Gateshead Together week and Local History organisation to take on the running Month. . There would be some reduced opportunities for of five libraries. This has the residents if communities arenot able to run their local potential of enhancing the core (non core library library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known
• Engagement with residents / -1 If communities arenot able to run their local (non core It is proposed to ask community community leaders / young people library) there would be some reduction in opportunities to organisation to take on the running positively engage with the community, including young of five libraries. This has the people. For example Young People assist by potential of enhancing the core volunteering to support the Summer Reading Challenge. library service, but the sophistication of a volunteer run library service is not yet known
(16) Workforce and Assets Impact Description of Impact Mitigation +2, +1, 0, -1, -2 What impact will this proposal have on;
• The Council workforce Following the early implementation of savings, VRS and V.Rs will continue to be looked for in (changes to; numbers of employees; people leaving the service it is estimated that the current the service as well as redeployment working practices; IT systems; -1 number of FTE posts affected by this proposal is now 3 opportunities for those staff at risk of training needs) CR
• Does the proposal have a greater adverse impact on any group of -1 The large majority of employees in the library service V.Rs will continue to be looked for in employees sharing a protected are women, so it would be expected that any the service as well as redeployment characteristic redundancies will be women. opportunities for those staff at risk of CR
• Council Assets +1 The proposal is continuing to seek expressions of interest from the community in running 5 non core libraries . If successful the creation of these 5 community run libraries may also assist in making other council / community buildings more viable by sharing premises. If successful this approach may ultimately lead in the future to asset transfers
• Which group of employees will be affected? Mainline funded library service employees
• Will this proposal impact on another Group or service This proposal may impact on the Council being able to (linked to Q3 above)? use the non core libraries and promote council services and initiatives. This will be negotiated with the communities in these 5 areas
SIGNED: Completing Officer Stephen Walters
SIGNED: Head of Service Ann Borthwick
SIGNED: Group Director David Bunce
Appendix 7 – Lobley Hill library – Impact analysis Library Lobley Hill Est. Saving – employee costs £8,000 Proposal Community/volunteer led library Hours open per week 12:00 Annual Book Issues 7,686
Impact on local residents Potential mitigation • Loss of a local library facility • Mobile Library service stops prioritised • A small number of library users use only this library • Good public transport links to other libraries, • Increased travel and time costs to access a different particularly Whickham library • Potential for further development of community-run library at same location or other community location • Libraries now loan eBooks and eAudiobooks
Unmitigated negative impact Other considerations • Increased travel costs to access library services for the 8% • 92% of users already use other libraries; of those, 34% of library users who currently use only this library or who use Central, the most comprehensive library in the would be unable to use the mobile library due to time service, 25% use Dunston and 29% use Whickham restrictions • Of the 8% of people who said they used Lobley Hill exclusively, 1 person said one of their reasons for doing so was being ‘unable to travel to other libraries alone’. (Library consultation phase 1) • There is no identified group who would be disproportionately affected • Bensham and Lobley Hill fall within top 20% most deprived areas • Bensham and Lobley Hill are within top 10% most deprived for employment and health, Bensham South in top 10% most deprived for health and living environment • Bensham and Lobley Hill north within 20% most deprived for education, skills and training, Bensham South for crime
% of population who are active library users, in this library’s 16.9% Residents within 1 mile of a catchment area library… % of Lobley Hill library users who use this library only 8% Currently 100% No. of residents who may potentially use only this library (estimated) 61 Following 92.1% implementation
Demography of Residents *(mid year pop. est. 2010) Lobley Hill and Bensham Gateshead average* Population approx. 9443 191,800 Gender 49% male, 51% female 49% male, 51% fem. Aged 0-19 22.5% 22.6% Aged 65+ 16.2% 17.8% From a BME group 0.9% 4.7% Have a limiting long term illness 25% 24% 16-74 year olds have 5 GCSEs A-C incl. Maths/English 41% 51% Households that have no car or van 50% 55% Unemployed 6% 5%
Appendix 8 – Low Fell library – impact analysis Library Low Fell Est. Saving – employee costs £41,000 Proposal Community/volunteer led library Hours open per week 35.5 Annual Book Issues 44,850
Impact on local residents Potential mitigation • Loss of a local library facility • Mobile Library service stops could be prioritised for • Some library users use only this library schools • Increased travel and time costs to access a different • Good public transport links to other libraries library • Low Fell ward has high level of car ownership • Local school classes would have to travel further to use a • Potential for community-run library at same location or library; unlikely to travel to Wrekenton other community location • Potentially disproportionate impact on Chowdene which • A limited number of residents may travel to improved has a higher level of deprivation new Wrekenton library facility • Libraries now loan eBooks and eAudiobooks free
Unmitigated negative impact Other considerations • Increased travel costs to access library services for the • 78% of users already use other libraries, of those, 88% 22% of library users who currently use only this library or use Central, the most comprehensive library in the who would be unable to use the mobile library due to borough time restrictions • Of 75 people who said they used Low Fell exclusively, • Regular visits by school classes from Glynwood, Harlow only 6 said one of their reasons for doing so was being Green , Kells Lane, Oakfield; would have to travel further ‘unable to travel to other libraries alone’. (Library to use a library consultation phase 1) • Loss of social facility in the local neighbourhood • Within Chowdene ward, Lyndhurst and Harlow Green are • Chowdene/Allerdene residents have relatively low levels within the 10% most deprived (employment and health); of car ownership Allerdene within 10% most deprived (health) • Users aged 65+ would be disproportionately affected • Harlow Green is in the most 20% most deprived in (41% of Low Fell users are in this age group) income; Allerdene in 20% most deprived
% of population who are active library users, in this library’s catchment 25.9% Residents within 1 mile of a area library… % of Low Fell Library users who use this library only 22% Currently 100% No. of residents who may potentially use only this library (estimated) 1136 Following 54% implementation
Demography of Residents *(mid year pop. est. 2010) Chowdene Ward Low Fell Ward Gateshead average* Population approx. 9396 8643 191,800 Gender 48% male, 52% female 49% male, 51% female 49% male, 51% female Aged 0-19 21.9% 20.6% 22.6% Aged 65+ 22.3% (41%) 19.5% 17.8% From a BME group 0.6% 2.3% 4.7% Have a limiting long term illness 26% 18% 24% 16-74 year olds have 5 GCSEs A-C incl. 58% 85% 51% Maths/English Households that have no car or van* 42% 28% 55% Unemployed 5% 2% 5% *48% of current Low Fell library users have no access to a car (Low Fell library sits on the border between Chowdene and Low Fell wards, so both have been taken into account here)
Appendix 9 – Ryton library – impact analysis Library Ryton Est. Saving – employee costs £12,000 Proposal Community/volunteer led library Hours open per week 15:00 Annual Book Issues 4,858
Impact on local residents Potential mitigation • Loss of a local library facility • Mobile Library service stops prioritised • Some library users use only this library • Good public transport links to other libraries, particularly • Increased travel and time costs to access a different Crawcrook and Blaydon library • Potential for further development of community-run • Potentially disproportionate impact on older people; library at same location or other community location 25.6% of local population are 65+ compared with • Libraries now loan eBooks and eAudiobooks free borough figure of 17.8% • Access to a car or van (69%) is greater than the borough average (45%)
Unmitigated negative impact Other considerations • Increased travel costs to access library services for the • 87% of users already use other libraries; of those, 56% 12.6% of library users who currently use only this library use Crawcrook and 31% use Blaydon or who would be unable to use the mobile library due to • Of the 13% of people who said they used time restrictions Ryton exclusively, none said one of their reasons for • Loss of a volunteering opportunity in the local doing so was being ‘unable to travel to other libraries neighbourhood alone’. (Library consultation phase 1) • None of Ryton, Crookhill and Stella is within the top 10% or 20% of most deprived areas • Ryton South is the only area to feature in the 20% most deprived for employment and health
% of population who are active library users, in this library’s catchment area 23.8% % of Ryton Library users who use this library only 12.6% No. of residents who may potentially use only this library (estimated) 202
Residents within 1 mile of a library… Currently 96.3% Following implementation 36.3%
Demography of Residents *(mid year pop. est. 2010) Ryton, Crookhill & Stella Gateshead average* Population approx. 8098 191,800 Gender 48% male, 52% female 49% male, 51% female Aged 0-19 22.2% 22.6% Aged 65+ 19.8% 17.8% From a BME group 1.4% 4.7% Have a limiting long term illness 21% 24% 16-74 year olds have 5 GCSEs A-C incl. Maths/English 44% 51% Households that have no car or van** 31% 55% Unemployed 4% 5% ** 42% of Ryton users have no access to a car
Appendix 10 – Sunderland Road library – impact analysis Library Sunderland Road Est. Saving – employee costs £16k Proposal Community/volunteer run library Hours open per week 35.5 Annual Book Issues 17,928
Impact on local residents Potential mitigation • Loss of a local library facility • Mobile Library service stops prioritised for schools • Some library users use only this library • Good public transport links using bus/Metro to other • Increased travel and time costs to access a different libraries, particularly Central and Pelaw library • Potential for further development of community-run • Regular class visits from Bede School; these would have library at same location or other community location to travel further to use a library (savings based on building closure) • Libraries now loan eBooks and eAudiobooks free
Unmitigated negative impact Other considerations • Increased travel costs to access library services for the 9% • 91% of users already use other libraries; of those, 81% of library users who currently use only this library or who use Central, the most comprehensive library in the would be unable to use the mobile library due to time service restrictions • Of the 9% of people who said they used • Loss of a social facility in the local neighbourhood Sunderland Road exclusively, none said one of their • Unemployed people (8%), households without transport reasons for doing so was being ‘unable to travel to other (64%), and people with lower educational achievement libraries alone’. (Library consultation phase 1) (41%) could potentially be disproportionately affected. • Part of Sunderland Road falls within top 10% most deprived areas for income, employment, health, education, skills and training.
% of population who are active library users, in this library’s catchment area 31.2% % of Sunderland Road library users who use this library only 9% No. of residents who may potentially use only this library (estimated) 246
Residents within 1 mile of a library… Currently 100% Following implementation 96.35%
Demography of Residents *(mid year pop. est. 2010) Bridges Felling Gateshead average* Population approx. 8305 8202 191,800 Gender 52% male, 48% female 49% male, 51% female 49% male, 51% female Aged 0-19 23.1% 23.2% 22.6% Aged 65+ 10.7% 17% 17.8% From a BME group 4.3% 2.1% 4.7% Have a limiting long term illness 28% 30% 24% 16-74 year olds have 5 GCSEs A-C incl. 49% 33% 51% Maths/English Households that have no car or van** 67% 63% 55% Unemployed 6% 10% 5% ** 72% of Sunderland Road users have no access to a car
Appendix 11 – Winlaton library – impact analysis Library Winlaton Est. Saving – employee costs £36,000 Proposal Closure Hours open per week 35:30 Annual Book Issues 30,268
Impact on local residents Potential mitigation • Loss of a local library facility • Mobile Library service stops prioritised for schools • Some library users use only this library • Good public transport links to other libraries, particularly • Increased travel and time costs to access a different Blaydon library • Potential for community-run library at same location or • Local school classes would have to travel further to use a other community location library • Libraries now loan eBooks and eAudiobooks free • Potentially disproportionate impact on older people; 25.6% of local population are 65+ compared with borough figure of 17.8%
Unmitigated negative impact Other considerations • Increased travel costs to access library services for the • 67% of users already use other libraries, of those, 76% 32.8% of library users who currently use only this library use Blaydon or who would be unable to use the mobile library due to • Of the 33% of people who said they used time restrictions Winlaton exclusively, none said one of their reasons for • Loss of social facility in the local neighbourhood doing so was being ‘unable to travel to other libraries • Local school classes would have to travel further to use a alone’. (Library consultation phase 1) library; West Lane Primary all years; Parkhead Primary all • None of Winlaton and High Spen fall is 10% most years + a number of nurseries deprived areas • Park Head is within top 10% most deprived for employment and health, and top 20% for income, education, skills and training • Winlaton Mill is in top 20% most deprived for health, High Spen for barriers to housing and services
% of active users in this library’s catchment area 24.8% Residents within 1 mile of a library… % of Winlaton library users who use this library only 32.8% Currently 95% No. of residents who may potentially use only this library 750 Following 83% (estimated) implementation
Demography of Residents *(mid year pop. est. 2010) Winlaton & High Spen Ward Gateshead average* Population approx. 8423 191,800 Gender 49% male, 51% female 49% male, 51% female Aged 0-19 18.8% 22.6% Aged 65+ 25.6% 17.8% From a BME group 0.7% 4.7% Have a limiting long term illness 25% 24% 16-74 year olds have 5 GCSEs A-C incl. Maths/English 49% 51% Households that have no car or van** 32% 55% Unemployed 4% 5% **52% of Winlaton Library users have no access to a car
Appendix 12 – Impact Analysis – Readers at Home service Library Reader At Home Service Est. Saving £42,000 Proposal Closure/Volunteer Control Hours open per week N/A Annual Book Issues 87,450
Impact on local residents Potential mitigation • Closure of the service would remove library services • Transferring the service to partial or full volunteer completely from mainly elderly and vulnerable control residents. This would imply failure to meet the • Volunteers making book deliveries to readers’ homes requirements of the Act.
Unmitigated negative impact Other considerations • Potential loss of service quality if volunteers are • 79% of respondents say they already use other libraries, selecting stock mostly the mobile service. However, clients may be unsure about the difference between the Mobile service and RAH. After omitting the Mobile Service, 26%* say they use other libraries.
% of population who are active library users, in this library’s catchment area N/A % of RAH library users who use this library only 74%* (see above) No. of residents who may potentially use only this library (estimated) N/A
Residents within 1 mile of a library… Currently N/A Following N/A implementation
Demography of Residents *(mid year pop. est. 2010) RAH users Gateshead average* Population approx. 800 191,800 Gender 88% Female, 12% male 49% male, 51% female Aged 0-19 0% 22.6% Aged 65+ 74% 17.8% From a BME group 0% 4.7% Have a limiting long term illness 96% 24% 16-74 year olds have 5 GCSEs A-C incl. Maths/English N/A 51% Households that have no car or van N/A 55% Unemployed N/A 5%
Appendix 13
Corporate Vitality Advisory Group
12 February 2013
Report to Cabinet
Purpose of the Meeting
The purpose of the meeting was to consider the outcome of consultation on phase 2 of the Community Centre Review and obtain views on the options for community centres.
The advisory group also received an update regarding progress on the second phase of the library service consultation following the spending proposals agreed by Cabinet on 15 November 2011 and library service proposals agreed by Cabinet on 9 October 2012.
The views of the group were also sought on the implementation of the library service review.
Advice provided
The Advisory Group made the following comments with regard to the review of community centres: • It was acknowledged that 15 community centres have been identified through consultation, as supporting the options to become independent through asset transfer, relocating their activity or closing. • The group was supportive of the proposed new vision and outcomes for community centres and welcomed the refinement of the options agreed by Cabinet in September 2012 into three categories of community centres (core, transition and independent). • The proposals for phase 3 of the review, including the basis for the analysis of the remaining 27 community centres, were endorsed. • With regard to support to community centres it was commented that the provision of ICT facilities and training in areas such as procurement would be of benefit. • It was acknowledged that discussions are ongoing with Trade Unions and the approach with regard to staffing is being worked through.
The Advisory Group made the following comments with regard to the Library Service review: • It was clarified that the Council will retain the ownership of the book stock provided and will continue to purchase new titles for a community managed library. Community managed libraries could provide a budget for the purchase of additional books. • It was acknowledged that the model for a community managed library will need to be viable for volunteers to deliver and must benefit both the community and the volunteers themselves. The Council will need to work with the community management body to establish what it is capable of delivering. • It was agreed that a minimum service level be established and that Cabinet agree to receive future reports should the viability of a volunteer offer to run a non core library cease to be viable Conversely, the group recognised the ability to outline the Council’s aspirations such as the delivery of additional community activity or increased opening hours • The group praised the professionalism of the library staff during the review and praised the work of officers in reducing the number of potential redundancies. • It was acknowledged that there are a range of operational, legal and financial issues to be worked through with regard to the community managed libraries. • It was requested that details be provided on the performance of the library that was relocated to Felling Community Hub. • Concerns were raised that the closure or transfer of the five non- core libraries may result in reduced internet access for some residents in those areas. It was requested that the Council explores ways of addressing this. • It was noted that book lending is only a part of the library service offer and that the opportunities presented by the review such as re- location with other services may ensure the long-term future of some libraries. • The group endorsed the proposals.
Chair: Councillor M Henry
Members Present: Councillors M Brain, B Coates, S Green and M Ord.
Also Present: Councillors D Davidson, K Ferdinand, M Gannon, L Green, J Lee, J Simpson and L Twist.
Officer Attendance: Ann Borthwick (Community Based Services) Lindsay Murray (Community Based Services) Stephen Walters (Community Based Services) Ian Stevenson (Community Based Services) Neil Porteous (Legal and Corporate Services)
5 REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: North East Local Transport Body Assurance Framework
REPORT OF: Paul Dowling, Strategic Director Development and Enterprise Mike Barker, Strategic Director Legal and Corporate Services
Purpose of the Report
1. The report seeks Cabinet’s agreement for the Council to become a member of the North East Local Transport Body (“NELTB”) and to approve the Assurance Framework for the NELTB.
Background
2. The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a firm intention to devolve funding for local major transport schemes to Local Transport Bodies (LTBs) from 2015. LTBs are to be voluntary partnerships between Local Transport Authorities (LTAs), Integrated Transport Authorities (ITAs) and Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) within the LTB boundary. LTB’s primary role will be to decide which investments should be prioritised within the devolved local major scheme funding; to review and approve individual business cases and to ensure effective delivery of the programme.
3. As part of the devolution proposals DfT requires that each LTB puts in place an Assurance Framework which will provide appropriate safeguards for the use of public funds, that ensures the LTB is fit for purpose and has the necessary arrangements in place to ensure value for money and sound decision making.
4. DfT have issued guidance on Assurance Frameworks including minimum requirements for acceptance. LTBs are required to submit Assurance Frameworks to DfT by 28 February 2013. Assurance Frameworks will need to be signed off by DfT prior to any decisions being taken on scheme prioritisation. Within the guidance the DfT stress that it is important that the Assurance Framework documents are agreed by the organisations that are proposed as members of the LTB and that evidence of that agreement is provided.
Proposal
3. In order for Local Authorities to be eligible to receive devolved Local Major Transport funding in future, the Department of Transport requires Local Transport Bodies to be formed and for each Local Transport Body to submit an Assurance Framework which is in accordance with DfT guidance. For Gateshead the NELTB will be the appropriate body.
4. In accordance with DfT guidelines, before submission to DfT the Council also needs to approve the Assurance Framework for the operation of the NELTB. The key
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principles of the Framework are summarised in Appendix 1 and the draft document can be viewed online within the agenda folder for this meeting with a hard copy available in the members’ room. The draft may be subject to modification prior to finalisation and therefore in order to comply with the DfT’s strict deadline it is recommended that Cabinet delegate authority to the Strategic Director Development and Enterprise, following consultation with the Leader, to agree the finalised Assurance Framework.
5. Delegation is also sought for officers to allow completion of any necessary documentation and legal agreements with the NELTB and its accountable body associated with the Assurance Framework.
Recommendation
6. It is recommended that Cabinet:
(i) agrees that Gateshead Council will be a member of the North East Local Transport Body (“NELTB”);
(ii) approves, in principle, the draft Assurance Framework for the NELTB and delegates authority to the Strategic Director, Development and Enterprise, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to agree the finalised Assurance Framework for the NELTB, so that it can then be submitted to the Department for Transport;
(iii) delegates authority to the Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services to conclude all documentation and enter into legal agreements with the NELTB and its accountable body to cover all requirements of the Assurance Framework;
(iv) agrees that the Leader of the Council be appointed as the NELTB member and the Deputy Leader of the Council to be appointed as the named Deputy member; and
(v) authorises the Strategic Director, Development and Enterprise, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to agree and submit local transport scheme proposals to the NELTB pursuant to the new arrangements.
For the following reason:
To ensure that the Council can influence key transport decisions in the area and where appropriate access major transport funding in the future.
Contact: Nick Clennett Ext: 2526
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APPENDIX 1 Policy Context
1. The proposals are necessary to enable Gateshead and other authorities in the North Eastern LEP area to access Government funding for major transport schemes. This will provide an additional funding stream to support transport measures in support of the aims of the Gateshead Sustainable Community Strategy, Vision 2030 and related documents, including the emerging One Core Strategy, Local Agenda 21 and the Tyne and Wear Local Transport Plan 3.
Background
2. The Government is in the process of devolving the responsibility for allocating and managing transport major scheme funding to new ‘Local Transport Bodies’ (LTBs). The LTB covering Gateshead is based on the North Eastern LEP area.
3. The discussions at this stage are not about which schemes should be funded from this money, but only how the LTB should operate. Initial discussions on possible funding schemes for the first spending period 2015-19 will commence once the LTB is set up. Given the relatively short timescales for the process only those schemes at a relatively advanced stage of preparation will be realistic candidates for this. In Gateshead this includes park and ride schemes at Lobley Hill and Eighton Lodge, and associated bus priority improvements. The park and ride scheme at Follingsby proposed previously is unlikely to be an early candidate due to the revenue commitments that would be required in the provision of additional services.
Key Principles
4. As previously stated a draft Assurance Framework for the LTB has been prepared. DfT have been consulted and asked to comment on the draft documents as part of this process and their comments have been taken on board as the document has evolved. Each authority proposed as a member of NELTB is being asked to agree the assurance framework, following which it will be submitted to DfT by 28 February.
5. The Local Transport Body relevant to Gateshead is to have a boundary covering the administrative area of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, comprising Durham and Northumberland counties, and the metropolitan area of Tyne and Wear. The LTB is to be known as the North East Local Transport Body (NELTB) and will be an informal partnership but subject to an agreement between the participating bodies. The draft Assurance Framework identifies the full members of the NELTB as Durham County Council, Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council, Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, Northumberland County Council, South Tyneside Council, Sunderland City Council and Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority (TWITA). Full Members will participate in decision making and have voting rights.
6. It is proposed that the councils will be represented by their respective Leaders or Elected Mayors and at chair level for the ITA. Each member will also nominate a Deputy.
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7. Additional non voting members will have full access to meetings of the NELTB including access to papers and will be expected to fully participate in NELTB discussions. At this stage the non-voting membership will be held by North East Local Enterprise Partnership. The Chair and Vice Chair of the NELTB will be appointed in accordance with the wider governance of the Seven North East Authority groups. The Chair will have the casting vote should there not be a majority. Under the framework NELTB members are expected to act in the wider interests of the NELTB as a whole and not according to the interests of their particular authority.
8. Newcastle City Council will act as Accountable Body for NELTB on an interim basis and will be responsible for the legal and financial management of major scheme grant funding and the implementation of the decisions made at member level.
9. The NELTB is required to submit a list of prioritised local major transport schemes to DfT by July 2013. Schemes to be considered will need to have a minimum cost threshold of £2.5m, a Benefit Cost Ratio of 2:1 or more and a local funding contribution which would normally be at least 10% of scheme costs. Prioritisation will be carried out through an assessment of Policy Fit, Value for Money and Deliverability. A series of ten criteria have been developed to assess Policy Fit around the themes of economic growth and jobs, access to opportunity and quality of life. Initial scheme information will be provided by scheme promoters and this will be subject to independent third party assessment who will present findings to NELTB to aid their decision making.
10. Prioritised schemes will be required to produce full business cases in line with DfT’s Transport Business Case methodology. NELTB will review and approve business cases at specified gateways to ensure schemes still provide value for money and are deliverable to agreed timescales.
Consultation
11. Government has consulted previously on the arrangements for devolution of major transport scheme funding. The assurance framework is essentially a technical document, setting out how the LTB will operate and to a large extent its contents reflect DfT requirements. As a result wider consultation on its contents would not be appropriate. The Cabinet Member for Corporate Vitality has been consulted.
Alternative Options
12. The alternative options would be for the Council to decide not to become a member of the Local Transport Body or to reject the Assurance Framework. Failure to take up membership of the Local Transport Body would prevent the authority from accessing future Local Major Transport funding or influencing key transport decisions in the area in light of the proposed devolution of this funding provision. DfT have indicated that failure to submit an Assurance Framework agreed by all member organisations could put at risk the ability of the Local Transport Body to have schemes ready from 2015 and therefore DfT may consider delaying the devolution of funding to these areas
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Implications of Recommended Option
13. Resources:
a) Financial Implications – The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirms that an additional source of funding for bids for investment in improvements to Gateshead’s transport network will become available.
b) Human Resources Implications – none.
c) Property Implications - none.
14. Risk Management Implication – agreement of the assurance framework is intended to ensure that risks associated with approved projects are properly handled.
15. Equality and Diversity Implications – the development of transport schemes has the potential to address inequalities in access to jobs and services. In particular promotion of schemes to support walking, cycling and public transport use can have benefits for the young, elderly and low waged/unemployed.
16. Crime and Disorder Implications – none, although transport schemes can assist in improving safety and security for the travelling public.
17. Sustainability Implications – This new source of funding will provide opportunities to implement schemes capable of supporting the borough’s environmental, social and economic objectives sustainably. In particular schemes aimed at reducing car dependence and improving the alternatives contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.
18. Human Rights Implications – The construction of transport and traffic facilities can have an effect on the amenities of some residents. Consultation on specific proposals will be held with residents, ward members and relevant stakeholders.
19. Health Implications – Transport can play a major role in improving health, through better road safety, reduced emissions and promotion of active and healthy travel.
20. Area and Ward Implications – The assurance framework is not area specific.
Background Papers
Department for Transport – Local Frameworks For Funding Major Transport Schemes: Guidance For Local Transport Bodies https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/15176/guidance-local- transport-bodies.pdf
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NORTH EAST LOCAL TRANSPORT BODY - DRAFT ASSURANCE FRAMEWORK
Version Control
Date Initials Comments
16/1/13 RF/MW/GG Baseline Version 0.01
18/1/13 GG/MW/RF Baseline Version 0.02 incorporating comments from HE (Newcastle), JF (Nexus), GM (South Tyneside) IP (Newcastle Audit), TS&HW (Newcastle Legal), AH (Gateshead), RB (Northumberland), EG (Newcastle Finance), BD (Sunderland), VM (Newcastle Democratic Services)
31/1/13 GG/MW/RF Final Draft version 0.01 incorporating additional comments from MD&KM (DfT), TS&HW&NT (Newcastle Legal), AW (Durham), JC (North Tyneside), JP (Sunderland Legal), GH (North Tyneside)
4/2/13 GG/MW/RF Final Draft version 0.02 incorporating comments and clarification following comments from DL (Sunderland)
PART ONE: PURPOSE, STRUCTURE AND OPERATING PRINCIPLES
1. Name
1.1 The Local Transport Body will be known as The North East Local Transport Body (“The North East LTB”)
2. Geography
2.1 The North East LTB (hereafter the NELTB) will cover the administrative area of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP), which comprises Durham and Northumberland counties, and the metropolitan area of Tyne and Wear (see Figure 1).
Figure 1 – area covered by the NELTB
2.2 Durham County Council covers an area of 223,260 hectares (2230 square kilometres/862 square miles) and is responsible for providing its 513,200 residents with a wide range of services. There are 12 major population centres in the county. As a ‘unitary’ authority, the council provides the majority of local authority services in the county, including socially necessary bus services. The council is currently working towards its five priority themes: altogether wealthier, altogether better for children and young people, altogether healthier, altogether safer and altogether greener. Durham County Council’s website is: http://www.durham.gov.uk/
2.3 Also a ‘unitary’ authority, Northumberland County Council is responsible for providing local authority services, including socially necessary bus services, in the county. Northumberland is home to approximately 316,000 people and is largely rural. Northumberland are currently working towards their three priorities: ‘Connecting the County’, ‘Developing our People’, and ‘Growing Our Places’. Northumberland’s Local Transport Plan 2011-2026 sets out the county’s 15 year Transport Strategy. Northumberland County Council’s website is http://www.northumberland.gov.uk/
2.4 The five local authorities in Tyne and Wear; Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, South Tyneside and Sunderland, are metropolitan authorities. Combined they have a population of 1,104,800. They are individually responsible for the maintenance and improvement of the local highway network in their area. The websites for the five local authorities are as follows: Gateshead http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/ Newcastle http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/ North Tyneside http://www.northtyneside.gov.uk/ South Tyneside http://www.southtyneside.info/ Sunderland http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/
2.5 The Tyne and Wear local authorities are not directly responsible for the Tyne and Wear Metro system, school travel or socially necessary bus services, the responsibility of which lies with the TWITA and its Passenger Transport Executive (which trades as Nexus). The Tyne and Wear Passenger Transport Authority was established by the Local Government Act 1985. The Local Transport Act 2008 subsequently changed the name of Passenger Transport Authorities to Integrated Transport Authorities. Elected councillors from the five Tyne and Wear districts make up the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority (“TWITA”). As part of its role, the TWITA oversees and shapes the local transport network, across every mode, in Tyne and Wear through an agreed long term transport strategy for the region endorsed by the local authorities and Nexus, the ITA’s Executive. The TWITA’s vision for Tyne and Wear is of a fully integrated and sustainable transport network which allows everyone the opportunity to achieve their full potential and have a high quality of life. The ITA’s website address is http://www.twita.gov.uk/ and Nexus’ website address is
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http://www.nexus.org.uk
2.6 The North East Local Enterprise Partnership (“NELEP”) is responsible for promoting local economic growth in the north east region. LEPs are partnerships between local authorities and local businesses and therefore have a wide ranging remit for delivering economic growth. The remit of the NELEP includes promoting training and skills, marketing the region as an attractive place to do business and making the case for investment in key infrastructure projects. The NELEP’s vision is simple: to ‘create growth’. The NELEP’s website can be found at http://www.nelep.co.uk/
3. Membership
3.1 The NELTB will be an informal partnership initially made up of two distinct types of membership: full members and non-voting members.
3.2 Full members of the NELTB will be responsible for: • Identifying a prioritised programme of major scheme investment within the available budget; • Ensuring value for money is achieved across the programme;
• Making decisions on individual scheme approvals, investment decision making and release of funding, including scrutiny of business cases; • Monitoring progress of scheme delivery and spend; and
• Actively managing the devolved budget and programme to respond to changed circumstances (scheme slippage, scheme alteration, cost increases etc). In order to deliver these responsibilities full members will participate in decision making and have voting rights.
3.3 The NELTB covers the following seven local authority districts and Integrated Transport Authority area, each of which will have a representative as a full member: a. Durham County Council; b. Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council; c. Newcastle City Council; d. North Tyneside Council; e. Northumberland County Council; f. South Tyneside Council; g. Sunderland City Council; and h. Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority.
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3.4 Membership of the NELTB may be subject to a wider governance review of joint working arrangements across the NELEP area.
3.5 Those eight full members will be publically elected politicians at Leader or Elected Mayor level (Chair for TWITA). Each full member will nominate an appropriate deputy, (Deputy Leader / Deputy Mayor /or Portfolio Holder / Vice Chair, TWITA) who will attend if the named member cannot, and will be entitled to vote.
3.6 Non-voting members will have full access to meetings of the NELTB including access to papers and will be expected to fully participate in NELTB discussions. They may also be requested to provide information in advance of the meeting. However, non voting members will not have voting rights.
3.7 Non-voting membership will be held by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (“NELEP”). The representative and deputy of the NELEP will be at Chair / Board level. As originally outlined as part of its official consultation response on the Devolution of Major Schemes ( https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/devolving-local-major-transport- schemes-consultation , 31 st January 2012) the NELEP has confirmed that it will not, at this time, seek to take up full voting membership on the NELTB.
3.8 The Chair and Vice-Chair of the NELTB will be appointed in accordance with the wider governance of the Seven North East Authority groups. A feature of this governance structure is the annual rotation of the Chair of groups (this is outlined in Annex A), therefore accordingly the Chair and Vice Chair of the NELTB will rotate annually. The same feature is prevalent in the officer supporting groups identified in section 10.5. The Chair will have the casting vote should there not be a majority, should the Chair not be in attendance the nominated deputy to the Chair will have the casting vote. Standing orders for the management of meetings will be developed.
3.9 Due to its potential to reduce costs to businesses, encourage inward investment and stimulate job creation and retention, transport is of great interest to the NELEP. The NELEP representative will ensure that the NELTB are aware of issues / activities relevant to the business community when considering the local major schemes process, and will ensure knowledge of funds managed by the NELEP is shared with the NELTB to enable consideration of opportunities for alignment of funding streams.
3.10 The formal process for changing the named representative / deputy is for the Chief Officer of the member organisation to write to the Accountable Body (see para 6.2) at least two weeks in advance of a meeting of the NELTB to confirm a representative consistent with the approach outlined in paragraph 3.5 and 3.7.
3.11 The NELTB will only be able to make decisions in relation to the major scheme funding devolved by the DfT (whilst retaining the ability to make decisions to potential other, as yet unknown funding streams that may in the future be released by government specifically to LTBs nationally). The NELTB will not have decision making powers over other funding streams that remain the responsibility of the individual Seven North East Local Authorities or
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TWITA.
3.12 In order for a NELTB meeting to be quorate, one member (or their deputy) from at least five of the eight voting authorities must be present. The Chair or their nominated deputy must be in attendance in case a casting vote is required. The NELTB decisions will be based on a majority vote. Only full members will have voting rights.
3.13 Membership and forms of membership of the NELTB will be reviewed on an annual basis. This review will include the potential to introduce / alter forms and designations of membership and increase the range of organisations that are able to become full members or non voting members (or obtain other forms of membership). Stakeholders and delivery partners such as the Highways Agency and Network Rail may be invited to meetings of the NELTB to provide input as and when required, but these bodies will not be invited to be formal voting / non-voting members at this time.
4. Conflicts of Interest
4.1 NELTB members will act in the interests of the NELTB area as a whole and not according to the sectoral or geographic interests of their particular local authority.
4.2 Each member of the NELTB agrees to abide by his/her own local authority’s (or TWITA’s in the case of the TWITA member) Code of Conduct for Members when conducting LTB business. The NELEP representatives will sign up to the Code of Conduct used by the Accountable Body. Any breach of the Code of Conduct by an NELTB member will be addressed using the procedure outlined in the Code of Conduct of their respective member organisation. The register of interests held by each council represented on the NELTB is available to the public.
4.3 Each member and deputy member of the NELTB (both full and non-voting) will register any additional interests which are outside their own authority’s area but within the NELTB boundary (“LTB interests”).
4.4 NB These LTB interests are an interest of either (a) the member, or (b) the member’s spouse or civil partner, or (c) a person with whom the member is living as husband and wife, or (d) a person with whom the member is living as if they were civil partners (all of whom are referred to as “relevant persons”).
4.5 The LTB interests are:
4.5.1 Contracts – Any contract which is made between the relevant person (or a body in which the relevant person has a beneficial interest) and one of the 7 councils represented on the NELTB - (a) under which goods or services are to be provided or works are to be executed; and
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(b) which has not been fully discharged.
4.5.2 Land –Any beneficial interest in land which is within the area of the NELTB.
4.5.3 Licences – Any licence (alone or jointly with others) to occupy land in the area of the NELTB for a month or longer.
4.5.4 Corporate tenancies – Any tenancy where (to the member’s knowledge) – (a) the landlord is one of the 7 councils represented on the NELTB; and (b) the tenant is a body in which the relevant person has a beneficial interest.
4.5.5 Securities – Any beneficial interest in securities of a body where – (a) that body (to the member’s knowledge) has a place of business or land in the area of the NELTB; and (b) either – (i) the total nominal value of the securities exceeds £25,000 or one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that body; or (ii) if the share capital of that body is of more than one class, the total nominal value of the shares of any one class in which the relevant person has a beneficial interest exceeds one hundredth of the total issued share capital of that class.
4.6 The register of a member’s LTB interests will be maintained on behalf of the NELTB by Newcastle City Council as the Accountable Body. The register will be available to the public.
4.7 Where a member thinks that disclosure of the details of any of his/her LTB interests could lead to him/her, or a person connected with him/her, being subject to violence or intimidation, the Monitoring Officer of Newcastle City Council may at his/her request make a note on the Register that he/she has an LTB interest, details of which are withheld.
4.8 When a member attends a meeting of the NELTB and is aware that the criteria set out in sub-paragraph 4.8.1 are satisfied in relation to any matter to be considered, or being considered at that meeting, the member must: a. Declare that fact to the meeting; b. Not participate (or further participate) in any discussion of the matter at the meeting; c. Not participate in any vote (or further vote) taken on the matter at the meeting; and d. Leave the room whilst the matter is being discussed.
4.8.1 The criteria for the purposes of paragraph 4.8 are that: a. The member has an LTB interest in the matter which is such that a member of the public knowing the relevant facts would reasonably think it so significant that it is likely to prejudice his/her judgement of the public interest; and
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b. The matter will affect the financial position of the member or one of the persons or bodies referred to in any of his/her register entries.
4.9 Predetermination Where members have interests which may be thought to be likely to influence their decision, the fact should be declared at the meeting. A predetermination interest will arise:- a. where the member has closed their mind to the merits or otherwise of a matter in respect of which they need to make a decision; and / or b. where the interest is such that members of the public may feel that the member will not be able to approach the matter with an open mind. A member is not to be taken to have had, or to have appeared to have had, a closed mind when making the decision because: a. the member had previously done anything that directly or indirectly indicated what view the member took , or would or might take, in relation to a matter; and b. the matter was relevant to the decision. In respect of the above paragraph when the member makes a decision they must have an open mind and appear to have an open mind. If a member has predetermined the matter they must declare the predetermination interest at the meeting and leave the room prior to the matter being discussed and the decision being taken. Members should seek guidance from officers on whether they have a predetermination interest to declare. “Members” for the purpose of this paragraph include voting and non voting members of the NELTB.
5. Gifts and Hospitality
5.1 Members who are offered gifts or hospitality must declare them by completing the Disclosure of Receipt of Gifts and Hospitality form provided and administered by the Accountable Body (outlined in section 6).
5.2 Members will be required to register the offer of Gifts and Hospitality (over £50). If a Member attends a meeting and is aware that the following criteria are satisfied, he/she will have to declare the interest, not participate, and withdraw from the meeting or element thereof: a. the member has registered Gifts and Hospitality which is such that a member of the public knowing the relevant facts would reasonably think it so significant that it is likely to prejudice his/her judgement of the public interest; and
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b. the matter will affect the financial position of the member or 1 of the persons/bodies referred to in any of his/her register entries.
5.3 Members with concerns or questions must raise them with the NELTB secretariat (outlined in section 9).
6. Status and Role of Accountable Body
6.1 The NELTB will be an informal partnership made up of eight voting members (Durham County Council, Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, Northumberland County Council, South Tyneside Council, Sunderland City Council and TWITA – as per para 3.3) and a non voting member (NELEP). The NELTB will be subject to a ‘back to back’ legal agreement (para 6.5), and standing orders for the management of meetings.
6.2 Newcastle City Council will act as the “Accountable Body” for the NELTB on an interim basis (subject to the outcomes of a wider governance review in the north east LTB area) and will be responsible for the legal and financial management of major scheme grant funding including holding devolved major scheme funding and making payments to delivery bodies. As the Accountable Body, Newcastle City Council will provide financial statements to the NELTB and will ensure that funds are only used in accordance with the criteria set for their use. The NELTB will be required to work closely with the Accountable Body.
6.3 The Accountable Body will ensure that major scheme funding is separately identifiable from the Accountable Body’s own funds. The Accountable Body will also produce financial statements when required. Any interest accrued will be administered by the NELTB in accordance with its programme of activities.
6.4 As the Accountable Body, Newcastle City Council will be responsible for the following: - Ensuring that the decision and activities of the NELTB conform with legal requirements and relevant legislation with regard to equalities, environmental, EU issues etc; - Ensuring that the funds are used appropriately and signed off by the Section 151 (S151) Officer; - Ensuring that the terms of this assurance framework are complied with; - Ensuring the assurance framework is kept up to date; - The resolution of complaints relating to the process of the NELTB; - Appointing an independent auditor on behalf of the NELTB (see paras 7.1 and 7.2); - Maintaining the official record of NELTB proceedings, holding all NELTB documents, and posting appropriate documents on the web page; and - Decisions of the NELTB in approving schemes.
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6.5 The Accountable Body will develop a back to back agreement with prospective scheme promoters in order to ensure these responsibilities are discharged. As part of these arrangements a service level agreement will be specified to ensure an adequate level of officer support.
The Accountable Body will seek to establish the back to back agreement by the end of July 2013 to align with deadline for the prioritisation of schemes. In the absence of specific details relating to the grant conditions associated with the devolution of funding a more general Memorandum of Understanding will be developed between the members to cover the informal partnership membership and structure, and the principles to be upheld in relation to issues such as liability and indemnity, including clawback.
6.6 A coding structure will be set up to allow funds held to be separately identifiable within the General Ledger of the Accountable Body. This will enable a budget position to be provided at any point in time, as well as fulfilling the year end accounting requirements. Financial statements will be provided to the NELTB on a quarterly basis as standard, although interim updates will be provided if requested.
6.7 On receipt of the initial funding the S151 officer of the Accountable Body will confirm their acceptance of any grant conditions established by the DfT. In order to enable them to fulfil this requirement, S151 officers of the individual scheme promoters will also be asked to provide written confirmation of their acceptance of the grant conditions and their requirement to ensure that funds are used appropriately on behalf of the NELTB.
6.8 The S151 officer (or his/her representative) of the Accountable Body will approve release of funds, which will be based on defrayed expenditure and paid in arrears to individual scheme promoters on receipt of evidence that the funds have been used as intended, i.e. in line with the grant conditions under which they have been awarded. The S151 officer of the Accountable Body will ensure that funds are accounted for appropriately in the final accounts of this body, in line with proper accounting practices.
7. Audit and Scrutiny
7.1 It is an essential requirement that the work of the NELTB is scrutinised by an independent auditor. An independent local audit will be carried out in accordance with the specification in the guidance provided by DfT.
7.2 This audit (or series of audits) will include the business and work of the NELTB, and also provide an adequate mechanism for the detection of misuse of funds and recovery of funds by the NELTB.
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8. Strategic Objectives and Purpose
8.1 The NELTB’s primary role is to perform, as a minimum, the roles outlined in para 3.2. It is essential that devolved funding is invested in value for money major transport schemes that demonstrably contribute towards achieving the major scheme policy challenges (see Table One below). These challenges align with the objectives and criteria outlined in more detail in section 13 on prioritisation and are applicable for at least the first Comprehensive Spending Review Period associated with the Devolution of Major Scheme funding.
8.2 Table One: Policy Challenges: - Supporting jobs; - Supporting gateways and international and national trade; - Contributes to skilled employment or training; - Support the NELEP spatial strategies and economy; - Attractiveness of the NELEP area as a place to do business; - Improves connectivity from residential areas to employment opportunities; - Improving the local environment; - Achieving carbon reduction targets; and - A healthy population.
8.3 The key purpose of the NELTB will be to: - Invite the submission of schemes for prioritisation and programming; - Identify a prioritised list of major transport schemes in the NELTB geographical area; - Co-ordinate and scrutinise individual scheme business cases; - Make decisions on individual scheme approvals; - Make decisions on investment and release of funding; - Monitor progress of scheme delivery and spend; - Respond to changed circumstances, when necessary; - Publish information on major scheme priorities and provide stakeholders and members of the public with the opportunity to comment; - Liaise with DfT about the programme; - Ensure value for money is achieved; and - Ensure effective delivery of the programme.
8.4 The role of the NELTB will be reviewed on an annual basis and a decision on whether it should assume other transport-related roles will be undertaken. A decision on whether the NELTB will extend its remit to provide its views to the Seven North East Local Authorities and
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TWITA on transport issues that go beyond the immediate remit of major schemes will also be undertaken at the time of the annual review.
9. Support and Administration Arrangements
9.1 The NELTB will be supported by a core secretariat, which will consist of officers working on behalf of the Seven North East Local Authorities. These officers (a Policy Manager and a Policy Support Officer) are already in place on a full time basis within Newcastle City Council, and are jointly funded by the 7 local authorities in the NELTB area. Officers employed by Newcastle City Council Democratic Services will also assist in providing additional secretariat and administration resource to the LTB as and when required. The development of a back to back agreement between the Accountable Body and the other members of the NELTB will identify a specified level of service for legal, financial, audit and programme management resources to be provided by the Accountable Body. These services can be drawn upon as required by the core secretariat.
9.2 As Newcastle City Council is the Accountable Body, the NELTB will be able to seek specialist advice from the Council’s departments. A service level agreement/ back to back agreement will be developed by the Accountable Body in partnership with the Member organisations of the NELTB. This agreement will ensure that adequate officer resources are in place to underpin legal, financial, democratic services and audit arrangements.
9.3 The combined Secretariat will provide the NELTB with the following support: - Day to day administrative functions such as the preparation of meeting papers – minutes, agendas, working papers, progress reports, information reports, decision reports etc; - Responding to information requests; - Giving notice of meetings and publishing information; - Stakeholder engagement through regular update of the NELTB web page and organisation on specific consultation events as appropriate; - Procurement of independent technical advice on business case material submitted by scheme promoters, which will be used to make decisions on scheme priorities and programming; - Resource to assist in the programme management of the prioritised list of schemes; - Updating this Assurance Framework based on the evolving role of the NELTB; and - Advice to NELTB members on specific governance, transparency and probity issues, and updating guidance as necessary.
9.4 Independent scrutiny of business cases will be provided by a neutral third party with appropriate technical expertise. This expertise will be procured by the Accountable Body, Newcastle City Council, for the Senior Officers’ Transport Advisory Group (SOTAG, see para
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10.6 – Terms of Reference in Annex B) on behalf of the NELTB. Financial resource to allow procurement of this specialist advice has been identified and agreed and is included as part of the NELEP business plan.
10. Working Arrangements and Meeting Frequency
10.1 The NELTB will meet to prioritise schemes, make investment decisions and when otherwise necessary in the discharge of the functions outlined in para 3.2. The NELTB will meet in ‘shadow’ form in March 2013 to agree the prioritisation process. The NELTB will begin to prioritise major schemes at its first official meeting in April 2013 and will meet again in June 2013 to agree a final list of prioritised schemes – unless the deadline to do so is otherwise extended by the DfT.
10.2 The NELTB will then meet at key points in the business case and decision making process including those outlined in para 18.4, most likely quarterly, to discuss progress on delivering the programme.
10.3 Meeting dates will be published on an NELTB web page [insert webpage address when established] with a minimum of one month advance public notice (except in cases of an urgent / emergency meeting date being calendared – arrangements for urgent meetings will be outlined in the Standing Orders for meetings). NELTB meetings will be open to the public.
10.4 Timescales for the completion of business cases, as outlined in section 3, paragraph 18.4, will be agreed by the NELTB. Promoters will be expected to adhere to such timescales and will only be able to progress to the next stage once their business case has been approved by the NELTB. Extensions will only be granted in extreme circumstances and the NELTB must be notified at the earliest opportunity, should a potential scheme cost or timescale change.
10.5 Three groups: the Senior Officers Transport Advisory Group (SOTAG), LA7 Economic Directors and LA7 Chief Executives [Terms of Reference in Annex B], will advise the NELTB, enabling it to: - Forward manage their Agenda; - Forward manage the development of a programme of local major scheme priorities for the LEP area; - Manage relationships with external bodies including (but not limited to) DfT, the Highways Agency and Network Rail; - Receive regular updates on progress towards targets and objectives; - Commission work as appropriate; and - Receive regular updates and advice on transport matters of strategic significance across the NELTB area.
10.6 As illustrated by Figure Two, SOTAG will report to the NELTB via the LA7 Economic Directors
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and LA7 Chief Executives groups. The Chair of each group will rotate annually across the 7 local authorities in accordance with arrangements established as part of wider seven local authority working practices (attached at Annex A). The groups will meet regularly in advance of meetings of the NELTB.
10.7 North East Local Transport Body
LA7 Chief Executives
LA7 Economic Directors
Senior Officers Transport Advisory Group (SOTAG)
Figure Two : Governance and Reporting Structure
10.8 The information provided by scheme promoters to the NELTB will be verified by independent technical specialists commissioned and managed by SOTAG to ensure rigour and data quality. Both the information provided and its appraisal will be developed in accordance with the guidance published in WebTAG at the time the business case is submitted to the NELTB for approval. Central case assessments will be based on forecasts which are consistent with the definitive version of NTEM (DfT’s planning dataset). This requirement will not preclude the use of alternative planning assumptions as sensitivity tests.
10.9 The appointed independent technical specialists will then provide advice to the NELTB indicating how well each submitted scheme performs in terms of policy fit, value for money and deliverability.
10.10 The NELTB will use the advice provided by the groups outlined in sections 10.5-10.7 to prioritise a programme of major schemes for the area.
11. Transparency and Local Engagement
11.1 The NELTB will ensure a high level of transparency and will adhere to the Local Government Code of Recommended Practice for Local Authorities on Data Transparency.
11.2 NELTB meetings will be open to the public and agendas and non confidential papers for each meeting will be published on an NELTB web page at least one week in advance of the
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scheduled date. All meetings will be subject to a minimum notice period of one month (except in cases of urgent meetings – the arrangements for which will be outlined in Standing Orders).
11.3 The NELTB will publish background papers relating to decision making on the NELTB web page (excluding those items deemed to be confidential). The NELTB will also set out the expected outcomes from each scheme that receives funding. Papers which will be published by the NELTB include: - The Assurance Framework; - Agendas and non confidential papers for meetings; - Minutes of meetings; - The eligibility criteria for major schemes; - Prioritisation methodology; - Scheme business cases and evaluation reports; - Information on the major scheme programme; - Funding decision letters with funding levels and conditions indicated; - Regular programme updates on delivery and spend against the budget; and - Value for Money Statements.
11.4 As the NELTB is a non-statutory body, it is not subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or the Environmental Information Regulations 2004. Instead, statutory information requests, including FOI and EIR requests will be handled by the Accountable Body: Newcastle City Council. The NELTB will enable the public and stakeholders to have input pertaining to business cases before decisions are made and as per para 22.3, a summary of comments and representations will be circulated with the papers for meetings.
12. Complaints and Whistleblowing
12.1 Any individual or organisation is entitled to make a complaint if they feel that the work of the NELTB is not being undertaken in accordance with the standards outlined in this Assurance Framework. This complaint should be made to the Head of Democratic Services for the Accountable Body. The NELTB webpage will hold appropriate contact details.
12.2 Wherever possible, complaints will be resolved locally by the NELTB. However, complaints may be escalated to the Local Authority Ombudsman or the DfT should the complainant be unsatisfied with the initial response. The complaints procedure is outlined in Table Two.
12.3 Table Two: NELTB Complaints Procedure
• Receipt of complaint will be acknowledged within 5 working days;
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• A decision on the complaint will be taken within 10 working days of receiving the complaint; • If the complaint alleges criminal conduct, the Police and other regulatory agencies will be contacted if appropriate; • In appropriate cases, measures will be taken to resolve any complaint informally; and
• A formal investigation will be conducted if required. The Corporate Complaints Officer for the Accountable Body will carry out any required investigation.
PART TWO: PRIORITISATION
13. Introduction
13.1 The prioritisation process, through which preferred local transport investments will be identified, is an important element of this Assurance Framework. The process is robust and transparent, and intended to support decision making. The methodology will be available on the NELTB’s webpage.
13.2 To enable the prioritisation, a transparent and robust methodology for prioritising local major transport schemes for delivery through the devolved process has been developed. The methodology is clearly linked to delivering the priority outcomes of the NELTB area and is designed to be relatively simple, transparent and evidence based. It is broadly based on three dimensions, namely:
• Policy fit (including environmental and social and distributional impacts); • Value for Money; and
• Deliverability.
13.3 The methodology is an open framework, where all of the evidence inputs can be clearly seen by stakeholders and decision makers. There is also no attempt to imply an element of precision in evidence presented where there is none, nor is there any attempt within the methodology to combine the three dimensions (policy, value for money and deliverability) to give an overall score for a scheme or intervention. Data gaps are identified, not concealed.
13.4 Guidance has been issued to prospective scheme sponsors on the types of evidence which are likely to support the policy criteria adopted (section 15), and to guide scheme sponsors in providing evidence on value for money and deliverability (sections 16 and 17 respectively). This guidance identifies appropriate and acceptable sources of evidence and data, helping to support data quality and the rigour of the process.
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13.5 All schemes submitted for consideration will be subject to independent assessment. For consistency the scheme assessment is to be undertaken by two separate assessors on each scheme. Following assessment of all schemes, a correlation exercise will be undertaken by the scheme assessors and an independent adjudicator to resolve any divergence in assessment scores. The promoter(s) of each scheme or proposal will be required to attend a clarification meeting. Each meeting will allow the independent assessors to verify scheme evidence and data, and to cross examine scheme sponsors to clarify any issues which are unclear within the evidence presented, and to enable the scheme assessors to gain a clear understanding of the scheme and what it is trying to achieve.
13.6 Policy criteria have been developed based upon the three key themes agreed by the partner organisations, namely:
• Economic growth and jobs • Access to Opportunity
• Quality of Life
13.7 These themes have been broken down into 9 policy challenges (see Table 1 at para 8.2) and 10 defined criteria in order to develop fully the component parts of the key themes and ensure that the policy criteria fully reflect the themes they represent across the North East (section 15). For each proposal or scheme assessed, each component criterion is to be independently scored using quantitative and qualitative evidence provided by the scheme sponsors, against a numeric scale, with the lowest score of zero representing no positive impact. The graduated scoring scale for each criterion will reflect the range of impacts likely from the transport schemes under consideration. Detailed scoring notes, based on North East area policies and plans, including local documents from the North East’s constituent bodies, have been developed to guide the independent assessment of proposals.
13.8 Independent assessment of value for money (VfM) will be based upon any ‘value for money assessments’ and ‘value for money statements’ presented as evidence by scheme sponsors. This assessment of value for money will reflect guidance on the DfT’s Transport Business Case and from WebTAG. It is expected that scheme sponsors will reference appropriate and proportionate use of the DfT’s guidelines in presenting value for money evidence. The independent assessment will establish an initial value for money category from DfT Guidance (available from http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/value-for-money- assessments-guidance/vfmguidance.pdf), based upon the [estimated] Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of the scheme. These categories are: - Poor VfM if the BCR is less than 1.0; - Low VfM if the BCR is between 1.0 and 1.5; - Medium VfM if the BCR is between 1.5 and 2.0; - High VfM if the BCR is between 2.0 and 4.0; and - Very high VfM if the BCR is greater than 4.0.
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Value for money assessments will also account for quantitative and qualitative evidence presented that has not been monetised and included within the estimated BCR.
13.9 Deliverability is a key element of the methodology. Potential schemes will be assessed in relation to the level of risk associated with their deliverability. Assessments of deliverability based around three areas will be used, with each of these areas broken down into a number of components to ensure that all critical aspects of deliverability are examined: - Risk to programme; - Risk to cost; and - Risk to acceptability.
13.10 For each of the key deliverability components a Red-Amber-Green (RAG) assessment will be undertaken based on the level of risk associated with that component. Red will indicate a key deliverability issue indicating that it is unlikely that the proposed scheme could be delivered within the indicative time period.
13.11 As such, the prioritisation framework is evidence based and scheme promoters are required to provide detailed evidence to demonstrate the contribution their proposal will make towards achieving the objectives of the NELTB. In order to enable this to be assessed, promoters must illustrate that their scheme is deliverable, that it constitutes value for money and they must explain its contribution towards the delivery of the set of policy criteria (see para 15.4) which have been formulated to address the policy challenges outlined in para 8.2.
13.12 The NELTB will ensure that the Highways Agency and Network Rail are invited to comment on any strategic road or rail schemes that are to be considered for major scheme funding. This will allow for their views on deliverability and impact on the wider network to be taken into account during the prioritisation process.
13.13 The NELTB will submit a prioritised list of schemes to the DfT by July 2013 (or any other dates in the future when the DfT requires a prioritised list of schemes to be submitted). This list of schemes will also be published on the NELTB web page.
13.14 Scheme promoters are expected to maintain any asset that is created and this should be done in accordance with their Asset Management Plan or, in the case of a Passenger Transport Executive or other potential transport delivery agent, an equivalent document.
14. Scheme Eligibility
14.1 Candidate schemes for consideration are identified by the respective scheme promoters: (the seven local authorities in the NELTB area and Nexus) via the Senior Officers’ Transport Advisory Group (“SOTAG”). This initial ‘long list’ of candidate schemes will be developed taking in to account the 3 Local Transport Plans in the NELTB area, development plans across the 7 local authorities and previous work on local major schemes development such as the
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DaSTS ‘Access to Tyne and Wear City-Region’ study.
14.2 This initial list will be considered by SOTAG, and refined by the scheme promoters to contain those schemes most likely to address a set of policy, deliverability and value for money criteria (as outlined in sections 15-17.
14.3 Following these processes, a shorter list of candidate schemes will provide detailed evidence of their suitability across these criteria. This evidence will be scrutinised thoroughly by an independent third party appointed by SOTAG because of their neutrality and technical expertise. As outlined in para 10.9, this third party will then provide the results of their findings to the NELTB to aid their decision making.
14.4 Table 3 below outlines the major scheme criteria. More detail follows in sections specifically on policy and deliverability criteria.
14.5 Table 3: Major Scheme Eligibility Criteria Purpose of Scheme Schemes are required to make a significant contribution towards achieving the objectives of the NELTB as defined by the Guidance on Evidence document (Annex C). Proposals should be transport schemes. Funding will only be considered for specified major transport schemes. Cost Threshold In order to be eligible, schemes must have a total net cost to the NELTB of at least £2.5m. This will prevent funding from being spread too thinly to be effective. Funding can only be used for capital expenditure. Strategic Impact Promoters are required to demonstrate how their scheme will have a positive impact on the transport challenges within the NELTB area (Table 1, para 8.2). It is desirable that schemes will have an impact on a wide area however this does not preclude localised issues being addressed, given the knock-on effect of improvements to the local economy improving the sub-regional / regional economy. Policy Criteria Schemes need to demonstrate how they contribute to the specified policy criteria. Given the government’s strong emphasis on economic growth and development, the schemes should contribute towards local and economic development. Value for Money Schemes are required to provide an estimate of the Value for Money (VfM) a scheme is expected to provide. For the prioritisation process, promoters will be required to estimate Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) for their scheme(s). Regular VfM statements will be required in order to adjust the BCR as part of the move towards full scheme approval by the NELTB. Deliverability Proposed schemes need to have a reasonable degree of public and stakeholder support and
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must be deliverable within a clearly defined timescale. An assessment of deliverability must be undertaken in order to identify any potential “under spend”. Local Contribution Scheme promoters are encouraged to provide a local contribution which would normally be at least 10% per scheme.
15. Policy Criteria
15.1 The policy criteria build upon the objectives of the three Local Transport Plans in the NELTB area and are based upon three key themes: - Economic growth and job creation; - Access to opportunity; and - Quality of life.
15.2 These key themes are broken up in to ten discrete policy criteria. These criteria allow scheme promoters to provide both quantitative and qualitative information to describe the policy contribution of their scheme.
15.3 The overall assessment framework is an open framework, with the intention that decision makers on the NELTB and supporting officers should see exactly how and where each proposed scheme contributes to the delivery of the North East’s agreed policy outcomes and its strategic objectives – outlined in 15.4. This is one of the key features of the approach, and is designed to ensure maximum transparency both to stakeholders and the NELTB. Where a scheme will deliver positively against a number of these key outcomes, it will be clear that it does so, and a scheme will be credited accordingly. There is scope within the process for the NELTB to be made aware of where such benefits are complementary.
15.4 Theme Challenge Criteria
Economic Growth Supporting jobs Will the scheme contribute to the and Job Creation creation of new jobs and retention of existing jobs in the North East LEP area?
Supporting gateways and Will the scheme support the North East national and international LEP area gateways? trade
Contributes to skilled Will the scheme encourage the employment or training development or retention of skilled jobs (NVQ Level 4 and above) and support sites that deliver the training for such skills?
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Support the NELEP spatial Will the scheme provide sustainable strategies and economy access solutions to existing and growing development corridors, centres and sectors or support housing growth?
Attractiveness of the Will the scheme ensure capacity and North East LEP area as a speed of transport links to and within place to do business the North East LEP area are maintained and enhanced in order to increase the attractiveness of the North East LEP area as a place to do business, boosting inward investment and improving competitiveness of indigenous firms?
Access to Improves connectivity Will the scheme deliver improved Opportunities from residential areas to accessibility from residential areas to employment opportunities areas that have employment, education or other opportunities?
Will the scheme contribute to an improvement in the overall quality of journeys, particularly those providing links to employment and health or education opportunities?
Quality of Life Improving the local Will the scheme contribute to an environment overall improvement in the local environment including improving local air quality or reducing the noise impact of transport corridors?
Achieving carbon Will the scheme contribute to an reduction targets overall reduction in carbon emissions relative to the existing situation?
A healthy population Will the scheme provide the opportunity to improve health, reduce levels of obesity among the population or improve road safety within the area?
15.5 A detailed set of guidance has been produced for scheme promoters that ensures as far as possible a consistent level of information is available to inform the prioritisation process. This guidance is contained within Annex C and provides advice on Policy Criteria (for example, environmental and social and distributional impacts), Value for Money and Deliverability. A pro-forma for use by scheme promoters has been developed to accompany
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the guidance and is contained within Annex D.
16. Value for Money
16.1 As part of the prioritisation process it will be necessary to provide an estimate of the Value for Money (VfM) that a scheme is likely to provide. At the first stage in the scheme development process not all schemes will have a fully worked up business case that will include all aspects of the Benefit to Cost Ratio (BCR). The guidance note contained within Annex C provides advice on how VfM should be assessed in this instance.
16.2 For schemes that have not yet been fully assessed the required approach will be to examine the evidence from other previous schemes. This approach is consistent with the DfT’s Early Assessment and Sifting Tool (EAST) Guidance.
16.3 A local contribution to the scheme may contribute to its Value for Money (if the local contribution comes from the private sector it is more likely to improve the BCR of the scheme). It is expected that the local contribution should normally be at least 10% of the total scheme cost. This contribution may, for example, include money from section 106 planning agreements or the Community Infrastructure Levy.
17. Deliverability
17.1 Deliverability is a key element of the methodology and great importance is placed on a robust deliverability assessment.
17.2 A number of key-deliverability criteria have been developed in order to assess the potential for scheme delivery in the 2014-19 period. These are outlined in Annex C of this Assurance Framework. Schemes which perform well against the deliverability criteria will have: - Recently calculated outturn costs in a WebTAG compliant way; - Established key milestones for delivery; - Established a process for reaching detailed design; - Established realistic timescales for obtaining statutory consents, carrying out / illustrating public consultation and acceptance and procuring contractors; - A robust risk assessment; and - A detailed governance and project management structure.
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PART THREE: PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT DECISIONS
18. Scheme Assessment and Approval
18.1 There is a clear distinction between scheme promoters and the NELTB. The identification of schemes, development of scheme proposals and completion of business cases is the responsibility of scheme promoters. The NELTB will act as the decision maker. The NELTB will assess business cases and the findings will help inform decisions on whether to provide funding for a scheme. An approval regime will be in place through the establishment of formal back to back agreements that protect the financial interests of the NELTB and the Accountable Body and enables the NELTB to fulfil its responsibility to deliver value for money while setting out respective responsibilities including reporting and audit requirements.
18.2 An assessment of all major scheme business cases will be carried out by an independent third party with the relevant technical expertise, and this expertise will be procured by Newcastle City Council via SOTAG. The independence of each review will be signed off by an appropriate senior member of the independent organisation undertaking the review.
18.3 Scheme promoters will be required to use DfT’s Transport Business Case Methodology when developing their business case. The process for the NELTB assessment and approval of a major scheme will comprise of three ‘gateway’ stages and full scheme approval will require a robust business case.
18.4 The methodology outlined in sections 13-17 will assist the NELTB in prioritising schemes. Those prioritised schemes will then proceed through the summarised process outlined below in order to progress a scheme to Full Approval. This approach is consistent with DfT’s ‘The Transport Business Case’ guidance: Proposal prioritised (Gateway 1) o Promoter prepares Outline Business Case and submits to the NELTB. o Outline Business Case undergoes independent assessment. o Value for Money Statement prepared by Scheme Promoter and signed off independently. Conditional Approval Granted (Gateway 2) o Promoter undertakes detailed design, acquires statutory approvals, undertakes procurement and identifies preferred supplier. o Final Business Case submitted to LTB. o Final Business Case undergoes independent assessment. o Value for Money Statement prepared by Scheme Promoter and signed off independently. Full Approval Granted and offer letter issued (Gateway 3)
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18.5 At each of the gateways 1 to 3 the promoter will be required to provide evidence that the scheme is still value for money and deliverable (and therefore should remain in the prioritised programme). The NELTB will publish a Value for Money Statement (VFMS) for the scheme at each of these stages. These VFMS will be produced by the Scheme Promoter in line with the DfT guidance found at http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/value-for-money- assessmentsguidance/vfmguidance.pdf . As per the outline of independent local audits in section 7, audits will be carried out at each gateway stage of the process – including an independent review of the VFMS.
18.6 The NELTB will need to approve the promoter’s business case submissions at each stage of the process before the next stage of work can be commenced. The NELTB can decide to withdraw a scheme from the programme if the business case does not provide the required assurance of value for money. The scheme promoter is responsible for all business case costs – including if the scheme is withdrawn by the NELTB at any point in the process.
18.7 The NELTB assessment and approval decisions will be based on advice provided by SOTAG and independent technical specialists appointed to advise the NELTB. The appointed independent technical specialists will work directly with SOTAG and report to the NELTB (governance arrangements are outlined in Figure Two).
18.8 Scheme promoters are responsible for informing the NELTB of any changes to the scope of a scheme, its costs and implementation timescales. The NELTB will be responsible for assessing the impact of any changes on the overall scheme programme and working with the promoter to address any specific issues.
18.9 The NELTB will not meet any scheme cost increases either in full or part and these will be the responsibility of the scheme promoter. Design and development costs for schemes that receive Full Approval will be eligible as a local contribution.
18.10 Delays to a scheme may mean that it is not possible to allocate funding within the period up to March 2019. In this case, the NELTB reserves the right to re-prioritise the programme and bring forward another scheme that is deliverable within the timescales.
18.11 As part of Full Approval, the NELTB will clearly set out the conditions under which the devolved funding will be spent – specifically to deliver a capital asset based on an approved scheme design which has a contractor’s price and spending profile. As the Accountable Body, Newcastle City Council will be responsible for ensuring any such conditions are adhered to.
19. The Transport Business Case
19.1 All schemes submitted by promoters are required to follow the DfT’s Transport Business Case guidance, which is available at http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/transport-business- case/ .
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19.2 The Business Case guidance sets out the minimum requirements of the development of a major scheme and use of the guidance will ensure that the information and assessment of a scheme is set out according to five cases: - The strategic case; - The economic case; - The commercial case; - The financial case; and - The management case.
19.3 Business cases will include a statement of objectives and specific outcomes the scheme is expected to achieve. This will assist with scheme evaluation.
20. Value for Money (2)
20.1 Value for Money is the core of the Economic Case.
20.2 The use of the WebTAG toolkit will be mandatory and must be used to conduct appraisals and value for money assessments. The toolkit can be accessed at www.dft.gov.uk/webtag .
20.3 Value for money is where the ”economic” benefits of the scheme exceed the costs of investment and future maintenance / operation. The greater the monetised Benefit to Cost Ratio (BCR) of a scheme, the higher the value for money a scheme is likely to be. However, scheme promoters will have to be mindful that if there are significant environmental costs these can affect the adjusted BCR and therefore the value for money and where these potential situations arise the NELTB will be advised through the independent assessment process. Scheme benefits potentially encompass a wide range of economic impacts including: - Journey time savings for individuals. - Reduction in costs to businesses, transport operators and passengers. - Increasing access to education and jobs. - Increasing inward economic investment. - Keeping roads open to traffic (especially freight). - Reducing accidents / improving safety and security.
20.4 Value for money assessments will, at the Gateway 1 stage, be based on available quantitative and qualitative criteria. On the quantitative side, schemes which affect busier / congested parts of the highway network or larger areas of population may receive a higher value for money score. Any existing scheme-specific economic / financial modelling can also be used to assess benefits. Qualitative information may point to benefits for certain target areas or populations; and could also use evidence of the success of similar schemes
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elsewhere. The important issue is that key assumptions will be made explicit and subject to robust challenge.
20.5 High value for money schemes with an adjusted BCR of greater than or equal to 2:1 will be eligible for funding.
20.6 Central case assessments will be based on forecasts that are consistent with the definitive version of NTEM (DfT’s planning dataset). The NELTB reserves the right to use alternative planning assumptions as sensitivity tests and considering the results of these when coming to a decision about whether to approve a scheme.
20.7 An independent assessment of appraisal and modelling assumptions contained within business cases will be carried out by an independent third party with the relevant technical expertise, and this expertise will be procured via SOTAG. The independence of each review will be signed off by a named officer of the NELTB with relevant skills and expertise.
20.8 A value for money statement (VFMS) in line with published DfT WebTAG guidance will be produced and presented to the NELTB for consideration at each gateway stage of the approval process. These statements will be checked by an independent source and adjusted if necessary. This assessment will be signed off by a named officer within the NELTB with requisite skills and experience.
21. Monitoring and Evaluation
21.1 Scheme promoters will be required to put in place mechanisms to ensure that schemes are monitored and evaluated in line with DfT guidance on the evaluation of local major schemes. This will be enforced as part of the gateway process, and schemes that do not have a robust monitoring and evaluation strategy as part of their business case will not receive Full Approval.
21.2 Results of the monitoring and evaluation of schemes will be published on the web site of the relevant scheme promoter. The relevant scheme promoter will be required to ensure an independent review of the monitoring and evaluation of their scheme, and this will be ensured as part of the grant award process.
22. External Views on Business Cases
22.1 The NELTB will welcome external views on business cases, which do not contain commercially sensitive information. In order to ensure external comment is possible, promoters will be required to publish their business case on their website. The publication of business cases must take place prior to funding approval decisions being made. The publication of business cases will also be publicised by the relevant scheme promoter and on the NELTB web page.
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22.2 Stakeholders and members of the public will be given a minimum of three months to comment on business cases. Any comments made by stakeholders and members of the public on business cases will be made available to the NELTB prior to relevant meetings taking place by way of a summary in the papers for the meeting.
23. Release of Funding, Cost Control and Approval Conditions
23.1 No funding will be allocated to a scheme promoter by the Accountable Body until a Business case has received Full Approval from the NELTB. The approval will contain: - General conditions of approval (such as the condition that monies may only be used for capital expenditure); - Scheme specific approval conditions (such as those relating to scheme design, matched or third party contributions); - The agreed allocation for the scheme; - An agreed funding profile to ensure delivery in the 2015-19 period; and - Provision for ‘clawback’ and recovery of non delivery or money not spent for purposes intended.
23.2 Before any funding is released, the scheme promoter will need to ‘accept’ the funding (and the conditions for its use) through confirmation by the appropriate finance officer that the money will be spent on the agreed purpose.
23.3 The Accountable Body will develop a ‘back to back’ agreement with the eligible scheme promoters to underpin this arrangement. This agreement will also address the issue of ‘clawback’. It will ensure an approval regime is in place that protects the financial interests of the NELTB and the Accountable Body and enables it to fulfil its responsibility to deliver value for money while setting out respective responsibilities including reporting and audit requirements.
23.4 Funds will be released to scheme promoters quarterly in arrears. Release of funds will be based on defrayed expenditure and made upon receipt of grant claim forms and evidence of eligibility of expenditure and delivery progress (which may include invoices, valuations of capital works etc). Scheme promoters will be required to retain evidence for audit purposes.
23.5 Finance reports will be provided to the NELTB on a quarterly basis (or more frequently if required) in line with payment of claims to scheme promoters. There will be a named finance officer at an appropriate grade who will also act as a point of contact for ad hoc finance-related queries from the NELTB or scheme promoters and to attend meetings as required.
24. Programme and Risk Management
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24.1 The major scheme programme will initially run from April 2015 to March 2019. A realistic programme is essential as a means of understanding when schemes are likely to spend.
24.2 Scheme promoters will be required to provide an initial project programme for each scheme given ‘Preliminary Prioritisation’ status by the NELTB. The project programme should include estimated timescales for the following: - Production of business cases - Completion of associated technical work - Progress of outline and detailed design - Statutory orders - Public consultation - Procurement - Construction of scheme
24.3 Potential risks to the delivery of the scheme programme, such as overspend and delays to timescales, must be highlighted. Promoters should also produce and maintain risk registers for their schemes and set out how they will manage potential risks.
28 ANNEX A
Chairing arrangements across the 7 local authorities
1. Governance arrangements across the seven local authorities are designed to provide a robust and clear structure for future joint working.
2. The single lead authority model is used for all, seven local authority groups. This model involves the rotation for chairing of both the LA7 Leadership Board (Comprised of the 6 Leaders and the Elected Mayor) and the Chief Executives’ meeting, starting in alphabetical order with Durham.
3. Both groups also have two vice chairs, the outgoing chair from the previous year and the incoming chair for the following year.
4. The Economic Directors’ Group and the Senior Officers Transport Advisory Group’s (SOTAG) Chairing arrangements follow the same arrangement.
Group 10/11 11/12 12/13 13/14 14/15 15/16 16/17 17/18 7 Leaders / ST D G N NT N’land ST S Elected Mayor 7 Chief S D G N NT N’land ST S Executives
4. Each chair serves a one-year term, rotating annually.
5. The chair rotation takes place in November.
6. The NELTB will follow the single lead authority model used by the Seven North East Authority Groups.
ANNEX B
SENIOR OFFICERS’ TRANSPORT ADVISORY GROUP (SOTAG) ROLE AND REMIT
Purpose of the group
• To establish a forum for discussion of strategic transport issues that includes representation from all seven local authorities and the ITA/PTE in the Local Enterprise Partnership area. • To provide effective advice to the Local Transport Body (LTB) on establishing a programme of local major scheme priorities for delivery beyond 2015; • To provide guidance to the LTB on the most effective governance and assurance framework to deliver such a programme of local major transport schemes; and The group will enable the Local Transport Body to: • Forward manage their Agenda;
• Forward manage the development of a programme of local major scheme priorities for the LEP area; • Manage relationships with external bodies including (but not limited to) Department for Transport, the Highways Agency and Network Rail; • Receive regular updates on progress towards targets and objectives;
• Commission work as appropriate; and
• Receive regular updates and advice on transport matters of strategic significance across the LEP area. Membership Gateshead Council (Chair) Durham Council Newcastle City Council Nexus North East LEP North Tyneside Council Northumberland Council South Tyneside Council Sunderland City Council Tyne and Wear ITA
Attendance The SOTAG will meet regularly in advance of meetings of the Local Transport Body. Members of the group are requested to attend as many of the meetings as possible. If members of the group are unable to attend a meeting, it is requested that any Deputy should be agreed in advance with the Chair of the group. Governance and Reporting
The Chair of the group will rotate annually in accordance with the arrangements established as part of wider seven local authority working practices. The group will report to the LA7 Leadership Board (The LTB) via the LA7 Economic Directors and LA7 Chief Executives groups. Support and Organisation The SOTAG is likely to require support from technical officer groupings in each of the three Local Transport Plan areas. These groups may be requested to progress tasks associated with the development of a programme of local major schemes. The agenda, minutes and relevant papers for the group will be sent out in advance by the NELEP Transport Advisor. Minutes of meetings and an actions log will be maintained. Meetings The group will meet on a monthly basis. Review This role and remit will be reviewed annually. ANNEX B
Economic Directors Group – Draft terms of reference
Purpose
1. The Economic Directors group involves the senior officers with responsibility for economic policy and development across the local authority areas of Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland. The group has been established at the request of Chief Executives to help ensure that the seven local authorities work together strategically on the key economic issues affecting the North East and to coordinate input into the North Eastern LEP.
Key Activities
2. The role of the 7 LA Economic Directors is to: • Advise the seven Chief Executives and Leaders/Elected Mayor on all aspects of the LEP’s work; • Advise the seven Chief Executives and Leaders/Elected Mayor on broader economic issues across the area covered by the seven local authorities; and
• Undertake work requested by the seven Chief Executives or Leaders and Elected Mayor’s groups in support of their work programmes.
Membership
3. The members of the 7 LA Economic Directors are: current membership is one representative from each local authority, one representative from the HCA, one from the LEP and the LEP Transport Advisor
Chairing Arrangements
4. The Chair will rotate around each of the seven local authorities in alphabetical order, following the Chairs of the Chief Executives and Leaders and Elected Mayors groups. The Chair will change in November of each year. The current Chair is Sheila Johnston, (Gateshead). The group will meet on average every six weeks, or more often depending on urgent business.
