Agenda, decisions and minutes

None.

There were none.

Minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2013

The minutes of the last meeting were signed and approved as a correct record.

There were no questions or petitions.

Report of the Chair of the Joint Airport Scrutiny Working Group

The Chair of the Joint Airport Scrutiny Working Group was invited to address Cabinet.  This was the fourth review of GloucestershireAirport’s Green Policy. Over the last year there had been a 10 % increase in aircraft movements but a reduction in aircraft emissions of 16.6 % due the use of more modern aircraft.

The Chair explained that at the Overview & Scrutiny meeting a technical question had been raised about whether a measure of emissions was included in air-worthiness certificates. The Climate Change and Sustainability Officer had been informed by the airport’s operations manager that it was not as there were variations in the type of aviation fuel mix and the rate of fuel burn. Therefore there was a different methodology which was developed when the green policy had been drafted.

Members recognised that the national guidance for calculating CO2 emissions had changed and this was now a more accurate method, but it could impact on the airport’s ceiling for aircraft emissions. The Leader was pleased that a green policy was in place and this had been a positive process.

RESOLVED THAT

It be noted that officers will be working with the management of Gloucestershire Airport Ltd to consider whether the ceiling of 4,000 tonnes CO₂ for aircraft emissions set down in the green policy should be recalibrated.

Report of the Cabinet Member Finance

The Cabinet Member Finance introduced the report which ensured that the authority had adopted the CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management 2009 and complied with its requirements.

He highlighted the fact that due to the efficient management of cash flow there had been a reduction in short term borrowing from £2 million to £20 000. There had also been an increase in the amount of short term lending which meant that borrowing costs for 2013/14 were forecast to come under by approximately £6 000 against budget. The Cabinet Member also reported that officers had been effective in securing advantageous interest rates of 0.29 % on borrowings and 0.64 % on investments. He paid tribute to the finance team for the excellent job they had done in managing the Council’s investments and borrowings in the interests of the Council tax payer.

The Cabinet Member reported that long term borrowing had increased. In May 2013 a loan of £1.2 m was taken out with the PWLB for ten years at a rate of 1.80 % on behalf of Gloucestershire Airport Ltd. This loan was cost neutral for the Council as the Airport were repaying the Council in line with the repayment schedule.

The Cabinet Member concluded by saying that this was a satisfactory report in the light of the continuing difficult economic circumstances.

RESOLVED THAT

Council be recommended to note the contents of the summary report of the treasury management activity during the first six months of 2013/14.

The Cabinet Member Sustainability informed the meeting that a simulation desk top exercise was taking place this week for a possible snow event affecting waste collections in the borough.

The Cabinet Member Housing and Safety reported that the Housing Options Team had now transferred to Cheltenham Borough Homes and he wished them luck in maintaining the well regarded service which was of great importance to the town.

The Cabinet Member Sport and Culture informed Cabinet that the shadow board of 12 trustees of the Leisure and Culture Trust had now been appointed. They were as follows : Joanna Stringer - designated chair, Martin Horwood ,  Ian Renton, Stephen Marsdon ,Judith Hodsdon, Peter Harkness, Laura Brooks, Sarah Parker, Jacqui Grange, David Sheldermine, Cllr Duncan Smith and Cllr Colin Hay.

The Cabinet Member Corporate Services reported that the Council had now received a certificate of PSN compliance. He wished to thank all those who had been involved and in particular the Director Resources, ICT and the Chief Executive.

The Cabinet Member Sport and Culture informed Cabinet that she had taken a decision to increase the number of trustees on the shadow board of the Leisure and Culture Trust from 11 to 12.

The Leader reported that he had made a decision further to the special Council meeting on 18 November to request the County Council, on behalf of the Council, to undertake the enabling statutory Traffic Regulation Order process to facilitate delivery of the Cheltenham Transport Plan.

The Cabinet is recommended to approve the following resolution:-

“That in accordance with Section 100A(4) Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining agenda items as it is likely that, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, if members of the public are present there will be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraph 3, Part (1) Schedule (12A) Local Government Act 1972, namely:

Paragraph 3; Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular

person (including the authority holding that information)

In advance of passing the resolution the Leader explained that Cabinet was now due to consider a report on Gloucestershire Airport which had been commissioned by Gloucester City Council. A public statement on this decision would be issued the following day.

RESOLVED THAT

“That in accordance with Section 100A(4) Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining agenda items as it is likely that, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, if members of the public are present there will be disclosed to them exempt information as defined in paragraph 3, Part (1) Schedule (12A) Local Government Act 1972, namely:

Paragraph 3; Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee 25 November 2013

The Chair of the Joint Airport Working Group (JAWG) explained that a strategic review of Gloucestershire Airport had been commissioned by Gloucester City Council, the recommendations of which had now been approved by Gloucester City.

The consultants appointed to undertake the review had given a presentation to CBC’s Overview and Scrutiny at its last meeting. Members recognised that the airport generated significant economic benefits for the county and it was important that Cheltenham worked closely with Gloucester City on delivering the recommendations which they supported. They agreed that the next piece of work to take these forward should be progressed as soon as possible but in the meantime wished to reaffirm the Council’s commitment to a prosperous and thriving airport in Gloucestershire.

RESOLVED THAT

1.      The recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.

2.      The Council’s commitment to a prosperous and thriving airport in Gloucestershire be reaffirmed.