bedford borough council requests and responses ... 2 2013.doc · web viewthey also receive £450...

Bedford Borough Council Requests and Responses Received January 2013

Request ID

Date of response

Request and Response

3863 30/1/2013 Request

I am writing under the Freedom of Information Act to request details of the Average Speed Camera System that has been installed in Milton Ernest.

I wish to understand how such a system can operate reliably and accurately on a congested road with two major and one minor side turnings, and what safeguards are in place to protect motorists from unjustified prosecution.

Specifically, I would like details of:

- The specification for the system, including the location of cameras.

- The criteria by which the system will be assessed for accuracy of recording and calculation, and a continued level of performance over time.

- The certification standards for this type of system, who will be responsible for this certification, and who will be operating it on a day to day basis.

I would expect these details to cover issues such as the following:

- How will the system deal with vehicles which leave the A6 at any of the turnings, or belong to residents? How long do details of a vehicle remain in the system waiting for it to be captured and matched on leaving the controlled area, and how are the details then removed?

- How will the system handle vehicles leaving the controlled area having started their journeys within it (for example, residents such as myself), driving vehicles which have no "entry record" in the system?

- How will the system handle the situation when vehicles are backed up on the A6 on the Bedford entry to the village, when number plates may not be visible to the camera?

- What evidence will be presented to any driver who is considered to have been driving at an average speed in excess of that permitted, and what evidence of performance level will be available should he/she wish to challenge the assertion.

Finally, I would like to see details of the Cost/Benefit Analysis that has led to the system being approved and installed, what the justification and approval process has been, with the names of those responsible, and details of the initial and continuing costs of installing and operating the system.

I would expect the Cost/Benefit Analysis to set out clearly the costs in terms of accidents and/or other criteria that will be mitigated by the installation of the system.

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested. The information you requested is in relation to the Average Speed Cameras installed in Milton Ernest and is as follows:

The specification for the system, including the location of camerasThe cameras are Siemens SafeZone cameras. Safezone is an average speed enforcement system which measures time over distance to determine whether a vehicle has exceeded the speed limit between two points in accordance with the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. The system is type approved by the Home Office in accordance with the requirements of the Speedmeter Handbook and A Guide to Type-Approval Procedures for Automatic Distance/Time Speedmeters used for Road Traffic Law Enforcement in Great Britain. The cameras are located on:

a) A6 at the northern end of Milton Ernest b) A6 Southern end of Milton Ernestc) Radwell Road Milton Ernest.

(A location plan can be provided if required)

The criteria by which the system will be assessed for accuracy of recording and calculation, and a continued level of performance over timeThe accuracy, recording and performance of the system are all covered by the Home Office Type Approval testing procedures.

The certification standards for this type of system, who will be responsible for this certification, and who will be operating it on a day to day basis

Certification of the system is covered by the Home Office Type Approval, which includes the formal testing of the system and the requirements for certification of any installation prior to enforcement.

I would expect these details to cover issues such as the following:

How will the system deal with vehicles which leave the A6 at any of the turnings, or belong to residents? How long do details of a vehicle remain in the system waiting for it to be captured and matched on leaving the controlled area, and how are the details then removed?In the event a vehicle only passes one camera, then a speed measurement cannot be made as two detections are necessary to measure the time taken to travel between two points and hence calculate the average speed. In the event that no match is recorded, then any records are removed from the system after a configurable period of time, typically pre-set to one hour.

How will the system handle vehicles leaving the controlled area having started their journeys within it (for example, residents such as myself), driving vehicles which have no "entry record" in the system?This process is the same as for the previous question – with only one record in any period of time, no time measurement and hence speed calculation can be made. Therefore the record is deleted from the system.

How will the system handle the situation when vehicles are backed up on the A6 on the Bedford entry to the village, when number plates may not be visible to the camera?If number plates are not visible to the camera then no detection can be made and the result will be the same as in the previous questions. Additionally if this is the case, typically this will be because of queuing traffic which therefore would pre-suppose congestion and hence no likelihood of exceeding the speed limit.

What evidence will be presented to any driver who is considered to have been driving at an average speed in excess of that permitted, and what evidence of performance level will be available should he/she wish to challenge the assertion.This question would be best answered by the Police who will be dealing with the offence prosecutions. Performance levels are covered by the Home Office Type Approval procedures for the system which determine the evidential requirements, technical and operational standards regarding the measurement of speed for enforcement.

The system has been installed to support the Borough’s wider road safety strategy and an initiative led by the Mayor to reduce speeding on our roads. The cameras in Milton Ernest are one of three sites planned for implementation this year.

No cost benefit analysis of the type inferred has been carried out as these works are part of a longer term wider strategy and no income from speeding fines is received by the Borough Council. Costs to install the system are funded through the Council’s Capital Integrated Transport budget. The Integrated Transport budget is grant funded by Central Government.

On average there are around 400 accidents on Borough roads each year. Of these approximately 10% can be attributed to excessive speed and/or inappropriate speed. The Council aims to reduce these figures through its road safety strategy and the introduction of Average Speed Cameras at several sites across the Borough, (along with other road safety campaigns, Community Speed Watch exercises and further mobile speed enforcement by the Police) is part of that initiative.

3864 7/1/2013 Request

Re: Alderwood LLA

Please disclose how much are the yearly running costs you pay for the above residential school?

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested.

Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested;

Please disclose [freedom of information act?] how much are the yearly running costs you pay for that residential school (Alderwood LLA)?

Answer: We are currently funding at £272,150 p/annum.

3865 18/1/2013 Request from Jan Karbowy

Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at:

Mount Pleasant RoadClapham

Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:

3.1 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council

3.2 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (d) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (e) - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (f) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council3.11 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

Response

Thank you for your request for information. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspxThe data used for answering questions 3.1, 3.2 and 3.7(e) is accessible for viewing on appointment directly with Highways Development Control.

Property Address:Mount Pleasant Road, Clapham, Bedford,

3.7 Outstanding NoticesDo any statutory notices which relate to the following matters subsist in relation to the property other than those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in this schedule:-

b) Environmentc) Health & Safetyd) Housing f) Public Health

b) No c) Nod) Nof) No

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx

3.11 Compulsory PurchaseHas any enforceable order or decision been made to compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?

No

3.13 Radon GasDo any records indicate that the property is in a ‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health Protection Agency?

YesThis property falls within a Radon Affected Area as it is underlain, completely or partly by geology which has potential to cause radon levels to exceed the action levels for either basic or full radon protection. The level of protection needed, if any, is site specific. Radon Affected Areas are designated by the Health Protection Agency They estimate that between 1-3% of properties in the area could be affected and recommend that the level of radon gas should be measured. The present owner or (for a new property), the builder should be asked if the radon levels have been measured in the property; whether the results were at, or above the Action Level (prescribed by the HPA) and if so, whether remedial measures were installed and if the radon levels were re-tested and confirmed, the effectiveness of the measures.

The HPA should be contacted for any further advice. (Tel: 01235-831600 or through their internet address: www.hpa.org.uk/radiation).

A guide containing further information about Radon Affected Areas is available free from DEFRA Warehouse Publications, Admail 6000, London SW1A 2XX (Tel: 08459-556000 and Fax: 020-8957-5012) or from DEFRA Radioactive Substances Division, Zone 4/E7, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E.

3866 29/1/2013 Request

I hereby request a list of Business Rate accounts that meet the following criteria:

1. Current overpayment/credit shown for any financial year if credit balance hasn't been carried forward 2. Accounts where a 'write on' has been used since 1st April 2000 to cancel an overpayment which has not since been reversed

I would request that the list contains the following information:

Ratepayer name * Address of property concerned Amount of overpayment/write on If possible, the period/financial year relating to overpayment/credit/write on

*Information is only requested where the ratepayer is a company and not an individual as I appreciate this is limited by the Data Protection Acts.

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information in the attached spreadsheets.

Please contact [email protected] for a copy of the attachments

3867 29/1/2013 Request

Please could you tell me the amount spent on home education services for the academic year 2011-12? I would be grateful if you could itemise staff costs, administrative/secretarial support costs, and also the total spend on provision of services for home educated children and young people.

Response

mailto:[email protected]


Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested:

Please could you tell me the amount spent on home education services for the academic year 2011-12? I would be grateful if you could itemise staff costs, administrative/secretarial support costs, and also the total spend on provision of services for home educated children and young people.

Answer:

Home Education Services and Support for 2011/2012

Staff Costs 27,890Administrative/secretarial support 2,144

Total spend on Home Education Services 30,033

3868 18/1/2013 Request

HURST GROVE, BEDFORD

I'm writing to request the following Con29 information, under EIR, for the above property(s):

3.73.113.123.13

Plans have been attached for your reference.

Response


I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department

Property Address:

Hurst Grove, Bedford,


Environment Health & Safety Housing Public Health

b) Noc) Nod) Nof) No


No

3.12 Contaminated LandDo any of the following apply (including any relating to land adjacent to or adjoining the property which has been identified as contaminated land because it is in such a condition that harm or pollution of controlled waters might be caused on the property):-

a) a contaminated land notice;b) in relation to a register maintained under

section 78R of the Environmental Protection Act 1990:-

i) a decision to make an entry; orii) an entry; or

No

c) consultation with the owner occupier of the property conducted under section 78G(3) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 before the service of a remediation notice?


No

3869 18/1/2013 Request

Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to property at:

Saxon Way (Greenkeepers Mews) Bedford


3.1 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.2 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (d) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (e) - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (f) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council3.11 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

Response


I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspxThe data used for answering questions 3.1, 3.2 and 3.7(e) is accessible for viewing on appointment directly with Highways Development Control.

Property Address:Saxon Way, Great Denham, Bedford,





No


No

3870 24/1/2013 Request

Under the terms of freedom of information, I would like to request the following information for the period 1st January 2012 – 31st December 2012 (or for the last complete reporting year if easier) and to exclude employees of schools in the local authority area.


- The total number of full time staff

- The total number of part time staff

- The full time equivalent number of staff

- The number of compulsory and voluntary redundancies made by the local authority in the above stated period (please note, I only require a number, no information regarding positions made redundant or of settlements)

- Number of resignations accepted by the authority for the above stated period (please note, I only require a number, no data concerning the roles resigned, departments effected, etc.)

- Number of newly recruited staff for the above stated period

- Total number of sickness days taken by local authority staff for the above stated period (for the whole authority, not per person)

- Total number of FTE sickness days taken by local authority staff for the above stated period (for the whole authority, not per person)

- Total number of grievances (Please note, for disciplinary data, I only require a number, no specific details of any action instigated)

Response


Please find the information you requested below for the period 1 January to 31 December 2012, excluding school-based staff and casual workers.

1. 1426 (including starters and leavers during this period)

2. 668 (including starters and leavers during this period)

3. 1796.7 FTE (including starters and leavers during this period)

4. Compulsory: 58 Voluntary: 65

5. 118

6. 170

7. 18,123 days

8. 5921 FTE days

9. 42

3871 15/1/2013 Request

1. In the year 2012-13 how many complaints have you had about taxi drivers? Could you also narrow it down i.e. 4 for swearing

2. How many female drivers do you have currently?

3. Since the recent court case about Rossendale Council. Do you have any drivers in Bedford who are licensed by Rossendale Council? If so how many?

4. In the year 12-13 how many drivers license have you revoked and for what reason?

5. What are the requirements to be a taxi driver?

6. Has Bedford Council ever investigated a taxi company regarding about their fare price?

7. Has the licensing team ever rejected a person to be a taxi driver on the grounds they have a criminal record but if they appealed -What does the council look at to make a fair decision? Could you also give me some numbers of the people who were in this situation but were successfully in getting a licence?

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm

that we do hold the information you requested. You requested:

1. In the year 2012-13 how many complaints have you had about taxi drivers? Could you also narrow it down i.e. 4 for swearing

21- Unable to do a breakdown as the files would need to be manually searched and this would exceed the limit as below:

This appropriate limit has been set in the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004 which provides that for a local authority the appropriate limit is £450. This is calculated by reference to a maximum of 18 hours being taken and the cost of staff time being set in the Regulations as £25 per hour. The Regulations also say that In calculating the amount the Council may, “for the purpose of its estimate, take account only of the costs it reasonably expects to incur in relation to the request in: (a) determining whether it holds the information, (b) locating the information, or a document which may contain the information, (c) retrieving the information, or a document which may contain the information, and (d) extracting the information from a document containing it.”

The Council has therefore decided to refuse this part of your request.

2. How many female drivers do you have currently?

27

3. Since the recent court case about Rossendale Council. Do you have any drivers in Bedford who are licensed by Rossendale Council? If so how many?

We do not hold this information electronically and therefore, we would need to go through files which would exceed the limit as per question 1 above.

4. In the year 12-13 how many drivers license have you revoked and for what reason?

1 for inappropriate conduct1 for criminal offences during licensed period2 for criminal convictions during licensed period

5. What are the requirements to be a taxi driver?

This part of the FOI has been declined as below

You requested as above

Pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the Act the Council

1. States that the above question 5 is exempt information.

2. Specifies, that the exemption in question is the subject of an absolute exemption contained within Section 21( Information Accessible to applicant by other means specified) of the FOI Act (FOIA). Please see link below

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/business/licences_and_street_trading/taxi_licensing.aspx

6. Has Bedford Council ever investigated a taxi company regarding about their fare price?

No fares for private hire are set between customer and company. In respect of Hackney Carriages Vehicles fares these are set by the authority and on the meter. We do mystery customer checks on fares and no issues have been detected

7. Has the licensing team ever rejected a person to be a taxi driver on the grounds they have a criminal record but if they appealed -What does the council look at to make a fair decision? Could you also give me some numbers of the people who were in this situation but were successfully in getting a licence?

The Convictions and Character Policy details the standard the authority expects for those who do not meet that standard (they have criminal convictions) in the first instance they go to the Head of Registration and Records for consideration if he determines that they should be refused they are advised of his decision and the applicant can then opt to take their application to General Licensing Sub Committee for determination they must do this within 21 days. If the Sub Committee refuse they then can appeal to the Magistrates Court, and finally, number 7 were in this position and none were successful.

3872 18/1/2013 Request

Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at: Coventry RoadBedford

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/business/licences_and_street_trading/taxi_licensing.aspx

Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form: 3.1 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.2 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (d) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (e) – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (f) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council3.11 – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council Please only respond to the relevant questions, where your specific department is listed.

Response



Property Address:Coventry Road, Bedford,

3.7 Outstanding NoticesDo any statutory notices which relate to the following matters subsist in relation to the property other than those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in


this schedule:- Environment Health & Safety Housing Public Health



No


No

3873 24/1/2013 Request

This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act for information on the support provided to care leavers attending higher education. It relates to the requirements on local authorities set out in the following paragraph from the Children’s Act Guidance and Regulations 1989, Volume 3 (paragraph 5.7, page 32).

‘Young people will need to know what practical and financial support they will receive from their local authorities and therefore the authority should have a written policy they give to looked after children and care leavers detailing the financial support that they will receive when they participate in any further or higher education. Information about the financial support each care leaver can expect, as set out in their responsible authority’s policy, should be complemented by information setting out what support the young person will be entitled to from the universal student funding sources’

We would like to know the following:

1. Do you have a written policy for looked after children and care leavers detailing the financial support that they will receive when they participate in higher education?

a. If you do, could you send me a copy of that written policy?b. When the policy was last updated?

