TYNEDALE DISTRICT COUNCIL

MEETING OF TYNEDALE DISTRICT COUNCIL HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, PROSPECT HOUSE, HEXHAM, ON TUESDAY 7 MARCH 2006, AT 6.00 PM

Present: Councillor JM Lambert (Chairman)

Councillors: WR Adamson, NJ Appleby, Mrs DM Bradbury, NJ Bradbury, PRB Brooks, Mrs E Burt, G Caldwell, MR Collins, BH Corbett, Mrs PAM Dale, Mrs EM Drew, AN Fearon, Mrs JB Fearon, T Flaws, H Forster, W Garrett, Mrs VA Gibson, WC Grigg, D Hardy, HJC Herron, TE Heslop, Mrs FMC Hewitson, CW Horncastle, Mrs FM Hunter, JI Hutchinson, D Kennedy, AC Kerr, PR Latham, PD Macdonald, FT Mattinson, SB Mitchell, AW Reid, T Robson, A Sharp, D Shaw, GW Simpson, DC Smith, Mrs JK Somerville, Mrs M Stonehouse, MH Walton, K Warwick, ED Watson, and Ms JC Wrigley.

In attendance: Mr RJ Robson, Chief Executive Mr M Ryan, Deputy Chief Executive Mr JC Copping, Director of Finance Mr D Robinson, Director of Health and Public Protection Ms E Sinnamon, Assistant Solicitor Ms M Parkinson, Senior Committee Administrator Ms R Granger, Executive Director, Northumberland Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority Ms J Remnant, Head of Patient Care and Public Involvement, Northumberland Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority

1 APOLOGIES AND WELCOME

1.1 Apologies for absence were received from Councillors MFC Donnelly, Mrs LA Garrett, JVR Hare, BW Massey, B Pickering, Mrs JC Soulsby, JT Watson and Mrs IC Whale.

2 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

2.1 Councillor MH Walton disclosed personal and prejudicial interests prior to consideration of Agenda Item 7 relating to the Report on the Local Development Framework as he owned land and was the Director of a company that owned land that might be affected by the proposals. Councillor MH Walton left the Chamber during discussion on this item.

2.2 Councillor AC Kerr disclosed personal and prejudicial interests prior to consideration of Item 4 relating to the Local Health Service proposals as he was a non executive Director of the Northumberland Care Trust. Councillor AC Kerr left the Chamber during discussion on this item.

2.3 Councillor T Flaws disclosed personal and prejudicial interests prior to consideration of Item 4 relating to the Local Health Service proposals as he was a non-executive Director of the Northumberland Care Trust. Councillor T Flaws left the Chamber during discussion on this item. 2

2.4 Councillor Mrs DM Bradbury disclosed a personal interest prior to consideration of Item 4 relating to the local Health service proposals as Northumberland Care Trust were the host employing organisation for her employer, the Northern Cancer Network.

2.5 Councillor Mrs M Stonehouse disclosed a personal interest prior to consideration of Item 4 relating to the local Health service proposals as the Executive Director of the Northumberland Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority was a friend.

2.6 Councillor W Garrett disclosed a personal interest prior to consideration of Item 4 relating to Health service proposals as his wife was a non executive Director of the Northumberland Care Trust. Councillor W Garrett did not take any part in the vote on Item 4 relating to the Health service proposals.

2.7 Councillor AC Kerr disclosed a personal interest prior to consideration of Item 7 relating to the report of the Local Development Framework Working Group as he was Chairman of the Tynedale Rugby Club.

3 MINUTES

Minutes of meetings held on 10 and 31 January 2006.

The minutes of the meetings having been circulated, were confirmed as a correct record.