ANNEX C
LOCAL MAJOR SCHEMES DEVOLUTION PROCESS
GUIDANCE ON EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
Report
22 January 2013
LOCAL MAJOR SCHEMES DEVOLUTION PROCESS
GUIDANCE ON EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS
REPORT
14 December 2012
Job No NEA6094 Report No JMP Consultants Limited Prepared By Amy Sykes & James Rotterdam House Jackson 116 Quayside Newcastle Upon Tyne Verified By Martin Revill NE1 3DY Approved By Martin Revill T 0191 206 4085 Status Final F 0191 206 4001 Issue No 2 E [email protected]
Date 22 January 2013 www.jmp.co.uk
NEA6094 Local Major Schemes Devolution Process - Guidance on evidence requirements iii
CONTENTS
attractiveness of the North East LEP 10 Criterion 9 - Will the scheme 1 Introduction ...... 5 area as a place to do business, contribute to an overall reduction in 2 Criterion 1 - Will the scheme boosting inward investment and carbon emissions relative to the contribute to the creation of new improving competitiveness of existing situation?...... 21 jobs and retention of existing jobs in indigenous firms?...... 14 11 Criterion 10 - Will the scheme the North East LEP area? ...... 7 7 Criterion 6 - Will the scheme deliver provide the opportunity to improve 3 Criterion 2 - Will the scheme support improved accessibility from health, reduce levels of obesity the North East LEP area gateways?. 9 residential areas to areas that have among the population or improve employment, education or other road safety within the area?...... 22 4 Criterion 3 - Will the scheme opportunities? ...... 16 encourage the development or 12 Value for Money ...... 24 retention of skilled jobs (NVQ level 4 8 Criterion 7 - Will the scheme 13 Deliverability...... 26 and above) and support sites that contribute to an improvement in the deliver the training for such skills?.. 10 overall quality of journeys, Risk to Cost ...... 26 particularly those providing links to 5 Criterion 4 - Will the scheme provide Risk to Programme...... 27 employment and health or education sustainable access solutions to Risk to Acceptability ...... 28 existing and growing development opportunities? ...... 18
corridors, centres and sectors, or 9 Criterion 8 - Will the scheme support housing growth? ...... 12 contribute to an overall improvement in the local environment including 6 Criterion 5 - Will the scheme ensure capacity and speed of transport links improving local air quality or to and within the North East LEP reducing the noise impact of area are maintained and enhanced transport corridors?...... 19 in order to increase the
NEA6094 Local Major Schemes Devolution Process iv
1 Introduction
This document provides guidance on the criteria. Scheme promoters are advised A number of the criteria reference specific evidence requirements for policy criteria to be wherever possible to provide evidence in line spatial influences and geographic locations used as part of the prioritisation of Local Major with the guidance outlined below. This will identified from policy. These references Transport Schemes in the North East Local ensure consistency of assessment between illustrate specific priorities or issues that are Transport Body (LTB) area. schemes and help to ensure that proposals are addressed in policy, and act as examples of credited appropriately where they contribute to where transport schemes may positively When considering the evidence base, scheme the achievement of key policy outcomes. influence policy in specific locations. While promoters should give regard to the date the However scheme promoters may provide providing guidelines to key locations it is scheme will be delivered and consider as far additional evidence outside of these guidelines understood that there are proposed as practically possible if the evidence will still if relevant and appropriate and credit will be interventions that will deliver improvements be of relevance at that time. given where possible and appropriate. that will support important locations not listed. Clearly some schemes will address some These lists are therefore not intended to be Given the need to demonstrate how the policy criteria more strongly than others, exhaustive, and scheme sponsors can provide scheme supports the broader outcomes of the however the criteria have been designed in evidence with respect to other spatial priorities LTB area, scheme promoters are such a way that all types of scheme could or geographic locations where that evidence recommended to liaise with their counterparts contribute to all criteria. The approach to the demonstrates that the scheme or intervention in their Forward Planning, Development policy assessment within the prioritisation will help contribute to the achievement of Control and Economic Development teams in process is designed to allow the contribution of policy outcomes in the North East. Transport the compilation of a comprehensive evidence proposed investments to be clearly identified, improvements that make a contribution or base. and for credit to be given appropriately where improve access to and from geographical a proposed scheme will contribute to achieving Scheme promoters are reminded to use their locations not listed may therefore be given key outcomes in the North East. In this way professional judgement in the development of appropriate credit within the policy the Local Transport Body will be able to see evidence and to concentrate on providing assessment. clearly what each intervention will contribute, focused and concise evidence on the In such cases where scheme sponsors can and will accordingly be in a position to make contribution of schemes to delivering the identify that a scheme will deliver such informed decisions. broader policy outcomes. Scores are allocated spatially specific benefits, they are encouraged on the strength of the case provided by the This document provides a guide to the types of to provide evidence of how their proposal or evidence not by the quantity of the evidence. evidence which are likely to support the policy scheme contributes to the achievement of key
NEA6094 Local Major Schemes Devolution Process 5
policy outcomes for the North East; details of these locations, businesses, facilities and other issues resolved; and justification for the inclusion of evidence relating to a specific geographic location including references to any policy documents that support the evidence. A number of the criteria highlight the importance of reference to local policy documentation. In the scheme assessment weight will be given to evidence from emerging plans according to the stage of preparation. Similarly evidence from policy prepared under previous national, regional and local context will be given credit based on their continued relevance and consistency with new and emerging policy.
NEA6094 Local Major Schemes Devolution Process 6
2 Criterion 1 - Will the scheme contribute to the creation of new jobs and retention of existing jobs in the North East LEP area?
Creation of new jobs are supported by the scheme under Retention of existing jobs There are a number of sources of information consideration. Evidence that the scheme will help with the that may provide evidence that a scheme will Scheme promoters should be mindful of retention of jobs can be shown based on the contribute towards the creation of jobs within maximising contributions from third parties into impact that the scheme will have on access to the North East LEP area economy. The the funding pot, alongside consideration of the existing significant centres of employment. following are likely to be the main sources of extent to which the scheme is affordable by a Proximity of the scheme alone to a significant information on the number and likelihood of developer or which a developer could be employer is not sufficient. It is important to jobs being created. If other forms of evidence reasonably expected to provide under the consider the relationship of the scheme to the not described here are available they may also terms of a planning condition. It is therefore location and employer. Evidence for this could be submitted. important to exercise professional judgement be presented as follows: regarding the inclusion of evidence relating to If a Local Plan or Local Development Scheme improves access to a locally Framework (LDF) has identified employment live planning applications or planning significant employer, for example sites within an allocations document then permissions, and distinguish between employers referenced in the North East these may be presented as evidence that the evidence supporting infrastructure that will Top 200 Businesses or other sources of major scheme will contribute to the support future job creation and that being evidence illustrating the importance of development of these sites, assuming that it provided to support existing proposals. employment at that location; can be shown that the major scheme is of Evidence for this criterion should, where Scheme maintains current accessibility to relevance to access and connectivity to these possible, include an assessment of the number a significant regional or local employer sites. of jobs likely to be created and if transport while increasing overall capacity. If a site of relevance to a scheme has a issues have been identified as a barrier to Locally significant employers have been national or local designation associated with it development. For employment sites that do highlighted as these employers will be likely to that would contribute to the creation of jobs, for not have a total number of jobs associated with have a local supply chain and significant example an Enterprise Zone or a Local them it is possible to estimate this using work multiplier effects within the local economy. Development Order (LDO) site, this could be by English Partnerships on employment Scheme promoters should state which included, however scheme promoters should densities: significant employers will be affected by the consider the designations anticipated and the http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/media/pdf/a/8/SM scheme and where possible provide an extent to which the jobs created at this location _Employment_Densities.pdf
NEA6094 Local Major Schemes Devolution Process 7
estimate of the transport benefit that the employer will receive.
NEA6094 Local Major Schemes Devolution Process 8
3 Criterion 2 - Will the scheme support the North East LEP area gateways?
If a scheme improves surface access to a Suggested evidence includes: gateway, evidence needs to be provided to Amount/proportion of gateway trips demonstrate this to be the case. It should be impacted by improvement; noted that proximity to a gateway alone is not deemed to be sufficient evidence of a positive Amount/proportion of freight impacted by contribution to improving access. improvement (tonnage and value); Time savings for gateway trips or freight; The area’s primary international gateways are identified within the Draft North East LEP Improvement in reliability; and Transport Strategy as: Changes in the balance of modes used to access the gateway. Port of Tyne; and
Newcastle International Airport. If it can be shown from evidence based policy document that the proposed scheme would The ports of Berwick, Blyth, Seaham and support the development of the gateway or Sunderland are also highlighted as providing that the future or planned growth of the international connectivity. gateway will be constrained by issues that the Gateways on the fringe of the NELEP area, in proposed scheme could resolve this may be particular Teesport and Durham Tees Valley included as evidence. Examples of sources of Airport, are highlighted within the Draft North this evidence may be through Economic East LEP Transport Strategy as enhancing the Development Strategies, Local Transport international competitiveness of the area and Plans, Local Plans or documentation produced are important for export led industries and by the operator of the gateway itself. Such those requiring links to a wide range of evidence could either identify the general international markets and firms. constraint that the scheme will contribute to resolving or the scheme itself.
NEA6094 Local Major Schemes Devolution Process 9
4 Criterion 3 - Will the scheme encourage the development or retention of skilled jobs (NVQ level 4 and above) and support sites that deliver the training for such skills?
A range of evidence is available to fulfil this Map 1: Universities, Centres for Excellence, As a starting point the list below presents the criterion. In general, evidence may relate to Clusters and Innovation Connectors main institutions in the LTB area which provide both assisting the development of skilled jobs higher education opportunities: and sites for training as well as improving University of Durham access to existing sites that provides these skills. University of Newcastle University of Northumbria There is an emphasis across the North East LEP area on providing higher level training. It University of Sunderland is therefore suggested that where the scheme East Durham College supports employment sites offering Level 4 or Gateshead College above training, evidence is presented in New College Durham support of this criterion. Northumberland College In addition to employment sites that offer this South Tyneside College level of skills training, education sites can also Sunderland College be included if the scheme provides improved accessibility to them. Tyne Metropolitan College Bishop Auckland College Newcastle College
A number of ‘Innovation Connectors’ have been established within the sub area. These Source: Connectors have the dual aims of stimulating http://www.investnortheastengland.co.uk/invest innovation in their respective fields and ment-guide/north-east-england-map.html catalysing regeneration in their surrounding areas. They are also:
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promoting and supporting their respective Sunderland Software City (SSC) is the relevant level of skills development and fields, including links to key industry building on the region’s university training. bodies; strengths – particularly the University of The following paragraphs provide guidance on Sunderland – to develop the North East’s driving R&D, including links to universities assessing existing and new sites with respect software industry and attract new and colleges; to skills and improvements in accessibility: companies to the region. supporting business incubation, start-up Existing Sites and growth; NETPark is helping science and technology companies lead the way in For locations where skilled employment catalysing inward investment; developing world-class technologies. The already exists or skills training is provided it is maximising physical and economic impact focus is on physical sciences, particularly important to demonstrate that the proposed on the local community and creating plastic electronics, microelectronics, scheme will improve the accessibility to such employment opportunities; and photonics, nanotechnology, and their sites. This could be shown in one of two ways, acting as a network to serve the wider application in the fields of energy, defence, the first being through an improvement in region. and medical-related technologies. It builds connectivity for business travel to and from the Information on the Connectors is provided on the strengths of the Universities of site which will help an existing business below: Durham and Newcastle, process industry develop and contribute to the retention of businesses located primarily in Tees existing jobs. The second aspect relates to Newcastle Science City is working to Valley and electronics and electrical improvements in connectivity from residential stimulate the development and engineering businesses. areas to either skilled employment or training. commercialisation of science, particularly It is important to demonstrate the nature of the in the areas of ageing, stem cells and The Northern Design Centre will be a focal areas connected, with any step changes in regenerative medicine, energy and point for creating design solutions, with a accessibility being particularly important. molecular engineering. The core of remit that cuts across all industries. It will stimulate investment in the region’s design Science City is in the western area of New Sites Newcastle at the former Newcastle industry, promoting innovative and productive design companies, while at the New employment sites can be included in the Brewery Site, Newcastle General Hospital assessment if it can be shown that occupiers and the areas around the Centre for Life. same time helping businesses across all sectors use design to improve their own will be providing higher skilled employment The National Renewable Energy Centre productivity. The Centre will be based in (NVQ level 4 and above), or that employers (NaREC), based in Blyth, is at the forefront the new Baltic Business Quarter, which is will be providing apprenticeship schemes to of the North East’s leading position on already having an impact on companies in train employees. Equally if a centre for training renewable energy, and is helping the the region. such as a college is planned this could also be region rapidly develop a reputation for included in the scheme assessment if the Scheme promoters can suggest other international excellence in the sector. major scheme will have an impact on institutions if it can be shown that they provide accessibility to the site.
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5 Criterion 4 - Will the scheme provide sustainable access solutions to existing and growing development corridors, centres and sectors, or support housing growth?
Existing and growing sectors should be identified. These might include Farringdon Row (Sunderland Core The scheme promoter should identify if the corridors or locations identified within a Local Strategy Alternative Approaches) Plan/Local Development Framework or a Local scheme addresses the development of key Stadium Village (Sunderland Core business sectors which have been identified by Transport Plan, for economic growth. Strategy Alternative Approaches) the North East LEP. These sectors are: The following employment zones are identified Vaux (Sunderland Core Strategy as Strategic Employment Areas, Key Alternative Approaches) Automotive Employment Areas or Economic Growth Holmeside (Sunderland Core Strategy Off shore renewable Corridors within the emerging and adopted Alternative Approaches) Creative and digital Local Plans within the sub area: The Port (Sunderland Core Strategy Life sciences Blyth Estuary Renewables Energy Zone Alternative Approaches) Printable electronics Strategic Employment Area South Ryhope (Sunderland Core Strategy Business professional and financial (Northumberland Core Strategy Issues Alternative Approaches) services and Options) A19 Economic Growth Corridor (South Source: http://www.nelep.co.uk/key-sectors/ Aykley Heads (Durham Local Plan Tyneside Adopted Core Strategy) Preferred Options) Addressing the development of key business Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate (North Team Valley (NewcastleGateshead One sectors refers to improving accessibility to the Tyneside Preferred Options) Core Strategy) sites where these sectors are developing or West Chirton Industrual Estate (North improving the capacity to these sites. Follingsby (NewcastleGateshead One Tyneside Preferred Options) Core Strategy) Evidence should be provided on the scale of Balliol Business Park East (North Tyneside the capacity change or scale of improvement Newcastle Airport (NewcastleGateshead Preferred Options) in accessibility. One Core Strategy) North Bank Area (North Tyneside Walker Riverside (NewcastleGateshead Existing and growing development Preferred Options) One Core Strategy) corridors and centres Esso (North Tyneside Preferred Options) North of Nissan (Sunderland Core In addition to these sectors for development, Gosforth Business Park and Balliol West Strategy Alternative Approaches) any existing and growing business corridors (North Tyneside Preferred Options) that are likely to benefit from the scheme
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Weetslade (North Tyneside Preferred South Shields Groves (Sunderland Core Strategy Options) Alternative Approaches) Jarrow Proctor and Gamble (North Tyneside Farringdon Row (Sunderland Core Hebburn Preferred Options) Strategy Alternative Approaches) Washington Stadium Village (Sunderland Core Houghton le Spring Strategy Alternative Approaches) Alternatively it may include key centres for Berwick upon Tweed business such as sub regional centres and Urban core (NewcastleGateshead One Alnwick main town locations. Core Strategy) Amble Callerton Park (NewcastleGateshead One The sub regional centres and main towns as Ashington Core Strategy) identified within the latest version of the Local Plan documents are: Blyth MetroGreen (NewcastleGateshead One Wallsend Core Strategy) Sub regional centres North Shields Wallsend AAP (North Tyneside Preferred Durham City Options) Whitley Bay Gateshead North Shields AAP (North Tyneside Cramlington Newcastle Preferred Options) Haltwhistle Sunderland Coastal AAP (North Tyneside Preferred Hexham Options) Main Towns Morpeth Barnard Castle Porteland When assessing the effect on corridors or key Bishop Auckland Prudhoe centres the scheme promoter should be clear Chester-le-Street about the effect on accessibility and capacity Consett of the transport system for accessing these Supporting housing growth Crook locations. Any existing and growing strategic housing Peterlee areas that are likely to benefit from the scheme Seaham should be identified. The following are Shildon identified at strategic housing sites, strategic growth areas or potential strategic allocations Spennymoor within the emerging and adopted local plan Stanley documents: Newton Aycliffe
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6 Criterion 5 - Will the scheme ensure capacity and speed of transport links to and within the North East LEP area are maintained and enhanced in order to increase the attractiveness of the North East LEP area as a place to do business, boosting inward investm ent and improving competitiveness of indigenous firms?
The evidence for this criterion will relate to the A197 Telford Bridge (Northumberland Junctions on the A19 trunk road (Tyne and scheme’s contribution to the strategic LTP3 evidence base) Wear LTP3) operation of the transport network. It should A1061 South Newsham Roundabout to Central bridges across the River Tyne be demonstrated that the scheme will Laverock Hall Roundabout (Tyne and Wear LTP3) contribute, directly or indirectly, to mitigating (Northumberland LTP3 evidence base) River Wear bridges in Sunderland (Tyne existing capacity or reliability issues on the A193 Cowpen Road (Northumberland and Wear LTP3) transport network. This could include capacity LTP3 evidence base) constraints on or affecting any mode. This Central River Wear crossing at contribution may be direct (physical relief of In addition the following elements of the rail Millburngate Bridge (County Durham Plan junction which is at capacity or increase in network are experiencing overcrowding: overall capacity of the transport system) or Summary of Transport Evidence Base) Between Northumberland and Newcastle alternatively an indirect contribution (transfer of A181 Gilesgate on its approach to the in the AM peak (Northumberland LTP3 trips, which presently occupy an at capacity junction with the A690 (County Durham evidence base) junction, to another route or mode). Plan Summary of Transport Evidence Base) Capacity issues between County Durham Evidence should be provided regarding the and Tyne and Wear (Durham Core Western and northern approaches to capacity or reliability issue. This evidence may Strategy Issues Paper) be taken from Local Transport Plans, or from Durham city centre (Sutton Street and information provided by other Agencies, for Framwellgate Peth), and Finchale Road, example Route Utilisation Studies (RUS) outbound at Framwellgate Moor (County Examples of the type of evidence that might be produced by Network Rail. Durham Plan Summary of Transport present can be found in, for example, the Evidence Base) Northumberland Local Transport Plan The following locations on the highways A1 Western Bypass (Tyne and Wear Evidence Base, which presents link flows and network are identified within local policy LTP3) capacities for roads across the documents as suffering from congestion or Northumberland area as a means of assessing being over capacity: A19 Tyne Tunnel (Tyne and Wear LTP3)
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congestion. Clearly if other evidence has also been collected as part of the scheme specification, for example traffic counts or passenger counts, this could also be presented as evidence, subject to an indication of what level of capacity is currently being used. As well as demonstrating an improvement to part of the network it is also necessary to define the importance of the section of network improved, for example if the link or public transport service is of regional, district level or local importance.
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7 Criterion 6 - Will the scheme deliver improved accessibility from residential areas to areas that have employment, education or other opportunities?
The scheme promoter should identify which Other Opportunities the Major Scheme. The figure for the North residential areas will benefit most from the Other types of opportunity to which access East region and UK as a whole should also be proposed scheme, and also identify the would be improved by the scheme might presented. employment, education or other opportunities, include access to hospitals, health centres and Skills to which accessibility will be improved. The clinics. This would be of particular relevance if The level of skills and unemployment in the following provides an indication of the types of the residential area can be shown to have area can be found at the neighbourhood opportunities to which accessibility might be wider health problems, for example with issues statistics website. The rank of education, skills improved: of obesity, or long term sickness. Other and training should be presented, from the examples might include access to retail or Employment Indices of Deprivation for Super Output Areas, leisure facilities, for example if access to Access to skilled jobs or jobs identified as by entering the postcode for the residential grocery retailers was improved for an area being one of the key sectors for the region, area of interest. The link is as follows: which presently only has limited access to although clearly if the present levels of http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dis retail facilities. Improvements to access to unemployment in the area were extremely semination/ leisure facilities might particularly include high, access to all types of job would be of sports facilities and swimming pools. Health relevance. The sites should be identified and an estimate of the scale of the benefit arising Information should be present on the level of given. health inequalities in the area that would Having identified these areas information benefit from the scheme. This should use the Education relating to the residential area that would Rank of Health of Deprivation and Disability The emphasis should be on access to post benefit from the major scheme should also be score from the Index of Multiple Deprivation compulsory secondary education. This might presented. This should include the following: 2007 for the appropriate output area in which include sixth form colleges, further education Unemployment the residential area affected lies. This can be colleges or universities, or any other locations found by entering postcode for the residential Information on unemployment should be taken where academic or vocational skills training area and selecting lower super output area at from the Nomis website would take place. The sites should be the following link: (http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/default.asp ) and identified and an estimate of the scale of the utilise the latest available JSA Claimant Count http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dis benefit arising given. figures for the appropriate wards affected by semination/
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Levels of Deprivation Information on the level of deprivation should be provided using the rank assigned to relevant Lower Super Output Areas using the 2007 Index of Multiple Deprivation. This information can be found at the following link on the neighbourhood statistics website by entering the postcodes(s) for the residential area(s) under study: http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dis semination/ Information should also be provided on the existing level of accessibility to opportunities based on car and public transport journey times, and the likely level of improvement that the major scheme would provide. Accessibility mapping may be a useful way of illustrating this improvement. Alternatively journey time savings or increase in service frequencies could also be used. Scheme promoters are asked to make clear the relevance of the transport improvement to the communities, neighbourhoods and localities affected, for example, an improvement in highway accessibility to/from an area with low car ownership maybe of less value than an equivalent public transport improvement.
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8 Criterion 7 - Will the scheme contribute to an improvement in the overall quality of journeys, particularly those providing links to employment and health or education opportunities?
The scheme promoter should identify integration within or between modes more improvements in the quality of journeys. This efficient or more comfortable? might relate to the condition of interchanges, For all modes, will the scheme deliver issues around journey time reliability, the improved information systems? quality of vehicles being used for a service or Scheme promoters should state if the information systems provided to users. The scheme is likely to have an impact on evidence for this might be presented as personal security issues in the area follows: surrounding it. This assessment could be For road schemes an assessment of the presented as a simple positive, neutral or effect on journey time reliability should be negative. Examples of improvements to presented. For example, will the scheme personal security might relate to make journey times more consistent improvements to lighting or provision of across the whole day, or reduce the CCTV cameras. instance of occasional variations in delay caused by congestion? Equally if substantial development is forecast around Clearly not all schemes will be able to address the scheme, will the major scheme prevent all of the issues set out above. Promoters a further deterioration in reliability? should provide as much detail as possible about the extent of any improvements in For public transport schemes, will journey journey quality that the scheme will bring. reliability be improved (for example through bus priority measures) or delays reduced (for example replacement of obsolete and unreliable equipment or improvement in capacity allowing a more robust service plan)? Will the quality of interchanges be improved to make
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9 Criterion 8 - Will the scheme contribute to an overall improvement in the local environment including improving local air quality or reducing the noise impact of transport corridors?
The scheme promoter should establish if the very localised then the effect is likely to be The estimated effect will in most cases be scheme is likely to have an effect on any localised, where as a route based scheme may highly localised, although it should be noted existing local environmental issues. Scheme have an impact at a number of locations. The that a scheme that involves rerouting traffic promoters should consider if the scheme is assessment should also highlight Noise Action may have an effect on an AQMA through the going to have both positive and negative Plan Priority Locations affected by the scheme. abstraction of traffic from the AQMA area. effects on local environmental issues. Other sites of concern relating to air quality, Air Quality but which are not classified as an AQMA may The issues to be considered under this An estimate of the effect (positive or negative) also be assessed within this process. criterion are: on any Air Quality Management Areas (AQMA) Areas of Environmental or Cultural Noise should be presented. Significance Air Quality The following are identified AQMAs within the Scheme promoters should provide description sub area: Areas of environmental or cultural of the significance of the site and magnitude of significance Blyth Town Centre (recommended to be positive or negative impact anticipated from undeclared) the scheme. The extent to which the identified significance will be either compromised or Whilst some of these issues could be Blue House Roundabout (Newcastle) enhanced should be made clear, including the assessed in a quantitative manner it is Jesmond Road (Newcastle) mitigating effects of any amelioration accepted at this point that a more qualitative Newcastle City Centre incorporated formally into the proposals or approach may be appropriate. The following Gateshead town centre and Dryden allowed for as standard good practice. approach is recommended for each of the Road/Durham Road junction (Gateshead) issues: Areas of environmental significance may Boldon Lane (South Tyneside) include: Noise Leam Lane (South Tyneside) An assessment should be provided of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty Newcastle Quayside estimated number of dwellings likely to be National Parks Durham city incorporating Highgate, affected by changes in noise levels. This is Heritage Coast likely to be based around the size and extent Milburngate and Gilesgate areas Ramsar sites of the scheme. For example, if a scheme is Special Areas of Conservation
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Sites of Special Scientific Interest
Areas of cultural significance may include:
World Heritage Sites Listed Buildings and conservation areas Scheduled Ancient Monuments
Guidance on the magnitude of the impact particularly on culturally significant sites can be found in Table 1 of the following WebTAG units:
Townscape http://www.dft.gov.uk/webtag/documen ts/expert/unit3.3.8.php
Heritage of Historic Resources http://www.dft.gov.uk/webtag/documen ts/expert/unit3.3.9.php
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10 Criterion 9 - Will the scheme contribute to an overall reduction in carbon emissions relative to the existing situation?
Scheme promoters should provide evidence as It is not necessary to consider the impact of to the overall effect of the scheme on carbon embedded carbon from construction within this emissions. This should include an assessment prioritisation process, unless this is considered of the net change in emissions, for example if to be a significant issue. Equally if a scheme the operation of a public transport scheme is only likely to have a very insignificant impact contributes to emissions through operation of on embedded carbon this should be stated. It vehicles this may be offset by a reduction in has been assumed within this guidance that emissions from cars. Clearly at this point the the majority of schemes, by their nature, will assessment need not be fully worked up; have a similar impact in terms of embedded however it should be possible to provide an carbon impact on a pound for pound basis. indication of the likely effect on carbon This criterion does not include consideration of emissions based on the scheme objectives how the scheme may support the low carbon and background information known about the economy or renewable sector. The impact of area the scheme will affect. that is considered within earlier criteria. This In considering the likely impact on carbon criterion is concerned with the direct reduction emissions scheme promoters should consider in emissions from transport moving towards a the impact of the scheme in terms of the low carbon transport system within the area. following areas:
The shift to lower carbon transport modes; Changes in average speed; and The shift to new technologies and cleaner fuels. Scheme promoters are encouraged to quantify the likely level of impact through the use of a suitable comparator scheme.
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11 Criterion 10 - Will the scheme provide the opportunity to improve health, reduce levels of obesi ty among the population or improve road safety within the area?
It is recognised that the impact of transport on based-estimates-of-healthy-lifestyles- of their activities. In some cases, this could health has two elements: behaviours-at-la-level-2003-05 lead to a change in the location of centres of activity or to a permanent loss of access Beneficial to health; and Severance to certain facilities for a particular Detrimental to health. The scheme may also address issues of community. Those who do make journeys severance which would contribute to Improve health and reduce the levels of on foot will experience considerable obesity among the population improvements in health and a reduction in road hindrance. safety issues. Scheme promoters should give The scheme promoter should provide evidence The following steps are required to enable the consideration to issues of severance as it that a scheme will provide some contribution to assessment of the impact of projects on affects those using non-motorised modes improvements in health. This could be through severance: especially pedestrians. the encouragement of mode shift to active estimate the level of severance for the do- Severance may be classified according to the travel modes either directly, for example minimum case; through the provision infrastructure for cyclists following four broad levels. estimate the level of severance for the do- and pedestrians; or indirectly, for example None - Little or no hindrance to pedestrian something; through the development of public transport movement. services which would involve use of active by comparison of the level of severance Slight - All people wishing to make travel to access the service. for the do-minimum and do something pedestrian movements will be able to do cases, estimate the change in severance Evidence for this criterion should include so, but there will probably be some (reductions and increases); and information on levels of obesity or poor health hindrance to movement. estimate the numbers of people likely to be in the area that the scheme will affect. The link Moderate - Some people, particularly affected by changes in severance. below provides information on obesity levels children and old people, are likely to be by local authority and may be appropriate if dissuaded from making journeys on foot. more localised information is not available: For others, pedestrian journeys will be http://www.ic.nhs.uk/statistics-and-data- longer or less attractive. collections/population-and- Severe - People are likely to be deterred geography/neighbourhood- from making pedestrian journeys to an statistics/neighbourhood-statistics:-model- extent sufficient to induce a reorganisation
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Improve Road Safety Assessment of change in severance The scheme promoter should provide evidence where a scheme will provide some contribution
to improvements in road safety issues.
Evidence for this criterion should include information the local authority holds on accident clusters in the area the scheme effects. In terms of accident information, this could focus on number of people Killed and Seriously Injured in accidents (KSIs), and the number of such accidents taking place, or where appropriate issues relating specifically to pedestrians or children. Source: Scheme promoters should provide an http://www.dft.gov.uk/webtag/documents/archi ve/1104/unit3.6.2.pdf indication of the likely scale of reduction in road accidents and casualties if available.
The assessment of severance may also refer to the provision of Disability Discrimination Act compliant facilities on a public transport system.
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12 Value for Money
As part of the prioritisation process it will be Best and Final Funding Bid (BAFFB) process When comparing a proposed scheme with the necessary to provide an estimate of the Value in Autumn 2011. These were the most recent fully worked up schemes there are a number of for Money (VfM) that the scheme is likely to schemes to pass through the Major Scheme issues to consider: provide. Clearly at this stage in the scheme Process and between them provide a good 1. The objective that the comparator development process not all schemes will have mixture of the types of schemes that are likely scheme sets out to address – are these a fully worked up business case that will to be put forward as part of this prioritisation comparable with the scheme being promoted? include all aspects of the Benefit Cost Ratio process. (BCR). This note sets out some guidance on 2. Assessments of VfM should give Scheme promoters can find a list of schemes how VfM might be assessed in this instance. consideration to both the size of the benefits and information about the schemes at the and the cost of the scheme. For schemes that have not yet been fully following link: assessed the most appropriate approach 3. What is the nature of the comparator http://assets.dft.gov.uk/publications/interopera would be to examine the evidence from other scheme, for example, for road schemes is it a bility/final-funding-bids.pdf . previous schemes. Indeed the DfT’s Early link length scheme or a junction scheme? Other guidance could also be included where it Assessment and Sifting Tool (EAST) Guidance 4. Are the cost characteristics is felt, for example, that the schemes in the notes that “In many cases, only high level comparable; does either the scheme or the BAFFB are not representative of the scheme information will be available at the early stage comparator have very high or low costs for a being entered into the prioritisation process. of assessing options: respondents are particular reason, which would in turn impact This may particularly apply to public transport expected to form a view based on the best on VfM? evidence available.” schemes or package measures where the number of potential comparators is limited. 5. Are there any ongoing operating costs While there are various attributes that will Existing feasibility studies might also be used, associated with the scheme and the count towards VfM, which are summarised in although this would be subject to the inclusion comparator and what is the likely impact on the Appraisal Summary Table (AST), the main of any caveats that surround them, and it may VfM? Operating costs will be discounted over focus of VfM for the prioritisation process also be appropriate to cite comparators where the life of the scheme in the same way that relates to the estimation of the BCR. possible. ongoing benefits would be. Evidence could be taken from previous major 6. Can it be shown that the nature of any scheme business cases, the most appropriate journey time benefits of the comparator would being those that were funded as part of the be similar to the scheme being promoted, for
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example would journey time benefits tend to Medium value for money (BCR 1.5-2.0) be in the 0-2 minutes per vehicle category or High value for money (BCR 2.0 and 2-5 minute category? above) 7. Does the comparator scheme have a A factor to consider when examining the similar mix of business; commuter and other evidence for schemes is the diversity of BCRs users as the values held by these groups are that exist, based on different scheme distinct and strongly influence the BCR? categories. For example road schemes and maintenance schemes tend to have larger 8. Have other quantifiable benefits (such BCRs while public transport or package as carbon emissions) formed a substantial part schemes tend to have lower BCRs.This is an of the comparator schemes benefits, and is artefact of the appraisal system and does not this appropriate to the scheme being mean that BCRs are unrealistic. promoted? Scheme promoters should provide a narrative Local Contribution to justify their choice of comparator(s) and to A further issue when considering VfM is the explain why the conclusions they have drawn need to consider the scale of any local are valid. It is important that the sources of contribution made as this influences the scale benefits for both the scheme being assessed of VfM to the Local Transport Body rather than and the comparator scheme are presented, for the BCR to the scheme promoter. Examination example to ensure that the types of journey of the results for previous schemes show that time saving produced are comparable. This is this has been an important aspect within the important to ensure that the comparator decision making process in the past. This is scheme used is appropriate for comparison also of importance to the LTB in terms of being against the scheme being assessed. able to maximise the overall value to the LTB area of the funding available. It maybe that it is appropriate to compare the scheme being promoted with more than one comparator scheme if the mixture of characteristics does not lend itself to comparison with a single scheme. BCRs should be presented as being in one of the following categories:
Low value for money (BCR 1.0-1.5)
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13 Deliverability
Risk to Cost Please highlight what % of the total cost is risk What is the funding gap between the latest allowance. outturn cost and the cost to the LTB? What is the latest estimated cost of the Please provide total and breakdown by scheme? Please specify what price base the original forecast future year. The cost should include construction costs, cost was developed in and what inflation land and property, compensation, preparation assumptions have been made to the present Local Authority contribution and administration and on site supervision and day and for the forecasting of future years. What is the potential for Local Authority testing see WebTAG Unit 3.5.9 (August contributions? 2012) para 2.2.1 – 2.2.3 and table 1 for more Guidance on Inflation assumptions is Please provide total and breakdown by detail. detailed in WebTAG Unit 3.5.9 (August forecast future year. 2012) para 2.1.2 – 2.1.6. When were the costs of the scheme last Developer contributions (Third party updated? Guidance on outturn cost calculation is contributions) provided in WebTAG unit 3.9.2 para 6.3.9 What is the potential for developer Have costs been independently checked? and table 1. contributions?
Scheme costs should include an adjustment Please provide the total outturn cost and a Please provide total and breakdown by for risk. breakdown of the outturn cost by forecast forecast future year. future years. Other funding bids and budgets DfT require a Quantified Risk Assessment What is the potential for funding from other (QRA) for projects with a cost greater than What is the level of funding you are £5m. For schemes under £5m a QRA is requesting from the LTB? funding pots and budgets? encouraged alternatively there may be scope Please specify bid or budget details? for using generalised risk allowances for each Please provide total and breakdown by forecast future year. Please provide total and breakdown by cost element. For detailed guidance on risk forecast future year. see WebTAG Unit 3.5.9 (August 2012) para 3.2.3 – 3.4.1. Operating costs
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What are the likely operating costs of the How will identified risks be actively managed? Are there planning implications? Please scheme? provide details. Provide a risk rating of 1 (low risk) to 5 (high This should include all running costs to keep risk). Supporting evidence should be Is all the land within scheme promoter the scheme in operation. provided where possible and this might ownership? This should include subsidy costs. include examples of what similar schemes have cost in the past, how these costs have Quality of supporting evidence for the Level of design differed from original estimates or scheme What work to date has been undertaken on the extrapolations drawn from pilot schemes. scheme design? Provide detail of what level of work has been undertaken on the scheme for example Options testing; Risk to Programme feasibility study or full Business Case. Preliminary design/outline design; or Programme/ Implementation timetable If it is based on evidence from where similar Detailed design. Provide a plan with key milestones and options have been implemented, how Please provide latest design drawings. progress including critical path. transferable are the impacts likely to be? Funding compliance What is the estimated start and completion How well developed is the supporting evidence Is funding compliant with ‘Managing Public date of the scheme? Money’ and other central government at this stage (model availability/validated)? guidance? Practical Has the option been tested and proven to be GRIP Stage Affordability practical and effective? Provide details of GRIP stage if appropriate. Is the option affordable in the context of the Technology available budget and relevant spending review Resource availability/governance, period(s)? If technology is involved is this proven, organisational structure and roles prototype or still in development? What risks have been identified with regard Has a governance structure for the scheme to this option? Legal powers - How certain are you of the management been established? All projects are expected to have a risk legal feasibility of the option? Summarise the overall approach for project management plan proportionate to their scale. Have the required statutory powers been management at this stage of the project. granted? Describe the key roles, lines of accountability How probable are the risks? Include and how they are resourced. examples of problems and risks If no what additional statutory powers are experienced in similar schemes. required?
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Risk to Acceptability What is the investment appraisal cost of the Is there a programme for measuring/evaluating scheme? (WebTAG Unit 3.9.2 para 6.3.10 desired outcomes and wider impacts? Stakeholders and Public Acceptability and table 2) Is there a clear logic model for how outcomes Who are the relevant stakeholders? The price base year should be the will be achieved?
What consultation has taken place with Department’s standard base year of 2010 relevant stakeholders? (WebTAG Unit 3.5.4 August 2012, Para 4.1.6.) Provide an assessment of whether there are It is important that scheme costs are as likely to be any issues around stakeholder robust as possible and include a proper acceptability. allowance for risk and optimism bias is Letters of support may be useful crucial. What level of optimism bias has been Provide an assessment of whether there are included? likely to be any issues around public Detailed guidance on the application of acceptability. optimism bias can be found in WebTAG Has any public consultation taken place? Unit 3.5.9 (August 2012) para 3.6.1 to 3.7.11. At this stage it is anticipated that the What public consultation is likely to be majority of schemes will be in Stage 1 and required? the relevant level of optimism bias should Statutory Consultees (HA, Env Agency, be applied based on the type of project Natural England) (Road, Rail, IT project) for further guidance What consultation has taken place with see table 9 of WebTAG Unit 3.5.9. Statutory Consultees? If you have not yet calculated the BCR , is Letters of support may be useful there evidence of the BCR and/or value for Value for money money of similar options that may be relevant, explaining why similar results might be Have you calculated the BCR (benefit cost expected? (see Chapter 12) ratio)? If you have calculated the BCR: Evaluation What is it? Summarise outline arrangements for Provide the following information relating to the monitoring and evaluating the intervention. appraisal investment cost:
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Contents Amendments Record This document has been issued and amended as follows:
Status/Revision Revision description Issue Number Approved By Date Draft Initial draft 1 MJR 11/12/2012 Draft All methodology elements 2 MJR 14/12/2012
NEA6094 Local Major Schemes Devolution Process 29 ANNEX D
North East Major Schemes Prioritisation Pro forma This pro forma should be used to provide evidence in support of specific proposals in relation to the prioritisation of major schemes in the North East LEP area. The pro forma allows for the provision of evidence covering the policy, value for money and deliverability criteria, as well as an opportunity to describe the scheme and its context.
Scheme promoters are asked to provide evidence in support of their scheme, including a narrative, and any quantitative and qualitative evidence that demonstrates:
• how the scheme delivers or contributes to the achievement of the North East’s policy objectives; • how the scheme represents value for money; and, • the deliverability of the scheme.
Guidance on the evidence required to complete the pro forma is provided in the document Guidance on Evidence Requirements and the pro forma should be read and completed with reference to that guidance.
In addition to the space provided for the presentation of the full evidence on the contribution any scheme makes to each of the policy criteria, the pro forma includes a number of summary boxes at the end of each criterion. These summary boxes are intended to highlight the key contributions that the proposal makes to delivering policy outcomes in the North East. An assessment will be made based on the full evidence submitted including any narrative, not solely on the information in the summary boxes.
These boxes should however assist promoters in providing appropriate quantitative data and will assist the independent assessment team in undertaking the scheme assessment. Scheme promoters should therefore complete these summaries where possible in addition to providing the appropriate evidence under each criterion. It is not necessary to complete all the policy sections and boxes, just the ones where evidence is available that is relevant to the scheme under assessment and the criterion in question. Evidence must be presented on value for money and deliverability.
Please use this pro forma to highlight the significance of any designations or sites included within the evidence, including reference to where designations feature in national, sub regional or local policy.
Graphs, tables, hyperlinks and maps should be included if appropriate.
Please use more than one page per criterion if required.
Scheme Background and Description:
Scheme name
Scheme Description: This section should clearly state the scope of the scheme and describe all of its key components. Scheme promoters should also set out the rationale for the scheme including the primary objectives of the scheme. Scheme promoters should provide a location plan of the scheme.
Policy Criteria: For each policy criterion set out below promoters should provide an appropriate description of how the scheme will address the criterion, based on the guidance provided separately, and where possible address the specific evidence requirement for each criterion.
Criterion 1: Will the scheme contribute to the creation of new jobs and retention of existing jobs in the North East LEP area?
Category Site name or reference No. of Jobs Scheme will Support Local Plan
Other Designated Site (s)
Locally Significant Employers Employer name Evidence of significance No. of Benefit of Scheme Employees
Criterion 2: Will the scheme support the North East LEP area gateways?
Gateway(s) affected by scheme: Amount/proportion of gateway trips impacted by improvement Amount/proportion of freight impacted by improvement (tonnage and value) Time savings for gateway trips or freight
Criterion 3: Will the scheme encourage the development or retention of skilled jobs (NVQ level 4 and above) and support sites that deliver the training for such skills?
Name of employment sites or Nature and level of training Benefit of the scheme training centre provided
Criterion 4: Will the scheme provide sustainable access solutions to existing and growing development corridors, centres and sectors, or support housing growth?
Sectors/Business Evidence of significance Benefit of the scheme Corridors/Key Centres
Criterion 5: Will the scheme ensure capacity and speed of transport links to and within the North East LEP area are maintained and enhanced in order to increase the attractiveness of the North East LEP area as a place to do business, boosting inward investment and improving competitiveness of indigenous firms? Provide evidence on the nature of the existing issues on the transport network in question. Quantify the issues where possible. Identify where the transport network in question has national or local significance, and identify any specific designations of the networks affected. Outline how the scheme will address any issues.
Criterion 6: Will the scheme deliver improved accessibility from residential areas to areas that have employment, education or other opportunities?
Residential area name Unemployment Rate Skills levels IMD (2007) Health Ranking IMD (2007) Overall Ranking Description of access to opportunity (employment/education/other opportunity) Benefit of the scheme
Criterion 7: Will the scheme contribute to an improvement in the overall quality of journeys, particularly those providing links to employment and health or education opportunities?
Criterion 8: Will the scheme contribute to an overall improvement in the local environment including improving local air quality or reducing the noise impact of transport corridors?
Noise – nature and quantification of change or impact No. Dwellings affected by noise: Air quality – nature and quantification of change or impact AQMAs or sites of concern affected: Environmental or cultural significance – nature of change or impact Area of environmental or cultural significance (name and designation) Magnitude of impact on area of environmental and cultural significance
Criterion 9: Will the scheme contribute to an overall reduction in carbon emissions relative to the existing situation? If a comparator scheme is being used provide details within the narrative.
Promoted Scheme Comparator Scheme: (name) Potential mode shift Potential change in average speed
Criterion 10: Will the scheme provide the opportunity to improve health, reduce levels of obesity among the population or improve road safety within the area?
Active travel Potential mode shift IMD health ranking or obesity levels Severance Location of severance Level of severance now Estimated level of severance post scheme implementation Number of people affected by severance Road safety Location of accident cluster Number of KSIs Potential reduction in KSIs
Value for Money Criteria
Using the value for money section of the Guidance on Evidence , scheme promoters should present below an estimate of the Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of the scheme being promoted. This should include a narrative giving a description of how the estimated BCR has been calculated or derived and why it is judged to be appropriate. Information should be provided on the nature of any comparator scheme used or alternatively any other case study information used. Any information used to inform the estimation of BCR should be referenced, or if the information is not available online, it should be appended with the submission of this pro forma.
Value for Money Assessment:
Promoted scheme Comparator scheme Scheme Name BCR Brief scheme overview Objectives of the scheme Scheme cost Monetised benefits Non monetised benefits Operating costs Profile of journey time savings Less than – 5 minutes -5 to -2 minutes -2 to 0 minutes 0 to 2 minutes 2 to 5 minutes Greater than 5 minutes Split between: Business users and transport providers Commuting and other users Local Contribution
Deliverability Criteria Using the guidance scheme promoters should complete the tables below to provide evidence on deliverability.
Costs What is the latest estimated cost of the scheme?
Please provide the total outturn cost and a breakdown of the outturn cost by forecast future years. 2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 Total
When were the costs of the scheme last updated? Have costs been independently checked? Have scheme costs included an adjustment for risk? What price base was the original cost was developed in? What inflation assumptions have been made to the present day and for the forecasting of future years?
What is the level of funding you are requesting from the LTB?
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 Total
What is the funding gap between the latest outturn cost and the cost to the LTB?
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 Total
What is the potential for Local Authority contributions?
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 Total
What is the potential for developer contributions?
Provide a brief narrative on the source of these contributions.
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 Total
What is the potential for funding from other funding pots and budgets?
Please specify bid or budget details.
2015/16 2016/17 2017/18 2018/19 Total
Operating costs What are the likely operating costs of the scheme?
Level of design Include a narrative on what work to date has been undertaken on the scheme design
Please tick as appropriate Options testing Preliminary/outline design Detailed design
Funding compliance
What risks have been identified with regard to this option?
Risk Risk rating How will this risk be managed or 1 (low risk) to mitigated? 5 (high risk)
Programme/Implementation timetable Provide a plan with key milestones and progress including critical path .
Milestone Expected completion date
Practical
Technology
Legal powers How certain are you of the legal feasibility of the option? Include a narrative on the legal feasibility of the option including any issues around statutory powers, planning permissions and land ownership
Have the required statutory powers been granted? Yes/No Are there planning implications? Yes/No Is all the land within scheme promoter ownership? Yes/No
Quality of supporting evidence for the scheme
GRIP Stage (if appropriate)
Resource availability/governance, organisational structure and roles Summarise the overall approach for project management at this stage of the project. Describe the key roles, lines of accountability and how they are resourced.
Stakeholders and Public Acceptability Include a narrative on public and stakeholder acceptability including discussion of any consultation that has taken place to date, issues around stakeholder acceptability, issues around public acceptability and what further public consultation is likely to be required.
Statutory Consultees (HA, Env Agency, Natural England) Include a narrative on specific engagement or discussions with statutory consultees, identifying any issues noted around acceptability and what further consultation is likely to be required with the statutory consultees.
Value for money
BCR
Evaluation Summarise outline arrangements for monitoring and evaluating the intervention
6 REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Tender for the Supply of Goods and Services
REPORT OF: Mike Barker, Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services
Purpose of the Report
1. The purpose of this report is to ask Cabinet to consider the tenders received for the Provision of Security Services to establishments and Temporary Vacant Property Protection across the borough.
Background
2. The background to this contract is contained in the attached appendix.
Proposal
3. Cabinet is asked to agree the recommendations below.
Recommendations
4. It is recommended that tenders received from the companies for each of the lots listed below, for a period of 24 months with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods be accepted:
(i) Lot 1 Manned Guarding, Reay Security Ltd, Blyth, Northumberland (ii) Lot 2 Vacant Property Solutions, Sitex Orbis, Seaham, County Durham
For the following reason:
A comprehensive evaluation of the twelve tenders received has been undertaken. The recommended tenders are the most economically advantageous tenders submitted.
CONTACT: Andrea Tickner extension: 5995
1 of 3
APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. The contract has been organised in accordance with the Council’s Central Purchasing Policy.
Background
2. The contract for The Provision of a Temporary Security Service is being arranged on behalf of Facilities Management, Local Environmental Services and Property and Design Services, Development and Enterprise. The contract is for a period of 24 months with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods. The estimated annual value of the contract is £385,000. This contract includes all Manned Guarding and Vacant Property Protection at various sites throughout the borough. As part of the consolidation of procurement and implementation of a category management approach the Council’s corporate requirements have been aggregated into one contract.
Tenders were received from the following companies listed in alphabetical order: Arca Securities, Middlesbrough Churchill Security Solutions, Hertfordshire On Watch, East Sussex Pheonix Eye, Killingworth Prudential Guard Services, Gateshead Quinn Walker, Hartlepool Reay Security Ltd, Blyth Safe Guard Security Ltd, Consett SGS Ltd, Warwickshire Sitex Orbis, Seaham Solary Limited, London The Protector Group, Gateshead Tyne Tees, South Sheilds VPS, Hertfordshire
A comprehensive evaluation of the tenders received has been undertaken against the following criteria: Insurance, Health and Safety, Equalities and Diversity, Technical Capability, Methodology, Contract & Performance Monitoring and Overall Cost.
Consultation
3. There has been no external consultation.
Alternative Options
4. Due to the value of this contract, it is a legal requirement that competitive tenders are invited in accordance with the EU Public Procurement Directives; therefore there are no alternative options.
2 of 3
Implications of Recommended Option
5. Resources:
a) Financial Implications – The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT, confirms that funding for this contract will be met from existing resources. As a result of the tender exercise a procurement saving has been achieved of £9,595per annum . Overall this has created a saving of £38,380 over the four year contract period. Additional savings may also be achieved from a reduced hourly rate for any additional adhoc work required.
b) Human Resources Implications – None
c) Property Implications - This contract will ensure that any vacant properties are secured and protected using the most appropriate and cost effective solution.
6. Risk Management Implication - None
7. Equality and Diversity Implications - None
8. Crime and Disorder Implications – This contract supports the East Gateshead Business Watch Scheme which is a multi agency security initiative supported by Gateshead Council, Northumbria Police, the North East Chamber of Commerce as well as the local business community.
9. Health Implications – None
10. Sustainability Implications - This will be a fully managed corporate contract with a single supplier for each lot which will reduce administration and management costs. As part of the category management work the mobile patrols have been consolidated which will reduce transport cost associated with delivery of the service and in turn also reduce CO2 emissions. The Vacant Property Solutions lot will create a closer working relationship between Gateshead Council and the provider which will lead to innovative solutions being adopted and creating more sustainable ways of working.
11. Human Rights Implications - None
12. Area and Ward Implications - None
Background Information
13. The information that has been relied on in preparation of the report includes:
Tenders received from suppliers Spend analysis data
3 of 3
REPORT TO CABINET 7 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Capital Programme 2013/14 to 2015/16
REPORT OF: Darren Collins, Strategic Director, Finance & ICT
Purpose of the Report
1. Cabinet is asked to recommend that Council approve the proposed capital programme for the next three years to provide significant levels of strategic investment to deliver Council priorities.
Background
2. In line with good practice, the Council has previously agreed three year rolling capital programmes with an annual review. This approach allows greater forward planning in developing and reviewing the Council’s capital programme. The proposed capital programme therefore builds on existing commitments.
3. The Council’s existing Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), approved by Council on 24th November 2011 and refreshed in January 2013, maintained a provision to fund sufficient prudential borrowing to support the proposed capital programme. Prudential borrowing remains the only available source of funding for a number of schemes as the opportunity to secure external funding or generate capital receipts continues to be limited.
4. Local authorities are free to invest in General Fund capital schemes so long as their capital spending plans are affordable, prudent, and sustainable. There is therefore an increasingly important link with the revenue budget, especially in the light of the significant reductions in available capital and revenue resources. Continuing to support significant levels of capital investment is dependent upon the achievement of the proposed revenue savings.
5. On 25th January 2013 Council approved the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) for 2013/14 and a proposed five year capital programme. As part of self financing, the housing capital programme must be supported from the resources available within the HRA. The position will continue to be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the proposed level of capital investment can be supported. Investment within the housing capital programme remains a significant part of the Council’s wider capital investment plans.
Proposal
6. The 2013/14 programme totals £71m, with £51m being funded from the General Fund and this is proposed to be recommended to Council for approval. Over the three years to 2015/16, the level of investment is forecasted to be £195m at this stage, £143m of which is funded from the General Fund. Despite the current pressure on resources this represents a significant level of strategic investment in the Council’s assets to deliver Vision 2030.
1
7. The programme includes projects that are key to delivering Vision 2030 and comprises: • Projects that are considered to be essential from a health and safety or statutory perspective to maintain delivery of key services; • Projects where the Council has made a previous commitment to fund and the planned investment remains to be a high priority; • Projects that attract significant amounts of external funding; • Projects that enable wider regeneration and generate economic growth; and • Projects that are essential to deliver revenue savings and facilitate changes to the way that the Council delivers its key services.
8. The Council, through the prudential framework, has greater flexibility to borrow to fund capital expenditure but in practice this is limited by pressures on the revenue budget and the ability to generate budget savings. The projected level of General Fund prudential borrowing required in 2013/14 amounts to £30m and the associated interest costs have been included in the revenue budget elsewhere on the agenda.
9. The capital programme provides a framework for strategic investment and detailed business cases are required for a number of key schemes prior to the commencement of projects. This will ensure that the investments will contribute towards the achievement of budget savings and will not add additional pressure on the revenue budget.
10. There may be opportunities to include additional schemes in the capital programme should a business case demonstrate that capital investment will achieve savings to at least meet the associated borrowing costs to satisfy the prudential framework, or in the event that additional external resources become available to support capital investment.
11. The proposed capital programme includes all commitments and schemes identified as high priority. The proposed capital programme is included in Appendix 2 and the proposed financing is set out in Appendix 3.
Recommendations
12. Cabinet is asked to recommend that Council:
(i) Approve the capital programme for 2013/14, and the provisional programmes for 2014/15 and 2015/16, as set out in Appendix 2, subject to external funding approvals being received.
(ii) Delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT to enter into prudential borrowing which is consistent with the requirements of the capital programme and the Council’s Treasury Management Strategy.
for the following reasons:
(i) To provide significant strategic investment to deliver Council priorities.
(ii) To realise the Council’s policies and objectives in relation to maximising resources available within its capital programme.
CONTACT: David Mason extension 3686
2 APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. All Council capital expenditure is consistent with delivery of Vision 2030. The approach, agreed by Cabinet, ensures schemes that make up the capital programme can demonstrate delivery of Vision 2030.
Background
2. Details of potential future capital schemes for the 2013/14 to 2015/16 capital programme were collated as part of the Council’s corporate business planning process and considered alongside the schemes from the existing three-year capital programme. The capital and revenue implications of each proposed scheme were considered to ensure that they were affordable and could be accommodated within the level of revenue support available within the MTFS and HRA.
3. The basic principle of the prudential system is that local authorities are free to borrow so long as their capital spending plans are affordable, prudent and sustainable. There is, therefore, a clear link with the revenue budget which has been considered as part of the MTFS process and setting the 2013/14 revenue budget.
4. The self financing implications have been considered as part of setting the HRA capital programme, and have been addressed as part of the process to set the HRA for 2013/14. The five year capital programme was updated to cover the period 2013/14 to 2017/18 and was approved by Council on 24th January 2013.
Capital Programme 2013/14 to 2015/16 Scheme Selection
5. The basis for considering the programme for 2013/14 was the current system for prioritising capital investment that gives priority to schemes which:
• are consistent with the corporate priorities to deliver Vision 2030; • allow spending in accordance with allocations and specific resources; • are essential from a health and safety perspective; • meet mandatory and/or statutory requirements, including those set out in the Equality Act (2010); • relate to commitments from previous years which remain to be high priority; • address strategic maintenance needs of existing assets from the Asset Management Plan; • assist the maintenance of existing service provision; • maximise the availability of external funding for priority issues to enhance value for money; and • achieve efficiencies to assist the Council in meeting the required budget savings.
6. A number of schemes have been identified where the delivery is considered to be essential to ensure the sustainability of key services. These have been included within the proposed capital programme and include the following schemes:
• Aids and Adaptations; • Delivery of the Council’s Technology Plan; • Disabled Facilities Grants; and • Health and Safety schemes.
3 7. A number of schemes which have been approved in previous capital programmes have ongoing commitments in the period from 2013/14 to 2015/16. All of these commitments have been reviewed in setting the capital programme to ensure they are still required in line with the Council’s priorities and remain to be high priority.
8. The commitments include continued investment in the following key areas:
• Generating economic growth, particularly within the Accelerated Development Zone area; • Blaydon Town Centre redevelopment; • Maintaining decent homes; • Housing Regeneration and the Joint Venture Vehicle; • Strategic Maintenance; • Carbon Management and Sustainability including Street Lighting improvements and the development of the Gateshead Town Centre Energy Network; • Waste Management infrastructure; • Development of the City Boulevard.
9. The value of potential capital projects identified significantly exceeded the affordability of the programme. This meant that potential new schemes had to be prioritised during the evaluation process.
10. All commitments identified as being high priority and a limited number of new schemes, which have been evaluated as highest priority, have been included in the proposed capital programme in Appendix 2.
11 The proposed capital programme allows for investment of £71m in 2013/14 and £195m over the 3 year programme.
Capital Resources Available
12. The government’s spending review outlined significant reductions to local government funding over the four year period to 2014/15 which have had significant implications on the resources available to support capital expenditure.
13. Capital grant settlement allocations have been confirmed relating to Local Transport funding for the next two years (£4.456m in 2013/14 and £4.604m in 2014/15) however the Council is still awaiting confirmation of the Schools Capital funding for 2013/14, estimated to be in the region of £3.750m. The programme of planned capital investment in Schools will be prioritised to ensure that it can be accommodated from within the available external grant upon receipt of the funding confirmation.
14. The Council continues to maximise the use of external funding where possible and a number of capital grants have been included within the capital programme. These include Arts Council funding to support the development of the Conference Centre, Heritage Lottery funding to help regenerate Coatsworth Road, and Energy Company Obligation (ECO) grants to support investment on a number of energy related projects which seek to address fuel poverty and reduce energy consumption, including the Home Energy Conservation Fund and proposed Tower Block Energy Scheme.
4 15. The Council has the ability to fund schemes through prudential borrowing. This allows the Council more flexibility to fund capital projects, however in practice this is limited by pressures on revenue budgets and the need to generate budget savings. An allowance has been made in the revenue budget for the costs associated with the level of prudential borrowing required to support the capital programme set out in Appendix 2.
16. The development of detailed business cases to support schemes helps to ensure that the proposed capital schemes do not add to the existing funding gap. It is important to identify a guaranteed income stream or sufficient revenue savings to support the costs associated with prudential borrowing.
17. The final source of funding currently available to support the capital programme is through the use of capital receipts received from the sale of Council land and buildings. The Council has a three year rolling programme of disposals which is used to identify the level of receipts available however a degree of uncertainty remains over when the receipts can be realised and on the final amounts that will be received. The difficulty in disposing of properties for their full market value and the reduced demand for development land is likely to continue in the medium term. In order to mitigate the volatility of capital receipts, these are not included as an available capital resource until there is sufficient certainty that the receipt will definitely be received.
18. A number of schemes have been identified that form part of the creation of a joint Accelerated Development Zone with Newcastle, which could provide an alternative approach towards funding the delivery of high priority capital schemes on Gateshead Quays and Baltic Business Quarter in the future. Investment in this area can be supported from the retention of business rates arising as a result of the generation of economic growth. Work is ongoing to develop schemes to ensure that the Council can maximise the revenue income stream resulting from the planned level of capital investment.
Proposed Capital Programme 2013/14 – 2015/16
19. In addition to supporting the essential schemes and existing commitments, the addition of the following key schemes are proposed:
• Gateshead Tower Block Energy Scheme The detailed business case and financial model is currently being developed but suggests that the development of the proposed Tower Block Energy scheme should provide the Council with sufficient resources to fund the required costs of borrowing and may also help to provide an income stream to support further capital investment in the future. The project would help to improve the long term viability and sustainability of the Council’s Tower Blocks and is also expected to access significant ECO grant funding, which could fund up to 70% of the initial investment.
• Schemes Linked to Revenue Savings A number of capital projects have been identified that are considered to be essential to maintain the delivery of key services and generate proposed revenue savings. This includes proposed investment in Wrekenton to consolidate existing Council services in one building and maintain service delivery, investment in devices to enable mobile working as part of the delivery of the Council’s Technology Plan, investment in the provision of Telecare equipment and to develop independent supported living schemes to provide a viable alternative to residential care and investment to support the creation of Neighbourhood Libraries within Community Centres and Children’s Centres following the outcomes of the Library Review. 5 • Externally Funded Schemes Council investment of £0.5m to acquire additional land will also enable the Council to bid for £2.5m of resources from the Local Pinch Point Fund to carry out strategic highway improvements to tackle congestion problems that are currently restricting economic growth. In addition, the Council continues to work with the Homes and Communities Agency to bring empty properties back into use and has received almost £0.2m of external funding for the delivery of two separate projects within Gateshead.
20. The proposed capital programme is shown in Appendix 2 and the proposed financing of programme is detailed in Appendix 3.
21. As well as additional resources becoming available through external funding opportunities, other schemes may be added to the programme throughout the year if business cases can be made to justify invest to save schemes.
22. The ability to fund any additional schemes will be considered in light of any in-year slippage and on the Council’s ability to generate additional capital receipts. The availability of additional resources will be reviewed throughout 2013/14 as part of the capital monitoring process.
Conclusion
23. There continues to be significant pressure on the resources available to support capital projects. The planned investment of £71m in 2013/14 has been set at a level which is considered to be sustainable and the impact of this has been included within the revenue budget and HRA. This level of capital programme represents a significant investment in the local economy and forms a key part of the delivery of Vision 2030.
24. The limitations on both revenue and capital resources mean that whilst the current commitments within the capital programme can be supported, there are still a number of capital projects that cannot be fully supported as part of the proposed capital programme. Work will continue to progress these schemes and source alternative funding where appropriate.
25. Additional schemes may be added to the capital programme following the completion of a detailed business case provided that they generate sufficient revenue savings to satisfy the prudential framework, or utilise available external funding, and do not add additional pressure on the revenue budget.
Consultation
26. The overall budget consultation exercise included a number of questions on priorities for capital investment. The outcome of the consultation is reflected in this report. The development of project proposals arising from this report will involve consultations with all stakeholders in due course. All portfolio holders have also been consulted.
Alternative Options
27. No alternative options were considered.
6 Implications of Recommended Option
28. Resources:
a) Financial Implications -The Strategic Director, Finance & ICT confirms that the financial implications are set out in the report and appendices.
b) Human Resources Implications - There are no human resources implications arising directly from this report.
c) Property Implications - Capital investment optimises the use of property assets to support the delivery of corporate priorities. The property implications of individual schemes will be considered and reported separately.
29. Risk Management Implication - There is a risk that resources identified to fund the proposed programme are not realised. The impact of this will be managed through the monitoring process and reported to Cabinet on a quarterly basis.
30. Equality and Diversity Implications - The framework for the Equalities Impact Assessment of the Council’s spending plans is based on legislative and policy priorities of the Council which include:
• The Equality Act 2010; • The Local Government Improvement and Development Equalities Framework; • The Council Plan.
The Equality and Diversity implications will be considered for each individual scheme within the capital programme. In addition, a total allocation of £1.75m has been incorporated into the proposed three year capital programme to carry out necessary works to ensure that the Council complies with the Equality Act 2010.
31. Crime and Disorder Implications - There are no direct crime and disorder implications arising directly from this report.
32. Health Implications - There are no health implications arising directly from this report.
33. Sustainability Implications - The capital programme will provide a framework for ensuring a sustainable financial position over the medium term. The proposed works will help to deliver high standards of environmental sustainability through the delivery of energy efficiency measures and the use of more energy efficient materials and practices in the refurbishment of existing Council buildings and the construction of new buildings. Projects will strictly follow the Council’s Sustainable Construction policy.
34. Human Rights Implications - There may be interference or disturbance to tenants and residents while works are carried out. However, such interference or disturbance will be kept to a minimum and the works will result in benefits to tenants and residents.
35. Area and Ward Implications - The proposals will have implications for all areas and wards in Gateshead.
7 36. Background Information - The following background papers have been used in preparing this report:
(i) Report for Cabinet, 22 January 2013 – Capital Programme 2011/12 – Third Quarter Review (ii) Report for Cabinet, 22 January 2013 – Housing Revenue Account and Housing Capital Programme (iii) Report for Cabinet, 22 January 2013 – Medium Term Financial Strategy
8 APPENDIX 2 - CAPITAL PROGRAMME 2013/14 TO 2015/16 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Capital Investment Brief Description (£’000) (£’000) (£’000) GENERAL FUND CAPITAL PROGRAMME Existing Commitments This investment aims to generate economic growth, which will provide an additional revenue income stream for the Council in the form of retained business ADZ - Economic Growth rates. This project includes the development of an International Conference and 4,740 22,660 11,840 Exhibition Centre as well as providing an allocation of £10m to support the development of future projects. Uses ring-fenced external funding to support investment in accordance with the Aiming High Funding Education Act. This is earmarked for the Hill Top extension as part of Priority 406 0 0 Schools Building Programme to enable a post 16 provision to be offered. Uses a ring-fenced capital receipt to re-provide the Day Centre within the Blaydon Blaydon Town Centre - Day Centre Town Centre development to continue to provide a high quality, essential service 1,000 0 0 to meet the existing demand. This provides high speed broadband to rural areas and attracts significant external Broadband Delivery 300 585 0 funding from the Government as part of the Broadband Delivery UK Project This relates to the required costs to complete the Bensham & Saltwell land Building Towards Growth in acquisition and necessary site preparations to deliver cleared sites for 1,034 0 0 Gateshead development as part of the Housing Joint Venture. This is external funding to support capital investment in the Council’s Schools to assist in raising educational standards through the transformational improvement of school buildings, in accordance with Education Asset Management Plan Capital Investment in Schools priorities and Government policies. A range of capital schemes in schools are 3,750 3,750 3,500 undertaken throughout the year, including rewires, heating system replacement and energy conservation in order to address identified condition issues in schools. Allocations have not yet been confirmed. This is a programme of projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions and energy Carbon Management - Salix consumption. All schemes generate revenue savings and must have a payback 220 220 250 period of less than 5 years. 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Capital Investment Brief Description (£’000) (£’000) (£’000) The scheme will continue to progress the development of the City Boulevard, City Boulevard which aims to remove the existing elevated highway to create a gateway into 605 400 0 Gateshead which will act as a positive stimulus for development and regeneration. This relates to a Committed Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme, now in progress, which will improve the public realm and restore architectural features Coatsworth Road Regeneration 458 620 795 along Coatsworth Road. The project is primarily externally funded by Heritage Lottery Funding. To purchase computer software for a Commissioning Database for Adult Social Commissioning Database (Adult Care to provide the necessary internal control and manage the contracts more 70 0 0 Social Care) efficiently and produce more comprehensive performance and management information. This is required to complete an existing project which has increased the capacity Delivering 21st Century Workspaces and effective use of the Civic Centre and has enabled building closures and the 100 0 0 generation of revenue savings. The scheme focuses on delivering mandatory, Disabled Facilities Grants for Disabled Facilities Grants 1,500 1,500 1,500 vulnerable groups living in private residential properties. This is a statutory obligation to ensure that access to the Council’s buildings Equality Act Works 750 500 500 comply with the Equality Act and are accessible to all. The aim of the project is to provide equity and hardship loans to owner occupiers Estate Renewal Loans to enable them to move from existing estates that are due to be demolished as 315 0 0 part of committed estate regeneration schemes. Flood Risk Management This is confirmed external funding to carry out essential flood management works. 55 0 0 This is required to replace existing equipment to maintain service provision and Gateshead Technology Innovation allows future connections to the network which would generate additional income 200 100 100 for the Council. The scheme would involve the provision of a low carbon and ultimately zero Gateshead Town Centre Energy carbon energy generation centre in the Baltic Business Quarter area together with 2,435 8,163 1,880 Network a heat pipe infrastructure network covering Gateshead town centre and adjoining areas which will provide a revenue income stream to the Council. This includes essential health and safety work as well as carrying out essential Health & Safety Programme demolitions to enable further redevelopment throughout Gateshead and ensure 2,000 1,000 1,000 the safety of employees and the public. 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Capital Investment Brief Description (£’000) (£’000) (£’000) This is a replacement for the Warmzones programme which seeks to deliver Home Energy Conservation Fund affordable warmth and carbon saving measures. Approximately 90% of the costs 2,184 0 0 are expected to be funded by external ECO grants. This comprises of sustainable transport projects relating to the development of Local Sustainable Transport Funding travel plans and initiatives to encourage people to change their mode of travel to 230 230 0 Programme work. Capital investment in improving the Borough’s transport network, including highway maintenance and improvement, better bus infrastructure, traffic management and Local Transport Plan Programme 4,868 4,821 4,250 traffic calming, speed management, road safety and improved conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. This proposal forms part of the Library service review. By relocating to community locations this will increase the potential for community involvement in the service Neighbourhood Libraries 141 0 0 and this will help to generate revenue savings. This scheme is expected to deliver three community libraries. This will deliver cycle and pedestrian improvements around Gateshead Quays and Nexus Schemes 155 155 155 Team Valley and will deliver projects in support of bus operations. Re-development of Campground This project relates to the redevelopment of Campground Household Waste Household Waste Recycling Centre Recycling Centre as part of the Waste PFI investment and will improve service 2,412 41 0 (HWRC) delivery and recycling performance. Continuation of the ongoing replacement programme for the Council's vehicle Replacement of Fleet 1,750 1,750 1,500 assets according to their expected life and operational requirements. Replacement of Horticultural Continuation of the ongoing replacement programme for the Council's horticultural 250 500 250 Equipment equipment according to its expected life and operational requirements. Saltwell Crematorium Mercury The installation of new cremators and abatement filters at Saltwell Crematorium to 53 0 0 Abatement comply with new legislation. This is an ongoing programme of planned maintenance to ensure the effective use Strategic Maintenance of the Council’s assets and prolong their useful life and help to reduce reactive 750 750 750 maintenance. Costs relate to delivering the final phase of the Street Lighting upgrade of replacing Street Lighting Phase 3 approximately 22,000 lantern replacements in residential areas, generating 2,850 2,000 0 significant energy consumption savings and reducing carbon emissions. 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Capital Investment Brief Description (£’000) (£’000) (£’000) Replacement of remaining desktop equipment, including equipment in Schools and Technology Plan - Core public PC’s, funding the refresh of desktop software and supporting the transition 1,564 600 1,105 Infrastructure Refresh towards multi-year licence arrangements. Redesign of the corporate Wide Area Network (WAN) to deliver improved Technology Plan - Connectivity performance, replacing the existing Gateshead Grid network infrastructure and 815 740 640 implement new corporate telephony solutions (Unified Communications). Ensuring the Council’s technical infrastructure is secure, robust, capable of Technology Plan - Resilience and managing the growth in demand and operates more efficiently including 249 150 150 Capacity investment in virtualising servers and refreshing the Council’s PCI hardware. Technology Plan - Electronic Continuing the corporate rollout of the Civica EDM and workflow solution which 142 142 100 Document Management generates revenue savings and increases efficiency. This relates to a committed contribution to the Waste PFI scheme which will result Waste PFI Contribution - in the redevelopment of Campground Waste Transfer Station and the construction 7,084 0 0 Campground WTS of an Education and Visitor Centre. Total Existing Commitments 45,435 51,377 30,265 Proposed Additional Schemes The final section of the existing cemetery is now being used and is expected to Birtley Cemetery Extension reach full capacity within 3 years. The project will create additional plots to 475 0 0 maintain the Council’s service provision. This project uses confirmed Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) funding to Bringing Empty Properties back into create a revolving investment fund to undertake capital works to bring empty 123 82 0 use properties back into use throughout Gateshead. This relates to carrying out essential capital works to facilitate the closure of Building Block savings 150 150 0 Council buildings to deliver planned revenue savings. The Community Capacity Grant is capital funding provided to support development Community Capacity Grant in personalisation, reform and efficiency as part of the delivery of Adult Social Care 384 602 0 services. This investment will enable 8 community asset transfers, and accommodate Community Centre Review community libraries in Winlaton, Bede & Chowdene. This project is considered to 250 0 0 be essential in order to deliver significant revenue savings. Edmund Campion Playing Fields This uses confirmed external funding to carry out improvements to playing fields. 40 0 0 This is a partnership project with Sunderland which uses HCA funding to bring Empty Property Clusters 69 0 0 empty properties within Central Gateshead back into use. 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Capital Investment Brief Description (£’000) (£’000) (£’000) This investment will provide equipment and offer a free period of service which Extend Free Telecare scheme then generates revenue income for the Service after the free period has expired 75 75 75 and follows a successful pilot (85% continued the service after the free period). Extends the scope of the successful pilot scheme (1,100 measures have been Falls Prevention installed to date) to the remainder of the Borough which reduces hazards 300 300 300 throughout Gateshead. This investment will create schemes to provide a viable alternative to residential Independent Supported Living care following Government announcements as part of the Winterbourne View 100 20 20 Schemes enquiry. This project will create an employment service for people with a learning disability Marquisway Improvements 50 0 0 to avoid expensive out of borough placements and generate revenue savings. A five year programme has been developed to improve public seating, fencing, Public Realm Improvement 60 60 60 signage, bins & recycling banks. This investment will enable services to be co-ordinated within Wrekenton resulting Wrekenton Hub in further building closures but ensuring that access to key services will be 900 0 0 maintained. This will change the way that employees work through the increased use of a Technology Plan - Mobile Working broader range of mobile devices and will be dependent upon a successful 544 250 200 business case which demonstrates revenue savings. The project seeks to install external insulation, double glazing and replace existing storage heaters with a central biomass boiler to address fuel poverty and improve Tower Blocks Energy scheme the sustainability of the Council's Tower Blocks. The business case is currently 1,500 4,700 0 being developed but the project is expected to generate revenue income and reduce maintenance costs. This scheme will undertake essential Highway improvements on Kingsway North to Local Pinch Point Funding - improve accessibility which may be restricting economic growth. The acquisition of 500 2,500 0 Kingsway North a key site is required to enable further transport improvements. The creation of a salt store is expected to improve effectiveness, reduce salt usage Salt Storage Facilities 0 0 550 and loss and resulting in revenue savings and increased resilience. Total Additional Projects 5,520 8,739 1,205 Total GENERAL FUND CAPITAL PROGRAMME 50,955 60,116 31,470 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Capital Investment Brief Description (£’000) (£’000) (£’000) HRA CAPITAL PROGRAMME This scheme will carry out essential works to replace lifts within the Council's Lift replacement / refurbishment 500 500 500 housing stock. This scheme will carry out essential works to replace communal electrics within the Replacement of Communal Electrics 250 250 250 Council's housing stock. This includes improvements to ensure that the Council's multi storey Equality Act works - Multi-storey flats 250 250 250 accommodation complies with the Equality Act 2010. Equality Act works - Communal This includes improvements to ensure that the Council's communal lounges 100 100 100 Lounges comply with the Equality Act 2010. To carry out identified adaptations to Council dwellings as part of mandatory Adaptations 1,500 1,500 1,500 requirements. This allocation is used to fund the programme management costs and associated Programme Management 1,000 1,000 1,000 fees relating to all capital schemes within the Housing capital programme. This scheme carries out capital works identified by the repairs and maintenance Strategic Maintenance contractor. Carrying out capital works at the same time as undertaking repairs to 1,500 1,500 1,500 Council dwellings can lead to savings within the HRA. The project continues to support the maintenance and improvement work to the Maintaining Decency Council’s housing stock in order to maintain the Government’s decent homes 6,930 7,150 7,370 standard. This project includes decommissioning and demolition costs as part of the Chandless Demolition regeneration of Chandless Estate as well as any compensation payments payable 1,750 1,750 250 to eligible tenants. This scheme relates to the decommissioning and demolition of Derwent Tower, Dunston Achieving the vision 2,157 - - Cleveland Mews and part of Cheviot Green. Decommissioning and demolition as part of the regeneration of Clasper Village, Clasper Village 1,250 1,250 - including any compensation payments payable to eligible tenants. Decommissioning and demolition as part of the regeneration of Bleach Green as Bleach Green 1,350 1,350 - well as any compensation payments payable to eligible tenants. Decommissioning of 47 HRA properties as part of the regeneration of Flowershow Flowershow Field 24 - - Field. The scheme includes compensation payments payable to eligible tenants. Decommissioning and demolition of sheltered accommodation as part of the Older Older Persons Strategy 200 200 200 Persons Strategy. 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Capital Investment Brief Description (£’000) (£’000) (£’000) The project funds the replacement of boilers with more efficient solutions to help to One off Heating Replacements 500 750 500 address fuel poverty issues. The provision of equipment to utilise Gateshead Council's Care Call scheme, an Warden Call emergency service which supports older, disabled and vulnerable people and 250 250 250 allows them to live safely and independently in their home. The project continues the window replacement programme to replace existing Window Replacement 500 500 500 single glazed windows with double glazing. Total HRA CAPITAL PROGRAMME 20,011 18,300 14,170
TOTAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT 70,966 78,416 45,640 Appendix 3 2013/14 - 2015/16 CAPITAL PROGRAMME FINANCING
2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 £'000 £'000 £'000 Confirmed Capital Grants Transport Allocation 4,456 4,604 - Other Grants and Contributions 2,639 1,736 710 Total Grants and Contributions 7,095 6,340 710
Anticipated Capital Grants Education Allocation* 3,750 3,750 3,500 Transport Allocation* - - 4,250 Other Grants and Contributions* 5,220 13,230 1,685 8,970 16,980 9,435 * Allocations to be confirmed
Prudential Borrowing General Fund Prudential Borrowing 29,890 36,796 21,325
Capital Receipts General Fund Capital Receipts 5,000 0 0
Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme Major Repairs Reserve 20,011 18,300 14,170
Total Financing 70,966 78,416 45,640
REPORT TO CABINET 8 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Fees and Charges 2013/14
REPORT OF: Darren Collins, Strategic Director, Finance and ICT
Purpose of the Report
1. A review of fees and charges is an integral part of the annual budget process. The purpose of this report is to set the level of fees and charges for 2013/14.