2. Between April 2011 and April 2012, how many care leavers received a £2,000 higher education bursary issued under The

Children Act 1989 (Higher Education Bursary) (England) Regulations 2009?3. Do you provide weekly personal allowance to care leavers attending University? If so, how much?4. How do you distribute this information to your looked after children and care leavers?

Response



1. Do you have a written policy for looked after children and care leavers detailing the financial support that they will receive when they participate in higher education?

a. If you do, could you send me a copy of that written policy? Answer: Yes attached - it's the last one on the system.b. When the policy was last updated?Answer: Currently being updated.

2. Between April 2011 and April 2012, how many care leavers received a £2,000 higher education bursary issued under The Children Act 1989 (Higher Education Bursary) (England) Regulations 2009?

Answer : 5

3. Do you provide weekly personal allowance to care leavers attending University? If so, how much?Answer: Young People going to University receive £4250 maintenance allowance per annum while at University. It very much depends on how they wish to receive this money - some choose to have it split over 52 weeks; others split in to 12 month sum; others want it paid direct on a term by term basis to their landlord to cover rent. This is agreed with the Young Person at the beginning of each academic year. They also receive £450 equipment/book grant and £200 for travel to/from university and home address.

4. How do you distribute this information to your looked after children and care leavers? Answer: Young People are made aware of the full financial package at the onset of our involvement at 15 and a half and it will be contained in their Pathway Plan. The information is also shared with other relevant Teams/professionals to

ensure the message is received by young people.

Please contact [email protected] for a copy of the policy

3874 24/1/2013 Request

As of January 2013, please could you tell me: 1) How many allotment sites are there in Bedford for which the Council has access to waiting list data? 2) What is the total number of plots on these sites? 3) What is the total number of people on waiting lists for these sites? 4) Are any of these waiting lists closed to further applications? 5) How many new allotment sites on council land were brought into use in 2011 and 2012?

Please give: a) number of new sites b) names of new sites c) total area of new land in hectares d) total number of new plots

Response


As of January 2013, please could you tell me: 1) How many allotment sites are there in Bedford for which the Council has access to waiting list data?

There are three sites directly managed by Bedford Borough Council for which we have access to waiting list data – Allen Park,


Newnham Avenue and Goldington Field 2) What is the total number of plots on these sites?

312 3) What is the total number of people on waiting lists for these sites?

8 4) Are any of these waiting lists closed to further applications?

No 5) How many new allotment sites on council land were brought into use in 2011 and 2012? Please give:

a) number of new sites b) names of new sites c) total area of new land in hectares d) total number of new plots

No new sites.

3875 28/1/2013 Request

On 26th May 2012, Bedford was named as one of The 12 new Portas Pilots’ to enable the town team bring their high street back to life. In order to achieve this, a share of £1.2 million was awarded to put their winning plans into action.

This money was paid through s31 unringfenced revenue grant, paid directly to the local authority. Each partnership needed to identify an Accountable Body (local authority) to receive the grant, if they were not, themselves, a local authority. It was expected that local authorities in receipt of grant to work constructively with their communities, through their Town Team, in using funding.

The following request is, therefore, made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:-

The exact amount of government funding applied for and received for the Portas Pilot initiative

The exact amount of that funding that has physically been spent as a 31st December 2012 Please provide a breakdown and summary of how that funding has been physically spent including date of payment, amount

of payment and what exactly the payment was for. Please provide details and evidence as to how the Local Authority is benchmarking the success of the Pilot. Please provide details of the criteria and terms of reference for the monitoring and benchmarking as to the success of the

Pilot. Has the success or otherwise of the Pilot been assessed by the Local Authority to date? If so, please provide a copy of the

relevant report and/or summary.

Response

I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council.


The information that you have requested is as follows:

The exact amount of government funding applied for and received for the Portas Pilot initiative.£51,260 was applied for and received

The exact amount of that funding that has physically been spent as a 31st December 2012 £2,346.40 has been spent to 31 December 2012

Please provide a breakdown and summary of how that funding has been physically spent including date of payment, amount of payment and what exactly the payment was for.Please see spreadsheet attached

Please provide details and evidence as to how the Local Authority is benchmarking the success of the Pilot.To date, the Council has not undertaken any specific benchmarking with regard to the success of the Pilot. As a matter of course, we collate statistics on footfall and vacancy rates which are used to provide a ‘healthcheck’ for the town centre and are regularly monitored. No comparative benchmarking will be undertaken unless it is co-ordinated by DCLG with all town teams and with formalised performance indicators.

Please provide details of the criteria and terms of reference for the monitoring and benchmarking as to the success of the Pilot.I refer you to the benchmarking response above to Q4. DCLG have not issued any guidance on benchmarking but we

will continue to collect our own statistics and where possible, the Town Team will compare with other pilots. Please note, we are not the lead/chair of the Town Team – this is held by Bedford BID and the Council are just a town team member with a responsibility to ensure all expenditure provides value for money and is in line with the agreed outputs with DCLG. DCLG are the overall monitor.

Has the success or otherwise of the Pilot been assessed by the Local Authority to date? If so, please provide a copy of the relevant report and/or summary. No, it has not been assessed to date as the Town Team have spent very little of the funding.

Please contact [email protected] for a copy of the spreadsheet

3876 10/12013 Request

Please could the following questions be looked as part of the Freedom Of Information regulations:

1) How many IOS devices has your Authority purchased (From herein when referring to an IOS device we are referring to an iPhone or an iPad) 2) Is there a work programme for this calendar year to purchase IOS devices?3) Do you intend on introducing apps to be used by employees of your Authority? 4) If yes to Q3, how will you develop these apps, either using internal resource or external resource? 5) Have any of your Councillors been given access to use an IOS device?6) Which Function with the Authority would be responsible for the administration of Councillors?

Response


Please find the information you requested set out below.

1) How many IOS devices has your Authority purchased (From herein when referring to an IOS device we are referring to

an iPhone or an iPad)

- 16


2) Is there a work programme for this calendar year to purchase IOS devices?

- No

3) Do you intend on introducing apps to be used by employees of your Authority?

- Yes

4) If yes to Q3, how will you develop these apps, either using internal resource or external resource?

- Both

5) Have any of your Councillors been given access to use an IOS device?

- Yes

6) Which Function with the Authority would be responsible for the administration of Councillors?

- Members Services Unit

3877 18/1/2013 Request Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at: Grove RoadTurveyBedford Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form: 3.1 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.2 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (d) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (e) – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (f) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council

3.11 – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

Response



Property Address:Grove Road, Turvey, Bedford,





No


No


3878 5/2/2013 Request

I would like to request the following information under the Freedom of Information act:1. How many applications for retrospective planning permission for work carried out on residential properties have been

received in the last 5 years? (Please provide a separate figure for 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008) 2. How many retrospective planning applications for work carried out on residential properties were turned down in the last 5

years? (Please provide a separate figure for 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008) 3. How many cases of illegal building work have been uncovered by the council in the last 5 years? (Please provide a

separate figure for 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008) 4. The total number of fines issued to those prosecuted for illegal building work in the last 5 years and the total value of these

fines? (Please provide a separate figure for 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008)

Response

Thank you for your request for information about retrospective planning applications and illegal building work which we received on 8 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

1&2. The information you requested is available on the council’s website and can be located at http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/search_plans_page.aspx Please search using the suffixes S73A and LDE.

3. Illegal building works uncovered by Building Control and Planning

Building Control Planning2008 = 182 2008 = 6 cases2009 = 272 2009 = 6 cases2010 = 165 2010 = 12 cases2011 = 192 2011 = 15 cases2012 = 57 2012 = 11 casesTotal = 868 Total = 50 cases

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/search_plans_page.aspx

4. We are still gathering this information and will need to extend the time limit for responding by 20 days. We will provide you with a response by 4 March 2013.

Further to my letter dated 5 February 2013 please find below the remaining information requested.

5. The total number of fines issued to those prosecuted for illegal building work in the last 5 years and the total value of these fines? (Please provide a separate figure for 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009 and 2008)

No fines have been issued.

3879 29/1/2013 Request

Required Information: - A list of all live business rates accounts with a 2010 list Rateable Value greater than or equal to £25,000.

Property Reference Number (also known as Billing Authority Reference Number) of the property on which the charge is made. Please note that this is not the Rate Demand or Rate Account Number.

Current Rateable Value upon which the charge is based The Business Name of the party liable for the charge The hereditament address The address(of the account holder) to which correspondence in respect of the property is sent including the contact

telephone number and email address The liability start date or date of first account In addition to occupied business rated properties, where a property is currently subject to empty rates please provide the date

it became empty The date where a property became exempt or in receipt of business rates relief A description of the property type (e.g. office/warehouse/retail) We do not require any personal information or sole traders.

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information in the attached spreadsheet.


3880 24/1/2013 Request

My request is for information regarding persons who have died with no known next of kin since 01/08/2012 to the date of your reply. Please also include any 'pending' cases that have been/may shortly be referred to any public authority or Treasury Solicitor (or Duchy of Lancaster/Duchy of Cornwall within their jurisdictions) and any cases where the deceased died before 01/08/2012 but have only recently come to light, for whatever reason.

Would you please include:1. full names2. dates of birth / ages at death3. marital status4. maiden surnames of married females5. dates of death6. last known addresses7. estimated value of estates8. date(s) when the information was passed (or information that is pending or about to be passed) to the Treasury Solicitor (or Duchy of Lancaster or Cornwall or QLTR in Scotland)9. name of any other public authority details have been referred to.

Response


My request is for information regarding persons who have died with no known next of kin since 01/08/2012 to the date of your reply. Please also include any 'pending' cases that have been/may shortly be referred to any public authority or Treasury Solicitor (or Duchy of Lancaster/Duchy of Cornwall within their jurisdictions) and any cases where the deceased died before 01/08/2012 but have only recently come to light, for whatever reason.

Would you please include:


1. Full Names: Donald Jones2. Dates of Birth/Ages at Death: 22/05/1923 – Aged 883. Marital Status: Single4. Maiden Surnames of Married Females:5. Dates of Death: 28/06/20116. Last Known Addresses: Highfield Residential Care Home, Avon Drive, Bedford, MK41 7AH7. Estimated Value of Estates: £4,8008. Date(s) when the information was passed (or information that is pending or about to be passed) to the Treasury Solicitor (or Duchy of Lancaster or Cornwall or QLTR in Scotland): December 2012 9. Name of any other public authority details have been referred to: N/A

1. Full Names: Patricia Sargeant2. Dates of Birth/Ages at Death: 06/04/1947 – Aged 633. Marital Status: Single4. Maiden Surnames of Married Females: Sargeant5. Dates of Death: 27/03/20106. Last Known Addresses: 115 Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9RR7. Estimated Value of Estates: £10,9008. Date(s) when the information was passed (or information that is pending or about to be passed) to the Treasury Solicitor (or Duchy of Lancaster or Cornwall or QLTR in Scotland): December 2012 9. Name of any other public authority details have been referred to: N/A

3881 31/1/2013 Request

Has the Council already gone to tender for this service? When has the Council planned to have the contract in place by?

How does the Council intend procure this service e.g. Government Frameworks?

Response




In relation to UPDATA: Has the Council already gone to tender for this service?

- No

When has the Council planned to have the contract in place by?

- 01 May 2013

How does the Council intend to procure this service e.g. Government Frameworks?

- Government Procurement Framework RM860 for PSN connectivity.

3882 29/1/2013 Request

Under the general requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I would be grateful if you would provide the following information in relation to Southill Road, Cardington, and in particular the section between Bedford Road, Cardington and Bedford Road, Old Warden.

1. Dates of all safety inspections undertaken on the carriageway in the two years preceding 31st December 2012.

2. Details of all carriageway defects identified during safety inspections in the two years preceding 31st December 2012.

3. Details of how carriageway safety inspections are undertaken, including whether walked or driven, the speed of the inspection vehicle and the number of persons in the vehicle.

4. The intended frequency of carriageway safety inspections.

5. Details of all complaints and/or enquiries relating to the carriageway, received in the two years preceding your incident.

6. The hierarchy classification.

7. The road/section number.

8. The defect intervention criteria adopted in relation to the identification of all categories of carriageway potholes

9. The time period(s) adopted between identification and repair (temporary and permanent) of all categories of carriageway defects.

10. Whether or not the authority has formally adopted all or part of the standards contained within the national code of practice for highways maintenance management.

Response

Thank you for your request for information about road safety inspections in relation to Southill Road, Cardington which we received on 9 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004. The information you requested is as follows:

Dates of all safety inspections undertaken on the carriageway in the two years preceding 31st December 2012.Please see attached spreadsheet (Inspection Tab)

Details of all carriageway defects identified during safety inspections in the two years preceding 31st December 2012. Please see attached spreadsheet (Inspection Tab – defects are highlighted green).

Details of how carriageway safety inspections are undertaken, including whether walked or driven, the speed of the inspection vehicle and the number of persons in the vehicle. Inspections are driven at 20mph in a liveried vehicle with beacons. There are usually two people, one driving the second person recording and marking up defects. On minor/estate roads inspections may be carried out by a single inspector.

The intended frequency of carriageway safety inspections. The intended frequency of carriageway safety inspections are 84 days

Details of all complaints and/or enquiries relating to the carriageway, received in the two years preceding your incident. Please see attached spreadsheet (Helpdesk Tab).

The hierarchy classification.

The road hierarchy classification is 4A

The road/section number. The road/section numbers are U/401471/00 and U/401471/10

The defect intervention criteria adopted in relation to the identification of all categories of carriageway potholes Cat 1 potholes must be a minimum of 50mm depth, 150mm wide and have a vertical face. All other potholes are Cat 2.

The time period(s) adopted between identification and repair (temporary and permanent) of all categories of carriageway defects. The maintenance priorities for Cat 1 and Cat 2 repairs are as follows: Cat 1 defects are made safe or repaired within 24hrs, Cat 2 defects are repaired during planned programmed works within 28 days

Whether or not the authority has formally adopted all or part of the standards contained within the national code of practice for highways maintenance management.Yes the Authority has adopted The National Code of Practice.

Please contact [email protected] for a copy of the attachment

3883 5/2/2013 Request

For the last financial year (11/12) how much has your Council spent on (a) legal fees, (b) removing waste and cleaning up and (c) safeguarding and protecting sites, in relation to sites within your authority which have been moved onto illegally by travellers.

Response

Thank you for your request for information about illegal traveller sites which we received on 9 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004. The information you requested is as follows:

For the last financial year (2011/12) how much has your Council spent on:

(a) legal fees £3,436.03(b) removing waste and cleaning up £14,444.63(c) safeguarding and protecting sites £2,260.00


3884 10/1/2013 Request

Under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act I would like to make a Freedom of Information Request with regard to the following contract “MAC” let by the authority: Bedford Borough Council Unitary Authority, awarded on 10/1/2005.

Can you please provide me with a breakdown of the ‘quality’ and ‘price’ scores allocated to the top five bidders during the evaluation process (or fewer if the shortlist was less than five contractors).

Please note, I am not asking for the actual prices submitted but rather the relative scoring (usually a percentage) allocated to each contractor for their price/commercial submission. Given I have no visibility of the actual prices submitted by any bidder, nor any intention of sharing this information directly with any of the bidders, this information in this format is not commercially sensitive or anti-competitive as it will provide no insight into any bidder’s individual pricing.