4 PROPOSALS TO CHANGE THE STRUCTURE OF SOME LOCAL HEALTH ORGANISATIONS

Councillor JM Lambert welcomed to the meeting Rosemary Granger, Executive Director and Jill Remnant, Head of Patient Care and Public Involvement of the Northumberland Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authority. Copies of the following four Consultation Documents had been previously circulated: 1 Consultation on new Strategic Health Authority arrangements in North East England 2 Consultation on new Primary Care Trust arrangements in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear 3 Consultation on new Primary Care Trust arrangements in County Durham and Tees Valley 4 Configuration of NHS Ambulance Trusts in England

The Council considered a presentation on the proposals:

- One Strategic Health Authority for the North East - Two options for Primary Care Trusts in Northumberland and Tyne and Wear: - Two Primary Care Trusts:one for North of Tyne and Northumberland and one for South of Tyne and Sunderland - Six Primary care trusts: to retain the existing five unitary authority Primary Care Trusts and Northumberland Care Trust - To create a new North East Ambulance Service Trust to include Teesside 3

Following the presentation the following points were noted during the discussion:

- Councillor SB Mitchell commented that the proposed changes emphasised a product rather than care. Ms Granger replied that the consultation related to the reconfiguration of the health organisations but expectations were about improving care.

- Councillor MR Collins asked if the proposals would change in the light of the resignation of Sir Nigel Crisp, Chief Executive at the Department of Health. Ms Granger confirmed that the proposals were endorsed by the Health Service.

- Councillor Mrs PAM Dale hoped that the ambulance response times would improve in the Stocksfield ward. Councillor Mrs PAM Dale expressed concern at the size of the proposed single Strategic Health Authority for the North east and commented that in November 2004, people in the north east had voted against the establishment of an elected regional assembly and in Northumberland the creation of a large unitary authority. Councillor Mrs PAM Dale asked if the responses to the consultation would be available for viewing. Ms Granger stated that all NHS services would be expected to improve and confirmed that Jill Remnant would record the comments from Tynedale which would be fed into the consultation. Public meetings had been scheduled around the region until 22 March 2006. The reports following consultation would be available on the Strategic Health Authority website and would be forwarded to Tynedale Council. By 12 April 2006, the Strategic Health Authorities would have to send the results of the consultation with a recommendation to the Secretary of State.

- Councillor D Kennedy commented that in relation to patient choice people wanted to be seen quickly and at a local hospital. Ms Granger stated that the aim was to bring waiting times down and although some people would choose to be treated locally it was important that they were given a choice.

- In reply to a question from Councillor Mrs FM Hunter asking if the proposed £8m savings in management would go into patient care, Ms Granger stated that there would be a clear audit process for the Primary Care Trust to agree how finance would be redirected into patient care.

- Councillor PD Macdonald was of the opinion that a single strategic health authority would mean that the urban area rather than the rural areas would be the focal point and remote from patients in Tynedale. Ms Granger commented that GP’s identified the needs for the practice population and would ensure that the needs of rural communities were met.

- Councillor NJ Bradbury noted the bias of the presentation to reduce to two Primary Care Trusts and stated that this was far too soon after the last restructure in 2001/02. He was of the opinion that local Primary Care Trusts would understand better the needs of their communities and provide local guidance and governance and that the proposed amalgamation would focus on areas other than Tynedale. He questioned the savings comparison of the proposed restructures.

4

It was proposed by Councillor JM Lambert, seconded by Councillor Mrs PAM Dale and

IT WAS AGREED that

The Council support the six Primary Care Trust option for Northumberland and Tyne and Wear which involves retaining the boundaries of the existing five Primary Care Trusts serving Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead, South Tyneside and Sunderland and Northumberland Care Trust.

It was proposed by Councillor Mrs PAM Dale, seconded by Councillor SB Mitchell and

IT WAS AGREED that

The Council do not support the proposal to merge the County Durham and Tees Valley and Northumberland Tyne and Wear Strategic Health Authorities into a single Strategic Health Authority.

Councillor JM Lambert thanked Ms Granger and Ms Remnant for attending the meeting.

5 REVENUE BUDGET

The Council considered a report on the Council’s level of contribution from balances for the 2006/07 revenue budget, following the announcement of the final revenue support grant figures.

