Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: John Meikle Room, The Deane House, Taunton, TA1 1HE

Contact: Democratic Services Email: democraticservicesteam@somerset.gov.uk 

Media

Items
No. Item

137.

Apologies for Absence

To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

There were no apologies received.

 

 

138.

Minutes from the Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 139 KB

To approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

Minutes:

Resolved that the minutes of the Executive held on INSERT DATE be confirmed as a correct record.

 

139.

Declarations of Interest

To receive and note any declarations of interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.

(The other registrable interests of Councillors of Somerset Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes: City, Town & Parish Twin Hatters - Somerset Councillors 2023 )

Minutes:

Cllr Theo Butt-Philip - Wells City Council??  

Cllr Adam Dance - South Petherton Parish Council??  

Cllr Heather Shearer – Street Parish Council 

Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts – Taunton Town Council? 

Cllr Richard Wilkins – Curry Rivel Parish Council 

Cllr Ros Wyke - Westbury-sub-Mendip Parish Council

 

Cllr Marcus Kravis – declaration of interest as a local resident and business owner, regarding item 11 - Public Spaces Protection Orders for Dog Control (Somerset North Area)

 

140.

Public Question Time pdf icon PDF 117 KB

The Chair to advise the Committee of any items on which members of the public have requested to speak and advise those members of the public present of the details of the Council’s public participation scheme.

For those members of the public who have submitted any questions or statements, please note, a three minute time limit applies to each speaker and you will be asked to speak before Councillors debate the issue.

We are now live webcasting most of our committee meetings and you are welcome to view and listen to the discussion. The link to each webcast will be available on the meeting webpage, please see details under ‘click here to join online meeting’.

Minutes:

Public questions were received from Mr Nigel Behan, the questions were considered at Agenda Item 12 - Update on Waste Collection Contract.

 

The questions and responses provided are attached to the minutes in Annex A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Annex A 

Public and Members Questions – Executive 8 May 2024 

 

Question submitted from 

Question 

Nigel Behan

Question 1

It is reported that: “SUEZ have disclosed significant losses on this Contract to the extent it has become unviable. If we are unable to agree a settlement figure SUEZ have advised they may terminate the contract, effectively withdrawing services and accepting the contractual consequences of paying the Council damages that arise (subject to contractual caps) and potentially only giving three months’ notice of their exit.” Please can you outline the business/service/profit shortfall(s) reasons Suez have given for the “significant losses

Response

Response from Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr Dixie Darch:

As you’d expect, there’s a combination of factors, and questions on the detail is a matter for SUEZ. We acknowledge they’ve had to deal with some big challenges, some fundamental underlying pressures - rising costs of consumables and staff, falling revenue from recycled materials, a changes in waste composition with the accelerated shift to online shopping that has lead to a need for more vehicles and staff than expected.

Then the costs of coping with Covid, the national drivers’ shortage, and general inflation.

This is a very big and complex contract, so even small different in resource planning can escalate over the length of a contract.

 

Nigel Behan

Question 2

Over the last year SUEZ have issued a number of dispute claims which the Council has strenuously disputed on legal advice and have progressed through the formal dispute resolution process as set out in the contract. But SUEZ have stated that even if their claims were to be successful the Contract would remain unviable without general increase in payments. These issues are discussed in more detail in of the confidential section of the report as it amounts to “exempt information.” Were the (presumably) agreed regular charges the contractor places on the Council for the service reasonably foreseen uplifted for RPI (index linked)etc?

Response

Response from Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr Dixie Darch:

There are basket of indices set out in the contract that apply to inflation. These were set when the contract originally negotiated and have not changes.

The additional costs SUEZ is incurring include but are not limited to the impact of inflation.

Nigel Behan

Question 3

Further on in the paper it is noted:

“Other options considered.

4. Following SUEZ sharing open book information on the contract in February 2024, the Council commissioned independent consultants. They have reviewed the costs submitted by Suez and assessed alternative delivery models for the service, these include: -

a. Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo)- bodies that are free to operate as commercial companies but remain wholly owned and controlled by the parent council.

b. Direct Labour Organisation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 140.

141.

Executive Forward Plan

To note the latest Executive Forward Plan of planned key decisions that have been published on the Council’s website.

 

Click here to access - Executive Forward Plan

Minutes:

The Executive noted the Forward Plan. 

 

142.