To support this, can you please also provide a copy of the evaluation and awarding criteria issued within the ITT (or equivalent document) for the same tender discussed above.

Response

I am writing in respect of your recent enquiry for information held by the Council under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Under the Freedom of Information Act the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold this information.

The MAC contract was awarded in 2005 by the former Bedfordshire County Council. Following Unitary in April 2009, whilst the newly formed Bedford Borough Council retains access to the contract, the employer in contract terms is Central Bedfordshire Council. You will therefore need to approach Central Bedfordshire Council for this information, or if you wish I can re-direct your FOI request to them on your behalf.

3885 10/1/2013 Request

Regarding free school transport:

1. Does it state in your policy that only those with ‘qualifying benefits’ may apply? 2. How many miles exactly do we live from Biddenham school and how is this measured?3. Can you provide me with the statistics of those who apply for your assistance, and how many are successful in their

application?4. Do you offer a pay weekly or monthly scheme so that those who cannot afford to pay £160 in a one-off payment can

spread the cost of transport to school?

Response



1. Does it state in your policy that only those with 'qualifying benefits' may apply?

Bedford Borough Council policy states that Parent(s)/Carer(s) who have been refused transport have the right of appeal. Parent(s)/carer(s) do not have to be in receipt of “qualifying benefits” to submit an appeal.

2. How many miles exactly do we live from Biddenham school and how is this measured?

The distance from your home address to the school has been measured as 2.9 miles. This has been calculated in line with policy which states: The measurement used to calculate the statutory walking distance is defined as the shortest route along which a child, accompanied by an adult as necessary, may walk with reasonable safety. As such the route measured may include footpaths, bridleways, and other pathways, as well as recognised roads. The measurement is calculated from the nearest point on the ‘walking route network’ to the boundary of the child’s home to the nearest accessible school or college gate.

3. Can you provide me with the statistics of those who apply for your assistance, and how many are successful in their application?

Since 1st April 2012 (the current financial year), we have received 25 appeals for pupils who have previously been declined free or subsidised transport as they do not meet the qualifying criteria outlined in Bedford Borough Council’s home to

school transport policy. Of those 25 presented to the Transport Appeals Panel, 5 were upheld and 20 were dismissed.

4. Do you offer a pay weekly or monthly scheme so that those who cannot afford to pay £160 in a one-off payment can spread the cost of the transport to school?

Bedford Borough Council do offer a privilege scheme to non entitled students. The Privilege Bus Pass scheme enables unallocated seats on certain home to school transport routes, operated under contract to Bedford Borough Council, to be sold to non-entitled students at the council’s discretion. Availability of seats is very limited and are allocated on a strictly first come first served basis. This scheme is available to students who do not qualify for free home to school transport in accordance with the current Home to School Transport Policy. A Privilege bus pass is only issued for the period of one term. The cost for the 2012/2013 academic year is £132.00 per term. There are no reduced rates to accommodate travel on occasional days or part of a term.Bedford Borough Council do not currently operate any routes from Brickhill to Biddenham Upper School on which privilege passes are available to purchase. Some school transport routes are registered with the Traffic Commissioner and in these cases the operator reserves the right to sell a restricted number of passes and travel tickets for non-entitled students under their own terms and conditions. For further information about commercial services that operate to Biddenham Upper School and how you can pay, please contact Stagecoach on 01234 220030.

3886 23/1/2013 Request

This is a request under the Freedom of Information act for the following information:

A list of all the companies invested in by the Bedfordshire pension fund and the amount invested in each one.

Response

I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council relating to following information:

A list of all the companies invested in by the Bedfordshire pension fund and the amount invested in each one.

And for that information to be supplied by e-mail and ideally as a spreadsheet.


that we do hold the information you requested. Please find the information you requested in the attached spreadsheet as at 31 December 2012. The Pension Fund only invests in one segregated mandate with its other investments being via pooled investment funds, therefore it is only the segregated mandate incorporated in the information supplied.


3887 29/1/2013 Request

Please accept this email as a formal request under The Freedom of Information Act 2000.Would you please provide me with the following information for commercial premises which are currently vacant and where the rateable value of the property exceeds £25,000;* The full address including postcode* The name of the account holder where it is not an individual (if it is, please leave blank)* The rateable value of the property* The date on which the premises first became vacant* The type of property (if such information is easily included)

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information in the attached spreadsheet.


3888 30/1/2013 Request

I wish to know:

The numerical value of the Council’s Highways Contract with Amey and; The duration of this contract.

Response



Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested. The information you requested is as follows:

The numerical value of the Council’s Highways Contract with Amey

Bedfordshire County Council had originally entered into the Amey contract in October 2005 but following Unitary in April 2009, whereby Bedfordshire County Council ceased to exist and two new Unitaries were formed (Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council) the Amey Managing Agent Contract is now administered by Central Bedfordshire Council. Bedford Borough Council retains access to the Amey contract and typically spends circa £4m pa through the contract, although annual amounts vary depending on the Councils own budget allocations.

The duration of this contract

The contract will reach full term in March 2016.

3889 15/1/2013 Request

Please can you provide me with the following information:

1) Total gross sundry debt arrears for 2011/122) Total Bad Debt provision for 2011/12

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information below.

Please can you provide me with the following information:

1) Total gross sundry debt arrears for 2011/12 - £6,445,609.84.2) Total Bad Debt provision for 2011/12 – please see below link

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_budgets_and_spending/statement_of_accounts.aspx

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_budgets_and_spending/statement_of_accounts.aspx

3890 29/1/2013 Request

This is a request for information, related to Business Rates, filed under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Please provide the following information in respect of ratepayers that are currently in receipt of :

Mandatory rate relief (s.43, S.45 & S64 LGFA 1988), or Discretionary rate relief : (s47 LGFA 1988), or both

In such circumstances please provide :

property address (including postcode)

property reference number

ratepayer name

% of relief granted

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information in the attached spreadsheets.

Please contact [email protected] for a copy of the spreadsheets

3891 24/1/2013 Request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 we request the following:

1. Since November 2012 please provide names of any deceased persons you have dealt with who have no known kin (or you cannot find kin).

2. Date of death and date of birth3. Last known address


4. When passed to Tsol or Duchy solicitor (or if pending)5. Value of estate if known (estimated)

Response


Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 we request the following :

1) Since November 2012 please provide names of any deceased persons you have dealt with who have no known kin (or you cannot find kin): Donald Jones

2) Date of Death: 28/06/2011 - Date of Birth: 22/05/1923

3) Last known address: Highfield Residential Care Home, Avon Drive, Bedford, MK41 7AH

4) When passed to Tsol or Duchy Solicitor (or if pending): December 2012

5) Value of estate if known (estimated): £4,800

6) Please respond by email.

1) Since November 2012 please provide names of any deceased persons you have dealt with who have no known kin (or you cannot find kin): Patricia Sargeant

2) Date of Death: 27/03/2010 - Date of Birth: 06/04/1947

3) Last known address: 115 Barkers Lane, Bedford, MK41 9RR

4) When passed to Tsol or Duchy Solicitor (or if pending): December 2012

5) Value of estate if known (estimated): £10,900

6) Please respond by email.

Please contact [email protected] for a copy of the attachment for Bereavement Care

3892 31/1/2013 Request

Please could you confirm the amount spent by your local authority on desktop computers, laptops, desktop printers and printing consumables during the last 12 months or full financial year? Please specify the make and model of each new desktop computer, laptop and desktop printer as well as the price paid for each unit and when it was purchased. Please also provide a breakdown of the individual unit prices paid for each type of printer consumable (printer toner or inkjet cartridge) purchased by your authority.

Response



Please could you confirm the amount spent by your local authority on desktop computers,laptops, desktop printers and printing consumables during the last 12 months or full financial year. Please specify the make and model of each new desktop computer, laptop and desktop printer as well as the price paid for each unit and when it was purchased. Please also provide a breakdown of the individual unit prices paid for each type of printer consumable (printer toner or inkjet cartridge) purchased by your authority.- Please see attached spreadsheet




3893 7/2/2013 Request

How many counterfeit electrical items were seized by trading standards in 2012? How many counterfeit electrical items were seized by trading standards in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011? Please give figures

by year. Can you provide a breakdown of the type of electrical items seized, i.e. televisions, computers, laptops, DVD players, tablets,

mobile phones, music systems, headphones etc? Please provide figures by year for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Can you give a value/cost to the electrical items seized? Please provide figures by year for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Response

Further to your request for information dated 10th January 2013, please find the information you requested below:

1. How many counterfeit electrical items were seized by trading standards in 2012?

None

2. How many counterfeit electrical items were seized by trading standards in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011? Please give figures by year.

None

3. Can you provide a breakdown of the type of electrical items seized, i.e. televisions, computers, laptops, DVD players, tablets, mobile phones, music systems, headphones etc?

Not Applicable

4. Please provide figures by year for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Not applicable

5. Can you give a value/cost to the electrical items seized? Please provide figures by year for 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Not applicable

3894 6/2/2013 Request

Please can you tell me the following: 1. The name/s and address/es of the establishment/s to which dogs re taken when found to be straying in your area. 2. Who makes the decisions about what will happen to stray dogs when the statutory 7 days for them to be held has expired and

the Council is no longer financially responsible for them - the kennels owner/management, the Council's Dog Warden or another person? And if another person, who would that be?

3. Is there a cut-off point at which stray dogs are no longer the property of the Council but become the property of the establishment in which they are being held? If so, what is that cut-off point? 4. Is there any directive, either written or verbal, formal or informal, from the Council or any of its employees on what should happen to stray dogs handed in to the pound once those dogs have reached or gone past the 7 days in which the Council must by

law arrange and provide for their care?

Response


Please find the information you requested enclosed below.

1. The name/s and address/es of the establishment/s to which dogs are taken when found to be straying in your area.

The Lodge KennelsGreat North Road (A1)BaldockHertfordshireSG7 5EX

2. Who makes the decisions about what will happen to stray dogs when the statutory 7 days for them to be held has expired

and the Council is no longer financially responsible for them - the kennels owner/management, the Council's Dog Warden or another person? And if another person, who would that be?

Upon expiry of the statutory 7 day holding period the Council’s kennelling contractor will inform us that the dog has not been claimed by its owner and all efforts will be made to re-home the dog. The Council’s contract with its kennelling contractor stipulates that no dog may be re-homed within the Borough area. Should re-homing not be possible then the dog will be humanely destroyed. To date the Council has managed to re-home the vast majority of dogs not claimed by their owners. Under the terms of the Council contract no dog may be disposed of for the purposes of vivisection and all persons that take ownership of a re-homed dog from the Council must sign a declaration that the dog will not be used for the purposes of vivisection.

3. Is there a cut-off point at which stray dogs are no longer the property of the Council but become the property of the establishment in which they are being held? If so, what is that cut-off point?

Once the 7 day holding period has elapsed any dogs not claimed become the responsibility of the kennelling contractor subject to the conditions listed in 2 above.

4. Is there any directive, either written or verbal, formal or informal, from the Council or any of its employees on what should happen to stray dogs handed in to the pound once those dogs have reached or gone past the 7 days in which the Council must by law arrange and provide for their care?

The Council’s contract with its kennelling contractor specifies what can be done with dogs collected as strays that are not claimed by their owners within the 7 day statutory holding period.

3895 18/1/2013 Request

Re CLOVELLY WAY, BEDFORD,

I'm writing to request the following Con29 information, under EIR, for the above property(s):

3.73.113.123.13

Response


I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department

Property Address:Clovelly Way, Bedford,





No


a contaminated land notice; in relation to a register maintained under


o a decision to make an entry; oro an entry; or

consultation with the owner occupier of the property conducted under section 78G(3) of

No

the Environmental Protection Act 1990 before the service of a remediation notice?


No

3896 24/1/2013 Request

Can you send me the contact details for your Events Manager?Lottery Funding, charity and voluntary. If different addresses please say which address for each department.All addresses for procurementA housing and tax benefit form to my address and a disabled bus form.

Response

I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council. Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested. Please find the information you requested below and enclosed.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Events Bedford Corn Exchange Andrew Pidgen, General Manager Corn Exchange & Events, Bedford Corn Exchange, St Paul's Square, Bedford, MK40 1SL

Events Grounds & Parks Joel Carre, Head of Communities, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP

Lottery Funding – No specific contact

Charity Funding Neil Mulholland, Head of Corporate Finance, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP

. Voluntary Funding Lee Phanco, Assistant Director Finance, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP

. Procurement Kim Rowe, Head of Financial Strategy & Review, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP

Please find the Housing & Tax Benefit form and the application form for a Disabled Person’s Buss Pass enclosed.

For copies of the above forms please contact [email protected]

3897 6/2/2013 Request

Would you please provide me with the average weekly council housing rent in your local authority area for each of the last three years for (1) a one bedroom flat and (2) a two bedroom flat?

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold the information you requested.

Bedford Borough Council ceased being a social housing landlord when it transferred its housing stock to Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association in 1990.

3898 22/1/2012 Request

I seek the following information:

1) Number of officers involved in benefit fraud investigation in each of the last three years. If you can quantify the administrative staff that support the work, please quantify this separately.2) Number of prosecutions against individuals believed to have committed benefit fraud in each of the last three years.3) The value of fraud prosecuted in each of the last three years

Response



Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested and it is detailed as below:

Number of officers involved in benefit fraud investigation in each of the last three years. If you can quantify the administrative staff that support the work, please can you quantify this separately?

3 full time staff members deal directly with the investigative work and 1 part time staff member (18.5 hours per week) that deals with the administrative support work. This has been the case for the last three years.

Number of prosecutions against individuals believed to have committed benefit fraud in each of the last three years.

2009/2010 - 10 prosecutions2010/2011 - 24 prosecutions2011/2012 - 32 prosecutions

The value of fraud prosecuted in each of the last three years.

2009/2010 - £225,135.902010/2011 - £210,000.812011/2012 - £189,427.26

3899 5/2/2013 Request

1. Which council run car park in your council area achieved the highest income in the calendar year 2012. Please give the name and address of the car park, what the total income from it was to the council last year and how many parking spaces are in that car park?

2. Which street in your council area has produced the highest income from parking enforcement penalties in 2012? Please provide details of the number of tickets issued and the cost of paying such tickets.

Response


that we do hold the information you requested. The information you requested is as follows:

Which council run car park in your council area achieved the highest income in the calendar year 2012. Please give the name and address of the car park, what the total income from it was to the council last year and how many parking spaces are in that car park?

Lurke Street Multi-Storey Car Park, Lurke Street, Bedford, MK40 3HZTotal Income for 2012 (Jan – Dec) = £593,731.69Total Spaces = 820 (790 plus 14 Disabled plus 16 Parent & Child)

Which street in your council area has produced the highest income from parking enforcement penalties in 2012? Please provide details of the number of tickets issued and the cost of paying such tickets.

St. Paul’s SquarePenalty Charge Notices issued = 1,117Income generated = £30,600.94

3900 17/1/2013 Request

I would be grateful if you could supply the following information which I would like to receive by email. The information should be as up-to-date as possible but not older than 3 months.

1. If your IT is not totally outsourced then how many individual Staff are employed within your IT Department?2. To which Company or Companies are the following areas of IT Outsourced:

Infrastructure?

Desktops/Laptops/Thin Clients?

Systems Development / Applications Management?

(Can you please answer the questions 3 to 9, even if your IT is Outsourced)3. How many Desktops are in use?4. How many Laptops are in use?