Background
2. The Council currently raises in the region of £17 million per annum from fees and charges and other traded income.
3. It is normal practice for the Council to set the standard increase for the annual review of fees and charges from 1 April each year in line with inflation as at September for the preceding year. This equates to a 2.6% increase for 2013/14.
4. As part of the annual review, all fees and charges have been considered and in a number of areas increases other than inflationary, have been proposed. In these areas further work has been carried out to review the impact of above inflation increases.
Proposal
5. Appendix 2 details the current and proposed charges for each service.
6. The proposals would result in the delivery of spending proposal C5 which would generate £500,000 additional income through increasing fees and charges by inflation and adjusting budgets to represent the increased demand for services that has been identified during 2012/13.
7. The proposals would also result in the delivery of spending proposal C6 which would generate a further £250,000 as a result of some above inflation increases and the introduction of a small number of new fees and charges.
8. Recommendations
9. Cabinet is requested to recommend that Council agree the following:
(i) Approve the detailed fees and charges as set out in Appendix 2; (ii) Authorise the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT to amend statutory charges and those tied to service level agreements or charged annually with effect from 1 April 2013. (iii) Authorise the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT to amend the fees and charges during the year for any changes in legislation, changes to statutory fees or any changes to the rate of VAT.
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For the following reason:
• To ensure that fees and charges are set in accordance with an agreed set of charging principles, which will support the delivery of the Council’s budget and spending proposals C5 and C6.
CONTACT: Keith Purvis extension: 3630
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APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. The proposals in this report are consistent with the Council’s vision and medium term objectives as set out in Vision 2030 and the Council Plan, in particular ‘Ensuring a Sustainable Gateshead’ by ensuring best use of resources to deliver value for money services and long-term financial sustainability.
It is normal practice for the Council to set the standard increase for the annual review of fees and charges from 1 April each year in line with the movement in inflation. A review of fees and charges has taken place and the outcome of this review has informed the increases to fees and charges for 2013/14.
Groups and Services have explored the potential for new fees and charges for discretionary services afforded to the Council under its trading and charging powers to support the delivery of Council priorities.
Background
2. A review of fees and charges has been undertaken to ensure that fees and charges are set at levels to support the Council’s priorities and support the delivery of the Council’s budget.
3. Fees and charges have been increased by inflation to support pending proposal C5. However, a flexible approach has been taken to ensuring fees and charges are increased by inflation within each service. For example sport and leisure activities, where it is proposed that a small number of charges will be increased above 2.6%, whilst others will be held at current prices or increased below inflation, helping to support Vision 2030 objective ‘Healthy and Active Gateshead’. These are detailed in Appendix 2.
4. In addition, some fees and charges have been considered for above inflation increases to maximise income and ensure full cost recovery whilst being mindful of the current economic climate, (spending proposal C6) as shown in Appendix 3.
5. The following areas have been considered for above inflation increases inline with the two year (2012/13 – 2013/14) budget consultation process which was carried out between October 2011 and February 2012: • Car parking • Cemeteries and crematoria • Pest control • Bulky waste • Replacement wheelie bins • Servicing older people’s accommodation • Gateshead active card for use in leisure centres (for customers who do not live in Gateshead)
6. The results of this consultation showed that the majority of respondents supported increases of above 5 % in all areas other than cemeteries and crematoria and servicing of older people’s accommodation. The results of these two areas are shown below: • Cemeteries and crematoria: 39.3% in favour 52% against
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• Servicing older people’s accommodation 28.5% in favour 65.5% against
7. These responses have helped to inform the proposed fees and charges increases and the Council is not proposing to increase any charges relating to the servicing of older people’s accommodation by more than inflation (2.6%).
8. A number of cemeteries and crematoria charges will also be held at the current prices or increased inline with inflation, however areas where the Council’s charges are below those of neighbouring authorities, above inflation increases are being proposed to bring the Council charges inline with regional charges.
9. In respect of car parking, the proposal is to increase residents parking permits by £10 on each band. It is also proposed to freeze all other parking increases.
10. Further to the previous consultation, it is proposed that the following fees and charges are increased above inflation for the reason summarised below: • Cemeteries and crematoria: Areas that above inflation increases are proposed include the acquisition of exclusive rights of burial, plots taken out of rotation and installing memorial stones. The proposed increases have been taken after carrying out a benchmarking exercise with neighbouring authorities; • Bulky waste: Above RPI increases are proposed to meet the above inflation increases to transport costs; and • Replacement wheelie bins: Above RPI increases are proposed to meet the above inflation increases to transport costs.
11. The following areas were not included in the budget consultation that took place during 2011/12. Consultation has taken place with key stakeholders affected by these proposed above inflation increases: • Seasonal bowls permits and football pitch charges: In the budget spending proposal, LES4 ’Self management of bowling green facilities and playing fields’ the proposal identifies a saving which will be achieved by reducing the level of maintenance of bowling greens and football pitches. As an alternative, it is proposed that if maintenance is to be continued the charge for these services is increased by above inflation. • Allotments: Allotment charges are reviewed every three years, therefore this charge has not increased since April 2010 and the proposed increase will be fixed until April 2016. Letters have been sent to allotment holders asking for their view of an above inflation increase.
12. It is proposed that a small number of new fees and charges are introduced, see Appendix 3. A following is a summary of these new fees and charges: • Cemeteries and crematoria: Fees for the amendment of an allocation and the introduction of a charge for the replacement of memorial and kerbstones; • Pest Control: Charge for removal of pests in residential properties; and • Replacement wheelie bins: Charge for replacement of recycling wheelie bins.
13. Whilst Appendix 2 contains a complete list of fees and charges that the Council charges these may not cover all scenarios, for example when arranging sporting events. In such cases the fee for the event will be calculated on application.
14. The fees and charges detailed in Appendix 2 apply to everyone using these services, including individuals, groups and organisations.
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15. Local residents have been consulted as part of the two year consultation process that took place between October 2011 and February 2012. Community groups have also been consulted separately on areas that may specifically affect them.
Alternative Options
16. There are no alternative options proposed.
Implications of Recommended Option
17. Resources
a. Financial Implications - The financial implications are detailed in the attached appendices and included in the support costs building block.
b. Human Resources Implications – Nil
c. Property Implications - Nil
18. Risk Management Implications - The risks associated with the impact on demand for services have been assessed when considering increases in fees and charges.
19. Human Resources Implications - Nil
20. Equality and Diversity Implications - These are reflected in the proposed fees and charges, which also consider the individual’s ability to pay. A Comprehensive Impact Assessment (CIA) has been undertaken as part of the support costs building block.
21. Crime and Disorder Implications - Nil
22. Sustainability Implications – Nil
23. Health Implications - Nil
24. Human Rights Implications - Nil
25. Area and Ward Implications - All
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APPENDIX 2 LEARNING AND CHILDREN
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
TRANSPORT Replacement of lost Bus Passes (Age 11-16 only) O/S £5.00 £5.50
EARLY YEARS Children Centres Room bookings Small room (less than 10 people) Weekday (per hour/ per day) E £15.00/ £103.00 £16.00/ £106.00 Saturday (per hour/ per day) E £20.00/ £140.00 £20.50/ £145.00 Sunday (per hour/ per day) E £25.50/ £177.00 £26.15/ £185.00 Medium room (11-20 people) Weekday (per hour/ per day) E £19.00/ £132.50 £19.50/ £136.00 Saturday (per hour/ per day) E £24.00/ £169.00 £25.00/ £175.00 Sunday (per hour/ per day) E £29.50/ £206.00 £33.00/ £232.00 Large Room (more than 20 people) Weekday (per hour/ per day) E £23.00/ £162.00 £24.00/ £166.00 Saturday (per hour/ per day) E £25.00/ £176.50 £26.00/ £182.00 Sunday (per hour/ per day) E £32.50/ £225.50 £33.00/ £232.00 Sports Hall, Tyneview Children Centre E £21.00 per hour/ £147.00 £21.50 per hour/ £150.00 per day (up to 8 hours) per day (up to 8 hours) Soft Play Admission per child O/S £0.50 £0.50 Party Bookings O/S £10.00 for room hire plus £10.25 for room hire plus £10.00 returnable deposit £10.00 returnable deposit Equipment Hire Electric Breast Pump S £15 with a returnable £5.00 £15.40 with a returnable deposit £5.00 deposit TENS machine S £10 with a returnable £5.00 £10.25 with a returnable deposit £5.00 deposit Equipment Purchase Manual Breast Pump S £15.00 £15.40
Toy Library - Chowdene Childrens Centre Parent Membership 6 months S £4.50 £4.50 1 year S £8.00 £8.00 Small organisation membership - 1 year S £10.00 £10.00 Large organisation membership - 1 year S £50.00 £50.00 Toy loans - dependent upon item and will range between S £0.25 - £5.00 per item £0.25 - £5.00 per item SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERVICE Active Kidz Per day O/S £13.00 £13.30 Per week (Mon-Fri) O/S £60.00 £61.60 Elgin Centre Meeting Room (per hour) O/S £16.00 £16.50 Multi Use Games Area (per hour) O/S £10.50 £11.00 Sensory Room (per hour) O/S £6.50 £7.00 Sports Hall (per hour) O/S £37.00 £38.00 Community Play Provision (per session) O/S £1.00 £1.00 COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES - ADULT SOCIAL SERVCIES
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Residential Accommodation for Older People
Minimum O/S £89.65 per week £92.00 per week Effective date 08/04/2013 Maximum - Gateshead residents O/S £786.25 per week £806.70 per week Effective date 08/04/2013
Charge to external organisations (including rehab costs) Residential Accommodation O/S £974.72 per week £1,000.10 per week Effective date 08/04/2013 Promoting Independence Centres O/S £1,138.40 per week £1,168.00 per week Effective date 08/04/2013
Short Term Residential Accommodation for all Adults
All Establishments O/S £103.06 per week £105.70 per week Effective date 08/04/2013
Transport to Day Centre O/S £1.45 per journey £1.50 per journey
Home Care Service* O/S £11.48 £11.48 Extra Care (H21) O/S £10.50 £10.62 Service users whose income is below income support Day Services* O/S £13.30 per hour £13.60 per hour levels will be exempt from charges. All other service users Day Services* O/S £6.65 per half day £6.80 per half day will be financially assessed. The assessment includes a * Excluding referrals under S117 of Mental Health Act 1983 £20.60 disregard for disability related expenditure and a tariff income for savings between £14,250 and £23,250
The maximum charge is £199 per week. Day Care Attendance -Other Local Authorities O/S £97.00 per day £99.50 per day Effective date 08/04/2013 (inclusive of transport) (inclusive of transport) Provision of Meals Meals on Wheels O/S £3.15 per meal £3.20 per meal Day Centres O/S £3.15 per meal £3.20 per meal
Telephones for Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons O/S 50% of rental 50% of rental
Care Alarms Lifelines / Dispersed Alarms S* £3.97 per week £4.07 per week Tenants and private residents who received this service Tenants previously on a nil charge (current charge is from 5 Sept 2011) S* £2.63 per week - following a social care assessment may be exempt Tenants previously paying £2.50 charge (current charge is from 5 Sept 2011) S* £3.51 per week - from this charge following a financial assessment. All other tenants S* £3.97 per week - * Where installation of alarm is requested by tenant VAT is standard rated. If alarm is already built into property and part of rent or is part of care package VAT is outside the scope. Tenants with disabilities VAT is zero-rated. COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES - SPORT AND LEISURE
SERVICE STANDARD NO STANDARD NO ACTIVE ACTIVE REMARKS ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACCESS ACCESS VAT CURRENT PROPOSED CURRENT PROPOSED CURRENT PROPOSED CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE RECREATION FACILITIES AND SERVICES INDOOR BOWLING CENTRE Bowling Club Spectators S £1.40 £1.45 £1.60 £1.65 N/A N/A Concession spectating S £0.65 £0.70 £0.85 £0.90 N/A N/A Locker fees per person per Season S £5.80 £6.00 £5.80 £6.00 N/A N/A
Playing Fees 10.30am to 10.30pm weekends/bank holidays per Bowling Club Member S £2.45 £2.50 N/A N/A £1.25 £1.30 Bowling Club Non Members S £4.40 £4.50 £4.40 £4.50 £2.65 £2.70
Special matches per person per game Bowling Club Member S £5.50 £5.65 N/A N/A N/A N/A Bowling Club Non Members S £10.50 £10.80 £10.50 £10.80 N/A N/A
Other Hire of bowls per session S £3.15 £3.20 £3.15 £3.20 Free Free Hire of slippers per session S £1.60 £1.65 £1.60 £1.65 Free Free
INDOOR LEISURE FACILITIES Spectators S £1.40 £1.45 £1.60 £1.65 N/A N/A
Use of coin retain locker S £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20 £0.20
Showers, Changing 18+ S £2.70 £2.80 £3.25 £3.35 £0.65 £0.70 Juniors/60+/Student (Concession) S £1.60 £1.65 £3.25 £3.35 £0.35 £0.40
Activity Charges Table Tennis per table per hour 18+ S £3.80 £3.90 £4.60 £4.70 £2.10 £2.20 Juniors/60+/Student (Concession) S £2.10 £2.20 £4.60 £4.70 £1.10 £1.20 SERVICE STANDARD NO STANDARD NO ACTIVE ACTIVE REMARKS ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACCESS ACCESS VAT CURRENT PROPOSED CURRENT PROPOSED CURRENT PROPOSED CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE Badminton per court per hour 18+ S £9.40 £9.40 £10.60 £10.60 £4.80 £4.80 Juniors/60+/Student (Concession) S £4.80 £4.80 £10.60 £10.60 £2.40 £2.40
Major Games (4 Badminton courts per hour) 18+ S £40.00 £41.00 £45.00 £46.50 £20.00 £25.00 Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) S £20.00 £20.50 £45.00 £46.50 £10.00 £12.50
Ancillary Hall (Birtley Leisure Centre) - per hour S £23.00 £23.60 £29.00 £30.00 £12.00 £12.30
Hire of Equipment 18+ S £2.10 £2.20 £3.20 £3.30 Free Free Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) S £1.05 £1.10 £3.20 £3.30 Free Free
Fitness Room 18+ S £5.00 £5.10 £6.00 £6.20 £1.20 £1.60 60+/Student (Concession) S £3.00 £3.10 £6.00 £6.20 £0.80 £1.00 Fitness Room Induction 18+ E £28.50 £28.50 £32.50 £33.30 £10.00 £10.50 Fitness Room Induction 60+/Student (Concession) E £20.00 £19.00 £32.50 £33.30 £7.00 £7.30
Fitness Room (Dunston Activity Centre) 18+ S £3.15 £3.20 £6.00 £6.20 £1.20 £1.60 Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) S £1.70 £1.75 £6.00 £6.20 £0.80 £1.00
Fitness Room (Birtley Leisure Centre) 18+ S N/A N/A £7.40 £7.40 N/A N/A
Coaching Fees - Keep Fit classes 18+ E £4.20 £4.30 £5.30 £5.40 £2.10 £2.50 Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) E £2.60 £2.70 £5.30 £5.40 £1.30 £1.40
Courses of instruction 18+ E £5.00 £5.10 £6.00 £6.20 £2.50 £3.00 Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) E £4.00 £4.10 £6.00 £6.20 £2.00 £2.50
Squash (per court per session) 18+ S £6.10 £6.30 £8.00 £8.20 £3.20 £3.50 Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) S £4.20 £4.30 £8.00 £8.20 £2.10 £2.20 SERVICE STANDARD NO STANDARD NO ACTIVE ACTIVE REMARKS ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACCESS ACCESS VAT CURRENT PROPOSED CURRENT PROPOSED CURRENT PROPOSED CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE Track 18+ S £3.25 £3.30 £4.40 £4.50 £1.05 £1.10 Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) S £1.60 £1.65 £4.40 £4.50 £0.80 £0.80
Crèche per child per session E £3.00 £3.10 £4.00 £4.10 £1.60 £1.60 Soft Play - per hour S £1.60 £1.65 £2.10 £2.15 £0.90 £0.90
Artificial Turf Pitches (Gateshead International Lower Field 18+ S £42.00 £42.00 £47.00 £47.00 £21.00 £27.00 Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) S £27.00 £27.00 £47.00 £47.00 £13.50 £15.00
3rd Generation pitches (per half pitch)(Gateshead 18+ S £28.50 £30.00 £33.00 £35.00 £14.20 £21.00 Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) S £20.00 £21.00 £33.00 £35.00 £11.00 £12.00
Field (Birtley Leisure Centre) - per match S £79.00 £81.00 £90.00 £92.00 N/A N/A
Floodlights (main arena) Recharge for Electricity Consumed Recharge for Electricity Consumed Recharge for Electricity Consumed
Swimming 18+ per session S £3.10 £3.20 £4.30 £4.40 £1.10 £1.50 Concession S £1.40 £1.80 £4.30 £4.40 £0.75 £0.80
Club Hire per hour S N/A N/A £43.00 £45.00 N/A N/A Small Pools per hour S N/A N/A £22.00 £23.00 N/A N/A Flowrider - Adult E £5.30 £5.50 £6.00 £6.50 £2.10 £2.50 Flowrider - Concession E £4.20 £4.30 £6.00 £6.50 £1.80 £2.00
Coaching Fees 18+ per person per course - 10 lessons E £61.00 £62.60 £63.00 £65.00 £35.00 £36.00 Concession E £37.00 £40.00 £63.00 £65.00 £19.00 £20.00 School swimming per pupil E N/A N/A £2.20 £2.30 N/A N/A
Sauna per 2 hour sessions 18+ S £5.25 £5.40 £6.30 £6.50 £1.05 £1.10 Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) S £3.15 £3.20 £6.30 £6.50 £0.75 £0.80 SERVICE STANDARD NO STANDARD NO ACTIVE ACTIVE REMARKS ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACTIVE CARD ACCESS ACCESS VAT CURRENT PROPOSED CURRENT PROPOSED CURRENT PROPOSED CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE CHARGE GO Membership GO Unlimited - 18 years + S £28.50 £28.50 N/A N/A N/A £19.00 GO Unlimited - Concession S £19.00 £19.00 N/A N/A N/A £15.00 GO Unlimited - Joint S £50.00 £50.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A GO Unlimited - Group S £19.00 £19.00 N/A N/A N/A N/A
Birtley Leisure Centre membership 18+ S N/A N/A £34.00 £34.00 N/A N/A Joint 18+ S N/A N/A £63.00 £63.00 N/A N/A Juniors/60+/Students (Concession) S N/A N/A £19.00 £19.00 N/A N/A
GATESHEAD ACTIVE CARD S £2.40 £2.50 £10.00 £12.00 N/A N/A
WHICKHAM THORNS OUTDOOR ACTIVITY Ski Slopes per hour 18+ S £8.40 £9.00 £10.40 £11.00 £1.70 £4.50 Juniors, Students and 60+ (concession) S £4.80 £5.00 £10.40 £11.00 £1.20 £2.50
Groups (exclusive hire) S Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable N/A N/A Groups (with instruction) E Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable N/A N/A Junior Groups (exclusive hire) S Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable N/A N/A Junior Groups (with instruction) E Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable N/A N/A
Climbing Wall per hour 18+ S £2.90 £3.00 £3.80 £4.00 £1.10 £1.50 Juniors, Students and 60+ (concession) S £2.10 £2.20 £3.80 £4.00 £0.60 £1.10 Groups (exclusive hire) S Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable N/A N/A Groups (with instruction) E Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable N/A N/A Junior Groups (exclusive hire) S Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable N/A N/A Junior Groups (with instruction) E Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable Negotiable N/A N/A
Orienteering per hour 18+ S £1.90 £2.00 £2.70 £3.00 £1.10 £1.15 Juniors, Students and 60+ (concession) S £1.30 £1.40 £2.70 £3.00 £0.60 £0.75
Mountain Bike Hire Per hour S £4.30 £4.50 £5.60 £6.00 N/A N/A Per half day S £8.20 £8.50 £11.40 £12.00 N/A N/A Per full day S £14.00 £15.00 £18.40 £19.00 N/A N/A COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES - LIBRARIES, ARTS AND TOURISM
SERVICE VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
ICT Membership Per Annum S £2.50 £3.00 Per Annum under 16 S £1.00
Reservations Adult Books - on shelves O/S £0.40 per item £0.40 Adult Books - on loan or on order O/S £0.80 per item £0.80 Junior Books - on shelves O/S Free Free Junior Books - on loan or on order O/S £0.40 per item £0.40 Pensioners Books - on shelves O/S £0.40 per item £0.40 Pensioners Books - on loan or on order O/S £0.60 per item £0.60 Audio Visual O/S £0.80 per item £0.25 Vocal Scores O/S £0.80 per item £1.00 Item borrowed from other library service O/S £3.20 per item £3.50 Audio / Visual Loans Compact Discs O/S £0.75 £0.75 Fines Books and CD's O/S £0.17 per day per item £0.18 (limit of £9.00 per item) £9.25 Books (Pensioners) O/S £0.10 per day per item £0.10 (limit of £4.50 per item) £4.60 Books (Children) O/S Exempt Exempt Books and Audio Visual items not returned by borrower O/S Current value of item to be repaid, with 10% reduction per year after 2 yrs. Minimum replacement charge Hardback O/S (limit £9.50) £9.70 Paperback O/S (limit £4.70) £4.80 Audio/Visual O/S (limit £9.50) £9.70 Lost Computer Tickets Replacement of tickets O/S £2.10 £2.15
SERVICE VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Photocopying A4 size S £0.10 per copy £0.10 A3 size S £0.20 per copy £0.20 A4 size Colour S £0.50 A3 size Colour S £0.80 Microfilm/Microfiche printouts (A4) S £0.60 per sheet £0.60 Microfilm/Microfiche printouts (A3) S £1.10 per sheet £1.10 Electronic Copies / Printouts (A4) S B & W £0.10 per sheet £0.10 Electronic Copies / Printouts (A4) S Colour £0.50 per sheet £0.50 Electronic Copies / Printouts (A3) S B & W £0.20 per sheet Electronic Copies / Printouts (A3) S Colour £0.80 per sheet
Fax Service Outgoing UK only S £1.00 for first A4 sheet, £1.00 S £0.80p for additional sheets £0.80
International - Bands 1-6 S £1.40 per sheet £1.40 Bands 7-13 S £2.00 per sheet £2.00 Incoming S £1.00 per sheet £1.25
Writeable CD's S £1.20 per disc £1.25 Exhibition Service Providing arts exhibition sales facilities S Minimum 20% commission on sales Booking charge for selling exhibitions S £7.25 £7.25 (non-returnable in case of customer cancellation) Local History Service Photographs 6” x 4” S £4.80 £5.00 7” x 5” S £6.30 £7.00 A4 S £9.80 £10.00 Local history enquiries - Initial enquiry O/S Free of Charge Free of Charge - each subsequent enquiry O/S £20.00 £20.00 Local history talks (other than to local history groups) E £36.80 £36.80 ACCOMMODATION CHARGES (a discount of 20% is available for voluntary groups, internal hire and Gateshead based not-for-profit organisations) All evening hires incur an additonal £20 per hour cost for staffing. Caedmon Hall requires 2 additional members of staff after the day time occupancy hours for safety due to the design of the building and the location of the hall. Technicians charges, use of piano and extra staff are costed at the actual rate of the charge to the council as they are sourced externally SERVICE VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
GH'SM - Education Space Day time rate - up to 2 hour session - use of room E £66.00 £66.00 up to 5 hour session - use of room E £115.00 £115.00 up to 8 hour session - use of room E £185.00 £185.00 GH'SM - Main Hall Day time rate Mondays only up to 2 hour session - use of room E £115.00 £115.00 up to 5 hour session - use of room E £185.00 £185.00 up to 8 hour session - use of room E £295.00 £295.00 Caedmon Hall Day time rate - up to 2 hour session - use of room E £115.00 £115.00 up to 5 hour session - use of room E £185.00 £185.00 up to 8 hour session - use of room E £295.00 £295.00 Community Library Rooms - Central Library, Whickham Community Room, Blaydon Community Room, Felling Oxbury Room, Low Fell
Up to 2 hours Use of Room E £28.00 £28.00 4 Hour Session - Use of Room E £59.00 £59.00 Cancellation of Bookings Within 48 hours of intended use O/S 100% of hire charge 100% of hire charge Within two weeks prior to date of the event O/S 75% of hire charge 75% of hire charge Between two and four weeks prior to date of the event O/S 50% of hire charge 50% of hire charge HOUSING REVENUE ACCOUNT
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE CURRENT CHARGE REMARKS 2012/13 2013/14 £ per week £ per week WARWICK COURT MULTI STOREY Heating Bed-sit O/S £3.47 £3.56 One Bed Flat O/S £5.10 £5.23 Two Bed Flat O/S £6.83 £7.01 Three Bed Flat O/S £7.80 £8.00 Three Bed Flat shared by four O/S £12.98 £13.32
Communal Facilities Bed-sit O/S £2.97 £2.97 One Bed Flat O/S £2.97 £2.97 Two Bed Flat O/S £4.47 £4.47 Three Bed Flat O/S £5.92 £5.92 Three Bed Flat shared by four O/S £7.43 £7.43
EAST ST FLATS Heating & Hot Water Bed-sit O/S £6.09 £6.25 One Bed Flat O/S £7.74 £7.94 Two Bed Flat O/S £9.26 £9.50 Three Bed Flat O/S £10.87 £11.15
ANGEL COURT EXTRA CARE SCHEME Heating O/S £7.44 £7.63
Communal Facilities Maintenance of Communal Areas - Flats O/S £8.74 £8.74 Maintenance of Communal Areas - Bungalows O/S £1.38 £1.38 Communal furnishings and communal laundry - Flats O/S £9.15 £9.15 Communal furnishings and communal laundry - Bungalows O/S £1.90 £1.90
Scheme manager O/S £11.78 £11.78 Cleaning of corridors and windows O/S £5.93 £5.93 Provision of domestic home support O/S £8.51 £8.51 SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE CURRENT CHARGE REMARKS 2012/13 2013/14 £ per week £ per week OLDER PEOPLE'S ACCOMMODATION Heating Bed-sit O/S £7.02 £7.02 Flat O/S £9.88 £9.88 Warden's Properties O/S £11.11 £11.11
Communal Facilities Heating of Communal areas O/S £1.22 £1.22 Cleaning (Tenants prior to 1 April 2005) O/S £3.02 £3.39 Cleaning (Tenants from 1 April 2005) O/S £4.13 £4.13 Up keep of Communal Lounge O/S £1.48 £1.48
Warden Service Tenants prior to 1 April 2005 O/S £1.48 £1.48 Tenants from 1 April 2005 O/S £11.38 £11.38 Mobile Warden Service O/S £0.99 £0.99
SHELTERED SCHEMES Cleaning of Communal areas (Sheltered Schemes) O/S £0.69 £0.69
Communal Facilities Up keep of Communal Lounge O/S £1.48 £1.48
Warden Service Tenants prior to 1 April 2005 O/S £1.48 £1.48 Tenants from 1 April 2005 O/S £11.38 £11.38 Mobile Warden Service O/S £0.99 £0.99
Concessionary TV Licence E £0.15 £0.15
McERLANE SQUARE & MULGRAVE VILLAS Electricity charges -Tenants Properties O/S £2.57 £2.64 Electricity charges -Warden's Properties O/S £6.65 £6.82 Communal Areas Electric O/S £1.47 £1.51
LOW RISE BLOCKS Cleaning of Communal Facilities Tenants prior to 1 April 2005 O/S £1.68 £1.83 Tenants from 1 April 2005 O/S £2.12 £2.12 SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE CURRENT CHARGE REMARKS 2012/13 2013/14 £ per week £ per week
Mobile cleaner O/S £0.85 £0.85
MULTI STOREY FLATS Concierge & cleaning Tenants prior to 1 April 2005 O/S £12.10 £12.47 Tenants from 1 April 2005 O/S £13.19 £13.19
Caretaking & cleaning O/S £7.21 £7.21
REGENT COURT Maintenance of fire safety system O/S £0.30 £0.30
DISPERSED HOMELESS UNITS Heat & light Sharing Bed-sit (each) O/S £12.49 £12.49 Two Bed Flat O/S £22.47 £22.47 Three Bed Flat O/S £24.97 £24.97
Furnishings Sharing Bed-sit (each) O/S £15.83 £15.83 Two Bed Flat O/S £28.48 £28.48 Three Bed Flat O/S £31.63 £31.63
Warden Charge Sharing Bed-sit (each) O/S £66.82 £66.82 Flat O/S £66.82 £66.82
Laundry Charge Sharing Bed-sit (each) O/S £7.80 £7.80 Flat O/S £7.80 £7.80
Cleaning Materials Sharing Bed-sit (each) O/S £4.66 £4.66 Flat O/S £4.66 £4.66 SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE CURRENT CHARGE REMARKS 2012/13 2013/14 £ per week £ per week
OUTSIDE USE OF COMMUNAL LOUNGES Up to 1 hour E £6.47 £6.64 Up to 2 hours E £11.91 £12.22 1 Session (2 - 4 hours) E £18.34 £18.82 2 Sessions E £33.73 £34.61 3 Sessions E £46.75 £47.97
USE OF GUEST ROOMS AT OLDER PEOPLE'S NoACCOMMODATION en-suite amenities Single (charge per night) S £6.62 £6.79 Couple (charge per night) S £7.54 £7.74
Partial en-suite Single (charge per night) S £8.21 £8.42 Couple (charge per night) S £8.68 £8.91
Full en-suite Single (charge per night) S £9.35 £9.59 Couple (charge per night) S £10.30 £10.57
KITCHEN APPLIANCES Portobello S £0.41 £0.41 Cranesville S £2.71 £2.71 Millbrook S £1.70 £1.70 Norfolk Place S £2.71 £2.71 Hallgarth S £1.70 £1.70
FURNITURE CHARGES Bed Sit (package) O/S £7.22 £7.22 One Bed Flat (Package) O/S £13.14 £13.14 Two Bed Flat (Package) O/S £19.57 £19.57 Three Bed House (Package) O/S £26.14 £26.14 SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE CURRENT CHARGE REMARKS 2012/13 2013/14 £ per week £ per week
FURNITURE CHARGES (NEW TENANTS APRIL 2010) Mini Package E £8.67 £9.38 Package Option 1 E £14.84 £17.21 Package Option 2 E £21.04 £24.40 Package Option 3 E £27.23 £31.58 Package Option 4 E £33.40 £38.73 Admin Charge E £2.50 £2.50
GARAGES Brick Garages (Council) O/S £5.00 £5.00 Brick Garages (Private) S £8.43 £8.43 Wooden Garages S £3.26 £3.26 Commercial Use S £11.03 £11.03 Commercial Storage S £18.42 £18.42 Parking Bays S £19.68 £19.68
DIGITAL AERIAL PROVISION S £0.09 £0.09
RIGHT TO BUY RELATED CHARGES (charge is per item below) Legal fees on abstracts for mortgage advances S £67.80 N/A Valuation fees - up to £10,000 S £79.10 N/A £10,001 - £15,000 S £93.23 N/A Above £15,000 S £115.83 N/A Mortgage questionnaire S £73.44 £73.44 Rent references S £36.75 £36.75
GARDENING SCHEME S £6.05 £6.05
Charges are 50 week charge unless otherwise stated DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
CAR PARKS (OFF STREET) Off-Street Penalty Charge O/S £70/£50 depending on £70/£50 depending on seriousness of contravention, seriousness of contravention, Amounts for the charge are set by Government discounted by 50% for prompt discounted by 50% for prompt payment payment Back High St/ Back Jackson St Car Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 6.00pm permit holders only) Annual Permit (All days) S £875.00 £875.00 Annual Permit (Monday - Friday) S £670.00 £670.00 Back Regent Tce / Back Walker Tce Car Park (Saturday 8.00am - 6.00pm) Up to 1 hour S £1.00 £1.00 Up to 2 hours S £1.70 £1.70 Up to 4 hours S £2.60 £2.60 All day S £4.10 £4.10 Annual Permit (Monday - Friday) S £670.00 £670.00 Annual Permit (All days) S £875.00 £875.00 Sunday (Fixed daily charge) S £1.20 £1.20 Blaydon Car Park (West) Short Stay (Mon - Sat 9.00am - 5.30pm 4hr max stay ) S £0.20 per hour £0.20 per hour first 20 minutes free first 20 minutes free Blaydon Car Park (East) Long Stay (Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm) S £0.20 £0.20 S £1.00 daily charge £1.00 daily charge Annual Permits (All days) S £200.00 £200.00 Charles Street Car Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 6.00pm) Max stay 3 hours S 1hr - £0.90 1hr - £0.90 S 2hrs - £1.60 2hrs - £1.60 S 3hrs - £2.00 3hrs - £2.00 Church Street Car Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 9.00pm) S £1.20/hr up to 3 hrs £1.20/hr up to 3 hrs S £4.80 daily charge over 3 hrs £4.80 daily charge over 3 hrs Annual Permit (Monday - Friday) S £785.00 £785.00 Annual Permit (All days) S £1,140.00 £1,140.00 Civic Centre Car Park (Mon - Fri 9.00am - 5.00pm max stay 4hrs) First 20 minutes - FREE First 20 mins - FREE First 20 mins - FREE Up to 1 hour S £0.70 £0.70 Up to 2 hours S £1.40 £1.40 Up to 3 hours S £2.10 £2.10 Up to 4 hours S £2.80 £2.80 Saturday & Sunday fixed daily charge S £1.00 £1.00 SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Coach Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 9.00pm) S £1.00/hr up to 3 hrs £1.00/hr up to 3 hrs S £4.00 daily charge over 3 hrs £4.00 daily charge over 3 hrs Cross Keys Lane Car Park (Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm) S £0.20 £0.20 S £1.00 daily charge £1.00 daily charge Annual Permits (All days) S £200.00 £200.00 Felling Metro Station Car Park (Monday - Saturday 7.00am - 8.00pm) Up to 2 hours S £1.40 £1.40 All day S £2.50 £2.50 Sunday (Fixed daily charge) S £1.20 per day £1.20 per day Garden Street Car Park, Oakwellgate (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 9.00pm) S £1.20/hr up to 3 hrs £1.20/hr up to 3 hrs S £4.80 daily charge over 3 hrs £4.80 daily charge over 3 hrs Annual Permit ( Monday - Friday) S £785.00 £785.00 Annual Permit ( All days) S £1,140.00 £1,140.00
Heworth Metro Station Heworth North Car Park (Monday - Saturday 7.00am - 8.00pm) All Day S £2.00 £2.00 Annual Permit (Monday - Friday) S £355.00 £355.00 Annual Permit (All days) S £480.00 £480.00 Sunday (Fixed daily charge) S £1.20 per day £1.20 per day
Heworth South Car Park (Mon - Sat 7.00am - 8.00pm 4hr max stay ) Up to 2 hours S £1.40 £1.40 Up to 4 hours S £2.40 £2.40 Sunday (Fixed daily charge) S £1.20 per day £1.20 per day
Lowrey's Lane Car Park (Mon - Sat 9.00am - 5.30pm 4hr max stay ) S £0.20 £0.20
Mill Road Car Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 11.00pm) S £1.40/hr up to 3 hrs £1.40/hr up to 3 hrs S £4.80 daily charge over 3 hrs £4.80 daily charge over 3 hrs Annual Permit ( Monday - Friday) S £890.00 £890.00 Annual Permit ( All days) S £1,220.00 £1,220.00 SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Pipewellgate Car Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 9.00pm) S £1.40/hr up to 3 hrs £1.40/hr up to 3 hrs S £4.80 daily charge over 3 hrs £4.80 daily charge over 3 hrs Annual Permit ( Monday - Friday) S £785.00 £785.00 Annual Permit ( All days) S £1,140.00 £1,140.00
Regent Court Car Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 6.00pm) Up to 1 hour S £1.00 £1.00 Up to 2 hours S £107.00 £107.00 Up to 4 hours S £2.60 £2.60 All day S £4.10 £4.10 Sunday (Fixed daily charge) S £1.20 per day £1.20 per day Annual Permit (Monday - Friday) S £670.00 £670.00
South Shore Road Car Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 9.00pm) S £1.40/hr up to 3 hrs £1.40/hr up to 3 hrs S £5.40 daily charge over 3 hrs £5.40 daily charge over 3 hrs Annual Permit ( Monday - Friday) S £890.00 £890.00 Annual Permit ( All days) S £1,220.00 £1,220.00
Sunderland Road (Tynegate) Car Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 6.00pm) Up to 2 hours S £1.20 £1.20 All day S £2.00 £2.00
Swinburne Street Car Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 6.00pm ) Up to 1 hour S £1.00 £1.00 Up to 2 hours S £1.70 £1.70 Up to 4 hours S £2.60 £2.60 All Day S £4.10 £4.10 Sunday (Fixed daily charge) S £1.20 per day £1.20 per day
Town Hall Car Park (Monday - Sunday 8.00am - 6.00pm) Up to 1 hour S £1.00 £1.00 Up to 2 hours S £1.70 £1.70 Up to 4 hours S £2.60 £2.60 All day S £4.10 £4.10 Sunday (Fixed daily charge) S £1.20 per day £1.20 per day SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Whickham Shopping Precinct (East) Short stay (Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm 4hr max stay) S £0.20 £0.20
Whickham Shopping Precinct (West) Long stay (Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm) S £0.20 £0.20 S £1.00 £1.00 Annual Permits (All days) S £200.00 £200.00
ON-STREET PARKING On-Street Penalty Charge (CPE) O/S £70/£50 depending on £70/£50 depending on seriousness of contravention, seriousness of contravention, Amounts for the charge are set by Government discounted by 50% for prompt discounted by 50% for prompt payment payment Bensham Road (old alignment)/Half Moon Lane, Gateshead (Monday - Saturday 9.00am - 5.00pm) O/S 1hr - £0.30 1hr - £0.30 (Max stay 3 hours) O/S 2hrs - £0.60 2hrs - £0.60 O/S 3hrs - £1.10 3hrs - £1.10 Church Street (All days 8.30am - 5.30pm) O/S 1hr - £0.80 1hr - £0.80 (Max stay 3 hours) O/S 2hrs - £1.60 2hrs - £1.60 O/S 3hrs - £2.40 3hrs - £2.40 Ely Street, Gateshead (Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm) O/S 1hr - £0.40 1hr - £0.40 (Max stay 2 hours) O/S 2hrs - £0.90 2hrs - £0.90
Half Moon Lane/Hudson Street/Wellington St, Gateshead (Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm) O/S 1hr - £0.40 1hr - £0.40 (Max stay 2 hours) O/S 2hrs - £0.90 2hrs - £0.90 High Street, Gateshead (All days 8.00am - 6.00pm) O/S 30 mins - £0.70 30 mins - £0.70 (Max stay 2 hours) O/S 1hr - £1.40 1hr - £1.40 O/S 2hrs - £2.00 2hrs - £2.00 Hopper Street, Gateshead (Monday - Saturday 8.00am - 6.00pm) O/S 1hr - £0.40 1hr - £0.40 (Max stay 2 hours) O/S 2hrs - £0.80 2hrs - £0.80
Mulgrave Terrace, Gateshead (Monday - Saturday 8.30am - 5.30pm) O/S 1hr - £0.30 1hr - £0.30 O/S 2hr - £0.60 2hr - £0.60 O/S 3hr - £0.90 3hr - £0.90 O/S 4hr - £1.30 4hr - £1.30 O/S 5hr - £1.60 5hr - £1.60 O/S 6hr - £1.90 6hr - £1.90 O/S 7hr - £2.20 7hr - £2.20 O/S 8hr - £2.50 8hr - £2.50 O/S 9hr - £2.80 9hr - £2.80 SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Peterborough Close, Gateshead (Monday - Saturday 8.00am - 6.00pm) O/S 1hr - £0.30 1hr - £0.30 O/S 2hr - £0.60 2hr - £0.60 O/S 3hr - £0.90 3hr - £0.90 O/S 4hr - £1.30 4hr - £1.30 O/S 5hr - £1.60 5hr - £1.60 O/S 6hr - £1.90 6hr - £1.90 O/S 7hr - £2.20 7hr - £2.20 O/S 8hr - £2.50 8hr - £2.50 O/S 9hr - £2.80 9hr - £2.80 O/S 10hr - £3.10 10hr - £3.10 Queen Elizabeth Avenue (Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm) O/S 1hr - £0.50 1hr - £0.50 (Max stay 2 hours) O/S 2hrs - £0.90 2hrs - £0.90 Swinburne Street/Nelson Street/ Swinburne Place, Gateshead (All days 8.00am - 6.00pm) O/S 1hr - £0.40 1hr - £0.40 (Max stay 2 hours) O/S 2hrs - £0.90 2hrs - £0.90 Walker Terrace (Bensham Rd - Old alignment), Gateshead (All days 8.00am - 6.00pm) O/S 30 mins - £0.70 30 mins - £0.70 (Max stay 2 hours) O/S 1hr - £1.40 1hr - £1.40 O/S 2hrs - £2.00 2hrs - £2.00 Warwick Street, Gateshead (Monday - Saturday 8.00am - 6.00pm) O/S 1hr - £0.40 1hr - £0.40 (Max stay 2 hours) O/S 2hrs - £0.80 2hrs - £0.80 Worcester Green, Gateshead (Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm) O/S 1hr - £0.40 1hr - £0.40 (Max stay 2 hours) O/S 2hrs - £0.90 2hrs - £0.90 Resident Zone Annual Permit - Residents First Permit O/S £15.00 per permit £25.00 per permit Second permit (if applicable) O/S £5.00 per permit £15.00 per permit Third permit (if applicable) O/S £20.00 per permit £30.00 per permit Resident Zone Annual Permit - Residents' Visitor Book (10 vouchers) O/S £2.00 (Max 3hr stay) £2.00 (Max 3hr stay) OAP/Blue Badge Residents O/S £1 (Max 3hr stay) - Resusable £1 (Max 3hr stay) - Resusable Resident Zone Annual Permit - Businesses O/S £50.00 per permit £50.00 per permit O/S £10.00 £10.00 National Statutory Guidelines apply to this fee Blue Badge Parking Dispensation Notice O/S £15.00 per day £15.00 per day Suspension Notice (Parking Bays) O/S £15.00 per bay per day £15.00 per bay per day DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMIC REGENERATION AND REGENERATION
SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS CHARGE Baltic Road Gypsy Site Entry Deposit E £200.00 £200.00 Refundable Site Rental Double Pitch - per week E £50.00 £51.00 Electricity sale tariffs to be adjusted in line with Electricity Board increases Service of Notices Housing Act Notices O/S £340.00 £350.00 Charge imposed when Housing Act notices are serviced under Part 1 of the Act (except Hazard Awareness Notices) Works in default O/S £115.00 Minimum £220 or 20% A charge for the administration of carrying out works in default for notices served under Housing, Public Health, Environmental Protection, Protection of Damage by Pests and Building Acts. £220 or 20% is charged whichever is the greater. Mandatory HMO Licencing Standard Fee (5 Bedrooms) O/S £805.00 £830.00 Discount for GPLA or other nationally recognised landlord association/scheme £75 Charge for each additional bedroom O/S £13.00 £13.00 Discount for accredited property £150
Renewal of Mandatory HMO Licencing Standard Fee (5 Bedrooms) O/S £450.00 £460.00 Discount for GPLA or other nationally recognised landlord association/scheme £75 Charge for each additional bedroom O/S £13.00 £13.00 Discount for accredited property £150
Immigration Inspections O/S £110.00 £115.00 Charge imposed when EHO's inspect properties in respect of immigration and visa purposes. Housing Grants Support fee on Housing Grants O/S 10% 10% An 10% support fee is charged for the administration of all private sector home repair, renovation and disabled facility grants.
Selective Licensing - Chopwell Standard Fee for a duly made application within the first 6 months of the scheme O/S N/A N/A Standard fee for a duly made application after initial 6 month period O/S £500.00 £550.00 Discount for membership of the GPLA or other nationally recognised landlord O/S £75.00 £75.00 association/scheme Discount for accredited property O/S £150.00 £150.00 Reduction in fee for subsequent application O/S £40.00 £40.00 Administration charge for each incomplete application submission O/S £25.00 £25.00 Selective Licensing - Central Gateshead Ph 1 Standard Fee for a duly made application O/S £550.00 £550.00 Discount for membership of the GPLA or other nationally recognised landlord O/S £75.00 £75.00 association/scheme Discount for accredited property O/S £150.00 £150.00 Reduction in fee for subsequent application O/S £40.00 £40.00 Administration charge for each incomplete application submission O/S £25.00 £25.00 Administration charge for variation of Licence O/S £25.00 £25.00 Administration charge for arrangement of phased, fee payment plan, over more than O/S £25.00 £25.00 one month SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS CHARGE Selective Licensing - Swalwell Standard Fee for a duly made application O/S £550.00 Effective date 08/04/2013 Discount for membership of the GPLA or other nationally recognised landlord O/S £75.00 Effective date 08/04/2013 Discount for accredited property O/S £150.00 Effective date 08/04/2013 Reduction in fee for subsequent application O/S £40.00 Effective date 08/04/2013 Administration charge for each incomplete application submission O/S £25.00 Effective date 08/04/2013 Administration charge for variation of Licence O/S £25.00 Effective date 08/04/2013 Administration charge for arrangement of phased, fee payment plan, over more than O/S £25.00 Effective date 08/04/2013 one month DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REGENERATION
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Blaydon, Greenesfield and Gateshead International Business Centres, Northern Design Centre Licence Fees Blaydon Business Centre (Workshop) N £7.48 per sq ft £7.48 per sq ft Blaydon Business Centre (Office) N £13.84 per sq ft £13.84 per sq ft Greenesfield Business Centre N £26.65 per sq ft £26.65 per sq ft Gateshead International Business Centre N £25.80 per sq ft £25.80 per sq ft Northern Design Centre S £23.50 per sq ft £23.50 per sq ft
Customer Services to Licensees The majority of customers for this service are Word Processing - per A4 sheet N £1.40 £1.50 local businesses which require a VAT invoice. Further identical copies N £0.70 £1.00 Therefore, the proposed charges as stated do not Further copies of the same letter to different addresses N £0.70 £1.00 include VAT but are subject to VAT at the standard rate.
Desk Top Publishing - per A4 sheet N £3.80 £4.00 Plus £2.60 per hour after 30mins £3.00 Scanning - per A4 sheet N £2.50 £3.00 Further copies N £1.20 £1.00
Colour Printing / Photocopying from Central Print Unit A4 Document N £2.20 £2.00 Further A4 copies N £1.30 £1.00 Amended copies N £1.35 £1.00 A3 Document N £3.00 £3.00
Photocopying / Black & White Printing A4 N £0.15 £0.20 A4 (double sided) N £0.20 £0.20 A3 N £0.20 £0.20 A3 (double sided) N £0.25 £0.30 Multiple copies N Cost from Central Print Unit + 25%
Full Virtual Office Service N £100.00 £100.00 Partial Virtual Office Service N £50.00 £50.00
Use of Additional Office/Unit for Temporary Storage E 50% of standard licence Laminating A4 250 microns N £1.60 £2.00 A4 150 microns N £1.30 £1.00 A3 150 microns N £2.50 £3.00 SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Administration - reception N £12.40 per hour £13.00 per hour - on site N £18.60 per hour £20.00 per hour Web Searches N £2.50 £3.00 Printouts (black & white) N £0.20 £0.20 PowerPoint Presentation Projector N £13.00 per day (or part day) £13.00 per day (or part day) Laptop and projector N £26.00 per day £27.00 per day Powerpoint preparation N £3.70 £4.00 plus £2.50 per hour after 30mins plus £3.00 per hour after 30mins Fax - Outgoing UK only N £0.90 per A4 sheet £1.00 per A4 sheet International N £1.50 per A4 sheet £1.50 per A4 sheet Fax - Business Centres Incoming N £0.30 per page £0.30 per page Premium telephone number N £1.80 per sheet £2.00 per sheet Binding N 1-20 sheets £1.60 each 1-20 sheets £1.60 each N 21-50 sheets £1.85 each 21-50 sheets £2.00 each N 50+ sheets £2.35 each 50+ sheets £2.50 each
Steel Binding N £2.60 £3.00 - alterations N £1.40 £1.50 Tea / Coffee N £1.00 per cup £1.00 per cup Biscuits N £2.50 per plate £3.00 per plate DVD / CD Burning N £2.60 per DVD/CD burn £3.00 per DVD/CD burn Stationery N Cost + 25% Cost + 25% Postage / Franking N Cost + 25% Cost + 25%
Gateshead International Business Centre 20 people meeting room E £86.80 per day for Licensees £89.00 per day for Licensees 12 people meeting room E £63.60 per day for Licensees £65.00 per day for Licensees 6 people meeting room E £49.80 per day for Licensees £51.00 per day for Licensees 4 people meeting room E £38.20 per day for Licensees £39.00 per day for Licensees
Northern Design Centre Meeting Rooms (holds 5 people) E £40.00 per day for Licensees £41.00 per day for Licensees E £25.00 half Day £26.00 half Day E £7 per hour £7 per hour
Board Room (holds up to 12 People) E £80.00 per day for Licensees £82.00 per day for Licensees E £45 half day £46 half day E £12 Hour £12.50 Hour Conference Facility (Holds 140 People) E £600 Full Day £615Full Day E £350 Half Day £360 Half Day E £450 Evening Bookings £462 Evening Bookings E £100 Per Hour £103 Per Hour SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Video Conference E £50.00 per day £51.00 per day E £25.00 half day £26.00 half day
Immersion Theatre / Creativity Lab (Holds 25) E £180.00 per day for Licensees £185.00 per day for Licensees Sponsorship of boardrooms at NDC O/S £2500 annual £2565 annual
Sponsorship Business breifing or similar publication O/S £1,000 Annual 12 Editions £1,026 Annual 12 Editions O/S per edition £100 per edition £103 Business Forum or similar event O/S £2,000 6 events £2,052 6 events O/S £500 per event £513 per event Greenesfield Business Centre Conference Room - (to include use of flipchart / overhead E Free one day per month for 3 months projector and TV / Video) E £74.10 per day £76.00per day E £44.00 per half day £45.00 per half day E £24.30 per hour £25.00 per hour Office as meeting room E £64.80 per day £66.50 per day E £33.60 per half day £34.50 per half day E £13.90 per hour £14.00 per hour Blaydon Business Centre Meeting Room E £42.10 per day £43.00 per day E £24.30 per half day £25 per half day Office as meeting room E £64.80 per day £66.50 per day E £30.10 per half day £31.00 per half day E £11.60 per hour £12.00 per hour Gateshead International Business Centre and Greenesfield Business Centre, Northern Design Centre Telephony N Cost plus 25% Cost plus 25% Line Rental N £31.20 per month £31.20 per month Handset Rental N £3.60 per month £3.60 per month First handset to be charged with licence fees Fax Line Rental N £3.60 per month £3.60 per month Broadband (Baltimore House only) N £71.50 per month £73.00 per month Routers - Netgear Firewall Router N £69.40 £71.00 Stonehills Word Processing - per A4 sheet N £1.40 £1.50 (to include envelope and file copy) Further identical copies N £0.70 £1.00 Further copies of the same letter to different addresses N £0.70 £1.00
Desk Top Publishing - per A4 sheet N £3.80 £4.00 £2.60 per hour after 30mins £3.00 per hour after 30mins SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Photocopying A4 N £0.15 per sheet £0.20 per sheet A4 (double sided) N £0.20 per sheet £0.20 per sheet A3 N £0.20 per sheet £0.20 per sheet A3 (double sided) N £0.25 per sheet £0.30 per sheet Multiple copies N Cost from Central Print Unit + 25%
Laminating A4 250 microns N £1.60 £1.60 A4 150 microns N £1.30 £1.30 A3 150 microns N £2.50 £2.60 Fax - Outgoing UK only N £0.90 per A4 sheet £1.00 per A4 sheet International N £1.50 per A4 sheet £1.50 per A4 sheet Fax - Stonehills Incoming N £0.30 per page £0.50 per page N Max - 1-20 sheets (£1.60) Max - 1-20 sheets (£1.60) N 21-50 sheets (£1.90) 21-50 sheets (£2.00) N 50+ sheets (£2.40) 50+ sheets (£2.50) Customer Service to Non-Licensees Word Processing N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% Desk Top Publishing N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% Photocopying - A4 N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% - A3 N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% Fax - Outgoing N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% - Incoming N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% Binding N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% Steel Binding N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% - alterations N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% Laminating A4 250 microns N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% A4 150 microns N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% A3 150 microns N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% PowerPoint Presentation: Projector N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% Laptop and projector N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% Powerpoint preparation N Licensee charge + 25% Licensee charge + 25% Conference Room - Greenesfield E £92.60 per day £95.00 per day E £55.00 per half day £56.00 per half day E £30.40 per hour £31.00 per hour Office as meeting room E £81.00 per day £83.00 per day E £42.00 per half day £43.00 per half day E £17.40 per hour £18.00 per hour SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Gateshead International Business Centre 20 people meeting room E £190.90 per day for Non - £196.00 per day for Non - Licensees 12 people meeting room E £109.90 per day for Non - £113.00 per day for Non - Licensees 6 people meeting room E £76.40 per day for Non - £78.00 per day for Non - Licensees 4 people meeting room E £50.90 per day for Non - £52.00 per day for Non - Licensees
Business Support Services Business Development Consultancy N £265-£525 per day £272 - £539 per day These are discretionary services to be delivered subject to availability and demand to potential and existing occupiers of business centres. It is likely that costs will be met via third party public funding. Subject to negotiation Subject to negotiation Business Planning Support N Up to £1,157.20 Up to £1,187.00 Subject to negotiation Subject to negotiation DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - DEVEOPLMENT AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Licences Pet Animals Act 1951 - Pet Shop Licence O/S £75.70 £77.70 Plus cost of veterinary inspection Animal Boarding Establishment Act 1963 - Licence O/S £75.70 £77.70 Plus cost of veterinary inspection Dog Breeders - Licence O/S £75.70 £77.70 Plus cost of veterinary inspection Dangerous Wild Animals Act - Licence O/S £75.70 £77.70 Plus cost of veterinary inspection Riding Establishment Act 1964 & 1970 - Licence O/S £75.70 £77.70 Plus cost of veterinary inspection Performing Animals Act 1925 Registration O/S £75.70 £77.70 Performing Animals - Amendment to a current listed above O/S £10.50 £10.80 Performing Animals - Copies of licence O/S £10.50 £10.80 Zoo Licensing Act 1981 O/S £110.50 £113.40 Home Boarding (ABE Act 1963) O/S £52.60 £54.00
Motor Vehicle Salvage Operator Registration O/S £55.80 £57.30 Registration lasts three years Practice of acupuncture or the business of tattooing, semi-permanent skin- colouring, cosmetic piercing or electrolysis Person O/S £55.80 £57.30 One Off Charge Premises O/S £111.50 £114.40 One Off Charge
Hackney Carriage & Private Hire Licences Vehicle Licence - Hackney Carriage O/S £180.30 £180.30 Vehicle Licence - Private Hire O/S £180.30 £180.30 Test Fee - Hackney Carriage O/S £54.85 £54.85 2 x £54.85 for 2 vehicle tests Test Fee - Private Hire O/S £54.85 £54.85 2 x £54.85 for 2 vehicle tests A full refund (less a variable administration fee) on any licence fee will only be made following a written request made within 28 days of the licence having been processed. After 28 days, the value of the refund will equal the vehicle plate deposit, plus Private Hire Operators Licence O/S £157.00 £157.00 Hackney Carriage Drivers Licence O/S £46.90 £46.90 Private Hire Drivers Licence O/S £46.90 £46.90 Joint Driver Licence O/S £79.00 £79.00 Replacement of Licence or Badge O/S £9.15 £9.15 Vehicle Plate Deposit O/S £14.25 £14.25 Locality Test Fee O/S £14.25 £14.25 Transfer of vehicle proprietor of change of vehicle O/S £27.00 £27.00
Pleasure Craft Licences Vessel (Annual) O/S £68.40 £68.40 Person (Annual) O/S £21.00 £21.00
Sex Establishment Licence O/S £7,350.00 £7,350.00 £5,756 retained if licence refused SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Club Premises Certificate & Premises Licence (Vary - depending on rateable value of premises) £0 - £4,300 O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge £4,301 - £33,000 O/S £190.00 £190.00 Statutory Charge £33,001 - £87,000 O/S £315.00 £315.00 Statutory Charge £87,001 - £125,000 O/S £450.00 £450.00 Statutory Charge £87,001 - £125,000 (primarily selling alcohol) O/S £900.00 £900.00 Statutory Charge £125,001 & Over O/S £635.00 £635.00 Statutory Charge £125,001 & Over (primarily selling alcohol) O/S £1,905.00 £1,905.00 Statutory Charge
Annual Fee £0 - £4,300 O/S £70.00 £70.00 Statutory Charge £4,301 - £33,000 O/S £180.00 £180.00 Statutory Charge £33,001 - £87,000 O/S £295.00 £295.00 Statutory Charge £87,001 - £125,000 O/S £320.00 £320.00 Statutory Charge £87,001 - £125,000 (primarily selling alcohol) O/S £640.00 £640.00 Statutory Charge £125,001 & Over O/S £350.00 £350.00 Statutory Charge £125,001 & Over (primarily selling alcohol) O/S £1,050.00 £1,050.00 Statutory Charge Minor Variation of Premises Licence or Club Premises Certificate O/S £89.00 £89.00 Statutory Charge Theft/Loss of Club Premises Certificate, Premises Licence or Summary O/S £10.50 £10.50 Statutory Charge Change to Name or Address O/S £10.50 £10.50 Statutory Charge Change of Club Name or Alteration to Rules O/S £10.50 £10.50 Statutory Charge Change of Registered Address of Club O/S £10.50 £10.50 Statutory Charge
Variation of DPS on Premises Licence O/S £23.00 £23.00 Statutory Charge Application to Transfer Premises Licence O/S £23.00 £23.00 Statutory Charge Interim Authority for Premises Licence O/S £23.00 £23.00 Statutory Charge
Interest in Premises (Right of Freeholder to be Notified) O/S £21.00 £21.00 Statutory Charge
Temporary Event Notice O/S £21.00 £21.00 Statutory Charge Theft/Loss of Temporary Event Notice O/S £10.50 £10.50 Statutory Charge
Provisional Statement O/S £315.00 £315.00 Statutory Charge Theft/Loss of Provisional Statement O/S £10.50 £10.50 Statutory Charge
Personal Licence (Grant or Renewal) O/S £37.00 £37.00 Statutory Charge Change to Name or Address O/S £10.50 £10.50 Statutory Charge Theft/Loss of Personal Licence O/S £10.50 £10.50 Statutory Charge
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Unlicensed Family Entertainment Centre Gaming Machine Permits Grant O/S £300.00 £300.00 Statutory Charge Renewal O/S £300.00 £300.00 Statutory Charge Existing Operator Grant O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Change of Name O/S £25.00 £25.00 Statutory Charge Copy of Permit O/S £15.00 £15.00 Statutory Charge
Prize Gaming Permits Grant O/S £300.00 £300.00 Statutory Charge Renewal O/S £300.00 £300.00 Statutory Charge Existing Operator Grant O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Change of Name O/S £25.00 £25.00 Statutory Charge Copy of Permit O/S £15.00 £15.00 Statutory Charge
Club Gaming Permits Grant O/S £200.00 £200.00 Statutory Charge Grant (Club Premises Certificate Holder) O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Existing Operator Grant O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Variation O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Renewal O/S £200.00 £200.00 Statutory Charge Renewal (Club Premises Certificate Holder) O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Annual Fee O/S £50.00 £50.00 Statutory Charge Copy of Permit O/S £15.00 £15.00 Statutory Charge
Club Gaming Machine Permits Grant O/S £200.00 £200.00 Statutory Charge Grant (Club Premises Certificate Holder) O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Existing Operator Grant O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Variation O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Renewal O/S £200.00 £200.00 Statutory Charge Renewal (Club Premises Certificate Holder) O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Annual Fee O/S £50.00 £50.00 Statutory Charge Copy of Permit O/S £15.00 £15.00 Statutory Charge
Licensed Premises Gaming Machine Permits Application Fee O/S £150.00 £150.00 Statutory Charge Existing Operator Grant O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Variation O/S £100.00 £100.00 Statutory Charge Transfer O/S £25.00 £25.00 Statutory Charge Annual Fee O/S £50.00 £50.00 Statutory Charge Change of Name O/S £25.00 £25.00 Statutory Charge Copy of Permit O/S £15.00 £15.00 Statutory Charge
SERVICES CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Licensed Premises Automatic Notification Process Notification O/S £50.00 £50.00 Statutory Charge
Small Lottery Registration Grant O/S £40.00 £40.00 Statutory Charge Annual Fee O/S £20.00 £20.00 Statutory Charge
Street Trading Consent Annual (12 month) O/S £1,339.00 £1,373.80 Summer Season O/S £446.00 £457.60 One week O/S £167.30 £171.60 2 day O/S £55.80 £57.30 Special event Based on a multiple of the Based on a multiple of the 2 day fee, subject to a 2 day fee, subject to a O/S discount of 10% on the discount of 10% on the total fee total fee Gambling Act Fees Bingo Club New Application O/S £1,820.00 £1,820.00 Maximum prescribed £3,500 Annual Fee O/S £1000 (max) £1000 (max) Maximum prescribed £1,000 Application to Vary O/S £1,750.00 £1,750.00 Maximum prescribed £1,750 Application to Transfer O/S £1,026.80 £1,026.80 Maximum prescribed £1,200 Application for Re-instatement O/S £1,026.80 £1,026.80 Maximum prescribed £1,200 Provisional Statement O/S £1,820.00 £1,820.00 Maximum prescribed £3,500 New with Provisional Statement O/S £1,200.00 £1,200.00 Maximum prescribed £1,200 Copy Licence O/S £25 (max) £25 (max) Maximum prescribed £25 Notification of Change O/S £50 (max) £50 (max) Maximum prescribed £50
Betting Premises New Application O/S £1,457.00 £1,457.00 Maximum prescribed £3,000 Annual Fee O/S £600 (max) £600 (max) Maximum prescribed £600 Application to Vary O/S £1,457.00 £1,457.00 Maximum prescribed £1,500 Application to Transfer O/S £1,026.80 £1,026.80 Maximum prescribed £1,200 Application for Re-instatement O/S £1,026.80 £1,026.80 Maximum prescribed £1,200 Provisional Statement O/S £1,457.00 £1,457.00 Maximum prescribed £3,000 New with Provisional Statement O/S £1,155.10 £1,155.10 Maximum prescribed £1,200 Copy Licence O/S £25 (max) £25 (max) Maximum prescribed £25 Notification of Change O/S £50 (max) £50 (max) Maximum prescribed £50 SERVICES CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Track betting New Application O/S £1,820.00 £1,820.00 Maximum prescribed £2,500 Annual Fee O/S £1,000 (max) £1,000 (max) Maximum prescribed £1,000 Application to Vary O/S £1,250 (max) £1,250 (max) Maximum prescribed £1,250 Application to Transfer O/S £950 (max) £950 (max) Maximum prescribed £950 Application for Re-instatement O/S £950 (max) £950 (max) Maximum prescribed £950 Provisional Statement O/S £1,820.00 £1,820.00 Maximum prescribed £2,500 New with Provisional Statement O/S £950 (max) £950 (max) Maximum prescribed £950 Copy Licence O/S £25 (max) £25 (max) Maximum prescribed £25 Notification of Change O/S £50 (max) £50 (max) Maximum prescribed £50
Adult Gaming Centres New Application O/S £1,283.40 £1,283.40 Maximum prescribed £2,000 Annual Fee O/S £1,000 (max) £1,000 (max) Maximum prescribed £1,000 Application to Vary O/S £1,000 (max) £1,000 (max) Maximum prescribed £1,000 Application to Transfer O/S £1,026.50 £1,026.50 Maximum prescribed £1,200 Application for Re-instatement O/S £1,026.80 £1,026.80 Maximum prescribed £1,200 Provisional Statement O/S £1,283.40 £1,283.40 Maximum prescribed £2,000 New with Provisional Statement O/S £1,026.80 £1,026.80 Maximum prescribed £1,200 Copy Licence O/S £25 (max) £25 (max) Maximum prescribed £25 Notification of Change O/S £50 (max) £50 (max) Maximum prescribed £50
Family Entertainment New Application O/S £1,283.00 £1,283.00 Maximum prescribed £2,000 Annual Fee O/S £750 (max) £750 (max) Maximum prescribed £750 Application to Vary O/S £1,000 (max) £1,000 (max) Maximum prescribed £1,000 Application to Transfer O/S £950 (max) £950 (max) Maximum prescribed £950 Application for Re-instatement O/S £950 (max) £950 (max) Maximum prescribed £950 Provisional Statement O/S £1,283.00 £1,283.00 Maximum prescribed £2,000 New with Provisional Statement O/S £950 (max) £950 (max) Maximum prescribed £950 Copy Licence O/S £25 (max) £25 (max) Maximum prescribed £25 Notification of Change O/S £50 (max) £50 (max) Maximum prescribed £50 DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE- DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE Trading Standards Fees for the purpose of any work carried out under the provisions of Weights and Measures Act 1985 and for any other metrological activity. The fees for weights and measures have always been based on LACORS guidance and For the testing of any equipment, the fee will be determined by the hourly rate of previously gave a cost for an individual piece of equipment. This year the guidance has the Weights and Measures Inspector and will include a fee for time for preparation changed to go to an hourly rate. The hourly rate given here is higher than that recommended. and travelling to the place of verification or testing. Where the nature of the equipment requires the presence of support staff, an additional fee will be charged to include an hourly rate for the member of staff and will include travelling to the place of verification or testing. An additional charge will be made to cover the cost of hiring any additional equipment required for the test.
Hourly rate for an Inspector of Weights and Measures O/S £57.60 £59.10 Hourly rate for a member of support staff O/S £34.70 £35.60 Authorisations under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 / Pollution Local Authority Pollution Control Application Fee Standard Process O/S £1,579 £1,579 Statutory charges Additional fee for operating without a permit O/S £1,137 £1,137 Statutory charges Reduced fee activities* O/S £148 £148 Statutory charges PVR I & II O/S £246 £246 Statutory charges Vehicle refinishers O/S £346 £346 Statutory charges Reduced fee activities*: Additional fee for operating without a permit O/S £68 £68 Statutory charges * Reduced fee activities are service stations, vehicle refinishers, dry cleaners and small waste oil burners under 0.4MW Mobile screening and crushing plant O/S £1,579 £1,579.00 Statutory charges For the third to seventh applications O/S £943 £943.00 Statutory charges For the eighth and subsequent applications O/S £477 £477.00 Statutory charges Where an application for any of the above is for a combined Part B and waste application, add extra £294 to the above amounts
Annual Subsistence Charge Standard Process - Low Risk O/S £739 (£99) £739 (£99) *The additional amount in brackets must be charged Standard Process - Medium Risk O/S £1,111 (£149) £1,111 (£149) where a permit is for a combined Part B and waste Standard Process - High Risk O/S £1,672 (£198) £1,672 (£198) installation Reduced fee activities, Low Risk O/S £76 £76 Statutory charges Reduced fee activities, Medium Risk O/S £151 £151 Statutory charges Reduced fee activities, High Risk O/S £227 £227 Statutory charges (2010/11) Low Risk O/S £108 £108 Medium Risk O/S £216 £216 High Risk O/S £326 £326 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE Vehicle refinishers, Low Risk O/S £218 £218 Where a Part B installation is subject to reporting Vehicle refinishers, Medium Risk O/S £349 £349 under the E-PRTR Regulation, an extra £98 must be Vehicle refinishers, High Risk O/S £524 £524 added to the above amounts Odorising of natural gas, Low Risk O/S £76 £76 Statutory charges Odorising of natural gas, Medium Risk O/S £151 £151 Statutory charges
Odorising of natural gas, High Risk O/S £227 £227 Statutory charges Mobile screening and crushing plant, Low Risk O/S £618 £618 Statutory charges Mobile screening and crushing plant, Medium Risk O/S £989 £989 Statutory charges Mobile screening and crushing plant, High Risk O/S £1,485 £1,485 Statutory charges For the third to seventh authorisations, Low Risk O/S £368 £368 Statutory charges For the third to seventh authorisations, Medium Risk O/S £590 £590 Statutory charges For the third to seventh authorisations, High Risk O/S £884 £884 Statutory charges For the eighth and subsequent authorisations, Low Risk O/S £189 £189 Statutory charges For the eighth and subsequent authorisations, Medium Risk O/S £302 £302 Statutory charges For the eighth and subsequent authorisations, High Risk O/S £453 £453 Statutory charges Additional charge if subsistence payment is made by quarterly instalments O/S £36 £36 Statutory charges
Transfer and surrender Standard process transfer O/S £162 £162 Statutory charges Standard process partial transfer O/S £476 £476 Statutory charges Surrender: all Part B activities O/S £0 £0 Statutory charges Reduced fee activities*: transfer O/S £0 £0 Statutory charges Reduced fee activities*: partial transfer O/S £45 £45 Statutory charges (2010/11) New Operator at low risk reduced fee activity O/S £75 £75 Statutory charges Temporary Transfers for Mobiles First Transfer O/S £51 £51 Statutory charges Repeat Transfer O/S £10 £10 Statutory charges Repeat following enforcement or warning O/S £51 £51 Statutory charges Substantial Changes (Sections 10 and 11 of the Act) Standard Process O/S £1,005 £1,005 Statutory charges Standard process where the substantial change results in a new PPC activity O/S £1,579 £1,579 Statutory charges Reduced fee activities* O/S £98 £98 Statutory charges
Local Authority Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Application O/S £3,218 £3,218 Statutory charges Additional fee for operating without a permit O/S £1,137 £1,137 Statutory charges Annual Subsistence - Low O/S £1,384 £1,384 Statutory charges Annual Subsistence - Medium O/S £1,541 £1,541 Statutory charges Annual Subsistence - High O/S £2,233 £2,233 Statutory charges Additional charge of subsistence payment is made by quarterly instalments O/S £36 £36 Statutory charges Substantial Variation O/S £1,319 £1,319 Statutory charges Transfer O/S £225 £225 Statutory charges Partial Transfer O/S £668 £668 Statutory charges Surrender O/S £668 £668 Statutory charges NB All above charges include the extra £98 for reporting under the E-PRTR Regulation SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE
LAPC and LAPPC mobile plant charges (Application/Subsistence) 1 authorisation, Application fee O/S £1,579 £1,579 Statutory charges 1 authorisation, Subsistence Low risk O/S £618 £618 Statutory charges 1 authorisation, Subsistence Medium risk O/S £989 £989 Statutory charges 1 authorisation, Subsistence High risk O/S £1,484 £1,484 Statutory charges 2 authorisations, Application fee O/S £1,579 £1,579 Statutory charges 2 authorisations, Subsistence Low risk O/S £618 £618 Statutory charges 2 authorisations, Subsistence Medium risk O/S £989 £989 Statutory charges 2 authorisations, Subsistence High risk O/S £1,484 £1,484 Statutory charges For the third to seventh authorisations, Application fee O/S £943 £943 Statutory charges For the third to seventh authorisations, Subsistence Low risk O/S £368 £368 Statutory charges For the third to seventh authorisations, Subsistence Medium risk O/S £590 £590 Statutory charges For the third to seventh authorisations, Subsistence High risk O/S £884 £884 Statutory charges For the eighth and subsequent authorisations, Application fee O/S £477 £477 Statutory charges For the eighth and subsequent authorisations, Subsistence Low risk O/S £189 £189 Statutory charges For the eighth and subsequent authorisations, Subsistence Medium risk O/S £302 £302 Statutory charges For the eighth and subsequent authorisations, Subsistence High risk O/S £453 £453 Statutory charges
Fees for the purpose of the Poisons Act 1972 Initial registration O/S £44.90 £46.10 Re-Registration O/S £22.50 £23.10 Change in details of registration O/S £12.40 £12.70
Land Contamination queries General Queries S £173.60 £178.10 Large or Complex Queries S Actual cost using hourly charge out
Unitary Development Plan (Adopted 2007) Commercial Customers S £57.30 £58.80 Plus post and packing Residents S £11.40 £11.70 Plus post and packing
Interim Policy Advice (IPA) Notes: IPA 1 Crime Prevention in New Developments S £4.20 £4.30 Plus post and packing IPA 4 Tyne Gorge Study S £4.20 £4.30 Plus post and packing IPA 9 Hot Food Take-aways S £4.20 £4.30 Plus post and packing IPA 13 Kibblesworth North S £4.20 £4.30 Plus post and packing IPA 14 West of Derwenthaugh Road S £4.20 £4.30 Plus post and packing IPA 15 Derwent West Bank S £4.20 £4.30 Plus post and packing IPA 16 North of Metro Centre S £4.20 £4.30 Plus post and packing DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Development Control Extracts from Ordnance Survey Sheets - For a set of 4 extracts. S £28.00 £28.70 Additional copies 50p £0.50 Copy planning consents (each) S 0.20p per sheet £0.20 Formal confirmation that planning application conditions have been fulfilled S £12.90 per condition £13.20 - plus £59.65 per hour £61.20 General planning queries S £12.90 £13.20 Per question Tree Preservation Order Sealed Document and Plan S £57.00 £58.50
Pre Planning Advice Householder enquiry as to whether a development needs S £25.00 £25.00 planning permission Householder enquiry for pre planning application following S £20.00 £20.00 advice that their development needs permission Householder enquiry for pre planning advice S £40.00 £40.00 Non householder enquiry as to whether a development needs S £45.00 £45.00 planning permission Telecommunications enquiry for pre planning application S £200.00 £200.00 Advert pre application advice S £50.00 £50.00 Non householder Minor Development enquiry for pre planning S £200.00 £200.00 advice Revised non householder Minor Development enquiry for S £100.00 £100.00 pre planning advice within 3 months of advice (per additional request) Major Development enquiry for pre plnning advice S £1,000.00 £1,000.00 Major Development enquiry for pre plnning advice within 3 months of S £500.00 £500.00 advice (per additional request) Strategic Development Enquiry S £2,000.00 £2,000.00 Additional charges may apply
Planning History Search (per hour) Major Applications S £63.10 £64.70 Minor Applications S £43.10 £44.20 Other and householders applications S £23.10 £23.70 DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - DEVELOPMENT CONTROL
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
PLANNING APPLICATIONS FEES Maximum STATUTORY CHARGES 1a. The erection or creation of a dwelling where O/S The site area does not exceed 2.5 hectares, The site area does not exceed 2.5 hectares, the application is for Outline permission £385 for each 0.1 hectare £385 for each 0.1 hectare O/S The site area exceeds 2.5 hectares, £9,527 The site area exceeds 2.5 hectares, £9,527 £125,000 and an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectare in and an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectare in excess of 2.5 hectares excess of 2.5 hectares
1b. The erection or creation of a dwelling O/S The number of dwellings to be created by the The number of dwellings to be created by the development is 50 or fewer, £385 for each development is 50 or fewer, £385 for each each dwelling each dwelling O/S The number of dwellings to be created The number of dwellings to be created £250,000 exceeds 50, £19,049 and an additional £115 for exceeds 50, £19,049 and an additional £115 for each dwelling in excess of 50 dwelling. each dwelling in excess of 50 dwelling.