Octagon Theatre - Addition to Capital Programme pdf icon PDF 2 MB

To consider the report.

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, debate and an amendment, the Executive agreed to recommend to Full Council that:   

 

Full Council add the revised Octagon project to the Council Capital Programme, on the proviso that the DCMS grant is finalised, that a build contract is not awarded and build work does not commence until a devolution deal has been finalised with Yeovil Town Council.

 

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, to present the report.

 

The Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, presented the report, highlighting: that the extension and refurbishment of the Octagon theatre in Yeovil had previously been part of the Council's capital programme, but that Members approved its removal due to it being unaffordable; and summarised the cost and funding of the smaller Octagon refurbishment scheme, including the in principle offer from Yeovil Town Council and the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) guidance and grant.

 

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: devolution discussions between Somerset Council and Yeovil Town Council, including service and delivery of the Octagon theatre project, funding, public consultation and Westlands venue; Somerset Council as the accountable body and management of any risks within the business case; timescales of the submission of business case; and expressed thanks to officers and all partners involved in facilitating the process for application of funding and facilitation of the project.

 

Having been proposed by Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, and seconded by Cllr Liz Leyshon, the Executive agreed an amendment to the recommendations, the addition of ‘that the DCMS grant is finalised’:

 

Full Council add the revised Octagon project to the Council Capital Programme, on the proviso that the DCMS grant is finalised, that a build contract is not awarded and build work does not commence until a devolution deal has been finalised with Yeovil Town Council

 

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.????

 

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, debate and an amendment, the Executive agreed to recommend to Full Council that:???

 

Full Council add the revised Octagon project to the Council Capital Programme, on the proviso that the DCMS grant is finalised, that a build contract is not awarded and build work does not commence until a devolution deal has been finalised with Yeovil Town Council.

 

 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report.??? 

 

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report.?

143.

Fixing of hackney carriage fares pdf icon PDF 597 KB

To consider the report.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive considered the objections against the proposal, and resolved to adopt the recommended table of fares shown at Appendix 1 of the report, so that it may come into effect on the 20May 2024.

 

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, to present the report.

 

The Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, presented the report, highlighting: that the Licensing service is seeking to provide one unified table of fares for hackney carriage vehicles (taxi) across Somerset so that maximum fares are aligned across Somerset; the lead member summarised comments and feedback from public consultation and Scrutiny Committee – Communities 4 April 2024 and responses; that any table of fares is a maximum rate that can be charged, with the opportunity to work within the rates and the importance of striking a balance to provide the opportunity for a competitive taxi market; and the importance of taxis as a form of public transport especially in areas of limited or non existent bus and rail options.

 

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the impact of the increase in cost of living and motoring costs; the omission of a previously used area booking fee; auction of rank and the importance of a competitive market; the negotiation of and pricing of taxi fares; the importance of taxis in the community and the local economy; the importance of reviewing the taxi fares annually or biannually to avoid negatively impacting the travelling public; and the welcome consultation process and associated engagement.

 

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.????

 

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive considered the objections against the proposal, and resolved to adopt the recommended table of fares shown at Appendix 1 of the report, so that it may come into effect on the 20 May 2024.

 

 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report.??? 

 

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report.?

144.

Establishment of the Gravity Enterprise Zone Executive Sub-Committee pdf icon PDF 93 KB

To consider the report.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive approved the proposed terms of reference for the Gravity Enterprise Zone Executive Sub-Committee included as Appendix 1 to this report and commends the progress with developing the Gravity Locality Investment Plan.

 

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets, Cllr Ros Wyke, to present the report.

 

The Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning & Assets, Cllr Ros Wyke, presented the report, highlighting: the progress of delivery of the Gravity Enterprise Zone and development of the Gravity Locality Investment Plan, including compliance work, ongoing Government Department funding discussion, and Council resources and capacity; the collaboration with key local stakeholders to set up a local community forum; the recommendations agreed at the Executive meeting held o 12 March 2024, to enable the Council to progress the delivery of the enterprise zone; and the role of the proposed Sub Committee to provide a robust and transparent governance structure.

 

The Service Director Economy, Employment and Planning, Paul Hickson, further added to the above points, highlighting: community and member engagement, project monitoring and governance learnings from previous projects such as Hinckley Point C.