5. How many Thin Clients are in use?6. Which Server Platform(s) and Operating System(s) do you use?7. How many Physical Servers are in use?8. How many Virtual Servers are in use?9. What is the name and job title of the most senior person in IT?

Response



1. If your IT is not totally outsourced then how many individual staff are employed within your IT Department?- 56

2. To which Company or Companies are the following areas of IT outsourced?Desktops/Laptops/Thin Client - NoneSystems Development/Applications Management – None

3. How Many Desktops are in use? – 1,5804. How Many Laptops are in use? – 519 5. How many Thin Clients are in use? – None 6. Which Server Platform(s) and Operating System(s) do you use?

Operating Systems Server PlatformsWindows Server 2000 X86 Chipset, Intel Dell & HpWindows Server 2003 Blade/RackWindows Server 2008 Sun SparcSun Solaris

7. How Many Physical Servers are there? – 46 8. How many Virtual Servers are there? – 300 9. What is the name and job title of the most senior person in IT?

- Lawrence McArdle – Head of ICT

3901 30/1/2013 Request

Following on from our previous research as to betting premises licences and I would be grateful if you would confirm how many

applications the local authority has received in the last couple of months to vary the default hours for a betting premises licence?

o If you have received such applications, please can you provide details of:

o Whether it was granted;

o The hours extended;

o The name of the applicant(s) and address of the premises.

Additionally, please can you confirm how many betting premises closures and betting premises licences have been surrendered in this local authority area in the last month?

o If there have been any closures or surrenders, please can you provide details of the name of the applicant(s)/ operator and address of the premises.

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested. You requested:

Following on from our previous research as to betting premises licences and I would be grateful if you would confirm how many applications the local authority has received in the last couple of months to vary the default hours for a betting premises licence?

o If you have received such applications, please can you provide details of: NONE

o Whether it was granted; NONE

o The hours extended; NONE

o The name of the applicant(s) and address of the premises. NONE

Additionally, please can you confirm how many betting premises closures and betting premises licences have been surrendered in this local authority area in the last month? NONE

o If there have been any closures or surrenders, please can you provide details of the name of the applicant(s)/ operator and

address of the premises. NONE

3902 30/1/2013 Request

1 a How many incidents of violence were recorded against primary school teachers or staff by pupils in your council area in each of the last three full academic years?

1b Of the incidents of violence please also specify how many involved a verbal attack, a physical attack, or sexual violence.

2 a How many incidents of violence were recorded against secondary school teachers or staff by pupils in your council area in each of the last three full academic years?


3 a How many incidents of violence were recorded against primary school teachers or staff by parents in your council area in each of the last three full academic years?

3 b Of the incidents of violence please also specify how many involved a verbal attack, a physical attack, or sexual violence.

4 a How many incidents of violence were recorded against secondary school teachers or staff by parents in your council area in each of the last three full academic years?


Response


Please find the information you requested below. The figures provided are for lower, middle and upper schools in Bedford Borough, who run a three tier education system, therefore the figures cannot be provided as requested for primary and secondary schools.

The figures do not include statistics for Academies, for whom we are not the employer; due to data protection we are not authorised to provide these figures, the requestor would have to approach the school directly.

Please note that some of the physical attacks also included verbal abuse, but these incidents are recorded in the figures for physical attacks.

2010 2011 2012Primary Schools Violence - Pupil to EmployeePhysical Attack 19 7 43Verbal Attack 0 0 0Sexual Attack 0 0 0 Middle Schools Violence - Pupil to EmployeePhysical Attack 7 8 6Verbal Attack 0 0 0Sexual Attack 0 0 0 Upper Schools Violence - Pupil to EmployeePhysical Attack 2 5 2Verbal Attack 0 0 0Sexual Attack 0 0 0 Primary Schools Violence - Parent to Employee Physical Attack 0 0 0Verbal Attack 0 0 0Sexual Attack 0 0 0 Middle Schools Violence - Parent to EmployeePhysical Attack 0 0 0Verbal Attack 0 0 1Sexual Attack 0 0 0 Upper Schools Violence - Parent to EmployeePhysical Attack 0 0 0

Verbal Attack 0 0 0Sexual Attack 0 0 0

3903 29/1/2013 Request

This letter is a request for information under the freedom of information act and I hope you can assist me. I appreciate you might not hold all of the information below, but would like to know as much as you can provide. I would like to know details of anyone who has died with no known next of kin from 1/9/2012 to the day of your reply. If there are any new cases where the person died prior to 1/9/2012, but that were only dealt with after this date, pleas also include details, and to be more specific; 1. their full names

2. the date they died

3. the approximate value of their estate

4. their dates of birth or age at death

5. whether or not they were married, divorced, single, or widowed

6. the maiden surnames of married females or widows

7. their address at death

8. the date when a referral was made of this estate to the Treasury Solicitor or Duchy of Lancaster or Cornwall

9. If a referral to the Treasury Solicitor or Duchy has not yet been made and you think it will be made soon could you advise me of this too?

10. If a case is still undecided or awaiting referral, please also advise of details.

Response


Please find the information you requested enclosed.


3904 22/1/2013 Request

I would like to request under the Freedom of Information legislation the following information: 1. Total no of FOI Requests received betweena. 01 Jan 2010 – 31 Dec 2010b. 01 Jan 2011 – 31 Dec 2011c. 01 Jan 2012 – 31 Dec 2012 2. Total no of complaints regarding overall council services received betweena. 01 Jan 2010 – 31 Dec 2010b. 01 Jan 2011 – 31 Dec 2011c. 01 Jan 2012 – 31 Dec 2012 3. Leader of the council’s salary 4. Chief Executive’s salary

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested. You requested.

1. Total no of FOI Requests received between


a. 01 Jan 2010 – 31 Dec 2010 - 674

b. 01 Jan 2011 – 31 Dec 2011 –898

c. 01 Jan 2012 – 31 Dec 2012 – 1110

Please note the figures above also include EIR request

2. Total no of complaints regarding overall council services received between

a. 01 Jan 2010 – 31 Dec 2010

b. 01 Jan 2011 – 31 Dec 2011

c. 01 Jan 2012 – 31 Dec 2012

We record and report complaints by financial year information as follows:

2010/11 – 1212011/12 – 1472012/13 – 150 (so far)

3. Leader of the council’s salary

This part of the FOI has been declined as below

You requested ‘Leader of the Council’s salary’


1. States that above is exempt information.

2. Specifies, that the exemption in question is the subject of an absolute exemption contained within Section 21(Information Accessible to applicants by other means) of the FOI Act (FOIA). See link below:

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/transparency/members_allowances.aspx

4. Chief Executive’s salary- same as above question 3 (see link below)

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/transparency/members_allowances.aspx

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/chief_executive.aspx

3905 11/2/2013 Request

(1) Reference to Executive Decision 1049 of which only a summary has been published. Further detailed information on the criteria employed.

(i) The ‘Proximity Principle’ (extant policy ‘Minerals and Waste Plan 2005’ principle policy number W1(d)). Was this included in the quality criteria for evaluation of the waste management contract? If not why not?

(ii) The ‘Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO)’ (extant policy ‘Minerals and Waste Plan 2005’ principle policy number W1(c)). Was this included in the quality criteria? If not why not?

(iii) A local policy of encouraging local employment exists. Was this included in the quality criteria? If not why not?

(2) With reference for each shortlisted tender evaluated for executive decision 1049:

(i) Where, geographically, did each company propose to process the waste?

(ii) Number of people that would have been employed in processing Bedford’s waste at that location.

(iii) Evaluation of emissions in transport of waste?

(iv) Score on benefit to local employment?

(v) Score on BPEO?

(vi) Score on Proximity Principle?

(vii) Score on direct cost to taxpayer?

(3) With reference to the democratic process employed in and after making executive decision 1049:

(i) Were all ward councillors informed of the executive decision in the required timescale?

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/chief_executive.aspx

(ii) If so, could you provide evidence that my local ward councillor was informed?

(iii) Did any councillors ‘call-in’ the decision?

(iv) Were any objections registered by members of the public?

(4) Renhold contract

I understand that we have a contract with a Renhold-based organisation for processing of Bedford waste. There are no details on the council web-site about this contract. So:

(i) How much does it cost us per year?

(ii) How many tonnes go in?

(iii) What technology is employed?

(iv) What comes out, e.g. fertiliser, refuse derived fuel, other for landfill?

(v) How is this output dealt with?

(vi) How many people are employed?

I am interested in the details of how our local waste is processed, whether local policy documents are being adhered to in the awarding of waste management contracts and whether local principles of democracy are being observed.

Response

Thank you for your request for information about Waste which we received on 14 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and we give below the information you requested.

Please provide specific details of the information being sought: (1) Reference to Executive Decision 1049 of which only a summary has been published. Further detailed information on the criteria employed.

The Council in tendering services is required to follow rules under EU and UK law, particularly in relation to The Public Contracts Regulations 2006. The council does not bind itself to accept the lowest of any Tender. In particular, after assessing all submissions we may decide to retain and develop our current arrangements or decide not to continue with them, or continue with them in a modifiedform. Tenders are evaluated on their individual merits and in terms of both technical quality and whole life costs, so as to establish the most economically advantageous offer in terms of the criteria set. (i) The ‘Proximity Principle’ (extant policy ‘Minerals and Waste Plan 2005’ principle policy number W1(d)). Was this included in the quality criteria for evaluation of the waste management contract. If not why not?

(ii) The ‘Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO)’ (extant policy ‘Minerals and Waste Plan 2005’ principle policy number W1(c)). Was this included in the quality criteria. If not why not?

(iii) A local policy of encouraging local employment exists. Was this included in the quality criteria. If not why not?

In relation to the points above please find an extract from the quality evaluation criteria which was mandatory for all tenderers to complete.

ENVIRONMENT 12 points1 10

pointsPlease give details of the environmental impact of the ‘cradle to grave’ approaches that your organisation employs when dealing with waste materials, in particular how it will deal with the LOTS you are bidding for. In addition to relevant general information please ensure the following areas are addressed:

ProximityFor the haulage of waste from the Shanks Waste Solutions WTS in Elstow to the treatment facility will continue to be carried out under the Shanks contract. However the cost of this, which is related to distance hauled, will form part of the overall cost element where we will build in our cost of delivery to your facility into the financial evaluation model.

The Council is mindful of the proximity principle when disposing and/or treating waste, therefore we will require a flow diagram of all waste movements by percentage (including addresses and postcodes for all facilities), Consideration should be given to the method of transportation between facilities including information on fuel, transportation efficiency, and emissions control.

End MarketsWhilst the Council accept that market forces often dictate where the demand for waste products lies, it is also important to realise the environmental impacts of moving waste. Please detail how your organisation has secured the most environmentally sound end markets for any waste, products, or residues produced by your processes.

Technology and Plant Whilst processing methods will be covered later in the Evaluation Criteria, please ensure that information is included within this section that covers the environmental credentials of the Technology & Plant that your processes utilise. This could include information on the environmental credentials of the process, research and development into new technologies, plant replacement programs, emissions control, litter, dust and odour control etc.(1,250 words max)

2 2 points

Local Communities Please provide information on how your proposed facilities minimise their negative impact and promote their positive impacts on their surrounding local communities.Please also provide any Performance Indicators your organisation will measure in association with the areas covered in this section. (150 words max)

(2) With reference for each shortlisted tender evaluated for executive decision 1049:

(i) Where, geographically, did each company propose to process the waste?

Cambridgeshire, West Midlands, Leicestershire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Leeds, Kent, and Essex

(ii) Number of people that would have been employed in processing Bedford’s waste at that location.

This would be very dependant on many factors, one of which would be the type of treatment technology used, so we are unable to provide an accurate answer on this question.

(iii) Evaluation of emissions in transport of waste?(iv) Score on benefit to local employment?(v) Score on BPEO?(vi) Score on Proximity Principle?

It is not possible to break down the scoring into exactly the above categories you detail (iii, iv and v). However the winning contractor, Shanks Waste Management Limited scored the highest value in these combined areas which formed part of the Quality evaluation.

(vii) Score on direct cost to taxpayer?

Shanks Waste Management Limited scored the highest marks for the financial evaluation. Following the detailed evaluation process the Council chose Shanks Waste Management Limited tender which was fully inclusive of the treatment and haulage to the final treatment sites as this represented the most economically advantageous tender in terms of financial and quality over all the bids.

(3) With reference to the democratic process employed in and after making executive decision 1049:

(i) Were all ward councillors informed of the executive decision in the required timescale.

All Councillors receive a hard copy or electronic copy of Executive Decisions

(ii) If so, could you provide evidence that my local ward councillor (Cllr Yasin) was informed.

We cannot prove that Cllr Yasin received his hard copy. However, he is on the list to have a hard copy.

(iii) Did any councillors ‘call-in’ the decision?

The decision was not called in by Councillors

(iv) Were any objections registered by members of the public?

No objections registered by members of the public

(4) Renhold contract

I understand that we have a contract with a Renhold-based organisation for processing of Bedford waste. There are no details on the council web-site about this contract. So:We do not hold a contract with a Renhold-based organisation this is why it is not on our website.

(i) How much does it cost us per year? N/A

(ii) How many tonnes go in? N/A

(iii) What technology is employed? N/A

(iv) (iv) What comes out, e.g fertiliser, refuse derived fuel, other for landfill? N/A

(v) (v) How is this output dealt with? N/A

(vi) (vi) How many people are employed? N/A

3906 11/2/2013 Request

In each of the last four years (2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13 to date) what was the average number of weeks it took to rehouse households on the council’s waiting list.

Would you also please break down this information by number of bedrooms required, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more?

Response


In each of the last four years (2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13 to date) what was the average number of weeks it took to rehouse households on the council’s waiting list.

Would you also please break down this information by number of bedrooms required, i.e. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more?


3907 29/1/2013 Request

Please could you tell me the total monies generated by council tax in 2011/12 for addresses in Wixams, and how many houses this was for?

Response


Question: Please could you tell me the total monies generated by council tax in 2011/12 for addresses in Wixams, and how many houses this was for.

Answer: The total Council Tax raised for properties in Wixams in 2011/12 was £590,347.50 and this was in respect of 497 properties.

3908 29/1/2013 Request

The names of all Public Health Funerals/ bona vacantia estates passed or in the process of being referred ie pending referral to The Treasury Solicitor ( BV ) Department or Duchy of Lancaster within the last 8 weeks. This is a request for fresh information.

We request the following information only:

1) The full name of the deceased

2) The date of death

3) Last known address

4) Approximate value of estate ( if not exempt )

Response




3909 4/2/2013 Request

With reference to this aspect of the earlier response:

“Please provide copies of any and all internal and external adverts for the posts of “Assistant Psychologist” and “Inclusion Support Officer” from the 1 April 2009 to the 23 November 2012.

Neither of these posts has been advertised internally or externally during the specified period.”

Please could you supply the following further information, if this needs to be treated as a fresh Freedom of Information Act 2000 request then please accept this email as such a request:

1. Copies of the Job Descriptions and Personal Specifications for the posts of “Assistant Psychologist”, “Inclusion Support Officer” and “Inclusion Support Officer (Assistant Psychologist)” in operation between 1 April 2009 and 23 November 2012.

2. Numbers of employees employed by Bedford Borough Council in the roles of “Assistant Psychologist”, “Inclusion Support Officer” and “Inclusion Support officer (Assistant Psychologist)” in the period 1 April 2009 to the 23 November 2012.

