Agenda and minutes

Agreed.

Received a report proposing increases to charges in respect of the Barking Town Centre market for 2005/06.

Agreed, in accordance with the principles of the Charging Policy Commission, to increased charges in respect of the Barking Town Centre market with effect from 1 April 2005, as set out in paragraph 2.5 of the report.

The Strategy document will be circulated under separate cover and will also be made available on the Internet, in the Members’ Rooms and at public libraries.

Received a report on the draft Crime, Disorder and Drugs Strategy for the Borough for the period April 2005 to March 2008, the aims and objectives of which will be delivered through the Borough’s Community Safety Strategic Partnership.

Agreed, in order to assist the reduction of crime, disorder and the harm caused by illegal drugs in the Borough and the achievement of the Community Priorities of ‘Making Barking and Dagenham Cleaner, Greener and Safer’ and ‘Raising General Pride in the Borough’, to:

1.  Note the Council’s draft Crime, Disorder and Drugs Strategy 2005-2008 as appended to the report; and

2.  Recommend the Assembly to formally adopt the Strategy at its meeting on 6 April 2005.

Further to Minute 69 (3 August 2004), received a report on the current performance in respect of re-letting of void Council properties and the updated Action Plan which will enable the Council to meet the Public Sector Agreement (PSA) target of 25 days by March 2006.

Agreed to:

1.  Note the progress in achieving the Voids PSA target;

2.  The introduction of the Minimum Lettable Standard protocol, which will be subject to consultation via Community Housing Partnerships in accordance with the recommendations of the Best Value Inspection, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report;

3.  Note the progress against the Void Performance Action Plan agreed by Minute 69; and

4.  Adopt the new Void Performance Action Plan as set out in Appendix 5.

Received a report on proposals for the Council to host the British Urban Regeneration Association (BURA) Annual Conference 2005, which is to take place on 11 and 12 October.

Agreed, in order to assist the Council to achieve its Community Priorities of ‘Regenerating the Local Economy’ and ‘Raising General Pride in the Borough’, to:

1.  The Council hosting the 2005 BURA Annual Conference on 11 - 12 October, using facilities at The Broadway and Barking Town Hall;

2.  A contribution towards the costs of the event of up to £50,000 from Regeneration and Environment departmental budgets for 2005-06;

3.  Note that contributions towards the remaining costs for the event will be sought from external regeneration partners; and

4.  The Council meeting any shortfall in funding from external regeneration partners up to a further £50,000.

Agreed to exclude the public and press for the remainder of the meeting, as the business was confidential.