 

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the governance route to oversee and act on feedback, and issues raised by members stakeholders and local communities through engagement and consultation with the relevant groups; the frequency of reporting to the Executive; expenditure and funding decisions and control through delegated powers; external critical assurance through UL Investment Bank and internal assurance through internal audit: and the welcome contribution and communication from all communities across Somerset to deliver the best outcomes for Somerset residents.

 

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.????

 

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive approved the proposed terms of reference for the Gravity Enterprise Zone Executive Sub-Committee included as Appendix 1 to this report and commends the progress with developing the Gravity Locality Investment Plan.

 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report.??? 

 

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report.?

 

145.

Scrutiny Review Update pdf icon PDF 296 KB

Report to follow.

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive considered, commented and supported the following recommendations agreed by the Corporate and Resources Committee and endorsed by the 5 Scrutiny Committee Chairs:

 

(1) The current structure of 5 scrutiny committees to remain in place, with a further scrutiny review to be conducted by the scrutiny chairs in late 2024/early 2025 following any potential service restructure.

 

(2) The scrutiny manager is tasked with preparing a revised and improved scrutiny report template, which enables clearer and more concise presentation of reports, a standard consistency of reports across all 5 scrutiny committees, a clearer link between committee recommendations onto the Executive/Executive Member(s) and ensuring service areas clearly demonstrate where scrutiny is able to add value.

 

(3) That all 5 scrutiny committees adopt a consistent approach to dealing with information only items, in order that agendas are kept clear for items with specific recommendations and the opportunity for the committees to add value. This information also to include details of any delegated decisions the scrutiny chair has been consulted on.

 

(4) To bolster the links between all 5 scrutiny committees and the Executive by ensuring clear communication between the parties and encourage increased opportunities for committee chairs to update the Executive on areas of focus and present any recommendations/proposals the committee have agreed. Also for the Democratic Services team to establish a central record of all formal scrutiny recommendations and the responses to them.

 

(5) The scrutiny manager to liaise with the 5 Group Leaders in advance of the AGM Council meeting (May 2024) in order to provide detailed attendance information on each of the Committee’s membership, to ensure committee membership and substitutes reflect maximum engagement and consistency.

 

(6) The scrutiny manager to liaise with the 5 Group Leaders to ensure a consistent, timely and wherever possible consistent approach to scrutiny substitutes.

 

(7) Elected committee membership to remain as 13 individual members.

 

(8) Continue with the monthly meetings of the 5 Scrutiny Chairs, Vice Chairs and scrutiny manager.

 

(9) Continued with the model of an Executive Director aligned to each Committee as the lead service officer and to encourage continued attendance from all relevant Executive Members.

 

(10) Supported the continuation of a dedicated scrutiny resource from the Democratic Services team, to allow for more effective and efficient scrutiny and increase scrutiny opportunities, whilst ensuring resilience within the officer cohort.

 

 

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, introduced the report, highlighting that the purpose of the report was to update the Executive on the Scrutiny Review conducted by the five Scrutiny Committee Chairs, following endorsement at the Corporate and Resources Scrutiny Committee on 25 April 2024, and to seek support for the recommendations.

 

The Interim Head of Democratic Services, Scott Wooldridge, presented the report, highlighting: the pre vesting day cross-party, cross-scrutiny Task and Finish Group work and recommendations to establish views, suggestions and formal recommendations on how the scrutiny function should operate at Somerset Council post Vesting Day; the key points and focus of the recommendations; and that the recommendations would be considered at Full Council on 22 May 2024.

 

At the invitation of the Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, the Chair Scrutiny Committee Corporate and Resources, Cllr Bob Filmer and the Chair Scrutiny Committee Adults and Health, Cllr Gill Slocombe, commented on the Scrutiny Review Update.

 

The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee Corporate and Resources, Cllr Bob Filmer, welcomed the Executive and Full Council decision to keep the current Scrutiny function structure and emphasised the positive role of Scrutiny in helping and challenging the Executive were necessary.  Cllr Filmer further commented on the importance of the coordinating of Scrutiny Committee and Executive meetings to aid the scrutiny feedback process. The Chair of the Scrutiny Committee Adults and Health, Cllr Gill Slocombe, added her support to Cllr Filmer’s comments.

