To notify the Chairman of any items that appear in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

Members had no interests to declare.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th November 2005.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 10^th November 2005 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

Joint report of Director of Neighbourhood Services and Director of Housing.

The Lead Member for Housing presented a report regarding the need to adjust the operation of the Council’s housing register in respect of homeless applicants. (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members noted that the high level of points currently awarded to homeless applicants gave such applicants ‘outright preference’ rather than ‘reasonable preference’ as described in the ‘Code of Guidance on the Allocation of Accommodation’ issued by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.  Without changing the number of points allocated to homelessness applicants, there remained a strong incentive to apply as homeless, which resulted in the Housing Register in terms of general needs housing being effectively ‘capped’ by homelessness applicants.

It was therefore proposed to change the existing points system as detailed in Table 3, paragraph 3.3.2 of the report.

RESOLVED :   1.   That the changes to the allocation policy in relation to homelessness applicants be approved from end January 2006.

                        2.   That a further report on the impact of the changes to the points awarded to homeless applicants on both homeless and general needs applicants be presented six months after the implementation of the changes.

Report of Director of Resources.

Consideration was given to a report reviewing the progress made to date in meeting the Council’s spending targets and outlining developments that had occurred during the financial year, which have had an impact on the overall capital programme.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was reported that a gross total of £5.481m had been spent in the first four months up to 30^th September 2005 or 27% of the revised gross capital programme.  Grants and contributions totalling £1.3m had been received in the year to date, resulting in a net spend position of £4.1m or 27% of the net capital programme of £15.2m.

The report gave details of the progress that had been made on major capital projects during 2005/06 and the total level of capital resources likely to be available to finance the 2005/06 capital programme.

RESOLVED :         1.         That the six month spend position to 30^th September 2005 and the proposed financing of the capital programme be noted.

                        2.         That further reports be submitted to Cabinet detailing the position as at 31^st December and final outturn as at 31^st March in line with the Budgetary Control Monitoring Arrangements 2005/06.

                        3.         That detailed reports showing progress on individual capital projects continue to be submitted to all future Strategic Working Groups in order to monitor progress throughout the year.

Report of Director of Resources.

Consideration was given to a report regarding the above.  (For copy see file of Minutes).  

The report gave details of the approved budget for the main portfolios for the first six months of 2005/06, the profiled budget, actual income and expenditure, projected probable outturn for 2005/06 based on spend to date and known commitments as well as variance between the annual budget and the projected probable outturn.

With regard to the General Fund, it was expected that balances amounting to £515,000 would be used compared to an original forecasted use of £800,000.

It was reported that an overspend of £201,000 was predicted in respect of the Housing Revenue Account although there would be a net contribution to reserves as a result of the recovery of the pre-ballot LSVT costs from Sunderland Housing Group.

Members noted that the Training and Employment Service was anticipated to make an operating loss in the region of £95,000 in line with the original budget forecast.

RESOLVED :         1.         That the financial position for 2005/06 be noted.

                        2.         That further reports be submitted to Cabinet, detailing the position as at 31^st December and final outturn as at 31^st March 2006 in line with the Budgetary Control Monitoring Arrangements.

                        3.         That detailed reports be submitted to future Strategic Working Groups in order to monitor progress throughout the year at a more detailed level.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 25^th October 2005.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2 held on 25^th October 2005.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members’ attention was drawn to Minute No. OSC(2).16/05 - Investing In Modern Services For Older People and the recommendation to support the recommendations outlined in the Peter Fletcher Report 2005.

RESOLVED :   That the Committee’s recommendation be supported and appropriate action be taken.

To consider the minutes of the following meetings:

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the following meetings:

Area 1 Forum                        -            24^th October 2005

Area 2 Forum                        -            1^st November 2005    

(For copies see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :   That the reports be received.

RESOLVED:             That in accordance with Section 100(a)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1 and 9 of Schedule 12a of the Act.

Joint report of Director of Resources and Chief Executive Officer.

Consideration was given to a report regarding a request from Wear Valley District Council to enter into a joint arrangement for the provision of ICT Management.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED :      That the recommendation detailed in the report be adopted.

Published on 25^th November, 2005 these Minutes contain no key decisions and will be implemented immediately.