Issue - meetings

Councillor I C Bates, Leader and Chairman of the Cabinet presented the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 22nd February, 15th March and 5th April 2007.

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In connection with Item Nos. 105 and 106 and in response to questions from Councillors Mrs M Banerjee and G S E Thorpe, the Executive Councillor for Finance, Councillor T V Rogers, explained that the cost of transferring the receipt of cash payments from the District Council’s Cash Offices to alternative payment providers would amount to £12,000 in the first year and £5,000 per annum thereafter.  He added that he too welcomed the initiative which would enhance customer services and present the opportunity for residents to make payments closer to home.

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In connection with Item No. 115 and in response to questions from Councillors D A Giles, D Harty and R Powell, the Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy, Councillor P L E Bucknell confirmed that consideration had yet to be given to the question of charging for car parking at the Riverside Car Park, St. Neots and the use of additional land at Mews Close, Ramsey for car parking.  He advised that these and other issues would be considered by the Members’ Car Parking Strategy Working Group which would present its conclusions to the Cabinet later in the year.

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In connection with Item No. 116 and in response to a question from Councillor P J Downes regarding the cost in future years of undertaking the enforcement of the requirements of the Health Act 2006 in terms of the prohibition of smoking, the Leader, Councillor I C Bates undertook to respond in detail to the questioner in writing.

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In connection with Item No. 117 and having regard to the confidential nature of the business to be considered, the Council

RESOLVED

  that the public be excluded from the meeting because the business to be transacted contains exempt information in relation to terms for the disposal of Council property. 

On the same subject and in response to a question from Councillor R W J Eaton, the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Service Support), Councillor J A Gray replied that the issue of consultation with Ward Councillors prior to the potential sale of District Council owned land would be examined under the scrutiny “call-in” procedure and the Deputy Leader, Councillor L M Simpson, added that Councillors should be informed of matters relating to their Wards as a matter of course. 

Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the public be re-admitted to the meeting.

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Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 22nd February, 15th March and 5th April 2007 be received and adopted.

To consider a report by the Head of Policy and Strategic Services seeking approval for the Council’s Gender Equality Scheme.

Approved the contents Gender Equality Scheme together with an associated action plan.

By way of a report by the Head of Policy and Strategic Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet was invited to consider the contents of the Gender Equality Scheme together with an associated action plan..

Members were advised that the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 (as amended) would place a duty on public bodies to promote gender equality with effect from 6th April 2007.  Having been informed that the scheme would integrate with current Race and Disability and Equality Schemes, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

  that the contents of the draft Gender Equality Scheme and associated Action Plan be approved.