Response



Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold some of the information you requested as follows.

Below are the numbers of Inclusion Support Officers employed between 1 April 2009 and 23 November 2012?

01.04.2009 - 101.04.2010 - 201.04.2011 - 201.04.2012 - 223.11.2012 – 2

The Job Descriptions and Person Specifications for the post of Inclusion Support Officer are attached.

The Council has not employed any employees titled ‘Assistant Psychologist’ during the period 1 April 2009 to 23 November 2012.

The Council does not have a Job Description for the above role.

The Council does not have a Job Description for a post entitled Inclusion Support Officer (Assistant Psychologist) and does not have such a post on its establishment.


3910 25/1/2013 Request


Queens CrescentBedford


3.1 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.2 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council


3.7 (d) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (e) - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (f) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council3.11 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

Response



Property Address:

Queens Crescent, Bedford,





No



No

3911 25/1/2013 Request


Kirkstall Close, ElstowBedford



Response


I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx


The data used for answering questions 3.1, 3.2 and 3.7(e) is accessible for viewing on appointment directly with Highways Development Control.

Property Address:

Kirkstall Close, Elstow, Bedford,





No


No

3912 21/1/2013 Request

Please could you send me any documented minutes for meetings between Bedford Borough council and FCC environment / WRG since June 2011? I would also like minutes of any meeting where the future of Elstow North has also been discussed during the same period.

Response

Thank you for your request for information about documents for meetings between Bedford Borough Council and FCC environment/WRG since June 2011 which we received on 15 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

The authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold this information.

Our Minerals and Waste service is shared with and hosted by Central Bedfordshire Council. Please let me know if you would like to contact them direct (http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/local-government-in-central-bedfordshire/access-to-information/access-to-information-making-request.aspx) or would like us to transfer the request on your behalf.

3913 11/2/2013 Request

Under the Freedom of Information Act, please provide me with the following: Have you used funds from the New Homes Bonus to fund or support housing development? How many homes (a) have been completed or (b) are under construction, have been funded in whole or part by the New Homes Bonus? Have you used funds from the New Homes Bonus to contribute towards the council’s general fund? I understand that under the Act, I should be entitled to a response within 20 working days of your receipt of this email. Response

Thank you for your request for information about the New Homes Bonus which we received on 15 January. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

The New Homes Bonus is not ring fenced; therefore local authorities are able to determine how the funding should be allocated to meet local needs. As a result the grant Bedford Borough Council received was not allocated to funding specific services, and the grant funds the Council’s overall net general fund expenditure. Budgets are established based on local priorities and services needs within the overall funding envelope.

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/local-government-in-central-bedfordshire/access-to-information/access-to-information-making-request.aspx

http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/local-government-in-central-bedfordshire/access-to-information/access-to-information-making-request.aspx

3914 16/1/2012 Request

I am currently carrying out some research into the cost of being a self-employed taxi driver.

I was hoping you could assist me. I would like to know how much the local council has increased taxi fares by in the past five years.

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested. You requested:

I am currently carrying out some research into the cost of being a self-employed taxi driver.

I was hoping you could assist me. I would like to know how much the local council has increased taxi fares by in the past five years.

Taxi fares have not been increased in the Borough since 2008. The Bedford Hackney Carriage Association has just submitted a proposal to increase them this year. This proposal will be considered at General Licensing Committee on 31 January.

3915 25/1/2013 Request


Prinknash RoadBedford


3.1 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.2 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (d) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (e) - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council

3.7 (f) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council3.11 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

Response



Property Address:

Prinknash Road, Bedford,





No

3.13 Radon Gas


Do any records indicate that the property is in a ‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health Protection Agency?

No

3916 21/1/2013 Request

Has the council paid RADA in Business (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) for local authority training classes during the past four years?

1 - Please list the dates when the workshops were held for 2009, 2010,2011 and 2012.

2 - Please list how much money was paid by the council to RADA in Business (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) for each training workshop.

3 - Please state the name of the course/courses undertaken.

4 - How many councillors or council staff attended the classes?

Response



Please find the information you requested below.

The Council has not used RADA for any internal training activity within the stipulated period.

1. n/a 2. n/a 3. n/a 4. n/a

3917 7/2/2013 Request

I am requesting the following information under Freedom Of Information Act 2000 in relation to children and young people in the secure estate:

Does your local authority / strategic partnership / Youth Offending Service have a policy for identifying and/or working with young victims of human trafficking? If so, please can you provide me with a copy?

How many foreign national children and young people (Under 25) were referred to the YOT between 1/1/2007 and 1/1/2013? Of these, how many were victims of human trafficking or suspected victims? Of these how many were referred to the National Referral Mechanism? Please give a breakdown of these by nationality,

gender, age at referral, offence, immigration status (if available), outcome of the NRM referral. Between 1/1/2007 and 1/1/2013 how many young people (Under 25) were foreign nationals involved in your Youth Offending

Service Area, have been sentenced and/or remanded to custody? Please give a breakdown of figures by age at initial assessment by the YOT, gender, nationality, offence, immigration status (if available), type of secure facility held in, whether they were remanded or sentenced, length of sentence.

Response



Does your local authority / strategic partnership / Youth Offending Service have a policy for identifying and/or working with young victims of human trafficking? If so, please can you provide me with a copy?

Answer: Please see word document attached.

How many foreign national children and young people (under 25) were referred to the YOT between 01/01/2007 and 01/01/2013? Of these, how many were victims of human trafficking or suspected victims? Of these how many were referred to the National Referral Mechanism? Please give a breakdown of these by nationality, gender,

age at referral, offence, immigration status (if available), outcome of the NRM referral. Between 01/01/2007 and 01/01/2013, how many children and young people (under 25) who were foreign nationals, involved in

your Youth Offending Service area, have been sentenced and/or remanded to custody? Please give a breakdown of figures by age at initial assessment by the YOT, gender, nationality, offence, immigration status (if available), type of secure facility held in, whether they were remanded or sentenced, length of sentence.

Answer: With regards to Questions 2-5, I confirm that we do not hold the information. These are non-statutory recording items and our Youth Offending Information System (YOIS) does not contain this information. This information would be held on a child’s individual file, however, we are not in a position to search individual files to retrieve this information.


3918 13/2/2013 Request

1. The number of households in the council area that are known or believed to be under-occupying their properties by one bedroom,

under the terms of the ‘bedroom tax’

2. The number of households in the council area that are known or believed to be under-occupying their properties by two or more

bedrooms, under the terms of the ‘bedroom tax’

3. The forecast average weekly loss in Housing Benefit for tenants who are under-occupying by one bed, due to the ‘bedroom tax’

4. The forecast average weekly loss in Housing Benefit for tenants under-occupying by two or more bedrooms, due to the ‘bedroom

tax’

5. Any steps the council has taken, is taking or intends to take to assist affected tenants.

6. The number of housing tenants the council has transferred to smaller homes so far during 2012/13


7. Any data on the number of affected tenants who have informed the council that they plan to move home, or alternatively that they

plan to remain in their current abode.

8. Any estimate of how many vacant one-bedroom properties currently exist (or are likely to exist in April 2013) (a) in the local council

housing stock and (b) in the social and affordable housing stock of local housing associations

9. Any demographic breakdown of the figures provided in response to questions 1) and 2) held by the council – i.e. number of

households with a disabled occupant, number of pension-age households etc. The council should provide any demographic

breakdown it holds with regard to the figures in question 1) and 2), regardless of the precise demographic parameters.

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information below.1. The number of households in the council area that are known or believed to be under-occupying their properties by one bedroom,

under the terms of the ‘bedroom tax’.2. The number of households in the council area that are known or believed to be under-occupying their properties by two or more

bedrooms, under the terms of the ‘bedroom tax’.

1 & 2 There were 1000 1 bed under occupied cases and 250 2 bed under occupied cases as at 22nd January 2013, these figures fluctuate slightly from day to day as new claimants apply and other claims are cancelled or identified as exempt from the scheme.

3. The forecast average weekly loss in Housing Benefit for tenants who are under-occupying by one bed, due to the ‘bedroom tax’.4. The forecast average weekly loss in Housing Benefit for tenants under-occupying by two or more bedrooms, due to the ‘bedroom

tax’.

3 & 4 The average HA rent amount is £100 for working age claimants (to the nearest whole £), therefore the reductions would be £14 and £25 respectively (assuming that their entitlement was greater than those figures).

Any steps the council has taken, is taking or intends to take to assist affected tenants.Discretionary Housing Policy is under review to assist affected cases. We have written out to all of these cases to advise them of the situation and to let them know the exempt groups and household situations that affect the Social Sector Size Criteria rules, this allows time to advise if changes are required because of their circumstances prior to April’s changes.

5. The number of housing tenants the council has transferred to smaller homes so far during 2012/13.

N/A as we have no Local Authority housing stock.6. Any data on the number of affected tenants who have informed the council that they plan to move home, or alternatively that they

plan to remain in their current abode.

N/A as we have no Local Authority housing stock.7. Any estimate of how many vacant one-bedroom properties currently exist (or are likely to exist in April 2013) (a) in the local

council housing stock and (b) in the social and affordable housing stock of local housing associations.

a) and b) N/A as we have no Local Authority Housing stock.8. Any demographic breakdown of the figures provided in response to questions 1) and 2) held by the council – i.e. number of

households with a disabled occupant, number of pension-age households etc. The council should provide any demographic breakdown it holds with regard to the figures in question 1) and 2), regardless of the precise demographic parameters.

We have no demographic figures on this as the process works purely on bedrooms and bedrooms required.

Pension age claims are exempt from the process and so do not apply to SSSC (as at 1st Jan 2013 we had 7762 Housing Association claims, of which 2465 were pension-age claims, leaving 5297 working-age claims that could potentially have been affected).

The letters that the Council have sent to the 1,250 claims that may be affected allow for a response from the claimant to see if they fall into one of the protected groups.

3919 Request

1. How many complaints have your social service's department received in the past 5 years. (Please provide a yearly breakdown).

2. What is the statistical outcome of the complaints i.e. founded, unfounded, malicious, etc. (Please provide a yearly breakdown).

3. Where the complaint originated from, was it from i.e. parents, children, internally or professional bodies such as nspcc,

police etc. 4. The total amount of children on the at risk register for the past 5 years. (Please provide a yearly breakdown). 5. The total amount of children deemed to be 'In need' for the past 5 years. (Please provide a yearly breakdown). 6. Your adoption targets for the past 5 years. (Please provide a yearly breakdown). 7. The amount of children adopted in the past 5 years. (Please provide a yearly breakdown). 8. The amount of money received from central government for reaching the target mentioned in Q6. 9. How many times has a social worker misled professionals? 10. How many social workers have made vexatious/fictitious/fraudulent reports because of complaints being made against

them or there colleagues. 11. Who investigates to ensure that complaints made about reports mentioned in Q10 are not vexatious/fictious, fraudulent.

And what action is taken if it is found that the complaint holds merit. Applicant has not responded to clarification request

3920 11/2/2013 Request

Please provide a list of all parking meters operated by the council and location; including the operational times, payment tariff, number of bays controlled by the meter, and if change is dispensed.

How much revenue total was generated through the use of on-street car parking meters (excluding penalty charge notices) in the past five years, broken down by year if possible?

How much revenue was generated through the use of penalty charge notices in the past five years, broken down by year if possible?

How many penalty charge notices were issued? How many were successfully appealed?

Which company supplies your car parking meters?

How much does a car parking meter cost to purchase & install?

What on-going expenses are associated with the running, maintenance, and servicing of parking meters? E.g. power, replacing ticket stubs.

How long is the life span of your parking meters?

How many parking meters have been decommissioned in the past 10 years?

Are any additional third party company associated with the running/maintenance of your parking meters? E.g. maintenance contract, telecommunications providers, credit card processors etc.

Is any additional revenue generated through street parking meters, if so how much? E.g. through advertising on tickets.

Does the council make use of any Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology coupled with parking enforcement?

Response


Please provide a list of all parking meters operated by the council and location; including the operational times, payment tariff, number of bays controlled by the meter, and if change is dispensed.Please see attached spreadsheet. Where there is more than 1 machine per location the number of bays is listed only once. The same tariff applies for all locations

How much revenue total was generated through the use of on-street car parking meters (excluding penalty charge notices) in the past five years, broken down by year if possible?

Finance Year Total2007/08 £641,014.40 2008/09 £710,429.23 2009/10 £674,418.65 2010/11 £702,430.07 2011/12 £733,935.30

How much revenue was generated through the use of penalty charge notices in the past five years, broken down by year if possible?

Year PCNs Total2007/08 19,528 £568,592.252008/09 22,286 £575,537.492009/10 17,800 £458,889.86 2010/11 24,814 £620,926.612011/12 30,758 £779,188.49Total 115,186 £3,003,134.70

These totals are for both on and off-street.

How many penalty charge notices were issued? How many were successfully appealed? 115,186 PCNs were issued and 29,483 were successfully appealed

Which company supplies your car parking meters? Metric Group / Parkeon / Cale Briparc / Skidata

How much does a car parking meter cost to purchase & install? Depending on the specification the average cost to purchase and install a machine is £3605

What on-going expenses are associated with the running, maintenance, and servicing of parking meters? E.g. power, replacing ticket stubs. Annual Maintenance covering all machines = £52,701.20Tariff Changes made to all machines = £1035.00Battery Charges = £210.00 per machine, as and whenTickets for the Aura machines = £1095.00Tickets for the Accent machines = £0 (supplied free)Chargeable calls / Vandalism (if not covered by annual maintenance) = £2,000.00

How long is the life span of your parking meters?The life span of a machine is unknown. The machines have been installed since 2001 and we are currently working through a replacement programme.

How many parking meters have been decommissioned in the past 10 years?None

Are any additional third party company associated with the running/maintenance of your parking meters? E.g. maintenance contract, telecommunications providers, credit card processors etc.Vodafone - for the recently installed machines in Clapham Road that contain a Sim Card,

Is any additional revenue generated through street parking meters, if so how much e.g. through advertising on tickets?No. Does the council make use of any Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology coupled with parking enforcement? Bedford is currently trialling ANPR but is not linked to parking enforcement.



3921 25/2/2013 Request

This Freedom of Information request seeks information on the total numbers of children made subject to Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) between April 2006 and March 2012. Within this total, we want to know the numbers of SGOs that concerned looked after and non-looked after children and the number of SGO arrangements that have broken down in each year. We are seeking this information from every local authority in England.

Response

Further to your request for information dated 17 January 2013, I can confirm that the information you requested is held under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. However, the Council, for the reasons that follow, declines to disclose the information requested.

You requested:

This Freedom of Information request from the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York and from BAAF seeks information on the total numbers of children made subject to Special Guardianship Orders (SGOs) between April 2006 and March 2012. Within this total, we want to know the numbers of SGOs that concerned looked after and non-looked after children and the number of SGO arrangements that have broken down in each year. We are seeking this information from every local authority in England.


1. States that part of the information is exempt information.

2. Specifies, that the exemption in question is the subject of an absolute exemption contained within Section 21(Information accessible to applicant by other means) of the FOI Act (FOIA).

An explanation follows below.