2 The erection of buildings O/S The site area does not exceed 2.5 hectares, The site area does not exceed 2.5 hectares, (other than buildings in categories 1,3,4,5,or 7) £385 for each 0.1hectare £385 for each 0.1hectare Outline O/S The site area exceeds 2.5 hectares, £9,527 The site area exceeds 2.5 hectares, £9,527 £125,000 and an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectare in and an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectare in excess of 2.5 hectares excess of 2.5 hectares
The erection of buildings (other than buildings in O/S No floor space is created or the gross floor No floor space is created or the gross floor categories 1,3,4,5,or 7) space created does not exceed 40sq.m £195 space created does not exceed 40sq.m £195 O/S The gross floor space created exceeds 40sq.m The gross floor space created exceeds 40sq.m but does not exceed 75sq.m £385 but does not exceed 75sq.m £385 O/S The gross floor space created exceeds 75sq.m but The gross floor space created exceeds 75sq.m but does not exceed 3,750sq.m, £385 for each 75sq.m does not exceed 3,750sq.m, £385 for each 75sq.m O/S The development exceeds 3,750sq.m £19,049 The development exceeds 3,750sq.m £19,049 £250,000 then an additional £115 for each 75sq.m then an additional £115 for each 75sq.m
3 The erection of buildings to be used for agricultural O/S The site area does not exceed 2.5 hectares, The site area does not exceed 2.5 hectares, purposes on agricultural land (other than building in £385 for each 0.1 hectare £385 for each 0.1 hectare category 4) O/S The site area exceeds 2.5 hectares, £9,527 The site area exceeds 2.5 hectares, £9,527 £125,000 Outline and an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectare in and an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectare in excess of 2.5 hectares excess of 2.5 hectares
The erection of buildings to be used for agricultural O/S The gross floor area does not exceed 465sq.m £80 The gross floor area does not exceed 465sq.m £80 purposes on agricultural land (other than building in O/S The gross floor space exceeds 465sq.m but The gross floor space exceeds 465sq.m but category 4) does not exceed 540sq.m £385 does not exceed 540sq.m £385 O/S The floor area exceeds 540sq.m but does not The floor area exceeds 540sq.m but does not exceed 4,215sq.m £385 then an additional £385 exceed 4,215sq.m £385 then an additional £385 for each 75sq.m in excess of 540sq.m for each 75sq.m in excess of 540sq.m O/S The gross floor area exceeds 4,215sq.m The gross floor area exceeds 4,215sq.m £250,000 £19,049 and an additional £115 for each 75sq.m £19,049 and an additional £115 for each 75sq.m in excess of 4,215sq.m in excess of 4,215sq.m SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Maximum 4 The erection of glasshouses on agricultural land O/S The gross floor space does not exceed 465sq.m £80 The gross floor space does not exceed 465sq.m £80 O/S The gross floor space does exceed 465sq.m £2,150 The gross floor space does exceed 465sq.m £2,150
5 The erection, alteration or replacement of plant O/S The site area does not exceed 5 hectares The site area does not exceed 5 hectares and machinery £385 for each 0.1 hectare £385 for each 0.1 hectare O/S The site area exceeds 5 hectares, £19,049 The site area exceeds 5 hectares, £19,049 £250,000 and an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectare in and an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectare in excess of 5 hectares excess of 5 hectares
6 The enlargement/alteration to a dwelling O/S 1 dwelling £172 1 dwelling £172 Flat Rate O/S 2 or more dwellings £339 2 or more dwellings £339
7 The carrying out of operations within the O/S £172 £172 Flat Rate curtilage of a dwelling including the erection of walls/fences
8 The construction of car parks, service roads and O/S £195 £195 Flat Rate and other means of access where the development is incidental to the existing use of the land.
9 The carrying out of any operations connected O/S The site area does not exceed 7.5 hectares, The site area does not exceed 7.5 hectares, with exploratory drilling for oil or natural gas £385 for each 0.1 hectare. £385 for each 0.1 hectare. O/S The site area exceeds 7.5 hectares, £28,750 The site area exceeds 7.5 hectares, £28,750 £250,000 and an additional £115 for each additional 0.1 and an additional £115 for each additional 0.1 hectare in excess of 7.5 hectares hectare in excess of 7.5 hectares
10 Other operations not coming within any other O/S In the case of operation for the winning and In the case of operation for the winning and category working of minerals where the site area does working of minerals where the site area does not exceed 15 hectare, £195 for each 0.1 hectare not exceed 15 hectare, £195 for each 0.1 hectare O/S Where the site exceeds 15 hectares £29,112 and Where the site exceeds 15 hectares £29,112 and £65,000 an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectares in excess an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectares in excess of 15 hectares of 15 hectares O/S In any other case £195 for each 0.1 hectare In any other case £195 for each 0.1 hectare £1,690
11 The change of use/conversion of a building to O/S As category 1b creation of a dwelling As category 1b creation of a dwelling £250,000 one or more dwellings
12 The winning and working of minerals, waste disposal O/S The site area does not exceed 15 hectares, The site area does not exceed 15 hectares, or external mineral storage £195 for each 0.1 hectare £195 for each 0.1 hectare O/S The site exceeds 15 hectares, £29,112 and The site exceeds 15 hectares, £29,112 and £65,000 an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectare in an additional £115 for each 0.1 hectare in excess of 15 hectares excess of 15 hectares
13 Change of use O/S £385 £385 Flat Rate
Application for a non-material change to a planning O/S £28 for householder applications £28 for householder applications permission O/S £195 any other application £195 any other application SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS
Application for a grant of replacement planning O/S £57 for householder applications £57 for householder applications permission subject to a new time limit O/S £575 for major developments £575 for major developments O/S £195 any other application £195 any other application
Variation of condition including renewals of temporary O/S £195 £195 (unless submitted within 12 permissions months of permission - if so no fee) equalling that for a full application for entire site
Reserved Matters where applicants earlier reserved O/S £385 £385 matters applications have incurred total fees equalling that for a full application for entire site
Advertisement specifically relating to the site where O/S £110 £110 they are displayed or ‘advance signs’
All other advertisements O/S £385 £385
Determination of Prior approval O/S £80 £80
Determination of Prior approval (telecommunications) O/S £385 £385
Playing fields for (sports clubs etc) O/S £385 £385
Lawful Development Certificates Existing use O/S Normal fee Normal fee Proposed use O/S Half normal fee Half normal fee Applications by Parish etc Councils O/S Half normal fee Half normal fee Development crossing planning authority boundaries, O/S Only one fee, paid to the authority having the larger Only one fee, paid to the authority having the larger requiring several applications site but calculated for the whole scheme site but calculated for the whole scheme Highest of fees applicable for each alternative and a Highest of fees applicable for each alternative and a Alternative applications for one site O/S sum equal to half the rest sum equal to half the rest Applications required only because of the removal of No Fee No Fee permitted development rights, by a condition restricting changes of use within a class, or by an Article 4 direction Works to improve a disabled person’s access to a No Fee No Fee public building, or to improve his/her access, safety, health or comfort at his/her dwellinghouse One revised or fresh application by the same No Fee No Fee applicant for the same character or description with 12 months of receiving permission or refusal, or the making of the application if withdrawn.
Formal Discharge of Planning Conditions Conditions imposed on householder approvals O/S £28.00 per request £28.00 per request Conditions imposed on non-householder approvals O/S £97.00 per request £97.00 per request DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - BUILDING CONTROL
SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE STANDARD CHARGES FOR NEW BUILD HOUSES 1 Dwelling Below this point attract a 20% surcharge Plan Charge S £213.60 £213.60 Inspection Charge S £626.40 £626.40 Building Notice Charge S £840.00 £840.00 Regularisation charge O/S £1,050.00 £1,050.00 2 Dwellings Plan Charge S £302.40 £302.40 Inspection Charge S £712.80 £712.80 Building Notice Charge S £1,015.20 £1,015.20 Regularisation charge O/S £1,269.00 £1,269.00 3 Dwellings Plan Charge S £392.40 £392.40 Inspection Charge S £886.80 £886.80 Building Notice Charge S £1,279.20 £1,279.20 Regularisation charge O/S £1,599.00 £1,599.00 4 Dwellings Plan Charge S £481.20 £481.20 Inspection Charge S £1,059.60 £1,059.60 Building Notice Charge S £1,540.80 £1,540.80 Regularisation charge O/S £1,926.00 £1,926.00 5 Dwellings Plan Charge S £570.00 £570.00 Inspection Charge S £1,232.40 £1,232.40 Building Notice Charge S £1,802.40 £1,802.40 Regularisation charge O/S £2,253.00 £2,253.00 6 Dwellings Plan Charge S £658.80 £658.80 Inspection Charge S £1,436.40 £1,436.40 Building Notice Charge S £2,095.20 £2,095.20 Regularisation charge O/S £2,619.00 £2,619.00 7 Dwellings Plan Charge S £687.60 £687.60 Inspection Charge S £1,640.40 £1,640.40 Building Notice Charge S £2,328.00 £2,328.00 Regularisation charge O/S £2,910.00 £2,910.00 8 Dwellings Plan Charge S £715.20 £715.20 Inspection Charge S £1,844.40 £1,844.40 Building Notice Charge S £2,559.60 £2,559.60 Regularisation charge O/S £3,199.50 £3,199.50 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE 9 Dwellings Plan Charge S £744.00 £744.00 Inspection Charge S £2,048.40 £2,048.40 Building Notice Charge S £2,792.40 £2,792.40 Regularisation charge O/S £3,490.50 £3,490.50 10 Dwellings Plan Charge S £772.80 £772.80 Inspection Charge S £2,252.40 £2,252.40 Building Notice Charge S £3,025.20 £3,025.20 Regularisation charge O/S £3,781.50 £3,781.50 11 Dwellings Plan Charge S £780.00 £780.00 Inspection Charge S £2,456.40 £2,456.40 Building Notice Charge S £3,236.40 £3,236.40 Regularisation charge O/S £4,045.50 £4,045.50 12 Dwellings Plan Charge S £787.20 £787.20 Inspection Charge S £2,647.20 £2,647.20 Building Notice Charge S £3,434.40 £3,434.40 Regularisation charge O/S £4,293.00 £4,293.00 13 Dwellings Plan Charge S £794.40 £794.40 Inspection Charge S £2,839.20 £2,839.20 Building Notice Charge S £3,633.60 £3,633.60 Regularisation charge O/S £4,542.00 £4,542.00 14 Dwellings Plan Charge S £801.60 £801.60 Inspection Charge S £3,031.20 £3,031.20 Building Notice Charge S £3,832.80 £3,832.80 Regularisation charge O/S £4,791.00 £4,791.00 15 Dwellings Plan Charge S £810.00 £810.00 Inspection Charge S £3,222.00 £3,222.00 Building Notice Charge S £4,032.00 £4,032.00 Regularisation charge O/S £5,040.00 £5,040.00 16 Dwellings Plan Charge S £817.20 £817.20 Inspection Charge S £3,414.00 £3,414.00 Building Notice Charge S £4,231.20 £4,231.20 Regularisation charge O/S £5,289.00 £5,289.00 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE 17 Dwellings Plan Charge S £824.40 £824.40 Inspection Charge S £3,606.00 £3,606.00 Building Notice Charge S £4,430.40 £4,430.40 Regularisation charge O/S £5,538.00 £5,538.00 18 Dwellings Plan Charge S £831.60 £831.60 Inspection Charge S £3,796.80 £3,796.80 Building Notice Charge S £4,628.40 £4,628.40 Regularisation charge O/S £5,785.50 £5,785.50 19 Dwellings Plan Charge S £838.80 £838.80 Inspection Charge S £3,988.80 £3,988.80 Building Notice Charge S £4,827.60 £4,827.60 Regularisation charge O/S £6,034.50 £6,034.50 20 Dwellings Plan Charge S £847.20 £847.20 Inspection Charge S £4,179.60 £4,179.60 Building Notice Charge S £5,026.80 £5,026.80 Regularisation charge O/S £6,283.50 £6,283.50
For applications with number of dwellings in excess of 20 – please contact the Building Control team to discuss the relevant charge.
An additional charge becomes payable when electrical work is not carried out by a Part P Registered Electrician and is set to recover additional Local Authority costs – currently set at £425.53 + VAT per unit. A Part P Registered Electrician is a qualified electrician who also has the necessary Building Regulations knowledge to enable his accreditation body to certify his work.
Domestic Extensions to a Single Building Single storey extension floor area not exceeding 10m2 Plan Charge S £168.52 £168.52 Inspection Charge S £240.00 £240.00 Building Notice Charge S £408.52 £408.52 Regularisation Charge O/S £510.65 £510.65 Additional Charge* S £510.65 £510.65 Single storey extension floor exceeding 10m2 but not exceeding 40 m2 Plan Charge S £168.52 £168.52 Inspection Charge S £408.50 £408.50 Building Notice Charge S £577.02 £577.02 Regularisation Charge O/S £721.28 £721.28 Additional Charge* S £510.64 £510.64 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE Single storey extension floor exceeding 40m2 but not exceeding 100m2 Plan Charge S £168.52 £168.52 Inspection Charge S £602.56 £602.56 Building Notice Charge S £771.07 £771.07 Regularisation Charge O/S £963.84 £963.84 Additional Charge* S £510.64 £510.64
Two storey extension not exceeding 40 m2 Plan Charge S £168.52 £168.52 Inspection Charge S £602.56 £602.56 Building Notice Charge S £771.07 £771.07 Regularisation Charge O/S £963.84 £963.84 Additional Charge* S £510.64 £510.64
Two storey extension to a dwelling house exceeding 40 m2 but not exceeding Plan Charge S £168.52 £168.52 Inspection Charge S £643.40 £643.40 Building Notice Charge S £811.92 £811.92 Regularisation Charge O/S £1,014.90 £1,014.90 Additional Charge* S £510.64 £510.64
Loft conversion Plan Charge S £168.52 £168.52 Inspection Charge S £643.40 £643.40 Building Notice Charge S £811.92 £811.92 Regularisation Charge O/S £848.94 £848.94 Additional Charge* S £510.64 £510.64
Erection or extension of a non exempt attached or detached single storey domestic garage or carport up to 100m2 Plan Charge S £168.52 £168.52 Inspection Charge S £183.83 £183.83 Building Notice Charge S £352.34 £352.34 Regularisation Charge O/S £440.43 £440.43 Additional Charge* S £510.64 £510.64
Conversion of a garage to a dwelling to a habitable room(s) Plan Charge S £168.52 £168.52 Inspection Charge S £102.12 £102.12 Building Notice Charge S £270.64 £270.64 Regularisation Charge O/S £338.30 £338.30 Additional Charge* S £510.64 £510.64 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE Alterations to extend or create a basement up to 100m2 Plan Charge S £168.52 £168.52 Inspection Charge S £510.64 £510.64 Building Notice Charge S £679.15 £679.15 Regularisation Charge O/S £848.94 £848.94 Additional Charge* S £510.64 £510.64 * An additional charge is for work when the relevant building work, or part thereof, has not been carried out by a person referred to in regulation 7(5) (g) or (h) of the
Domestic Alterations to a Single Building Underpinning Basis of Charge - Fixed Price Plan Charge S £168.52 £168.52 Inspection Charge S £219.58 £219.58 Building Notice Charge S £388.09 £388.09 Regularisation Charge O/S £485.12 £485.12
Renovation of a thermal element to a single dwelling. Basis of Charge - Fixed Price Plan Charge S £102.13 £102.13 Inspection Charge S £102.13 £102.13 Building Notice Charge S £204.26 £204.26 Regularisation Charge O/S £255.30 £255.30
Internal alterations, installation of fittings (not electrical) and/or, structural alterations (If ancillary to the building of the extension no additional charge) Basis of Charge Fixed Price based on estimated cost bands Estimated cost less than £2,000 Plan Charge S £0.00 £0.00 Inspection Charge S £0.00 £0.00 Building Notice Charge S £180.00 £180.00 Regularisation Charge O/S £225.00 £225.00 Estimated cost exceeding £2,000 up to £5,000 Plan Charge S £102.13 £102.13 Inspection Charge S £153.19 £153.19 Building Notice Charge S £255.32 £255.32 Regularisation Charge O/S £319.16 £319.16 Estimated cost exceeding £5,000 up to £25,000 Plan Charge S £102.13 £102.13 Inspection Charge S £357.44 £357.44 Building Notice Charge S £459.58 £459.58 Regularisation Charge O/S £574.47 £574.47 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE Estimated cost exceeding £25,001 up to £50,000 Plan Charge S £102.13 £102.13 Inspection Charge S £561.71 £561.71 Building Notice Charge S £663.84 £663.84 Regularisation Charge O/S £829.80 £829.80 Estimated cost exceeding £50,001 up to £75,000 Plan Charge S £102.13 £102.13 Inspection Charge S £868.09 £868.09 Building Notice Charge S £970.22 £970.22 Regularisation Charge O/S £1,212.77 £1,212.77
Window replacement (non competent persons scheme). Basis of Charge Fixed price grouped by numbers of windows. Per installation up to 20 windows Building Notice Charge S £102.13 £102.13 Regularisation Charge O/S £127.67 £127.67 Per installation over 20 windows Building Notice Charge S £255.32 £255.32 Regularisation Charge O/S £319.15 £319.15
Electrical work (carried out by installer not registered to an approved self- Basis of Charge Fixed price based on extent of works. Any electrical work other than the rewiring of a dwelling. Building Notice Charge* S £102.13 £102.13 Regularisation Charge** O/S £638.29 £638.29
The re-wiring or new installation in a dwelling. Building Notice Charge* S £204.26 £204.26 Regularisation Charge** O/S £638.29 £638.29
Installation of Heating of Micro-generation equipment Plan Charge S £102.13 £102.13 Inspection Charge S £102.13 £102.13 Building Notice Charge* S £204.26 £204.26 Regularisation Charge** O/S £638.29 £638.29 * If controllable electrical work is not carried out by a person qualified to inspect ** Electrical work Regularisation Charge is 150% of the additional charge (£425.53 x 150% = £638.29) exclusive of vat. SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE OTHER, NON DOMESTIC WORK - EXTENSIONS AND NEW BUILD Floor area not exceeding 10m2 Other Residential (Institution and Other) Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £342.13 £342.13 Regularisation charge O/S £714.90 £714.90
Assembly and Recreational use Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £388.09 £388.09 Regularisation charge O/S £772.35 £772.35
Industrial and Storage usage Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £360.50 £360.50 Regularisation charge O/S £737.87 £737.87 All Other use Classes Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £377.87 £377.87 Regularisation charge O/S £759.57 £759.57
Floor area exceeding 10m2 but not exceeding 40m2 Other Residential (Institution and Other) Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £520.85 £520.85 Regularisation charge O/S £938.30 £938.30
Assembly and Recreational use Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £618.90 £618.90 Regularisation charge O/S £1,060.86 £1,060.86
Industrial and Storage usage Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £503.50 £503.50 Regularisation charge O/S £916.60 £916.60
All Other use Classes Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £770.05 £770.05 Regularisation charge O/S £1,249.80 £1,249.80 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE Floor area exceeding 40m2 but not exceeding 100m2 Other Residential (Institution and Other) Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £788.42 £788.42 Regularisation charge O/S £1,272.77 £1,272.77 Assembly and Recreational use Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £975.32 £975.32 Regularisation charge O/S £1,506.39 £1,506.39 Industrial and Storage usage Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £662.81 £662.81 Regularisation charge O/S £1,115.75 £1,115.75 All Other use Classes Plan Charge S £229.79 £229.79 Inspection Charge S £850.73 £850.73 Regularisation charge O/S £1,350.65 £1,350.65 The amount of time to carry out the building regulation functions varies, dependent on the different use categories of buildings.
All Non-Domestic Buildings, Domestic alterations and extensions Estimated Cost of Work £0-£5,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £180.00 £180.00 Building Notice Charge S £300.00 £300.00 Regularisation charge O/S £375.00 £375.00 Estimated Cost of Work £5,001-£6,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £199.20 £199.20 Building Notice Charge S £319.20 £319.20 Regularisation charge O/S £399.00 £399.00 Estimated Cost of Work £6,001-£7,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £208.80 £208.80 Building Notice Charge S £328.80 £328.80 Regularisation charge O/S £411.00 £411.00 Estimated Cost of Work £7,001-£8,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £219.60 £219.60 Building Notice Charge S £339.60 £339.60 Regularisation charge O/S £424.50 £424.50 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE Estimated Cost of Work £8,001-£9,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £229.20 £229.20 Building Notice Charge S £349.20 £349.20 Regularisation charge O/S £436.50 £436.50 Estimated Cost of Work £9,001-£10,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £240.00 £240.00 Building Notice Charge S £360.00 £360.00 Regularisation charge O/S £450.00 £450.00 Estimated Cost of Work £10,001-£11,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £249.60 £249.60 Building Notice Charge S £369.60 £369.60 Regularisation charge O/S £462.00 £462.00 Estimated Cost of Work £11,001-£12,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £260.40 £260.40 Building Notice Charge S £380.40 £380.40 Regularisation charge O/S £478.00 £478.00 Estimated Cost of Work £12,001-£13,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £271.20 £271.20 Building Notice Charge S £391.20 £391.20 Regularisation charge O/S £489.00 £489.00 Estimated Cost of Work £13,001-£14,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £280.80 £280.80 Building Notice Charge S £400.80 £400.80 Regularisation charge O/S £501.00 £501.00 Estimated Cost of Work £14,001-£15,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £291.60 £291.60 Building Notice Charge S £411.60 £411.60 Regularisation charge O/S £514.50 £514.50 Estimated Cost of Work £15,001-£16,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £301.20 £301.20 Building Notice Charge S £421.20 £421.20 Regularisation charge O/S £526.50 £526.50 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE
Estimated Cost of Work £16,001-£17,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £312.00 £312.00 Building Notice Charge S £432.00 £432.00 Regularisation charge O/S £540.00 £540.00 Estimated Cost of Work £17,001-£18,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £320.40 £320.40 Building Notice Charge S £440.40 £440.40 Regularisation charge O/S £550.50 £550.50 Estimated Cost of Work £18,001-£19,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £333.60 £333.60 Building Notice Charge S £453.60 £453.60 Regularisation charge O/S £567.00 £567.00 Estimated Cost of Work £19,001-£20,000 Plan Charge S £120.00 £120.00 Inspection Charge S £343.20 £343.20 Building Notice Charge S £463.20 £463.20 Regularisation charge O/S £579.00 £579.00 Estimated Cost of Work £20,001-£100,000 Plan Charge S Add £2.50 for Add £2.50 for (or part thereof) (or part thereof) up to £100,000 up to £100,000 Inspection Charge S Add £7.50 for Add £7.50 for (or part thereof) (or part thereof) up to £100,000 up to £100,000 Building Notice Charge S Add £10.00 for Add £10.00 for (or part thereof) (or part thereof) up to £100,000 up to £100,000 Regularisation charge O/S Add £15.00 for Add £15.00 for (or part thereof) (or part thereof) up to £100,000 up to £100,000 Window Replacement up to 20 windows Building Notice Charge S £102.13 £102.13 Regularisation charge O/S £127.67 £127.67
Schemes over £100,000 estimate of cost to be individually determined – please contact the Building Control team – the charge will be confirmed in writing. SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE Scaffold Registration Fee O/S £69.40 £69.40 Supplier responsible for payment Skips Annual Permit Scheme Membership O/S £50.00 £50.00 Skip provider/supplier responsible for payment Standard Permit (Permit Scheme Member) O/S £17.80 £17.80 Copy of waste carrier licence and public liability Standard Permit (Non Permit Scheme Member) O/S £22.80 £22.80 insurance must be provided Same Day (Permit Scheme Member) O/S £22.80 £22.80 O/S £27.80 £27.80 Permits valid for 28 days max, for periods exceeding 28 days a new application and fee will be required for each period of 28 days. Persons responsible for payment, the hoarding, scaffold provider / Same Day/Next Day (Non Permit Scheme Member) supplier 8hr Retrospective (not available to non-permit scheme members) O/S £27.80 £27.80 Retrospective O/S £86.00 £86.00 Renewal (Permit Scheme Member) O/S £10.00 £10.00 Renewal (Non Permit Scheme Member) O/S £15.00 £15.00
Retrospective Application for skips on highways O/S £86.00 £86.00 Copies of Approvals and Certificates O/S £24.40 £24.40 Scaffold and hoardings - 12 weeks permit O/S £62.30 £125.00 Fee for up to 12 weeks. Reduced to £75 if erected by a competent contractor. Competent Contractor with appropriate, current qualifications. - for up to 28 days extension extension O/S £0.00 £25.00 - re-inspection fee O/S £0.00 £50.00 LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - CLEANSING AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE
HORTICULTURAL FACILITIES AND SERVICES (Adults are 18+, Juniors under 18 and Senior citizens are 60+)
PARKS RECREATION Bowls Seasonal Permit (Club Members Only) S £16.40 £50.00
FOOTBALL PITCHES (including electricity) With Changing Rooms Seniors per season (alternate weeks) E £450.00 £540.00 Juniors per season (alternate weeks) E £130.00 £220.00 Additional Games Casual booking per game Seniors (without seasonal booking) S £50.00 £55.00 Juniors (without seasonal booking) S £20.00 £25.00
Without Changing Rooms Seniors per season (alternate weeks) E £165.00 £270.00 Juniors per season (alternate weeks) E £63.00 £110.00 Additional Games Casual booking per game Seniors (without seasonal booking) S £33.00 £35.00 Junior (without seasonal booking) S £13.00 £15.00
CRICKET PITCHES Hire per season E £250.00 £400.00 Casual booking per game S £40.00 £50.00
ALLOTMENTS Rents per annum Area up to 200m2 E £36.00 £80.00 Fee to be renegotiated 01.04.2013 - fixed for 3 years. 201 - 300m2 E £49.50 £110.00 Fee to be renegotiated 01.04.2013 - fixed for 3 years. 301 - 400m2 E £66.75 £140.00 Fee to be renegotiated 01.04.2013 - fixed for 3 years. Rents above 400m2 to be charged the 400m2 fee together with the next band fee appropriate to make up the size e.g. a 600m2 allotment will be charged at the 400m2 and 200m2 combined total SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE
MISCELLANEOUS Lettings of Fairgrounds - charges per day - To set up and dismantle E £45.00 £50.00 - To operate E £135.00 £150.00
SALTWELL PARK Weekdays Wailes Room (half day) E £24.00 £58.00 Wailes Room (full day) E £47.00 £156.00 Education Room (half day) E £29.00 £30.00 Education Room (Full day) E £58.00 £60.00 Training Room (half day) E £35.00 £36.00 Training Room (Full day) E £70.00 £72.00 Saltwell Towers (evening 7pm to midnight) E £175.00 £270.00 Saltwell Towers Gallery (half day) E £52.00 £96.00 Saltwell Towers Gallery (full day) E £94.00 £194.00
Saturday Wailes Room (half day) E £78.00 Wailes Room (full day) E £206.00 Education Room (half day) E £30.00 Education Room (Full day) E £60.00 Training Room (half day) E £36.00 Training Room (Full day) E £72.00 Saltwell Towers (evening 7pm to midnight) E £280.00 Saltwell Towers Gallery (half day) E £107.00 Saltwell Towers Gallery (full day) E £214.00
Sunday Wailes Room (half day) E £126.00 Wailes Room (full day) E £252.00 Education Room (half day) E £30.00 Education Room (Full day) E £60.00 Training Room (half day) E £36.00 Training Room (Full day) E £72.00 Saltwell Towers (evening 7pm to midnight) E £300.00 Saltwell Towers Gallery (half day) E £140.00 Saltwell Towers Gallery (full day) E £280.00 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE
Civic Centre – Hire Charges The Bridges Room (per session) E £140.00 £145.00 The Whickham Room (per session) E £140.00 £145.00 The Blaydon Room or Saltwell Room (per session) E £140.00 £145.00 The Council Chamber (per session) E £300.00 £310.00
PARKS PAVILIONS E *Negotiable *Negotiable
*Where the charge is negotiable – A session is of no fixed period but is dependent upon the needs of the individual organisation. LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE Collection of Refuse Etc. Trade Refuse Standard Dustbins per bin per week O/S POA POA Price on Application
Wheel Bins 240 litres S POA POA Price on Application 360 litres S POA POA Price on Application 1100 litres S POA POA Price on Application
Clinical Waste Provision and Collection of Sack S POA POA Price on Application Provision and Collection of Sharps S POA POA Price on Application
Refuse Wheeled Bin Replacement (Delivery) O/S £15.00 £20.00 Blue Recycling Wheeld Bin Replacement (Delivery) - £10.00
Bulky Household Waste - Special Collection Charges
Each item from the list below Garage Door, Bathroom Suite, Dismantled Shed, Window Frames O/S £35.00 £40.00
3 Items from the list below Mattress, Carpet, Bed, Fridge/Freezer, Large Table, Wardrobe, Door, O/S £12.00 £15.00 Armchair, Cabinet, Sofa
8 Items form the list below Bag of Household Waste, Bag of Garden Rubbish, Boxes, Small Table, O/S £7.00 £10.00 Vacuum Cleaner, Headboard, Television Stand, Lawnmower
Removal and Disposal of Abandoned Vehicles On request and where Registration Book is available free of charge. Removal of Vehicle O/S £142.00 £146.00 Storage (per day) O/S £16.30 £17.00 Disposal O/S £67.90 £70.00
Septic Tank Emptying Domestic with contract (per emptying) S £160.00 £165.00 Other properties S Actual Cost Actual Cost SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE MOT Tests
- Class IV Vehicles O/S £54.85 £54.85 - Class IV Vehicles 9 - 12 seats O/S £64.00 £64.00 Maximum Statutory Charge to be levied - Class V Vehicles 13 - 16 seats O/S £59.55 £59.55 (VOSA usually update in April annually) - Class V Vehicles over 16 seats O/S £80.65 £80.65
Inspection for Car Purchase through Car Loan Scheme S £61.60 £65.00
Hackney Carriage Tests Repeat Hackney Carriage Test (major) S £54.85 £54.85 Repeat Hackney Carriage Test (minor) S £27.42 £27.42
Duplicate Certificate S £17.84 £17.84 MOT Certificate O/S £27.00 £27.00
Clearance of stopped private drains Normal Hours S £100.00 £105.00 Other Times S £205.00 £210.00 LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
MONDAY - FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY & BANK HOLIDAYS REMARKS
CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE SERVICE VAT CHARGE DRYDEN CENTRE Non Commercial Organisations Conference Hall (per hour) E £54.00 £56.00 £80.50 £83.00 £95.00 £98.00 Conference Hall (per 3 hour session) E £153.00 £157.00 £229.00 £235.00 £266.50 £273.00 Conference Hall (per hour) Theatre Groups E £34.00 £35.00 £51.00 £53.00 £58.50 £60.00 Conference Hall (per 3 hour session) Theatre Groups E £100.00 £103.00 £150.00 £154.00 £171.00 £175.00 Rooms Up to 20 People (per hour) E £20.00 £21.00 £25.50 £26.00 £32.00 £33.00 Rooms Up to 20 People (per 3 hour session) E £56.00 £58.00 £75.00 £77.00 £90.50 £93.00 Rooms 20 - 30 People (per hour) E £24.00 £25.00 £26.50 £27.00 £35.00 £36.00 Rooms 20 - 30 People (per 3 hour session) E £70.50 £73.00 £78.00 £80.00 £101.50 £104.00 Conference Room (per hour) E £28.00 £29.00 £32.00 £33.00 £37.50 £39.00 Conference Room (per 3 hour session) E £82.50 £85.00 £92.50 £95.00 £107.00 £110.00
Theatre package for amateur operatic, dramatic or S £126.50 £130.00 £152.00 £157.00 N/A N/A Discount of 20% if five consecutive performances including rehearsals. weekdays (Mon-Fri 18.00-22.00) booked. Theatre Package (Includes use of specialist sound and May be subject to sole user charge of lighting equipment and access to stage, under stage £50.00 area, use of piano i.e. all specialist facilities for a stage performance).Photocopying S 10p per copy 10p per copy 10p per copy Refreshments - Buffet Lunch S Menu available for choice and Menu available for choice and Menu available for choice and prices prices prices Commercial Organisations Conference Hall (per hour) E £64.00 £66.00 £97.00 £100.00 £111.00 £114.00 Conference Hall (per 3 hour session) E £185.00 £190.00 £278.50 £286.00 £325.00 £334.00 Rooms Up to 20 People (per hour) E £25.50 £26.00 £35.00 £36.00 £42.00 £43.00 Rooms Up to 20 People (per 3 hour session) E £75.00 £77.00 £102.50 £105.00 £122.00 £125.00 Rooms 20 - 30 People (per hour) E £32.00 £33.00 £38.50 £39.00 £47.50 £49.00 Rooms 20 - 30 People (per 3 hour session) E £95.00 £98.00 £116.00 £119.00 £135.50 £139.00 Conference Room (per hour) E £37.50 £39.00 £43.00 £44.00 £52.00 £53.00 Conference Room (per 3 hour session) E £112.00 £115.00 £129.00 £132.00 £151.00 £155.00 Equipment Hire (Included in relevant charges (Included in relevant charges (Included in relevant charges above) Photocopying S 20p per copy 20p per copy 20p per copy Refreshments - Buffet Lunch S Menu available for choice and pricesMenu available for choice and pricesMenu available for choice and prices Cancellation of Bookings Up to 5 working days notice No Charge No Charge No Charge Up to 2 working days notice O/S 50% of Hire Charge 50% of Hire Charge 50% of Hire Charge Cancellation on day of hire O/S 100% of Hire Charge 100% of Hire Charge 100% of Hire Charge LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS Disinfestation Social Landlords Standard Treatment S POA POA Special Treatment S Actual Cost Actual Cost
Gateshead Council Houses Standard Treatment XX POA POA Special Treatment XX Actual Cost Actual Cost
Private Houses Standard Treatment S POA POA Special Treatment S Actual Cost Actual Cost
LA Properties (any land or buildings owned by the council) Standard Treatment XX POA POA Special Treatment XX Actual Cost Actual Cost
Business Premises Standard Treatment S POA POA Special Treatment S Actual Cost Actual Cost
Rodent Control Social Landlords Standard Treatment S POA POA Special Treatment S Actual Cost Actual Cost
Gateshead Council Houses Standard Treatment S POA POA Special Treatment S Actual Cost Actual Cost SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS Private Houses Standard Treatment - Mice S POA POA Special Treatment - Mice S Actual Cost Actual Cost Rats (per treatment) Free £10.00
LA Properties (any land or buildings owned by the council) Standard Treatment S POA POA Special Treatment S Actual Cost Actual Cost
Business Premises Standard Treatment S POA POA Special Treatment S Actual Cost Actual Cost
Allotments Standard Treatment S POA POA Special Treatment S Actual Cost Actual Cost
Other pests
Feral cats O/S £89.90 £92.00 Recovery of stray dog from kennels Statutory Fee O/S £26.30 £26.30 Administrative Fee S £21.10 £22.00 POA - PRICE ON APPLICATION LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES
SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE
CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA Interments (i) For the interment in a grave taken in rotation of an adult 18 years of age or over. O/S £720.00 £740.00 (This does not include the Exclusive Rights of Burial) (ii) Additional cost of a grave taken out of rotation. O/S £50.00 £60.00 (iii) For the interment of cremated remains in any grave O/S £200.00 £210.00
Notes The fees indicated in (i), (ii) and (iii) above include the digging of the grave and provision of grass mats apply only where the interment is made between the hours of 9.00am and 2.00pm on a weekday, Monday to Friday, or on the Certificate of a Coroner or Registered Medical Practioner that immediate interment is necessary.In other cases, the fees will be increased as follows: On Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holiday (on medical advice) by 100% at other times by 20%.
(iv) For any interment taking place more than 15 minutes before or after the appointment time, an O/S £43.10 £45.00 additional fee for every further 15 minutes or fractional part thereof. (v) Exclusive Rights of Burial in Earthen or Walled Graves or Vaults. For the exclusive right of burial for a period of 50 years in a grave space taken in rotation in any part O/S £400.00 £500.00 of the burial ground. NOTE - All new graves must be purchased (vi) Exclusive Rights of Burial in Earthen or Walled Graves or Vaults. For the exclusive right of burial for a period of 50 years in a grave space taken in rotation in any part O/S £250.00 £300.00 of the burial ground for cremated remains. NOTE - All new graves must be purchased (vii) Exclusive rights of burial of a child (not compulsory with burial) O/S £300.00
NOTE - The fees indicated include the Deed of Grant and all expenses thereof. On the expiry of the 50 year term referred to above, an option may be exercised to extend the period of Exclusive Right of Burial for a further maximum period of 25 years on payment of 50% of the fees then prevailing for 50 years purchase. NOTE - Charges for all non-residents are double those fees listed above (viii) Gravestones, Tablets and Monumental Inscriptions. For the right to erect or place a grave or vault in respect of which the Exclusive Right of Burial has been granted:
A memorial stone 450mm upto 915mm in height and 450mm to 915mm in width (vertical) O/S £220.00 £240.00 All stones over 915mm in height or width will be priced on application
Half kerbstones - lawned section width of stone X 600mm in front (full burials only) O/S £100.00 £150.00
Kerbstones or border stones enclosing a space not exceeding the measurements specified in the O/S £250.00 £300.00 Regulations.
Horizontal Plaque to be placed between kerb stones not exceeding 750mm x 750mm. O/S £50.00 £55.00 SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE Notes The fees indicated include the right to make inscriptions, for the first interment only. No kerbs or border stones are allowed on any lawn section. The fees, payments and sums indicated apply where the person to be interred, or in respect of whom the right is granted is, or immediately before his death was, an inhabitant of the Mertopolitan Borough of Gateshead or a parishioner of any parishes comprised therein, or, in the case of a stillborn child, where the parents (or one of them) are, at the time of interment were, such inhabitants or parishioners. In other cases, the fees, payments and sums to be doubled, except where the Exclusive Right of Burial in the grave in question or the right to construct the grave or vault, was acquired at the single fee.
(ix) Miscellaneous Charges Excavating for a vault or walled grave S Actual Cost Exhumation fees (excluding charges for re-interring) S Actual Cost Free standing vase, tablet, or flower stand (right to place) up to 450mm x 300mm O/S £17.00 £20.00 Coffin Cover £510.00 £550.00 Register transfer of ownership of grave or vault E £25.00 £30.00 Use of cemetery chapel for services (only if available) fee is in addition to interment fee. E £55.00 £75.00 Replacement memorial stone O/S £40.00 £50.00 Replacement kerbstone £150.00 Rennovation - repairs, cleaning (Admin Fee) O/S £25.00 £30.00 Service cancellation (less than 72 hours notice) £100.00
Cremation Of the body of a person whose age at the time of death exceeded 18 years E £590.00 £590.00 Environmental Surcharge E £40.00 £40.00 Non-Resident Surcharge E £35.00 £35.00
Notes These fees apply where a cremation takes place between the hours of 9.00am and 3.30pm on weekdays In any other cases, the fee will be increased as follows:On Saturdays after 11.30 am, at any time on Sundays and on Public Holidays, by 100% At other times, 50% The cremation fee includes: Use of Chapel, waiting room, etc, and all attendance after coffin placed on catafalque by undertaker. The fees include the disposal of cremated remains in the garden of remembrance and a polycontainer for cremated remains.
Entries in Book of Remembrance including touch screen visual display of entry accessible throughout the For a double line entry S £45.00 £56.00 For each additional line S £23.00 £28.00 For Crest or Service Badge S £80.00 £95.00 Coat of Arms S £95.00 £115.00 Token Entry S Actual Cost + 28% Admin Fee SERVICES VAT CURRENT PROPOSED REMARKS CHARGE CHARGE
Miscellaneous Charges Medical Referee O/S £35.00 £35.00 Disposal in Garden of Remembrance of a person cremated elsewhere E £50.00 £50.00 Where a cremation is delayed or is early up to 15 minutes before or after the appointed time. £43.10 £45.00 For delay of further 15 minutes (fee will be payable for every further 15 minutes or fractional part thereof) £43.10 £45.00
Family Search Family search (searches for children, siblings, parents, grandparents are free). Charge applicable for S £25.00 £30.00 all other searches. Charge is for one name, at one location.
Memorial Wall Plaque S £354.00 £390.00
Memorial Kerb Tablet - inc plaque, inscription & vase (for a period of 10 years) O/S £650.00 £685.00 Memorial Kerb Tablet - replacement plaque. O/S £150.00 £175.00 Dignified disposal of body parts. E 50% of the appropriate charge for an interment or or a cremation CENTRAL SERVICES
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS Charge for Funeral and protection of property arrangements Up to a maximum of £500 Up to a maximum of £500 Charge for appointeeship cases Up to a maximum of £350 Up to a maximum of £350
Access to Information Complying with requests for information under the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Photocopying S 20p per A4 sheet 20p per A4 sheet Postage S Actual Cost Actual Cost
Subject access requests under the Data Protection Act 1998. O/S £10.00 £10.00 Statutory Charge
Any other request for photocopying S 20p per A4 sheet 20p per A4 sheet Postage S Actual Cost Actual Cost
Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Check (includes administation fee of £10) S £54.00 £54.00 Standard Check (includes administation fee of £10) S £46.00 £46.00
Identity Cards Charge per card S £1.20 £2.00 Charge per card (chipped) S £4.15 £5.50 Design Fee S £12.70 £22.00 Clip / Lanyard / Card Holder / YoYo S £0.20 / £0.30 / £0.30 / £0.36 £0.21 / £0.31 / £0.31 / £0.37
Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates Cost of Certificates
From the Registrar who registered the birth, death or marriage: Standard Certificate at the time of registration O/S £4.00 £4.00 Statutory Charge Standard Certificate after the time of registration O/S £7.00 £7.00 Statutory Charge Short Birth Certificate O/S £7.00 £7.00 Statutory Charge (One Short Birth Certificate is issued free of charge at the time of registering the birth)
Certificates are available from the Registrar only at the time of registration or shortly afterwards. Once a register is filled, it is passed to the Superintendent Registrar and certificates are no longer available from the Registrar. From the Superintendent Registrar: *Standard Certificate O/S £10.00 £10.00 Statutory Charge *Short Birth Certificate O/S £10.00 £10.00 Statutory Charge
General searches at a Superintendent Registrar's Office O/S £18.00 £18.00 Statutory Charge Costs of a Certificate of any entry resulting from a search. O/S As shown in * above As shown in * above Statutory Charge Postage & Packing S £1.10 £1.10 SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS Marriages From the Superintendent Registrar: For attending a marriage at the residence of a housebound person to O/S £46.00 £46.00 Statutory Charge attest notice of marriage. For attending a marriage of a detained person to attest notice of O/S £67.00 £67.00 Statutory Charge For entering notice of marriage in a marriage notice book O/S £35.00 £35.00 Statutory Charge (notice to be given in each area in which party resides). For attending a marriage at the residence of a housebound person. O/S £82.00 £82.00 Statutory Charge For attending a marriage of a detained person. O/S £93.00 £93.00 Statutory Charge From the Registrar: For attending a marriage solemnized in a register office O/S £45.00 £45.00 Statutory Charge For attending a marriage at the residence of a housebound or detained O/S £86.00 £86.00 Statutory Charge
Certificate for Worship and Registration for Marriage From the Superintendent Registrar Certification of a place of meeting for religious worship O/S £28.00 £28.00 Statutory Charge Registration of a building for the solemnization of marriages O/S £120.00 £120.00 Statutory Charge
Registered Buildings Registrar Attendance O/S £84.00 £84.00 Statutory Charge
Registration of Approved Premises Registration of Premises for Marriage and Civil Partnership O/S £2,000.00 £2,000.00 Ravensworth - Premises Fee (incl cost of certificate) Weekdays E £130.00 £130.00 Includes £40.00 Statutory Charge. Saturday E £152.00 £152.00 Includes £40.00 Statutory Charge.
British Citizenship Ceremony Personal British Citizenship Ceremony (at civic centre) O/S £145.00 £145.00
Civil Partnership Notice of Civil Partnership (per person) O/S £35.00 £35.00 Statutory Charge Formation of Civil Partnership in a register office (with or without a O/S £45.00 £45.00
Full certification at the time of formation O/S £4.00 £4.00 Statutory Charge Extract at time of formation O/S £4.00 £4.00 Statutory Charge Full extract or certificate after the time of formation O/S £10.00 £10.00 Statutory Charge Postage S £1.10 £1.10
Attendance of an authorised person at a place other than one O/S £46.00 £49.00 Statutory Charge provided by the authority, for attesting the declaration for O/S £67.00 £67.00 Statutory Charge housebound or detained persons
On giving notice to a registration authority under the Civil O/S £35.00 £35.00 Statutory Charge Partnership Order 2005 {Cert of No Impediment}
Attendance of the civil partnership registrar for the purpose O/S £79.00 £79.00 Statutory Charge of signing the civil partnership schedule for housebound or O/S £86.00 £86.00 Nationality Checking Service Adult S £55.00 £55.00 Child S £30.00 £30.00 SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS Civil Marriages and Civil Partnerships Attendance at an approved premises (inclusive of formation and Weekdays S £390.50 £390.50 Saturday/Sunday/Bank Holidays S £440.50 £440.50
Child Naming and Reaffirming of Vows At the Register Office Weekdays S £150.00 £150.00 Saturday S £250.00 £250.00 At an Outside Venue Weekdays S £230.00 £230.00 Saturday S £300.00 £300.00
Certification of a building as a place of worship O/S £28.00 £28.00
Registering a building for the solemnisation of marriages Fee for Certification of Approved Premises O/S £120.00 £120.00
Electoral Services Street Index O/S £10.66 £10.95 Confirmation of entry on Electoral Register O/S £13.85 £14.20 Registers - paper O/S £10.00 plus £5.00 per £10.00 plus £5.00 per Statutory Charge 1000 entries 1000 entries Registers - data O/S £20.00 plus £1.50 per £20.00 plus £1.50 per Statutory Charge 1000 entries 1000 entries Monthly register updates As above As above Copies of marked register O/S Paper copy - £10 Paper copy - £10 Statutory Charge (marked registers) Restricted O/S plus £2 per 1,000 entries plus £2 per 1,000 entries O/S Data copy - £10 Data copy - £10 Statutory Charge (marked registers) Restricted O/S plus £1 per 1,000 entries plus £1 per 1,000 entries Property Transactions Registration of assignments and mortgages on Commercial Leases E £104.10 £106.80 Registration of dealings on Residential Lease (Former Council Flats) E £69.40 £71.20 Consent to assign on Commercial Leases * From £104.10 depending on From £104.10 depending on time spent time spent
Retrospective Consent on alteration to former Council House * £82.10 £84.20
Consent to Postponement of charge on borrowing on former Council House * £55.80 if consent given by £57.30 letter £82.10 if lender requires letter £84.20 if lender requires a formal Deed sealed a formal Deed sealed
Redemption of Council Mortgage on residential property * £136.00 £139.50 Engrossment of Standard Council House Transfer * £35.00 £35.00
Copying Charges for all Legal Documents * Standard retrieval fee of £60 Standard retrieval fee of £61.60 plus copying charges of 20p plus copying charges of 20p per A4 sheet and 30p per A3 per A4 sheet and 30p per A3 sheet, plus £5.90 per plan sheet, plus £6.10 per plan SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE REMARKS Copy extract of Covenants * Standard retrieval fee of £24.70 Standard retrieval fee of £25.30 plus copying charges of 20p per plus copying charges of 20p per A4 sheet and 30p per A3 sheet A4 sheet and 30p per A3 sheet plus £5.90 per plan plus £6.00 per plan Draft and negotiate s.106 Agreements S £1,262.40 (commercial) £1,262.40 (commercial) S £631.20 (non-commercial) £631.20 (non-commercial) Licence - £430.00 Draft and negotiate s.278 s.38 Agreements * £1,000.00 £1,800.00
Emergency Road Closure £150.00 £150.00 Temporary Traffic Orders £250.00 £250.00 Permanent Traffic Orders - £600.00 Stopping Up Orders - £1,900.00
Local Land Charges Cost of Tailored Report Commercial Property Non-Electronic Search LLC1 O/S £24.20 £24.80 Enquiries CON29 (R) O/S £143.10 £146.80 Both O/S £167.30 £171.60 Electronic Search LLC1 O/S £18.70 £19.20 Enquiries CON29 (R) O/S £137.60 £141.20 Both O/S £156.30 £160.40 Residential Non-Electronic Search LLC1 O/S £24.20 £24.80 Enquiries CON29 (R) O/S £95.70 £98.20 Both O/S £119.90 £123.00 Electronic Search LLC1 O/S £18.70 £19.20 Enquiries CON29 (R) O/S £89.20 £91.30 Both O/S £107.90 £110.50 Additional Property Electronic and Non-Electronic Search LLC1 O/S £2.20 £2.30 Enquiries CON29 (R) O/S £9.90 £10.20 Both O/S £12.10 £12.50 Additional Enquiry Customers Own Electronic and Non-Electronic Enquiries CON29 (R) O/S £24.20 £24.80 Personal Searches Electronic and Non-Electronic Single Property O/S Free Free Additional Property O/S Free Free
* If the charge relates to a commercial property for which no option to tax has been made, the charge will be exempt from VAT. * If the charge relates to a commercial property for which an option to tax is in place, the charge will be subject to VAT at the standard rate. * If the charge relates to a residential Council property, it will be considered to be non-business. CENTRAL SERVICES
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access COMMERCIAL LAND CHARGES CON29R - Required Enquiries 1. PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
1.1. Planning and Building Decisions and Pending Applications Which of the following relating to the property have been granted, issued or refused or (where applicable) are the subject of pending planning applications – (a) a planning permission; (a) - (e) This information is publicly available, O/S (b) a listed building consent; 1980 - to date information is available via internet O/S (c) a conservation area consent; http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/ or the pc terminals in O/S Publicly available Publicly available (d) a certificate of lawfulness of existing use or development; terminals in Development and Enterprise O/S free of charge. free of charge. (e) a certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development; reception, 1974 - 1980 information is available O/S in paper registers in reception (f) building regulation approval; (g) a building regulation completion certificate; (f) - (h) Information available by viewing or O/S Publicly available Publicly available (h) any building regulations certificate or notice issued in respect of work tailored report only. O/S free of charge. free of charge. carried out under a competent person self-certification scheme?
1.2. Planning Designations and Proposals What designations of land use for the property or the area, and This information is publicly available by O/S Publicly available Publicly available what specific proposals for the property, are contained in any consulting public local plans. online free of online free of existing or proposed development plan? charge. charge. The Unitary Development Plan (UDP) is available online as an interactive GIS-based version, but not all the Local Development Framework (LDF) Proposals Maps are yet available in this interactive format.
Paper copies of the UDP documents and proposals map are available at £11.40 for residential and £57.30 Commercial 2. ROADS
Which of the roads, footways and footpaths named in the (a) This information is publicly available O/S Publicly available Publicly available application for this search (via boxes B and C) are: free of charge. free of charge. (a) highways maintainable at public expense; SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access
(b) subject to adoption and, supported by a bond or bond waiver; (b) - (d) Information available by viewing or O/S (c) to be made up by a local authority who will reclaim the cost report only. O/S Publicly available Publicly available from the frontages; free of charge. free of charge. (d) to be adopted by a local authority without reclaiming the cost O/S from the frontagers? 3. OTHER MATTERS from the frontages? 3.1. Land Required for Public Purposes Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available Is the property included in land required for public purposes? tailored report only. free of charge. free of charge.
3.2. Land to be Acquired for Road Works Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available Is the property included in land to be acquired for road works? report only. free of charge. free of charge.
3.3. Drainage agreements and consents Do either of the following exist in relation to the property: (a) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available (a) an agreement to drain buildings in combination into an report only. free of charge. free of charge. existing sewer by means of a private sewer;
(b) an agreement or consent for (i) a building or (ii) extension to a (b) This information is publicly available O/S Publicly available Publicly available building on the property, to be built over, or in the vicinity of a free of charge. free of charge. drain, sewer or disposal main?
3.4 Nearby Road Schemes Is the property (or will it be) within 200 metres of any of the following: Publicly available Publicly available (a) the centre line of a new trunk road or special road specifiied in (a) This information is publicly available. O/S free of charge. free of charge. an order, draft order or scheme;
(b) the centre line of a proposed alteration or improvement to an O/S Publicly available Publicly available existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, free of charge. free of charge. flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway;
(c) the outer limits of construction works for a proposed alteration O/S Publicly available Publicly available or improvement to an existing road, involving (i) the construction free of charge. free of charge. of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or (ii) widening by (b) - (d) Information available by viewing or tailored construction of one or more additional traffic lanes; report only.
(d) the outer limits of (i) construction of a new road to be built by a O/S Publicly available Publicly available local authority; (ii) an approved alteration or improvement to an free of charge. free of charge. existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway; or (iii) construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or widening by construction of one or more additional traffic lanes;
(e) the centre line of the proposed route of a new road under O/S Publicly available Publicly available proposals published for public consultation; or free of charge. free of charge. SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access (f) the outer limits of (i) construction of a proposed alteration or (e) - (f) This information is publicly available. O/S Publicly available Publicly available improvement to an existing road involving construction of a free of charge. free of charge. subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway; (ii) construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout); or (iii) widening by construction of one or more additional traffic lanes, under proposals published for public consultation.
3.5 Nearby Railway Schemes Is the property (or will it be) within 200 metres of the centre line of Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S Publicly available Publicly available a proposed railway, tramway, light railway or monorail? only. free of charge. free of charge.
3.6 Traffic Schemes Has a local authority approved but not yet implemented any of the following for the roads, footways and footpaths (named in box B) which abut the boundaries of the property: (a) permanent stopping up or diversion; O/S (b) waiting or loading restrictions; O/S (c) one way driving; O/S (d) prohibition of driving; (a) - (l) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S (e) pedestrianisation; report only. O/S (f) vehicle width or weight restriction; O/S Publicly available Publicly available (g) traffic calming works including road humps; O/S free of charge. free of charge. (h) residents parking controls; O/S (i) minor road widening or improvement; O/S (j) pedestrian crossings; O/S (k) cycle tracks; O/S (l) bridge building? O/S
3.7 Outstanding Notices Do any statutory notices which relate to the following matters subsist in relation to the property other than those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in this Schedule: (a) building works; O/S (b) environment; O/S (c) health and safety; (a) - (f) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available (d) housing; report only. O/S free of charge. free of charge. (e) highways; O/S (f) public health? O/S
3.8 Contravention of Building Regulations Has a local authority authorised in relation to the property any proceedings Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S Publicly available Publicly available for the contravention of any provision contained in Building Regulations? only. free of charge. free of charge. SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access 3.9 Notices, Orders, Directions and Proceedings under Planning Acts Do any of the following subsist in relation to the property, or has any local authority decided to issue, serve, make or commence any of the following: (a) enforcement notice; O/S (b) stop notice; O/S (c) listed building enforcement notice; O/S (d) breach of condition notice; O/S Publicly available Publicly available (e) planning contravention notice; O/S free of charge. free of charge. (f ) other notice relating to breach of planning control; O/S (g) listed building repairs notice; O/S (h) in the case of a listed building deliberately allowed to; fall into disrepair, (a) - (n) Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S a compulsory purchase order with a direction for minimum compensation; only. (i) building preservation notice; O/S (j) direction restricting permitted development; O/S Publicly available Publicly available (k) order revoking or modifying a planning permission; O/S free of charge. free of charge. (l) order requiring discontinuance of use or alteration or removal O/S of building or works; (m) tree preservation order; O/S Publicly available Publicly available (n) proceedings to enforce a planning agreement or planning O/S free of charge. free of charge. contribution? 3.10 Conservation Areas Do the following apply in relation to the property: (a) the making of the area a Conservation Area before 31 August (a) This information is publicly available. O/S Publicly available Publicly available 1974; free of charge. free of charge.
(b) unimplemented resolution to designate the area a Conservation (b) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available Area? report only. free of charge. free of charge. 3.11 Compulsory Purchase Has any enforceable order or decision been made to compulsorily Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available purchase or acquire the property? report only. free of charge. free of charge.
3.12 Contaminated Land Do any of the following apply (including any relating to land adjacent to or adjoining the property which has been identified as contaminated land because it is in such a condition that harm or pollution of controlled waters might be caused on the property): (a) a contaminated land notice; O/S Publicly available Publicly available (b) in relation to a register maintained under section 78R of the O/S free of charge. free of charge. Environmental Protection Act 1990: (i) a decision to make an entry; (ii) an entry; Any follow up enquiries would incur a charge with regard to cost. (c) consultation with the owner or occupier of the property (c) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available conducted under section 78G(3) of the Environmental Protection report only. free of charge. free of charge. Act 1990 before the service of a remediation notice? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access
3.13 Radon Gas Do records indicate that the property is in a “Radon Affected Area” This information is publicly available. O/S Publicly available Publicly available as identified by the Health Protection Agency? free of charge free of charge
CON29O – Optional Enquiries ROAD PROPOSALS BY PRIVATE BODIES 4. What proposals by others, still capable of being implemented, have the Council approved for any of the following, the limits of construction of which are within 200 metres of the property: (a) the construction of a new road; Information available by tailored report only. O/S (b) the alteration or improvement of an existing road, involving the construction, whether or not within existing highway limits, of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road, dual carriageway, the construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or the widening of an existing road by the construction of one or more additional traffic lanes?
PUBLIC PATHS OR BYWAYS 5.1. Is any footpath, bridleway, restricted byway or byway open to all traffic which abuts on, or crosses the property, shown in a definitive map or revised definitive map prepared under Part IV of the Information available by tailored report only. O/S National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 or Part III of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981? 5.2. If so, please mark its approximate route on the attached plan.
ADVERTISEMENTS Entries in the Register 6.1. Please list any entries in the Register of applications, directions and decisions relating to consent for the display of advertisements. Information available by tailored report only. O/S 6.2. If there are any entries, where can that Register be inspected?
Notices, Proceedings and Orders 6.3. Except as shown in the Official Certificate of Search: (a) has any notice been given by the Secretary of State or served in respect of a direction or proposed direction restricting deemed consent for any class of advertisement? (b) have the Council resolved to serve a notice requiring the display of any advertisement to be discontinued? Information available by tailored report only. O/S (c) If a discontinuance notice has been served, has it been complied with to the satisfaction of the Council? (d) have the Council resolved to serve any other notice or proceedings relating to a contravention of the control of advertisements? (e) have the Council resolved to make an order for the special control of advertisements for the area? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access COMPLETION NOTICES 7. Which of the planning permissions in force have the Council resolved to terminate by means of a completion notice under s.94 Information available by tailored report only. O/S of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990?
PARKS AND COUNTRYSIDE Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty 8.1. Has any order under s.82 of the Countryside and Rights of Information available by tailored report only. O/S Way Act 2000 been made?
National Parks 8.2. Is the property within a National Park designated under s.7 Information available by tailored report only. O/S of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949?
PIPELINES 9. Has a map been deposited under s.35 of the Pipelines Act 1962, or Schedule 7 of the Gas Act 1986, showing a pipeline laid Information available by tailored report only. O/S through, or within 100 feet (30.48 metres) of the property?
HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION 10. Is the property a house in multiple occupation, or is it designated or proposed to be designated for selective licensing of Information available by tailored report only. O/S residential accommodation in accordance with the Housing Act 2004?
NOISE ABATEMENT Noise Abatement Zone 11.1. Have the Council made, or resolved to make, any noise Information available by tailored report only. O/S abatement zone order under s.63 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 for the area?
Entries in Register 11.2. Has any entry been recorded in the Noise Level Register kept pursuant to s.64 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974? Information available by tailored report only. O/S 11.3. If there is any entry, how can copies be obtained and where can that Register be inspected?
URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREAS 12.1. Is the area an urban development area designated under Part XVI of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980? Information available by tailored report only. O/S 12.2. If so, please state the name of the urban development corporation and the address of its principal office.
ENTERPRISE ZONES 13. Is the area an enterprise zone designated under Part XVIII of Information available by tailored report only. O/S the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access INNER URBAN IMPROVEMENT AREAS 14. Have the Council resolved to define the area as an Information available by tailored report only. O/S improvement area under s.4 of the Inner Urban Areas Act 1978? SIMPLIFIED PLANNING ZONES 15.1. Is the area a simplified planning zone adopted or approved pursuant to s.83 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990? Information available by tailored report only. O/S 15.2. Have the Council approved any proposal for designating the area as a simplified planning zone? LAND MAINTENANCE NOTICES 16. Have the Council authorised the service of a maintenance Information available by tailored report only. O/S notice under s.215 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990? MINERAL CONSULTATION AREAS 17. Is the area a mineral consultation area notified by the county Information available by tailored report only. O/S planning authority under Schedule 1 para 7 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990? HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE CONSENTS 18.1. Please list any entries in the Register kept pursuant to s.28 of the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990. 18.2. If there are any entries: Information available by tailored report only. O/S (a) How can copies of the entries be obtained? (b) Where can the Register be inspected? ENVIRONMENTAL AND POLLUTION NOTICES 19. What outstanding statutory or informal notices have been issued by the Council under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 or the Control of Pollution Act 1974? Information available by tailored report only. O/S (This enquiry does not cover notices under Part IIA or Part III of the EPA, to which enquiries 3.12 or 3.7 apply) FOOD SAFETY NOTICES 20. What outstanding statutory notices or informal notices have Information available by tailored report only. O/S been issued by the Council under the Food Safety Act 1990 or the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006? HEDGEROW NOTICES 21.1. Please list any entries in the record maintained under regulation 10 of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. Information available by tailored report only. O/S 21.2. If there are any entries: (a) how can copies of the matters entered be obtained? (b) where can the record be inspected? COMMON LAND, TOWN AND VILLAGE GREENS 22.1. Is the property, or any land which abuts the property, registered common land or town or village green under the Available to view for free. O/S Commons Registration Act 1965 or the Commons Act 2006? 22.2. If there are any entries, how can copies of the matters registered be obtained and where can the register be inspected? CENTRAL SERVICES
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report COMMERCIAL LAND CHARGES Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic CON29R - Required Enquiries 1. PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
1.1. Planning and Building Decisions and Pending Applications Which of the following relating to the property have been granted, issued or refused or (where applicable) are the subject of pending planning applications – (a) a planning permission; (a) - (e) This information is publicly available, O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 (b) a listed building consent; 1980 - to date information is available via O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 (c) a conservation area consent; http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/ or the pc O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 (d) a certificate of lawfulness of existing use or development; terminals in Development and Enterprise O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 (e) a certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development; reception, 1974 - 1980 information is available O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 in paper registers in reception
(f) building regulation approval; (g) a building regulation completion certificate; (f) - (h) Information available by viewing or O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (h) any building regulations certificate or notice issued in respect tailored report only. O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 of work carried out under a competent person self-certification £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 scheme? 1.2. Planning Designations and Proposals What designations of land use for the property or the area, and This information is publicly available by O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 what specific proposals for the property, are contained in any consulting public local plans. existing or proposed development plan? The Unitary Development Plan (UDP) is available online as an interactive GIS-based version, but not all the Local Development Framework (LDF) Proposals Maps are yet available in this interactive format.
Paper copies of the UDP documents and proposals map are available at £11.40 for residential and £57.30 Commercial 2. ROADS
Which of the roads, footways and footpaths named in the (a) This information is publicly available O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 application for this search (via boxes B and C) are: (a) highways maintainable at public expense; SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Enquiry Registers/Information Available Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic
(b) subject to adoption and, supported by a bond or bond waiver; (b) - (d) Information available by viewing or O/S £1.45 £1.37 £1.48 £1.40 (c) to be made up by a local authority who will reclaim the cost report only. O/S £1.45 £1.37 £1.48 £1.40 from the frontages; (d) to be adopted by a local authority without reclaiming the cost O/S £1.45 £1.37 £1.48 £1.40 from the frontages? 3. OTHER MATTERS
3.1. Land Required for Public Purposes Information available by viewing or tailored O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 Is the property included in land required for public purposes? tailored report only.
3.2. Land to be Acquired for Road Works Information available by viewing or tailored O/S £1.45 £1.37 £1.49 £1.41 Is the property included in land to be acquired for road works? report only.
3.3. Drainage agreements and consents Do either of the following exist in relation to the property: (a) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S £1.59 £1.37 £1.63 £1.44 (a) an agreement to drain buildings in combination into an report only. existing sewer by means of a private sewer;
(b) an agreement or consent for (i) a building or (ii) extension to a (b) This information is publicly available O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 building on the property, to be built over, or in the vicinity of a drain, sewer or disposal main?
3.4 Nearby Road Schemes Is the property (or will it be) within 200 metres of any of the following: £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 (a) the centre line of a new trunk road or special road specifiied in (a) This information is publicly available. O/S an order, draft order or scheme; (b) the centre line of a proposed alteration or improvement to an O/S £1.45 £1.37 £1.48 £1.40 existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway;
(c) the outer limits of construction works for a proposed alteration O/S £1.45 £1.37 £1.48 £1.40 or improvement to an existing road, involving (i) the construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or (ii) widening by (b) - (d) Information available by viewing or construction of one or more additional traffic lanes; tailored report only.
(d) the outer limits of (i) construction of a new road to be built by a O/S £1.45 £1.37 £1.48 £1.40 local authority; (ii) an approved alteration or improvement to an existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway; or (iii) construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or widening by construction of one or more additional traffic lanes;
(e) the centre line of the proposed route of a new road under O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 proposals published for public consultation; or SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Enquiry Registers/Information Available Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic (f) the outer limits of (i) construction of a proposed alteration or (e) - (f) This information is publicly available. O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 improvement to an existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway; (ii) construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout); or (iii) widening by construction of one or more additional traffic lanes, under proposals published for public consultation.
3.5 Nearby Railway Schemes Is the property (or will it be) within 200 metres of the centre line of Information available by viewing or tailored O/S £1.46 £1.35 £1.49 £1.38 a proposed railway, tramway, light railway or monorail? report only.
3.6 Traffic Schemes Has a local authority approved but not yet implemented any of the following for the roads, footways and footpaths (named in box B) which abut the boundaries of the property: (a) permanent stopping up or diversion; O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (b) waiting or loading restrictions; O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (c) one way driving; O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (d) prohibition of driving; (a) - (l) Information available by viewing or O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (e) pedestrianisation; tailored report only. O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (f) vehicle width or weight restriction; O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (g) traffic calming works including road humps; O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (h) residents parking controls; O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (i) minor road widening or improvement; O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (j) pedestrian crossings; O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (k) cycle tracks; O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (l) bridge building? O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53
3.7 Outstanding Notices Do any statutory notices which relate to the following matters subsist in relation to the property other than those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in this Schedule: (a) building works; O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 (b) environment; O/S £13.31 £13.22 £13.66 £13.56 (c) health and safety; (a) - (f) Information available by viewing or O/S £13.31 £13.22 £13.66 £13.56 (d) housing; tailored report only. O/S £13.31 £13.22 £13.66 £13.56 (e) highways; O/S £1.95 £1.86 £2.00 £1.91 (f) public health? O/S £13.31 £13.22 £13.66 £13.56
3.8 Contravention of Building Regulations Has a local authority authorised in relation to the property any proceedings Information available by viewing or tailored O/S £1.59 £1.49 £1.63 £1.53 for the contravention of any provision contained in Building Regulations? report only. SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Enquiry Registers/Information Available Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic 3.9 Notices, Orders, Directions and Proceedings under Planning Acts Do any of the following subsist in relation to the property, or has any local authority decided to issue, serve, make or commence any of the following: (a) enforcement notice; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (b) stop notice; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (c) listed building enforcement notice; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (d) breach of condition notice; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (e) planning contravention notice; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (f ) other notice relating to breach of planning control; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (g) listed building repairs notice; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (h) in the case of a listed building deliberately allowed to; fall into disrepair, a (a) - (n) Information available by viewing or O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 compulsory purchase order with a direction for minimum compensation; tailored report only. (i) building preservation notice; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (j) direction restricting permitted development; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (k) order revoking or modifying a planning permission; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (l) order requiring discontinuance of use or alteration or removal O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 of building or works; (m) tree preservation order; O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 (n) proceedings to enforce a planning agreement or planning O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 contribution? 3.10 Conservation Areas Do the following apply in relation to the property: (a) the making of the area a Conservation Area before 31 August (a) This information is publicly available. O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 1974; (b) unimplemented resolution to designate the area a Conservation (b) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S £1.43 £1.35 £1.47 £1.39 Area? report only. 3.11 Compulsory Purchase Has any enforceable order or decision been made to compulsorily Information available by viewing or tailored O/S £8.32 £8.42 £8.47 £8.64 purchase or acquire the property? report only.
3.12 Contaminated Land Do any of the following apply (including any relating to land adjacent to or adjoining the property which has been identified as contaminated land because it is in such a condition that harm or pollution of controlled waters might be caused on the property): (a) a contaminated land notice; O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 (b) in relation to a register maintained under section 78R of the O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 Environmental Protection Act 1990: (i) a decision to make an entry; (ii) an entry; Any follow up enquiries would incur a charge with regard to cost. (c) consultation with the owner or occupier of the property (c) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S £1.48 £1.40 £1.52 £1.43 conducted under section 78G(3) of the Environmental Protection report only. Act 1990 before the service of a remediation notice? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Enquiry Registers/Information Available Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic 3.13 Radon Gas Do records indicate that the property is in a “Radon Affected Area” This information is publicly available. O/S £1.00 £0.92 £1.03 £0.94 as identified by the Health Protection Agency?
CON29O – Optional Enquiries ROAD PROPOSALS BY PRIVATE BODIES 4. What proposals by others, still capable of being implemented, have the Council approved for any of the following, the limits of construction of which are within 200 metres of the property: (a) the construction of a new road; Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 (b) the alteration or improvement of an existing road, involving the construction, whether or not within existing highway limits, of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road, dual carriageway, the construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or the widening of an existing road by the construction of one or more additional traffic lanes?
PUBLIC PATHS OR BYWAYS 5.1. Is any footpath, bridleway, restricted byway or byway open to all traffic which abuts on, or crosses the property, shown in a definitive map or revised definitive map prepared under Part IV of the Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 or Part III of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981? 5.2. If so, please mark its approximate route on the attached plan.
ADVERTISEMENTS Entries in the Register 6.1. Please list any entries in the Register of applications, directions and decisions relating to consent for the display of advertisements. Information available by tailored report only. O/S £14.31 £14.68 6.2. If there are any entries, where can that Register be inspected?
Notices, Proceedings and Orders 6.3. Except as shown in the Official Certificate of Search: (a) has any notice been given by the Secretary of State or served in respect of a direction or proposed direction restricting deemed consent for any class of advertisement? (b) have the Council resolved to serve a notice requiring the display of any advertisement to be discontinued? Information available by tailored report only. O/S £14.31 £14.68 (c) If a discontinuance notice has been served, has it been complied with to the satisfaction of the Council? (d) have the Council resolved to serve any other notice or proceedings relating to a contravention of the control of advertisements? (e) have the Council resolved to make an order for the special control of advertisements for the area? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Enquiry Registers/Information Available Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic COMPLETION NOTICES 7. Which of the planning permissions in force have the Council resolved to terminate by means of a completion notice under s.94 Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990?
PARKS AND COUNTRYSIDE Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty 8.1. Has any order under s.82 of the Countryside and Rights of Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 Way Act 2000 been made?
National Parks 8.2. Is the property within a National Park designated under s.7 Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949?
PIPELINES 9. Has a map been deposited under s.35 of the Pipelines Act 1962, or Schedule 7 of the Gas Act 1986, showing a pipeline laid Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 through, or within 100 feet (30.48 metres) of the property?
HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION 10. Is the property a house in multiple occupation, or is it designated or proposed to be designated for selective licensing of Information available by tailored report only. O/S £20.90 £21.44 residential accommodation in accordance with the Housing Act 2004?
NOISE ABATEMENT Noise Abatement Zone 11.1. Have the Council made, or resolved to make, any noise Information available by tailored report only. O/S £1.05 £1.08 abatement zone order under s.63 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 for the area?
Entries in Register 11.2. Has any entry been recorded in the Noise Level Register kept pursuant to s.64 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974? Information available by tailored report only. O/S £1.05 £1.08 11.3. If there is any entry, how can copies be obtained and where can that Register be inspected?
URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREAS 12.1. Is the area an urban development area designated under Part XVI of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980? Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 12.2. If so, please state the name of the urban development corporation and the address of its principal office.
ENTERPRISE ZONES 13. Is the area an enterprise zone designated under Part XVIII of Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Enquiry Registers/Information Available Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic INNER URBAN IMPROVEMENT AREAS 14. Have the Council resolved to define the area as an Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 improvement area under s.4 of the Inner Urban Areas Act 1978? SIMPLIFIED PLANNING ZONES 15.1. Is the area a simplified planning zone adopted or approved pursuant to s.83 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990? Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 15.2. Have the Council approved any proposal for designating the area as a simplified planning zone? LAND MAINTENANCE NOTICES 16. Have the Council authorised the service of a maintenance Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 notice under s.215 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990? MINERAL CONSULTATION AREAS 17. Is the area a mineral consultation area notified by the county Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 planning authority under Schedule 1 para 7 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990? HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE CONSENTS 18.1. Please list any entries in the Register kept pursuant to s.28 of the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990. 18.2. If there are any entries: Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 (a) How can copies of the entries be obtained? (b) Where can the Register be inspected? ENVIRONMENTAL AND POLLUTION NOTICES 19. What outstanding statutory or informal notices have been issued by the Council under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 or the Control of Pollution Act 1974? Information available by tailored report only. O/S £21.99 £22.56 (This enquiry does not cover notices under Part IIA or Part III of the EPA, to which enquiries 3.12 or 3.7 apply) FOOD SAFETY NOTICES 20. What outstanding statutory notices or informal notices have Information available by tailored report only. O/S £21.99 £22.56 been issued by the Council under the Food Safety Act 1990 or the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006? HEDGEROW NOTICES 21.1. Please list any entries in the record maintained under regulation 10 of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 21.2. If there are any entries: (a) how can copies of the matters entered be obtained? (b) where can the record be inspected? COMMON LAND, TOWN AND VILLAGE GREENS 22.1. Is the property, or any land which abuts the property, registered common land or town or village green under the Available to view for free. O/S £21.99 £22.56 Commons Registration Act 1965 or the Commons Act 2006? 22.2. If there are any entries, how can copies of the matters registered be obtained and where can the register be inspected? CENTRAL SERVICES
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access RESIDENTIAL LAND CHARGES CON29R - Required Enquiries 1. PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
1.1. Planning and Building Decisions and Pending Applications Which of the following relating to the property have been granted, issued or refused or (where applicable) are the subject of pending planning applications – (a) a planning permission; (a) - (e) This information is publicly available, O/S (b) a listed building consent; 1980 - to date information is available via internet O/S (c) a conservation area consent; http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/ or the pc terminals in O/S Publicly available Publicly available (d) a certificate of lawfulness of existing use or development; Development and Enterprise reception, 1974 - 1980 O/S free of charge. free of charge. (e) a certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development; information is available in paper registers in reception O/S
(f) building regulation approval; (g) a building regulation completion certificate; (f) - (h) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available (h) any building regulations certificate or notice issued in respect report only. O/S free of charge. free of charge. of work carried out under a competent person self-certification scheme? O/S
1.2. Planning Designations and Proposals What designations of land use for the property or the area, and This information is publicly available by consulting O/S Publicly available Publicly available what specific proposals for the property, are contained in any public local plans. online free of online free of existing or proposed development plan? charge. charge. The Unitary Development Plan (UDP) is available online as an interactive GIS-based version, but not all the Local Development Framework (LDF) Proposals Maps are yet available in this interactive format.
Paper copies of the UDP documents and proposals map are available at £11.40 for residential and £57.30 Commercial 2. ROADS
Which of the roads, footways and footpaths named in the (a) This information is publicly available O/S Publicly available Publicly available application for this search (via boxes B and C) are: free of charge. free of charge. (a) highways maintainable at public expense;
(b) subject to adoption and, supported by a bond or bond waiver; (b) - (d) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available (c) to be made up by a local authority who will reclaim the cost from the report only. O/S free of charge. free of charge. frontages; (d) to be adopted by a local authority without reclaiming the cost from the O/S frontagers? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access 3. OTHER MATTERS from the frontages? 3.1. Land Required for Public Purposes Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S Publicly available Publicly available Is the property included in land required for public purposes? only. free of charge. free of charge.
3.2. Land to be Acquired for Road Works Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S Publicly available Publicly available Is the property included in land to be acquired for road works? only. free of charge. free of charge.
3.3. Drainage agreements and consents Do either of the following exist in relation to the property: (a) Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S Publicly available Publicly available (a) an agreement to drain buildings in combination into an only. free of charge. free of charge. existing sewer by means of a private sewer;
(b) an agreement or consent for (i) a building or (ii) extension to a (b) This information is publicly available O/S Publicly available Publicly available building on the property, to be built over, or in the vicinity of a free of charge. free of charge. drain, sewer or disposal main?