It was proposed by Councillor HJC Herron, seconded by Councillor Mrs PAM Dale and

IT WAS AGREED

That the additional £2,990 revenue support grant be used to reduce the contribution from balances in 2006/07 from £98,117 to £95.127.

6 COUNCIL TAX RESOLUTION

The Director of Finance presented the Report.

It was proposed by Councillor HJC Herron, seconded by Councillor Mrs PAM Dale and

IT WAS AGREED

1. That the following, as submitted in the Budget Book, be approved:-

(a) the revenue estimates for 2006/07

5 2. That it be noted that at its meeting on 10 January 2006 the Council calculated the following amounts for the year 2006/07 in accordance with regulations made under Section 33(5) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992:-

(a) £22,267.48 being the amount calculated by the Council, in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, as its Council Tax base for the year.

(b) Part of the Council's Area

Parish of: Acomb 474.00 Allendale 833.70 Bardon Mill 178.21 Bavington 42.51 Bellingham 457.88 Birtley 70.31 Blanchland 57.17 Broomhaugh and Riding 466.87 Broomley and Stocksfield 1,304.64 Bywell 182.34 Chollerton 311.49 Coanwood 83.16 Corbridge 1,569.05 Corsenside 204.79 Falstone 99.25 Featherstone 61.35 Greenhead 132.65 Haltwhistle 1,161.64 Hartleyburn 58.12 Haydon 743.50 Healey 81.35 Hedley 113.12 Henshaw 249.07 Hexham 4,246.24 Hexhamshire and District 317.18 Horsley 169.96 Humshaugh 289.01 Kielder 71.81 Kirkwhelpington 152.81 Knarsdale with Kirkhaugh 117.08 Melkridge 84.83 Newbrough 208.23 Otterburn 220.49 Ovingham 412.67 Ovington 207.43 Plenmeller with Whitfield 93.29 Prudhoe 3,564.03 Parish of Rochester 122.97 Sandhoe 217.70 Shotley Low Quarter 251.64 Simonburn 72.66 Slaley 324.77 Tarset and Greystead 130.39 Thirlwall 158.67 Wall 206.89 Warden 257.74 Wark 278.09 West Allen 114.00 6 Whittington 205.14 Wylam 835.59 22,267.48

being the amounts calculated by the Council, in accordance with Regulation 6 of the Regulations, as the amounts of its Council Tax base for the year for dwellings in those parts of its area to which one or more special items relate.

3. That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2006/07 in accordance with Sections 32 to 36 of the Local Government and Finance Act 1992:-

(a) £8,839,202 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(2)(a) to (e) of the Act

(b) £95,127 being the aggregate of the amounts which the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 32(3)(a) to (c) of the Act

(c) £8,744,075 being the amount by which the aggregate at 3(a) above exceeds the aggregate at 3(b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 32(4) of the Act, as its budget requirement for that year

(d) £4,465,238 being the aggregate of the sums which the Council estimates will be payable for the year into its general fund in respect of redistributed non-domestic rates, revenue support grant or additional grant [increased by the amount of the sums which the Council estimates will be transferred in the year from its collection fund to its general fund in accordance with Section 97(3) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988] or [reduced by the amount of the sums which the Council estimates will be transferred in the year from its general fund to its collection fund in accordance with Section 97(4) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988] and [increased by the amount of any sum which the Council estimates will be transferred from its collection fund to its general fund pursuant to the directions under Section 98(4) of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 made on 7 February 1994] or [reduced by the amount of any sum which the Council estimates will be transferred from its general fund to its collection fund pursuant to the directions under Section 98(5) of the Local Government Finance Act made on 7 February 1994]

(e) £192.16 being the amount at 3(c) above less the amount at 3(d) above, all divided by the amount at 2(a) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 33(1) of the Act, as the basic amount of its Council Tax for the year

(f) £805,332 being the aggregate amount of all special items referred to in Section 34(1) of the Act

(g) £155.99 being the amount at 3(e) above less the result given by dividing the amount at 3(f) above by the amount at 2(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 its area to which no special item relates.

