Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chairman invited Members to join him in a minutes silence following the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher earlier that day.

The Chairman reported that as a mark of respect the Union Flag was flying at half mast at the council offices and advised Members that a book of condolence would be opened at Bodicote House for elected Members and members of the public to sign.

Members are asked to declare any interest and the nature of that interest that they may have in any of the items under consideration at this meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Chairman to report on any requests to submit petitions or to address the meeting.

There were no petitions or requests to address the meeting.

The Chairman to advise whether they have agreed to any item of urgent business being admitted to the agenda.

There were no items of urgent business.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2013.

The minutes of the meeting held on 4 March 2013 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Report of Head of Finance and Procurement

Summary

This report brings forward for Members’ approval, the joint procurement strategy and action plan for 2013/14 for the council. The primary objective of the procurement strategy is the setting out of a clear framework for the procurement of goods, services and works that assist in reducing service budgets in line with severe funding reduction while being fit for the purpose, meeting the needs of local people and service users, and providing value for money over their lifetime.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)       to consider and approve the joint corporate procurement strategy and action plan for 2013/14 for the council which is attached at Appendix 1.

The Head of Finance and Procurement submitted a report which presented the joint procurement strategy and action plan for 2013/14 for the council. The primary objective of the procurement strategy was the setting out of a clear framework for the procurement of goods, services and works that would assist in reducing service budgets in line with severe funding reduction while being fit for the purpose, meeting the needs of local people and service users, and providing value for money over their lifetime.

Resolved

(1)               That the joint corporate procurement strategy and action plan for 2013/14 for the council be approved.

(2)               That the Lead Member for Financial Management be requested to send a copy of the Joint Corporate Procurement Strategy and Action Plan 2013/14 to the Secretary of State.

Reasons

The joint corporate procurement strategy has a fundamental role in helping the Council reduce its services budget and protect front line services as it manages the implications of reduced government funding.

The Secretary of State has an interest in procurement matters. 

Options

N/A

Report of Head of Environmental Services

Summary

For members to consider a number of Waste Management changes and to note the range of activities being undertaken to drive tonnages to landfill down and increase recycling

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To adopt the new Oxfordshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy

(2)               To approve the Oxfordshire Waste Partnership deed of variation

(3)               To approve a trial expanded trade recycling service focused on Bicester

(4)               To approve the approach regarding Controlled Waste Regulations

(5)       To note the activities underway to promote recycling and reduce waste going to landfill

The Head of Environmental Services submitted a report which sought consideration of a number of Waste Management changes and highlighted the range of activities being undertaken to drive tonnages to landfill down and increase recycling

Resolved

(1)               That the new Oxfordshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy be adopted.

(2)               That the Oxfordshire Waste Partnership deed of variation be approved.

(3)               That a trial expanded trade recycling service focused on Bicester be approved.

(4)               To the approach regarding Controlled Waste Regulations be approved.

(5)       That the activities underway to promote recycling and reduce waste going to landfill be noted.

Reasons

This report is presented to provide information on a number of issues regarding waste and recycling services. The Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy sets out the direction for the Council’s waste services for the next few years including new challenging recycling rates in the future.

The new financial arrangements are set out in the deed of variation and although the finances coming from the County Council are falling, they are now clearly set out and not subject to other factors. 

A new trade recycling service in Bicester presents an opportunity for providing SMEs with high quality recycling services while generating income to help cover some fixed costs.

New and innovative ways of increasing the recycling rate are being developed and in the coming months the slow decline in recycling is expected to be turned around.

Options

Option One: To implement the Oxfordshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy and carry out actions to support this strategy such as the introduction of a pilot improved trade recycling scheme as well as driving forward household recycling rates.

Option Two: To implement the Oxfordshire Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy but take only minor actions to support this strategy

Option Three:    Investigate other options

Report of Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy

Summary

To seek the approval of the Executive to confirm this design guidance as acceptable within the district. 

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)  To approve the document

The Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy submitted a report which sought approval of the Shop Fronts and Advertisements Guidance Document as acceptable for use district wide. 

Resolved

(1)               That the Shop Fronts and Advertisements Guidance Document be approved.

Reasons

A requirement that was set out in the Cherwell District Design and Conservation Strategy 2012 – 2015 adopted in 2012 was for a design guidance for Shop Fronts and Advertising to be developed.

Shop fronts are vital elements in the character and appearance of many street scenes across the District. This guidance aims to promote high quality and well designed shop front and advertisement design that helps enhance the character of conservation areas and improve the appearance of historic buildings.

Options

Option One: To accept the document as design guidance for the purposes of planning.

Option Two: To decline the document as design guidance for the purposes of planning.