3.4 Nearby Road Schemes Is the property (or will it be) within 200 metres of any of the following: (a) This information is publicly available. O/S Publicly available Publicly available (a) the centre line of a new trunk road or special road specifiied in free of charge. free of charge. an order, draft order or scheme;
(b) the centre line of a proposed alteration or improvement to an O/S Publicly available Publicly available existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, free of charge. free of charge. flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway;
(c) the outer limits of construction works for a proposed alteration O/S Publicly available Publicly available or improvement to an existing road, involving (i) the construction free of charge. free of charge. of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or (ii) widening by (b) - (d) Information available by viewing or tailored construction of one or more additional traffic lanes; report only.
(d) the outer limits of (i) construction of a new road to be built by a O/S Publicly available Publicly available local authority; (ii) an approved alteration or improvement to an free of charge. free of charge. existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway; or (iii) construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or widening by construction of one or more additional traffic lanes;
(e) the centre line of the proposed route of a new road under O/S proposals published for public consultation; or Publicly available Publicly available (f) the outer limits of (i) construction of a proposed alteration or (e) - (f) This information is publicly available. O/S free of charge. free of charge. improvement to an existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway; (ii) construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout); or (iii) widening by construction of one or more additional traffic lanes, under proposals published for public consultation. SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access
3.5 Nearby Railway Schemes Is the property (or will it be) within 200 metres of the centre line of Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S Publicly available Publicly available a proposed railway, tramway, light railway or monorail? only. free of charge. free of charge.
3.6 Traffic Schemes Has a local authority approved but not yet implemented any of the following for the roads, footways and footpaths (named in box B) which abut the boundaries of the property: (a) permanent stopping up or diversion; O/S (b) waiting or loading restrictions; O/S (c) one way driving; O/S (d) prohibition of driving; O/S (e) pedestrianisation; O/S (f) vehicle width or weight restriction; (a) - (l) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available (g) traffic calming works including road humps; report only. O/S free of charge. free of charge. (h) residents parking controls; O/S (i) minor road widening or improvement; O/S (j) pedestrian crossings; O/S (k) cycle tracks; O/S (l) bridge building? O/S
3.7 Outstanding Notices Do any statutory notices which relate to the following matters subsist in relation to the property other than those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in this Schedule: (a) building works; O/S (b) environment; O/S (c) health and safety; (a) - (f) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available (d) housing; report only. O/S free of charge. free of charge. (e) highways; O/S (f) public health? O/S
3.8 Contravention of Building Regulations Has a local authority authorised in relation to the property any proceedings Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S Publicly available Publicly available for the contravention of any provision contained in Building Regulations? only. free of charge. free of charge.
3.9 Notices, Orders, Directions and Proceedings under Planning Acts Do any of the following subsist in relation to the property, or has any local authority decided to issue, serve, make or commence any of the following: (a) enforcement notice; O/S (b) stop notice; O/S (c) listed building enforcement notice; O/S (d) breach of condition notice; O/S Publicly available Publicly available (e) planning contravention notice; O/S free of charge. free of charge. (f ) other notice relating to breach of planning control; O/S (g) listed building repairs notice; O/S SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access (h) in the case of a listed building deliberately allowed to; fall into disrepair, a (a) - (n) Information available by viewing or O/S compulsory purchase order with a direction for minimum compensation; tailored report only. (i) building preservation notice; O/S (j) direction restricting permitted development; O/S Publicly available Publicly available (k) order revoking or modifying a planning permission; O/S free of charge. free of charge. (l) order requiring discontinuance of use or alteration or removal O/S of building or works; (m) tree preservation order; O/S Publicly available Publicly available (n) proceedings to enforce a planning agreement or planning contribution? O/S free of charge. free of charge.
3.10 Conservation Areas Do the following apply in relation to the property: (a) the making of the area a Conservation Area before 31 August (a) This information is publicly available. O/S Publicly available Publicly available 1974; free of charge. free of charge. (b) unimplemented resolution to designate the area a Conservation Area? (b) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available report only. free of charge. free of charge. 3.11 Compulsory Purchase Has any enforceable order or decision been made to compulsorily Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S Publicly available Publicly available purchase or acquire the property? only. free of charge. free of charge.
3.12 Contaminated Land Do any of the following apply (including any relating to land adjacent to or adjoining the property which has been identified as contaminated land because it is in such a condition that harm or pollution of controlled waters might be caused on the property): (a) a contaminated land notice; O/S Publicly available Publicly available (b) in relation to a register maintained under section 78R of the O/S free of charge. free of charge. Environmental Protection Act 1990: (i) a decision to make an entry; (ii) an entry; Any follow up enquiries would incur a charge with regard to cost. (c) consultation with the owner or occupier of the property (c) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S Publicly available Publicly available conducted under section 78G(3) of the Environmental Protection report only. free of charge. free of charge. Act 1990 before the service of a remediation notice?
3.13 Radon Gas Do records indicate that the property is in a “Radon Affected Area” This information is publicly available. O/S Publicly available Publicly available as identified by the Health Protection Agency? free of charge free of charge
CON29O – Optional Enquiries ROAD PROPOSALS BY PRIVATE BODIES 4. What proposals by others, still capable of being implemented, have the Council approved for any of the following, the limits of construction of which are within 200 metres of the property: (a) the construction of a new road; Information available by tailored report only O/S (b) the alteration or improvement of an existing road, involving the construction, whether or not within existing highway limits, of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road, dual carriageway, the construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or the widening of an existing road by the construction of one or more additional traffic lanes? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access
PUBLIC PATHS OR BYWAYS 5.1. Is any footpath, bridleway, restricted byway or byway open to all traffic which abuts on, or crosses the property, shown in a definitive map or revised definitive map prepared under Part IV of the National Parks and Access to Information available by tailored report only. O/S the Countryside Act 1949 or Part III of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981? 5.2. If so, please mark its approximate route on the attached plan.
ADVERTISEMENTS Entries in the Register 6.1. Please list any entries in the Register of applications, directions and decisions relating to consent for the display of advertisements. Information available by tailored report only. O/S 6.2. If there are any entries, where can that Register be inspected?
Notices, Proceedings and Orders 6.3. Except as shown in the Official Certificate of Search: (a) has any notice been given by the Secretary of State or served in respect of a direction or proposed direction restricting deemed consent for any class of advertisement? (b) have the Council resolved to serve a notice requiring the display of any advertisement to be discontinued? Information available by tailored report only. O/S (c) If a discontinuance notice has been served, has it been complied with to the satisfaction of the Council? (d) have the Council resolved to serve any other notice or proceedings relating to a contravention of the control of advertisements? (e) have the Council resolved to make an order for the special control of advertisements for the area?
COMPLETION NOTICES 7. Which of the planning permissions in force have the Council resolved to terminate by means of a completion notice under s.94 Information available by tailored report only. O/S of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990?
PARKS AND COUNTRYSIDE Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty 8.1. Has any order under s.82 of the Countryside and Rights of Information available by tailored report only. O/S Way Act 2000 been made?
National Parks 8.2. Is the property within a National Park designated under s.7 Information available by tailored report only. O/S of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949?
PIPELINES 9. Has a map been deposited under s.35 of the Pipelines Act 1962, or Schedule 7 of the Gas Act 1986, showing a pipeline laid Information available by tailored report only. O/S through, or within 100 feet (30.48 metres) of the property? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access
HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION 10. Is the property a house in multiple occupation, or is it designated or proposed to be designated for selective licensing of Information available by tailored report only. O/S residential accommodation in accordance with the Housing Act 2004?
NOISE ABATEMENT Noise Abatement Zone 11.1. Have the Council made, or resolved to make, any noise abatement Information available by tailored report only. O/S zone order under s.63 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 for the area?
Entries in Register 11.2. Has any entry been recorded in the Noise Level Register kept pursuant to s.64 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974? Information available by tailored report only. O/S 11.3. If there is any entry, how can copies be obtained and where can that Register be inspected?
URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREAS 12.1. Is the area an urban development area designated under Part XVI of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980? Information available by tailored report only. O/S 12.2. If so, please state the name of the urban development corporation and the address of its principal office.
ENTERPRISE ZONES 13. Is the area an enterprise zone designated under Part XVIII of Information available by tailored report only. O/S the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980?
INNER URBAN IMPROVEMENT AREAS 14. Have the Council resolved to define the area as an Information available by tailored report only. O/S improvement area under s.4 of the Inner Urban Areas Act 1978?
SIMPLIFIED PLANNING ZONES 15.1. Is the area a simplified planning zone adopted or approved pursuant to s.83 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990? Information available by tailored report only. O/S 15.2. Have the Council approved any proposal for designating the area as a simplified planning zone?
LAND MAINTENANCE NOTICES 16. Have the Council authorised the service of a maintenance Information available by tailored report only. O/S notice under s.215 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990?
MINERAL CONSULTATION AREAS 17. Is the area a mineral consultation area notified by the county Information available by tailored report only. O/S planning authority under Schedule 1 para 7 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of access Cost of access HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE CONSENTS 18.1. Please list any entries in the Register kept pursuant to s.28 of the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990. 18.2. If there are any entries: Information available by tailored report only. O/S (a) How can copies of the entries be obtained? (b) Where can the Register be inspected?
ENVIRONMENTAL AND POLLUTION NOTICES 19. What outstanding statutory or informal notices have been issued by the Council under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 or the Control of Pollution Act 1974? Information available by tailored report only. O/S (This enquiry does not cover notices under Part IIA or Part III of the EPA, to which enquiries 3.12 or 3.7 apply)
FOOD SAFETY NOTICES 20. What outstanding statutory notices or informal notices have Information available by tailored report only. O/S been issued by the Council under the Food Safety Act 1990 or the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006?
HEDGEROW NOTICES 21.1. Please list any entries in the record maintained under regulation 10 of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. Information available by tailored report only. O/S 21.2. If there are any entries: (a) how can copies of the matters entered be obtained? (b) where can the record be inspected?
COMMON LAND, TOWN AND VILLAGE GREENS 22.1. Is the property, or any land which abuts the property, registered common land or town or village green under the Available to view for free. O/S Commons Registration Act 1965 or the Commons Act 2006? 22.2. If there are any entries, how can copies of the matters registered be obtained and where can the register be inspected? CENTRAL SERVICES
SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic RESIDENTIAL LAND CHARGES Electronic CON29R - Required Enquiries 1. PLANNING AND BUILDING REGULATIONS
1.1. Planning and Building Decisions and Pending Applications Which of the following relating to the property have been granted, issued or refused or (where applicable) are the subject of pending planning applications – (a) a planning permission; (a) - (e) This information is publicly available, O/S (a) £0.67 (a) £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 (b) a listed building consent; 1980 - to date information is available via internet O/S (a) £0.67 (a) £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 (c) a conservation area consent; http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/ or the pc terminals in O/S (a) £0.67 (a) £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 (d) a certificate of lawfulness of existing use or development; Development and Enterprise reception, 1974 - 1980 O/S (a) £0.67 (a) £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 (e) a certificate of lawfulness of proposed use or development; information is available in paper registers in reception O/S (a) £0.67 (a) £0.57 £0.69 £0.58
(f) building regulation approval; (g) a building regulation completion certificate; (f) - (h) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S (f) £1.05 (f) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (h) any building regulations certificate or notice issued in respect report only. O/S (g) £1.05 (g) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 of work carried out under a competent person self-certification scheme? O/S (h) £1.05 (h) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98
1.2. Planning Designations and Proposals What designations of land use for the property or the area, and This information is publicly available by consulting O/S £0.67 £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 what specific proposals for the property, are contained in any public local plans. existing or proposed development plan? The Unitary Development Plan (UDP) is available online as an interactive GIS-based version, but not all the Local Development Framework (LDF) Proposals Maps are yet available in this interactive format.
Paper copies of the UDP documents and proposals map are available at £11.40 for residential and £57.30 2. ROADS
Which of the roads, footways and footpaths named in the (a) This information is publicly available O/S (a) 0.67 (a) £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 application for this search (via boxes B and C) are: (a) highways maintainable at public expense;
(b) subject to adoption and, supported by a bond or bond waiver; (b) - (d) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S (b) £0.97 (b) £0.87 £1.00 £0.89 (c) to be made up by a local authority who will reclaim the cost from the report only. O/S (c) £0.97 (c) £0.87 £1.00 £0.89 frontages; (d) to be adopted by a local authority without reclaiming the cost from the O/S (d) £0.97 (d) £0.87 £1.00 £0.89 frontages? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic 3. OTHER MATTERS from the frontages? Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S £0.92 £0.84 £0.94 £0.86 Is the property included in land required for public purposes? only.
3.2. Land to be Acquired for Road Works Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S £0.97 £0.87 £1.00 £0.89 Is the property included in land to be acquired for road works? only.
3.3. Drainage agreements and consents Do either of the following exist in relation to the property: (a) Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S (a) £1.05 (a) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (a) an agreement to drain buildings in combination into an only. existing sewer by means of a private sewer;
(b) an agreement or consent for (i) a building or (ii) extension to a (b) This information is publicly available O/S (b) £0.67 (b) £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 building on the property, to be built over, or in the vicinity of a drain, sewer or disposal main? 3. OTHER MATTERS
3.4 Nearby Road Schemes Is the property (or will it be) within 200 metres of any of the following: (a) This information is publicly available. O/S (a) £0.67 (b) £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 (a) the centre line of a new trunk road or special road specifiied in an order, draft order or scheme;
(b) the centre line of a proposed alteration or improvement to an O/S (b) £0.97 (b) £0.87 £1.00 £0.89 existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway;
(c) the outer limits of construction works for a proposed alteration O/S (c) £0.97 (c) £0.87 £1.00 £0.89 or improvement to an existing road, involving (i) the construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or (ii) widening by (b) - (d) Information available by viewing or tailored construction of one or more additional traffic lanes; report only.
(d) the outer limits of (i) construction of a new road to be built by a O/S (d) £0.97 (d) £0.87 £1.00 £0.89 local authority; (ii) an approved alteration or improvement to an existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway; or (iii) construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or widening by construction of one or more additional traffic lanes;
(e) the centre line of the proposed route of a new road under O/S (e) £0.67 (e) £0.57 £0.68 £0.58 proposals published for public consultation; or SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic (f) the outer limits of (i) construction of a proposed alteration or (e) - (f) This information is publicly available. O/S (f) £0.67 (f) £0.57 £0.68 £0.58 improvement to an existing road involving construction of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road or dual carriageway; (ii) construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout); or (iii) widening by construction of one or more additional traffic lanes, under proposals published for public consultation.
3.5 Nearby Railway Schemes Is the property (or will it be) within 200 metres of the centre line of Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S £0.95 £0.91 £0.97 £0.93 a proposed railway, tramway, light railway or monorail? only.
3.6 Traffic Schemes Has a local authority approved but not yet implemented any of the following for the roads, footways and footpaths (named in box B) which abut the boundaries of the property: (a) permanent stopping up or diversion; O/S (a) £1.05 (a) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (b) waiting or loading restrictions; O/S (b) £1.05 (b) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (c) one way driving; O/S (c) £1.05 (c) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (d) prohibition of driving; O/S (d) £1.05 (d) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (e) pedestrianisation; O/S (e) £1.05 (e) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (f) vehicle width or weight restriction; (a) - (l) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S (f ) £1.05 (f ) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (g) traffic calming works including road humps; report only. O/S (g) £1.05 (g) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (h) residents parking controls; O/S (h) £1.05 (h) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (i) minor road widening or improvement; O/S (i) £1.05 (i) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (j) pedestrian crossings; O/S (j) £1.05 (j) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (k) cycle tracks; O/S (k) £1.05 (k) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (l) bridge building? O/S (l) £1.05 (l) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98
3.7 Outstanding Notices Do any statutory notices which relate to the following matters subsist in relation to the property other than those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in this Schedule: (a) building works; O/S (a) £1.05 (a) £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 (b) environment; O/S (b) £8.88 (b) £8.78 £9.11 £9.01 (c) health and safety; (a) - (f) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S (c) £8.88 (c) £8.78 £9.11 £9.01 (d) housing; report only. O/S (d) £8.88 (d) £8.78 £9.11 £9.01 (e) highways; O/S (e) £1.29 (e) £1.20 £1.32 £1.23 (f) public health? O/S (f) £8.88 (f) £8.78 £9.11 £9.01
3. OTHER MATTERS 3.8 Contravention of Building Regulations Has a local authority authorised in relation to the property any proceedings Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S £1.05 £0.96 £1.08 £0.98 for the contravention of any provision contained in Building Regulations? only. SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic 3.9 Notices, Orders, Directions and Proceedings under Planning Acts Do any of the following subsist in relation to the property, or has any local authority decided to issue, serve, make or commence any of the following: (a) enforcement notice; O/S (a) £0.95 (a) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (b) stop notice; O/S (b) £0.95 (b) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (c) listed building enforcement notice; O/S (c) £0.95 (c) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (d) breach of condition notice; O/S (d) £0.95 (d) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (e) planning contravention notice; O/S (e) £0.95 (e) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (f ) other notice relating to breach of planning control; O/S (f) £0.95 (f) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (g) listed building repairs notice; O/S (g) £0.95 (g) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (h) in the case of a listed building deliberately allowed to; fall into disrepair, a (a) - (n) Information available by viewing or O/S (h) £0.95 (h) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 compulsory purchase order with a direction for minimum compensation; tailored report only. (i) building preservation notice; O/S (i) £0.95 (i) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (j) direction restricting permitted development; O/S (j) £0.95 (j) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (k) order revoking or modifying a planning permission; O/S (k) £0.95 (k) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (l) order requiring discontinuance of use or alteration or removal O/S (l) £0.95 (l) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 of building or works; (m) tree preservation order; O/S (m) £0.95 (m) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 (n) proceedings to enforce a planning agreement or planning contribution? O/S (n) £0.95 (n) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86
3.10 Conservation Areas Do the following apply in relation to the property: (a) the making of the area a Conservation Area before 31 August (a) This information is publicly available. O/S (a) £0.67 (a) £0.57 £0.68 £0.57 1974; (b) unimplemented resolution to designate the area a Conservation Area? (b) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S (b) £0.95 (b) £0.84 £0.97 £0.86 report only. 3.11 Compulsory Purchase Has any enforceable order or decision been made to compulsorily Information available by viewing or tailored report O/S £6.04 £5.72 £6.20 £5.87 purchase or acquire the property? only.
3.12 Contaminated Land Do any of the following apply (including any relating to land adjacent to or adjoining the property which has been identified as contaminated land because it is in such a condition that harm or pollution of controlled waters might be caused on the property): (a) a contaminated land notice; O/S (a) £0.67 (a) £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 (b) in relation to a register maintained under section 78R of the O/S (b) £0.67 (b) £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 Environmental Protection Act 1990: (i) a decision to make an entry; (ii) an entry; Any follow up enquiries would incur a charge with regard to cost. (c) consultation with the owner or occupier of the property (c) Information available by viewing or tailored O/S (c) £0.99 (c) £0.89 £1.02 £0.91 conducted under section 78G(3) of the Environmental Protection report only. Act 1990 before the service of a remediation notice? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic 3.13 Radon Gas Do records indicate that the property is in a “Radon Affected Area” This information is publicly available. O/S £0.67 £0.57 £0.69 £0.58 as identified by the Health Protection Agency?
CON29O – Optional Enquiries ROAD PROPOSALS BY PRIVATE BODIES 4. What proposals by others, still capable of being implemented, have the Council approved for any of the following, the limits of construction of which are within 200 metres of the property: (a) the construction of a new road; Information available by tailored report only O/S £13.20 £13.54 (b) the alteration or improvement of an existing road, involving the construction, whether or not within existing highway limits, of a subway, underpass, flyover, footbridge, elevated road, dual carriageway, the construction of a roundabout (other than a mini roundabout) or the widening of an existing road by the construction of one or more additional traffic lanes?
PUBLIC PATHS OR BYWAYS 5.1. Is any footpath, bridleway, restricted byway or byway open to all traffic which abuts on, or crosses the property, shown in a definitive map or revised definitive map prepared under Part IV of the National Parks and Access to Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 the Countryside Act 1949 or Part III of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981? 5.2. If so, please mark its approximate route on the attached plan.
ADVERTISEMENTS Entries in the Register 6.1. Please list any entries in the Register of applications, directions and decisions relating to consent for the display of advertisements. Information available by tailored report only. O/S £14.31 £14.68 6.2. If there are any entries, where can that Register be inspected?
Notices, Proceedings and Orders 6.3. Except as shown in the Official Certificate of Search: (a) has any notice been given by the Secretary of State or served in respect of a direction or proposed direction restricting deemed consent for any class of advertisement? (b) have the Council resolved to serve a notice requiring the display of any advertisement to be discontinued? Information available by tailored report only. O/S £14.31 £14.68 (c) If a discontinuance notice has been served, has it been complied with to the satisfaction of the Council? (d) have the Council resolved to serve any other notice or proceedings relating to a contravention of the control of advertisements? (e) have the Council resolved to make an order for the special control of advertisements for the area? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic COMPLETION NOTICES 7. Which of the planning permissions in force have the Council resolved to terminate by means of a completion notice under s.94 Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990?
PARKS AND COUNTRYSIDE Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty 8.1. Has any order under s.82 of the Countryside and Rights of Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 Way Act 2000 been made?
National Parks 8.2. Is the property within a National Park designated under s.7 Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949?
PIPELINES 9. Has a map been deposited under s.35 of the Pipelines Act 1962, or Schedule 7 of the Gas Act 1986, showing a pipeline laid Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 through, or within 100 feet (30.48 metres) of the property?
HOUSES IN MULTIPLE OCCUPATION 10. Is the property a house in multiple occupation, or is it designated or proposed to be designated for selective licensing of Information available by tailored report only. O/S £20.90 £21.44 residential accommodation in accordance with the Housing Act 2004?
NOISE ABATEMENT Noise Abatement Zone 11.1. Have the Council made, or resolved to make, any noise abatement Information available by tailored report only. O/S £1.05 £1.08 zone order under s.63 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 for the area?
Entries in Register 11.2. Has any entry been recorded in the Noise Level Register kept pursuant to s.64 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974? Information available by tailored report only. O/S £1.05 £1.08 11.3. If there is any entry, how can copies be obtained and where can that Register be inspected?
URBAN DEVELOPMENT AREAS 12.1. Is the area an urban development area designated under Part XVI of the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980? Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 12.2. If so, please state the name of the urban development corporation and the address of its principal office.
ENTERPRISE ZONES 13. Is the area an enterprise zone designated under Part XVIII of Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 the Local Government, Planning and Land Act 1980? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic INNER URBAN IMPROVEMENT AREAS 14. Have the Council resolved to define the area as an Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 improvement area under s.4 of the Inner Urban Areas Act 1978?
SIMPLIFIED PLANNING ZONES 15.1. Is the area a simplified planning zone adopted or approved pursuant to s.83 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990? Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 15.2. Have the Council approved any proposal for designating the area as a simplified planning zone?
LAND MAINTENANCE NOTICES 16. Have the Council authorised the service of a maintenance Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 notice under s.215 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990?
MINERAL CONSULTATION AREAS 17. Is the area a mineral consultation area notified by the county Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 planning authority under Schedule 1 para 7 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990?
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE CONSENTS 18.1. Please list any entries in the Register kept pursuant to s.28 of the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Act 1990. 18.2. If there are any entries: Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 (a) How can copies of the entries be obtained? (b) Where can the Register be inspected?
ENVIRONMENTAL AND POLLUTION NOTICES 19. What outstanding statutory or informal notices have been issued by the Council under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 or the Control of Pollution Act 1974? Information available by tailored report only. O/S £21.99 £22.56 (This enquiry does not cover notices under Part IIA or Part III of the EPA, to which enquiries 3.12 or 3.7 apply)
FOOD SAFETY NOTICES 20. What outstanding statutory notices or informal notices have Information available by tailored report only. O/S £21.99 £22.56 been issued by the Council under the Food Safety Act 1990 or the Food Hygiene Regulations 2006?
HEDGEROW NOTICES 21.1. Please list any entries in the record maintained under regulation 10 of the Hedgerows Regulations 1997. Information available by tailored report only. O/S £13.20 £13.54 21.2. If there are any entries: (a) how can copies of the matters entered be obtained? (b) where can the record be inspected? SERVICES VAT CURRENT CHARGE PROPOSED CHARGE
Enquiry Registers/Information Available Cost of tailored report Cost of tailored report Non - Electronic Non - Electronic Electronic Electronic COMMON LAND, TOWN AND VILLAGE GREENS 22.1. Is the property, or any land which abuts the property, registered common land or town or village green under the Available to view for free. O/S £21.99 £22.56 Commons Registration Act 1965 or the Commons Act 2006? 22.2. If there are any entries, how can copies of the matters registered be obtained and where can the register be inspected? Appendix 3 Summary of above inflation increases
Description Current Proposed Consultation / Additional information Charge Charge (£) (£) Bowling Greens Parks – Bowls Seasonal 16.40 50.00 Permit (Club Members The above inflation increases proposed in these areas are Only) an alternative to spending proposal LES4 ‘Self management of bowling green facilities and playing fields’. Football Pitches With Changing Rooms These increases will not ensure full cost recovery but they Seniors Per Season 450.00 540.00 will reduce the gap between income earned and cost of Juniors Per Season 130.00 220.00 maintenance. Casual Bookings – Seniors 50.00 55.00 Consultation on proposed increase to these charges is Casual Bookings - Juniors 20.00 25.00 taking place with stakeholders alongside the consultation Without Changing Rooms on the LES4 spending proposal. Seniors Per Season 165.00 270.00 Juniors Per Season 63.00 110.00 LES are also working with Bowling, Football and Cricket Casual Bookings – Seniors 33.00 35.00 Clubs to explore ways that they can self manage their Casual Bookings - Juniors 13.00 15.00 facilities in the future. Cricket Pitches Hire per Season 250.00 400.00 Casual Bookings 40.00 50.00 Allotment charges increased every three years inline with Allotments the tenancy agreements. The last increase to the charge Rent: Area up to 200ms 36.00 80.00 was 1.00%. The proposed above inflation increase Rent: Area 201msq to 49.50 110.00 recovers the actual position at the end of this 3 year cycle 300msq and includes a forecast of increases over the next 3 years. Rent – Area 301msq to 66.75 140.00 400msq A price review letter has been sent to all allotment holders. Increases above 5% were consulted on last year with Collection of Refuse more people in favour then against (53.8%/38.2%). Refuse Wheeled Bin 15.00 20.00 Replacement (Delivery) The above inflation increase is due to the increasing cost NEW CHARGE 10.00 of delivering replacement bins is mainly due to rising fuel Blue Recycle Wheeled Bin costs. Replacement (Delivery) It is proposed that a charge for a replacement recycling wheelie bin is introduced at a subsidised rate. Bulky Waste Each item from the list 35.00 40.00 below: Garage Door, Bathroom Suite, Dismantled Shed, Window Frame Increases above 5% were consulted on last year with 3 Items from the list below: 12.00 15.00 more people in favour then against (54.1%/39.2%). Mattress, Carpet, Bed,
Fridge/Freezer, Large The average cost of bulky waste collection is £52.00, the Table, Wardrobe, Door, above inflation increase will reduce the under recovery of Armchair, Cabinet, Sofa costs. 8 Items from the list below: 7.00 10.00 Bag of Household Waste, Bag of Garden Rubbish, Boxes, Small Table, Vacuum Cleaner, Headboard, Television Stand, Lawnmower NEW CHARGE Price on Removal of Non-Offensive Application Price will be dependent on the amount and location of the Graffiti – Private and graffiti that needs to be removed. Commercial Property Increases above 5% for pest control were consulted on Pest Control last year with more people in favour than against NEW CHARGE 10.00 (57.9%/33.1%). A charge for residential properties was not Rodent Control – introduced in 2012/13. Residential Properties (per treatment) Cemeteries &
Crematoriums Burial in a grave in which an 50.00 60.00 exclusive right of burial has not been granted and which has been selected out of rotation Exclusive rights of burial in 400.00 500.00 earth or walled grave or vaults for period of 50 years Exclusive right of burial of 250.00 300.00 cremated remains in earth Increases above 5% were consulted on last year the or walled graves for period outcome was 39.3% in favour 52% against. of 50 years Memorial Stones: 450mm to 220.00 240.00 Additional consultation has taken place with undertakers 915mm in height and and clergy on the proposed above inflation increases and 450mm to 915mm in width new charges. The outcome of this consultation was Memorial Stones: Half 100.00 150.00 positive. kerbstones lawned section width of stone x 600mm in Comparison of the prices charged for these services by front neighbouring authorities has taken place. If these Memorial Stones: 250.00 300.00 increases are agreed the Council will still not be charging Kerbstones or border the highest in the region. stones enclosing a space not exceeding the measurements specified in regulations NEW CHARGE 100.00 Service cancellation fee with less than 72 hours notice. NEW CHARGE 150.00 Replacement Kerb Stone
NEW CHARGE 50.00 Erect replacement memorial stone
Transport Services Residents Annual Parking Permits: Increases to car parking charges of above 5% were First permit 15.00 25.00 consulted on last year. The outcome was 48.4% in favour Second permit 5.00 15.00 44.8% against. Third permit 20.00 30.00 It is proposed that all car parking charges are held at 2012/13 other than a £10.00 increase to each band of residents annual parking permits.
REPORT TO CABINET 9 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Budget and Council Tax Level 2013/14
REPORT OF: Jane Robinson - Chief Executive Darren Collins - Strategic Director, Finance and ICT
Purpose of Report
1. To request Cabinet to recommend to Council on 28 February 2013 the Budget and Council Tax level for 2013/14. As part of the council tax setting process, Cabinet is also asked to recommend to Council the prudential indicators and Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) Statement set out in this report and to note the outcome of consultation that has taken place on the budget.
Background
2. On 22 September 2011, Council approved the Fit For Future Principles to be applied to the process of agreeing the budget.
3. Between 24 October 2011 and 13 January 2012, the Council undertook significant consultation seeking views on spending proposals that covered a two year period 2012-2014. The feedback was reported to Cabinet on 7 February 2012.
4. On 19 December 2012, the government announced the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for 2013/14.
5. On 10 January 2013, the Council received the grant determination in relation to the health improvement duties that will transfer to local authorities from 1 April 2013 in accordance with the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
6. On 22 January 2013, Cabinet approved the Council’s spending proposals as the basis for more detailed and formal engagement and consultation.
7. On 22 January 2013, Cabinet agreed the Council Tax Base for 2013/14.
8. Council noted the Provisional Local Government Funding Settlement and agreed the refresh of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2013/14 to 2014/15 on 25 January 2013.
9. On 25 January 2013, Council agreed the Local Council Tax Scheme.
10. On 25 January 2013, Council agreed the Technical Reforms of Council Tax.
11. The Final Local Government Funding Settlement was laid before Parliament on 13 February 2013. The settlement confirmed a further £10m reduction in funding to the Council over and above the £8m reduction identified within the 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review.
12. This report represents the final stage of the budget setting process in determining the budget and council tax level for 2013/14.
1 Proposal
13. The proposed base budget for 2013/14 is £234.520m, an increase of £44.016m on the current year’s budget. This appears to be a significant increase but is distorted by changes to government funding whereby a number of former specific grants have been “rolled” into the general formula grant which is now known as Start Up Funding Assessment (SUFA) and funding is now included in Revenue Spending Power grants. In addition the base budget also includes the expenditure in relation to the Council’s new Public Health responsibilities.
14. Funding for 2013/14 is £225.049m based on the use of reserves set out in this report and a council tax freeze leaving a revised funding gap of £9.471m which can be summarised as follows:
£m Net Budget 2012/13 190.504 Specific Grants “rolled” to SUFA and Revenue Spending Power 22.683 Public Health Responsibilities 15.401 Inflation and Service Pressures 5.932 Provisional Net Budget 234.520 Available funding (225.049) Revised Funding Gap 9.471
15. The spending proposals approved for consultation by Cabinet on 22 January 2013 have been reviewed to reflect the responses to consultation. The amended spending proposals result in savings of £9.471m for 2013/14 which closes the funding gap for the year.
16. This report proposes a budget in 2013/14 that includes £9.471m of savings in response to government funding reductions and service demand pressures. The budget has been balanced without recourse to the General Reserve thus preserving reserve levels for use in subsequent years. The proposed budget will result in a council tax freeze for residents of the Borough of Gateshead in respect of Gateshead Council expenditure. This means that the Council will be eligible to receive a Council Tax Freeze Grant totalling £0.854m in each of the years 2013/14 and 2014/15.
Recommendations
17. Cabinet is requested to make the following recommendations to the Council:
(1) That Gateshead’s Band D council tax for 2013/14 is frozen at £1,443.1966.
(2) The revenue estimates of £225.049m for 2013/14 be approved.
(3) The use of earmarked reserves of £1.204m in 2013/14 be authorised.
(4) That the recommendations of the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT in respect of the robustness of estimates and adequacy of reserves be noted.
(5) That the Prudential and Treasury Indicators set out in Appendix 6 to this report be agreed.
2 (6) That the method of calculating the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) for 2013/14 as set out in Appendix 7 be approved.
(7) That the outcome of consultation in appendix 3 be noted.
(8) That it be noted that at its meeting on 22 January 2013, Cabinet calculated the following amounts for the year 2013/14 in accordance with regulations made under Section 31B(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended by the Localism Act 2011:-
(a) 46,764.6 being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordance with regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, as amended by the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, as its Council Tax base for the year;
(b) 1,314.7 for Lamesley Parish being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordance with regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amount of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which special items relate.
(9) That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2012/13 in accordance with Sections 31 and 34 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, as amended by the Localism Act 2011 (‘the Act’): -
(a) £576,958,501 being the aggregate of the amounts, which the Council estimates for the items, set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act taking into account the precept issued by Lamesley Parish Council
(b) £509,460,488 being the aggregate of the amounts, which the Council estimate for the items, set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act
(c) £67,498,013 being the amount by which the aggregate at (a) above exceeds the aggregate at (b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year
(d) £1443.3570 being the amount at (c) above, all divided by the amount at (8)(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31B(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year including Lamesley Parish Council
(e) £7,500 being the aggregate amount of all special items (Lamesley Parish Council) referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act
(f) £1443.1966 being the amount at (d) above less the result given by dividing the amount at (e) above by the amount at (8)(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(2) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of
3 its area to which no special item (Lamesley Parish Council) relates
(g) Part of the Council’s area
Lamesley Parish £1448.9013
being the amounts given by adding to the amount at (f) above the amounts of the special item or items relating to dwellings in those parts of the Council’s area mentioned above divided in each case by the amount at (8)(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 34(3) of the Act, as the basic amounts of its Council Tax for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate.
(h) Valuation Lamesley All other parts of the Band Parish Council’s area £ £ A 3.8031 962.1311 B 4.4370 1122.4862 C 5.0709 1282.8414 D 5.7047 1443.1966 E 6.9724 1763.9070 F 8.2402 2084.6173 G 9.5079 2405.3277 H 11.4094 2886.3932
being the amounts given by multiplying the amounts at (f) and (g) above by the number which, in the proportion set out in Section 5(1) of the Act, is applicable to dwellings listed in a particular valuation band divided by the number which in that proportion is applicable to dwellings listed in valuation band D, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 36(1) of the Act, as the amounts to be taken into account for the year in respect of categories of dwellings listed in different valuation bands.
(10) That it be noted that for the year 2013/14, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority have stated the following amounts in precepts issued to the Council, in accordance with Section 40 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, for each of the categories of dwellings shown below: -
4
Precepting Authority
Valuation Police and Crime Tyne and Wear Fire and Band Commissioner for Rescue Authority Northumbria £ £ A 57.7399 48.7733 B 67.3632 56.9022 C 76.9865 65.0311 D 86.6098 73.1600 E 105.8564 89.4178 F 125.1030 105.6756 G 144.3497 121.9333 H 173.2196 146.3200
(11) That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at (9)(h) and (10) above, the Council in accordance with Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, hereby sets the following amounts as the amounts of Council Tax for the year 2013/14 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below: -
Valuation Lamesley All other parts of the Band Parish Council’s area £ £ A 1072.4474 1068.6443 B 1251.1886 1246.7516 C 1429.9299 1424.8590 D 1608.6711 1602.9664 E 1966.1536 1959.1812 F 2323.6361 2315.3959 G 2681.1186 2671.6107 H 3217.3422 3205.9328
(12) That under section 52ZB of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011), the council’s relevant basic amount of council tax for 2013/14 is not excessive in accordance with the principles determined under section 52ZC of the Act for 2013/14, as amended for the Alternative Notional Amount for the preceding year specified under section 52ZE of the Act.
For the following reason:
• To fulfil the Council’s statutory duty to set the budget and Council Tax for 2013/14.
CONTACT: Darren Collins, extension 3582 PLAN REF: 281
5 APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. The proposals in this report support the vision for Gateshead as set out in Vision 2030 and the Council Plan. In particular the budget will ensure that resources are focussed on the delivery of the Council’s priorities, thus ensuring a sustainable financial position.
Background
2. Council agreed Fit For Future principles to be applied to the process of agreeing the budget on 22 September 2011 and a refresh of the MTFS 2013/14 to 2014/15 on 25 January 2013. The Council’s budget estimates for 2013/14 attached at Appendix 2 have been prepared in accordance with this guidance and the MTFS framework.
Considerations
3. In finalising the budget and council tax for 2013/14, the following issues require consideration:-
• principles of the Medium Term Financial Strategy; • the final Local Government Finance Settlement for 2013/14; • the likely outturn for 2012/13; • spending proposals which have been subject to consultation with councillors and stakeholders; • statutory requirements; • reserves; • risk assessment; • the Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) Report (England) 2013/14 ; • the Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Alternative Notional Amounts) Report (England) 2013/14; • approval of prudential indicators for 2013/14; • Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP).
Medium Term Financial Strategy
4. The MTFS is based on the following principles:
1) The overall financial strategy will be to ensure that the Council’s resources are directed to achieving Vision 2030 and the six Big Ideas:-
• City of Gateshead • Gateshead Goes Global • Gateshead Volunteers • Creative Gateshead • Active and Healthy Gateshead • Sustainable Gateshead
2) The Council recognises that it will not be able to continue to resource current levels of service given the level and pace of grant funding cuts over the period of the current spending review and will ensure that budget savings are identified to minimise the impact on frontline core services.
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3) Overall Council spending should be contained within original estimates. If, following monthly revenue monitoring, service budgets are projected to exceed original estimates, plans should be prepared setting out the actions required to ensure spending at the end of the year does not exceed original estimates.
4) The Council will maintain its general reserve at a minimum of £10.5m to cover any major unforeseen expenditure. The Council will aim to balance its revenue budget over the period of the MTFS without reliance on the use of the general reserve.
5) The Council will maintain earmarked reserves for specific purposes, which are consistent with achieving its key priorities. The use of earmarked reserves will be in line with the principles set out in the MTFS and reviewed annually.
6) The Council will continue to improve its approach to efficiency, value for money and procurement to minimise the impact of budget savings.
7) The Council recognises the impact of increases in council tax levels in an area of relatively low income and low wealth (as measured by property values) and will balance the need for council tax increases against the delivery of Vision 2030.
8) The Council will apply the framework in the Fees and Charges Policy to ensure that fees and charges are set at an appropriate level in line with the delivery of Vision 2030 and take into account comparative levels of charge and ability to pay.
9) The Council will consider ways in which it can maximise its powers of well-being including the consideration of trading opportunities and new charges to maximise income to deliver priorities.
10) The Council will consider the use of prudential borrowing to support capital investment to deliver Vision 2030 and will ensure that an agreed revenue income stream is identified to meet the borrowing costs when investment decisions are taken.
11) The Council will continue to contribute to reviews of the local government finance system, both in its own right and as a member of lobbying groups, such as ANEC and SIGOMA.
12) The Council will ensure that specific school resources earmarked in the Dedicated Schools Grant are distributed in line with the formula for Local Management of Schools and this distribution is regularly reviewed by the Gateshead Schools Forum. The Pupil Premium will be distributed in line with government guidelines.
13) The Council’s performance management framework will inform the review of the MTFS on an annual basis. The annual review will include an update of the three year budget forecast, expected developments in services and changes to legislation informed by business plans.
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14) Opportunities for securing external funding to support Vision 2030 will be sought. The implications of the cessation or withdrawal of funding will also continue to be reviewed so that options can be considered on the future of funded schemes.
15) Opportunities for working in collaboration and partnership will be identified and developed where this will support the Council’s priorities and improve service efficiency and delivery.
16) The Council will apply the Fit For Future programme principles when reaching decisions on the challenges faced by public spending cuts. The application of the principles will be tested and reviewed through the Commissioning framework.
Local Government Finance Settlement 2013/14
5. In the 2010 Spending Review, the government outlined its plans to review the way local authorities are funded. During 2012 it issued a number of consultation papers in particular the Technical Consultation on Business Rates Retention and the Localisation of Council Tax Support. Together these proposals represent the most fundamental changes to local government funding for decades.
6. The provisional local government finance settlement for 2013/14 which included the changes above was announced on 19 December 2012. In addition, indicative grant funding was also announced for 2014/15. The impact of the provisional settlement was reported to Cabinet on 22 January 2013. The settlement confirmed a further £10m reduction in funding to the Council over and above the £8m reduction identified within the 2010 Comprehensive Spending Review.
7. The final local government finance settlement was laid before Parliament on 13 February 2013 and was broadly consistent with the provisional settlement reported to Cabinet on 22 January 2013 with only minor changes to the Council’s Start Up Funding Assessment (SUFA).
8. The introduction of the new funding regime will mean that the Council will now be able to retain 49% of the business rates it collects above a prescribed threshold or baseline. The government will receive 50% and the remaining 1% is allocated to the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority.
9. As part of the 2013/14 settlement, the government have provided a baseline figure for retained business rates. The National Non-Domestic Rates Return 1 (NNDR1) 2013/14 submitted to DCLG on 31 January 2013 estimated that the Council’s retained element will be £42.101m which is £0.522m greater than the baseline estimated in the government’s final settlement.
10. In the Autumn Statement on 5 December, the Chancellor announced a further one year extension to the temporary increase in Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR). On the 11 February 2013, the government confirmed that they will fund local authorities 49% share through a section 31 grant. Although the exact amount is yet to be confirmed, an estimate is included in the base budget funding based on the NNDR1 return that was submitted to government on 31 January 2013.
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11. The Council will also receive an indicative £133m Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), ring- fenced for the education of children. From this amount the Department for Education (DfE) will recoup the funding for academies in Gateshead which based on current academies is estimated to be £30m. In addition, the Pupil Premium for 2013/14 will be £900 per pupil entitled to a free school meal at any time in the last six years and Looked After Children who have been in care for more than six months. The estimated entitlement for schools in Gateshead is £7.1m, of which an estimated £1.5m will be recouped for academies.
Projected Outturn 2012/13
12. The agreed revenue budget for 2012/13 was set at £190.504m. On 22 January 2013 Cabinet received a report on projected spending taking into account performance to 31 December 2012. The 2012/13 projected outturn is £192.968m, a projected over spend of £2.464m (1.3%) for the year. Efforts are continuing to ensure that the budget outturn remains within original estimates in line with one of the key principles of the MTFS relating to spending within budgets.
Budget Guidance
13. On 22 September 2011, the Council agreed the Fit For Future principles and model.
14. The Council has developed a two-year rolling programme for budget planning to give greater flexibility and resilience to in-year changes in an uncertain environment.
15. Following the government’s provisional local government funding settlement on 19 December 2012, a refresh of the MTFS was reported to Council on 25 January 2013 which updated the funding gap for 2013/14 and gave an indicative funding gap for 2014/15. The MTFS will be revisited again following the government’s planned spending review which was announced in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on 5 December 2012.
16. The Fit For Future principles are consistent with the long term aims of Vision 2030, the Council’s values, understanding of local needs, the commissioning framework and equality duties.
17. The principles are:-
• Focussing on the needs of Gateshead residents and businesses as identified in the Strategic Needs Assessment.
• Avoiding disproportionate impact on vulnerable individuals and communities, tested through comprehensive impact assessments.
• Consideration of the long-term impact and sustainability of funding decisions.
• Primacy of services to people, rather than a buildings-based approach.
• Ensuring the most cost-effective way of delivering services, including how we achieve added value for local people.
• Investing in building capacity in local communities.
• Developing the market, including the voluntary sector, where this represents best value and supporting, wherever possible, local organisations.
• Minimising the impact on frontline service delivery, by maximising the efficiency of back office activity. 9
The Council’s approach is focused on four inter-related areas: economic growth, managing demand, volunteering and efficiency by:
• Doing all we can to support economic growth and revenue generation – given reductions in central government funding, success in this area will enable the Council to redirect resource to activities which protect the most vulnerable.
• Focusing on managing demand (particularly in social care) with a targeted approach, emphasising early intervention and prevention.
• Enabling local communities to engage with the design and delivery of a range of local services through volunteering.
• Continuing to drive efficiencies through changes to the way the Council works, for example, through exploiting new technology, consolidation of buildings and services, reducing complex processes and increased trading.
Base Budget 2013/14
18. The base budget for 2013/14 before budget savings is £234.520m. This is an increase of £44.016m but this increase is distorted by changes to government funding whereby a number of former specific grants have been “rolled” into the general formula grant (SUFA) and funding now included in Revenue Spending Power grants. In addition it includes the expenditure in relation to the Council’s new Public Health responsibilities as well as inflation and service pressures outlined in the refresh of the MTFS.
19. Provision has been made in the budget for the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority levy of £12.737m (5.96% increase due to changes in population) and for the Environment Agency of £0.144m (4% decrease). Both of these levies have been confirmed.
20. Growth in the budget has been kept to a minimum with provision being made in a contingency of £8m for an ongoing contribution to the costs of managing the workforce, potential increases in the number of Looked After Children and vulnerable adults, provision for the timing of savings and the cost of winter maintenance, provision for a pay award and the estimated cost of the European Athletics event in June 2013 which is to be funded from reserves.
21. Funding for 2013/14 is £225.049m based on the use of reserves set out in this report and a council tax freeze leaving a gap of £9.471m which will be met through savings proposals. The position can be summarised as follows:
£m Net Budget 2012/13 190.504 Specific Grants “rolled” to SUFA and Revenue Spending Power 22.683 Public Health Responsibilities 15.401 Inflation and Service Pressures 5.932 Provisional Net Budget 234.520 Savings Proposals (9.471) Proposed Net Budget 2013/14 225.049
10 Spending Proposals 2013-2014 – Outcome of Consultation
22. Between 24 October 2011 and 13 January 2012, the Council undertook significant consultation seeking views on spending proposals that covered a two year period 2012- 2014. The feedback to the consultation was reported to Cabinet on 7 February 2012.
23. On 22 January 2013, Cabinet agreed spending proposals totalling £9.842m as the basis for further consultation which was carried out between 22 January 2013 and 15 February 2013 to help inform the spending proposals for 2013/14.
24. On 25 January 2013, Council noted a report on a refresh of the MTFS which outlined a budget gap of £10.4m in 2013/14. This budget gap has been revised downwards which enabled some flexibility when considering the spending proposals for 2013/14. The key reasons for this positive reduction are:-
• Additional estimated funding in relation to the Council’s share of retained business rates on completion of the final NNDR1 form submitted to government on 31 January 2013.
• Confirmation on 11 February 2013 that the government would fund the additional cost of the extension to Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR).
• Confirmation on 14 February 2013 of funding in relation to Adoption Reform which was previously top-sliced as part of the funding settlement.
25. As a result of the revised funding gap and following consultation, some mitigation to meet issues raised through the process was possible and a number of spending proposals have been amended as follows:
• LSC3 Countryside Warden Support – the spending proposal be deferred to 2014/15 to enable further consideration of the Council’s countryside management and maintenance arrangements. No saving is therefore being taken in respect of this spending proposal in 2013/14. The one-off cost in 2013/14 to be funded from the accumulated under spend on the Local Community Fund.
• LSC2 Bill Quay Farm – the spending proposal be deferred for 3 months to enable Bill Quay Farm Association time to demonstrate that their business plan is viable and that they can take over the responsibility and operation of Bill Quay Farm from 1 July 2013. If this approach is unsuccessful the Council will withdraw Council funding for the Bill Quay Farm Association at this point. The saving will therefore be reduced to £127,500 in 2013/14. The one-off cost in 2013/14 to be funded from the accumulated under spend on the Local Community Fund.
• CNV3 Reduction in Non Core Services – the spending proposal identifies a reduction in the Local Community Fund from £15,000 to £10,000 per ward, and a reduction in the Capacity Building Fund of £75,000. It is proposed that this reduction in Capacity Building Fund will not now be made in 2013/14. The accumulated under spend on the Local Community Fund will cover the shortfall in 2013/14 for this on a one-off basis as well as mitigating and offsetting other council spending proposals
• DE1 School Crossing Patrol Service – the spending proposal has been revised from £72,000 to £26,000. This would mean removing lunchtime patrols at 5 sites, deletion of one long term unjustified vacant site, deletion of 4 vacant sites (where there is a zebra crossing) and that the Council continues to comply with national best practice guidance.
11 • DE4 / DE8 Cease Grants to Unemployed and Reduce Employment Support – the spending proposal has been revised from £142,000 to £42,000 to allow the Council to continue to support local unemployed people into job vacancies.
• LES1 Closure of Birtley Crematorium –the spending proposal saving of £76,000 will still be achieved in 2013/14, but through reduced days of opening for the Birtley Crematorium and with increased business and income opportunities across Local Environmental Services. The Business Case will need to be reviewed again in the future at the time when significant investment would be required
• LES4, LES5 & LES6 Self management and/or closure of bowling green facilities and playing fields / Reduction in Neighbourhood Services & Reduced Maintenance in Council parks – these spending proposals will be achieved by different ways of working.
• LES14 Reduce Street Action and Enforcement Team – the saving within this spending proposal has been reduced from £80,000 to £40,000 and will be achieved by different ways of working.
26. After the above mitigation measures, the proposed savings in 2013/14 total £9.471m as detailed in appendix 2a.
27. The outcome of the extensive consultation that has taken place is presented in appendix 3.
Statutory Requirements
Calculation of Council Tax Requirement
28. The Local Government Finance Act 2012 (Consequential Amendments) Order 2013 is anticipated to come into force over the next few days and will be relevant to the 2013/14 accounting period. This Order makes changes to the provisions governing the way local authorities are required to calculate their council tax requirements, specifically relating to the way in which transfers between the general fund and the collection fund are accounted for.
29. Section 30 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 requires the Council to set an amount of Council Tax for each financial year for each category of dwelling. For a category of dwellings the amount of Council Tax is the aggregate of:-
(i) the amount of tax that the Authority itself has calculated, and
(ii) the sum of the amounts of tax that major precepting authorities have calculated.
30. Sections 31 and 34 to 36 of the 1992 Act (as amended by the Localism Act 2011) require the Authority to calculate its own amount of tax for each category of dwellings in its area, reflecting its council tax requirement. In calculating its council tax requirement, the Authority must make the following calculations:-
31. (1) In relation to each financial year a billing authority in England must make the calculations required by this section.
(2) The authority must calculate the aggregate of:-
(a) the expenditure which the Authority estimates it will incur in the year in performing its functions and will charge to a revenue account, other than a
12 Business Improvement District (BID) Revenue Account, for the year in accordance with proper practices;
(b) such allowance as the Authority estimates will be appropriate for contingencies in relation to amounts to be charged or credited to a revenue account for the year in accordance with proper practices;
(c) the financial reserves which the Authority estimates it will be appropriate to raise in the year for meeting its estimated future expenditure;
(d) such financial reserves as are sufficient to meet so much of the amount estimated by the Authority to be a revenue account deficit for any earlier financial year as has not already been provided for;
(e) any amounts which it estimates will be transferred in the year from its general fund to its collection fund in accordance with section 97(4) of the 1988 Act, and
(f) Any amounts which it estimates will be transferred from its general fund to its collection fund pursuant to a direction under section 98(5) of the 1988 Act and charged to a revenue account for the year.
(3) The aggregate of:-
(a) the income which it estimates will accrue to it in the year and which it will credit to a revenue account, other than a BID Revenue Account, for the year in accordance with proper practices;
(b) any amounts which it estimates will be transferred in the year from its collection fund to its general fund in accordance with section 97(3) of the 1988 Act;
(c) any amounts which it estimates will be transferred from its collection fund to its general fund pursuant to a direction under section 98(4) of the 1988 Act and will be credited to a revenue account for the year, and
(d) the amount of the financial reserves which the authority estimates it will use in order to provide for the items mentioned in subsection (2)(a), (b), (e) and (f) above.
(4) If the aggregate calculated under (2) above exceeds that calculated under (3) above, the authority must calculate the amount equal to the difference; and the amount so calculated is to be its council tax requirement for the year.
(5) In making the calculation under subsection (2) above the authority must ignore payments which must be met from its collection fund under section 90(2) of the 1988 Act or from a trust fund.
(6) In estimating under subsection (2)(a) above the authority must take into account:-
(a) the amount of any expenditure which it estimates it will incur in the year in making any repayments of grants or other sums paid to it by the Secretary of State, and
(b) the amount of any precept issued to it for the year by a local precepting authority and the amount of any levy or special levy issued to it for the year. 13
(7) But (except as provided by regulations under section 41 or regulations under section 74 or 75 of the 1988 Act) the authority must not anticipate a precept, levy or special levy not issued.
(8) For the purposes of subsection (2)(c) above an authority’s estimated future expenditure is:-
(a) that which the authority estimates it will incur in the financial year following the year in question, will charge to a revenue account for the year in accordance with proper practices and will have to defray in the year before the following sums are sufficiently available:-
i. sums which will be payable for the year into its general fund and in respect of which amounts will be credited to a revenue account for the year in accordance with proper practices, and
ii. sums which will be transferred as regards the year from its collection fund to its general fund, and
(b) that which the authority estimates it will incur in the financial year referred to in paragraph (a) above or any subsequent financial year in performing its functions and which will be charged to a revenue account for that or any other year in accordance with proper practices.
(9) In making the calculation under subsection (3) above the authority must ignore:-
(a) payments which must be made into its collection fund under section 90(1) of the 1988 Act or to a trust fund, and
(b) subject to paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (3) above, sums which have been or are to be transferred from its collection fund to its general fund.
(10) The Secretary of State may by regulations do either or both of the following:-
(a) alter the constituents of any calculation to be made under subsection (2) or (3) above (whether by adding, deleting or amending items);
(b) alter the rules governing the making of any calculation under subsection (2) or (3) above (whether by deleting or amending subsections (5) to (9) above, or any of them, or by adding other provisions, or by a combination of those methods).
(11) Calculations to be made in relation to a particular financial year under this section must be made before 11 March in the preceding financial year, but they are not invalid merely because they are made on or after that date.
(12) This section is subject to section 52ZS (which requires a direction to a billing authority that the referendum provisions in chapter 4ZA are not to apply to the authority for a financial year to state the amount of the authority’s council tax requirement for the year).
(13) In this section “BID Revenue Account” has the same meaning as in Part 4 of the Local Government Act 2003.
14 Calculation of Basic Amount of Tax
(14) In relation to each financial year a billing authority in England must calculate the basic amount of its council tax by applying the formula:-
R T where:- R is the amount calculated (or last calculated) by the authority under section 31A(4) as its council tax requirement for the year;
T is the amount which is calculated by the authority as its council tax base for the year and, where one or more major precepting authorities have power to issue precepts to it, is notified by it to those authorities (“the major precepting authorities concerned”) within the prescribed period.
(15) Where the aggregate calculated (or last calculated) by the authority for the year under subsection (2) of section 31A does not exceed that so calculated under subsection (3) of that section, the amount for item R above is to be nil.
(16) The Secretary of State must make regulations containing rules for making for any year the calculation required by item T above; and a billing authority must make the calculation for any year in accordance with the rules for the time being effective (as regards the year) under the regulations.
(17) Regulations prescribing a period for the purposes of item T above may provide that, in any case where a billing authority fails to notify its calculation to the major precepting authorities concerned within that period, that item must be determined in the prescribed manner by such authority or authorities as may be prescribed.
(18) The Secretary of State may by regulations do either or both of the following:-
(a) alter the constituents of any calculation to be made under subsection (14) (whether by adding, deleting or amending items);
(b) provide for rules governing the making of any calculation under that subsection (whether by adding provisions to, or deleting or amending provisions of, this section, or by a combination of those methods).
Adequacy of Reserves and Robustness of Budget Estimates
32. The Local Government Act 2003 requires the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT to undertake an assessment of the robustness of budget estimates and the adequacy of reserves.
33. In assessing the robustness of the budget, the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT has considered the following issues:
• The general financial standing of the Council • The adequacy of the budget monitoring and financial reporting arrangements • The adequacy of the Council’s internal control system • The future budget pressures faced by the Council, as identified in the Council’s MTFS • The impact of reduced income and funding • The proposed Capital programme • The delivery of agreed budget savings
15 34. In addition to the above, the Strategic Director, Finance & ICT has undertaken a risk assessment of the underlying budget assumptions applied to income and expenditure estimates. This includes an assessment of the estimates for pay and price increases. Further details are shown at Appendix 4.
35. The Strategic Director, Finance & ICT has also considered the adequacy of reserves to cover any potential financial risks faced by the Council. Although reserves will be used over the next year to support the delivery of budget savings, the Council’s general and earmarked reserves are maintained at a prudent level and are subject to continuous review. Appendix 5 to this report shows the opening balances as at 1 April 2012 and an estimate of reserves through to 31 March 2014 based on the proposals in this report and the agreed MTFS. The position on reserves will be further reviewed as part of revenue outturn in June 2013 and as part of a refresh of the MTFS following the governments planned spending review in 2013.
36. Subject to proposals in this report, the Council’s General Reserve is expected to be £13.314m at 31 March 2013. This is equivalent to 5.9% of the Council’s proposed net revenue budget for 2013/14, and is above the minimum level of £10.5m agreed as a principle in the refresh of the Council’s MTFS reported to Council on 25 January 2013. The general reserve is supplemented by £14.135m estimated earmarked reserves at 31 March 2013, £2.079m of which is ring-fenced and cannot be used to support the revenue budget.
37. The Council’s MTFS recognises that it has been necessary, for several years, to support the Council’s overall budget by using reserves, and that the use of reserves cannot be sustained in the longer term without placing the Council’s financial position at risk. The proposed use of reserves in the budget proposal is earmarked to particular areas of spending.
38. The Council, in common with most authorities in the region, continues to face risks arising from equal pay claims. Some of these risks have been mitigated in Gateshead by the actions taken to implement job evaluation and secure permission to spread the potential costs of some claims through a capitalisation direction. Most equal pay claims have now been settled but there are still some being received from employees which are likely to require an additional contribution from the revenue budget and/or reserves.
39. The Council has policies, procedures and guidance in place to manage changes in the workforce whether they come from budgetary pressures or other operational or organisational changes. These have been successfully applied in the past but the extent of the savings required to balance the budget has put pressure on all budgets, including staffing.
40. In the light of the required savings, the Council gave notice in November 2012 to the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (Form HR1) of an anticipated 162 redundancies, and a further notice in January 2013 of an additional 62 following notification of the provisional funding settlement. It also issued Section 188 “notice of potential redundancy letters” to 479 employees. The Council is actively working with trade union representatives and employees to minimise the number of redundancies required, and in particular compulsory redundancies; actual numbers will therefore be significantly lower than these figures originally notified. The cost of redundancies will require a significant one-off cost in terms of redundancy payments and pension costs. The Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) have informally announced that they will not be issuing a capitalisation direction for 2012/13 which means that there is no longer an opportunity to spread the cost of the statutory element of redundancy costs for the current scheme over a number of years. The majority of redundancy costs will need to be met from revenue or reserves.
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41. The refresh of the MTFS reported to Council on 25 January 2013 set out a position which reflected a funding gap of £30m over the period 2013/14 and 2014/15. The MTFS will be refreshed following the government’s planned spending review which will cover the periods 2015/16 to 2016/17.
42. Taking into account the risks set out in Appendix 4 of this report and the estimated movement in reserves in Appendix 5, a contribution of £1.204m from earmarked reserves is proposed.
43. The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirms that, after taking account of these issues, the Revenue Estimates are considered robust and that the level of reserves is considered adequate to cover the financial risks faced by the Council in the medium term. This assessment is based on the requirement that spending will be reduced to meet the funding gap in the MTFS as any shortfall will put the Council’s sustainable financial position at risk.
Council Tax Freeze
44. Following the Spending Review the Secretary of State confirmed that the Government would work with local authorities to meet its commitment to deliver a council tax freeze in 2011/12. The Council accepted the Council Tax Freeze Grant in 2011/12 and this grant is now included in the formula grant for 2012/13 and for the final two years of the Spending Review.
45. The government also made funding available to help authorities freeze their council tax in 2012/13 although this was for one year only with no further payments over the period of the 2010 Spending Review. To mitigate this, the Council used this one-off funding against non recurring expenditure.
46. For 2013/14, the government has again offered funding to enable councils to freeze council tax with confirmation that the funding, equivalent to a 1% increase or £0.854m (before local council tax support scheme), would be paid in both 2013/14 and 2014/15.
47. The key principles are:-
• It will follow the example of its predecessors in that it will be voluntary and funding will be available to all billing authorities and major precepting authorities in England. Parish councils will not be included.
• An authority which freezes or reduces its basic amount of council tax in 2013/14 compared to 2012/13 will be eligible to receive a grant. The amount of the grant will be equivalent to 1% of the basic amount of council tax set for 2012/13 multiplied by the authority’s council tax base for 2013/14 but not taking into account reductions to be awarded under council tax reduction schemes.
• The grant for the 2013/14 freeze will be paid in the financial years 2013/14 and 2014/15.
48. The basic amount of council tax is defined as the amount set under section 31B(1) i.e. its Band D amount which is billed to residents. This is not the same as the relevant basic amount of council tax which is used as a trigger for the purposes of a referendum.
49. This report recommends that Gateshead Council freezes council tax for 2013/14 meaning the Council will be eligible for a Council Tax Freeze Grant of £0.854m in 2013/14 and 2014/15 and will be exempt from the Government’s excessiveness principles outlined below. 17
Council Tax Referendums
50. Schedule 5 to the Localism Act inserted into the Local Government Finance Act 1992, provides for council tax referendums to be held if an authority increases its “relevant basic amount of council tax” in excess of principles determined by the Secretary of State.
51. The Referendums Relating to Council Tax Increases (Principles) Report (England) 2013/14 allows the Secretary of State to define categories of authority and to set distinct principles for each. The principles apply to all billing and all major precepting authorities.
52. Where a major precepting authority determines that its council tax increase is excessive it must notify the billing authority to which it issues a precept. The billing authority will then be required to make arrangements to hold a referendum in relation to the precepting authority’s council tax increase. The costs of holding the referendum are the sole responsibility of the authority which triggered it. Consequently, billing authorities are entitled to recover from a precepting authority the expense incurred in holding a referendum on its behalf.
53. No principles are specified for local precepting authorities (Lamesley Parish), however the Secretary of State intends to revisit this issue for 2014/15, having considered the extent to which local precepting authorities have exercised restraint in relation to council tax in 2013/14.
54. For Gateshead, the principle for 2013/14 is that the “relevant basic amount of council tax” for 2013/14 is excessive if it is more than 2% greater than its relevant basic amount of council tax for 2012/13.
55. The definition of “relevant basic amount of council tax” is set out in section 52ZX of the 1992 Act, which was inserted by Schedule 5 to the Localism Act 2011. It is essentially an adjusted Band D amount which is derived from a calculation of the authority’s basic amount of council tax. This amount is modified by omitting local precepts issued to or anticipated by a local authority, and levies issued to or anticipated by an authority, from the calculation. This is to ensure that increases in levies, over which authorities have minimal or no control, are not a factor in triggering a council tax referendum.
56. Under section 52ZE of the 1992 Act, the Secretary of State has the power in relation to the year under consideration to make a report specifying an Alternative Notional Amount (ANA) which he thinks should be used by an authority as the basis for any comparison in applying section 52ZC in place of the authority’s relevant basic amount of council tax for the preceding year.
57. The localisation of council tax support has the effect of lowering the relevant basic amount. The Secretary of State has therefore issued Alternative Notional Amounts (ANAs), under section 52ZE of the Local Government Finance Act 1992, to enable a like for like comparison when determining whether the council needs to hold a council tax referendum. For Gateshead, the ANA for 2012/13 (the year preceding the year under consideration) has been determined as £1,181.40.
58. The implications of the trigger based on the relevant basic amount of council tax means that the maximum increase in the actual Band D amount for Gateshead would be 2.58% before a referendum would be triggered. This is as a consequence of an increase in the levy from the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority (ITA). Other Metropolitan council’s are in a similar position because of the levying bodies established when the county councils were abolished in 1986. The government have announced plans to review this anomaly for 2014/15.
18 59. A 2.58% increase in council tax would yield approximately £1.7m but the Council would not receive the council tax freeze grant.
60. The legislation requires each authority to determine whether its relevant basic amount of council tax is excessive by reference to the council tax principles. The relevant basic amount of council tax is £1,167.76, lower than the Alternative Notional Amount of £1,181.40, meaning that the proposed change in the Council’s relevant basic amount of council tax is not excessive at -1.15% as it is below the 2% trigger for the purposes of a referendum. The reason that it is not zero to match the council tax freeze is explained by the omission of levies.
61. Regulations providing the rules of conduct for council tax referendums, the Local Authorities (Conduct of Referendums) (Council Tax Increases) (England) Regulations 2012, came into force on 18 February 2012.
62. The consequences of setting an increase in the relevant basic amount of council tax which is excessive would mean that the Council would have to make arrangements to hold a referendum and make “substitute calculations” of a relevant basic amount of council tax which does not exceed the excessiveness principles. The substitute calculations would automatically take effect in the event that voters reject the Council’s increase.
Council Tax Requirement 2013/14
63. The Localism Act 2011 changed some of the details governing the calculation of council tax. The Council must set a Council Tax Requirement.
64. The Council’s Budget for 2013/14 totals £225.049m after budget savings (net of schools spending). The use of £1.204m earmarked reserves reduces this to £223.845m.
65. In calculating the Council’s council tax requirement as required by the legislation, the Lamesley Parish precept must be added to the figure above.
66. The Parish of Lamesley has issued a precept for 2013/14 of £7,500, the same level as the previous year.
67. In arriving at the Council’s council tax requirement, general grant such as Start Up Funding Assessment (Revenue Support Grant, retained Non-domestic Rates and Top Up Grant), other grants in Revenue Spending Power and Public Health must be deducted.
68. Any amount transferred from the collection fund to the general fund must also be deducted. For 2013/14 this figure has been estimated to be £2m.
19
69. The Council Tax Requirement 2013/14 can now be summarised as follows: -
£ Net Budget 2013/14 Gateshead Council 225,049,001
Less - Earmarked Reserves (1,204,000) 223,845,001 Add - Lamesley Parish Precept 7,500
Budget Requirement 2013/14 (including Lamesley Parish Precept) 223,852,501
Less - Start Up Funding Assessment (SUFA) (128,377,151) Public Health (15,400,512) Other Grants (10,576,825) Balance to be raised locally 69,498,013 Transfer from Collection Fund (2,000,000)
Council Tax Requirement (including Lamesley Parish Precept) 67,498,013
Council Tax
70. The Council Tax for Gateshead is calculated by dividing the council tax requirement by the Council Tax base of 46,764.6 (agreed at Cabinet on 22 January 2013). This calculation gives a Band D Council Tax of £1,443.3570. However, from this figure, the legislation requires the Parish element to be deducted (£0.1604). This gives a Band D Council Tax for Gateshead of £1,443.1966. Section 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 requires the Council Tax to be calculated by reference to Band D, although 91% of households in Gateshead are in Bands A to C.
71. The amount payable for dwellings in different valuation bands is calculated using the following proportions: -
Valuation Band
A 6/9 B 7/9 C 8/9 D 9/9 E 11/9 F 13/9 G 15/9 H 18/9
20 This gives the following Council Tax amounts for the Gateshead area (excluding precepts).
Valuation Gateshead Council Band £ A 962.1311 B 1,122.4862 C 1,282.8414 D 1,443.1966 E 1,763.9070 F 2,084.6173 G 2,405.3277 H 2,886.3932
72. The Council Tax for the Parish area is calculated by dividing the Parish precept by the Council Tax base for the Parish area (agreed at the Cabinet meeting on 22 January 2013). This calculation gives a Band D Council Tax of £5.7047 for Lamesley Parish area (£5.7648 in 2012/13). The reduction for Lamesley is as a result of the same precept as 2013/14 divided by an increased Council Tax base.
73. These result in the following additional Council Tax amounts for the Lamesley Parish area (excluding Police and Crime Commissioner and Fire precepts).
Valuation Lamesley Parish Band £ A 3.8031 B 4.4370 C 5.0709 D 5.7047 E 6.9724 F 8.2402 G 9.5079 H 11.4094
74. To these must be added the precepts of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria and the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority. The precept for the Police and Crime Commissioner for Northumbria was agreed by the panel on 6 February 2013, an increase of 3.5% and the precept for the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority was agreed on 18 February 2013, frozen at the same level as 2012/13. These are as follows:-
Valuation Police and Crime Tyne and Wear Fire Band Commissioner for and Rescue Northumbria Authority £ £ A 57.7399 48.7733 B 67.3632 56.9022 C 76.9865 65.0311 D 86.6098 73.1600 E 105.8564 89.4178 F 125.1030 105.6756 G 144.3497 121.9333 H 173.2196 146.3200
21 These precepts result in a Band D Council Tax (excluding Lamesley Parish Precept) of £1,602.97 which represents an increase of 0.18% on the overall equivalent figure for 2012/13 as a result of the 3.5% increase in the Police and Crime Commissioner’s precept.
75. These result in the following total Council Tax amounts (including precepts).
Valuation Lamesley All other parts of the Band Parish Council’s area £ £ A 1072.4474 1068.6443 B 1251.1886 1246.7516 C 1429.9299 1424.8590 D 1608.6711 1602.9664 E 1966.1536 1959.1812 F 2323.6361 2315.3959 G 2681.1186 2671.6107 H 3217.3422 3205.9328
Prudential and Treasury Indicators
76. CIPFA’s Prudential Code is a professional code of practice to support local authorities in taking decisions about capital investment. All local authorities are required to have regard to the Prudential Code under Part 1 of the Local Government Act 2003 and the Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services (2011). The Prudential Framework for Local Authority Capital Investment was introduced from 1 April 2004.
77. The key objectives of the Codes are:-
• To ensure that the capital investment plans of local authorities are affordable, prudent and sustainable; • To ensure that treasury management decisions are taken in line with good professional practice and in a manner which supports prudence, affordability and sustainability; • To ensure consistency with local strategic planning, asset management and option appraisal.
78. The Prudential Code and the revised Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services (2011) sets out a range of prudential and treasury indicators that need to be agreed by the Council.
79. In setting and revising prudential and treasury indicators, the Council is required to take account of the following issues:-
• affordability, including the impact on council tax; • prudence and sustainability; • value for money; • stewardship of assets and asset management planning; • service objectives; • practicality.
80. Appendix 6 to this report details the prudential indicators required under the Prudential Code and the Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services (2011) for approval.
22 Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP)
81. MRP is the amount that needs to be charged to revenue to reflect the repayment of debt. It is proposed that the Council continue to use the asset life annuity method for charging MRP in respect of PFI contracts, the regulatory method on supported expenditure and the asset life equal instalment method on self-financed expenditure. The Council’s annual MRP statement for 2013/14 is attached at Appendix 7.
Consultation
82. Section 65 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 requires the Council to consult with representatives of persons subject to business rates in Gateshead about spending proposals. A meeting was held with the North East Chamber of Commerce on 6 February 2013. The outcome of the meeting was positive and supportive of the Council’s aim to stimulate the local economy to generate business growth.
83. There has been extensive consultation on spending proposals for the period 2012/13 as outlined in this report and in Appendix 3.
Alternative Options
84. There are no alternative options.
Implications of Recommended Option
85. Resources
a. Financial Implications – The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirms that these are set out in the report and appendices.
b. Human Resource Implications – Comprehensive Impact Assessments have been undertaken for all of the proposals which affect the Council’s workforce.
c. Property Implications – Comprehensive Impact Assessments have been undertaken where there is an impact on the Council’s asset portfolio.
86. Risk Management Implications – Appendix 4 to this report is a financial risk assessment of the budget.
87. Equality and Diversity Implications – These are set out in Appendix 3.
88. Crime and Disorder Implications – Nil.
89. Health Implications – These are included in Comprehensive Impact Assessments.
90. Sustainability Implications – The proposals in this report will ensure a sustainable financial position for the Council.
91. Human Rights Implications – Nil.
92. Area and Ward Implications – The proposals in this report cover the whole of Gateshead.
23 Background Information
93. (i) Report to Cabinet, 20 September 2011 – Fit For Future Principles.
(ii) Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement – 19 December 2012
(iii) Report to Cabinet 22 January 2012 – Council’s Spending Proposals 2013/14.
(iv) Report to Cabinet 22 January 2013 – Council Tax Base 2013/14
(v) Report to Cabinet 22 January 2013 – Revenue Monitoring at 31 December 2012.
(vi) Report to Council 25 January 2013 – Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement and Refresh of the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2013/14 to 2014/15.
(vii) Report to Council 25 January 2013 – Local Council Tax Scheme.
(viii) Report to Council 25 January 2013 – Technical Reforms of Council Tax.
(ix) Final Local Government Finance Settlement – 13 February 2013.