With regards to the information requested with regards to Looked After Children ceasing due to SGO this information is already available in the public domain by the DfE. http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001084/index.shtml

With regards to the information you requested with regards to Non Looked After Children, we advise that we do not hold this information. These are non-statutory recording items and our Children's Case Management system (CCM) does not contain this information. This information would be held on a child’s individual file.

http://www.education.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/SFR/s001084/index.shtml

3922 22/1/2013 Request

Further to the Freedom of Information Act I am writing to request information held by your Education or Schools department.

I recognise that some of the information I am requesting may already be provided on your website, but it is not in the format I require it to be in, hence my request. I have detailed the format I require, later on in this letter.

Primary Schools

Please provide the following data for each primary school within your authority:

. The URN for each primary school (and DfE number if available)

. PAN (Published Admissions Number) for the most recent admissions cycle (e.g. 2012, where applicable)

. Total Number of applications for the most recent admissions cycle

. The ‘furthest distance’ (in km) for an applicant successfully gaining a place under the relevant ‘closest school’ admissions criteria. I expect you will understand what I mean by this, but just in case: I require a distance (in km) that the furthest successful applicant to the school in the most recent admissions cycle lived, where that applicant obtained a place by virtue of the school being the closest school to their home/residence.

Secondary Schools

Please provide the following data for each secondary school within your authority:

. The URN for each secondary school (and DfE number if available)

. PAN (Published Admissions Number) for the most recent admissions cycle (e.g. 2012, where applicable)

. Total Number of applications for the most recent admissions cycle

. Please provide the URN for each school (and DfE number if available)

Response



Primary Schools Please provide the following data for each primary school within your authority: The URN for each primary school (and DfE number if available) PAN (Published Admissions Number) for the most recent admissions cycle (e.g. 2012, where applicable) Total Number of applications for the most recent admissions cycle The ‘furthest distance’ (in km) for an applicant successfully gaining a place under the relevant ‘closest school’ admissions criteria.

I expect you will understand what I mean by this, but just in case: I require a distance (in km) that the furthest successful applicant to the school in the most recent admissions cycle lived, where that applicant obtained a place by virtue of the school being the closest school to their home/residence.

Secondary Schools Please provide the following data for each secondary school within your authority: The URN for each secondary school (and DfE number if available) PAN (Published Admissions Number) for the most recent admissions cycle (e.g. 2012, where applicable) Total Number of applications for the most recent admissions cycle Please provide the URN for each school (and DfE number if available)

URN’s for Bedford Borough Schools – please see excel spreadsheet attached.

With regards to the rest of the information requested, this information has already been provided to you. I refer you to your previous request, FOI3180, which you sent in May 2012, where we provided you with a response with this information. I have attached a copy of this for your information.

For a copy of the spreadsheet please contact [email protected]

3923 14/2/2013 Request

1. How have your proposals for dealing with the waste you are responsible for complied with the EU Waste Hierarchy?2. With regard to the appeal against the Covanta proposal which has just been rejected by the Joint Parliamentary Committee of

the 2 Houses of Parliament as there was ‘no case to answer’ :


How much public money was spent on legal fees for this appeal?What was the cost to the public purse in total of the appeal?Please supply a breakdown of the legal fees; in house legal advice; external solicitors (and which firm if any, was instructed) and Counsel (with a breakdown if more than one Counsel was instructed)?Please supply a copy of Counsel’s advice to the Council regarding the prospects of success for the appeal.If the Public Authorities which brought the appeal instructed their own solicitors and/or Counsel please explain why they did not jointly instruct, so as to save public money.

Response

Thank you for your request for information about Waste Policies in Unitary Bedfordshire which we received on 17 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and we give below the information you requested.

1. How have your proposals for dealing with the waste you are responsible for complied with the EU Waste Hierarchy?

As part of the Councils commitment to improving its environmental performance (moving waste up the Waste Hierarchy) the Councils recent tendering exercise for its residual waste treatment and also its recycling treatment contracts both had an area of quality information as well as a pricing schedule for evaluation purposes which all contractors had to complete. The table as below (lifted from the tendering documents) shows just one area/ question from the quality exercise which seeks to score the tenders higher marks on the movement of waste up the hierarchy in line with the Government strategy, LATS requirements and CO2 reduction commitments.

Q14. Please detail how your organisations proposed processes will push waste up the Hierarchy helping the Council to achieve its Landfill Diversion and Re-use/Recycling/Composting Targets. Detail should be provided on Guaranteed Performance Levels – i.e. percentage recycled, percentage composted, percentage diverted, etc

Where the Tenderer is offering two or more methods of treatment/ disposal please provide an overall combined performance in the table above.

The previous residual treatment contract inherited by the Borough Council from the former County Council saw the

Performance of the Waste Process Offered Percentage Level of Re-use %Level of Recycling %Level of Composting %Level of Recovery %Level of Disposal %

majority of waste going to landfill, the recent award of the contract following the tendering exercise carried out by the Borough Council which commenced on 1st October 2012 now diverts the majority of the borough’s residual waste through a Mechanical Biological Treatment facility which has considerably helped the councils diversion from landfill, LATS targets and enabled the council to move the Borough’s waste up the hierarchy.

2. With regard to the appeal against the Covanta proposal which has just been rejected by the Joint Parliamentary Committee of the 2 Houses of Parliament as there was ‘no case to answer’:

This was not an appeal – it was a challenge to the making of the Development Consent Order by way of petitions to Parliament under the Special Parliamentary Procedure.

How much public money was spent on legal fees for this appeal?

Legal fees for this “process” - £142,140.86

What was the cost to the public purse in total of the appeal?

Fees incurred by the two Councils - £258,866.14

Please supply a breakdown of the legal fees: in-house legal advice; external solicitors (and which firm, if any, was instructed); and Counsel (with a breakdown if more than one Counsel was instructed)?

In-house legal advice (Bedford Borough Council only) - £7,788.50

External solicitors (Sharpe Pritchard – Parliamentary Agents) - £92,490.86

Counsel (Ms Saira Kabir Sheikh) - £49,650.00

Expert witnesses - £112,918.68

The external solicitors, counsel and the expert witnesses were jointly instructed by BBC and CBC and the costs shared equally

between the two Councils.

Please supply a copy of Counsel’s advice to the Council regarding the prospects of success for the appeal.

The Councils have not received a written advice from Counsel regarding the prospects of success of their petitions. However Counsel’s oral advice throughout the process was that the Councils’ prospects of success were good. This has been demonstrated by the fact that whilst the Joint Committee decided that there was no case to answer on the petitions of General Objection and parts of the petitions of Amendments, it decided that there was a case to answer in respect of the proposed amendment for Covanta to provide for the construction of a section of the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway. This has resulted in Covanta being obligated to pay to the Councils the sum of £3.375 million towards the cost of constructing that section of the Waterway that it would not have otherwise been required to do.

If the public authorities which brought the appeal instructed their own solicitors and/or Counsel please explain why they did not jointly instruct, so as to save public money.

N/A

3924 6/2/2013 Request

There have been recent reports in the local press that the council may be reconsidering its decision to award a contract to Azeuscare. Q1: What is the council's most recent decision on this matter? Please provide a copy of any committee papers or documents published in December 2012 or January 2013 which reference this

matter Q2: If the council proceeds with the arrangement, I would be keen to understand what contingency plans have been made should

the experimental system not work as planned. Please provide copies of any contingency plans or analysis which consider this possibility.

If the council has not undertaken any such planning, please say so. Response


You requested.

Q1: What is the council's most recent decision on this matter?Please provide a copy of any committee papers or documents published in December 2012 or January 2013 which reference this matter

Q2: If the council proceeds with the arrangement, I would be keen to understand what contingency plans have been made should

the experimental system not work as planned. Please provide copies of any contingency plans or analysis which consider this possibility. If the council has not undertaken any such planning, please say so.


1. States that the information is exempt information.

2. Specifies, that the exemption in question is the subject of an absolute exemption contained within Section 21 (Information accessible to the applicant by other means) of the FOI Act (FOIA).

An explanation follows below.

The information requested is the subject of a decision, details of which are on the Council’s internet. Here is a link to the actual decision of the Mayor, for your information; http://apps.bedford.gov.uk/ExecDecisions/Files/D412956451313542.pdf

3925 25/1/2013 Request


Beauvais SquareShortstownBedford Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:

http://apps.bedford.gov.uk/ExecDecisions/Files/D412956451313542.pdf

3.1 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.2 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (d) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (e) – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (f) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council3.11 – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

Response



Property Address:

Beauvais Square, Shortstown, Bedford,






No


No

3926 11/2/2013 Request

I would like a copy of any paperwork that I could have for my records if any on our property and any records of tipping from the ranger dept, land register search

Response


I understand that the information you required has already been supplied to you.

3927 8/2/2013 Request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, please could you supply me with the number of Section 106 Agreements agreed by your authority under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the total amount of revenue collected from Section 106 Agreements for: 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10 2010/11, 2011/12. I would like a forecast for 2012/13 as well please.

Response

Thank you for your request for information about s106 Agreements and revenue which we received on 18 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

Please note the information you requested:

YearNumber of s106's

signed Amount Received2007/08 23 £983,8662008/09 13 £1,419,4682009/10 25 £1,558,9952010/11 16 £2,947,6502011/12 21 £4,199,291April 12 - Feb 13 19 £4,678,526

Source: DCM Reports: Agreements List and Payments Received

In regards to a forecast till the end of the financial year 2012/13 we can advise we are expecting another £45,150 within the next few weeks.

We have received one other similar request within the last year; EIR 3136, a copy can be accessed via our website, for your convenience here is the link: http://www.bedford.gov.uk/docs/Disclosure%20Log%20April%202012.doc

3928 11/2/2013 Request

Please could you identify how I could access your latest commissioning strategy for people with a learning disability

The name and contact details of the commissioner responsible

How do I become an approved provider of services for your council?

Response


Please could you identify how I could access your latest commissioning strategy for people with a learning disability

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/health_and_social_care/help_for_adults/idoc.ashx?docid=6c01ebbe-41a0-4a16-9b88-

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/health_and_social_care/help_for_adults/idoc.ashx?docid=6c01ebbe-41a0-4a16-9b88-b022da144f59&version=-1

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/docs/Disclosure%20Log%20April%202012.doc

b022da144f59&version=-1

The name and contact details of the commissioner responsibleMarek ZamborskyCommissioning OfficerBedford Borough Council6th Floor, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42 9AP tel. 01234 228 933 (internal:42933)[email protected]

How do I become an approved provider of services for your council?

We have an approved provider process to which organisations are invited to apply on a periodic basis. At present we have sufficient approved providers and are not taking new application.

3929 25/1/2013 Request

Re Riseley Rd, Keysoe

Please could you supply the following Con29R information as relates to the above property, pursuant to the Environmental Information Regulations:

3.7, 3.11, 3.12

Response


I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department.

Property Address:Riseley Road, Keysoe, Bedford,

3.7 Outstanding Notices


http://www.bedford.gov.uk/health_and_social_care/help_for_adults/idoc.ashx?docid=6c01ebbe-41a0-4a16-9b88-b022da144f59&version=-1

Do any statutory notices which relate to the following matters subsist in relation to the property other than those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in this schedule:-




No


a) a contaminated land notice;b) in relation to a register maintained under



c) consultation with the owner occupier of the property conducted under section 78G(3) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 before the service of a remediation notice?

No


No

3930 15/2/2013 Request

I am currently conducting research into the number of builders prosecuted over the last few years and would like to submit the following questions under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

How many builders/construction companies did the Council prosecute in 2012?

- How many of these prosecutions were successful?

- What was the individual name and/or company name of all those prosecuted?










Response


Please find the information you requested as follows:

How many builders/construction companies did the Council prosecute in 2012? 0

- How many of these prosecutions were successful? N/A

- What was the individual name and/or company name of all those prosecuted? N/A

NB. 1 informal undertaking was obtained under the Enterprise Act 2002 relating to Burr Construction and informal written assurances

from Home Extension Team


- How many of these prosecutions were successful? 1

- What was the individual name and/or company name of all those prosecuted? GPS Estates Ltd

NB a simple caution was signed by SIRA Construction relating to the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008


- How many of these prosecutions were successful? 1

- What was the individual name and/or company name of all those prosecuted? Shane Nedic , a sole trader


- How many of these prosecutions were successful? N/A

- What was the individual name and/or company name of all those prosecuted? N/A

3931 29/1/2013 Request

1. Is the council planning to make any changes (other than non-financial changes, e.g. changes in terminology) to its Council Tax Benefit (CTB) system under Council Tax Support (CTS) from April 2013?

If the answer to 1) is ‘No’, the council need not fulfil the remainder of this request. Otherwise, please continue.

2. What is the maximum percentage of a working age CTS claimant’s council tax bill that will be funded under the chosen/preferred CTS scheme? For example, if the maximum CTS payment will be for 75% of a council tax bill, please give 75% as the answer. This excludes any exemptions for defined vulnerable groups (e.g. disability benefit claimants).

3. What is the existing in-year non-collection rate for council tax across all households (i.e. including both CTB claimants and non-claimants)? Please give this as a percentage figure – so, if 98.75% of council tax payments are made without falling into arrears during the financial year, please give 1.25% as the response to this question. The council may use figures for the last completed financial year; please do not use figures that include 2012/13 council tax payments that have not yet fallen due within the definition of ‘non-collection’.

4. What is the (estimated or confirmed) forecast in-year non-collection rate for council tax charged to CTB claimants under the council's proposed CTS scheme for 2013/14? In other words, a non-collection rate specific to claimants under the CTS scheme, and excluding non-claimants – the preference would be for a figure specific to working age CTS claimants, but if that is not available, a figure for all CTS claimants will suffice (please specify which definition applies to the council’s response). Please provide both a percentage figure (i.e. the percent of all council tax due from CTS claimants that the council forecasts will not be paid within the correct financial year), and a total financial value for non-paid council tax charged to CTS claimants (e.g. £750,000).

If in doubt re 4), the council should take the amount of money it is seeking to save from the CTB system via changes to CTS (excluding any cross-subsidised savings from other measures, such as cutting second homes/empty properties council tax discounts), take the amount of money it is budgeting to receive from CTS claimants, and calculate the non-collection rate from there.

If no CTS-specific figure is available for 4), please provide a response to 5) below [if a figure for 4) has been given, please ignore 5)]:

5. Please provide a forecast in-year non-collection rate for all council tax payments for 2013/14, including those by non-CTS claimants, giving both a percentage figure and financial value, and also provide a financial value for 3) in addition to the percentage figure already requested.

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information below:

1. Is the council planning to make any changes (other than non-financial changes, e.g. changes in terminology) to its Council TaxBenefit (CTB) system under Council Tax Support (CTS) from April 2013?

If the answer to 1) is ‘No’, the council need not fulfil the remainder of this request. Otherwise, please continue.

Yes

2. What is the maximum percentage of a working age CTS claimant’s council tax bill that will be funded under the chosen/preferred CTS scheme? For example, if the maximum CTS payment will be for 75% of a council tax bill, please give 75% as the answer. This excludes any exemptions for defined vulnerable groups (e.g. disability benefit claimants).

100%

3. What is the existing in-year non-collection rate for council tax across all households (i.e. including both CTB claimants andnon-claimants)? Please give this as a percentage figure – so, if 98.75% of council tax payments are made without falling into arrearsduring the financial year, please give 1.25% as the response to this question. The council may use figures for the last completed financial year; please do not use figures that include 2012/13 council tax payments that have not yet fallen due within the definition of‘non-collection’.