(h) Part of the Council's Area

Parish of: Acomb 200.29 7 Allendale 179.98 Bardon Mill 164.65 Bavington 168.93 Bellingham 202.24 Birtley 177.32 Blanchland 168.23 Broomhaugh and Riding 193.38 Broomley and Stocksfield 193.55 Bywell 188.90 Chollerton 169.47 Coanwood 185.28 Corbridge 202.49 Corsenside 181.38 Falstone 181.18 Featherstone 177.99 Greenhead 185.01 Haltwhistle 205.92 Hartleyburn 183.52 Haydon 188.27 Healey 168.28 Hedley 180.74 Henshaw 166.37 Hexham 206.18 Hexhamshire and District 175.29 Horsley 201.64 Humshaugh 180.41 Kielder 196.37 Kirkwhelpington 171.70 Knarsdale with Kirkhaugh 175.72 Melkridge 179.57 Newbrough 187.21 Otterburn 176.40 Ovingham 192.34 Ovington 180.58 Plenmeller with Whitfield 179.04 Prudhoe 196.38 Rochester 188.52 Sandhoe 172.07 Shotley Low Quarter 167.91 Simonburn 176.63 Slaley 173.56 Tarset and Greystead 173.25 Thirlwall 166.58 Parish of Wall 175.32 Warden 171.22 Wark 177.57 West Allen 160.38 Whittington 165.74 Wylam 185.91

being the amounts given by adding to the amount at 3(g) 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 2(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.

(i) Part of the Council's Area – as outlined in Table 1 of the Report 8

being the amounts given by multiplying the amounts at 3(g) and 3(h) 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 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.

4. That it be noted that for the year 2006/07 the major precepting authorities 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:-

Precepting Valuation Bands Authority A B C D E F G H £ £ £ £ £ £ £ £ Northumberland County Council 727.53 848.79 970.04 1091.30 1333.81 1576.321818.83 2182.60

Northumbria Police Authority 47.85 55.83 63.80 71.78 87.73 103.68 119.63 143.56

5. That, having calculated the aggregate in each case of the amounts at 3(i) and 4 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 2006/07 for each of the categories of dwellings shown below:-

Part of the Council's Area – as outlined in Table 2 of the Report.

7 REPORT OF CORPORATE POLICY AND MANAGEMENT BOARD

Councillor HJC Herron presented the Report of the Corporate Policy and Management Board and outlined the following Policy Proposals:

7.1 Alcohol Consumption in Public Places

It was proposed by Councillor HJC Herron, seconded by Councillor MH Walton and

IT WAS AGREED

that the alcohol designation orders for Allendale, Corbridge, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Prudhoe and Stocksfield be adopted.

7.2 Supplementary Planning Document on Planning Obligations for Sport and Play Facilities in relation to new housing.

It was proposed by Councillor HJC Herron, seconded by Councillor PD Macdonald and

IT WAS AGREED

9 That the Supplementary Planning Document on Planning Obligations for Sport and Play Facilities in relation to new housing be adopted and be applied to the determination of planning applications received after 8 March 2006.

7.3 Response of Tynedale Council to Lyons Inquiry on the Future Role and Functions of Local Government

Councillor GW Simpson was of the opinion that the Report by the Corporate Policy and Management Board had not addressed the points asked for in the letter from Sir Michael Lyons, including cross party views. Councillor AW Reid suggested that the Council’s comments on health issues, the police, the Learning and Skills Council and transport could have been included in the Report. Councillor HJC Herron stated that the consultation period had been very short and the Council intended to convey the evidence from the views of the Tynedale community at the time of the referendum on unitary local government that a clear preference had been expressed for two authorities to serve Northumberland. The Chief Executive advised that the Lyons Inquiry and the “Regional Roundtable” Briefings by David Miliband, Minister for Communities and Local Government on governance and structure, were intrinsically linked. Councillor MH Walton noted that the people in his ward were interested in the services offered by the Council rather than the structure. Councillor Mrs PAM Dale also supported local democracy and commented that people did not have a voice in large unitary authorities. Councillor Ms JC Wrigley commented that the Lyons Inquiry had suggested that the Council engage with the local community on changes to local government. The Chief Executive reported that final submissions to the Lyons Inquiry would be brought back to full Council.

