Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2015.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 14 October 2015 were agreed as a correct record.

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for members.

There were none.

Councillor Mitchell

Cabinet considered a report on the revised Statement of Gambling Policy 2016-2019.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that Council adopts the revised Statement of Gambling Policy 2016-2019.

Reason for the decision:

Cabinet noted at that Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005 requires all licensing authorities to prepare and publish a Statement of Policy on the principles they propose to apply in exercising their functions under this legislation.

Councillor Evans

Cabinet considered a report on Treasury Management during the first six months of 2015-16.

RESOLVED to note the position of Treasury Management during the first six months of 2015-16.

Councillor Evans

Cabinet considered a report on the actual spend-to-date on capital covering the period April to September 2015.

Cabinet noted:

·         That forecasts anticipate spending 85% of the budget (excluding the Knowle Green and housing opportunity projects) even though currently only 22% has been spent.

·         The importance of identifying and preparing capital bids in advance of the financial year for which they are to be allocated.

RESOLVED to note the current spend position and approve a supplementary estimate of £70k for the installation of a BMX track at Hengrove Park and £50k for the Agile working project.

Councillor Evans

Cabinet considered a report on the revenue spend figures from April to September 2015.

RESOLVED to note the current spend position.

Councillor Leighton

Cabinet considered a report on the Council’s response to the Crossrail 2 project proposals.

RESOLVED to agree the response to the Crossrail 2 project proposals.

Reason for the decision:

Cabinet noted that, in transport terms, the CR2 concept can be supported in principle, though the proposals are at an early stage.

Councillor Pinkerton OBE

Cabinet considered a report on Surrey’s Physical Activity Strategy.

RESOLVED to adopt a Physical Activity Strategy for Surrey which will seek to deliver increased activity levels across the population in Surrey by enhanced co-ordinated multi-agency partnership working.

Reason for the decision:

Cabinet noted that adoption of Surrey’s Strategy will not only help to improve sports participation but also contribute to the health and well-being of the individual and support our own activities under the Borough’s Leisure and Culture Strategy.

Councillor Leighton

Cabinet considered a report on the proposed Calendar of meetings for 2016-17.

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND that Council approves the Calendar of meetings for 2016-17.

Councillor Edgington

Cabinet received a report on various changes to representation on some Outside Bodies and Working Parties.

RESOLVED to ratify the Leader’s appointments of representatives to Outside Bodies and Working Parties.

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

The Leader presented the following Service updates to the Cabinet.

A report by Chartered Accounts, UHY Hacker Young, shows that Staines-upon-Thames is leading the way in new business creation, with 43 more new businesses per 10,000 population than a year ago (versus a UK average of 14). According to the report’s author, the town’s strong transport links to London and Heathrow, together with comparatively low office rents, make it an ideal choice for start-ups.

The Council has successfully prosecuted Mr Wei Ming Zheng, the owner of the China Star Restaurant in Staines-upon-Thames for numerous food hygiene offences. Mr Zheng appeared before Redhill Magistrates Court and pleaded guilty to eight charges brought under food safety and hygiene regulations. He was convicted and ordered to pay a fine of £12,000 plus a surcharge of £120 and £696 in costs.

The Council is calling on residents to check the food hygiene ratings of restaurants before booking their Christmas meals. Currently in Spelthorne, 52% of food businesses are rated as ‘very good’ – the top score. 82% are rated as satisfactory, good or very good.

The winter edition of the Council’s Bulletin magazine has been delivered to homes in the Borough. Articles include a tribute to the late Cllr Watts, an update on the sale of the Bridge Street car park, recycling information and Christmas events.

The Elmsleigh surface and multi-storey car parks in Staines-upon-Thames have successfully gained the Park Mark ‘Safer Parking Award.’ An assessment of the car park was carried out by specially trained Police assessors who look for evidence that the car park is clean, well-managed, has appropriate lighting and effective surveillance.

Spelthorne Council, the Surrey Counter Fraud Partnership and social housing providers recently launched a joint publicity campaign aimed at stopping tenancy fraud. As part of the campaign residents are asked to help by reporting any suspicions they may have about fraudulent tenancy activity. Information, which can be given anonymously, can lead to the recovery of properties and provide families, currently in temporary accommodation, with a home. 

A new payment system has been introduced at the Elmsleigh surface and multi-storey car parks in Staines-upon-Thames. The old kit has been replaced with a state-of-the-art system which recognises car registration numbers and automatically raises the exit barrier.

Spelthorne and Runnymede Councils, in partnership with Surrey Music Hub, have set up a free choir for carers. The choir is intended to be fun and light-hearted and offer a break from the responsibilities of being a carer. The group meet every Friday from 11am-12noon at Manor Farm Wellbeing Centre in Egham. 

Representatives from Spelthorne Council, Thames Valley Housing, Bellway Homes and the Homes and Communities Agency recently gathered to celebrate the opening of Stone Gate Court, a new affordable housing development in Staines-upon-Thames. Built by Bellway Homes at the site of the old Crooked Billet in Staines-upon-Thames, the development contains 29 one, two and three-bedroom flats. The flats will be managed by Thames Valley Housing.

Sian Talbot from Stanwell has been announced as  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2226.

Councillors are requested to identify any issues to be considered at future meetings.

There were none.

To consider any items which the Chairman considers as urgent.

There were none.