Agenda and minutes

1.         The Lead Member approved as a correct record the minutes of the meeting on 26 March 2019. 

2.1       Reports referred to in the minutes below are contained in the minute book.

Report by the Chief Operating Officer

3.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer. 

3.2       Mr Chris Bowers and Mr Tony Parker spoke about the aims of the petition.

DECISION

3.3       The Lead Member RESOLVED to inform the petitioners that: (1) there is a contract in place up to March 2020 to deliver the current service at Ringmer Swimming Pool;

(2)        East Sussex County Council has in place a very structured and well-informed annual process to ensure that available resources are prioritised to support the key priorities of the Council; and

(3)        East Sussex County Council:

a.         Is not able to guarantee that Ringmer Swimming Pool will remain open as it considers funding decisions as part of an annual prioritisation process,

b.         are reviewing arrangements post March 2020 as there is a need for new contract arrangements,

c.         Agree that any proposed changes that may impact on community availability would be subject to consultation and this would include all relevant stakeholders.

Reasons

3.4          The provision of leisure services is not a responsibility of County Councils and therefore as part of the consideration of future arrangements the County Council will be engaging with interested stakeholders about options for the operation of the swimming pool post the current contract extension of March 2020.

3.5       Any consideration of options for how Ringmer swimming pool is managed post the current contract will be part of the County Council’s annual prioritisation process and any potential changes will be considered through a formal engagement and consultation process.

Report by the Chief Operating Officer

4.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.

DECISION

4.2       The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) agree to banning the release of balloons on Council owned and leased land and buildings; and

(2) delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to take any action they consider appropriate to give effect to or in consequence of (1) above.

Reasons

4.3       Several organisations, such as the Marine Conservation Society, RSPCA and the National Farmers Union support a ban.  In October 2014 the Council agreed to ban the release of sky lanterns on Council owned land, and has recently received a query from the RSPCA regarding balloons.  Lewes District Council, among others nationally, have introduced a ban on the release of balloons on their estates.

Report by the Chief Operating Officer

5.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer.

DECISION

5.2       The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) declare the property known as Isabel Blackman Centre, Hastings, surplus to the County Council’s operational requirements; and

(2) delegate authority to the Chief Operating Officer to secure best value terms for a disposal, in accordance with s123 of the Local Government Act 1972.   

Reasons

5.3       The Property offers no future operational use and whilst vacant would continue to incur costs for security and maintenance.  The County Council is not in a position to lease the flat above the centre separately without incurring security of tenure and right to buy, and would require refurbishment.  The capital receipt will contribute to the funding for the Capital Programme.

Report by the Assistant Chief Executive

6.1       The Lead Member considered a report by the Assistant Chief Executive.

DECISION

6.2       The Lead Member RESOLVED to (1) agree to the proposed direction of travel for the partnership as set out in the report;

(2) delegate authority to the Chief Executive to amend or enter in any agreements necessary to give effect to this; and

(3) approve the dissolution of the Joint Committee. 

Reasons

6.3       The enhanced collaborative arrangement will require an amendment to the Inter Authority Agreement.  As there is no longer an intention to integrate the services and each authority will retain its own service, the Joint Committee can be dissolved and the services are overseen by the arrangements within the sovereign bodies as previously.