The amount of Council Tax uncollected at 31/3/12 was 2.4%. In financial terms this was £1.8 million of which approximately £1.5 million relates to the Borough Council’s element of the Council Tax.

4. What is the (estimated or confirmed) forecast in-year non-collection rate for council tax charged to CTB claimants under thecouncil's proposed CTS scheme for 2013/14? In other words, a non-collection rate specific to claimants under the CTS scheme, andexcluding non-claimants – the preference would be for a figure specific to working age CTS claimants, but if that is not available, afigure for all CTS claimants will suffice (please specify which definition applies to the council’s response). Please provide both apercentage figure (i.e. the percent of all council tax due from CTS claimants that the council forecasts will not be paid within thecorrect financial year), and a total financial value for non-paid council tax charged to CTS claimants (e.g. £750,000).

The Council aims to collect 97.8% of the Council Tax in the year in which it is due, i.e. it estimates that 2.2% of Council Tax will not be paid in the year in which it is due.

The Council has not calculated a separate ‘non collection’ rate for households receiving Council Tax Support of less than 100%. The

Council local Council Tax Reduction Scheme is very similar to the Default Scheme and no household that would receive 100% discount under the Default Scheme will be required to pay more than 8.5% under the local Scheme.

If in doubt re 4), the council should take the amount of money it is seeking to save from the CTB system via changes to CTS (excluding any cross-subsidised savings from other measures, such as cutting second homes/empty properties council tax discounts), take the amount of money it is budgeting to receive from CTS claimants, and calculate the non-collection rate from there.

If no CTS-specific figure is available for 4), please provide a response to 5) below [if a figure for 4) has been given, please ignore5)]:

5. Please provide a forecast in-year non-collection rate for all council tax payments for 2013/14, including those by non-CTSclaimants, giving both a percentage figure and financial value, and also provide a financial value for 3) in addition to the percentagefigure already requested.

The Council aims to collect 97.8% of the Council Tax in the year in which it is due, i.e. it estimates that 2.2% of Council Tax will not be paid in the year in which it is due.

The amount in financial terms will depend on the actual Council Tax set by the Council and any changes in the Council Tax Base over the financial year in addition to the collection rate. Assuming a nil increase in Council Tax for 2013/14 by all preceptors, 2.2% is estimated to be in the region of £1.7 million. It is stressed that collection of Council Tax continues after the end of the financial year and that it is anticipated that the majority of the arrears at the end of the financial year will subsequently be collected.

Please let me know if you have any questions or require any clarifications.

The Council’s local Council Tax Reduction Scheme and the accompanying report to the Council is available at the following link;

http://bb-mgov01/documents/s20856/Item%2013.1%20Local%20Council%20Tax%20Reduction%20Scheme%20and%20other%20Changes%20to%20Council%20Tax.pdf

3932 11/2/2013 Request

I wish to submit an FOI request regarding fraudulent school applications.Please state:



1a The number of investigations for suspected fraudulent primary and secondary school applications for the academic years 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/2012, 2012/13, 2013/14. For each investigation in each year, please state the number of children the investigation relates to.

In addition, for each case in each year please state:

b the reason why the application was investigated in each year e.g. a tip-off that parents were using a relative's house as a catchment address because they live outside catchment.

c the number of cases each year where the application was found to be outside the rules.

d the specific sanction applied to each application that was found to be outside the rules in each year ie a school place was withdrawn or a parent's application was not accepted.

e the total number of prosecutions in each year - providing giving this information does not exceed the statutory cost limits.

Please also provide: i), a running total of the number of applications found to be outside the rules between 2007/8 and 2013/14; ii), the number of applications that have resulted in sanctions e.g. school place withdrawn/ parent's application not accepted etc between 2007/8 and 2013/14.

Response



1a The number of investigations for suspected fraudulent primary and secondary school applications for the academic years 2007/8, 2008/9, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2011/2012, 2012/13, 2013/14. For each investigation in each year, please state the number of children the investigation relates to.

In addition, for each case in each year please state:

b the reason why the application was investigated in each year eg a tip-off that parents were using a relative's house as a catchment address because they live outside catchment.

c the number of cases each year where the application was found to be outside the rules.

d the specific sanction applied to each application that was found to be outside the rules in each year ie a school place was withdrawn or a parent's application was not accepted.

e the total number of prosecutions in each year - providing giving this information does not exceed the statutory cost limits.

Please also provide: i, a running total of the number of applications found to be outside the rules between 2007/8 and 2013/14; ii, the number of applications that have resulted in sanctions eg school place withdrawn/ parent's application not accepted etc between 2007/8 and 2013/14.

Answer:

Bedford Borough Council became a unitary authority on 1 April 2009. The Council therefore does not have records prior to this date therefore we can only report on the intake for the academic years of 2010, 2011 and 2012.

We are not aware of any attempts to make fraudulent applications.

The Council has a process for checking addresses for a sample of applicants. This process is carried out before the allocation of places is undertaken to ensure that any change of address is recorded as appropriate. Although the evidence provided by a small number of applicants identifies an address that is different to that held on the Council’s database, it is not possible to say if this is as a result of a house move during the year or a deliberate attempt to obtain a school place fraudulently.

3933 12/2/2013 Request

I would like to request the following about Bedfordshire parks, primarily about play parks or parks with swings or play facilities. - the name of the park or green space- the location of the park (ideally the GPS coordinates if possible)- -details of any facilities (playgrounds, cafes, toilets)- for play parks, ideally I would like to know the extent of the facility (e.g. 2 slides, 3 swings, etc)

Response

Thank you for your request for information about public spaces which we received on 18 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and we attach the information you requested.

We are unable to provide GPS co-ordinates as this is not recorded on the records of our play areas. We have provided a location description indicating adjacent properties, where appropriate; postcodes and wards. We have indicated other site facilities for those play areas in parks and a description of each site giving an idea of site, age range and types of equipment installed.


3934 22/1/2013 Request

Under the general requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, could you please provide the following inspection and maintenance information in relation to Chaul End Road, Caddington, in particular the section between Caddington Golf Club and Luton Road:-

1. Dates of all safety inspections undertaken on the road in the last 2 years

2. Details of all road defects identified during safety inspections in the last 2 years

3. Details of how road safety inspections are undertaken, including whether walked or driven, the speed of the inspection vehicle and the number of persons in the vehicle

4. The intended frequency of road safety inspections


5. Details of all complaints and/or enquiries relating to the said road received in the two years

6. The hierarchy classification

7. The road/section number for the said road

8. The defect intervention criteria adopted in relation to the identification of all categories of road potholes

9. The time period/s adopted between identification and repair (temporary and permanent) of all categories of road defects.

10. Whether or not you have formally adopted all or part of the standards contained within the national code of practice for highways maintenance management.

Response



You have asked for Inspection and Maintenance records in relation to Chaul End Road, Caddington. Caddington actually falls within Central Bedfordshire Council. You will therefore need to approach Central Bedfordshire Council for this information, or if you wish I can re-direct your FOI request to them on your behalf.

3935 25/1/2013 Request

Personal Property Search Data - request under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004


The Silver Birches



Response



Property Address:

The Silver Birches, Kempston, Bedford,


Environment Health & Safety

b) Noc) No


Housing Public Health

d) Nof) No


No


No

3936 25/1/2013 Request

Personal Property Search Data - request under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004


Browning Close, Bromham



Response



Property Address:Browning Close, Bromham, Bedford,



b) No c) Nod) Nof) No


No


YesThis property falls within a Radon Affected Area as it is underlain, completely or partly by geology which has potential to cause radon levels to exceed the action levels for either basic or full radon protection. The level of protection needed, if any, is site specific. Radon Affected Areas are designated by the Health


Protection Agency They estimate that between 1-3% of properties in the area could be affected and recommend that the level of radon gas should be measured. The present owner or (for a new property), the builder should be asked if the radon levels have been measured in the property; whether the results were at, or above the Action Level (prescribed by the HPA) and if so, whether remedial measures were installed and if the radon levels were re-tested and confirmed, the effectiveness of the measures.



3937 14/2/2013 Request

We would be grateful if you could respond to the six questions listed below.

1. Does your organisation follow a particular risk management methodology and/or standard (e.g., ISO 27000, ISO 31000, etc.)? If so, which risk management methodology and/or standard does your organisation use?

2. Does your organisation follow a particular project management methodology and/or standard (e.g., PMBOK, PRINCE2, etc.)? If so, which project management methodology and/or standard does your organisation use?

3. Does your organisation currently take account of privacy risks in the context of its overall risk and/or project management

process?

4. Does your organisation perform privacy impact assessment (PIA) and, if so, how many PIAs have you done so far?

5. If not, do you think it would be possible to include PIA as part of your organisation's overall risk and/or project management process?

6. If relevant to your organisation, is there any collaboration between the risk manager or project manager and the data protection officer regarding privacy risk management?

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested. You requested

7. Does your organisation follow a particular risk management methodology and/or standard (e.g., ISO 27000, ISO 31000, etc.)? If so, which risk management methodology and/or standard does your organisation use?

The Council has an agreed Risk Management Strategy which is based on the British Standard BS 31100 – Risk Management Code of Practice (2008)

8. Does your organisation follow a particular project management methodology and/or standard (e.g., PMBOK, PRINCE2, etc.)? If so, which project management methodology and/or standard does your organisation use?

A project management methodology appropriate to the scope of the project is used in the management of projects.

9. Does your organisation currently take account of privacy risks in the context of its overall risk and/or project management process?

The Risk Management Strategy requires service areas to identify risks arising as a result of their operations, and to put in place appropriate measure to mitigate the risks that are identified. The Risk Management Strategy does not specifically require that an assessment of privacy risks is undertaken in compiling a risk register but where risk arising from privacy requirements exist it is considered that the Strategy provides a sound methodology for evaluating such risks.

10. Does your organisation perform privacy impact assessment (PIA) and, if so, how many PIAs have you done so far?

Currently do not perform

11. If not, do you think it would be possible to include PIA as part of your organisation's overall risk and/or project management process?

The Risk Management Strategy is reviewed annually with the next review due in November 2013. In reviewing the Strategy consideration will be given to whether it would be appropriate to incorporate specific guidance relating to the risks arising from the requirements for privacy.

12. If relevant to your organisation, is there any collaboration between the risk manager or project manager and the data protection officer regarding privacy risk management?

Risk owners may seek advice from the Data Protection Officer or the Council’s Legal Service as required in order to properly evaluate risks and mitigating actions.

3938 28/1/2013 Request

Please send me the following information about funding allocations for free childcare for disadvantaged two year olds. Questions:

1. 2012-13 capital and 2013-14 revenue allocations for funding early education for two year olds from lower income households a) What amount in pounds have you received from the government for each of the following:

- Statutory place funding for revenue allocation- Trajectory building allocation for revenue allocation- Capital Allocation

b) What amount of each of these funds will go to early years providers? Please give amounts in pound for each of the

following:- Statutory place funding for revenue allocation- Trajectory building allocation for revenue allocation- Capital Allocation

2. If you are planning to withhold or reallocate any of the money from these allocations…

a) What do you plan to use it for?b) When do you intend to spend it?

3. If you would like to provide any further comment on these funding allocations and their use, please do include this

in your response. Background: On 27 November 2012 the government published local authority allocations to deliver 15 hours a week early education to 130,000 two-year-olds from September 2013. Response


Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested as above. Answer: We are unable to answer this at the moment as the funding allocation will not be agreed by our schools forum until March 2013. It is a national requirement that funds are agreed by the forum and until then no decision has been taken. The next schools forum meeting is the 11th March, the decision will be taken then. We will therefore contact you again after this date, with a reply to the information you have requested.

3939 30/1/2013 Request

I am seeking information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 that you may hold in relation to the most oversubscribed and undersubscribed state-maintained primary and secondary schools in your area.

1) Please provide the names of the three most oversubscribed state primary and three most oversubscribed secondary schools in your local authority area. In relation to each school, please provide information on:i. The number of places available for pupils starting in Reception or Year 7 at the beginning of the academic year 2013/14.ii. The number of pupils who listed the school as one of their choices on admissions forms to start in September 2013. Note: If the authority only retains information relating to first preferences, please provide this data instead.iii. The type of school (i.e. academy, voluntary-aided school, selective state school, community school etc).

2) Please provide the names of the three most undersubscribed state primary schools and three most undersubscribed secondary schools in your local authority area.

In relation to each school, please provide information on:i. The number of places available for pupils starting in Reception or Year 7 at the start of the academic year 2013/14.ii. The number of pupils who listed the school as one of their choices on admissions forms to start in September 2013. Note: If the authority only retains information relating to first preferences, please provide this data instead.iii. The type of school (i.e. academy, voluntary-aided school, community school etc).

Response

Under the Freedom of Information Act the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold this information. The local authority will not be allocating places for 2013/14 until later this year so we are therefore unable able to answer your request yet. We will contact again once this information is available, which will be mid March 2013 for the secondary school information and mid May 2013 for the Starting School information.

3940 14/2/2013 Request

Please state:

1. The total size of the pension fund

2. The total amount directly invested in shares and bonds in gambling

3 The valuation date for 1. and 2.

4. The name of the gambling company

5. The amount held in each gambling company

Response

I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council. Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority

must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested.

Please find the information you requested detailed below:

Question 1. The total size of the pension fund.Answer £1.361 Billion

Question 2. The total amount directly invested in shares and bonds in gambling.Answer £0

Question 3. The valuation date for 1. and 2.Answer 31 December 2012

Question 4. The name of the gambling company.Answer Not applicable

Question 5. The amount held in each gambling company.Answer Not applicable

3941 14/2/2013 Request

I am writing to request information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. In order to assist you with this request, I am outlining my query as specifically as possible.

1. To date how many staff members have been paid via companies and not through the PAYE system? 2. To date what is the total sum of money paid to staff members via companies and not through the PAYE system?3. How many staff members are currently being paid via companies and not through the PAYE system?

Could I have the above information broken down into yearly accounting periods as well as the following details about each staff member who meets the criteria of my questions: job title; working hours per week and total daily or hourly wage?

I would be interested in any information held by your organisation regarding my request. I understand that I do not have to specify particular files or documents and that it is the department’s responsibility to provide the information that I require.

Response


1. To date how many staff members have been paid via companies and not through the PAYE system?

2011-12, one – Supported Employment Interim Manager, 18.5 hours per week, hourly wage £22.06

Since 1st of April no staff members have been paid through companies.

2. To date what is the total sum of money paid to staff members via companies and not through the PAYE system?

N/A

3. How many staff members are currently being paid via companies and not through the PAYE system?

Zero

3942 14/2/2013 Request

Please state:

1. The total size of the pension fund

2. The total amount directly invested in shares and bonds in alcohol

3. The valuation date for 1. and 2.

4. The name of the alcohol company

5. The amount held in each alcohol company

Response

I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council. Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested.


Question 1. The total size of the pension fund:Answer £1.361 Billion

Question 2. The total amount directly invested in shares and bonds in alcohol.Answer £1.1 million

Question 3. The valuation date for 1. and 2.Answer 31 December 2012

Question 4. The name of the alcohol company.Answer Sabmiller

Question 5. The amount held in each alcohol company.Answer Sabmiller -£1.1 million

3943 18/2/2013 Request

How many new potholes were reported on the roads for which your authority is responsible in each of the last three full financial years and in this financial year to date?

How many potholes were repaired in each of the last three full financial years and in this financial year to date?