24 APPENDIX 2 Budget Agreed Budget Pre Savings Budget 2012/13 Group and Service (Net Budgets)* Savings 2013/14 2013/14 £000 2013/14 £000 £000 £000
Learning and Children (Net of Schools) 481 Business Support 723 0 723 2,426 Learning and Schools 2,699 (249) 2,450 820 Children and Families Support 7,794 (496) 7,298 3,128 Children’s Commissioning 5,667 (373) 5,294 18,194 Social Work - Children and Families 18,848 0 18,848
Community Based Services 50,171 Social Care and Independent Living (inc Housing) 61,391 (29) 61,362 9,871 Libraries, Sport and Culture 10,095 (902) 9,193 7,300 Commissioning and Business Development 8,044 (419) 7,625 2,419 Communities, Neighbourhoods and Volunteering 2,448 (490) 1,958 0 Public Health 15,401 0 15,401 Development and Enterprise 3,413 Transport Strategy 3,071 (171) 2,900 2,032 Development and Public Protection 2,053 (74) 1,979 3,589 Environment, Economic Development & Regeneration 3,501 (449) 3,052 (1,435) Property and Design (1,415) (35) (1,450) Local Environmental Services 18,391 Waste Services & Grounds Maintenance 18,629 (711) 17,918 2 Community Protection 38 (53) (15) (1,229) Transport, Cleaning & Catering (1,364) (257) (1,621) 5,213 Construction Services 5,457 (613) 4,844 2,190 Facilities Management 2,847 (20) 2,827 Central Services 1,859 Chief Executives 2,046 (227) 1,819 4,534 Legal and Corporate Services 4,759 (613) 4,146 6,127 Finance and ICT 7,139 (691) 6,448 14,371 Other Services and Contingencies 15,148 (2,599) 12,549
24,466 Capital Financing Costs and Investment Income 26,620 0 26,620 Levies 150 Environment Agency 144 0 144 12,021 Tyne and Wear ITA 12,737 0 12,737 190,504 Total Net Budget 234,520 (9,471) 225,049
Financed By (99,552) Formula Grant/Start Up Funding Assessment (SUFA) (128,376) (128,376) (2,804) Other Grants (10,577) (10,577) 0 Public Health (15,401) (15,401) (85,366) Council Tax (Excluding Parish Precept) (67,491) (67,491) (22) Collection Fund (2,000) (2,000) (2,760) Reserves (1,204) (1,204) (190,504) Total Funding (225,049) 0 (225,049)
*Tables may be subject to roundings
25
LEARNING AND CHILDREN - ESTIMATES 2013/14
SCHOOLS
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Dedicated Schools Grant 129,537 (129,537) 0 132,984 (132,984) 0 (Indicative) Less: Academies Recoupment (28,672) 28,672 0 (30,100) 30,100 0
Total Retained in Council 100,865 (100,865) 0 102,884 (102,884) 0 Less: DSG funding allocated to (13,465) 13,465 0 (16,659) 16,659 0 other service areas Schools Budget (Maintained) 87,400 (87,400) 0 86,225 (86,225) 0
Pupil Premium 4,857 (4,857) 0 7,055 (7,055) 0
Less: Academies Recoupment (959) 959 0 (1,534) 1,534 0
Pupil Premium (Maintained) 3,898 (3,898) 0 5,521 (5,521) 0
Section 2 – Savings 0
TOTAL SCHOOLS BUDGET 2013/14 0
The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) and Pupil premium are ring-fenced to expenditure relating to schools
26
LEARNING AND CHILDREN - ESTIMATES 2013/14
BUSINESS SUPPORT
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Business Support 6,802 (6,321) 481 8,998 (8,275) 723
Section 2 - Savings 0
TOTAL BUSINESS SUPPORT BUDGET 2013/14 723
27
LEARNING AND CHILDREN - ESTIMATES 2013/14
LEARNING AND SCHOOLS
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Learning and Schools 6,767 (4,341) 2,426 7,241 (4,542) 2,699
Section 2 - Savings L&C18 Adult Learning - Increased trading target (50) (50) L&C19 Primary & Early Years Team - removal of Teaching & (64) (64) Learning Consultants L&C20 Secondary & Post 16 Team - removal of Teaching & (100) (100) Learning Consultants L&C21 Workforce Development - increase trading income (35) (35) (199) (50) (249)
TOTAL LEARNING AND SCHOOLS BUDGET 2013/14 7,042 (4,592) 2,450
28
LEARNING AND CHILDREN - ESTIMATES 2013/14
CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SUPPORT
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Children & Families Support 10,118 (9,298) 820 14,382 (6,588) 7,794
Section 2 - Savings L&C5 Closure of the Lyndhurst Centre (118) 53 (65) L&C6 Sound Room to become independent (20) (20) L&C7 Way-out in Gateshead (WING) (66) (66) L&C8 Connexions (118) 9 (109) L&C9 Reduction in employment costs - Youth and Community (34) (34) L&C11 Graduate Learner Fund (113) (113) L&C12 Reduced support for Teen Parents (10) (10) L&C13 Withdrawal of funding to Support for Teen Parents (15) (15) L&C14 Relate Counselling Service (6) (6) L&C15 End support to WHOOPS (15) (15) L&C16 Reduce support for the Duke of Edinburgh Award (25) (25) L&C17 Reduction in Parenting Programme (18) (18) (538) 42 (496)
TOTAL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SUPPORT BUDGET 2013/14 13,844 (6,546) 7,298
29
LEARNING AND CHILDREN - ESTIMATES 2013/14
CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONING
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Children’s Commissioning 6,514 (3,386) 3,128 15,789 (10,122) 5,667
Section 2 - Savings L&C1 Pupil and Parent Services (158) (158) L&C2 Young People’s Substance Misuse (55) (55) L&C3 Special Education Needs and Disability Service Restructure (60) (60) L&C4 Family Pathfinder (75) (75) L&C10 Teenage Pregnancy (25) (25) (373) 0 (373)
TOTAL CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONING BUDGET 2013/14 15,416 (10,122) 5,294
30
LEARNING AND CHILDREN - ESTIMATES 2013/14
SOCIAL WORK - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Social Work - Children and Families 19,177 (983) 18,194 19,623 (775) 18,848
Section 2 - Savings 0
TOTAL SOCIAL WORK - CHILDREN AND FAMILIES BUDGET 2013/14 18,848
31
COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
SOCIAL CARE AND INDEPENDENT LIVING (Including Housing)
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Social Care and Independent Living 83,758 (33,883) 49,875 83,850 (22,761) 61,089
Housing General Fund 1,131 (320) 811 1,132 (165) 967
Housing Benefits 77,734 (78,249) (515) 83,178 (83,843) (665)
Total 162,623 (112,452) 50,171 168,160 (106,769) 61,391
Section 2 - Savings SCIL1 Integration of the Move On Refugee Service into mainstream (29) (29) Homelessness Services (29) 0 (29)
TOTAL SOCIAL CARE & INDEPENDENT LIVING BUDGET 2013/14 168,131 (106,769) 61,362
32
COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
LIBRARIES, SPORT AND CULTURE
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Libraries, Sport and Culture 16,414 (6,543) 9,871 16,652 (6,557) 10,095
Section 2 - Savings LSC1 Reduction in Sport, Physical Activity and Health budget (69) (69) LSC2 Bill Quay Farm (128) (128) LSC4 Reduction in grant to BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art (184) (184) and The Sage Gateshead LSC5 Reduction in the Events programme (120) (120) LSC6 Reduction in Event support/employment costs (18) (18) LSC7 Reshaping the delivery of the Libraries Network (285) (285) LSC8 Reduction in contribution to Tyne & Wear Archives and (60) (60) Museums & Beamish Museum LSC9 Reduce employment costs within the Arts Development Team (38) (38) (902) 0 (902)
TOTAL LIBRARIES, SPORT AND CULTURE BUDGET 2013/14 15,750 (6,557) 9,193
33
COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
COMMISSIONING AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Commissioning and Business Development 8,299 (999) 7,300 8,383 (339) 8,044
Section 2 - Savings CBD1 Remodel / re-commission social care non-statutory services (347) (347) CBD2 Reduction in budgets associated with Resilience arrangements (72) (72) (419) 0 (419)
TOTAL COMMISSIONING & BUSINESS DEVELOP BUDGET 2013/14 7,964 (339) 7,625
34
COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
COMMUNITIES, NEIGHBOURHOODS AND VOLUNTEERING
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Communities, Neighbourhoods & Volunteering 2,486 (67) 2,419 2,520 (72) 2,448
Section 2 - Savings CNV1 Community Centre Review (313) 13 (300) CNV2 Efficiencies and Earned Income (50) (50) CNV3 Reduction in non-core service (110) (110) CNV4 Commissioning voluntary sector & community engagement (30) (30) infrastructure organisations (453) (37) (490)
TOTAL COMMUNITIES, NEIGHBOURHOODS & VOLUNTEERING 2,067 (109) 1,958 BUDGET 2013/14
35
COMMUNITY BASED SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
PUBLIC HEALTH
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Public Health 0 0 0 15,401 0 15,401
Section 2 - Savings 0
TOTAL PUBLIC HEALTH BUDGET 2013/14 15,401
The Public Health Grant is ring-fenced to the Council’s new public health responsibilities from 1 April 2013. Funding is shown below the line
36
DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - ESTIMATES 2013/14
TRANSPORT STRATEGY
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Transport Strategy 6,746 (3,333) 3,413 6,630 (3,559) 3,071
Section 2 - Savings DE1 School Crossing Patrol Service (26) (26) DE2 Increased car park income and Blue Badge efficiencies (40) (53) (93) DE9 Reduced Employment Costs and delivery models (69) 17 (52) (135) (36) (171)
TOTAL TRANSPORT STRATEGY BUDGET 2013/14 6,495 (3,595) 2,900
37 DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - ESTIMATES 2013/14
DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC PROTECTION
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Development and Public Protection 3,817 (1,785) 2,032 3,838 (1,785) 2,053
Section 2 - Savings DE3 Reduce employment costs (35) (35) DE9 Reduced Employment Costs and delivery models (39) (39) (74) 0 (74)
TOTAL DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC PROTECTION BUDGET 2013/14 3,764 (1,785) 1,979
38 DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - ESTIMATES 2013/14
ENVIRONMENT, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REGENERATION
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Environment, Economic Development 4,300 (711) 3,589 4,319 (818) 3,501 & Regeneration
Section 2 - Savings DE3 Reduce employment costs (125) (125) DE4/8 Cease grants to unemployed / Reduce Employment Support (42) (42) DE5 Cease the Annual Contribution to the Durham Biodiversity (45) (45) Partnership and reduced support to Warmzone DE6 Reduced capacity to deliver climate change and energy (17) (18) (35) efficiency projects DE7 Reduced support for Area Regeneration and Historic (101) (101) Environment DE9 Reduced Employment Costs and delivery models (51) (51) DE10 Review Development and Enterprise Group structure (50) (50) (431) (18) (449)
TOTAL ENVIRONMENT, EC DEV & REGEN BUDGET 2013/14 3,888 (836) 3,052
39 DEVELOPMENT AND ENTERPRISE - ESTIMATES 2013/14
PROPERTY AND DESIGN SERVICES
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Property and Design Services 2,055 (3,490) (1,435) 2,164 (3,579) (1,415)
Section 2 - Savings DE9 Reduced Employment Costs and delivery models (169) 134 (35) (169) 134 (35)
TOTAL PROPERTY AND DESIGN SERVICES BUDGET 2013/14 1,995 (3,445) (1,450)
40 LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
WASTE SERVICES AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Waste Services & Grounds Maintenance 23,376 (4,985) 18,391 24,309 (5,680) 18,629
Section 2 - Savings LES1 Closure of Birtley Crematorium (76) (76) LES2 Stop the provision of Saltwell Park patrol (40) (40) LES3 Reduction in Management & Administration Employment Costs (125) (125) LES4 Self management and/or the closure of bowling green facilities (80) (80) and playing fields LES5 Reduction in Neighbourhood Services (270) (270) LES6 Reduced maintenance in Council parks (120) (120) (711) 0 (711)
TOTAL WASTE SERVICES & GROUNDS MAINT BUDGET 2013/14 23,598 (5,680) 17,918
41
LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
COMMUNITY PROTECTION
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Community Protection 396 (394) 2 432 (394) 38
Section 2 - Savings LES14 Reduce Street Action and Enforcement Team (40) (40) LES15 Increased surplus from cost reductions across security (13) (13) (40) (13) (53)
TOTAL COMMUNITY PROTECTION BUDGET 2013/14 392 (407) (15)
42
LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
TRANSPORT, CLEANING & CATERING
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Fleet 1,228 (1,793) (565) 604 (1,497) (893)
Building Cleaning 2,452 (2,769) (317) 2,561 (2,877) (316)
School Meals 4,836 (5,242) (406) 5,002 (5,235) (233)
Catering 887 (828) 59 874 (796) 78
Total 9,403 (10,632) (1,229) 9,041 (10,405) (1,364)
Section 2 - Savings LES16 Improve turnover and profitability of Civic Catering (59) (59) LES17 Reduction in cleaning costs from the closure of Council (100) (100) buildings LES18 Increased turnover and cost reductions from external (41) (41) markets across school meals LES19 Increased surplus from cost reductions across Transport (57) (57) (100) (157) (257)
TOTAL TRANSPORT, CLEANING & CATERING BUDGET 2013/14 8,941 (10,562) (1,621)
43 LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
CONSTRUCTION SERVICES (General Fund)
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Construction - General Fund 5,213 0 5,213 5,457 0 5,457
Section 2 - Savings LES7 Reduction in inspection activity and maintenance repairs to (333) (333) highways. LES8 Reduction in street lighting maintenance (34) (34) LES9 Cease Christmas Lights (46) (46) LES10 Reduction in cyclical maintenance associated with the closure (50) (50) of council buildings LES11 Reduction in Street Lighting Energy costs (100) (100) LES12 Reduction in Street Lighting Energy costs (50) (50) (613) 0 (613)
TOTAL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES (General Fund) BUDGET 2013/14 4,844 0 4,844
44 LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Facilities Management 3,538 (1,348) 2,190 3,755 (908) 2,847
Section 2 - Savings LES13 Reduction in operating costs associated with the transfer of (20) (20) the Old Town Hall to The Sage Gateshead (20) 0 (20)
TOTAL FACILITIES MANAGEMENT BUDGET 2013/14 3,735 (908) 2,827
45
CENTRAL SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
CHIEF EXECUTIVES AND COMMUNICATIONS
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Chief Executive and Communications 2,375 (516) 1,859 2,430 (384) 2,046
Section 2 - Savings CEX1 Rationalisation of Policy, Improvement and Communications (227) (227) (227) 0 (227)
TOTAL CHIEF EXEC & COMMUNICATIONS BUDGET 2013/14 2,203 (384) 1,819
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CENTRAL SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
LEGAL, HR AND CORPORATE PROCUREMENT
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Legal, HR and Corporate Procurement 6,067 (1,533) 4,534 6,210 (1,451) 4,759
Section 2 - Savings HR1 Reduction in Employment costs - Strategic Human Resources (71) (71) HR2 Reduction in Employment costs - Human Resources support (61) (61) HR3 Reduction in Employment costs - Occupational Health (27) (27) HR4 Reduction in Supplies and Services - HR budgets (28) (28) HR5 Reduction in Organisational Development budgets (238) (238) DLDS1 Reduction in Employment Costs - Develop Law,Ctrl Admin (113) (113) and Corp Asset Strategy DLDS2 Reduction in Employment Costs - Corporate Procurement (9) (9) DLDS3 Reduction in Employment Costs - Democratic Servs, Mayoral (8) (8) & Member Develop DLDS4 Reduction in Supplies & Services - Internal Printing (5) (5) DLDS5 Reduction in Supplies & Services - Member Development (15) (15) DLDS6 Reduction in Supplies & Services - Hospitality & Refreshments (6) (6) L1 Reduction in Employment Costs - Litigation (3) (3) (split with Other Services) DGD1 Reduction in Supplies and Services - Identity Cards (4) (4) DGD2 Reduction in Employment Costs - Directorate & Group Develop (25) (25) (613) 0 (613)
TOTAL LEGAL, HR & CORP PROCUREMENT BUDGET 2013/14 5,597 (1,451) 4,146
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CENTRAL SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
FINANCE AND ICT
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Finance and ICT 11,444 (5,317) 6,127 13,161 (6,022) 7,139
Section 2 - Savings FICT1 Reduction in capacity on the ICT help desk (35) (35) FICT2 Reduction in Supplies and Services budgets (172) (172) FICT3 Recharging of employee time to activities outside of the (197) (197) General Fund & Income generation activities within the service FICT4 Efficiencies as a result of implementation of key financial (50) (50) systems FICT5 Organisation Review of Financial Services (101) (101) FICT6 Reduction of non core activities (25) (25) FICT7 Reduction of operational capacity within Internal Audit (14) (14) FICT8 Reduction in professional / supervisory capacity (97) (97) (494) (197) (691)
TOTAL FINANCE AND ICT BUDGET 2013/14 12,667 (6,219) 6,448
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CENTRAL SERVICES - ESTIMATES 2013/14
OTHER SERVICES, CONTINGENCIES AND BUILDING BLOCKS
Section 1 - Net Cost of Current Levels of Service 2012/13 2013/14 Gross Gross Net Gross Gross Net Exp Income Budget Exp Income Budget £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s Other Services 7,136 (924) 6,212 8,050 (902) 7,148
Contingencies 8,159 - 8,159 8,000 - 8,000
Total 15,295 (924) 14,371 16,050 (902) 15,148
Section 2 - Savings L1 Reduction in Employment Costs - Litigation (38) (38) (split with Legal, HR & Corporate Procurement) L2 Reduction in Supplies and Services - Registrars (4) (4) L3 Reduction in Supplies and Services - Annual Canvas costs (3) (3) DGD3 Reduction in Supplies and Services - Town Twinning (14) (14) DGD4 Reduction in Supplies and Services - Flexible Working System (2) (2) C1 Contribution to NGI (70) (70) C2 External Audit Fees (50) (50) C3 Corporate Subscriptions (25) (25) (206) 0 (206)
Building Blocks Supplies & Services (443) (443) Fees & Charges (750) (750) Employee Costs & Travel (500) (500) Asset Management (450) (450) Review of Council Services (250) (250) (1,643) (750) (2,393)
TOTAL OTHER SERVICES, CONTINGENCIES 14,201 (1,652) 12,549 & BUILDING BLOCKS BUDGET 2013/14
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APPENDIX 2a
Budget Saving Group Summary 2013/14 £'000
Learning and Children (1,118) Community Based Services (1,840) Development and Enterprise (729) Local Environmental Services (1,654) Central Services (1,531) Central Services - Other (206) Building Blocks (2,393) Total (9,471)
Budget Saving Building Blocks 2013/14
£'000
Supplies & Services (443) Fees & Charges (750) Employee Costs & Travel (500) Asset Management (450) Review of Council Services (250) Total (2,393)
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Learning and Children - Service Summary
Budget Reference Saving Spending Proposal Number 2013/14 £'000 Learning and Schools L&C18 Adult Learning - Increased trading target (50) Primary & Early Years Team - removal of Teaching & Learning (64) L&C19 Consultants Secondary & Post 16 Team - removal of Teaching & Learning (100) L&C20 Consultants L&C21 Workforce Development - increase trading income (35) (249) Children & Families Support L&C5 Closure of the Lyndhurst Centre (65) L&C6 Sound Room to become independent (20) L&C7 Way-out in Gateshead (WING) (66) L&C8 Connexions (109) L&C9 Reduction in employment costs - Youth and Community (34) L&C11 Graduate Learner Fund (113) L&C12 Reduced support for Teen Parents (10) L&C13 Withdrawal of funding to Support for Teen Parents (15) L&C14 Relate Counselling Service (6) L&C15 End support to WHOOPS (15) L&C16 Reduce support for the Duke of Edinburgh Award (25) L&C17 Reduction in Parenting Programme (18) (496) Children’s Commissioning L&C1 Pupil and Parent Services (158) L&C2 Young People’s Substance Misuse (55) L&C3 Special Education Needs and Disability Service Restructure (60) L&C4 Family Pathfinder (75) L&C10 Teenage Pregnancy (25) (373) Total Learning and Children (1,118)
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Community Based Services - Service Summary
Budget Reference Saving Spending Proposal Number 2013/14 £'000 Housing General Fund Integration of the Move On Refugee Service into mainstream SCIL1 (29) Homelessness Services (29) Libraries, Sport and Culture LSC1 Reduction in Sport, Physical Activity and Health budget (69) LSC2 Bill Quay Farm (128) Reduction in grant to BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art and The LSC4 (184) Sage Gateshead LSC5 Reduction in the Events programme (120) LSC6 Reduction in Event support/employment costs (18) LSC7 Reshaping the delivery of the Libraries Network (285) Reduction in contribution to Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums & LSC8 (60) Beamish Museum LSC9 Reduce employment costs within the Arts Development Team (38) (902) Commissioning and Business Development CBD1 Remodel / re-commission social care non-statutory services (347) CBD2 Reduction in budgets associated with Resilience arrangements (72) (419) Communities, Neighbourhoods & Volunteering CNV1 Community Centre Review (300) CNV2 Efficiencies and Earned Income (50) CNV3 Reduction in non-core service (110) Commissioning voluntary sector & community engagement (30) CNV4 infrastructure organisations (490) Total Community Based Services (1,840)
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Development and Enterprise - Service Summary
Budget Reference Saving Spending Proposal Number 2013/14 £'000 Transport Strategy DE1 School Crossing Patrol Service (26) DE2 Increased car park income and Blue Badge efficiencies (93) DE9 Reduced Employment Costs and delivery models (52) (171) Development and Public Protection DE3 Reduce employment costs (35) DE9 Reduced Employment Costs and delivery models (39) (74) Environment, Economic Development & Regeneration DE3 Reduce employment costs (125) DE4/8 Cease grants to unemployed / Reduce Employment Support (42) Cease the Annual Contribution to the Durham Biodiversity DE5 (45) Partnership and reduced support to Warmzone Reduced capacity to deliver climate change and energy efficiency DE6 (35) projects DE7 Reduced support for Area Regeneration and Historic Environment (101) DE9 Reduced Employment Costs and delivery models (51) DE10 Review Development and Enterprise Group structure (50) (449) Property and Design Services DE9 Reduced Employment Costs and delivery models (35) (35) Total Development and Enterprise (729)
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Local Environmental Services - Service Summary
Budget Reference Saving Spending Proposal Number 2013/14 £'000 Waste Services & Grounds Maintenance LES1 Closure of Birtley Crematorium (76) LES2 Stop the provision of Saltwell Park patrol (40) LES3 Reduction in Management & Administration Employment Costs (125) Self management and/or the closure of bowling green facilities and LES4 (80) playing fields LES5 Reduction in Neighbourhood Services (270) LES6 Reduced maintenance in Council parks (120) (711) Community Protection LES14 Reduce Street Action and Enforcement Team (40) LES15 Increased surplus from cost reductions across security (13) (53) Transport Cleaning and Catering LES16 Improve turnover and profitability of Civic Catering (59) LES17 Reduction in cleaning costs from the closure of Council buildings (100) Increased turnover and cost reductions from external LES18 (41) markets across school meals LES19 Increased surplus from cost reductions across Transport (57) (257) Construction - General Fund Reduction in inspection activity and maintenance repairs to LES7 (333) highways. LES8 Reduction in street lighting maintenance (34) LES9 Cease Christmas Lights (46) Reduction in cyclical maintenance associated with the closure LES10 (50) of council buildings LES11 Reduction in Street Lighting Energy costs (100) LES12 Reduction in Street Lighting Energy costs (50) (613) Facilities Management Reduction in operating costs associated with the transfer of the Old LES13 (20) Town Hall to The Sage Gateshead (20) Total Local Environmental Services (1,654)
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Central Services - Service Summary
Budget Reference Saving Spending Proposal Number 2013/14 £'000 Chief Executive and Communications CEX1 Rationalisation of Policy, Improvement and Communications (227) (227) Legal, HR and Corporate Procurement HR1 Reduction in Employment costs - Strategic Human Resources (71) HR2 Reduction in Employment costs - Human Resources support (61) HR3 Reduction in Employment costs - Occupational Health (27) HR4 Reduction in Supplies and Services - HR budgets (28) HR5 Reduction in Organisational Development budgets (238) Reduction in Employment Costs - Develop Law,Ctrl Admin DLDS1 (113) and Corp Asset Strategy DLDS2 Reduction in Employment Costs - Corporate Procurement (9) Reduction in Employment Costs - Democratic Servs, Mayoral DLDS3 (8) & Member Develop DLDS4 Reduction in Supplies & Services - Internal Printing (5) DLDS5 Reduction in Supplies & Services - Member Development (15) DLDS6 Reduction in Supplies & Services - Hospitality & Refreshments (6) Reduction in Employment Costs - Litigation L1 (3) (split with Other Services) DGD1 Reduction in Supplies and Services - Identity Cards (4) DGD2 Reduction in Employment Costs - Directorate & Group Develop (25) (613) Finance and ICT FICT1 Reduction in capacity on the ICT help desk (35) FICT2 Reduction in Supplies and Services budgets (172) Recharging of employee time to activities outside of the FICT3 (197) General Fund & Income generation activities within the service FICT4 Efficiencies as a result of implementation of key financial systems (50) FICT5 Organisation Review of Financial Services (101) FICT6 Reduction of non core activities (25) FICT7 Reduction of operational capacity within Internal Audit (14) FICT8 Reduction in professional / supervisory capacity (97) (691) Total Central Services (1,531)
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Central Services – Other
Budget Reference Saving Spending Proposal Number 2013/14 £'000 Other Services Reduction in Employment Costs - Litigation L1 (38) (split with Legal, HR & Corporate Procurement) L2 Reduction in Supplies and Services - Registrars (4) L3 Reduction in Supplies and Services - Annual Canvas costs (3) DGD3 Reduction in Supplies and Services - Town Twinning (14) DGD4 Reduction in Supplies and Services - Flexible Working System (2) C1 Contribution to NGI (70) C2 External Audit Fees (50) C3 Corporate Subscriptions (25) (206) Total Other Services (206)
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Appendix 3
Spending Proposals 2013/14 - Outcome of Consultation
1. Between 24 October 2011 and 13 January 2012, the Council undertook a significant consultation survey “Your Council budget Help us decide”, seeking views on spending proposals that covered a two year period 2012-2014. During this time, extensive consultation and engagement sessions were also undertaken with partners, businesses, trade unions and employees.
2. Over 4,500 responses were received to the survey which were taken into account in refining the Council’s spending proposals for 2012/13 and agreed by Cabinet on 28 February 2012.
3. In addition to the 2012-2014 budget survey, the Council has carried out further public consultation from 22 January 2013 to 15 February 2013 to help inform the spending proposals for 2013/14. This consultation was highlighted in the latest edition of Council News and available via the Council’s website and in different formats on request.
4. The Council has also carried out specific consultations in relation to the Reshaping the delivery of the Libraries Network and Community Centres spending proposals.
5. Comprehensive Impact Assessments (CIA) have been completed for the spending proposals which are available on the Council’s website at www.gateshead.gov.uk Budget consultation CIA.
6. As a number of the spending proposals were developed as part of the 2012/13 budget, the relevant CIA has been reviewed and updated where appropriate. Due to the lateness in receiving the Local Government Finance Settlement, there were a number of new spending proposals put forward for consideration as part of the 2013/14 budget. As a result, the time allowed to develop a robust CIA has not been as comprehensive as the Council would have liked.
Key Issues from Comprehensive Impact Assessments (CIAs)
7. The Corporate Vitality Overview and Scrutiny Committee has, since 17 October 2011, considered the impact of spending proposals that were viewed as having significant or cumulative risk in relation to equalities.
8. For the 2012-14 Council budget, a more extensive approach of a Comprehensive Impact Assessment was developed to complement the previous Equality Impact Assessments. This was to ensure that as well as the protective characteristics under the Equality Duty, consideration was also taken of health, economy, environment, community safety and the workforce.
9. The potential significant impact from the spending proposal CIAs for 2013/14 is identified in Table 1.
57 10. The Director of Public Health has reviewed the health impact assessments of the spending proposals and provided the following commentary:-
• In general, the CIAs that have been completed show that the authors appreciate the way in which their activity impacts upon health and wellbeing in the widest sense. This demonstrates an ongoing improvement in the CIA process itself when compared with previous such exercises. The impacts on health are anticipated to be almost uniformly negative or neutral, with only one proposal identifying a possibly positive impact arising.
10.1 In addition, the Director of Public Health also provided comments relating to the CIA process. These will be taken into consideration as part of the continued monitoring of the impact of spending proposals, through the Corporate Vitality Overview and Scrutiny Committee
11. Voluntary and Community Sector assessment
11.1 The Comprehensive Impact Assessment (CIA) on the Council’s 2012/13 Budget Proposals and their impact on the voluntary and community sector identified the potential effects of budget decisions along with the mitigation that the Council was taking to minimise the impact on residents and organisations. The CIA identified a number of proposals which could have a varying impact on certain organisations across Gateshead.
11.2 The CIA identified those organisations with a potential significant, medium and low risk, outlining concerns that management committees may struggle with the sustainability of the organisations. This was mitigated successfully in 2012/13 through targeted financial support from the Capacity Building Fund to affected organisations. Vulnerable organisations have been supported via an organisation health check carried out by the capacity building team to identify needs and awarded funding to develop the organisation’s capability and sustainability.
11.3 It is proposed to review and update the 2012/13 voluntary and community sector CIA against the revised budget proposals. The 2013/14 voluntary and community sector CIA will be available from the 28 March 2013, and will be overseen by the Council’s Budget Consultation and Coordination Group.
12. Geographic assessment
12.1 The Comprehensive Impact Assessment (CIA) on the Council’s 2012/13 Spending Proposals and their geographical impact initially identified the potential effects of budget decisions at a ward level along with the mitigation that the Council was taking to minimise the impact on residents. The CIA identified a number of proposals which could have a varying impact on local areas.
12.2 The CIA identified community centres budget proposals as an area of potential high impact, outlining concerns that management committees may struggle with extra responsibilities. This was mitigated
58 successfully in 2012/13 through targeted financial support from the Capacity Building Fund to affected organisations. Thirteen community associations are being supported through asset transfer whilst accessing the capacity building fund to develop their organisation’s capability in taking on further responsibility.
12.3 At the Corporate Vitality Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 21 January 2013, a report on the Equalities Review recommended that “The analysis in the Geographical CIA is taken to a more local level, where appropriate, in order to better identify specific localities which may be particularly affected by the cumulative effect of budget reductions.” In response to this recommendation, the Communities Neighbourhoods and Volunteering Service will work with other services across the council to analyse the proposals for each of the five neighbourhood management areas and the communities within. These working documents will improve the Council’s understanding of the collective impact of budget decisions in local communities, underpinned by data now received from the 2011 census and analysed spatially using GIS mapping.
12.4 The 2013/14 geographical CIA will be available from the 28 March 2013, and will be overseen by the Council’s Budget Consultation and Coordination group.
Consultation with Stakeholders
13. Section 65 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 requires the Council to consult with representatives of persons subject to business rates in Gateshead about spending proposals. A meeting was held with the North East Chamber of Commerce on 6 February 2013. The Chamber of Commerce were supportive of the Council’s approach to setting the Budget for 2013/14.
14. In addition, the following took part in the consultation process:
• Residents • Councillors • Schools • Gateshead Strategic Partnership • Voluntary and Community Sector • Diversity Forum • Economy, Environment Culture Board • Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board • Gateshead Childrens’ Trust • Local Children’s Safeguarding Board • Community Safety Board • Youth Assembly • Older People’s Partnership • Carers Partnership • Gateshead Access Panel • Trade Unions • Employee Forums – Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual (LGB), Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) and Deaf & Disabled • Your Voice Counts
59 • Environment Agency • English Heritage • Learning Disability Partnership Board • Youth Crime Management Board • Countryside Volunteers
Outcome of consultation and engagement with key stakeholders
15. Residents
15.1 As previously indicated, the Council carried out a significant consultation exercise from 24 October 2011 to 13 January 2012, which sought views on spending proposals for 2012-2014. The feedback to this consultation was reported to Cabinet on 7 February 2012 and can be found at Budget Survey and Consultation 2012-2014.
15.2 In addition, residents have also had the opportunity to provide feedback on the 2013-2014 spending proposals during the consultation period 22 January – 15 February 2013. A summary of key concerns and issues raised is as follows:
• E-petition and several respondents disagreeing with the spending proposal to cease countryside warden support. • A number of respondents disagreed with the reduction to teenage pregnancy and parenting programme support, however a similar number agreed with the proposals. • Several respondents felt the Council should maintain current levels of neighbourhood services and suggested ways to save money. • More residents were supportive of the cessation of the Christmas Lights. • A few residents did not agree with the spending proposal to close bowling greens. • Concern at the removal of support for Blue Plaques. • Several residents agreed with the reduction in support to the unemployed. • A number of residents suggested that rather than closing Bill Quay Farm, it be transferred to another provider. • There was support for business support and regeneration projects to be maintained at present levels. • A few residents felt that school crossing patrols were only needed at busy main roads for primary schools. • Several residents were concerned at the reduction in support to the arts.
16. Councillors
16.1 Councillors raised queries and comments in relation to the spending proposals at a variety of meetings, including Corporate Vitality Fit for Future Advisory Groups and councillor budget briefing sessions.
16.2 The impact of the outcome of the Local Government Financial Settlement for Gateshead was acknowledged in the context of the required savings that will need to be made over the next two years, and the likely demands this will place upon services.
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16.3 Councillors are aware of the efforts being made to explore alternative provision, including whether other organisations could provide a service.
16.4 Councillors reiterated their desire to minimise the impact of compulsory redundancies for employees, seeking assurances that dialogue with trade unions and employees would be ongoing.
16.5 Councillors made comments on specific proposals, including the following:
Community Based Services • Seeking clarity with regard to the proposed reduction in the events programme that may result in cessation of the flower show • A request for more detail in relation to the reduction in grant to Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and The Sage Gateshead • Requesting more information in relation to the creation of a leisure trust • An assurance that standards of care would not reduce as a result of recommissioning social care non-statutory services • Clarity over the reduction in service support to the community and voluntary sector • Potential positive transfer of Bill Quay Farm to another provider • An assurance that the reduction in the budgets associated with resilience arrangements would not impact on the Council’s ability to respond to incidents such as the recent flooding episodes • Concern over the proposal to cease countryside warden support • Seeking clarity regarding impact on service delivery should there be a reduction in the council’s contribution to Tyne & Wear Archives and Museums Service • A recognition of the benefits of arts events in Gateshead.
Development and Enterprise • Concerns were raised in relation to the proposed reduction in School Crossing Patrols • It was noted that the ability to implement climate change initiatives could be reduced • Concern at the proposals to reduce the level of funding and support provided by the Council to the unemployed • A recognition that through a variety of means, the Development and Enterprise group generate a considerable income to the Council that would be compromised should the Group’s spending proposals be implemented • It was noted that the pace of regeneration within town centres could be affected.
Learning and Children • Concern that reduction in service provision could have an effect on the number of children being taken into care • Clarity on accessibility of adult learning courses following closure of Lyndhurst Centre
61 • Concern that a number of the Learning and Children’s proposals may impact on the same client group • A general request regarding the Council’s statutory duty in relation to children and young people.
Local Environmental Services • Support for services to work more with volunteers • Further information requested in relation to the closure of Birtley Crematorium • Concerns expressed regarding potential further reduction in grass cutting and other neighbourhood services • Concerns regarding the proposed reduction in the Street Action and Enforcement Team • Further information requested in relation to the self management and/or closure of bowling green facilities and playing fields and whether other options could be explored, for instance, increase in fees and charges • Clarity sought on the proposed locations for reduced maintenance in parks and that more permanent shrubs and perennial plants should be used • Concerns expressed regarding the proposal to reduce patching, repairs and inspections to highways.
Central Services • No significant issues were raised in relation to the spending proposals identified across the Central Services group.
Corporate • Clarity sought regarding the Fees and Charges proposals • Further information requested in relation to council funding to NewcastleGateshead Initiative (NGI).
17. Schools
17.1 Primary Head Teachers are reassured that the Council will be protecting inspection and English, Mathematics and Early Years expertise.
17.2 Specific representation has been made by a number of schools and parents in relation to the School Crossing Patrol Service spending proposal.
18. Gateshead Strategic Partnership (GSP)
18.1 Due to the adverse weather conditions, the meeting that was due to discuss the spending proposals (22 January 2013), was cancelled. The GSP members were therefore emailed a copy of the consultation document.
19. Voluntary and Community Sector
19.1 Gateshead Voluntary Organisations Council (GVOC) place great value on the dialogue that has developed between the Council and the
62 Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) in relation to its budget setting process. The need for this open and honest dialogue to continue was stressed. GVOC are keen to work with the Council to avoid any disproportionate impact on the VCS during the 2013-14 budget round.
19.2 It was noted that the Council has responded to supporting communities and volunteering through the creation of its Communities, Neighbourhoods and Volunteering Service in 2012.
19.3 At a meeting with representatives from the VCS, the following were highlighted as key issues: • That the Council must continue to have a strong dialogue with its directly funded organisations • Ensuring that discussions take place at an early stage, in relation to the decommissioning of contracts, and the impact from this on the delivery of service provision • It was commented upon that the last two rounds of budget cuts, whilst having a detrimental affect on the VCS itself, may not necessarily have had a significant impact upon service users themselves. Unless handled correctly, 2013-14 could be the year that this impact was felt • It was highlighted that the true cost of a service provider cannot always be calculated, with some organisations often delivering services over and above the agreed minimal level of care/provision • A greater lead in time around the issuing of tenders would be welcome by the VCS. Concerns were raised that some smaller organisations do not always have the capacity to prepare bids alongside delivery care. A longer lead in time would assist them in the preparation of bids. It was noted that there is support from both within the sector, and the council, to help build capacity in this area.
20. Diversity Forum
20.1 Whilst recognising the significant budgetary savings the Council has to make, the Diversity Forum made the following key comments:
• the proposed reduction in the support to the community and voluntary sector. It was recognised that the Gateshead Fund, including the capacity building fund, had proved invaluable for the BME community groups and they felt it was essential that this support continued. • with the reduction in support to business, the Council needs to be seen as ‘a business friendly council’ – it is perceived that there is ‘too much’ red tape and the process is too bureaucratic for people who wish set up their own businesses. • what is the entrepreneurial capacity of the Council to generate income in a period of austerity? Other than the town centre developments, what other opportunities are there for the Council to generate income? • a risk that reducing funding for services now, could have more impact in 2 or 3 years time eg costs to the Council could increase due to potential higher numbers of teenage pregnancies.
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21. Economy, Environment Culture Board
21.1 The Board commented on the financial position the Council and its partners are in, and that reductions in funding will have a negative impact on people and communities who use and need the type of services provided.
21.2 There was recognition that it would be hard to support growth in the local economy on the basis of a reduced Council budget. There was also appreciation for how the Council had conducted itself during this difficult period.
22. Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board
22.1 The Board noted the Council’s spending proposals for 2013/14 which were discussed at their meeting on 8 February 2013.
23. Gateshead Childrens’ Trust
23.1 Feedback from the Children’s Trust was largely based on an acknowledgement that there are major issues to be addressed for the 2014-15 budget and a recognition for the Children’s Trust to play a bigger role in shaping future planning and design of services. The Children’s Trust is willing to undertaking specific planning sessions from April 2013 onwards with regard to areas of activity identified in the consultation document.
24. Local Safeguarding Children’s Board (LSCB)
24.1 The LSCB raised the issue of the cumulative impact of proposals around teenage pregnancy and also the proposal relating to school crossing patrols as particular issues which may impact on vulnerable children and families.
25. Community Safety Board
25.1 The Board noted the Council’s spending proposals for 2013/14, in particular the areas of activity they are involved in.
26. Gateshead Youth Assembly
26.1 The Assembly provided a written response to the consultation, following a discussion at their full Youth Assembly meeting on 12 February 2013. The Assembly recognised the difficult financial position the Council is facing, however asked for specific spending proposals to be looked at again, stating “we must strive to ensure we keep going with the Vision 2030 themes to make Gateshead the best it can be for its residents”. These included:
• Removal of School Crossing Patrol where there is already a zebra or pelican crossing • Suggesting the Council link up with charities and other agencies to ensure people are supported back into work
64 • Concern over the reduction in support to Warmzone • A recognition that some vulnerable young people require the support of organisations such as NECA (North East Council on Addictions) and SMART (Substance Misuse Awareness Raising and Treatment) • Concern that young people’s services have already been affected by reductions in services and would not want to see youth projects and centres closing. • The Youth Assembly felt the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme makes a huge difference to the aspirations and life choices made by young people and would not want to see a reduction in council support. • Expressed concern over closure of Birtley crematorium • The Youth Assembly would not want to see the physical environment of Gateshead change detrimentally following the implementation of proposals to bowling green facilities, playing fields or neighbourhood services • Concerned at the spending proposal to cease the Christmas Lights • Agreement with the spending proposals to reduce energy waste and light pollution • The Youth Assembly commented on the spending proposal which relates to increasing turnover and cost reductions with regard to school meals. They hoped that schools meals would continue to be healthy, locally sourced and produced.
27. Older People’s Partnership & Carers Partnership
27.1 Meetings of the Older People’s Partnership and the Carers Partnership were both held on 6 February 2013, where the Council’s spending proposals were discussed.
27.2 As both partnerships felt there was insufficient detail to make an informed comment, members indicated they would access the online version and make comments via that route.
28. Gateshead Access Panel
28.1 Members of the Gateshead Access Panel shared their views on the Council’s spending proposals at meetings on 1 and 12 February 2013. A summary of their key concerns are as follows:
• a number of proposals would have a direct impact upon Shopmobility; and reduced delivery of services in local centres such as leisure, housing and libraries services. As well as support to the Countryside Mobility Scheme at Swalwell Visitor Centre and the Derwenthaugh Park.
• The Panel queried whether consideration had been taken of the withdrawal of community centre support and impact on those with a disability e.g. distances concern/provision from a different centre which may or may not have adequate disabled facilities.
65 • The Panel felt the Council was placing a much greater emphasis/reliance on volunteers. They also felt there were limits to what volunteers want to do and are capable of doing and that the ideal model is a mixed approach, with paid staff and volunteers working together.
• There was concern regarding the withdrawal of warden patrols from Saltwell Park. A number of service users have access to Gateshead Shopmobility scooters through the current warden provision. The Panel were concerned that the withdrawal of this service would result in the possible exclusion of disabled and older people from the park. The Panel also suggested the removal of park wardens would severely impact on the security and maintenance of the existing facilities and development of inclusive play facilities.
• The Panel had concerns regarding the proposed increase in fees and charges eg for bulky waste removal, feeling that this would greatly impact on disabled people who may not be able to remove items to official recycling cites as easily as non disabled people.
• The Panel also raised concerns at the potential impact on disabled children/disabled parents or carers crossing the road to school if school crossing patrols were withdrawn.
• The Panel sought reassurance that current services provided via the Lyndhurst Centre would be offered at venues which were accessible.
• The Panel felt the spending proposal in relation to neighbourhood services should remain at current levels. They felt that disabled people are already severely disadvantaged by grass cuttings and leaves not being cleared from paths and lack of winter gritting. If provision were to be severely reduced, then impact assessments should address this inequality.
• There was concern at the proposed reduction in highway repairs given their view of the poor state of the roads at present.
29. Trade Unions
29.1 Consultation with Trade Unions and employees continues to take place with Service Directors, and at a corporate level with Cabinet members and Strategic Directors. The process is complementary to the general consultation, but is different in certain respects and operates to a different timescale because of the likelihood of redundancies arising from changes to budgets and service delivery.
29.2 The focus has been around measures to avoid or minimise compulsory redundancy and the processes for introducing changes. The Trade Unions have stated their position is for no compulsory redundancies.
29.3 The annual trade union budget consultation meeting took place on 5 February 2013. The Trade Unions value the open approach and
66 dialogue that they have with the Council, and referenced the excellent work that has been undertaken together, over the last three budget exercises, which have helped to keep compulsory redundancies to a minimum.
29.4 A number of specific points were raised in relation to the spending proposals and it was agreed that a series of ongoing meetings would continue between the Trade Unions and the relevant Service Director.
30. Employee Forums - LGBT, BME and Deaf & Disabled
30.1 Meetings of the 3 employee groups were held during the consultation period. Whilst no specific comments were made in relation to the spending proposals, improvements were suggested to the CIA process.
30.2 The groups welcomed the introduction of CIAs believing they are an essential tool to consider the impact or likely impact of any policy/budgetary proposal in relation to all areas of their remit within the Equalities and Diversity agenda. With this in mind they feel any CIA should be proportionate to the significance and coverage of the policy/proposal in question and its likely ramifications.
30.3 In terms of the consultation work allied to any CIA, the employee groups felt more detail should be included to enable a more informed decision to be made.
30.4 The groups reaffirmed the aim that CIAs should be developed at the start of the budgetary exercise so as to enable the assessments to actually inform the process in a more meaningful and detailed way.
31. Your Voice Counts - Involvement Now
31.1 Involvement Now provided a written response to the consultation. Those who took part in the consultation: 5 people with learning disabilities who live in Gateshead. Some who receive services, including independent supported living, care at home, community links, day centre provision, and council supported social enterprise activity. Their main areas of concern relate to:
• the future of community centres such as the Hardman Centre and Allerdene • employment support for people with learning disabilities • withdrawing warden patrols at Saltwell Park • funding for The Sage Gateshead • future of the social enterprise café at the Lyndhurst Centre • concerned at reduction in funding to the voluntary and community sector • request for more advocates to help people with things like benefits and moving house • the future of Low Fell library.
67 32. Environment Agency
32.1 A meeting was held with the Manager of the Environment Agency’s Environmental Crime Team regarding the spending proposal affecting the Council’s Street Action Enforcement Team.
32.2 Concerns were expressed should the Council have reduced capacity to investigate and carry out enforcement action where necessary on cases of fly tipping, as well as carrying out Duty of Care investigations on commercial premises and also assist in waste carrier operations. Concern was also expressed over the appearance of the local environment if fly tipping was not investigated with the relevant enforcement action following.
33. English Heritage
33.1 English Heritage provided a written response to the Council’s budget consultation, acknowledging the challenging financial position and that difficult budget choices have to be made. However, they were concerned that non-statutory historic environment conservation advice would be withdrawn and the Council’ support for the Blue Plaque scheme and Heritage Open Days would cease.
33.2 In recognising the difficult economic times, English Heritage stated its willingness to continue to work positively with the Council to care for and enhance Gateshead’s heritage.
34. Learning Disability Partnership Board
34.1 Concern was raised with regard to the closure of the Lyndhurst Centre and any alternative venues for those people with a learning disability who currently use this facility to do courses. The Board wanted clarification as to what would happen to the café run by people with a learning disability if the centre closes.
34.2 The Board also felt there would be an impact on carers if people do not attend a day centre but use the Lyndhurst Centre.
34.3 Concern was raised on the reduction of non-core statutory services with regard to advocacy provision for people with a learning disability and that services only have a guarantee of 6 months funding.
35. Youth Crime Management Board
35.1 At their meeting on 15 February 2013, the Youth Crime Management Board were concerned at the potential impact of the spending proposal to reduce funding to the Young People’s Substance Misuse Partnership.
36. Countryside Volunteers
36.1 At a meeting requested by the Countryside Volunteers, held on 5 February 2013, the potential impact that this spending proposal would have on the countryside team was discussed. Explanation of how volunteers and the sites would be managed, should the proposal be
68 agreed and implemented was discussed, alongside the future operation of the two visitor centres at Swalwell and Thornley Woodlands. The service has reviewed its CIA in the light of some comments made.
69 Table 1 Comprehensive Impact Assessments
Group Proposal Potential significant impact Ref Equalities Environment Health and Wellbeing Economy Community Safety Community cohesion CNV 1 Community Affects 16 Community Centres √ √ √ √ √ Centre and potentially 8 FTE employees. Review Ensure that centres are supported effectively and are given enough time for successful asset transfer. LSC 2 Transfer of Closure if alternative provider not √ √ √ √ √ √ Bill Quay found or the Bill Quay Farm Farm Association is unable to continue operations operations. Proposal would impact on 6.9 FTEs. LSC 7 Reshaping Dependent on volunteers taking the delivery responsibility for 5 community of library run libraries. Difficult to assess at network present. LES 2 Stop the Some accessibility difficulties √ √ √ √ √ provision of maybe encountered. Disabled Saltwell Park users/Jewish community rely on Patrol the current patrol officer to assist when faced with ASB or requiring shop mobility scooter. Risk that visitors will no longer use the park due to lack of patrols. Reduction in 2 FTEs. LES 7 Reduction in Increase in complaints about the √ √ √ √ inspection state of the highways. Road activity and safety could be compromised maintenance due to the condition of the roads. repairs to Potential reduction in workforce. highways LES 8 Reduction in Potential issues regarding √ √ √ √ Street community safety, inconsistent Lighting lighting levels and road safety. Maintenance Potential reduction in workforce. L&C 17 Reduction in Risk of isolation of families √ √ √ √ Parenting and/or teenage parents. Fewer programme opportunities to work with teenage parents to encourage them into training or work.
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APPENDIX 4
Financial Risk Assessment
1. Savings
There is a risk that the proposed savings will not be delivered. This is mitigated by robust budgetary control and a provision in contingencies to reflect the timing of the achievement of savings.
2. General and Earmarked Reserves
The risk that general and earmarked reserve balances may not be sufficient is mitigated by:
• A strategy to maintain the General Reserve at a minimum of £10.5m.
• The expected balance on the Council’s General Reserve is £13.314m as at 31 March 2013. This is 5.9% of the net revenue budget for 2013/14 and is above the minimum of £10.5m.
• The General Reserve is supplemented by expected earmarked reserves of £14.135m as at 31 March 2013. Of this amount, £2.079m is ring-fenced and cannot be used to support the revenue budget.
3. Budgetary Control
The risk that expenditure will exceed budget is mitigated by the existence of a robust revenue monitoring framework. Some key features of this framework are:
• Monthly monitoring information is presented to budget holders within 9 working days of the close of each accounting period.
• All projected material variances are investigated and action plans are agreed with budget holders to address any areas of projected overspending.
• Quarterly monitoring reports are presented to Cabinet, which show income, and expenditure variances for each of the Council’s service areas including delivery of budget savings.
• Savings are monitored and reported separately against target.
4. Internal Control
The risk that internal controls are not sufficient is mitigated by the Council’s system of internal control, as set out in the Council’s Constitution. Some key features include:
• A clear system of delegation incorporated within the Council’s Constitution;
• Setting targets to measure financial and other performance;
71 • The adoption of CIPFA capital expenditure guidelines, including the requirements of the Prudential Code;
• Use as appropriate of formal project management disciplines;
• Strict adherence to the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in Public Services;
• Compliance with established policies, procedures, laws and regulations;
• Application of the principles of the CIPFA/SOLACE Guidelines on Corporate Governance through a local Code of Governance and publication of an Annual Governance Statement;
• Risk management framework;
• Maintenance of the Verification Framework for the administration of Council Tax and Housing Benefit; and
• Participation in the National Fraud Initiative.
The system of internal control is continuously reviewed by the Council’s Internal Audit service, which reports on its planning and performance to the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.
5. Financial Planning
The risk that known major liabilities or commitments have not been taken into account is mitigated by the integration of corporate business plans into the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.
6. Budgetary Assumptions
Income and expenditure budgets have been compiled on the basis of a set of budgetary assumptions in relation to price and activity levels. The risk that the assumptions, which have been applied, may not be robust is mitigated by the inclusion of a corporate contingency of £8m within the 2013/14 budget.
Some of the key assumptions, which have been applied to the budget, are outlined below:
• Employees’ Pay
The government has outlined plans to limit public sector pay awards to 1%. A provision of 1% for 2013/14 has been included in contingencies.
• Investment Income
The level of investment income, which the Council’s projected cash balances will yield, has been modelled on the basis of different projections of movements in interest rates, supplemented by advice from the Council’s Treasury Management advisors.
72 • Social Care
Provisions for changes in demographics are included in contingencies to address ongoing spending pressures in relation to Looked After Children and adult social care.
• Workforce Management
A provision for the potential costs of workforce management is included in contingencies supplemented by planned use of reserves.
Taking account of the above, the contingency of £8m is considered adequate to mitigate the risk that some of the assumptions applied may differ from actual events during 2013/14.
7. Capital Financing
The risk that capital financing charges will exceed budget is mitigated by
• Ensuring that the majority of total borrowing is taken as fixed rate loans. • Using the Council’s Treasury management advisors to assist in determining the most appropriate time to undertake new borrowing and rescheduling of existing loans. • Monitoring of External funding of capital projects is undertaken monthly and reported to Cabinet on a quarterly basis as part of the Capital monitoring process.
8. Loss of Deposit
There is a risk that funds deposited by the Council in banks and building societies could be lost due to the collapse of the financial institution. The risk is mitigated by the controls in the Treasury Management Strategy which focuses on the security and liquidity of deposits rather than returns. The potential impact is limited by the strategy of using a diverse portfolio of highly rated banks and building societies.
73 APPENDIX 5 Estimated Use of Reserves
Estimated Opening Budgeted Estimated MTFS Estimated Budgeted Estimated Closing Balance at Movement Movement Review of Closing Balance Movement Movement Balance at 01/04/12 During Year During Year Reserves at 31/03/13 During Year During Year 31/03/14 £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s General Fund: General Reserve (13,314) 2,000 (2,000) 0 (13,314) 0 0 (13,314) Schools LMS Reserves* (9,526) 0 0 0 (9,526) 0 0 (9,526) Total General Fund (22,840) 2,000 (2,000) 0 (22,840) 0 0 (22,840)
Strategic Reserves: Pensions 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Insurance (3,000) 0 0 0 (3,000) 0 0 (3,000) Grant Clawback (1,375) 0 0 0 (1,375) 0 0 (1,375) Gateshead Development Pool (4,835) 760 (800) 0 (4,875) 1,204 0 (3,671) Cultural Development 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Bridge Maintenance (920) 0 0 0 (920) 0 0 (920) Developers’ Contributions* (853) 0 0 0 (853) 0 0 (853) Economic Downturn (707) 0 221 (486) 0 0 (486) Workforce Management 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Revenue Grants / Receipts Unapplied* (1,711) 0 485 0 (1,226) 0 0 (1,226) Equal Pay (1,400) 0 0 0 (1,400) 0 0 (1,400) Dedicated Schools Grant* (560) 0 560 0 0 0 0 0 Total Strategic Reserves (15,361) 760 466 0 (14,135) 1,204 0 (12,931)
Total Reserves (38,201) 2,760 (1,534) 0 (36,975) 1,204 0 (35,771)
*Ring fenced – not available to support the Revenue Budget and Council Tax Requirement
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APPENDIX 5 (Continued)
General Fund
The General Fund is made up from two reserves:
• The General Reserve exists to protect the Council against unexpected events and to finance future revenue or capital expenditure.
• Schools Reserves which are ring-fenced and cannot be used to support the revenue budget and reduce the council tax requirement.
Strategic Reserves
The Insurance Reserve allows for possible insurance claims against the Authority not covered by external policies.
The Grant Clawback Reserve represents grant received, which may need to be repaid. The Council is still carrying risks in this area.
The Gateshead Development Pool - a significant proportion of this reserve has been used to support the redundancy scheme in 2010/11 and 2011/12. The remaining amount in this reserve can support the Local Community Fund and invest to save initiatives. It is proposed that this reserve will be used to fund the European Athletics championships in 2013 and one-off mitigation in 2013/14 of a number of savings proposals to allow further time for planning.
The Bridge Maintenance Reserve exists to meet the costs of future unplanned bridge maintenance work.
The Developers’ Contributions Reserve is ring-fenced to fund future play schemes on future residential developments in accordance with Section 106 agreements. It cannot be used to support the revenue budget and reduce the council tax requirement.
The Economic Downturn Reserve was established at the end of 2008/09 to mitigate against the potential impact on the Council’s budget during the economic downturn and to fund short-term initiatives in the Council’s Ten Point Plan.
The Revenue Grants / Receipts Unapplied Reserve was created as a result of changes to the Accounting Code of Practice whereby unused grants and contributions, without conditions attached, should be appropriated to reserves to fund future expenditure rather than creating creditors on the Balance Sheet.
The Equal Pay Reserve was created to mitigate against potential outstanding equal pay claims. The Council previously held this as a provision but as there is no longer a reasonable estimate of the cost it no longer met the definition of a provision under accounting regulations.
The Dedicated Schools Grant Reserve is ring-fenced for schools use and cannot be used for to support the revenue budget and reduce the council tax requirement.
All reserves will be reviewed as part of the refresh of the MTFS following the government’s spending review which is expected in the first part of 2013 as outlined in the Chancellors Autumn Statement on 5 December 2012.
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APPENDIX 6
PRUDENTIAL AND TREASURY INDICATORS
1. The actual capital expenditure that was incurred in 2011/12 and the estimates of capital expenditure to be incurred for the current and future years that are recommended for approval are: -
Capital Expenditure 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Actual Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Non-HRA 58,956 68,556 50,955 59,514 31,470
HRA 35,157 27,665 20,011 18,300 14,170
Total 94,113 96,221 70,966 77,814 45,640
2. Estimates of the ratio of financing costs to net revenue stream for the current and future years, and the actual figures for 2011/12 are: -
Ratio of Financing Costs to Net Revenue Stream 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Actual Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Non-HRA 12.59% 13.41% 12.00% 12.74% 13.42%
HRA 43.21% 37.20% 48.26% 43.51% 36.60%
The estimates of financing costs include current commitments and the proposals in this budget report.
3. Estimates of the end of year Capital Financing Requirement for the Council for the current and future years and the actual Capital Financing Requirement at 31 March 2012 are: -
Capital Financing Requirement 31/03/12 31/03/13 31/03/14 31/03/15 31/03/16 £000 £000 £000 £000 £000 Actual Estimate Estimate Estimate Estimate Non-HRA 269,763 297,633 312,730 333,731 345,040
HRA 345,505 345,505 345,505 345,505 345,505
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4. The Capital Financing Requirement measures the Council’s underlying need to borrow for a capital purpose. In accordance with best professional practice, the Council does not associate borrowing with particular items or types of expenditure. The Council has an integrated treasury management strategy and has adopted the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services. The Council has, at any point in time, a number of cashflows both positive and negative, and manages its treasury position in terms of its borrowings and investments in accordance with its approved treasury management strategy and practices. In day to day cash management, no distinction can be made between revenue cash and capital cash. External borrowing arises as a consequence of all the financial transactions of the Council and not simply those arising from capital spending. In contrast, the Capital Financing Requirement reflects the Council’s underlying need to borrow for a capital purpose.
5. CIPFA’s Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities includes the following as a key indicator of prudence: -
“In order to ensure that over the medium term net borrowing will only be for a capital purpose, the local authority should ensure that net external borrowing does not, except in the short term, exceed the total of Capital Financing Requirement in the preceding year plus the estimates of any additional Capital Financing Requirement for the current and next two financial years.”
The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT reports that the Council had no difficulty meeting this requirement in 2011/12, nor are any difficulties envisaged for the current or future years. This view takes into account current commitments, existing plans, and the proposals in this budget report.
6. In respect of its external debt, it is recommended that the Council approves the following Authorised Limits for its total external debt gross of investments for the next three financial years, and agrees the continuation of the previously agreed limit for the current year since no change to this is necessary. These limits separately identify borrowing from other long term liabilities. The Council is asked to approve these limits and to delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT within the total limit for any individual year, to effect movement between the separately agreed limits for borrowing and other long term liabilities, in accordance with option appraisal and best value for money for the Council. Any such changes made will be reported to the Council at its next meeting following the change.
Authorised Limit for External Debt
2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 £000 £000 £000 Borrowing 725,000 745,000 755,000 Other Long term Liabilities 0 0 0
Total 725,000 745,000 755,000
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7. The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT reports that these Authorised Limits are consistent with the Council’s current commitments, existing plans and the proposals in this budget report for capital expenditure and financing, and with its approved treasury management policy statement and practices. The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirms that they are based on the estimate of most likely, prudent but not worst case scenario, with sufficient headroom over and above this to allow for operational management, for example unusual cash movements. Risk analysis and risk management strategies have been taken into account, as have plans for capital expenditure, estimates of the Capital Financing Requirement and estimates of cashflow requirements for all purposes. These limits include amounts in relation to The Gateshead Housing Company.
8. The Council is also asked to approve the following Operational Boundary for external debt for the same time period. The proposed Operational Boundary for external debt is based on the same estimates as the Authorised Limit, but reflects directly the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT’s estimate of the most likely, prudent but not worst case scenario, without the additional headroom included within the Authorised Limit to allow, for example, for unusual cash movements, and equates to the maximum of external debt projected by this estimate. The Operational Boundary represents a key management tool for in year monitoring by the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT. Within the Operational Boundary, figures for borrowing and other long term liabilities are separately identified. The Council is also asked to delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Finance and ICT within the total Operational Boundary for any individual year, to effect movement between the separately agreed figures for borrowing and other long term liabilities, in a similar fashion to the Authorised Limit. Any such changes will be reported to the Council at its next meeting following the change. These limits include amounts in relation to The Gateshead Housing Company.
Operational Boundary for External Debt
2013/14 2014/15 2015/16
£000 £000 £000
Borrowing 700,000 720,000 730,000
Other Long Term Liabilities 0 0 0
Total 700,000 720,000 730,000
9. The Council’s actual external debt at 31 March 2012 was £562.522m comprising £562.522m borrowing and no other long term liabilities. It should be noted that actual external debt is not directly comparable to the Authorised Limit and Operational Boundary, since the actual external debt reflects the position at one point in time.
10. In taking its decisions on this budget report, the Council is asked to note that the Authorised Limit determined for 2013/14 (see paragraph 6 above) will be the statutory limit determined under Section 3(1) of the Local Government Act 2003.
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11. A key measure of affordability is the incremental impact on the council tax as a result of the Council’s capital and revenue plans. The Council is asked to approve these indicators.
The incremental impact on Band D Council Tax that would result for the council for 2013/14 from the totality of the capital and revenue plans recommended in this budget report is £1.66.
12. Forward estimates for the incremental impact on Band D council tax levels for 2014/15 is £1.87 and 2015/16 is £1.92. These forward estimates are not fixed and do not commit the Council. They are based on the Council’s existing commitments, current plans and the totality of the capital and revenue plans recommended in this budget report. There are no known significant variations beyond this timeframe that would result from past events and decisions or the proposals in this budget report.
13. With respect to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), the average incremental impact on weekly rent that would result for 2013/14 from the totality of the capital and revenue plans recommended in this budget report is £0.03.
14. Forward estimates for the incremental impact on housing rents for 2014/15 is £0.03 and 2015/16 is £0.04. Again, these forward estimates are not fixed and do not commit the Council. They are based on the Council’s existing commitments, current plans and the totality of the capital and revenue plans recommended in this budget report. There are no known significant variations beyond this timeframe that would result from past events and decisions or the proposals in this budget report.
15. The Council has adopted the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Services (2011), which requires three key Treasury Management indicators.
16. The purpose of these indicators is to contain the activity of the treasury function within certain limits, thereby reducing the risk or likelihood of an adverse movement in interest rates or borrowing decisions impacting negatively on the Council’s overall financial position. However, if these indicators were set to be too restrictive, they will impair the opportunities to reduce costs.
17. It is recommended that the Council sets an upper limit on its fixed and variable interest rate exposures for 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 as follows. The figures are expressed in terms of net outstanding principal sums.
UPPER LIMIT ON FIXED AND VARIABLE INTEREST RATES EXPOSURES 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Range £000 £000 £000
552,290 565,583 570,150 Fixed Rate 319,285 311,727 284,460
93,160 109,196 91,696 Variable (20,000) (20,000) (20,000)
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18. It is recommended that the Council sets upper and lower limits for the maturity structure of its borrowings as follows: -
Upper Limit Lower Limit
Under 12 months 20% 0%
12 months and within 24 months 20% 0%
24 months and within 5 years 60% 0%
5 years and within 10 years 60% 0%
10 years and above 90% 0%
19. It is recommended that the Council sets an upper limit on its principal sums invested for periods longer than 364 days for 2013/14, 2014/15 and 2015/16 as follows:
Upper Limit on amounts invested beyond 364 days 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 £000 £000 £000
Investments 30,000 30,000 30,000
80 APPENDIX 7
MINIMUM REVENUE PROVISION (MRP) STATEMENT 2013/14
The Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) is the charge made to the revenue account to reflect the repayment of borrowing. This is the mechanism by which council tax payers fund capital expenditure that has been supported by borrowing.
In accordance with regulations the Council is required to calculate an amount of MRP each year which is considered to be prudent. Four methods of calculating MRP are set out in the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2008 [Si 2008/414] and statutory guidance regarding the calculation of MRP was issued by CLG in March 2010. The four possible methods are set out below:
Option 1: Regulatory Method
MRP is equal to the amount determined in accordance with the former regulations 28 and 29 of the 2003 Regulations, as if they had not been revoked by the 2008 Regulations. The MRP element of the RSG (Revenue Support Grant) is calculated on this basis. This is calculated as 4% of the Council’s general fund capital financing requirement, adjusted for factors arising from the transition to the prudential capital financing regime in 2003.
Option 2: CFR Method
MRP is equal to 4% of the non-housing Capital Financing Requirement at the end of the preceding financial year. This does not adjust for the transition to the prudential capital financing regime in 2003.
Option 3: Asset Life Method
Where capital expenditure on an asset is financed wholly or partly by borrowing or credit arrangements, MRP is to be determined by reference to the life of the asset. There are two main methods by which this can be achieved, as described below:
(a) Equal instalment method
MRP is the amount given by the following formula:
A – B C
Where: A is the amount of the capital expenditure in respect of the asset financed by borrowing or credit arrangements; B is the total provision made before the current financial year in respect of that expenditure; C is the inclusive number of financial years from the current year to that in which the estimated life of the asset expires.
(b) Annuity method
MRP is the principal element for the year of the annuity required to repay over the asset life the amount of capital expenditure financed by borrowing or credit arrangements. The authority should use an appropriate interest rate to calculate the amount. Adjustments to the calculation to take account of
81 repayment by other methods during the repayment period (e.g. by the application of capital receipts) should be made as necessary.
Under both asset life variations, authorities may in any year make additional voluntary revenue provision, in which case they may make an appropriate reduction in later years’ levels of MRP.
MRP should normally commence in the financial year following the one in which the expenditure was incurred and the estimated life of the asset should be determined in the year that MRP commences and should not subsequently be revised.
If no life can reasonably be attributed to an asset, such as freehold land, the life should be taken to be a maximum of 50 years. However, in the case of freehold land on which a building or other structure is constructed, the life of the land may be treated as equal to that of the structure, where this would exceed 50 years.
Where borrowing is used to meet expenditure which is treated as capital expenditure by virtue of a capitalisation direction, the life is set at a maximum of 20 years in accordance with the statutory guidance.
When borrowing to provide an asset, the authority may treat the asset life as commencing in the year in which the asset first becomes operational. It may postpone beginning to make MRP until the financial year following the one in which the asset becomes operational.
Option 4: Depreciation Method
MRP is to be equal to the provision required in accordance with depreciation accounting in respect of the asset on which expenditure has been financed by borrowing or credit arrangements. This should include any amount for impairment chargeable to the Income and Expenditure Account.
For this purpose standard depreciation accounting procedures should be followed, except in the following respects.
MRP should continue to be made annually until the cumulative amount of such provision is equal to the expenditure originally financed by borrowing or credit arrangements. Thereafter the authority may cease to make MRP.
On disposal of the asset, the charge should continue in accordance with the depreciation schedule as if the disposal had not taken place. But this does not affect the ability to apply capital receipts or other funding sources at any time to repay all or part of the outstanding debt.
Where the percentage of the expenditure on the asset financed by borrowing or credit arrangements is less than 100%, MRP should be equal to the same percentage of the provision required under depreciation accounting.
Proposed 2013/14 MRP Calculation Method
Statutory guidance, issued by CLG in March 2010, confirmed that options 1 and 2 may only be used for capital expenditure incurred before 1 April 2008 or for any Supported Capital Expenditure, and confirmed that Authorities should use option 3.
In 2013/14, it is proposed that there will be no change to the approach currently used by the Council to calculate MRP. 82
Gateshead Council will continue to calculate MRP on supported expenditure using the regulatory method (Option 1) and on self-financed expenditure using the asset life equal instalment method (Option 3(a)).
For any transactions relating to PFI contracts, Gateshead Council will continue to use the asset life annuity method (Option 3 (b)) in accordance with the statutory guidance.
Where long-term loans have been issued to third parties for capital purposes, the Council will make MRP using the principal element of the loan repayment that is received.
The Strategic Director, Finance & ICT has the discretion to make additional voluntary provision.
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REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan
REPORT OF: David Bunce, Strategic Director Community Based Services
Purpose of the Report
1. This report seeks approval of the Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan.
Background
2. The work of volunteers across Gateshead is integral to the long term health and sustainability of the borough.
3. The Council has prioritised supporting and working with the voluntary and community sector, in Vision 2030 and the Council Plan, creating an environment in which the sector can thrive and expand. Gateshead Volunteers Big Idea is one of six Big Ideas in Vision 2030. Its primary objective is to involve more local people in their community in a way that increases their personal wellbeing and benefits their communities. A further aim of Gateshead Volunteers Big Idea is for Gateshead to be known as a national leader in promoting and supporting volunteering.
4. The Gateshead Compact agreed by Cabinet in 2008 includes a strategic set of principles and action shared across the partners of the Gateshead Strategic Partnership working to deliver Vision 2030. There is a shared commitment to: valuing the role of volunteers; removing barriers to volunteering; supporting the take up of opportunities; and ensuring an effective infrastructure is in place to support volunteering.
5. The Council Plan sets an overall outcome for sustainable economic growth and wellbeing for Gateshead, which includes creating capacity through volunteering. In addition, one of the Council’s Fit for Future principles is to build capacity in the voluntary and community sector.
Purpose of the Gateshead Volunteers Plan
6. Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan has been developed to ensure a strategic and structured approach in delivering the Council’s aims of increasing volunteering. A summary of Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan is at Appendix 2 and a full copy of the Plan is available online within the agenda folder for this meeting and is in the Members’ Room.
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Vision and Outcomes
7. The Vision for Gateshead Volunteers is to:
• Enable everyone to make a recognised contribution to their community and become the volunteering capital of England by 2030 • Deliver economic growth and wellbeing • Volunteering activity adds value to local service provision, enabling neighbourhoods to have services that would not be otherwise provided and enhancing core public services • Increase formal volunteering from 18% to 25% by 2017 • Increase informal volunteering from 34% to 40% by 2017 • Increase volunteering across informal and formal by 20,000 volunteers overall by 2017.
8. The overall purpose of the Gateshead Volunteers Plan is to ensure that the current significant benefit and contribution of volunteering in Gateshead is further expanded, developed and supported in a structured and strategic way.
9. Deliverables: The plan aims to: • Improve and increase the quality and range of volunteering opportunities • Increase the number and diversity of volunteers both informal and formal • Improve accessibility to volunteering • Improve publicity and marketing of volunteering • Measure and evaluate the level and impact of volunteering in Gateshead • Co-ordinate and facilitate volunteer support across Gateshead in accordance with Vision 2030, ensuring that it is resourced correctly, is sustainable and maximises the service offer within Gateshead.
Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan
10. Chapter 1 explains the Objectives of the Plan and the Vision 2030 outcomes. This chapter sets out a boroughwide ambition to increase and enhance volunteering.
11. Chapter 2 provides a current picture of volunteering in Gateshead. This includes a mapping exercise of current volunteering activity across Gateshead. It is the first time such comprehensive and up to date data has been available. The mapping exercise collated information from the 2012 residents survey as well as information gathered from service areas, GSP partners, schools, GVOC and VCS organisations databases. Strengths and opportunities have been identified through an analysis of the current volunteering activity. This chapter also includes case studies of volunteering within Gateshead, some comparison information, and conclusions to the current available information.
12. Chapter 3 identifies new principles for Gateshead Council which will determine how policy and resource decisions will be made in Gateshead Council regarding volunteering. These principles are structured around:
• Strategy and Outcomes • Structure and Systems • People and Resources
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13. Chapter 4 covers Functions, Resources and Structures. The section aims to identify the current resources involved in volunteering in Gateshead Council and its partners. This falls under three areas; administration, management and communications. The chapter discusses current resources and potential future functions and resources.
14. Chapter 5 covers Priorities and Next Steps. This includes the opportunities for volunteering and identifies a new communications plan and marketing campaign for Gateshead Volunteers.
15. The Plan is also presented as a one page document, at Appendix 2.
Consultation on the draft Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan
16. The Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan has been developed through consultation with councillors, trade unions, the voluntary sector, community groups, volunteers and partners within the Gateshead Strategic Partnership.
17. Comments from the consultation process include:
• The Plan aims to increase volunteering across Gateshead involving all partners and organisations who work with the Council to deliver Vision 2030. It should be clearly identified that this is Gateshead Council’s Volunteer Plan, which will direct Council policy and resource decisions • Support for increasing the numbers of volunteers in Gateshead and improving opportunities for volunteering in Gateshead • The targets (20,000 new volunteers) are ambitious and are supported and welcomed. It is considered that these are deliverable and achievable. • Support for the principles identified for volunteering, emphasising that Gateshead Council prioritised volunteering in 2006 through Vision 2030. The principles should remain relevant and appropriate throughout the lifetime of Vision 2030 • Volunteering activity adds value to local service provision • Support for a single framework and point of contact for all volunteering activity in Gateshead Council • Approach to safeguarding and application of new DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) confirmed. • Support to prioritising areas of volunteering – including digital inclusion volunteers and volunteers in sport in particular. • Collaboration and pooling of resources across partners and with the voluntary sector in particular should be emphasised • Supporting more young people to volunteer should be a key priority of the Plan • All volunteers should be supported effectively in their training and development needs and progression routes to employment • Community groups and volunteers should be supported to build capacity – but recognise that this takes time and resources • Data on volunteering activity should be continuously updated in the Plan to ensure an accurate picture of volunteering across Gateshead.
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Recommendations
18. Cabinet is asked to recommend Council to approve:
(i) the Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan; and (ii) that implementation of the Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan is reported to Cabinet and Corporate Vitality Overview and Scrutiny Committee on an annual basis.
For the following reasons:
(i) to ensure effective delivery of Vision 2030 and the Council Plan, in particular, Gateshead Volunteers and creating capacity through volunteering; and (ii) to build resilience in Gateshead communities, creating strong, sustainable communities.
Contact: Lindsay Murray Extension 2794 :
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APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. This proposal supports the outcomes of Vision 2030 and the Council Plan. Vision 2030 has prioritised supporting and working with the voluntary and community sector, creating an environment in which it can thrive and expand. Gateshead Volunteers Big Idea is one of six Big Ideas in Vision 2030. Its primary objective is to involve more local people in their community in a way that increases their personal wellbeing and benefits communities. A further aim of Gateshead Volunteers Big idea is for Gateshead to be know as a national leader in promoting and supporting volunteering.
Consultation
2. Consultation has taken place during the development of the Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan. The outcome of consultation is identified in paragraph 17 of the report. The following groups have been consulted (January – February 2013):
• Cabinet Members (Neighbourhood Services and Culture portfolio) • All councillors (Corporate Vitality Advisory Group 1 February 2013) • GVOC (Gateshead Voluntary Organisational Council) • GVOC Chief Officers Group • Gateshead Volunteer Centre • Trade Unions • Volunteers
Further consultation with the following groups is planned following approval of the Plan: • Jewish Community Council Gateshead • Interfaith group • Diversity Forum • Gateshead Youth Assembly • Gateshead Older Peoples Assembly • Northumbria Police • Fire and Rescue Service • Businesses • Gateshead Strategic Partnership • Northumbria University • Gateshead College
Alternative Options
3. The alternative option is to not develop a Volunteering Plan for Gateshead. This would impact on the Councils ability to deliver priorities within Vision 2030 of supporting and working with the voluntary and community sector, creating an environment in which it can thrive and expand.
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Implications of Recommended Option
4. Resources:
a) Financial Implications – The Strategic Director of Finance and ICT confirms that implementation of the Gateshead Volunteers Plan will be met within existing resources.
b) Human Resources Implications – There are no human resource implications (FTE) in this Plan.
c) Property Implications - There are no Property Implications as a result of this report.
5. Risk Management Implication – All risks identified will be managed through risk management of the Gateshead Volunteers Action Group. Any high impact risks will be reported to cabinet as or when required.
6. Equality and Diversity Implications – All Equality and Diversity regulations will be adhered to while working with, recruiting and management volunteers. Organisations will also be advised on the most up to date guidance available and where it can be located.
7. Crime and Disorder Implications – Volunteering initiatives/programmes may be developed around crime and disorder within communities.
8. Health Implications – Volunteering initiatives/programmes may be developed around health within communities.
9. Sustainability Implications - The Volunteers Action group will offer advice on sustainability implications.
10. Human Rights Implications – The development of the Gateshead Volunteers Plan aims to involve more local people in their community in a way that increased their personal wellbeing and benefits communities.
11. Area and Ward Implications - The Gateshead Volunteer Plan will be implemented boroughwide. Some targeted work may take place in particular areas or wards if identified as key areas for low volunteering, or areas where initiatives will be delivered.
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Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan
Vision Enable everyone to make a recognised contribution to their community and become the volunteering capital of England.