 

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: Scrutiny Committee memberships, including political balance and geographical coverage representation, time and commitment, substitutes, attendance and the importance of member engagement and topic understanding; timetabling challenges to coordinate Scrutiny Committees and Executive meetings and recent changes to the Scrutiny Committee timetable; the important role of Scrutiny Committees within a large Unitary Council; the opportunity to further review and develop Scrutiny; the work of members to understand topics to ask relevant questions in the Scrutiny process; and the benefit of forward plans to avoid duplication and highlight issues that can be cross committee scrutinised. In summary Cllr Revans expressed thanks to the Scrutiny Committee Chairs, Vice Chairs, Members and Officers for their coordinated work to improve and develop better ways of working.

 

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.????

 

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive considered, commented and supported the following recommendations agreed by the Corporate and Resources Committee and endorsed by the 5 Scrutiny Committee Chairs:

 

1.                       The current structure of 5 scrutiny committees to remain in place, with a further scrutiny review to be conducted by the scrutiny chairs in late 2024/early 2025 following any potential service restructure. 

 

2.                      The scrutiny manager is tasked with preparing a revised and improved scrutiny report template, which enables clearer and more concise presentation of reports, a standard consistency of reports across all 5 scrutiny committees, a clearer link between committee recommendations  ...  view the full minutes text for item 145.

146.

LCN update and review pdf icon PDF 2 MB

To consider the report.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive considered the initial review of the 18 LCNs and agreed the amended Terms of Reference for LCNs.

 

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources, Cllr Theo Butt Philip, to introduce the report.

 

The Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources, Cllr Theo Butt Philip, introduced the report highlighting: the establishment, operation and development of the 18 LCNs; the key role of LCN participants; the role of LCN Working Groups; learning from the Exmoor pilot; and that LCNs are in their fifth round with Annual General Meetings planned for June and July 2024.

 

The LCN Development and Engagement Manager, Kate Hellard, further added to above points, highlighting: the focus of the paper primarily on changing the Terms of Reference but also to highlight current work regarding governance, staffing and support, geographies, participation and stakeholders; the detailed discussion at the Scrutiny Committee Corporate and Resources on 25 April 2024, and the agreement to establish a Scrutiny Task and Finish Group to inform a wider review; and work to create meetings that facilitate participation form all.

 

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: acknowledgment of the work of Members, officers, partners and stakeholders; local commissioning work and funding accountability, local funding, equitable share of costs and the impact on smaller Parish Councils; LCN definition within the One Somerset Business Case; LCN foundations, ambition and developments priorities and developing local solutions; the key role and positive impact of LCN Working Groups to better understand priorities to create and deliver action plans; the progress of LCNs and continued work to build relationships on an asset based approach to community development and facilitate communities working together to affect positive change locally; and LCNs as a conduit for Somerset residents given the amalgamation of the five Councils and disestablishment of District Councils;

 

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.????

 

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive considered the initial review of the 18 LCNs and agreed the amended Terms of Reference for LCNs.

 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report.??? 

 

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report.?

 

147.

Public Spaces Protection Orders for Dog Control (Somerset North Area) pdf icon PDF 338 KB

To consider the report.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, discussion and an amendment, the Executive agreed:

 

a.     The adoption and Implementation of the ‘Public Space Protection Order (Dog Control – North Somerset) 2024’ for dog fouling relating to the Somerset North area for dog fouling, dogs on lead by order, gods on leads and exclusion of dogs relating to the Somerset North area, in Appendix A of the report.

 

b.     The adoption and implementation of the ‘Public Space Protection Order (Dog Control – West Somerset) 2024’ for dog fouling, dogs on lead by order, dogs on leads and exclusion of dogs relating to the Somerset West area, in Amended Appendix B (to reinstate the dog exclusion area in Millenium Rose Garden, Minehead).

 

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, to introduce the report.

 

The Lead Member for Communities, Housing and Culture, Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts, introduced the report, highlighting that the report sought approval for public spaces Protection Orders for dog control in Somerset North and Somerset West including areas where dogs are to be kept on lead where dogs or to be put on lead by order where dogs are to be prohibited and dog fouling. The Lead Member further summarised the consultation process responses; and highlighted

the revised Appendix B and proposed amended report recommendation.

 

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the environmental impact; the Covid pandemic impact and the increase in dog ownership and antisocial dog behaviour; the environmental and economic impacts; the large amount of public interest and public engagement and compromise as a listening Council; adequate provision of dog waste bins; the work on consistent signage across the North and the West areas; clarity of the map line for Land (Dog Exclusion) designated by description for Minehead Beach from Golf Club Groyne to Jubilee Café steps; and suggestions and considerations for the next review point.

