The Executive Lead for Strategic Planning, Housing and Energy gave a brief presentation to the Board. The Board were advised that Spatial Planning are confident that they will make the savings required, and meet income targets outlined in the proposed budget by 1^st April 2012.

The Board questioned whether there had been a reduction in planning applications in 2011. The Board were advised that there had been a reduction in planning applications in 2011 and that the loss of income was increased via further cost recovery generating an additional £20k.

The Board were advised that Spatial Planning are now charging for pre-application advice, and have been since November 2011 and that in the first 6 weeks of charging for this service they generated £3275. The Board were advised that charges for pre-application advice would be reviewed in April. The Board were advised that Spatial Planning are now charging for the Design Review Panel, and it is forecasted that we will generate £8500 this year.

The Board were advised that negotiations are taking place regarding concessionary fares and that letters have been sent to bus operators. The Board were advised that this is an ongoing process and will take approximately 4 months to complete and that a new rate will be implemented in May 2012. The Board questioned what consultation had taken place; they were advised that consultation has been widespread, including involving groups such as SPOT and that a large number of people have taken part in the interactive surveys. The Board requested that further information be provided to them regarding the knock on effect on other areas, and in particular Adult Social Care.

The Board were advised that there are vacant posts within Spatial Planning and that as a result of this some projects will be deferred and that work on the Carbon Challenge has been stopped.

The Board questioned why the targets for planning applications were low. The Board were advised that the target for planning applications is 60% and that Spatial Planning are currently achieving 42%, however performance is improving. 

The Executive Lead for Strategic Planning was asked why the Revenue Budget 2012/13 figures were marked as not due. The Board were informed that this was due to the uncertainty of the Plymouth Waste Plant but the figures were as up to date as possible.

The Executive Lead for Strategic Planning was asked what happens if waste management at Plymouth goes to judicial review? The Board were informed that this could cost the partnership 27 million pounds over 25 years.

The Board questioned what we could do to enforce the laws against fly tipping in the Bay. The Board were advised that there is a current legal case ongoing with strong supporting evidence. The Board were assured that that we will take action when we can do so.

The Board questioned how much money the Council has set aside for flood risks and whether any savings are to be made out of this budget. The Board were advised that no savings are to be made out of this budget as the Council receives funding from the Environment Agency.

Resolved:

1)    That with regards to concessionary bus fares consideration be given to the knock on effect to other service areas (specifically the impact on Adult Social Care).