February 2013
Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan
Contents
Chapter 1 – Vision 2030 Outcomes page 5 Chapter 2 – Current Volunteering in Gateshead page 8 Chapter 3 – Policies and Principles page 22 Chapter 4 – Structures, Resources and Procedures page 26 Chapter 5 – Priority Areas for volunteering in the future and next steps page 30
Appendices
Appendix 1 – Volunteering in Gateshead Council (Gateshead Council’s Volunteering Policy) page 32
Appendix 2 – Vision 2030 Gateshead Volunteers – Action Plan page 36
2
Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan 2013-2017 Who The Plan Is For: We Aim To: • All volunteering activity across Gateshead • Enable everyone to make a recognised contribution to their community and become the • Specific to Gateshead Council to deliver the Council Plan volunteering capital of England Outcomes Principles • Deliver economic growth and wellbeing Volunteering achieves the following The Council will adopt the following principles: • Volunteering activity adds value to local service provision, enabling neighbourhoods to benefits to individuals, organisations and have services that would not be otherwise provided and enhancing core public services communities: Strategy and Outcomes • • Increase formal volunteering from 18% to 25% by 2017 Overall 20,000 All volunteering is undertaken by choice • • For individuals: Volunteering activity is encouraged and supported to deliver Vision Increase informal volunteering from 34% to 40% by 2017 new volunteers • Engages residents in community 2030 outcomes: develop skills; build community resilience; improve Functions, Resources and Structures activities quality of life • • Provides opportunities to gain skills and Volunteering activity adds value to local service provision, enabling Partners neighbourhoods to have services that would not otherwise be provided experience - NHS PALS services Gateshead Volunteer Centre • Increases self esteem and confidence and enhancing core public services • - Job Centre Plus - use www.do-it.org.uk • Allows people to ‘give something back’ to Volunteering activity will be enhanced and maximised by building - Police e.g. support volunteers - Volunteer Centre manager their community capacity in the Voluntary and Community Sector Gateshead • - Fire and Rescue service - Volunteer recruitment and admin officer • Enhances CVs and employability Ensure equality of opportunity to anyone who wants to volunteer. We volunteers will be pro-active in supporting vulnerable people to overcome barriers community liaison officers - Project co-ordinator and trainer • Enhances quality of life to volunteering - Youth Assembly - Volunteer recruitment officer • Volunteering activity will be integral to giving people choice, - Older Peoples Assembly For Communities: - Gateshead Supported Volunteers independence and control - Interfaith Forum • Builds more cohesive and resilient Programme Structure and Systems - Diversity Forum communities • There will be a single framework and point of contact for all - VCS eg Age UK; GVOC • Allows communities to develop creative volunteering activity in Gateshead Council solutions new services, opportunities and • activities Strategic management and administration procedures will be as simple Gateshead Council Resources and flexible as possible to reduce bureaucracy and widen opportunity - Gateshead Fund All Council Services e.g. • Involvement in directly delivered services • - Capital assets, asset transfer policy - Communities, Neighbourhoods and Volunteering to add value The management of volunteering activity will be the responsibility of the service area - Area conferences - Family Support Service • Ownership in communities enables • - Ward meetings - Housing residents to co-produce and design Effective structures will be put in place to support and develop services volunteers - Area teams - Local Environmental Services • There are recognised mechanisms and procedures in place for the - Virtual Capacity Building Team - Economic Development & Regeneration For Organisations: resolution of any problems - Grantnet - Adult Social Care and Commissioning • Increased capacity People and Resources - Sport, Libraries and Leisure • • Service user involvement The Council will support volunteers to ensure the best possible - Public Health matching of skills, personal interests and goals • Different approaches and ideas brought - Children Centres/Play development • by volunteers The Council will work with the voluntary sector to ensure existing Collaboration and pooling of resources to support volunteers in Gateshead will be encouraged volunteers are supported as well as attracting new volunteers in • Community resilience Gateshead • Boosts employee and service users Priorities and Next Steps • All volunteers will have appropriate induction, training and morale development Opportunities Neighbourhoods How will this be done? • Volunteers will be able to carry out their duties in safe, secure, healthy Deliverables environments Areas for focused development: • Boroughwide work • Volunteers will have opportunities to design services • Digital inclusion champions • Building on current activity Doing this we will: If we did nothing: • Volunteers will contribute to the development of volunteering policies • Sport, European Athletics Team within areas and and procedures Championships 2013 and neighbourhoods • Improve and • Reduced • Volunteers will be subject to the relevant Disclosure and Barring Commonwealth Games 2014 • Increasing in areas where increase capability and Service (DBS) checks, where it is relevant to the role and required by • Health and wellbeing volunteer activities are low: volunteering capacity in law and given appropriate training • Mentoring and befriending opportunities communities • Streamlining and consolidation of • The Council will ensure robust safeguarding and protection policies Gateshead Town Centre o High Fell • Improve publicity • Reduced function and resources are in place • Students o Felling and marketing of community • Volunteers will be supported where reasonable expenses are incurred • Intergenerational o Lobley Hill and opportunities cohesion • The Council will collaborate with key organisations to maximise • Voluntary sector Bensham • • Measure and Underdeveloped volunteering opportunities and experiences • Businesses o Bridges evaluate skills • The added value of volunteers will be highlighted as part of the • Schools o Chowdene • Co-ordinate and • Reduced commissioning process to maximise opportunities and the quality of • Young People support awareness of provision in Gateshead in line with the Public Service (Social Value) • Environment volunteering opportunities Act 2012 • Culture • Volunteering not • Council employees will be supported to volunteer to enhance best • Neighbourhood and community enhanced practice in Gateshead volunteering Communications and marketing activities campaign • Not achieve Vision • Gateshead Council recognises the vital role of volunteering as a • Supported volunteering with 2030 ambitions means to career progression and professional development vulnerable groups. 4
Chapter 1: Vision 2030 outcomes
1.1. The Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan sets out a Boroughwide ambition to increase and enhance volunteering. The Council will work with partners to achieve the outcomes, objectives and deliverables which will achieve the Vision 2030 Gateshead Volunteers Big Idea through collaboration and pooling of resources to support volunteers in Gateshead.
Objectives
1.2. What are we trying to achieve?
• Enable everyone to make a recognised contribution to their community and become the volunteering capital of England. • Sustainable economic growth and wellbeing • Volunteering activity adds value to local service provision, enabling neighbourhoods to have services that would not be otherwise provided and enhancing core public services. • Increase formal volunteering from 18% to 25% by 2017 20,000 • Increase informal volunteering from 34% to 40% by 2017
1.3. In 2007, Gateshead Strategic Partnership in its sustainable community strategy, Vision 2030, identified volunteering activity as one of its Big Ideas for improving well-being and equality of opportunity in Gateshead. The Council and its partners in the GSP, aimed for Gateshead to increase existing levels of volunteering and community development activity to ensure cohesive and strong communities across the borough. The GSP also prioritised supporting and working with the voluntary and community sector in Gateshead to reach the aim of becoming the volunteering capital of the England, by 2030.
1.4. The Big Idea, Gateshead Volunteers, is about involving more local people in their community in a way that benefits them and their community.
The objectives within Vision 2030 are that Gateshead: • has a plan in place to help volunteers develop their skills • is a leader in the field of volunteering • positively encourages and enables voluntary and community organisations to deliver public services where appropriate • encourages local business to support volunteers.
1.5. The Pathway to achieving Gateshead Volunteers is at page 4 and Action Plan is at Appendix 2. Responsibility for leadership and implementing Gateshead Volunteers is through a Steering Group of Gateshead Council Officers and GVOC. This Group reports delivery and progress
5 to Gateshead Council’s Cabinet and the Gateshead Strategic Partnership.
Purpose
1.6. The purpose of this Plan is to further develop the Council’s strategic approach to volunteering, setting a management and resource plan for the development and enhancement of volunteering across Gateshead in the next 4 years (to 2017). It relates to all volunteering activity across Gateshead and specifically Gateshead Council with regard to what it means for priorities and services to enable the delivery of the Council Plan. The Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan sets the principles and will support the development of an infrastructure through which we will significantly accelerate and develop volunteering across Gateshead in the Council Plan period, 2012-17.
1.7. The aim of increasing volunteering in Gateshead is to enhance the quality of life for residents. The activity of volunteers across Gateshead is integral to strong and sustainable communities in the borough; a resilient economy; and a creative approach to the way that we work together.
1.8. The benefit and contribution of current volunteering in Gateshead is significant and is illustrated in case studies and mapping within this Plan. However, there is still enormous potential for current volunteering to expand and develop further. The purpose of the Plan is to ensure that this is developed and supported in a well-structured and strategic way.
Outcomes
1.9. Volunteering is important and achieves the following benefits to individuals, organisations and communities:
For individuals: • Engages residents in community activities • Provides an opportunity to gain new skills and experience. • Increases self esteem and confidence • Allows people to ‘give something back’ to their community • Enhances CVs and improves employability • Extends the personalisation of services by improving access to services.
For Communities: • Builds more cohesive and resilient communities • Allows communities to develop creative solutions and new services, opportunities and activities • Involvement in directly delivered services to add value to local service provision
6 • Ownership in communities enables residents to co-produce and design services.
For Organisations: • Increases capacity • Involves service users and residents in designing and delivering services • Different approaches and ideas brought by volunteers • Boosts staff and service user moral
By doing this, we will: If we did nothing: Improve and increase the quality and • Significantly reduced capability for range of volunteering opportunities communities to develop new services, opportunities and activities Increase the number and diversity of • Reduced levels of community volunteers both informal and formal cohesion • Reduction in engagement of residents in community activities. • Inequality of opportunity Improve accessibility to volunteering • Decreased level of residents taking ownership of their communities • Reduction in the opportunities for residents to increase their skills and experience and employability to create a resilient economy Improve publicity and marketing of • Reduced awareness of volunteering volunteering opportunities • Significant decrease in the level of volunteering in Gateshead Measure and evaluate the level and • Volunteering activity will not be impact of volunteering in Gateshead enhanced or maximised as the Council will not be able to measure impact and focus on the activities and outcomes which will have the greatest impact on Gateshead Co-ordinate and facilitate volunteer • Significantly reduce the Council’s support across Gateshead in ambition to be a leader in the field accordance with Vision 2030, of volunteering and achieving the ensuring that it is resourced correctly, priorities within Vision 2030 Big is sustainable and maximises the Idea service offer within Gateshead • Negative impact on the level of added value of volunteering activity to local service provision and enhancement of core public services
7 Chapter 2: 2012 - A current picture of volunteering in Gateshead
Residents’ Survey 2012
2.1. In August 2012, IPSOS MORI undertook a survey of Gateshead residents on behalf of Gateshead Council. The survey asked a number of questions about residents’ perceptions of Council services, quality of life and community engagement and activity. A residents’ survey had been undertaken in 2009 which asked the same questions and comparative data is therefore available which illustrates how volunteering has changed in Gateshead in recent years.
2.2. The residents’ survey provides the most robust available picture of volunteering in Gateshead. This data is mapped at pages 17 & 18 and identifies the percentage of formal (map 1) and informal (map 2) volunteering across Gateshead, by ward (number of residents volunteering identified by where they live, not necessarily where the volunteering activity takes place). Information has also been collected from Gateshead Council services, partners, schools, GVOC and other VCS organisations, which identifies current volunteering activity – this identifies where volunteers are located, and type of volunteering activity. All of this information has been mapped (map3) on page 19 and also gives illustrations of current volunteers.
2.3. The recent residents’ survey shows a very positive picture of volunteering in Gateshead, which is increasing. It also demonstrates strong community cohesion with residents feeling that they get on well together. 18% of residents who live in Gateshead volunteer formally. Formal volunteering is defined as giving unpaid help either by taking part in or supporting any group, club or organisation (e.g. helping to run an activity or event, coaching, counselling, raising money, admin help). This has increased by 2% (i.e. by approximately 3,200 people) since 2009. 34% of residents in Gateshead volunteer ‘informally’. This is defined as giving unpaid help as an individual to someone who is not a relative (e.g. doing a favour such as babysitting, giving advice, or doing someone’s shopping).
2.4. As illustrated on page 17 Map 1, Saltwell ward has the highest percentage of regular formal volunteering at 30%. Other wards where formal volunteering is higher than average are within the west and inner west of the Borough: Crawcrook and Greenside (26%), Chopwell and Rowlands Gill (25%), Ryton, Crookhill and Stella (22%), Whickham North (23%) and Whickham South and Sunniside (22%). In the south of the Borough, Low Fell has the highest percentage of formal volunteering, at 24%. The lowest percentage of formal volunteering is in Felling and High Fell (9%), and Lobley Hill and Bensham, Bridges and Chowdene also have low levels of formal volunteering (11 and 12%).
8 2.5. Page 18 Map 2 shows that the highest percentage of informal volunteering takes place in Blayon and Dunston Hill and Whickham East (39%), Low Fell (38%), Deckham (37%) and Saltwell (37%). Wards which have the lowest levels of informal volunteering are Felling (27%) and Chowdene and High Fell both with 28%.
2.6. While there is some consistency in wards where both formal and informal volunteering is high (e.g. Saltwell) or low (e.g. Bridges), in some wards, formal volunteering may be high, but informal low (e.g. Chopwell and Rowlands Gill) or formal volunteering is low, but informal volunteering is high (e.g. Dunston Hill and Whickham East).
Current Volunteering in Gateshead
1: Gateshead Council
2.7. The Council’s commitment to volunteering is long established. The Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan builds on the infrastructure and fabric which already exists in the Borough. For example:
2.8. Gateshead Council’s Employer Volunteering Scheme provides the opportunity for every employee to undertake 10 days (75 hours) of unpaid time (pro-rata for part-time employees), over a 12 month period, to undertake a volunteering activity as defined in this scheme. The key objectives of the scheme are:
• providing new opportunities for employees to: develop new skills; play an active role in their community; work with different groups and organisations;
• helping to strengthen communities by supporting community based organisations; and
• contributing to the Council’s reputation as a good employer which recognises that its employees are one of its key assets. 2.9. Gateshead Council currently has 4 active initiatives which operates throughout the service areas each having their own application process and management system. These include:
• Community Links
• Gateshead Countryside
• Gateshead Cultural Volunteers
• Get with it 2.10. There are also schools within Gateshead which utilise volunteers, Community Centres and Residents Associations which rely on the help of volunteers, and other volunteering opportunities within Gateshead Council.
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2: Voluntary and Community Sector
2.11. VCS includes charities and other non-profit groups that work for the benefit of the community. Levels of volunteering range with the different organisations. They all have their own recruitment process, management, publicity and overall needs for volunteers. Volunteers can deliver in many capacities by contributing time, effort or experience to fulfil the organisations mission. Volunteers can create a positive image. This can benefit both themselves and the organisation. Within Gateshead there are a number of voluntary and community sector organisations such as:
- Age UK - Alzheimers Society - Barnardos - Bristish Heart Foundation - BTCV - CAB (Citizens Advice Bureau)
2.12. Volunteers can undertake many different roles including supporting service users or fundraising for example. The roles vary depending on the vision of the organisation. It is not always the case that an individual will volunteer in something they have experience in. It is common for volunteers to do something completely different to everyday work life.
2.13. Organisations often have paid volunteer co-ordinators. They serve as a vital connection with the needs and wants of the organisation and paid staff and the volunteers needs and rights.
2.14. One example of how volunteers can work within an organisation in the voluntary and community sector is Age UK. Age UKGateshead explain: “All of our services are supported by our wonderful team of volunteers and without them our work would not be possible”.
2.15. Within Age UK Gateshead there are currently 140 volunteers. And there is a long list of services they can deliver while volunteering including:
- Provide regular telephone calls to isolated people - Help with admin in the office - Give out information and advice - Help in Age UK daycentres or at social groups for frail & isolated older people - Drive a minibus - Work in the Age UK shops or insurance office to help raise funds - Be an advocate - Train to be an exercise tutor or walking group leader.
10 2.16. Age UK Gateshead have an application process and a named dedicated officer who potential volunteers can discuss any information with.
3: Church and Faith Groups
2.17. There are many church and faith groups working within Gateshead for example Wrekenton Methodist Community Church.
2.18. Wrekenton Methodist Community Church is a Church, Faith Group and community facility within Gateshead. The main objective of Wrekenton Methodist Community Church is that of worship, mission and pastoral care. The Church is a community facility offering a variety of opportunities and activities to benefit people.
2.19. The Church has been established since 1832 and holds a varied programme of activities for both young and older people. Activities include working with almost 150 young people attending weekly clubs and uniformed organisations, all of which are delivered with the help of volunteers. The Church is fortunate to have many willing people who volunteer their time and numbers have increased in the last year to around 50 regular volunteers and 10 ad-hoc. The Church is also a member of the recently developed Wrekenton Partnership Group. The Community Café can be used as an example of how one of the Church’s initiatives is being developed through the support of volunteers.
2.20. At first the Café started as a Saturday ‘coffee morning’ and from that a weekly lunch group developed. The Café has now progressed further and has established a set of regular customers which helps to maintain the number of people benefitting.
2.21. Events, meetings and parties have also been catered for by members of the Church. This has included buffets for Gateshead Council, weddings, birthdays and retirements. The Café has worked in Durham, Washington, Hebburn, Birtley, Low Fell and the Teams area of Gateshead.
2.22. The Church has 11 volunteers who work in the Café catering team. These volunteers are all local and did not have any experience in catering before taking on this volunteer role. As a direct result of the initiative and Gateshead Council’s Neighbourhood Management Team Worker, all 11 have now completed their Food Hygiene Certificate.
2.23. The volunteers continue to grow in personal confidence and self esteem and have gained practical experience. This has improved their life skills and equipped them with increased capabilities for their future working life as well as helping to sustain the project.
11
Volunteering information
2.24. Data from Gateshead Council services, partners including GVOC, schools, and a limited number of Voluntary and Community groups who have provided information, illustrates that there are currently a range of volunteers in Gateshead. The scope of these groups will be widened in future mapping exercises when more information becomes available. Data has been provided by:
• GVOC Volunteer Centre • Schools • Gateshead Voluntary and Community Groups • Community Centres (including 43 Council maintained centres) • Libraries • Gateshead Children Centres • Gateshead Play Development Service • Gateshead Youth and Community Learning and Skills • Community Links • Countryside Team • Cultural Arts Team • ‘Get with it’ Volunteer Programme (sports)
2.25. From the data provided so far from the above organsiations we learn that:
• They involve 4,426 volunteers • The approximate number of hours volunteered per week is 7,900.
(This is a conservative figure as a result of the limited information to date.)
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2.26. Gateshead initiatives and projects showing the current number of volunteering hours per week
Hours Programme volunteered (per week) Community Links 197 Gateshead Countryside 137 Families Support Service 71 Gateshead Flood Wardens 15 Council Gateshead Cultural Volunteers 1,381 Schemes Get With It 54 Incident Management Teams 24 Young Inspectors 30 VCS organisations (collated from Capacity 2,725 Building Fund database) Schools (Limited information) 919 Community Centres/Residents Associations 2,069 (Limited information) Other Volunteer Programmes 244 Total Per Week 7,866 Total Per Year 409,032
2.27. In addition, we know there is a range of volunteering activity which currently takes place in Gateshead but about which we have as yet limited information. Some examples of these are listed below: • Q.E. Hospital • The Sage Gateshead • NGI (Newcastle Gateshead Initiative) • Oxfam, British Heart Foundation, St Oswald’s as well as other charitable organisations.
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Volunteering Case Studies
2.28. The following case studies are examples of current volunteering activity in Gateshead and the resulting positive outcomes. These case studies are factual examples. However the individuals names have been changed to protect the privacy of the volunteers.
Children’s Centres
Mary visited her local baby clinic based at her local Children’s Centre along with her sister. Mary became involved in a number of the groups which were operating at the Centre. Mary became interested in the delivery of the sessions. Through talking to the members of staff involved and explaining her interest, Mary moved on to assisting with delivering the sessions and then eventually moved on to delivering them by herself. Mary attended a variety of courses throughout this time.
Mary was able to secure a place on an NVQ Level 2 crèche worker course and then progressed on to a Level 3 course in Children Care Learning and Development. Mary has now gained full time employment at a local nursery.
Through volunteering Mary was able to develop herself and secure full time employment. Mary explains
“Volunteering was life changing for me it helped with my confidence massively, with all the experience I had in the groups it’s given me an opportunity of a career”.
Whitehills Community Allotment and Garden
The Whitehills Allotment Association is an organisation run by volunteers that came together in 2009 with the plan to redevelop two derelict plots within the Whitehills allotment site. The group received Gateshead Fund (Local Community Fund) for start up funding for a laptop and printer, meeting room hire and stationery.
The Group has continued to develop from this point with support from Gateshead Council and Groundwork North East as well as securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Awards for All. This will allow the Association to develop a community garden and community allotment, linking with local schools, organisations and residents to provide a range of learning opportunities for various sections of the community via gardening, beekeeping, planting and growing vegetables.
The group has also been supported by over 200 hrs work from Community Payback.
14 Get With It Volunteering
Peter accessed the Health Trainer service in 2010 following admission to hospital with cirrhosis of the liver due to alcoholism. Peter very much looked at this as a warning sign and an opportunity to turn his life around by stopping drinking and taking on new hobbies and interests.
Following being discharged from hospital he was referred to a Health Trainer who supported him to work towards leading a healthy lifestyle. Peter’s interest in health improvement lead to him making the decision to help others and sign up as a volunteer Health Trainer Champion with the Sport, Physical Activity & Health Development team. Within this role he supported local people by becoming a health advocate and signposting people to the Health Trainer service. Since becoming a Health Trainer Champion Peter’s confidence has increased dramatically. As part of his role he completed the RSPH Level 2 in Understanding Health Improvement and also Level 2 in Brief Intervention Alcohol Training.
Once he felt confident in his role as a Health Trainer Champion Peter decided to take on more volunteering opportunities. Peter now volunteers for Northern Engagement into Recovery from Addiction Forum (NERAF) which is a charity who supports people to recover from addictions. Peter has now progressed within that role and works with clients on a one to one basis and is extremely happy that he is helping people who are in the position that he was once in. He now volunteers for NERAF Monday-Friday and is also studying part-time at college. His ultimate aim is to move into paid work once he is ready to.
Jobshop Springwell
Springwell Community Association provides an accessible resource to the local community running a thriving community centre, delivering activities and services meeting local needs.
Working with Gateshead Council the Group developed a job club within their centre. Aligned to the Governments ‘Get Britain Working’ initiative this local job club will support local people to access training and employment opportunities.
The Association was successful in securing funding for £4,600 from the Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund) in 2012/13. The funding enabled the Group to purchase six individual laptops to support the Job Club.
Through the Job Club, the Group was able to provide opportunities for volunteering within the centre and the wider community. An adult with learning difficulties based at the group began volunteering and offering to make teas and coffees for the Job Club clients. This has continued to develop and the individual has increased in confidence and now volunteers regularly.
15 Volunteering: Improving skills and job opportunities
Nearly 50 residents in Gateshead were supported through the Council’s Family Support Service volunteering programme to improve skills and job opportunities. Some key achievements in 2012 from the programme include:
• 5 Volunteers gained employment in local nurseries • 4 Volunteers qualified as childminders in Gateshead • 3 Volunteers gained places at university • 8 Volunteers are working towards their Level 2 / 3 Diploma in Children’s Care, Learning and Development • 18 Volunteers deliver Volunteer led Children’s Centre groups • 6 volunteers with a learning disability completed their Level 1 NVQ Gateshead Volunteers Award qualification
Mapping of Current Volunteering in Gateshead
2.29. The maps following on pages 17,18 & 19 identify current volunteering in Gateshead. They show the percentage of people surveyed in each ward who volunteer and an estimated number of volunteers for the ward if that percentage were to be applied to all people aged 18 or over.
Map 1: Respondents to the Residents’ Survey 2012 who indicated they volunteer formally at least monthly
Map 2: Respondents to the Residents’ Survey 2012 who indicated they volunteer informally at least monthly
Map 3: Analysis of the Residents Survey and information collated from Council Services, Partners, GVOC and VCS organisations showing location of formal and informal volunteers by type.
16 Map 1
17 Map 2
18 The Friends of Chase Park Blackhall Mill Flood Map 3 Volunteers successfully commissioned an LCF feasibility study that Bensham & Saltwell Festival WardenScheme est. in prompted a Bid to Heritage Lottery Fund for £1 Million to re- Residents volunteer their time to Val – Children’s Centre Volunteer 2009 as a direct result of develop the park. They also won a national competition for £30k organise and deliver the festival “Volunteering was life changing for me it the 2008 flooding from the receiving over 30,000 facebook votes. Hundreds of people were every summer in the grounds of helped with my confidence massively. River Derwent consulted in the design of the park. Brighton Avenue School With all the experiences I had in the There are currently 3 groups it’s given me an opportunity of a members of the Blackhall career” Mill Community who volunteer as flood wardens Val has now gained full time employment informing vulnerable at a local nursery people of any impending incidents.
Jobshop Springwell The Gateshead Capacity Building Fund has helped set up a job club in Springwell Community Centre. An adult within the group with learning difficulties began volunteering offering to make teas and coffees for the job club clients
19 Conclusions
2.30. What do the maps show about current volunteering across Gateshead and what are the opportunities for development?
• School related volunteering is significant, with1,615 volunteers contributing 919 hours every week. Schools represent an opportunity to increase volunteering. • A number of Council volunteering schemes such as Countryside Volunteer Rangers, Get With It, and Gateshead Cultural Volunteers are well established and have 635 volunteers contributing almost 1,910 hours every week. • Gateshead Council’s Children’s Centre Volunteer 2012 Progress Report highlights examples of an effective volunteering programme and best practice which can be replicated across the Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan. . The report describes an increased commitment to volunteering with many remaining in long term positions. In 2008 a total of 471 volunteer hours for the year were logged which increased to 1839 in 2011. An increase of 390%. During 2012, 59 volunteers were recruited and over 90% are actively volunteering across the Borough. . There was an increase in the number of volunteers who applied to the programme to gain valuable experience to retrain and or seek employment. . The Children’s Centre Volunteer programme was merged with a number of other volunteering programmes across Learning and Children to create a Families Support Service volunteer programme. This has enabled access to an increased number of volunteering opportunities, shared resources and reduced the level of paperwork. . The total number of volunteer hours recorded for the Families Support Service programme in 2012 was 3,680. This was an increase from 1839 in 2011 and 1344 in 2010 . • Another large group of volunteers is registered with organisations receiving support from the Gateshead Capacity Building Fund. Over 800 volunteers contribute 2,725 hours every week. • In total the number of people formally volunteering in Gateshead could be between 25,400 and 29,100, and the number informally volunteering could be between 49,500 and 54,100 (at 95% confidence intervals). • Saltwell ward has the highest proportion of regular formal volunteering in Gateshead and is also amongst the highest for informal volunteering. Despite this, formal volunteering is generally higher in the West and Inner West, including in Crawcrook and Greenside, Chopwell and Rowlands Gill, Whickham North, Ryton Crookhill and Stella, and Whickham South and Sunniside. • Wards where formal volunteering is lower include High Fell, Felling, Lobley Hill and Bensham, Bridges, and Chowdene.
20 • There is not a strong relationship between formal volunteering and informal volunteering. Informal volunteering is highest in Blaydon and Dunston Hill and Whickham East, but is generally high across most areas of Gateshead. • Opportunities for future focus for development of volunteering includes; schools and increasing the number of young people who volunteer within their community e.g. National Citizenship Scheme. • University and College students have not been specifically included in the mapping exercise. The new student accommodation in the Town Centre and partnership relationships with Gateshead College and Universities provide enormous opportunities for Gateshead. Therefore increasing the number of university and college students who volunteer is identified as a priority for future development.
21 Chapter 3: Policy and Principles
Local Policy Context
3.1. The Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan builds upon the foundations of extensive volunteering activity in Gateshead over many years and the Council’s strategic approach and prioritisation of capacity building in communities identified in Vision 2030 and the Council Plan 2012-17. The Building blocks were put in place through:
• The Council’s approach to Areas and Neighbourhoods initially developed in 2000 • The Gateshead Volunteers Big Idea in Vision 2030, identified in 2007 • Corporate Vitality Overview and Scrutiny Committee Review of Volunteering in 2008 • Corporate Vitality Overview and Scrutiny Committee Review of the Third Sector in 2009 • Corporate Vitality Overview and Scrutiny Committee Review of Localism in 2012 • Council Plan, Strategic Intervention to create capacity through volunteering • Creating the conditions for economic growth • Fit for Future principles, building the capacity in the voluntary and community sector • Community Asset Transfer Policy –a proactive framework to enable the Council to transfer an asset to the voluntary and community sector (VCS).
Principles
3.2. The Council supports the TUC’s best practice around the relationship between volunteers and paid staff. Gateshead Council has identified and adopted the following principles which will direct all of its resources and support for volunteering in Gateshead. These have been based upon the Volunteering England and TUC Volunteering ‘Charter for strengthening relations between paid staff and volunteers’ and tailored specifically to meet Gateshead priorities within Vision 2030 and the Council Plan.
Strategy and Outcomes • All volunteering is undertaken by choice and all individuals should have the right to volunteer or not to volunteer • Volunteering activity is encouraged and supported by Gateshead Council to deliver Vision 2030 outcomes, such as develop skills and personal development, build community resilience and cohesion and improve quality of life in our neighbourhoods • Volunteering activity adds value to local service provision, enabling neighbourhoods have services that would not otherwise be provided and enhancing core public services
22 • Volunteering activity will be enhanced and maximised in Gateshead through the Council and its partners in the GSP focusing on a number of activities and outcomes that will have greatest impact and build capacity and capability within the voluntary and community sector across the borough • Ensure equality of opportunity for anyone who wants to volunteer. We will be pro-active in supporting vulnerable people to overcome barriers to volunteering • Volunteering activity will be integral to giving people choice, independence and control in a diverse mixed economy.
Structure and Systems • There will be a single framework and point of contact for all volunteering activity in Gateshead Council. This would enhance volunteering opportunities. Consolidation of current activity to reduce costs will be explored to be re-invested in supporting volunteers. • Strategic management and administration procedures will be as simple and flexible as possible to reduce bureaucracy and widen opportunity. This will include a web based approach. • The management of volunteering activity will be the responsibility of the supporting service area. • Effective structures will be put in place to support and develop volunteers and the activities they undertake. These will be fully considered and costed when services are planned and developed. • There are recognised mechanisms and procedures in place for the resolution of any problems between organisations and volunteers or between paid staff and volunteers.
People and Resources • The Council will support volunteers to ensure the best possible matching of skills and personal interests and goals • The Council will work with the voluntary sector to ensure existing volunteers are supported as well as attracting new volunteers in Gateshead. • All volunteers will have appropriate induction, training and development • Volunteers will be able to carry out their duties in safe, secure, healthy environments • Volunteers will be provided with opportunities to design services • Volunteers will contribute to the development of volunteering policies and procedures • Volunteers will be subject to the relevant Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, where it is relevant to the role and required by law, and given training as appropriate (*see below for explanatory text which summarises the new legislation) • The Council will ensure robust safeguarding and protection policies are in place • Volunteers will be supported where reasonable expenses are incurred
23 • The Council will work in partnership with key organisations to maximize volunteering opportunities and experiences • The added value of volunteers will be highlighted as part of the commissioning process to maximise opportunities and the quality of provision in Gateshead. This is consistent with the requirements of the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 in relation to the procurement of services by the Council. • Council employees will be supported to volunteer to enhance best practice in Gateshead volunteering. • Gateshead Council recognises the vital role of volunteering as a means to career progression and professional development.
*The Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS)
There are 3 types of DBS checks: • A standard DBS check • An enhanced DBS check for regulated activity • An enhanced DBS check
A standard DBS check covers individuals who apply for an excepted occupation, to hold an excepted office or to join an excepted profession, e.g. police, accountants, lawyers.
Volunteers are not included in the legislation for this type of DBS check and it is unlawful to carry out DBS checks on volunteers “without evaluating the risk and where there is no legal reason to do so”.
An enhanced DBS check for regulated activity is where individuals, paid or unpaid are checked against the barred lists as prohibited from undertaking frequent identified ‘regulated activity’ relating to children and vulnerable adults as defined in the legislation. It is a criminal offence to employ or allow an individual to volunteer for activity of this nature if their name appears on the barred lists
In the case of children regulated activity includes care and supervision, teaching, training or instruction and conveying children in a vehicle such as a mini bus. Frequency is defined as either - Carrying out the activity more than once a week - The activity is carried out on more than 3 days within a period of 30 days - The activity gives an individual the opportunity for unsupervised face to face contact with children.
Only volunteers who are undertaking one of the specified activities with children on a regular basis will need a DBS check.
24 Regulated activity relating to vulnerable adults includes; provision of health and personal care, assistance in relation to general household matters required due to age, disability or illness and the conveying of adults in a vehicle due to age, illness or disability. Frequency of activity is defined as one occasion.
Enhanced DBS checks cover individuals who fall within the excepted occupations, offices and professions as defined in legislation and undertake work with children and vulnerable adults. This includes school governors.
It is unlawful to apply for a DBS check unless the role is eligible for one. Roles should be considered on a case by case basis and advice sought from either Gateshead Council’s Human Resources or Legal Services.
25 Chapter 4: Functions, Resources and Structures
4.1. This section aims to identify the current resources involved in supporting volunteering in Gateshead Council and its partners. It identifies resources in key partner organisations such as GVOC which has a Volunteer Centre. It also identifies proposals aimed at ensuring that Gateshead Council achieves value for money and efficiencies in the way in which it supports volunteers.
4.2. There are three main functions involved in supporting volunteers. These are: • Administration • Management • Communications
Current resources
Gateshead Council
4.3. The current resources deployed in Gateshead Council across the three main functions are:
Administration 4.4. Current volunteering programmes delivered by Gateshead Council are all administered individually by service area with no central point for storing/sharing information. Individual service areas have their own processes and procedures including expenses. Main volunteering programmes include: Gateshead Countryside Volunteers Rangers, Gateshead Council Cultural Volunteers, Children and Young People services, Community Links, and Get With It.
Management 4.5. All programmes are individually managed. Some have a simple written application process such as the Countryside Rangers and others have a remote database application process such as the Get it with Volunteering Scheme. All volunteers currently involved in the programmes are individually managed. There are some schemes which have written documents (not contracts) of understanding, and others that are more informal. The recruitment process for volunteers in general is being looked into in detail by the volunteering steering group. This includes members of both Gateshead Council and GVOC. There is now an established sub-group to deliver this area of work.
Marketing and communications 4.6. Individual programmes are marketed on an individual basis. Each have previously had exposure in the Gateshead Council News. Some of the initiatives do not rely on marketing. On contacting schools for example the majority of the volunteers are attracted on an ad hoc and opportunistic basis from parents and other family members.
26
GVOC: Volunteer Centre Gateshead
4.7. The current resources available at GVOC’s Volunteer Centre across the three main functions are:
Administration 4.8. The Volunteer Centre Gateshead based in GVOC is part of a national network of organisations that work to encourage people from all sections of the community to get involved in volunteering. The Centre provides advice, information and support to volunteers and volunteer involving organisations across the Borough.
4.9. There is also a Supported Volunteering Project funded via Big Lottery which, matches volunteers who have a learning disability with a trained volunteer buddy. .
4.10. Currently the Volunteer Centre employs 5 staff.In 2011 the Volunteer Centre responded to 2,401 volunteering enquiries which included applications via the ‘do- it.org’ volunteer database, interviews and general enquiries by email, telephone and in person. The Supported Volunteering Project supported 32 people with learning difficulties.
Management 4.11. The Volunteer Centre does not directly manage volunteers but offers a brokerage service to match individuals with volunteering opportunities. They can offer individuals confidential interviews to discuss motivations, interest and availability in order to ensure the best match with available volunteering opportunities.
4.12. The Centre also supports volunteer-involving organisations from both the voluntary and community and statutory sectors. Organisations can access advice, information and support regarding training, volunteer recruitment and management of volunteers as well as access network opportunities with other volunteer co- ordinators. Private sector organisations are supported to develop employee volunteering schemes.
Marketing and Communications 4.13. New volunteering opportunities are posted on the national website www.do-it.org Local organisations can advertise their opportunities with the Volunteer Centre. A Volunteer Centre leaflet has been produced which raises awareness of the Centre and volunteering at public events.
27
Potential future functions and resources
4.14. There may be opportunities to further maximise the use of resources to support volunteering. These could be:
Administration 4.15. A single point of administration to join up procedures:
• Training policy • Volunteer induction pack / programme • Volunteer role descriptions • Health & safety policy • Volunteer policy • Complaints procedure • Support sessions for volunteers • Volunteer meetings • Vulnerable persons policy (safeguarding) • DBS checks • Volunteer expenses financial system • Public liability insurance
4.16. The Learning & Children Group is developing a number of procedures and processes to be used across the Council which has been approved by the Gateshead Volunteer Steering Group.
4.17. There is the potential for recording information regarding volunteers through the use of a central database which could be accessed by all services (subject to appropriate data management principles) and administered by one central team. This information will allow for reports and statistics to be produced.
Management 4.18. The Management process used: • Recruitment – one application per individual. • Induction – the responsibility of the supporting service area. • Ongoing management – single processes, but responsibility for management of volunteering activity within supporting service areas. • Links with other Council Services to create a more joined up approach and adding value to existing service.
Marketing and communications: 4.19. The marketing and communications information includes: • Develop a detailed and specific marketing campaign action plan for volunteering • Focus on identifying areas of market shaping for greatest impact • Volunteering schemes marketed together • Processes and procedures communicated • Transfer of knowledge and information made as easy as possible • Single point of contact
28 Current Resources
4.20. The diagram below illustrates the current resources available to support volunteering activity.
Partners - NHS PALS services Gateshead Volunteer Centre - Job Centre Plus - use www.do-it.org.uk - Police e.g. support volunteers Gateshead - Volunteer Centre manager - Fire and Rescue service volunteers - Volunteer recruitment and admin officer community liaison officers - Project co-ordinator and trainer - Youth Assembly - Volunteer recruitment officer - Older Peoples Assembly - Gateshead Supported Volunteers - Interfaith Forum Programme - Diversity Forum - VCS eg Age UK; GVOC Gateshead Council Resources - Gateshead Fund All Council Services e.g. - Capital assets, asset transfer policy - Communities, Neighbourhoods and Volunteering - Area conferences - Family Support Service - Ward meetings - Housing - Area teams - Local Environmental Services - Virtual Capacity Building Team - Economic Development & Regeneration - Grantnet - Adult Social Care and Commissioning - Sport, Libraries and Leisure - Public Health - Children Centres/Play development Collaboration and pooling of resources to support volunteers in Gateshead will be encouraged.
29 Chapter 5: Priorities and next steps
5.1. The diagram below identifies the opportunities and priorities to increase volunteering in Gateshead and how this will be achieved.
Opportunities Neighbourhoods How will this be done?
Areas for focused • Boroughwide work development: • Building on current • Digital inclusion activity around Consolidation of function champions areas and and resources • Sport , European neighbourhoods Athletics Team • Increasing in areas Championships 2013 where volunteer Communication and and Commonwealth activities are low: marketing campaign Games 2014 o High Fell • Health and wellbeing o Felling • Mentoring and o Lobley Hill and befriending Bensham • Gateshead Town Centre • Students • Intergenerational • Voluntary sector • Businesses • Schools
• Young people
• Environment
• culture • neighbourhood and community activities • Supported volunteering with vulnerable groups
30
Conclusions
5.2. To deliver the outcomes and objectives of the Plan and increase volunteering activity Gateshead Council and its partners will:
• Make the Plan happen - Implement the Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan • Report to Cabinet and Corporate Vitality Overview and Scrutiny Committee • Agreed Council priorities will determine our service and resource decisions • Review current structures to develop volunteering in the Council • Have a clear agreement with GVOC to implement the Plan • Establish an Officer action group which will be responsible for the Plan and led by the Service Director for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Volunteering.
31 Appendix 1: Volunteering in Gateshead Council
Employer Supported Volunteering Scheme
Statement of Purpose
1. The Aim
An employee volunteering scheme within the Council demonstrates its commitment to the sector and local communities, and helps to deliver a clear priority for the Gateshead Strategic Partnership. In introducing a scheme, the Council wishes to achieve the following key objectives of: a. providing new opportunities for employees to: develop new skills; play an active role in their community; work with different groups and organisations; b. helping to strengthen communities by supporting community based organisations; and c. contributing to the Council’s reputation as a good employer which recognises that its employees are one of its key assets. The scheme would have the potential to support other community investment programmes Gateshead Council is involved in. It would also complement the Council’s ‘Give as you Earn’ scheme whereby employees can choose to donate a sum of money to their chosen charity from their monthly salary.
2. Definition of an Employer Supported Volunteering Scheme
An Employer Supported Volunteering Scheme is any formal or organized means an employer uses to encourage and support its employees to volunteer their time and skills in the service of their community.
3. Definition of Volunteering
Volunteering is defined as any activity which involves spending time, unpaid, doing something which aims to benefit someone (individuals or groups) other than or in addition to close relatives, or to benefit the local community or environment.
Volunteering opportunities can take many shapes: it could involve helping out a local football team or boxing club; offering experience to mentor young people; offering legal knowledge to help a community group become constituted; or helping to run and manage a community project. Gateshead Council recognises that volunteering brings many benefits to Gateshead for volunteers, communities and organisations, and is committed to increasing the levels of volunteering amongst its employees. The Council already supports its employees in carrying out volunteering in the community. It recognises that many employees already undertake volunteering activities in their own time, and as part of its own commitment to helping to achieve the objectives of the Gateshead Volunteers Big Idea, the Council wants to enable more employees to undertake volunteering in Gateshead.
32 4. Who is covered by this scheme
The scheme will apply to all employees excluding teachers.
5. Time off for volunteering
Gateshead Council will give every employee 10 days (75 hours) of unpaid time (pro- rata for part-time employees), over a 12 month period, to undertake a volunteering activity as defined in this scheme. The amount of unpaid time off may be extended up to a period of one month, provided that the activity is undertaken in a continuous block of time off e.g. formally organised volunteering projects or activities abroad. Employees who wish to undertake a volunteering activity for a period of time longer than one month, should apply using the Council’s Career Break Policy.
In some circumstances, paid leave may be granted but only if the volunteering activity is fundamentally linked with training and developmental needs and is subject to management discretion. This time will be flexible and be used in a way that meets workplace commitments which, again, is subject to management discretion.
In addition to granting unpaid time off during working hours, the Council actively encourages and promotes its employees to undertake volunteering activities in their own time. The Council actively encourages its employees to work flexibly so that they can volunteer on a regular basis, for example, by using flexi time for extended lunch breaks, or to start work later or finish earlier so that they can, for example, work in a charity shop for two hours a day in their lunch break, or care for the elderly.
If it is necessary for the employee to attend a meeting with the volunteering organisation they are associated with, they may use flexi time or annual leave to take time out of work with permission from their manager. If employees do not accrue flexi time, they may build up time to take later (TOIL) for volunteering. Managers will also be encouraged to allow any employee to carry over annual leave and borrow annual leave to support them to volunteer. In normal circumstances, individuals can carry over and borrow a maximum of five days annual leave, but this may be extended, should the employee be using this time to volunteer.
An employee may also request to work flexibly, for example, requesting a variation in start and finish times in order to undertake a volunteering activity. Managers will be encouraged to regard such requests favourably, provided they can reasonably be accommodated when considering the needs of the service.
6. Matching Volunteers with Opportunities
The ESV scheme includes a commitment to ensure that employees who volunteer have the chance to access opportunities available, and that procedures are as simple as possible.
GVOC and Gateshead Volunteer Centre have offered to work with the Council to facilitate a system of brokerage with employees, and have also offered to provide a service from within the Civic Centre on a designated time and day to provide one to one consultation similar to the service they provide from within John Haswell House.
33 There are therefore 3 ways in which employees who wish to volunteer can access information and a matching system for volunteering opportunities:
d. On line at www.do-it.org.uk e. In person at the Volunteer centre, GVOC, John Haswell House f. In person at Volunteer Surgeries, which will be held in the Civic Centre at a regular, publicised time and place.
7. Commitments
The employee, their line manager, Heads of Service, and Human Resources will each have a role to play in employer supported volunteering.
7.1 Employees
The employee will: . Take responsibility for initiating the request to volunteer, complete the application form and send the form to their manager for approval. . Where appropriate, attend any subsequent meetings with their co-ordinator at the Gateshead Volunteer Centre. . Participate in any risk assessments and inductions prior to their volunteer placement. . Agree to any pre-placement checks such as CRB clearance. . Follow the Council’s Code of Conduct and policies and procedures throughout the placement.
7.2 Line Managers
The employee’s manager will: • Approve or decline the specified time off for volunteering in line with operational needs. • Forward the application form to Head of Service for final approval. • Match any training and development need with volunteering opportunities where appropriate. • Support the employee with any necessary time off to attend appointments in relation to their volunteering activity, risk assessments, pre-placement inductions etc. • Identify any opportunities for team away/development days, which would be suited to volunteering. • Use Achievement & Development discussions to review and/or plan opportunities for personal development through volunteering.
7.3 Service Directors
The Service Director from within the employee’s service will:
• Approve/decline any volunteering request taking into account business priorities and employee interests and skills. • Pass completed form to Human Resources.
34 7.4 Human Resources
Human Resources shall:
• Offer advice and guidance to all appropriate managers and employees on the operation of this scheme. • Monitor time off for volunteering.
8. Additional Information
8.1 Other Council policies and procedures, which are relevant to this policy:
• Achievement and Development • Competency Framework • Wellbeing at Work • Work/Life Balance • Career Break Policy
8.2 Useful Contacts
GVOC Gateshead Volunteer Centre
John Haswell House 0191 478 4103 8/9 Gladstone Terrace Gateshead www.gvoc.org.uk/Volunteering NE8 4DY www.do-it.org
0191 4784103 www.gvoc.org.uk
35 Appendix 2 ACTION PLAN
GATESHEAD COMPACT PRIORITY: Increase The Supply of Volunteers
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Placements to gain volunteering experience available Ongoing Achieved Action Publish volunteering opportunities on Do-It.org Lead RL Target Ongoing Target Ongoing 1a Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: 57 volunteering opportunities published between Apr and 24 Oct Next - 2012. Steps: Action Maintain Council volunteer opportunities Lead TBC Target Ongoing Target Ongoing 1b (HR?) Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Council volunteer opportunities are currently maintained by individual Next Once the co-ordination of volunteering opportunities service areas. A co-ordinated approach has been proposed by a Steps: across the Council is agreed and established, a monthly Learning and Children volunteers task group led by Chris Nevis. update should be added of opportunities available.
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: First volunteers begin Gateshead qualification in volunteering Yes Achieved Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Increase the number of people achieving a recognised qualification in Volunteering (by 2012) Ongoing Achieved Milestone GVSG Milestone: Gateshead Volunteer Centre is a recognised centre of excellence in supported volunteering Ongoing Achieved Action Develop the Gateshead Volunteer Programme, a training course leading to a level 1 Lead RL Target 01/04/2010 Target Yes 2a qualification in volunteering Date Achieved 01/04/2010 Progress: Gateshead volunteer programme is accredited. Session plans and Next Deliver the programme course material are developed. Steps: Action Deliver the Gateshead Supported Volunteers Programme Lead RL Target 01/03/2015 Target Ongoing 2b Date Achieved 30/09/2010 Progress: 12 volunteers gained an OCN level 1 qualification. Next Evaluate the Gateshead Volunteer Programme and Steps: secure funding for future delivery. Action Review capacity to deliver training annually Lead RL Target 01/03/2015 Target Ongoing 2c Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Review complete for 2012, capacity available. Next Review capacity in 2013 Steps:
36
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Gateshead residents volunteer to support the Olympics Ongoing Achieved Action Create olympic inspired volunteering opportunities Lead RL Target 01/01/2012 Target Yes 3a Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Volunteering roles similar to the Gamesmakers roles will be available Next RL to investigate how many inspired opportunities were via Sports and Leisure 2012 as part of the European Athletics Team Steps: made available. Championships Action Encourage Gateshead residents to volunteer for the olympics Lead Gateshead Target Summer Target Yes 3b Council Date 2012 Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: - Next ML to find out from LOCOG the no. of Gateshead Steps: residents volunteering both locally and nationally.
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Volunteering levels reach 35% of all residents Ongoing Achieved Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: One million hours of volunteering target is reached (by 2015) Ongoing Achieved Action Develop a volunteer hours "totaliser" system to collate the number of hours Lead ML Target 2013 Target Ongoing 4a volunteered Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: - Next ML to speak to Beth Noble about previous totaliser Steps: development Action Work with Jobcentre Plus to develop effective signposting to the Volunteer Centre Lead RL Target 01/01/2012 Target Yes 4b Date Achieved 22/11/2012 Progress: Volunteer Centre drop ins are advertised to Advisors through internal Next - email system Steps: Action Monitor volunteering levels through the Residents Survey Lead ML Target Ongoing Target Ongoing 4c Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Residents Survey results 2012 available. Formal volunteering = Next Make arrangements for future Residents Survey (possibly 17.9%, Informal volunteering = 34%. Steps: 2014).
MIlestone Vision 2030 Milestone: 10th anniversary event of Gateshead Together Ongoing Achieved Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Birtley Hub 10th Anniversary Ongoing Achieved Action Use Gateshead Volunteers week and Gateshead Together week to increase the Lead RL Target Ongoing Target Ongoing 5a supply of volunteers Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: - Next RL to speak with Syma Aurangzeb. 37 Steps:
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Volunteering Training Centre opens Ongoing Achieved Action Develop plans and raise funding for volunteering training centre Lead GP Target 01/01/2030 Target Ongoing 6a Date Achieved 22/10/12 Progress: Feasibility study and plans developed Next Investigate funding - project on hold Steps:
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Volunteering activity in support of September 2010 UK School Games developed Yes Achieved Action Develop volunteering activity in support of September 2010 UK School Games Lead ST Target 01/09/2010 Target Yes 7a Date Achieved 16/11/2012 Progress: Gateshead Council developed a volunteer programme with Next - representatives from the event partners. 474 volunteers registered Steps: for the games. 307 were from Tyne and Wear. 61% were aged 16 to 21, 29% 22 to 49 and 10% over 50. 1494 volunteer shifts were covered during the games. Over 6,000 hours of volunteering were completed. A comprehensive training package was delivered including 2 days training for Team Attaches, 3 days training for Generic Volunteers and 5 additional training courses in Safeguarding and Protecting Children.
GATESHEAD COMPACT PRIORITY: Increase the quality, choice and range of volunteering opportunities
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: National volunteering conference held in Gateshead Ongoing Achieved Action Host a volunteers event in 2012 Lead GP Target 01/04/2012 Target Yes 8a Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Volunteers event held Next - Steps:
International activity, student volunteers and engagement with schools. Every school in Gateshead benefits Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Ongoing from student volunteering, particularly with links to international activity Achieved Action Explore potential volunteer opportunities between University/Spen Hill development Lead Target Target 9a Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: - Next - 38 Steps:
Milestone GVSG Milestone: THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS ARE NOT ASSIGNED TO MILESTONES Achieved Action Map gaps in existing volunteering opportunities using the Volunteer Centre Lead Target Target 9b database, data from Do-it enquiries and enquiries from volunteers Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: - Next - Steps: Action Promote health and wellbeing through volunteering opportunities Lead RL Target Ongoing Target Ongoing 9c Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Health benefits to residents in care homes promoted through Hen Next - Power project. Steps:
GATESHEAD COMPACT PRIORITY: Provide the right framework for managing, promoting and developing volunteering
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Good practice guide launched Yes Achieved Action Develop and maintain good practice guide Lead RL Target Ongoing Target Ongoing 10a Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Good practice guide developed 2010. Next Update guide when resources available. Steps:
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Gateshead Council implements Employer Supported Volunteering Scheme Yes Achieved Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: All GSP partners have volunteering schemes in place Ongoing Achieved Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Twenty businesses have volunteer schemes in place Ongoing Achieved Action Promote Gateshead Council's Employee Volunteering Scheme bi-monthly via Lead JD Target Ongoing Target Ongoing 11a Council info Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: RL has been sending volunteering opportunities for inclusion in an Next ML to check who can continue the Council Info updates in employee volunteering scheme Council Info update via Heidi Turner. Steps: Heidi's absence. Heidi is now on maternity leave. Action Audit employer supported volunteering schemes within GSP Lead Target Target 11b Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: - Next Potential for inclusion in report to GSP. Steps:
39 Action Develop guidance for employer supported volunteering schemes within GSP Lead Target Target 11c Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: - Next - Steps: Action Develop and deliver a volunteer management training programme for Gateshead Lead RL Target Target Ongoing 11d organisations Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Training course developed by GVOC. Next Identify further capacity and resources - project on hold. Steps:
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: New Gateshead Compact launched Yes Achieved Action Launch compact Lead GP Target 2010 Target Yes 12a Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Compact launched. Won local compact of the year award 2011. Next - Steps:
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Gateshead Volunteers Awards held Yes Achieved Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: 10th Gateshead Volunteers Awards Ceremony is held Ongoing Achieved Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: 20th Anniversary of Gateshead Volunteering Awards ceremony is held at The Sage Gateshead Ongoing Achieved Action CURRENTLY NO ACTIONS Lead Target Target 13a Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: - Next - Steps:
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Volunteering is promoted and supported across GSP Ongoing Achieved Action Review communications and compile a communications plan co-ordinating GVOC Lead ML/RL Target 01/01/2012 Target Ongoing 14a and Council activity Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Communications plan previously established. Next ML/RL to investigate with Sam Reed. Steps: Action Council News used to promote Gateshead Volunteers Lead ML Target Ongoing Target Ongoing 14b Date Achieved
40 25/10/2012 Progress: Article included on the Gateshead Awards, focussing on the Next March issue of Council News (deadline for articles volunteer of the year award. Contacted Ian Stevenson about an Steps: beginning of February). article on community asset transfers. Whickham Community Centre suggested as an example once they sign the lease - likely to be next edition of Council News. Action GVOC News used to advertise GVOC's support role Lead RL Target Ongoing Target Ongoing 14c Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: GVOC News regularly promotes the support role. Next - Steps: Action Advertise volunteer opportunities within the Council e.g. website, email Lead TBC Target Target Ongoing 14d (HR?) Date Achieved
24/10/2012 Progress: Council volunteer opportunities are currently maintained by individual Next Once the co-ordination of volunteering opportunities service areas. A co-ordinated approach has been proposed by a Steps: across the Council is agreed and established, investigate Learning and Children volunteers task group led by Chris Nevis. methods of promotion. Action Develop standardised policies and procedures for recruitment and management of Lead CN Target 2013 Target Ongoing 14e volunteers into the Council (including CRB checks, expenses etc.) Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: A co-ordinated approach has been proposed by a Learning and Next Gateshead Volunteers Steering Group to offer guidance Children volunteers task group led by Chris Nevis. Steps: on who should co-ordinate. Action Develop guidance for organisations to manage volunteers Lead RL Target 2012 Target Ongoing 14f Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Good practice guide developed 2010 Next Update guide when resources available Steps: Action Council online survey of employee volunteering Lead ML Target 2010 Target Yes 14g Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Initial survey complete. Next Consider future surveys? Steps: Action Audit volunteer opportunities within GSP Lead Target Target 14h Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: - Next Potential for inclusion in report to GSP. Steps: Action Increase GSP membership on the Gateshead Volunteers Network Lead RL Target Target 14i Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Awaiting audit of GSP for potential members. Next Potential for inclusion in report to GSP. Steps:
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: GSP commissioning framework developed to support the Voluntary Community Sector Ongoing Achieved Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: GSP pilots Gateshead’s Corporate Social Responsibility Policy Ongoing Achieved 41 Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Investors in Volunteers status achieved for 20 organisations across the GSP Ongoing Achieved Action Council to achieve Investors in Volunteers Standard Lead Target Target Ongoing 15a Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: Countryside volunteers have achieved standard Next - Steps:
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: 90% of Gateshead’s youth organisations and schools signed up to the volunteering framework (by 2015) Ongoing Achieved Action CURRENTLY NO ACTIONS Lead Target Target 16a Date Achieved - Progress: - Next - Steps:
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Virtual volunteering strategy in place Ongoing Achieved Action CURRENTLY NO ACTIONS Lead Target Target 17a Date Achieved - Progress: - Next - Steps:
Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: 500 businesses in Gateshead are involved in volunteering (by 2020) Ongoing Achieved Action Link volunteers with established social enterprises and CICs Lead Target Target 18a Date Achieved 22/11/2012 Progress: GVOC currently has 9 social enterprises registered who offer Next - volunteering opportunities Steps: Action Develop and deliver workshops supporting organisations to create and promote high Lead Target Target 18b quality volunteering opportunities Date Achieved 24/10/2012 Progress: - Next - Steps: Milestone Vision 2030 Milestone: Gateshead is the volunteering capital of England Ongoing Achieved Action Acquire Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation (VCQA) Lead GVOC Target 01/03/2011 Target Yes 19a Date Achieved 31/12/2010 Progress: Volunteer Centre Quality Accreditation achieved Next - Steps:
42
43 Gateshead Council Volunteers Plan 2013-2017 Who The Plan Is For: We Aim To: • All volunteering activity across Gateshead • Enable everyone to make a recognised contribution to their community and become the • Specific to Gateshead Council to deliver the Council Plan volunteering capital of England • Outcomes Principles Deliver economic growth and wellbeing Volunteering achieves the following The Council will adopt the following principles: • Volunteering activity adds value to local service provision, enabling neighbourhoods to benefits to individuals, organisations and have services that would not be otherwise provided and enhancing core public services communities: Strategy and Outcomes • • Increase formal volunteering from 18% to 25% by 2017 Overall 20,000 All volunteering is undertaken by choice • • For individuals: Volunteering activity is encouraged and supported to deliver Vision Increase informal volunteering from 34% to 40% by 2017 new volunteers • Engages residents in community 2030 outcomes: develop skills; build community resilience; improve Functions, Resources and Structures activities quality of life • • Provides opportunities to gain skills and Volunteering activity adds value to local service provision, enabling Partners neighbourhoods to have services that would not otherwise be provided experience - NHS PALS services Gateshead Volunteer Centre • Increases self esteem and confidence and enhancing core public services • - Job Centre Plus - use www.do-it.org.uk • Allows people to ‘give something back’ to Volunteering activity will be enhanced and maximised by building - Police e.g. support volunteers - Volunteer Centre manager their community capacity in the Voluntary and Community Sector Gateshead • - Fire and Rescue service - Volunteer recruitment and admin officer • Enhances CVs and employability Ensure equality of opportunity to anyone who wants to volunteer. We volunteers will be pro-active in supporting vulnerable people to overcome barriers community liaison officers - Project co-ordinator and trainer • Enhances quality of life to volunteering - Youth Assembly - Volunteer recruitment officer • Volunteering activity will be integral to giving people choice, - Older Peoples Assembly For Communities: - Gateshead Supported Volunteers independence and control - Interfaith Forum • Builds more cohesive and resilient Programme Structure and Systems - Diversity Forum communities • There will be a single framework and point of contact for all - VCS eg Age UK; GVOC • Allows communities to develop creative volunteering activity in Gateshead Council solutions new services, opportunities and • activities Strategic management and administration procedures will be as simple Gateshead Council Resources and flexible as possible to reduce bureaucracy and widen opportunity - Gateshead Fund All Council Services e.g. • Involvement in directly delivered services • - Capital assets, asset transfer policy - Communities, Neighbourhoods and Volunteering to add value The management of volunteering activity will be the responsibility of the service area - Area conferences - Family Support Service • Ownership in communities enables • - Ward meetings - Housing residents to co-produce and design Effective structures will be put in place to support and develop services volunteers - Area teams - Local Environmental Services • There are recognised mechanisms and procedures in place for the - Virtual Capacity Building Team - Economic Development & Regeneration For Organisations: resolution of any problems - Grantnet - Adult Social Care and Commissioning • Increased capacity People and Resources - Sport, Libraries and Leisure • • Service user involvement The Council will support volunteers to ensure the best possible - Public Health matching of skills, personal interests and goals • Different approaches and ideas brought - Children Centres/Play development • by volunteers The Council will work with the voluntary sector to ensure existing Collaboration and pooling of resources to support volunteers in Gateshead will be encouraged volunteers are supported as well as attracting new volunteers in • Community resilience Gateshead • Boosts employee and service users Priorities and Next Steps • All volunteers will have appropriate induction, training and morale development Opportunities Neighbourhoods How will this be done? • Volunteers will be able to carry out their duties in safe, secure, healthy Deliverables environments Areas for focused development: • Boroughwide work • Volunteers will have opportunities to design services • Digital inclusion champions • Building on current activity Doing this we will: If we did nothing: • Volunteers will contribute to the development of volunteering policies • Sport, European Athletics Team within areas and
and procedures Championships 2013 and neighbourhoods • • Improve and Reduced • Volunteers will be subject to the relevant Disclosure and Barring Commonwealth Games 2014 • Increasing in areas where increase capability and Service (DBS) checks, where it is relevant to the role and required by • Health and wellbeing volunteer activities are low: volunteering capacity in law and given appropriate training • Mentoring and befriending Streamlining and consolidation of opportunities communities • • Gateshead Town Centre High Fell The Council will ensure robust safeguarding and protection policies o function and resources • Improve publicity • Reduced are in place • Students Felling and marketing of community o • Volunteers will be supported where reasonable expenses are incurred • Intergenerational o Lobley Hill and opportunities cohesion • The Council will collaborate with key organisations to maximise • Voluntary sector Bensham • Measure and • Underdeveloped volunteering opportunities and experiences • Businesses o Bridges evaluate skills • The added value of volunteers will be highlighted as part of the • Schools o Chowdene • Co -ordinate and • Reduced commissioning process to maximise opportunities and the quality of • Young People support awareness of provision in Gateshead in line with the Public Service (Social Value) • Environment volunteering opportunities Act 2012 • Culture • Volunteering not • Council employees will be supported to volunteer to enhance best • Neighbourhood and community enhanced practice in Gateshead volunteering Communications and marketing activities campaign • Not achieve Vision • Gateshead Council recognises the vital role of volunteering as a • Supported volunteering with 2030 ambitions means to career progression and professional development vulnerable groups.
11 REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Employment Issues – Revised Redundancy Policy and Procedure
REPORT OF: Mike Barker, Strategic Director, Legal & Corporate Services
Purpose of the Report
1. To request that Cabinet recommends that Council extends the current redundancy payments scheme, and approves amendments to the Redundancy Policy and Procedure.
Background
Redundancy Payments Scheme
2. In recognition of the need to ensure the affordability of payments under the Council’s redundancy scheme is kept under continual review, the Council agreed in November 2011 that, as well as reducing the degree of enhancement in the scheme (from a multiplier of 2 times the statutory table to 1.5, based on actual pay), the scheme be subject to a further review by 1 December 2012. The scheme was duly reviewed and at its meeting on 6 November 2012 Cabinet approved the extension of the current scheme until 30 June 2012, and thereafter would reduce to a multiplier of 1.25 times the statutory table based on actual pay.
3. At that time the outcome of the Council’s financial settlement was still to be determined. The report made reference to the fact that it may be necessary to request an extension of the current scheme beyond 30 June 2012 should further redundancies be necessary as a result of the settlement.
4. Further budget savings proposals have been identified which will result in additional redundancies. The majority of these will leave the Council’s employment by 30 June 2012; however, there is small number of employees who will have leaving dates in July and August. This includes: • Employees who have a maximum 12 week notice period, • School Crossing Patrol employees whose leaving date is tied to the school summer term, • Staff affected by the closure of the Lyndhurst Centre on 31 July 2013.
5. In addition, due to a reduction in school budgets, it is estimated that budget and staffing decisions taken by schools’ governing bodies will give rise to a number of redundancies affecting school support staff who are covered by the Council’s corporate redundancy payments scheme. The effective date of those redundancies will be 31 August 2013.
Proposal
7. It is proposed that:
• the current redundancy payments scheme is extended to 31 August 2013 to enable all staff affected to exit on the same scheme terms; and
• the multiplier is reduced to x1.25 with effect from 1 September 2013.
Redundancy Policy
8. In December 2012 the Government announced that the 90-day consultation period where 100 or more redundancies are proposed will reduce to 45 days from 6 April 2013.
9. There is a requirement on employers under Section188(1A) of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 to consult collectively with the appropriate representatives of the affected employees where it is proposed to dismiss as redundant 100 or more employees at one establishment within a period of 90 days. This consultation must begin at least 90 days before the first dismissal takes effect. The Government has confirmed that, from 6 April 2013, it will introduce legislation reducing this to 45 days, although this should generally be regarded as a minimum, rather than definitive, time for consultation. ACAS will issue non-statutory guidance addressing the key contentious issues that arise during consultation, with the aim of improving the consultation process and outcomes.
10. The announcement follows the Government's consultation exercise, launched in June 2012, on changes to the rules on collective redundancies. The Government's main aims were to: • improve the quality of consultation; • ensure that employers can restructure effectively to respond to changing conditions; and • balance the interests of redundant employees with those who remain.
Proposal
11. The Council’s Redundancy Policy includes reference to the 90 days’ consultation In light of the above, it is appropriate to revise the Redundancy Policy to reflect the statutory changes to the timescales for consultation. The full amended policy is shown at appendix 2.
Recommendations
12. It is recommended that Cabinet:
(i) considers and agrees the extension of the Council’s current Redundancy Payments Scheme, and amendment to the Redundancy Policy; and (ii) recommends the proposed changes to Council for approval.
For the following reason(s)
To ensure the Council’s Redundancy Policy continues to be workable, affordable and reasonable having regard to the foreseeable costs.
CONTACT: Mike Barker extension: 2100
APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. The adoption and implementation of an effective and affordable Redundancy Policy and Redeployment Policy is consistent with the objective of Corporate Sustainability under the Council’s Corporate Plan.
Background
2. In addition to the provisions in the Employment Rights Act 1996 setting out the statutory redundancy payments scheme, local authorities have discretionary powers under the Discretionary Compensation Regulations 2006 (‘the Regulations’) to make additional lump sum compensation payments up to a maximum of 104 weeks’ pay. Authorities are required under the Regulations to formulate, publish and keep under review a policy which they will apply in relation to the exercise of those discretionary powers. Any changes to the policy cannot come into effect until after one month from the date of publication of the new policy.
3. In formulating and reviewing its policy an authority is required by the Regulations to:
• Have regard to the extent to which the exercise of their discretionary powers, unless properly limited, could lead to a serious loss of confidence in the public service; and • Be satisfied that the policy is workable, affordable and reasonable having regard to the foreseeable costs.
4. A redundancy policy confers no contractual rights on an employee.
5. The affordability of payments under the Council’s Redundancy Policy must be kept under continual review. Even with the proposed reduction to the multiplier used for the calculation of payments, the Council’s redundancy payments would still be in excess of the statutory scheme and broadly comparable with neighbouring authorities , although most Gateshead Council employees earn below £400 per week (the maximum weekly earnings for inclusion in the statutory scheme).
6. In deciding on potential changes, Cabinet will need to consider the balance between the financial necessity of reducing the overall cost of the redundancy payments scheme and the impact on employees dismissed on grounds of redundancy.
Consultation
7. The Trade Unions have requested that the current redundancy payments scheme be extended to accommodate all redundancies arising from the budget setting process for 2013-14.
8. They have also been consulted on the changes to the timescales for redundancy consultation and acknowledge that this is line with the statutory changes, although their preference is to retain the longer redundancy consultation period.
Alternative Options
9. An alternative option would be to implement the reduction in the multiplier with effect from 1 July 2013 as originally agreed. However, with the exception of school based employees, this would result in employees, who have been subject to the same budget setting process, exiting under two different payment schemes.
10. The current timescales in the Council’s policy for consultation on redundancies are in accordance with existing legislation but are significantly longer than the new statutory requirements. However, it is appropriate for the policy to reflect the statutory changes, and although the new timescales may be regarded as only a minimum requirement, excessively and unnecessarily long consultation periods can have the effect of delaying change and the achievement of budget savings.
Implications of Recommended Option
11. Resources:
a) Financial Implications – The Strategic Director Finance and ICT confirms that the cost of extending the scheme will be met from existing resources. The Department for Communities and Local Government have yet to issue guidance on the provision for capitalisation for 2012/13.
b) Human Resources Implications – the human resources implications are considered throughout this report.
c) Property Implications – there are no property implications arising from the recommendations within this report.
12. Risk Management Implications - .
13. Equality and Diversity Implications – The recommendations are consistent with the age discrimination provisions and their specific exceptions within the Equality Act 2010; nor are they discriminatory on any other ground.
14. Crime and Disorder Implications – There are no crime and disorder implications.
15. Health Implications - There are no health implications.
16. Sustainability Implications - There are no sustainability implications.
17. Human Rights Implications - There are no human rights implications.
18. Area and Ward Implications - There are no area and ward implications.
19. Background Information
Gateshead Council Redundancy Policy 2007 (as amended, December 2009 and October 2010, November 2011 and November 2012)
Appendix 2
Redundancy
Policy
Produced by: Human Resources
Revised February 2013
Gateshead Council Redundancy Policy – Revised February 2013
Index
Policy Statement
1. The Aim
2. Definition of Redundancy
3. Who this policy applies to
4. Commitments
5. Additional Information
Procedure
1. Initial Consultations
2. Statutory Consultation
3. Objectives of Consultation
4. Notifications
5. Voluntary Redundancy
6. Compulsory Redundancies
7. Appeals Procedure
8. Assistance in Finding other Work
9. Advice / Guidance
10. Redundancy Payments
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Redundancy Policy Statement
1. The Aim of the policy
The Council’s commitment to the provision of excellent services will inevitably lead to changes to the way services are delivered and this may have an impact on the employees involved in the process. The Council is committed to maintaining job security for all its employees where possible. Where changes require a reduction in the workforce, the Council will consider other options available through the HR Framework before the use of compulsory redundancy.
The purpose of this policy is to determine how employees will be treated if it becomes necessary to make them redundant, this includes both voluntary and compulsory redundancies.
2. Definition of Redundancy:
In legal terms, redundancy occurs when an employee is dismissed because: ♦ the employer closes down the business or Service, or ♦ the employer closes down the employee’s workplace, or ♦ there is a diminishing need for employees to do work of a particular kind.
3. Who the policy applies to
This policy applies to all employees (not including employees in schools) including those with fixed term or temporary contracts. To qualify for a redundancy payment an employee will have to have at least 2 years continuous service.
4. Commitments
Redundancy will only be undertaken where all other options have been explored and excluded including, redeployment within the Council and voluntary early retirement.
4.1 The Council
In all cases of Redundancy the Council will ensure that: ♦ It uses its best endeavours to avoid compulsory redundancy, and will seek to retain skills and knowledge within the organisation wherever possible. ♦ It enters into consultations with trade unions, workplace representatives and individual employees as soon as the possibility of a reduction in the size of the workforce arises in order to discuss the
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problem and explore the options for avoiding, reducing or mitigating the consequences of redundancies. ♦ Where compulsory redundancy is inevitable they will handle the redundancy in the most fair, consistent and sympathetic manner possible and minimise as far as possible any hardship that may be suffered by the employees concerned.
4.2 The Employee
In all cases of Redundancy we expect the affected employees to: ♦ Continue to perform their current role or the role required of them ♦ Make themselves available to enter into consultations with management with the aim of discussing the problem and exploring the options for avoiding, reducing or mitigating the consequences of redundancies ♦ Undertake an offer of suitable alternative employment and be prepared to consider a wide range of alternative jobs in line with the Council’s Redeployment Policy.
5. Additional Information
5.1 Other Council policies that are linked to or relevant to this policy:
♦ Redeployment Policy ♦ Retirement Policy
5.2. Relevant Legislation and Guidance
♦ Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (TULR©A) ♦ Trade Union Reform and Employment Rights Act 1993 ♦ Collective Redundancies and Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) (Amendment) Regulations 1995 and 1999 ♦ Parts X & XI Employment Rights Act 1996. ♦ The Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 ♦ The Fixed-term Employees (Prevention of Less Favourable Treatment) Regulations 2002 ♦ Health and Safety (Consultation with Employees) Regulations 1996 ♦ The Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government) (Modification) Order 1999 ♦ The Local Government (Early Termination of Employment)(Discretionary Compensation) (England and Wales) Regulations 2000 ♦ Department for Department for Business Innovation and Skills legislation leaflet PL833 Redundancy consultation and notification (www.bis.gov.uk)
♦ ACAS Guide to Redundancy Handling (www.acas.org.uk) ♦ Redundancy Pay Helpline, Telephone Number 0500 848489
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♦ Redundancy Consultation & Notification [PL833] Redundancy Payments Guide [PL808] ♦ Local Government Pension Scheme (Amendment) and (Amendment No 2) Regulations 2006 ♦ Local Government Pension Scheme (Benefits, Membership and Contribution Regulations) 2007
5.3 Useful Contacts
Department for Business, ACAS Innovation and Skills Cross House 1 Victoria Street Westgate Road London Newcastle upon Tyne SW1H 0ET NE1 4XX 0207 2155000 0191 261 2191 www.acas.org.uk www.bis.gov.uk
The Pensions Office Tyne & Wear Pension Fund Hebburn Civic Centre Campbell Park Road Hebburn Tyne & Wear NE31 2SW 0191 424 4141 www.twpf.info
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Redundancy Procedure
In order to minimise the impact of reductions in workforce, the following procedure will be used as a framework, recognising that this may need to be adapted to reflect the particular circumstances surrounding each situation.
1. Initial Consultations
The Group or Strategic Director will need to advise the Strategic Director, Legal & Corporate Services as soon as the likely need for redundancies is identified.
Management will enter into consultations with Trade Unions, workplace representatives and / or individual employees as soon as the Council starts to consider redundancies. The purpose of the consultations is to establish whether the proposed changes can be achieved by means other than redundancy and if not, to try and minimise the number of compulsory redundancies.
Consultations will commence as soon as reasonably practicable and no redundancy notice will be issued until at least 14 days after consultation begins.
As a minimum the Council will recognise its statutory obligations to: ♦ begin consultations at the earliest possible opportunity where the number of redundancies proposed is less than 100. ♦ begin the consultation process at least 45 days before the first dismissal, where the number of redundancies proposed is 100 or more.
The Council will consult with the Trade Union representatives of those at risk of redundancy but also with those who represent employees who may be affected by the measures taken in connection with those dismissals e.g. employees having to take on reallocated work.
2. Statutory Consultation
Statutory consultation notices (Form HR1) will be issued to Trade Unions, workplace representatives or individual employees regarding proposed redundancies detailing:
♦ The reason for the proposal. ♦ The numbers and descriptions of employees whom it is proposed to dismiss as redundant. ♦ The total number of employees of that description employed by the Council at the establishment in question. ♦ The proposed method of selecting the employees who may be dismissed. ♦ The proposed method of carrying out the dismissals, including the period over which the dismissals are to take effect.
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♦ The proposed method of calculating the amount of any redundancy payments to be made. All redundancy payments made by the Council will be in accordance with the statutory guidance.
3. Objectives of Consultation
The Council will consult employees and their representatives about: ♦ Avoiding the dismissals ♦ Reducing the number of employees to be dismissed ♦ Mitigating the consequences of the dismissals
Amongst other measures to avoid or minimise redundancies, consideration must be given to the following, subject to the Council’s immediate strategic considerations: ♦ Restricting the recruitment of new employees other than where this is essential; ♦ Restricting the use of subcontracted labour and temporary and casual employees; ♦ Reducing overtime and other employment costs; ♦ Return of secondees to their parent organisation; ♦ Redeploying the affected employees into other Council vacancies ♦ Inviting applications for consideration for early retirement and / or voluntary redundancy. Early retirement will be considered in line with the Council’s Retirement scheme and is subject always to ensuring that the balance of skills and experience within the remaining workforce is appropriate to the Council’s future operating needs.
In addition to those areas above the Council will also consult on: ♦ how the selection of employees for redundancy will be applied – for example, will it be appropriate for selection to operate across the Council as a whole or on a Service basis? ♦ whether a redundant employee may leave during the notice period, or postpone the date of expiry of notice, without losing any entitlement to a statutory redundancy payment; ♦ any retention of benefits where an employee is made compulsorily redundant.
Furthermore, consultation might also cover special arrangements for the treatment of apprentices. It is the responsibility of the Council and the Managing Agent to try and find alternative opportunities for apprentices to complete their apprenticeships within the same industry. Only as a last resort should apprentices be treated as part of the labour force for the purposes of redundancy selection.
Consultation must be undertaken with a view to reaching agreement with the appropriate representatives on these issues, even if employees to be made redundant are volunteers.
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3.1 Failure to Consult
Management must contact HR for advice before entering into consultation with the relevant trade unions about proposed redundancies. Failure to consult appropriately with the relevant trade unions about proposed redundancies can lead to a complaint to an employment tribunal and compensation being paid to the employees concerned.
4. Notifications
Where after due consideration of these alternatives, it is considered that the need for redundancies still remains, written details will be given to TUs, workplace representatives or individual employees of the proposals.
The Strategic Director, Legal & Corporate Services will inform the Secretary of State at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) on form HR1 of proposed redundancies in the following circumstances:
♦ If 100 or more employees at one establishment are being made redundant, 45 days notice will be given before the first dismissal takes effect.
The notice of redundancy must be given to the BIS before giving notice to terminate an employee's contract of employment.
5. Voluntary Redundancy
Prior to making any compulsory redundancies the Council will consider whether any voluntary redundancies can be made.
The Council will invite employees to volunteer to be considered for redundancy. The Council will then select from the list of volunteers those employees who are to be dismissed.
Where the number of volunteers exceeds requirements, the selection criteria will be discussed with the trade unions and employees involved. The Council will discuss the reasons for non-selection with individuals.
Agreement of voluntary redundancy is subject to ensuring that the balance of skills and experience within the remaining workforce is appropriate to the Council’s future operating needs. Applications for voluntary redundancy may need to be confined to selected categories of employees to ensure that volunteers do not include employees who may be needed to contribute to the future success of the Council. The Council has the right to decline any application for voluntary redundancy.
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6. Compulsory Redundancies
Where voluntary redundancy has not produced suitable or sufficient volunteers, the Council, in consultation with the trade unions, will need to select employees for redundancy.
The Council will ensure that the selection procedure is fair, consistent, objective, and non-discriminatory and in accordance with the Council’s Equal Opportunities Policy and Redundancy legislation and best practice. The selection criteria will be clear, objective and precisely defined.
A dismissal on the grounds of redundancy may be considered by an Employment Tribunal to be unfair if the procedure for selection for redundancy has been unfairly applied to the employee(s) concerned or if the way in which it has been carried out has been unreasonable (e.g. without adequate warning or consultation with the appropriate representatives).
Before applying the redundancy selection criteria, it may be necessary to exempt certain employees from the possibility of being selected. This is because they possess, for example, specialist skills, qualifications or experience that are vital to the continuing viability of their group or service and the delivery of its services in the future. This could also mean that certain employees or categories of employees may not be permitted to apply for ‘voluntary’ redundancy.
Discussion of these factors should take place with the trade unions at the outset where a redundancy situation is being declared. In doing so management would document why these skills, qualifications or experience were crucial to the ongoing viability of their service.