 

The Local Members for Minehead Division, Cllr Mandy Chilcott and Cllr Andy Hadley commented on the welcome opportunity for everyone to have space and enjoy Minehead beach and expressed thanks to officers for their work on the consultation process and proposals to consider.

 

Having been proposed by Cllr Federica Smith-Roberts and seconded by Cllr Sarah Wakefield the Executive agreed to the following addition to recommendation ‘b’:

 

‘in amended Appendix B (to reinstate the dog exclusion area in Millenium Rose Garden, Minehead)’.

 

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.??? ?

 

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices, discussion and an amendment, the Executive agreed:

 

 

a.         The adoption and Implementation of the ‘Public Space Protection Order (Dog Control – North Somerset) 2024’ for dog fouling relating to the Somerset North area for dog fouling, dogs on lead by order, gods on leads and exclusion of dogs relating to the Somerset North area, in Appendix A of the report.

 

b.         The adoption and implementation of the ‘Public Space Protection Order (Dog Control – West Somerset) 2024’ for dog fouling, dogs on lead by order, dogs on leads and exclusion of dogs relating to the Somerset West area, in Amended Appendix B (to reinstate the dog exclusion area in Millenium Rose Garden, Minehead).

 

 

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report.?? ? 

 

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report.?

148.

Update on Waste Collection Contract pdf icon PDF 110 KB

To consider the report.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed:

 

a.     The case for applying exemption information provision as set out in the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A and therefore treat the attached confidential Appendix A in confidence, as it contains commercially sensitive and legal privilege information, and as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information.

 

b.    To exclude the press and public from the meeting during discussion regarding confidential Appendices (treated as exempt information).

 

c.     To approve the negotiation mandate with SUEZ and instruct the Chief Executive to establish their final negotiated position as an alternative to renunciation of the Contract as set out in confidential Appendix A of the report.

 

d.     That following conclusion of the negotiations with SUEZ by the Chief Executive a further report shall be brought back for a final decision setting out the SUEZ final offer and other alternative options.

 

 

Minutes:

The Leader of the Council, Bil Revans, invited the Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr Dixie Darch, to introduce the report.

 

The Lead Member for Environment and Climate Change, Cllr Dixie Darch, introduced the report, highlighting: that Somerset Council have a contract for waste collection services with SUEZ which commenced during April 2020 and runs for 10 years, with the option to extend for a further 10 years; the highly visible and statutory provision of waste services to Somerset residents; and that SUEZ have disclosed significant losses on the contract, and may terminate if the Council is unable to agree a settlement figure. Cllr Darch further summarised the purpose of the report including seeking a mandate to enter into negotiations with SUEZ to establish a solution which provides best value for Somerset residents.

 

 

The Service Director Climate and Sustainability, Kirsty Larkins, presented the report, highlighting: the commencement of the contract in April 2020 and the commercial challenges faced by SUEZ; the dispute claims issued by SUEZ, including progression through formal process; that the Council disputes the claims; the potential for the contact to become unviable; the Council appointment of an independent consultant to review costs and assess delivery models; on-going work with SUEZ to identify efficiency savings; and the focus on a solution which provides best value whilst causing minimal disruption to the residents of Somerset.

 

 

The Leader of the Council, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the impact of long term contracts across the public sector post the Covid pandemic through economic and financial challenges; local and national contract, procurement and commissioning pressure;

the robust and rigorous process to award the contract; strategic risk monitoring and oversight of contracts through the Councils Audit Committee; the significant budget pressure on the budget gap for 2025/26 and onwards; and the reputational risk to Somerset Council.

 

 

 

 

Having been duly proposed and seconded, the Executive proceeded to vote on a proposal to enter confidential session.

 

Exclusion of the Press and Public

 

The Council RESOLVED to pass a resolution under Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting, on the basis that if they were present during the business to be transacted there would be a likelihood of disclosure of exempt information, within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

 

The confidential session ended and the Council returned to public session

 

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.??? ?

 

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed:

 

a.         The case for applying exemption information provision as set out in the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A and therefore treat the attached confidential Appendix A in confidence, as it contains commercially sensitive and legal privilege information, and as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information. 

 

b.         To exclude the press and public from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 148.