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

It was noted that Councillor Mrs. B. Graham would be declaring a prejudicial interest in respect of Item No. 9 - Conferences as it was recommended that she should represent the Council.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st February 2007.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 1^st February 2007 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Consideration was given to a report detailing the results of the consultations undertaken in relation to the Council’s initial budget proposals, together with copies of the minutes of the meetings of the Council’s three Overview and Scrutiny Committees that had been held to consider the proposed budget framework.  (For copies see file of Minutes).

Members’ attention was drawn to Appendices 1 and 2 of the report, which detailed the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committees and the feedback from Council Tax Focus Group respectively.

Appendix 3 to the report summarised the 2007/08 budget recommendations in respect of General Fund, Housing Revenue Account and Capital Programme.

RESOLVED:          That the 2007/08 Budget Framework, previously agreed by Cabinet on 11^th January 2007 be recommended to Council for approval.

Report of Director of Resources.

Consideration was given to a report detailing the Treasury Management Strategy for 2007/08.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the report outlined the strategy to be followed by the Council over the medium term in relation to its treasury management activities, which took account of guidance on investments issued by the DCLG and the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.

The strategy covered the existing Treasury position, the anticipated movement in interest rates, the Council’s borrowing, debt strategy and investment strategy as well as local treasury management indicators.

RESOLVED:         That Council be recommended to approve the Treasury Management Strategy 2007/08, the Investment Strategy 2007/08 and the ‘Authorised Limit’ for borrowing as shown in Appendix A to the report and adopt the Prudential Indicators and Limits 2007/08 to 2009/10.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services.

The Lead Member for Housing presented a report regarding the above.   (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that the purpose of the report was to approve the discretionary payment of Home Loss Payment, Disturbance Payments and Fees, including solicitor’s, survey and early redemption fees on mortgages for the owners and tenants of properties where the Council had entered into negotiation to purchase within the Master Plan areas of Dean Bank, Ferryhill Station and Chilton West, and the payment of fees only in respect of the purchase of property from private landlords.

RESOLVED:            That payment of Home Loss Payment and Disturbance Payment be introduced to assist the negotiated purchase of property required to implement the Master Plan proposals adopted by Cabinet on 13th July 2006.

Report of Director of Housing.

The Lead Member for Housing presented a report seeking approval to accept the lowest tender for Emergency Call Out Service for the Council’s housing stock.   (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was reported that six tenders were received and the lowest had been submitted by H&B Services Limited in the sum of £189,702, which could be accommodated within the Housing Revenue Account for 2006/07 and the projected budgets for 2007/08.

RESOLVED:            That the Emergency Call Out Service be awarded to H&B Services Limited.

Report of Chief Executive.

Consideration was given to a report regarding the need for the Chief Executive to be given delegated authority to amend the Council’s formal organisation (staffing structures) below Chief Officer level.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

Members were given details of the case for change, consultations undertaken and safeguards and limitations to be introduced/formalised.

RESOLVED:            That Council be recommended to:

                         1.            Delegate authority to the Chief Executive to amend the Council’s formal staffing structures below Chief Officer level in accordance with the specific safeguards and limitations set out in the report.

                         2.            Direct the Council’s Monitoring Officer to make all necessary changes to the Constitution.

Report of Chief Executive.

N.B.    In accordance with Section 81 of the Local Government Act 2000 and Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor Mrs. B. Graham declared a prejudicial interest in the above item and left the meeting for the duration of discussion and voting on the item.

Consideration was given to a report regarding the Council’s representation at the LGA Culture, Tourism and Sport Conference and Exhibition to be held at Sheffield on 21st and 22nd March 2007.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED:            That the Director of Leisure Services and the Lead Member for Leisure and Culture, represent the Council at the Conference and Exhibition.

Report of Director of Neighbourhood Services.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval for the Director of Neighbourhood Services to negotiate and accept a tender from Robert Simpson Limited to act as Contract Administrator for the Haig Street Group Repair Scheme subject to the tender price being less than £35,000.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

RESOLVED:            That in accordance with the Contract Procedure Rule Nos. 1 and 8 (Negotiated Tenders - estimated cost in excess of £10,000) the Director of Neighbourhood Services be given approval to negotiate a price with Robert Simpson Limited to act as Contract Administrator and, that providing the tender price was less than £35,000, to be given delegated authority to accept the tender in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing.

Report of Head of Strategy and Regeneration.

Consideration was given to a report seeking approval to re-allocate resources in the Regeneration Mainstream Capital Programme 2006/07 to undertake environmental improvements in Aycliffe Village and Half Moon Lane, and works within the grounds of St. Edmunds Church, Sedgefield.  (For copy see file of Minutes)

It was explained that there was approximately £97,000 uncommitted within the approved budget as a result of a number of projects not being able to be progressed and therefore three reserve projects were being brought forward for further development and implementation.

RESOLVED: That the further development and implementation of the projects detailed in the report be approved.

Report of Review Group.

Councillor J. Wayman J.P., Chairman of the Review Group, presented the findings of the above Review.  (For copy see file of Minutes).

It was reported that the Review sought to identify how the Council could define affordable housing at local level, identify any potential need for affordable housing in the Borough and examine the partnership and policy options to help deliver suitable levels of affordable housing in the Borough.

Specific reference was made to the Group’s conclusions and recommendations.

RESOLVED:            1.            That the report be received.

                        2.            That the recommendations be considered and the response and action plan be reported to a future meeting of Cabinet.

To consider the minutes of the following meetings:

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the following meetings:

Overview and Scrutiny Committee 2 - 16^th January 2007

Overview and Scrutiny Committee 3 - 30^th January 2007

(For copies see file of Minutes)

With regard to recommendation 3 of Minute No.OSC(2)30/06, it was reported that arrangements had been made for an article to appear in the March edition of Inform highlighting the success of the Community Safety Section.

RESOLVED:             That the Committee’s recommendations be noted and appropriate action be taken.

Minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd January 2007.

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd January 2007.  (For copy see file of Minutes)

With regard to Minute No. AF(5)22/06 - County Durham PCT - Progress Update - it was reported that officers of the County Durham PCT would attend Area Forum meetings to report on progress.

RESOLVED:                         That the report be received. 

The key decisions contained in these Minutes will be implemented on Monday 26^th February 2007, five working days after the date of publication unless they are called in by three Members of the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the call in procedure rules.