It was proposed by Councillor HJC Herron, seconded by Councillor MH Walton and

IT WAS AGREED

that the Leader of Council and the Chief Executive liaise with the other districts in preparing a draft response to the Lyons Inquiry on the Future Role and Functions of Local Government, reaffirming the previously expressed views and preferences as follows:

1 while the current comparatively high level of purpose of the constituent authorities of Northumberland is noted, in the event of the imposition of unitary Government and restructuring, a clear preference be expressed for two authorities to serve Northumberland, this being clearly supported politically and by the public following the Referendum

2 the previous submissions and findings of the Boundary Committee used as part of the run up to the Referendum on unitary local government in Northumberland be used as providing substantial and convincing evidence that they have significant public support in this respect.

8 REPORTS OF OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES

8.1 Community, Health and Culture 10

Councillor PR Latham presented the Report of the Community, Health and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee and thanked Councillor Mrs IC Whale for chairing the meeting on 21 February 2006. In reply to a question from Councillor GW Simpson regarding the item on the performance of Milecastle Housing, Councillor PR Latham undertook to provide Councillor Simpson with an update on progress of the scrutiny.

IT WAS AGREED

that the Community, Health and Culture Report be received.

8.2 Economy

Councillor Ms JC Wrigley presented the Report of the Economy Overview and Scrutiny Committee and invited interested representatives from the other Overview and Scrutiny Committees to join the Car Parking Working Group.

Following the referral from Council, the scrutiny into the Sustainability and future of the Tyne Valley railway was considered by the Committee on 22 February 2006.

IT WAS AGREED that

1 representation be made to the Secretary of State for Transport indicating that:

(a) the recommendations of Tyne Valley Rail Study (as outlined in the Executive Summary - Appendix 8) be welcomed and strongly supported as an excellent evidential base for future development of the Tyne Valley Line

(b) the Council seeks assurance that it will be included as a consultee in any further consultation on:

- the draft North East Regional Planning Assessment - the Northern Rail Franchise Review

(c) the Council supports the Carlisle City Council's resolution communicated to the Secretary of State for Transport (Appendix 9),

2 the Council nominate Councillor NJ Bradbury to the Board of the Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership.

3 the Economy Report be received.

8.3 Environment

Councillor PD Macdonald presented the Report of the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

IT WAS AGREED

11 that the Environment Report be received.

8.4 Resources

Councillor W Garrett presented the Report of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee and confirmed that a questionnaire on training needs would be circulated to all Members. It was confirmed that Councillor MH Walton had been given special responsibility for Member Training and Development.

IT WAS AGREED

that the Report of the Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee be received.

9 REPORT OF THE DEVELOPMENT CONTROL COMMITTEE

Councillor CW Horncastle presented the Report of the Development Control Committee and stated that public speaking had been introduced at the February meeting. Councillor Horncastle commented that the proceedings had gone well and he thanked Officers in the Planning, Legal and Committee Administration Departments for their preparation.

IT WAS AGREED

that the Report of the Regulatory Committee be received.

10 REPORT OF THE STANDARDS COMMITTEE

Councillor Mrs JK Somerville presented the Report of the Standards Committee.

10.1 External Membership of the Standards Committee

It was proposed by Councillor Mrs JK Somerville, seconded by Councillor SB Mitchell and

IT WAS AGREED that

1 The Council agree to the appointment of Mrs Julia Wooley as an external member of the Standards Committee 2 The Council agree to the appointment of Councillor GC Ferguson as the second parish representative.

THE MEETING CLOSED AT 8.00PM