Following these discussions, and in the absence of appropriate volunteers, it may prove necessary to apply a redundancy selection process. This will be based on pre-determined selection criteria against which points will be allocated as appropriate for each employee on each occasion. The attached Note on Application and Weightings sets out the criteria to be used.
The total points allocated for the criteria will be used to place employees in a listing with least points at the top and most points at the bottom. Selection for redundancy will be based upon least points.
Where two or more employees are tied on the same points, further discussion will take place with the Trade Unions. The selection decision will be at the Council’s discretion, and will take into account length of service with Gateshead Council.
The selection criteria and associated procedures may also be used in situations where too many employees have volunteered for redundancy.
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The Council’s Equal Opportunities policy confirms its commitment to ensuring employees are afforded equal and fair treatment in relation to all employment matters. With regard to this procedure, the Council will ensure that no employee is treated less favourably or discriminated against in the application of the redundancy selection criteria.
The relevant service manager, together with a representative of Human Resources, will undertake the selection. The results will be presented to the joint trade unions for their information for use in supporting their members. Those selected will be advised at an interview at which their trade union or a colleague can be present.
Any employee who volunteers or is selected for redundancy, and is a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), will be entitled to early release of their pension benefits as from the date of their termination if they fit the criteria within the scheme regulations for early release of these benefits.
6.1 Notice periods
Employees will be given as much notice of termination as possible, but never less than the period of notice to which the employee is contractually entitled or such other period as may be agreed.
7. Appeals Procedure
If an employee, selected for redundancy, feels that the agreed selection criteria have been unfairly applied in their case, they have the right to appeal to the Council’s Personnel Appeals Committee.
If an employee selected for redundancy goes absent the termination will still be made in their absence. They can then take up their right of appeal to the Personnel Appeals Committee.
Any employee who wishes to exercise his / her right of appeal against being selected for redundancy must do so in writing, within 10 working days of receiving their redundancy notice. They should submit their appeal to the Strategic Director, Legal & Corporate Services, clearly stating the reasons for the appeal and provide, where relevant, evidence to support their appeal.
The employee has the right to be accompanied at the Appeal by a colleague or trade union representative. Employees will be notified in writing within 10 days of the Personnel Appeal Committee’s decision.
The decision of the Personnel Appeals Committee will be the final decision of the Council in the matter.
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8. Assistance in finding other work
8.1 Suitable Alternative Work
The Council must attempt to seek alternative employment for employees under threat or notice of dismissal for redundancy. The Council will follow the procedure detailed in the Redeployment policy when seeking alternative work for employees. The Council will ensure that:
♦ If the Strategic Director, Legal & Corporate Services is satisfied that a suitable alternative post has been offered to a redundant employee and declined by him / her, then a redundancy payment will be withheld.
♦ Where alternative work cannot be found for redundant employees within the Council, the Economic Development Service may be able to assist them to secure alternative employment outside the Council.
8.2 Trial Period
An employee who is under notice of redundancy is entitled to a trial period in an alternative job. The Council will follow the procedure detailed in the Redeployment policy when employees undertake trial periods.
If the employee works beyond the end of the trial period or an agreed extended period any redundancy entitlement will be lost, as the employee will be deemed to have accepted the new job.
If the new Head of Service wishes to end the new contract within the trial period for a reason connected with the new job, the employee will still receive a redundancy payment under the old contract. If the dismissal is not connected with the redundancy, the employee may lose that entitlement.
8.3 Time off to look for new work / training
Subject to the Council’s operational needs, all employees affected by redundancy will be given paid time off work during their notice period to attend interviews or training opportunities. Requests for reasonable time off should be submitted in writing to the Head of Service.
9. Advice / Guidance
The Council’s Economic Development Service can provide advice and guidance to employees selected for redundancy on:
♦ how to find another job ♦ the completion of application forms ♦ attending interviews
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The Council will also provide counselling to employees, prior to the redundancies taking place, to assist them in dealing with being selected for redundancy. Counselling will be available to those employees who are under notice of redundancy and also to those employees who will be remaining with the Council after the redundancies.
10. Redundancy Payments
All redundancy payments made by the Council will be in accordance with Council policy.
To be entitled to a redundancy payment an employee must have at least two years continuous service. All employees who receive redundancy payments will be given written notification of the way in which their redundancy payment has been calculated.
Redundancy payments are based on the statutory redundancy pay table and are subject to an employee’s age and length of service. For each complete year of service, up to a maximum of 20, employees are entitled to: • for each year of service under 22 years old – ½ a week's pay
• for each year of service at age 22 but under 41 - 1 week's pay
• for each year of service at age 41 or over – 1½ weeks' pay.
The Council applies a multiplier of 1.5 times the number of weeks pay given in the statutory redundancy pay table, giving a maximum of 45 weeks pay.
The same benefits and entitlements will be offered regardless of whether the redundancy is ‘voluntary’ or ‘compulsory’.
This provides for a discretionary compensation payment based on up to 45 weeks statutory redundancy pay. The Council will exercise its power to use actual pay in the calculation of weekly pay and the discretionary compensation would be inclusive of any statutory redundancy payment.
The Redundancy Pay Table is attached below.
Employees aged over 65 will qualify for a redundancy payment if the reason for their dismissal is redundancy.
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10.1 Calculation of a week’s pay
A week's pay is that which the employee is entitled to under his or her terms of the contract at the calculation date. The calculation date is the date on which the employee receives notice of redundancy.
If the employee’s pay varies, the amount of the week’s contractual pay is averaged over the 12 weeks prior to the calculation date.
11. Multiple Contracts
Where an employee has multiple contracts with the Council at the point of redundancy, the start date in the contract that they are being made redundant from is used to calculate their redundancy payment. Where an employee has had multiple contracts but only has one contract at the time of redundancy, then their start date in their very first contract is used for calculating their redundancy payment, taking into account any relevant previous continuous service.
- 8 - Revised February 2013
Note on Application of criteria and weightings
In most situations where a redundancy situation has been declared, volunteers will be sought in the first instance. However, if there are insufficient volunteers or, as mentioned above, if there is a need to retain specialist skills/experience then the following criteria will be used to select employees to be made redundant.
A reference period is shown below for each of the criteria. The effective date (where the reference period starts from) will be the date the redundancy situation is formally notified to the trade unions and the Section 188 letter is issued. This date will not be altered because of any delay in the process or due to any other circumstances.
Capability (Generic competencies, knowledge, qualifications, skills & experience) This criterion will assess the quality of work produced by each employee. This will be assessed over a period of the last 12 months prior to the effective date.
This criterion will also look at the employee’s behaviour towards their work in assessing their overall capability. The Council’s policy defines capability as: Capability is the ability an employee has to perform his/her duties to a standard that is acceptable to the Council for the effective and efficient delivery of its services. In the normal course of work employees meet and may exceed these standards.
Each employee will be allocated a score based on the Service Manager’s assessment of their competence, knowledge, qualification, skill, behaviour and experience in carrying out their role. This assessment will be based upon the degree to which each employee meets or exceeds the requirements set out in the job profile for their job.
As this criterion is essentially looking at an employee’s current capability in undertaking their job, any formal documentation,authorised by the Head of Service to be held on the employee’s personal file within Human Resources, that measures or records an employee’s competence will be used in making the assessment. This may include a formal improvement notice/action plan or a letter stating the exceptional work standards of an individual. However, as part of this assessment, reference will not be made to an employee’s Appraisal & Development documentation or Supervision records where Supervision is used as a support for managers and employees alike, unless formal action has been taken as a result of this. Compliments and complaints will not be classed as formal documentation of capability as these are more likely to relate to front line staff and one-off events which does not reflect overall capability.
- 9 - Revised February 2013
Any formal ‘improvement notes’ issued for reasons of capability or negligence under the capability or disciplinary procedures will be reflected in this criterion. This is to avoid double counting under criterion (d) Disciplinary Record.
The assessment will look separately at how the employee meets the different elements of the job profile, namely: . Key roles of the post . Essential knowledge, qualification and experience requirements. . Desirable knowledge, qualification and experience requirements. . Core Competencies appropriate to that level of post drawn from the ‘Gateshead Competency Framework’.
After undertaking each separate assessment the Service Manager will then allocate an overall score for this criterion. The Service Manager must produce a written note for this criterion on how and why he/she came to that assessment for each employee.
The score will be one of the following: . Exceeds overall requirements of job profile 20 points . Meets overall requirements of job profile 15 points . Does not meet all requirements of job profile 10 points
For jobs that may not have a job profile (e.g. craft workers) one will be produced for this exercise and agreed with the trade unions.
Length of Service The period of continuous service with Gateshead Council measured from start date to effective date is used to calculate the employee’s length of service, not just the service in their current job. However, where an employee has multiple contracts with the Council at the point of redundancy, the start date in the contract that they are being made redundant from is used to calculate their continuous service. Where an employee has had multiple contracts but only has one contract at the time of redundancy, then their start date in their very first contract is used for calculating their service.
For employees who have taken a career break of 12 months or less, the time spent on their career break will count as part of their continuous service. For employees who have taken a career break of over 12 months their contract of employment ended at the commencement of their career break. Therefore, their continuous service start date will be effective from the first day they returned to work after their career break.
Employees will be allocated one point for each full year of continuous service up to a maximum of 20 years (20 points).
Attendance record An absence is classified as any absence due to sickness, whether self- certified or covered by a medical certificate (fit note),.
- 10 - Revised February 2013
Before selecting on the basis of attendance, it is essential that the reasons for and extent of any absences be identified. Any absences which directly relate to disability, pregnancy/maternity or industrial disease, industrial accident or industrial assault will be excluded from consideration.
Points will be awarded over a 36-month qualifying period measured prior to the effective date. For employees who have taken a career break of 12 months or less during the 36-month qualifying period, the assessment period will extend beyond the 36-month qualifying period, equal to the length of the career break. For example, if an employee has taken a six- month career break, the 36-month qualifying period will be extended by a further six months.
This criterion will look to take into account the frequency and total duration of any absences. That is, a score will be allocated for the number of absences and a separate score for the total duration of those absences. A combined score will then be produced:
Number of occasions . Zero absences = 10 points . 1 absence = 9 points . 2 absences = 7 points . 3 absences = 5 points . 4 absences = 3 points . 5 absences = 2 points . 6 absences = 1 points . 7+ absences = 0 points
Total number of days 0 days = 10 points More than 0 and up to 5 days = 9 points More than 5 and up to 10 days = 7 points More than 10 and up to 25 days = 5 points More than 25 days and up to 50 days = 3 points More than 50 days = 2 points
Absences after the effective date will not be taken into account.
Absences of ½ day will be counted as one occasion.
Absence for part-time employees will be converted to the full-time equivalent to ensure fair and equitable scoring for attendance.
Absences due to hospital appointments or special leave and recorded as such will not be counted. Where the employee is admitted to hospital and is away from work for more than a day this will be counted as an absence.
Clearly, all types of authorised absence such as annual leave, maternity/paternity leave, etc will not be counted.
- 11 - Revised February 2013
Disciplinary record Formal warnings issued in accordance with the Council’s disciplinary procedure will be taken into account here. These will include warnings issued for misconduct but not for concerns connected with an employee’s capability (improvement notes).
Formal warnings issued for short-term persistent sickness absences will also not be included as this performance issue has already been considered in the ‘attendance’ criteria.
Points will be awarded with reference to a 24-month qualifying period measured prior to the effective date as follows: . No warnings on file = 20 points . Written warning = 15 points . Final written warning issued within the period of 12-24 months prior to the effective date = 10 points . Final written warning issued within the last 12 months prior to the effective date = 5 points . Redeployment as an alternative to dismissal = 0 points
- 12 - Revised February 2013 Appendix B
Redundancy pay table Service (Years) Age 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 18 1.5 2.25 19 1.5 2.25 3 20 1.5 2.25 3 3.75 - 21 1.5 2.25 3 3.75 4.5 - 22 1.5 2.25 3 3.75 4.5 5.25 - 23 2.25 3 3.75 4.5 5.25 6 6.75 - 24 3 3.75 4.5 5.25 6 6.75 7.5 8.25 - 25 3 4.5 5.25 6 6.75 7.5 8.25 9 9.75 - 26 3 4.5 6 6.75 7.5 8.25 9 9.75 10.5 11.25 - 27 3 4.5 6 7.5 8.25 9 9.75 10.5 11.25 12 12.75 - 28 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 9.75 10.5 11.25 12 12.75 13.5 14.25 - 29 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 11.25 12 12.75 13.5 14.25 15 15.75 - 30 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 12.75 13.5 14.25 15 15.75 16.5 17.25 - 31 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 14.25 15 15.75 16.5 17.25 18 18.75 - 32 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 15.75 16.5 17.25 18 18.75 19.5 20.25 - 33 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 17.25 18 18.75 19.5 20.25 21 21.75 - 34 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 18.75 19.5 20.25 21 21.75 22.5 23.25 - 35 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 20.25 21 21.75 22.5 23.25 24 24.75 36 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 21.75 22.5 23.25 24 24.75 25.5 37 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 22.5 23.25 24 24.75 25.5 26.25 38 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 22.5 24 24.75 25.5 26.25 27 39 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 22.5 24 25.5 26.25 27 27.75 40 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 22.5 24 25.5 27 27.75 28.5 41 3 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 22.5 24 25.5 27 28.5 29.25 42 3.75 5.25 6.75 8.25 9.75 11.25 12.75 14.25 15.75 17.25 18.75 20.25 21.75 23.25 24.75 26.25 27.75 29.25 30.75 43 4.5 6 7.5 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 22.5 24 25.5 27 28.5 30 31.5 44 4.5 6.75 8.25 9.75 11.25 12.75 14.25 15.75 17.25 18.75 20.25 21.75 23.25 24.75 26.25 27.75 29.25 30.75 32.25 45 4.5 6.75 9 10.5 12 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 22.5 24 25.5 27 28.5 30 31.5 33 46 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 12.75 14.25 15.75 17.25 18.75 20.25 21.75 23.25 24.75 26.25 27.75 29.25 30.75 32.25 33.75 47 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15 16.5 18 19.5 21 22.5 24 25.5 27 28.5 30 31.5 33 34.5 48 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 17.25 18.75 20.25 21.75 23.25 24.75 26.25 27.75 29.25 30.75 32.25 33.75 35.25 49 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 19.5 21 22.5 24 25.5 27 28.5 30 31.5 33 34.5 36 50 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 21.75 23.25 24.75 26.25 27.75 29.25 30.75 32.25 33.75 35.25 36.75 51 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24 25.5 27 28.5 30 31.5 33 34.5 36 37.5 52 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24.75 26.25 27.75 29.25 30.75 32.25 33.75 35.25 36.75 38.25 53 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24.75 27 28.5 30 31.5 33 34.5 36 37.5 39 54 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24.75 27 29.25 30.75 32.25 33.75 35.25 36.75 38.25 39.75 55 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24.75 27 29.25 31.5 33 34.5 36 37.5 39 40.5 56 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24.75 27 29.25 31.5 33.75 35.25 36.75 38.25 39.75 41.25 57 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24.75 27 29.25 31.5 33.75 36 37.5 39 40.5 42 58 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24.75 27 29.25 31.5 33.75 36 38.25 39.75 41.25 42.75 59 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24.75 27 29.25 31.5 33.75 36 38.25 40.5 42 43.5 60 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24.75 27 29.25 31.5 33.75 36 38.25 40.5 42.75 44.25 61+ 4.5 6.75 9 11.25 13.5 15.75 18 20.25 22.5 24.75 27 29.25 31.5 33.75 36 38.25 40.5 42.75 45
12 REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Calendar of Meetings 2013/14
REPORT OF: Mike Barker, Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services
Purpose of the Report
1. This report sets out the proposed calendar of meetings for 2013/14.
Background
2. Every year a calendar of meetings is drawn up for the Council’s main decision making bodies and overview and scrutiny committees for the following municipal year. The calendar of meetings assists in the effective planning of the consideration of Council business and with the preparation of the Cabinet’s schedule of decisions.
3. As in previous years it is suggested that the later start times of a limited number of meetings of Planning and Development Committee, Regulatory Committee, Overview and Scrutiny Committees be continued to ensure there are opportunities for those councillors who find it difficult to attend meetings at the usual start times. The later times for Planning and Development are shown in the calendar of meetings. The timings of meetings of the other bodies will be agreed with the relevant Chairs.
4. As agreed by the Council in 2009, the principle of not holding meetings in school holidays will continue, with the exception of Planning and Development Committee, Regulatory Committee and Audit Committee.
5. During the current municipal year a number of meetings of the Corporate Vitality Advisory Group were required. To avoid meetings being arranged at short notice and to give councillors as much notice as possible, a programme of meetings for this advisory group has been incorporated into the calendar for 2013/14.
6. The local elections in 2014 are due to be held on 1 May 2014. However, the European elections are due to take place in June 2014 and discussions are taking place nationally about the possibly of combining the two elections. In the event of this happening it may mean that the Annual Council meeting in 2014 will need to be changed, together with the dates and times of other meetings in May 2014.
Proposal
7. It is proposed that the Cabinet agree the calendar of meetings 2013/14 (attached at appendix 2) and that it be forwarded to Council for approval.
Recommendations
8. The Cabinet is requested to recommend Council to:
(i) approve the calendar of meetings 2013/14
(ii) agree that, as far as possible, meetings should not be held during school holidays; and
(iii) authorise the Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make any necessary amendments to the calendar of meetings.
For the following reason:
To assist in the preparation of the Cabinet’s schedule of decisions and to allow councillors and officers to plan commitments in their diaries.
CONTACT: Mike Aynsley extension 2128
APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. Preparing a calendar of meetings for the municipal year enables effective planning of Council business and preparation of the Cabinet’s schedule of decisions. The Council’s Charter for Local Decision Making and Voting also aims to ensure that decision making is open and democratic and that residents are aware of meetings and decisions taking place.
Background
2. The calendar of meetings has been prepared on the following basis:
• As far as possible, meetings will not be held during school holidays.
• Ten Council meetings, including the annual meeting and special meeting to consider the budget.
• Meetings of the Cabinet to take place once a month with breaks during school holiday periods. Additional meetings of the Cabinet to be arranged, if required.
• Meetings of the Planning and Development Committee to be held every three weeks.
• Meetings of Regulatory Committee will be held every six weeks.
• Quarterly meetings of the Rights of Way Committee
• Six meetings of the Audit Committee per year.
• Two meetings of the Licensing Committee per year.
• One meeting of the Accounts Committee per year.
• Overview and Scrutiny Committees to be held every six weeks.
• Two meetings of the Personnel Appeals Committee per month, as far as practicable.
3. It is proposed that the principle of holding later start times for some meetings of the Planning and Development Committee, Regulatory Committees, Overview and Scrutiny Committees and Seminars continue.
4. The Council has previously agreed that meetings should not be held in school holidays, as far as possible. There are exceptions to this principle, such as Planning and Development Committee, Regulatory Committee and Audit Committee. It is proposed that this principle should continue to be adopted, except for urgent meetings. The Looked After Children OSC will hold two meetings after school hours to allow children the opportunity to attend its meetings.
5. A number of partnerships and joint committees have agreed their programme of meetings for 2013/14 and these have been included into the attached calendar.
6. During the current municipal year a number of meetings of the Corporate Vitality Advisory Group were required. To avoid meetings being arranged at short notice and to give councillors as much notice as possible, a programme of meetings for this advisory group has been incorporated into the calendar for 2013/14.
7. The local elections in 2014 are due to be held on 1 May 2014. However, the European elections are due to take place in June 2014 and discussions are taking place nationally about the possibly of combining the two elections. In the event of this happening it may mean that the Annual Council meeting in 2014 will need to be changed, together with the dates and times of other meetings in May 2014.
8. It is proposed that the Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services should be authorised, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make any necessary amendments to the calendar of meetings.
Consultation
9. The Leader of the Council has been consulted on the calendar of meetings.
Alternative Options
10. No other options have been considered.
Implications of Recommended Option 11. Resources a) Financial Implications - The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirms that there are no financial implications arising from this report. b) Human Resources Implications – There are no human resources implications arising from this report. c) Property Implications – There are no property implications arising from this report.
12. Risk Management Implication - There are no risk management implications arising from the recommended option.
13. Equality and Diversity Implications - There are no equality and diversity implications arising from the recommended option.
14. Crime and Disorder Implications - There are no crime and disorder implications arising from the recommended option.
15. Health Implications – There are no health implications arising from the recommended option.
16. Sustainability Implications - There are no sustainability implications arising from the recommended option.
17. Human Rights Implications - There are no human rights implications arising from the recommended option.
18. Area and Ward Implications - There are no area and ward implications arising from the recommended option.
19. Background Information - The calendar of meetings approved for the current municipal year.
Appendix 2
Calendar of Meetings 2013/14 MAY 2013 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
MON 6 BANK HOLIDAY 13 LIB DEM GROUP 6.00 20 27 BANK HOLIDAY
CABINET 10.00 REGULATORY 1.30 TUE 7 14 21 28 COMMITTEE GSP STEERING 2.00 GROUP
PERSONNEL APPEALS 10.00
COMMITTEE PLANNING AND 10.00
DEVELOPMENT PERSONNEL ANNUAL LABOUR 5.00 WED 1 8 15 COMMITTEE 22 APPEALS 2.00 29 GROUP COMMITTEE
SEMINAR 4.00 ANNUAL LIB DEM 6.00
GROUP
PLANNING AND PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT THU 2 9 10.00 16 23 30 10.00 COMMITTEE – SITE COMMITTEE – SITE VISITS VISITS
PERSONNEL APPEALS 10.00 COMMITTEE
HEALTH AND FRI 3 10.00 10 17 ANNUAL COUNCIL 2.30 24 31 WELLBEING BOARD SOTW WASTE
MANAGEMENT JOINT 1.30 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
JUNE 2013 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
SEMINAR (COUNCIL 2.00 AUDIT COMMITTEE AGENDA) 10.00
CORPORATE MON 3 10 10.00 17 SUSTAINABLE 24 LABOUR GROUP 6..00 VITALITY OSC 1.30 COMMUNITIES
PLACE OSC LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
CABINET 10.00
HEALTHIER TUE 4 11 1.30 18 25 COMMUNITIES OSC REGULATORY 1.30
COMMITTEE
SUSTAINABLE 1.30 PERSONNEL 2.00 SEMINAR 2.00 COMMUNITIES APPEALS PEOPLE OSC PLANNING AND 10.00 COMMITTEE PLANNING AND 6.00 DEVELOPMENT WED 5 12 19 26 DEVELOPMENT GATESHEAD & 4.00 SEMINAR 4.30 NEWCASTLE
PARTNERSHIP
(NEWCASTLE)
PLANNING AND 10.00 CORPORATE 9.30 DEVELOPMENT VITALITY ADV GP COMMITTEE – SITE
VISITS ECONOMY 2.30
ENVIRONMENT AND JOINT TYNE AND THU 6 COUNCIL 2.30 13 20 10.00 27 CULTURE BOARD WEAR TRADING
STANDARDS MEMBER SUPPORT 4.00 COMMITTEE AND DEVELOPMENT
GROUP CHILDREN AND 1.30 YOUNG PEOPLE OSC
PERSONNEL HEALTH AND FRI 7 10.00 14 21 28 APPEALS 10.00 WELLBEING BOARD COMMITTEE
JULY 2013
DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
SEMINAR (COUNCIL 2.00 AGENDA)
LOOKED AFTER MON 1 8 1.30 15 6.00 22 29 AUDIT COMMITTEE 10.00 CHILDREN OSC LABOUR GROUP
6.00 LIB DEM GROUP
CABINET 10.00 GSP STEERING TUE 2 2.00 9 1.30 16 23 30 GROUP
PERSONNEL 2.00 APPEALS COMMITTEE PLANNING AND 10.00
WED 3 SEMINAR 2.00 10 17 DEVELOPMENT 24 31
SEMINAR 4.30
LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
PLANNING AND 10.00 DEVELOPMENT
COMMITTEE – SITE
VISITS THU 4 11 18 COUNCIL 2.30 25
2.00 CORPORATE
VITALITY ADV GP
HEALTH AND
WELLBEING BOARD 10.00 PERSONNEL RIGHTS OF WAY 10.00 10.00 APPEALS FRI 5 COMMITTEE 12 19 SOTW WASTE 26 COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT
JOINT EXECUTIVE 1.30
COMMITTEE
AUGUST 2013 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
MON 5 12 19 26 BANK HOLIDAY
REGULATORY TUE 6 1.30 13 20 27 COMMITTEE
PLANNING AND PLANNING AND WED 7 10.00 14 21 28 10.00 DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING AND PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENT THU 1 10.00 8 15 22 10.00 29 COMMITTEE – SITE COMMITTEE – SITE VISITS VISITS
FRI 2 9 16 23 30
SEPTEMBER 2013 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES 1.30 PLACE OSC CORPORATE ACCOUNTS MON 2 9 10.00 16 23 30 2.00 VITALITY OSC COMMITTEE LABOUR GROUP 6.00
LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
GSP STEERING 2.00 CABINET 10.00 GROUP
TUE 3 10 17 24 REGULATORY 1.30 HEALTHIER 5.00 COMMITTEE COMMUNITIES OSC
SEMINAR 2.00 PERSONNEL 10.00
APPEALS GATESHEAD & 4.00 COMMITTEE NEWCASTLE
PARTNERSHIP WED 4 11 SUSTAINABLE 1.30 18 25 SEMINAR 2.00 (GATESHEAD) COMMUNITIES
PEOPLE OSC PLANNING AND 6.00
DEVELOPMENT LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
TYNE AND WEAR PLANNING AND JOINT TRADING 10.00 DEVELOPMENT 10.00 STANDARDS COMMITTEE – SITE COMMITTEE THU 5 12 VISITS 19 COUNCIL 2.30 26
ECONOMY CHILDREN AND 1.30 ENVIRONMENT AND 2.30 YOUNG PEOPLE OSC CULTURE BOARD
LICENSING 10.00 COMMITTEE
HEALTH AND 10.00 PERSONNEL CORPORATE 9.30 SEMINAR (COUNCIL 11.00 WELLBEING BOARD FRI 6 APPEALS 10.00 13 20 27 VITALITY ADV GP AGENDA) COMMITTEE SOTW WASTE 1.30 MANAGEMENT JOINT EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
OCTOBER 2013 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
AUDIT COMMITTEE 10.00 CORPORATE MON 7 14 21 10.00 28 LOOKED AFTER 4.30 VITALITY OSC CHILDREN OSC
CABINET 10.00 HEALTHIER GSP STEERING TUE 1 8 15 1.30 22 2.00 29 COMMUNITIES OSC GROUP
PLANNING AND 10.00 SUSTAINABLE 2.00 DEVELOPMENT PLANNING AND 10.00 COMMUNITIES MEMBER SUPPORT 4.00 DEVELOPMENT WED 2 9 16 SEMINAR 2.00 23 PEOPLE OSC 30 AND DEVELOPMENT PERSONNEL 2.00
GROUP APPEALS LIB DEM GROUP 6.00 SEMINAR 4.30 COMMITTEE
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 10.00 PLANNING AND CORPORATE 2.00 COMMITTEE – SITE DEVELOPMENT THU 3 10.00 10 17 VITALITY ADV GP 24 VISITS 31 COMMITTEE – SITE
VISITS CHILDREN AND 1.30 YOUNG PEOPLE OSC
PERSONNEL RIGHTS OF WAY HEALTH AND FRI 4 11 10.00 18 APPEALS 10.00 25 10.00 COMMITTEE WELLBEING BOARD COMMITTEE
NOVEMBER 2013 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
SUSTAINABLE 1.30 COMMUNITIES PLACE OSC
SEMINAR (COUNCIL 4.00 MON 4 11 18 25 SEMINAR 2.00 AGENDA)
LABOUR GROUP 6.00
LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
CABINET 10.00 CORPORATE 2.00 GSP STEERING TUE 5 12 VITALITY ADV GP 19 26 2.00 REGULATORY 5.00 GROUP
COMMITTEE
PERSONNEL 2.00 PERSONNEL APPEALS 2.00 APPEALS SEMINAR 4.30 COMMITTEE
WED 6 COMMITTEE 13 20 27
PLANNING AND 6.00
DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATE 9.30 TYNE AND WEAR 10.00 PLANNING AND VITALITY ADV GP TRADING DEVELOPMENT THU 7 COUNCIL 2.30 14 10.00 21 STANDARDS JOINT 28 COMMITTEE – SITE ECONOMY 2.30 COMMITTEE VISITS ENVIRONMENT AND
CULTURE BOARD
SOTW WASTE MANAGEMENT JOINT FRI 1 8 15 22 29 1.30 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
DECEMBER 2013 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
CORPORATE 1.30 VITALITY ADV GP SUSTAINABLE CORPORATE MON 2 10.00 9 COMMUNITIES 1.30 16 23 30 VITALITY OSC PLACE OSC LABOUR GROUP 6.00
LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
CABINET 10.00 CABINET 10.00 CORPORATE 2.00 REGULATORY 1.30 TUE 3 10 VITALITY ADV GP 17 24 31 HEALTHIER 1.30 COMMITTEE
COMMUNITIES OSC
PLANNING AND 10.00 DEVELOPMENT
PERSONNEL 10.00 SUSTAINABLE 1.30 APPEALS PERSONNEL 2.00 COMMUNITIES COMMITTEE APPEALS PEOPLE OSC
WED 4 COMMITTEE 11 18 25 BANK HOLIDAY GATESHEAD & 4.00 MEMBER SUPPORT 4.00 NEWCASTLE SEMINAR 4.30 AND DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP GROUP (NEWCASTLE)
LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 10.00 COMMITTEE – SITE THU 5 VISITS 12 19 COUNCIL 2.30 26 BANK HOLIDAY
CHILDREN AND 1.30 YOUNG PEOPLE OSC
HEALTH AND 10.00 SEMINAR (COUNCIL FRI 6 13 11.00 20 27 WELLBEING BOARD AGENDA)
JANUARY 2014 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
AUDIT COMMITTEE 10.00
LOOKED AFTER 1.30 CORPORATE MON 6 13 20 10.00 27 SUSTAINABLE 1.30 CHILDREN OSC VITALITY OSC COMMUNITIES PLACE OSC
CABINET 10.00 GSP STEERING TUE 7 14 2.00 21 28 GROUP HEALTHIER 1.30 COMMUNITIES OSC
PLANNING AND CORPORATE 2.00 10.00 PLANNING AND 10.00 DEVELOPMENT VITALITY ADV GP DEVELOPMENT
WED 1 BANK HOLIDAY 8 PERSONNEL 15 SEMINAR 2.00 22 29 2.00 SEMINAR 4.30 APPEALS SUSTAINABLE 5.30
COMMITTEE COMMUNITIES LIB DEM GROUP 6.00 PEOPLE OSC
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 10.00 PLANNING AND CORPORATE COMMITTEE – SITE DEVELOPMENT THU 2 10.00 9 16 VITALITY ADV GP 2.00 23 VISITS 30 COMMITTEE – SITE
VISITS CHILDREN AND 1.30 YOUNG PEOPLE OSC
SEMINAR (COUNCIL 11.00 HEALTH AND AGENDA) 10.00 WELLBEING BOARD PERSONNEL
FRI 3 10 17 24 APPEALS 10.00 31 SOTW WASTE 1.30 RIGHTS OF WAY COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT JOINT 10.00 COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
FEBRUARY 2014 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
SEMINAR (BUDGET) 2.00 LABOUR GROUP 6.00 MON 3 10 17 24 LABOUR GROUP 6.00 LIB DEM GROUP 6.00 LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
CABINET 10.00 CABINET 10.00 REGULATORY TUE 4 5.00 11 18 25 COMMITTEE CORPORATE 2.00 GSP STEERING 2.00 VITALITY ADV GP GROUP
PERSONNEL 10.00 PERSONNEL PLANNING AND APPEALS 10.00 WED 5 12 APPEALS 2.00 19 DEVELOPMENT 26 SEMINAR 4.30 COMMITTEE COMMITTEE
SEMINAR 2.00
PLANNING AND TYNE AND WEAR DEVELOPMENT TRADING 10.00 COMMITTEE – SITE 10.00 STANDARDS JOINT VISITS THU 6 COUNCIL 2.30 13 20 27 COMMITTEE
2.30 ECONOMY SPECIAL COUNCIL 2.30 ENVIRONMENT AND (BUDGET) CULTURE BOARD
HEALTH AND FRI 7 14 21 28 10.00 WELLBEING BOARD
MARCH 2014 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
AUDIT COMMITTEE 10.00 CORPORATE 10.00 CORPORATE 10.00 VITALITY OSC 1.30 SEMINAR (COUNCIL 2.00 VITALITY OSC
AGENDA) LOOKED AFTER MON 3 SUSTAINABLE 1.30 10 17 24 4.30 31 CHILDREN OSC SUSTAINABLE 1.30 COMMUNITIES LABOUR GROUP 6.00 COMMUNITIES PLACE OSC PLACE OSC
LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
CABINET 10.00
HEALTHIER REGULATORY TUE 4 1.30 11 18 CORPORATE 2.00 25 1.30 COMMUNITIES OSC COMMITTEE VITALITY ADV GP
PLANNING AND 10.00 DEVELOPMENT PERSONNEL 10.00
APPEALS SEMINAR 2.00 GATESHEAD & 4.00 COMMITTEE NEWCASTLE WED 5 12 19 26 SEMINAR 4.30 MEMBER SUPPORT 4.00 PARTNERSHIP SUSTAINABLE 1.30 AND DEVELOPMENT (GATESHEAD) COMMUNITIES GROUP PEOPLE OSC
LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 10.00 PLANNING AND COMMITTEE – SITE DEVELOPMENT THU 6 VISITS 13 20 COUNCIL 2.30 27 10.00 COMMITTEE – SITE
VISITS CHILDREN AND 1.30 YOUNG PEOPLE OSC
RIGHTS OF WAY 10.00 COMMITTEE PERSONNEL 10.00
LICENSING APPEALS FRI 7 14 10.00 21 28 SOTW WASTE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE MANAGEMENT JOINT 1.30 EXECUTIVE
COMMITTEE
APRIL 2014 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
AUDIT COMMITTEE 10.00 MON 7 14 21 BANK HOLIDAY 28
10.00 CABINET
GSP STEERING HEALTHIER TUE 1 2.00 8 15 22 1.30 29 GROUP COMMUNITIES OSC
PLANNING AND 10.00
DEVELOPMENT
WED 2 9 16 LIB DEM GROUP 6.00 23 PLANNING AND 6.00 30 SUSTAINABLE 1.30 DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITIES
PEOPLE OSC
PLANNING AND 10.00 DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – SITE CORPORATE CHILDREN AND VISITS 2.00 THU 3 1.30 10 17 24 VITALITY ADV GP YOUNG PEOPLE OSC
ECONOMY 2.30 ENVIRONMENT AND CULTURE BOARD
PERSONNEL HEALTH AND 10.00 FRI 4 APPEALS 10.00 11 18 BANK HOLIDAY 25 WELLBEING BOARD COMMITTEE
MAY 2014 DAY DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME DATE TIME
SEMINAR (COUNCIL 4.00 AGENDA) 6.00 MON 5 BANK HOLIDAY 12 LIB DEM GROUP 6.00 19 26 BANK HOLIDAY LABOUR GROUP 6.00 LIB DEM GROUP
TUE 6 13 20 27
GSP STEERING GROUP 2.00
LABOUR GROUP 5.00 WED 7 14 LIB DEM GROUP 6.00 21 28
LIB DEM GROUP 6.00
THU 1 LOCAL ELECTIONS 8 15 22 COUNCIL 2.30 29
FRI 2 9 16 23 30 ANNUAL COUNCIL 2.30
13 REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Transfer of the NHS Public Health Workforce to the Council
REPORT OF: Mike Barker, Strategic Director, Legal and Corporate Services David Bunce, Strategic Director, Community Based Services
Purpose of the Report
1. To inform Cabinet of the transfer of the NHS public health workforce into the Council as a result of the transfer of responsibility for public health functions from the NHS to the Council.
Background
2. The Department of Health (DH) published details of the new public health system in December 2011, including the role and responsibilities of local government in public health. This outlined new duties for local authorities to: • promote the health of their population • ensure robust plans are in place to protect the local population • provide public health advice to NHS commissioners • lead the development of Joint Strategic Needs Assessments (JSNAs) and Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategies through the Health and Wellbeing Board
3. The proposed arrangements and new duties were enshrined in the Health & Social Care Act 2012 which confirmed that, with effect from 1 April 2013, local authorities will have responsibility for improving the health of the local population and reducing inequalities. The transfer of the public health function to the local authority offers a number of opportunities to transform the peoples’ health, building upon our strong relationships with partners.
Public Health Workforce
4. An appointment has already been made to the post of Director of Public Health Gateshead, currently a joint post of the Council and NHS SoTW. From the 1st April 2013, the Director of Public Health will be wholly a Council appointed post. The Director of Public Health (DPH) is supported by a team of staff with specific skills and expertise covering a range of functions to ensure the population of Gateshead’s health and wellbeing.
5. A mapping exercise has been undertaken to identify staff affected by the proposed public health reforms as well as the proposed future destination of particular public health services. This included NHS SoTW staff who have been working in the Gateshead public health team, and also staff who currently support shared public health services across NHS SoTW. It has provisionally been established that 22 staff, including the Director of Public Health, will transfer to the Council with effect from 1 April 2013.
6. The main focus of the public health team is to improve health outcomes of the population by delivering the following core activities: • Identifying the needs of the local population through consultation, undertaking needs assessments and health equity audits. • Supporting work to integrate public health into the roles of all partner organisations, including staff across all parts of the local authority. • Commissioning health improvement services for adults and children to ensure best value for money (for example drug and alcohol services, stop smoking services, sexual health and NHS Health Checks). • Identifying evidence of effectiveness from national guidance (for example NICE), and using analysis of local evidence to identify services that have the greatest impact upon local health. • Interpret and apply national strategies to support the health improvement elements of local partnership plans and the delivery of services. • Promote engagement of communities, organisations and individuals in the health agenda through consultation and collaboration. • Develop a performance management system to support and steer the delivery of improved health outcomes.
7. Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, Public Health England will provide health protection services, however, local authorities will be required to ensure that health protection plans are in place for minor outbreaks to full scale emergencies, and for preventing these from occurring, as well as immunisation, screening and infection control.
Transfer Scheme
8. The Department of Health is due to publish details of a Transfer Scheme which will formally set out the basis for the transfer of employment of public health staff from NHS SoTW to the Council. Although the content of the scheme has not yet been disclosed, it is expected to provide protection of terms and conditions of employment for the transferring staff. Final confirmation of all staff transferring will be set out in the Transfer Scheme.
Proposal
9. It is proposed that public health staff (referred to in paragraph 5 above) transfer to the Council in accordance with the Transfer Scheme, as and when it is published, as established under the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Staff will transfer on their existing NHS terms and conditions.
10. The Director of Public Health will be accountable to the Chief Executive in relation to the public health statutory responsibilities transferring to the Council. In terms of day to day administration, the Public Health team will come under the umbrella of Community Based Services.
11. It is proposed to bring a further report to Cabinet on 12th March to address the following issues arising from the Council’s new responsibilities under the Health & Social Care Act 2012:
• Partnership Agreement on Public Health Shared Services across Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland • Memorandum of Understanding on Public Health Core Offer to Gateshead CCG • Proposed amendments to the Council constitution in the light of regulations under the Health & Social Care Act 2012 relating to public health functions, the role of the Director of Public Health, Health and Wellbeing Board etc. • NHS SoTW Quality Handover and Corporate Handover arrangements • Public Health Contracting Arrangements • Health Protection arrangements • Public health clinical governance arrangements • Public Health Complaints Procedure • Other issues, as required
Recommendations
12. It is recommended that Cabinet: (i) Note the arrangements which are in place regarding the transfer of public health staff from the NHS to the Council arising from the new public health responsibilities of the Council from 1st April 2013. (ii) Give approval for the Service Director, Human Resources and Organisational Development, following consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Health, to finalise the details of the transfer of public health staff to the Council in accordance with the statutory Transfer Scheme when issued, working with the Director of Public Health and NHS SoTW as required. (iii) Note that a further report will be brought to Cabinet in relation to the outstanding issues set out in paragraph 11 above.
For the following reasons:
(i) To ensure that the Council is well placed to meet its responsibilities as required by the Health & Social Care Act 2012.
(ii) To further develop our work towards the aspirations set out in Vision 2030, ensure the milestones developed for Active and Healthy Gateshead are met or exceeded and deliver the Council Plan.
CONTACT: Mike Barker extension: 2100 APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. The transfer of responsibility for public health arises from the Health and Social Care Act 2012. The new duties will support the delivery of the ambitions within Vision 2030, specifically those set out under the Active and Healthy Gateshead Big Idea.
Background
2. The Department of Health (DH) published details of the new public health system in December 2011, including the role and responsibilities of local government in public health. This was followed, in January 2012, by DH guidance to support local authorities and PCTs in the transition of public health to local government. The guidance informed the development of a Public Health Transition Plan for Gateshead which was submitted to both NHS North and DH in March 2012. The new duties were enshrined in statute under the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
3. In October 2012, a regional stock-take was undertaken of public health transition plans. Gateshead’s transition plan was reported to be well developed and on track to meet key transition milestones. A key work stream of the transition plan relates to the public health workforce and work has been ongoing from the outset to prepare for the transfer of public health staff to the Council, which is the main focus of this report.
4. Whilst DH guidance made it clear that no staff should transfer employment in advance of the due date of 1st April 2013 (when statutory responsibilities transfer), it encouraged the development of local arrangements to help transferring staff to engage more closely with their eventual new employers.
5. As part of our local public health transition plan, the co-location of public health staff at the Civic Centre took place on 7th January 2013. The co- location arrangements have been successful and represent an important milestone in the Gateshead transition process. An induction day for the public health team was held on the 9th January with input from all directorates across the Council. This is part of a wider induction programme for public health staff, which includes orientation, policies and procedures, council structures and remit etc.
6. It is proposed that the current structure of the public health team is maintained during transition to maintain the safe migration of all functions. It is considered that this is the best way to ensure the team is fit for purpose in the short term, with further consideration to be given to the long term structure and links into directorates within the Council.
7. A Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board has already been established as part of transition arrangements generally in relation to the health reforms. This was the subject of a previous report to Cabinet on 20 September 2011.
Consultation
8. The Cabinet Members for Corporate Vitality, Healthier Communities and Adult Social Care have been consulted. Consultation is taking place with the staff affected by the transfer and their trade union representatives.
Alternative Options
9. The new duties relating to public health are enshrined in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, therefore no alternative options can be considered at this time.
Implications of Recommended Option
10. Resources:
a) Financial Implications – The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirms that the Department of Health (DH) has recently provided details of public health funding to transfer to local authorities to fulfil its new responsibilities in this area. A two year allocation has been announced to provide a degree of certainty and facilitate planning in the short term. Gateshead is due to receive a ring-fenced grant of £15.4m in 2013/14 and £15.8m in 2014/15. This includes provision for the transfer of public health staff to the Council. In future years (i.e. 2015/16 onwards), Gateshead is expected to see a reduced public health grant as it moves towards its ‘target’ allocation identified by DH. However, the ‘pace of change’ towards its target level has yet to be determined.
b) Human Resources Implications – the human resources implications are considered throughout this report. It is proposed that 24 staff will transfer to the Council on their existing NHS terms and conditions of employment.
c) Property Implications – there are no property implications arising from the recommendations within this report. All staff affected by the transfer will be based at the Civic Centre.
11. Risk Management Implications - Failing to effect the transfer would be in breach of the Health and Social Care Act 2012.
12. Equality and Diversity Implications – The transfer of responsibilities to the Council will help to ensure that health and social care services are responsive to the needs of all communities, including hard to reach groups.
13. Crime and Disorder Implications – There are no crime and disorder implications.
14. Health Implications – The new duties for public health will contribute to the achievement of the wider objectives in relation to Active and Healthy Gateshead as set out in the Council Plan and Vision 2030.
15. Sustainability Implications - There are no sustainability implications.
16. Human Rights Implications - There are no human rights implications.
17. Area and Ward Implications - There are no area and ward implications.
18. Background Information - Report to Cabinet 20th September 2011 (Item 15)
14 REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund)
REPORT OF: David Bunce, Strategic Director Community Based Services
Purpose of the Report
1. To consider the advice of the Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group of 7th February 2013 for the approval of the applications for funding to the Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund) and Sporting Grants to Individuals.
Background
2. Council agreed the principle aim of the Capacity Building Fund should be support for voluntary organisations and community groups (infrastructure and delivery) to build capacity and sustainability.
3. The fund is to increase organisations’ skills and expertise to diversify their income, expand services or consider different ways of working (e.g. delivering services, collaboration and/or partnership working) so that they become more sustainable.
4. Council agreed the overall aim is to achieve a thriving voluntary and community and social enterprise sector in Gateshead as a result of the following outcomes:
• Increased capacity building and sustainability within the voluntary and community sector • Increased provision of services by the voluntary and community sector (commissioned by the Council and Gateshead Strategic Partnership) • Improved clarity and equity in commissioning processes • Simplified and proportionate application and assessment processes.
5. Council agreed a £620,000 budget for the Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund) in 2012/13, an increase of £220,000 from the £400,000 budget for 2011/12.
6. Council agreed in the Budget Report of 1st March 2012 to mitigate against the risks highlighted in the Comprehensive Impact Assessments … ‘to provide additional funding for the capacity building element of the Gateshead Fund (£220,000). This would be aimed at supporting (vulnerable) smaller and BME voluntary groups as well as provide some capacity building for libraries and community centres affected by spending proposals in 2013/14’.
7. It was also agreed that applications to the Capacity Building Fund will be considered by the Gateshead Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group and that
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the approach for the Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund) 2012/13 was to apply a mixture of a targeted approach and an open call for applications.
8. Organisations have been considered under four categories;
a. Commission Ready organisations - organisations which may still require a small contribution to running costs but need support with capacity building to move on or require other non financial support. b. Small and medium sized health checked organisations such as BME groups which still require a percentage of running costs as well as capacity building funding to help them develop and become more sustainable. The funding will be outcomes based in order to measure development as well as ensure they become sustainable. c. Area based youth and community organisations and centres which will be strategically supported through the Council but to mitigate the impact of the budget decisions may require support as well as capacity building funding to help them develop and become more sustainable. The funding and support is based on the Council’s commissioning intentions and service plans for youth and community services. d. Smaller grassroots groups which will always require contributions towards running costs, are too small to deliver contracts and which the Council wish to continue to support as they deliver Vision 2030 priorities.
9. Cabinet agreed on 6th November 2012 that there should be a fourth open and targeted round of applications and priority should be given to area based youth and community organisations and centres as agreed in the Council’s Budget report in March 2012.
Proposal
10. Cabinet is asked to approve the advice of the Gateshead Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group from the meeting held on 7th February 2013 as set out in the recommendations below and in appendices 2 and 3 of this report.
11. Cabinet is asked to approve that there should be a fifth closed round of applications between February and March 2013 as recommended by the Gateshead Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group in paragraph 3 of Appendix 2. This closed round should be targeted at community centres and community libraries to implement the recommendations of the community centres and library reviews which will be reported to Cabinet 26th February 2013.
12. Cabinet is asked to approve that £4,900 of the remaining £6,500 Sporting Grants to Individuals should be allocated to the Community Foundation to be matched and awarded to Gateshead organisations as recommended by the Gateshead Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group in paragraph 3 of Appendix 2.
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Recommendations
13. Cabinet is recommended to approve the advice of the Gateshead Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group from 7th February 2013 (Appendix 2);
i. on the recommendations for Capacity Building Fund as set out in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 ii. on the recommendations for Sporting Grants to Individuals as set out in Appendix 2 iii. on the recommendation for the allocation of the remaining Capacity Building Fund as set out in paragraph 11 above. iv. on the recommendation for the allocation the remaining Sporting Grants to Individuals as set out in paragraph 12 above.
For the following reason:
To ensure that the Gateshead Fund is used to maximise benefits to local communities and is managed effectively.
CONTACT: Linda Whitfield extension: 2836
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APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. The Council is committed to supporting and maintaining a vibrant voluntary and community sector in the Borough. The Council funds voluntary and community sector organisations, supporting their running costs, specific activities and building their capacity. The Council asks organisations to demonstrate how activities support the Council’s policies and priorities (Vision 2030 and the Council Plan).
Background
2. The Gateshead Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group met on 7th February 2013 to consider the applications for funding to the Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund) and Sporting Grants to Individuals.
Consultation
3. This report has been prepared following consultation with the Gateshead Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group.
Alternative Options
4. There are no alternative options as the applications have been considered within the Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund) criteria.
Implications of Recommended Option
5 Resources:
a) Financial Implications – These are set out in the financial summary within Appendix 2.
b) Human Resources Implications – There are no human resources implications for the Council from the proposals.
c) Property Implications - There are no property implications for the Council from the proposals.
6. Risk Management Implications - There are no risk management implications for the Council from the proposals.
7. Equality and Diversity Implications – The allocation of Capacity Building Fund to VCS organisations should improve equality and diversity across Gateshead.
8. Crime and Disorder Implications – The allocation of Capacity Building Fund to VCS organisations should improve the reduction of crime and disorder across Gateshead.
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9. Health Implications – The allocation of Capacity Building Fund to VCS organisations should improve health and wellbeing across Gateshead.
10. Sustainability Implications – The allocation of Capacity Building Fund should improve the sustainability of VCS organisations across Gateshead.
11. Human Rights Implications - There are no Human Rights implications for the Council from the proposals.
12. Area and Ward Implications - The applications could affect most wards in the Borough as membership of some of the organisations concerned is drawn from across the Borough. The allocation of Capacity Building Fund to VCS organisations will improve engagement and reach across Areas and Wards.
Background Information
13. The minutes and papers for the Gateshead Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group meeting held on 7th February 2013.
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Appendix 2
Gateshead Fund (Capacity Building Fund)
Advice to Cabinet
Advisory Group Meeting 7 February 2013
Issues on which advice was sought:
1. Applications for funding support in 2012/13 – Round 4 recommendations
2. Recommendations to Sporting Grants to Individuals
3. Consideration of remaining Capacity Building Fund budget
Advice to Cabinet
1. Applications for funding 2012/13 – Round 4 recommendations.
Advisory Group received the financial summary as set out below.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY - February 2013
Total Total Funding Funding Recommended Requested
Total Recommended Projects £41,621 £31,635
Small & Medium Sized Organisations £13,274 £9,625 Area Based Youth & Community £29,830 £22,010 Organisations & Centres Sporting Individuals £1,900 £1,900
Totals £45,004 £33,535
Funding Available to Organisations £70,982 2012/13 after Round 3
Funding Available to Sporting Grants to Individuals after Round 3 £8,400
Total Funding Available after Round 3 £79,382
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Remaining funding for Organisations £39,347 2012/2013 Remaining Funding Available for £6,500 Sporting Grants to Individuals 2012/13
Cabinet is asked to approve the following applications:
Small and Medium Sized Organisations
Gateshead Foodbank £4,485
Gateshead Older Peoples Assembly £4,200
Gateshead Stadium Netball Club £ 940
Area Based Youth and Community Organisations and Centres
Blaydon Youth Centre £9,390
Swalwell Community Association £7,910
Winlaton Community Centre £4,710
2. Recommendations to Sporting Grants to Individuals
Cabinet is asked to approve the following applications:
Simon Robinson £400 Georgia Swinhoe £100 Rachel Lee £200 Harry John Young £200 Charlotte Robinson £100 Emma Cartwright £100 Sally Mills £100 Glen Blacklock £100 Daniel Whitehead £100 Jennifer Batey £100 Natalie Batey £400
3. Consideration of the remaining Capacity Building Fund
The Advisory Group recommended that there should be a fifth and final round of applications between February and March 2013. It should be a closed round targeted at community centres to implement the recommendations of the community centres review which will be reported to Cabinet 26th February 2013. It was also agreed that community libraries should be considered for support.
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The Advisory Group was asked to consider the remaining £6,500 under spend for Sporting Grants to Individuals. The Advisory Group agreed that an amount of £1,600 should be retained for Sporting Grants to individuals between February and March 2013 and that £4,900 should be allocated to the Community Foundation serving Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. The money would be matched and awarded to Gateshead organisations.
Chair: Councillor P Foy
Members present: Councillors F Hindle, L Green, H, Hughes,
Officer attendance: Lindsay Murray and Linda Whitfield (Community Based Services)
Democratic Services: Sonia Stewart
3 Appendix 3: Application List
Organisation No Benefiting Total Funding Recommended for from Activities Recommended Funding Small and Medium Organisations Gateshead Foodbank (New to the Capacity Building 94 adults and 4,485 Capacity Building activities Fund) children up to 5 • The Foodbank was established in May 2012 and started Jan 2013 to distribute food in November 2012. It is based in the Gateshead Advice Centre in the Bridges ward and is part of the national Foodbank network operated by the Trussell Trust. The Foodbank collects, stores and distributes donated food to people in crisis situations in Gateshead. Gateshead Older People's Assembly (New to the 2,300 older 4,200 Capacity Building activities Capacity Building Fund) people • The Assembly is based in Felling and delivers activities across the Gateshead area. The organisation aims to improve the lives of older people by offering various services, events and activities, including information events, focus groups, consultations on behalf of other agencies, teaching sessions, research and outreach to those older people who are socially isolated.
Gateshead Stadium Netball Club 50 (11 reside in 940 Capacity building activities Gateshead) Subtotal 9,625 Organisation No Benefiting Total Funding Recommended for from Activities Recommended Funding Area Based Youth and Community Organisations and Community Centres Blaydon Youth Centre (New to the Capacity Building 1,433 9,390 Capacity Building activities Fund) • The Centre provides social, sporting and educational activities for young people in the Blaydon area. They offer afterschool club and holiday care for the children of working parents through links with the local schools and it is also a venue for various community groups to meet and other agencies to deliver their work. Due to move in to new premises February 2013. Swalwell Community Association (New to the Capacity 200 7,910 Capacity Building activities Building Fund) • The Association provides a facility in Swalwell and offers recreation and leisure activities for the residents of the surrounding area. It is a venue for agencies to deliver their work and community groups to meet. Winlaton Community Centre (New to the Capacity 300 4,710 Capacity Building activities Building Fund) • The Centre benefits the residents of Winlaton and the surrounding area. They provide a range of activities which include football, art club, luncheon clubs, badminton and youth clubs. It is also a venue to run events in the community. Subtotal 22,010
Total 31,635 15
Healthier Communiti REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Smokefree Play Areas Gateshead
REPORT OF: David Bunce, Director of Community Based Services Margaret Whellans, Director Learning and Children Carole Wood, Director Public Health
Purpose of report
1. This report sets out a proposal to implement a voluntary code to make children’s play areas in Gateshead Smokefree.
Background
2. Although there has been a legal ban on smoking in all enclosed public places in the UK since July 2007, there is no legal basis to formally ban smoking in open public areas. However the Government’s Tobacco Control Plan for England published in March 2011 states; “Local communities and organisations may also wish to go further than the requirements of smoke free laws in creating environments free from second hand smoke, for example in children’s play areas, outdoor parts of shopping centres and venues associated with sports and leisure activities. Initiatives such as these can also help to shape positive social norms and discourage the use of tobacco”
3. Whilst the number of smokers in the borough is decreasing, Gateshead’s rate of early deaths caused by smoking remains significantly higher then the national average. Reducing the rates of illness and death caused by smoking is one of Gateshead’s key public health priorities.
Proposal
4. The Smokefree Play Areas initiative will be promoted as a polite request for adults to voluntarily refrain from smoking in and around children’s play areas. It is not intended that the Gateshead Smokefree play areas initiative be perceived as a smoking “ban”.
5. The initiative aims to change the perception of smoking amongst young children and reduce the likelihood of them becoming smokers in the future
6. This proposal is supported by local health professionals and by FRESH Smokefree North East.
Recommendations
7. It is recommended that Cabinet:
(i) Approves the adoption of a voluntary smokefree code for children’s play areas in Gateshead.
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(ii) Agrees that progress is reported to Cabinet and GSP Steering Group.
For the following reason:
The initiative aims to change the perception of smoking amongst young children and reduce the likelihood of them becoming smokers in the future. This supports the Vision 2030 aim of reducing smoking prevalence in Gateshead to 5% by 2020.
CONTACT: Natalie Goodman, extension 2421
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Appendix 1
Policy Context
1. The proposal in this report supports Vision 2030 and the corporate priority that ‘Local people will realise their full potential, enjoy the best quality of life in a healthy, equal, safe, prosperous and sustainable Gateshead’. The target in Vision 2030 is 5% smoking prevalence by 2020.
Background
2. It is not intended that the Gateshead smokefree play areas initiative is perceived as a smoking “ban”. The scheme will be promoted as a polite request for adults to voluntarily refrain from smoking in and around children’s play areas.
3. Whilst the number of smokers in the borough is decreasing Gateshead’s rate of early deaths caused by smoking remains significantly higher then the national average. Smoking related diseases, particularly lung and other forms of smoking related cancer, can take many years to develop. Lung cancer incidence directly tracks smoking prevalence, but is delayed by up to 30 years. Reducing the rates of illness and death caused by smoking is one of Gateshead’s key public health priorities.
4. To achieve this objective there is a need to reduce the number of people who smoke. It can be notoriously difficult for existing smokers to stop, so it is critical that we help to reduce the numbers of people who start to smoke. This includes initiatives that help prevent children in Gateshead from becoming the next generation of smokers.
5. A recent survey shows that there has been a decline in regular cigarette use amongst 11-15 year olds in the North East - down to 7% from 10% in 2006-08 (Smoking, Drinking and Drug Use among young people in England 2011).
6. Levels of smoking amongst Gateshead’s children are higher than England as a whole – smoking rates amongst girls are of particular concern. Some 27% of Gateshead’s year 10 girls (aged 14 or 15) smoke, compared to 20% of boys and significantly higher than England’s year 10 girls (17% in 2009)% of girls (Gateshead JSNA, 2011).
7. The vast majority of individuals start smoking before they are 19 with two thirds starting to smoke before 18 - the legal age of sale. Smokers who start before the age of 18 years are least likely to be able to give up the habit in later years.
8. Children become aware of cigarettes at an early age - 3 out of 4 children are aware of cigarettes before they reach the age of 5 irrespective of whether or not their parents smoke. Research suggests that if young people see smoking as part of normal everyday life they are more likely to become smokers themselves.
9. Young people are exposed to a mix of personal, social and environmental influences that serve to make smoking appear normal, even desirable, and encourage the onset of smoking.
10. Internationally, smoking in public play areas and parks is already prohibited in Spain, Hong Kong, Latvia, Singapore and in cities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and parts of the USA, including New York and San Francisco.
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11. Many areas in the UK have also implemented or are in the process of consultation on Smokefree Play areas, these include Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Cardiff, , Prestwich, Hackney, Cumbria, Wirrel, Blackpool,Medway, Knowsley, Warrington, St Helen’s, Sefton, Paddock Wood, Caerphilly, Powys, Adur and Worthing, Crawley, Mid Sussex, Hyndburn, North Somerset, Inverclyde, Halton, North Hertfordshire.
12. In the North West region 6 out of 9 local authorities have now implemented the request for smokefree play areas. Early indications are that the request has been well received and it has a high level of public support.
13. According to a recent YouGov poll 79% of people in the North East agree or strongly agree that smoking should be banned in outdoor children’s play areas”
Consultation
14. During July / August 2012 the Gateshead Smokefree Alliance carried out opinion poll surveys with 141 local people in various locations across the borough to seek local views on whether ‘ Smoking should be banned in outdoor children’s play areas in Gateshead’. 91% said that they ‘agreed’ or ‘strongly agreed’ with this statement indicating the very strong support for this position to be considered in Gateshead. (35% of those completing the survey were smokers or ex smokers)
15. The Cabinet Members for Children and Young People and Healthier Communities have been consulted. The Children’s Trust Board has also been consulted.
16. The following organisations have been involved in or consulted with during the development Smokefree Play Area initiative:
• Gateshead Youth Council • The Gateshead Housing Company • Gateshead Foundation Trust • Local Children’s centres • Education Gateshead • Gateshead Smokefree Alliance • North East Trading Standards • FRESH NE • SoTW Primary Care Trust • NECA • ASH • Smokefree North West
17. This proposal is widely supported by local health professionals
Alternative Options
18. The alternative option would be for Gateshead Council not to raise the issue of smoking in children’s play areas. This will result in the Council ultimately being out of step with other local authorities who are taking forward this approach.
19. The proposed approach is considered to be the most effective and efficient way to raise public awareness and affect young peoples perceptions about smoking.
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Implications of Recommended Option
20. Resources:
Approaches to implementation will be met within existing resources and work programmes:
a) Financial Implications – In the future all appropriate new or replacement council signage will carry a message requesting people not to smoke in children’s play area.
A sum of £4,000 has been identified by the Smokefree Alliance from existing budgets to purchase a small number of signs to initiate the project and to provide for ongoing maintenance.
The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirms that there are no other direct implications.
b) Human Resources Implications – There is no intention to actively enforce No Smoking in play areas as there is no legal basis to do so. Gateshead Smokefree Alliance will arrange for the briefing / training of community based staff so that they are fully briefed to answer any questions from the public about the voluntary code.
There are no other direct HR implications.
c) Property Implications – The Smokefree scheme will cover all 179 council owned children’s play areas. A small number of signs will be purchased by the Smokefree Alliance and installed by LES to promote the launch of the Smokefree initiative. These will be placed a strategically important play areas to raise the profile of the project.
21. Risk Management Implications – Failure to implement identified actions relating to Smokefree Play areas could delay Gateshead Council and its partners in achieving it’s Vision 2030 target of 5% smoking prevalence by 2020 which, in turn, would prevent us achieving our Vision 2030 aspirations for the longest and healthiest lives in England.
22. Equality and Diversity Implications – There are no equality or diversity issues associated with this voluntary code because smokers are being asked to modify their behaviour to accommodate this request in accordance with the voluntary code.
23. Crime and Disorder Implications – The initiative potentially reduces the amount of smoking related litter dropped in children’s play areas.
24. Health Implications – Whilst the number of smokers in the borough is decreasing, Gateshead’s rate of early deaths caused by smoking remains significantly higher then the national average. Reducing the rates of illness and death caused by smoking is one of Gateshead’s key public health priorities, and this measure will contribute towards that.
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25. Sustainability Implications – The initiative supports the ongoing work on Tobacco Control in Gateshead.
26. Human Rights Implications – The Strategy seeks to ensure that everyone in Gateshead can achieve their full potential in fair and inclusive communities, supporting the rights of children to the best possible health and development. The rights of people wishing to continue smoking are not impaired, as this is a voluntary measure.
27. Area and Ward Implications – The initiative in borough wide. The profile of the message can be raised in areas of high smoking prevalence as appropriate to support locally agreed priorities for area and neighbourhood working.
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16 REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Local Economic Assessment – Refresh (Gateshead)
REPORT OF: Paul Dowling – Strategic Director Development and Enterprise
Purpose of the Report
1. This report outlines the key findings arising from the annual update of the Local Economic Assessment (LEA). Cabinet is asked to approve the publication of the LEA based upon these key findings, which are included in summary in Appendix 2.
Background
2. In 2007, Prosperous Places – the Sub National Review of Economic Development, considered how to strengthen the economic performance of the English regions, cities and localities, as well as how to tackle persistent pockets of deprivation. One of the key strands arising from the review was the need to develop a better understanding of the local economy. .
3. The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (Part 4 s69), required each local authority to undertake the first assessment of their locality by March 2011. This is the second annual refresh of the document, which reflects change in the last 12 months. A full revision will be undertaken once the 2011 census data becomes available in 2013/14.
4. The LEA builds upon and updates the work undertaken within the 1PLAN, NewcastleGateshead’s Economic and Spatial Strategy; it also uses the evidence gathered as part of the Local Development Framework (LDF) to help examine the issues facing the local economy in the future. The document provided the underpinning economic analysis for the development of the Strategic Needs Assessment in 2012 and will support the suite of other assessments in the future to help with the delivery of the Council Plan. The Assessment also supports the implementation of Vision 2030, the borough’s Sustainable Communities Strategy.
5. The economic priorities and key findings of the refresh are included in Appendix 2. The full refresh document will be made available on the Council’s website and a copy will be placed in the members’ library.
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Proposal
6. It is proposed that Cabinet endorse the refresh of the Local Economic Assessment, as detailed below.
Recommendations
7. It is recommended that Cabinet approve the findings of the LEA refresh as highlighted in appendix 2.
For the following reasons:
(i) It provides a detailed analysis of the economic, social and environmental factors affecting Gateshead, supplementing and updating the work undertaken in the 1PLAN.
(ii) It offers detailed local information that will supplement the production of other strategies and which will influence the localism agenda.
(iii) It provides a base document on Gateshead, for the North East Local Economic Partnership (NELEP).
(iv) It contributes to council decision making on policy including the Strategic Needs Assessment and underpins the strategic direction of the work of the Environment, Economic Development & Regeneration Service.
CONTACT: Sarah Douglas Extension: 2030
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Appendix 1
Policy Context
1. The Local Democracy, Economic Development and Construction Act 2009 (Part 4 s69) provides a legal framework for preparing an assessment of the local economy. This is an annual refresh of the first assessment produced in early 2011. This update on economic conditions will be produced annually ahead of a new assessment being prepared from new census data in 2013/14.
2. The assessment has been developed with a view to the findings of the Local Development Framework, but also reflects the aspirations for the borough within Vision 2030 and other strategy documents such as the 1PLAN and Fit for a City, the Council’s Regeneration Delivery Strategy. It also supports the strategic direction of the council by contributing to the development of the Strategic Needs Assessment.
3. It relates specifically to the delivery of the Council Plan, particularly the ambition for sustainable economic growth and wellbeing and the strategic intervention to create the conditions for economic growth.
Background
4. The 2012/13 refresh of the LEA has been prepared to highlight changes to the full assessment in 2010/11 and first refresh in 2011/12. A summary of the key findings is set out in appendix 2. A full copy of the draft refresh document has been placed in the Members’ Library alongside the original document published in 2011, which remains a valid and active document. A copy is also available via http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Jobs%20and%20Employment/Policies,Strategiesand Performance.aspx.
Consultation
5. The Cabinet Members for Employment and Skills, Transport and Environment and Culture have been consulted. The LDF consultation has supported this work.
Alternative Options
6. There are no alternative options, as the preparation of the assessment is a statutory requirement.
Implications of Recommended Option
7. Resources:
a) Financial Implications – The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirm that there are no financial implications arising from this report.
b) Human Resources Implications – None
c) Property Implications - None
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8. Risk Management Implication - None
9. Equality and Diversity Implications - None
10. Crime and Disorder Implications – None
11. Health Implications - None
12. Sustainability Implications - None
13. Human Rights Implications - None
14. Area and Ward Implications - None
15. Background Information - A copy of the full 2010/11 Local Economic Assessment and 2011/12 Refresh is available on the Council’s website http://www.gateshead.gov.uk/Jobs%20and%20Employment/Policies,Strategiesand Performance.aspx
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Appendix 2 Local Economic Assessment Refresh – Key Findings
Introduction The UK economy went back into recession in the first quarter of 2012, shrinking for three consecutive quarters. Classed as a ‘double dip’, following the recession in 2009, this demonstrated that the economy is struggling to recover following the longest recession since the Second World War. A gloomy outlook prevails, with forecasters alluding to the possibility of a ‘triple dip’ recession with limited growth throughout the next few years.
The UK economy is directly influenced by international markets. The eurozone; our major trading partner has by far, the largest sphere of influence and forecasters predict that economic recovery in the region will continue to be fragile and uncertain.
Austerity across most of Europe is hampering the recovery in demand, making it very difficult for companies to judge the appropriate level of output. In addition, companies are aware that more austerity is on the horizon; causing companies to delay investment decisions, which is in turn affecting growth.
Locally, the Council and its partners continue to prepare for the upturn by seeking to exploit the maximum economic benefit for the borough from new opportunities and emerging economic policy.
Key Findings Since the last refresh of the LEA, change has been seen in the following key areas:
• Unemployment/youth unemployment • Employment/underemployment • Residents with no qualifications • Skills mismatch • Active Businesses
Unemployment in Gateshead has shown some reduction in numbers since its peak in March 2012; however it still remains more than double its pre-recession figure. In contrast, numbers in employment have risen recently, however this is due to increased part time employment and as a result underemployment in Gateshead is above the national average.
Qualification levels have seen significant improvement over recent years, with those specifically of working age without qualifications reducing from 17% in 2008 to 12.2% in 2012. However, recent research has shown that there are large mismatches between the skills young people are developing and the actual job vacancies available.
The number of active businesses (those which have had turnover or employment in the year) has decreased to 5,090 from 5,175 a year earlier, retracting to below levels last seen pre-recession, in 2007, suggesting a period of five years of lost growth in our local economy.
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Economic Priorities Gateshead’s economic priorities are highlighted below; they are set within the context of Vision 2030 – Sustainable Community Strategy for Gateshead, the NewcastleGateshead 1PLAN – An Economic and Spatial Strategy for NewcastleGateshead, and partner priorities such as those of the NELEP.
The economic priorities are also essential in contributing to the Council’s Strategic Needs Assessment and to the delivery of the 2012-2017 Council Plan, which has as its overall ambition, the ability to promote stable economic growth and wellbeing. A key element of this work is to create the right conditions for economic growth.
Whilst the priorities below reflect the findings from the original 2010/11 LEA, the remainder of the document focuses on the economic factors which have seen change since that time and should therefore be viewed in conjunction with the full assessment.
Economic Growth
• The successful regeneration of local centres and Gateshead Quays, is fundamental to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of the borough and its residents. The Trinity Square redevelopment is well underway. • Whilst manufacturing has contracted further, it continues to provide significant levels of employment. Therefore, continuing diversification and the growth of advanced manufacturing remain essential to our economic success. • There is a need to maximise the growth potential of our rural communities and offer opportunities through, for example, enhanced broadband to develop businesses including high growth businesses in the rural area. • Major employment centres, for example, the Team Valley Trading Estate, will continue to provide important employment locations for growth sectors such as advanced engineering and low carbon technologies that are needed to meet changing business requirements. • Business specialisation is vital to improving economic performance, this includes further work with universities to promote innovation and help businesses bring new products to market. • Creative industries, business services and distributive trades are the sectors seen to have the greatest growth potential. Over the next 20 years, the Council needs to continue to invest in Baltic Business Quarter and Gateshead Quays to enhance the office, commercial, tourism and leisure potential of the area. • Businesses need support to become more sustainable through enhanced energy efficiency. • A robust approach to business winning is essential to ensure that businesses, within key sectors such as business and professional services, creative and cultural, construction and high quality retail, locate to and are retained in Gateshead. • Continued diversification of the skills base is essential to meet the needs not only of Gateshead businesses, but also of businesses across the NELEP area where residents work, accessing knowledge based jobs. • There is a need to continue to develop jobs at all skills levels to meet the current skills base of the population. This will help reduce poverty, including child poverty and improve the sustainability of local communities. • Thriving rural communities are essential to the economic vitality of the borough and the wider NELEP area. The growth of rural businesses is essential in
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helping to create sustainable rural communities and establish jobs in these areas.
Economic Inclusion
• There is a need to tackle worklessness, improve skills levels and attract talented people to satisfy the predicted long-term employment growth. • There is a need to provide innovative approaches to help unemployed young people aged 18-24 to find suitable work and training opportunities. • Promoting financial inclusion will improve economic wellbeing and will enhance life chances. Reducing illegal money lending, improving financial education and addressing issues such as child poverty will help create sustainable communities. • Welfare reform will impact on people in work and out of work, affecting over half of Gateshead’s households. This will reduce spend in the economy and impact widely on businesses.
Economic infrastructure
• The regeneration of Gateshead town centre and local centres is essential to creating sustainable economic growth and maintaining neighbourhood sustainability. • The low carbon economy offers significant growth potential for manufacturing and construction. Opportunities to develop a town centre district heating scheme and a major low carbon housing retrofit scheme known as ‘Green Deal’ are being pursued by the Council. • Next Generation (broadband) Access (NGA), with speeds of up to 24mbps is essential if local businesses are to compete globally over the longer term. • The reduction in public funding for infrastructure projects requires a new approach to promoting physical regeneration. There is a need to develop new financial instruments, such as Accelerated Development Zones, Community Infrastructure Levy and Tax Incremental Finance Initiatives (TIF’s) and work with the NELEP to develop revolving infrastructure funds. • Development of The North East Cultural and Conference Centre would support economic growth in the region and promote business tourism. • Improving the accessibility of NewcastleGateshead’s urban core and improving the capacity of the A1 is needed to improve national and international links and support regeneration.
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17 REPORT TO CABINET 26 February 2013
TITLE OF REPORT: Appointment of Authority School Governors
REPORT OF: Margaret Whellans, Strategic Director, Learning and Children
Purpose of the Report
1. Cabinet is asked to approve the appointment/reappointment of Authority School Governors to schools where vacancies have arisen, in accordance with Regulation 6 of The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2007.
Background
2. Schools - The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2003 required all governing bodies to adopt a new model for their size and membership by 31 August 2006. Guiding principles prescribe which categories of governor must be represented and what the level of representation is for each. There are compulsory stakeholder groups for each category of school; parents, school staff and the Authority. Sponsors form an additional, optional group.
Proposal
3. The appointment/reappointment of Authority Governors will be for a period of four years. The proposed appointees have received clearance from the Criminal Records Bureau.
Recommendations
4. It is recommended that Cabinet approves the appointment/reappointment of Authority School Governors as set out in appendix 1.
For the following reason:
To ensure the required appointments are made to Governing Bodies.
CONTACT: Jacqueline Ridley extension: 8624
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APPENDIX 1
Policy Context
1. Schools - The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2007 enable schools to choose the level of governor representations, including Authority governor representation in accordance with guiding principles.
2. The LA also appoints where a casual vacancy occurs or where members’ terms of office expire.
Background
Schools
3. The School Governance (Constitution)(England) Regulations 2003 came into force on 20 March 2003 allowing governing bodies until 31 August 2006 to comply with the new framework. Guiding principles prescribe categories of governor and the level of representation for each category. There are compulsory stakeholder groups for each category of school; parents, school staff and Authority. Sponsors form an additional, optional group.
3. Community schools have representation from the Community, Voluntary Aided Schools have representation from the Church and Voluntary Controlled Schools have representation from both community and Church.
4. The proportion of places on the governing body is as follows:
• Parent governors: at least one-third; • Staff governors: at least two places, but no more than one-third, including the Head Teacher; • Authority governors: one-fifth; • Community governors: at least one-fifth.
5. The proportion of places reserved in Voluntary Controlled schools are as follows:
• Parents: at least one-third • Staff governors: at least two places, but no more than one-third, including the head teacher • Authority governors: at least one but no more than one-fifth • Community Governors: at least one-tenth • Foundation governors: at least two but no more than one quarter
6. The proportion of places on the governing body reserved in Voluntary Aided schools are as follows: • Parents: at least one, but enough to make up at least one third of the governing body when counted with foundation governors eligible as parent governors • Staff governors: at least two places, but no more than one-third, including the head teacher • Authority governors: at least one but no more than one-tenth
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• Foundation governors: these must outnumber the other governors by two and at least a fifth must be eligible for election or appointment as parent governors.
7. In accordance with Regulation 6, LAs can appoint any eligible person as an Authority governor. Statutory guidance encourages LAs to appoint high calibre governors where schools need support, and to appoint candidates irrespective of political affiliation or preferences. A person is disqualified as an Authority governor if they are eligible to be a staff governor at the same school.
Consultation
8. The Cabinet Members for Children and Young People have been consulted
Alternative Options
9. The alternative option would be to make no appointment to the vacancies, leaving governing bodies/management committees under strength and less likely to demonstrate the correct configuration.
Implications of Recommended Option
10. Resources:
a) Financial Implications – The Strategic Director, Finance and ICT confirms that there are no financial implications arising from this report.
b) Human Resources Implications – None
c) Property Implications - None
11. Risk Management Implication - None
12. Equality and Diversity Implications - None
13. Crime and Disorder Implications – None
14. Health Implications - None
15. Sustainability Implications - None
16. Human Rights Implications - None
17. Area and Ward Implications - Lobley Hill & Bensham, Dunston Hill & Whickham, Saltwell
Background Information
18. The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2003 and now superseded by the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2007.
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19. Authority Governor Appointments/Reappointments
Schools In accordance with the School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2007 the following governors are nominated for appointment/reappointment for a period of four years with effect from the date stated below:
School Appointment Reappointment Date from
Lobley Hill Rev R K Hopper 08.03.13
Swalwell Miss J Kielty 26.02.13
Caedman Mr R Beat 03.03.13
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