What is your current backlog of potholes to be repaired as of the date of this request?

How much have you paid out in road user compensation claims in each of the last three full financial years and in this financial year to date?

Response

Thank you for your request for information about potholes which we received on 22 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004. The information you requested is as follows:

How many new potholes were reported on the roads for which your authority is responsible in each of the last three full financial years and in this financial year to date?

2010 No data available2011 2622 reported potholes2012 1105 reported potholes

How many potholes were repaired in each of the last three full financial years and in this financial year to date?

2010 No data available2011 6000 potholes repaired2012 5700 potholes repaired

What is your current backlog of potholes to be repaired as of the date of this request?

There is currently no backlog of reported Category 1 defects as these are repaired within 24 hours.

How much have you paid out in road user compensation claims in each of the last three full financial years and in this financial year to date?

2009/10 £2,982 2010/11 £1,0862011/12 £9062012/13 £0 (to date)

3944 12/2/2013 Request

Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at: Shorts BuildingBeauvais SquareShortstownBedford Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form: 3.1 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.2 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (d) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (e) – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (f) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council3.11 – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

Response




Property Address:

Shorts Building, Beauvais Square, Shortstown, Bedford,





No


No

3945 12/2/2013 Request

Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property known as: Beauvais SquareShortstownBedford Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form: 3.1 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council

3.2 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (d) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (e) – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (f) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council3.11 – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

Response



Property Address:

Beauvais Square, Shortstown, Bedford,






No


No

3946 4/2/2013 Request

Please can you provide a list of the vehicles that have been towed away by the council in the last three years after they were abandoned?

For each entry can you supply the: date the vehicle was towed the make and model of the vehicle the estimated value of the vehicle whether the vehicle was destroyed

If possible, would prefer the last three calendar years – so 2010, 2011, 2012.

Response


Please find the information you requested attached.


3947 14/2/2013 Request


I would like the information for the following under the Freedom of Information Act. The information which require is in regards to the annual ice cream amenity sites within Bedford for the following sites around Bedford

Russell Park Suspension Bridge Mill Meadows Priory Country Park Bedford Athletic Stadium Bedford Park Main Entrance Bedford Park East Lodge Entrance

The information I require is for the period of 2011 & 2012.I would like to know how many tenders were received for each of the above sites and also the total received income for each site over the 2 year period in question eg.Mill Meadows etc total for 2011 & 2012 e.g. £22,000 across the two years in question.

Response


Please find below the tender information you requested.

Ice cream concession sites – tender information

Site 2011 2012Russell Park 3 6Suspension Bridge 3 7Bedford Park - East 4 6Bedford Park - Main 3 5Mill Meadows 3 6Mowsbury Park 1 5Priory Country Park 2 5Bedford Athletic Stadium 3 5Jubilee Park 0 1

With regard to the total income for each site, we will not reveal details of the individual winning bids as this would prejudice the interests of both the public and the local authority by reducing the benefits of the competitive bid process. This refusal relates to Section 43.

S43 Commercial interests – exempt if the disclosure would or would be likely to prejudice commercial interests of any person including the public authority holding it and the duty to arise with the disclosure would prejudice the commercial interests.

We are willing to provide a 2-year combined figure, however. The combined figures shown below consist of the years 2010 (actually Apr-Mar 2009/10) and 2011 (Apr-Mar 2010/11). We will be able to provide details of the next 2-year period in April 2014 when the current year (2012/13) and the following year (2013/14) are completed.

Total income from ice cream concession sites (£)

Site 2010 2011 TOTAL over the 2 years for

individual sitesRussell Park 17,000Suspension Bridge 21,700Bedford Park – East 15,270Bedford Park – Main 3,330Mill Meadows 4,980Mowsbury Park 1,300Priory Country Park 9,600Bedford Athletic Stadium 1,110Jubilee Park 0TOTAL across all sites per year

35,660 38,630 £74,290

3948 13/2/2013 Request

Re Allhallows. Please could you supply the following Con29R information as relates to the above property, pursuant to the Environmental Information Regulations:

3.7, 3.11, 3.12

Plans have been attached for your reference.

Response


I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department below

Property Address:

Allhallows, Bedford,


Environment

Health & Safety Housing Public Health

(b) environment:Air Quality Management Area Order No. 5 dated 6th November2009 made under Section 83 of the Environment Act 1995.

c) Nod) Nof) No

3.11 Compulsory Purchase

Has any enforceable order or decision been made to compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?

No


d) a contaminated land notice;e) in relation to a register maintained

under section 78R of the Environmental Protection Act 1990:-

i) a decision to make an entry; or

ii) an entry; or f) consultation with the owner

occupier of the property conducted under section 78G(3) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 before the service of a remediation notice?

No


YesThis property falls within a Radon Affected Area as it is underlain, completely or partly by geology which has potential to cause radon levels to exceed the action levels for either basic or full radon protection. The level of protection needed, if any, is site specific. Radon Affected Areas are designated by the Health Protection Agency They estimate that between 1-3% of properties in the area could be affected and recommend that the level of radon gas should be measured. The present owner or (for a new property), the builder

should be asked if the radon levels have been measured in the property; whether the results were at, or above the Action Level (prescribed by the HPA) and if so, whether remedial measures were installed and if the radon levels were re-tested and confirmed, the effectiveness of the measures.



3949 12/2/2013 Request

Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property known as:

Crowsley RoadKempstonBedford


3.1 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.2 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (d) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

3.7 (e) - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (f) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council3.11 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

Response



Property Address:Crowsley Road, Kempston, Bedford,





No



No

3950 20/2/2013 Request

Please can I request the following information under the Freedom of Information act?

1. How many outstanding roadworks/road maintenance projects (i.e. ones that are not yet complete) are there in your council area?

2. What is the total distance (in miles) that these outstanding roadworks cover (e.g. 10 miles)? If possible, could you also provide the length of each outstanding roadworks/road maintenance project?

3. How long ago (please provide a month and year for the start date) was the current longest outstanding road maintenance project in your council area started?

4. What is the name of the road in your council area that has had the most roadworks in the past five years, and what is the total number of works completed and outstanding on this road?

5. How many roadworks projects IN TOTAL have been completed in your council area over the past five years (please provide a figure for each year: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012).

6. How many complaints have your council received regarding roadworks in your area in the past five years?

Response

Thank you for your request for information about road maintenance which we received on 24 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004. The information you requested is as follows:

1.How many outstanding roadworks/road maintenance projects (i.e. ones that are not yet complete) are there in your council area? There are no outstanding projects as such, but there are a number of planned projects that have not yet commenced. Information on

roadworks can be found on the Borough Council website at www.bedford.gov.uk and www.roadworks.org or by clicking on the following link: http://www.bedford.gov.uk/transport_and_streets/highways/highway_network_management.aspx

2.What is the total distance (in miles) that these outstanding roadworks cover (e.g. 10 miles)? If possible, could you also provide the length of each outstanding roadworks/road maintenance project?Not Applicable.

3.How long ago (please provide a month and year for the start date) was the current longest outstanding road maintenance project in your council area started?Please see 1 above

4.What is the name of the road in your council area that has had the most roadworks in the past five years, and what is the total number of works completed and outstanding on this road?We are unable to provide this information as clarification is needed on whether roadworks include Utility works and/or Local Highway Authority works and whether the definition of road means “routes” (e.g. the A6) or “street” (e.g. Tavistock Street, which is part of the A6).

5.How many roadworks projects IN TOTAL have been completed in your council area over the past five years (please provide a figure for each year: 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012).This information was not recorded by the Council prior to 2011/12. Details of programmes since then can be found on the Council website at www.bedford.gov.uk or by clicking on the following link: http://www.bedford.gov.uk/transport_and_streets/highways/highway_network_management.aspx

6.How many complaints have your council received regarding roadworks in your area in the past five years?There have been 722 complaints received between Jan 2008 and Dec 2012.

3951 7/2/2013 Request

I am aware that in accordance with Education (Pupil Registration)Regulation 8(1)(d) 2006 it is necessary for parents to inform a school, in writing, if they wish to deregister their child and in that letter to give a reason for the deregistration. Please, would you provide me with the total number of notifications, per academic year, received from schools in your local authority concerning children removed from school roll where parents have indicated that they are educating otherwise? Please would you provide figures for the following academic years:

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/transport_and_streets/highways/highway_network_management.aspx

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/transport_and_streets/highways/highway_network_management.aspx

http://www.roadworks.org/

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/

2006 / 2007 2007 / 2008 2008 / 2009 2009 / 2010 2010 / 2011 2011 / 2012

Response


Under the Freedom of Information Act the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold/record this information.

3952 13/2/2013 Request

I am making this request under the Freedom of Information Act to which I believe your organisation will respond. I would like to know the following :

From February 2012 how many public health funerals has your organisation has performed

The names ( including maiden names), date of death, dates of birth and last known residence for the deceased

Whether next of kin have been located

Has the estate, if any, been passed onto the Treasury Solicitor, Duchy of Cornwall/ Lancaster or in Scotland the QLTR and when was it has or will be sent

The estimated value of said estate

Response




3953 15/2/2013 Request

We would like to make the following Freedom of Information Requests under the UK Freedom of Information Act 2000.

-What was the number of new applications for social housing provision (not including existing tenants requesting transfers) in your area between 13th April 2012 and 31st August 2012? Of these, what number were homeless applications?

-What was the number of new applications for social housing provision (not including existing tenants requesting transfers) in your area between 1st September 2012 and 24th January 2013? Of these, what number were homeless applications?

-If known what proportion of new applicants since 1st September 2012 were previously squatting?

Response


What was the number of new applications for social housing provision (not including existing tenants requesting transfers) in your area between 13th April 2012 and 31st August 2012? Of these, what number were homeless applications?

504 new applications for Social Housing (excluding existing social tenants) between 1st April and 31st August of which 17 were accepted as homeless.

What was the number of new applications for social housing provision (not including existing tenants requesting transfers) in your area between 1st September 2012 and 24th January 2013? Of these, what number were homeless applications?

338 new applications for Social Housing (excluding existing social tenants) between 1st September and 31st December of which 16 were accepted as homeless (January Stats not yet available).


If known what proportion of new applicants since 1st September 2012 were previously squatting?

We do not hold this information.

3954 20/2/2013 Request

Under the general requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I would be grateful if you would provide the following information in relation to B660, Sunderland Hill road, and in particular the sections between Grange Farm and Thurleigh Road, Ravensden, Bedfordshire

o Dates of all safety inspections undertaken on the carriageway in the two years preceding the date of 24/01/2013.

o Details of all carriageway defects identified during safety inspections in the two years preceding the date of 24/01/2013.

o Details of how carriageway safety inspections are undertaken, including whether walked or driven, the speed of the inspection vehicle and the number of persons in the vehicle.

o The intended frequency of carriageway safety inspections.

o Details of all complaints and/or enquiries relating to the carriageway, received in the two years preceding the date of 24/01/2013.

o The hierarchy classification.

o The road/section number.

o The defect intervention criteria adopted in relation to the identification of all categories of carriageway potholes.

o The time period(s) adopted between identification and repair (temporary and permanent) of all categories of carriageway defects.

o Whether or not the authority has formally adopted all or part of the standards contained within the national code of practice for highways maintenance management.

Response

Thank you for your request for information about Road Safety Inspections which we received on 24 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004. The information you requested is as follows:

Dates of all safety inspections undertaken on the carriageway in the two years preceding the date of 24/01/2013.Please see attached spreadsheet (Inspections and Defects tab)

Details of all carriageway defects identified during safety inspections in the two years preceding the date of 24/01/2013.Please see attached spreadsheet (Inspections and Defects tab)

Details of how carriageway safety inspections are undertaken, including whether walked or driven, the speed of the inspection vehicle and the number of persons in the vehicle.Inspections are driven at 20mph in a liveried vehicle with beacons. There are usually two people, one driving the second person recording and marking up defects. On minor/estate roads inspections may be carried out by a single inspector.

The intended frequency of carriageway safety inspectionsThe intended frequency of carriageway safety inspections are 28 days

Details of all complaints and/or enquiries relating to the carriageway, received in the two years preceding the date of 24/01/2013Please see attached spreadsheet (Helpdesk tab)

The hierarchy classificationThe road hierarchy classification is 3B

The road/section numberThe road/section number is B/206605/14

The defect intervention criteria adopted in relation to the identification of all categories of carriageway potholesCategory 1 potholes must be a minimum of 50mm depth, 150mm wide and have a vertical face. All other potholes are Category 2.

The time period(s) adopted between identification and repair (temporary and permanent) of all categories of carriageway defects.The maintenance priorities for Cat 1 and Cat 2 repairs are as follows: Cat 1 defects are made safe or repaired within 24hrs, Cat 2 defects are repaired during planned programmed works within 28 days

Whether or not the authority has formally adopted all or part of the standards contained within the national code of practice for highways maintenance management.Yes the Authority has adopted The National Code of Practice.


3955 20/2/2013 Request

I note, from the 'expenditure over £500' spreadsheet available on the Council's website, that we spend between £500k and £1 million per month on agency staff via a company called Carlisle Managed Solutions. Please provide a breakdown of the roles, daily rates and departments relating to agency staff employed through Carlisle Managed Solutions for financial year 2011/12.

Response


Please find the information you requested attached.


3956 21/2/2013 Request

Follow up request from 3728



Q1: Was Camden the only reference taken up for Azeus / Azeuscare? If not, please provide details of other references taken up. Q2: It seems anomalous for a councillor to take up references for a commercial product; I would normally expect this to be undertaken by an officer. Please explain why Councillor Oliver was asked to do this piece of work, and provide copies of any meeting minutes in which this was discussed Q3: What analysis of the financial viability of the UK company Azeuscare was undertaken by the council? For example, analysis of the past 3 years' accounts. Please provide copies of any documentation which relates to such analysis (e.g. a financial questionnaire supplied by the company), redacted if necessary. If no such analysis took place, please state this for the avoidance of doubt.

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold the information you requested.

The same FOI response from Camden indicates that the products provided by Azeus do not include Child Protection case management software.

Q1 : Was Camden the only reference taken up for Azeus / Azeuscare? If not, please provide details of other references taken up

Answer: The formal Freedom of Information Act response is that the Council does not hold any information regarding this question. (In order to be helpful and as not part of the formal Freedom of Information Act response we should explain that “the reference” referred to by you did not constitute any formal part of the Council’s decision making process. Cllr Oliver simply wished to make her own enquiries regarding Azeus)

Q2 : It seems anomalous for a councillor to take up references for a commercial product; I would normally expect this to be undertaken by an officer. Please explain why Councillor Oliver was asked to do this piece of work, and provide copies of any meeting minutes in which this was discussed

Answer: The formal Freedom of Information Act response is that the Council does not hold any information regarding this question. (Again in order to be helpful and not part of the formal Freedom of Information Act response we should explain that “Cllr Oliver was not asked to do this piece of work etc.” As explained informally in response to Q1 Cllr Oliver simply wished to make her own enquiries on her own initiative as the relevant portfolio holder regarding Azeus). Q3 : What analysis of the financial viability of the UK company Azeuscare was undertaken by the council? For example, analysis of the past 3 years' accounts. Please provide copies of any documentation which relates to such analysis (eg a financial questionnaire

supplied by the company), redacted if necessary. If no such analysis took place, please state this for the avoidance of doubt. Answer: The Council does not hold any information regarding this question. (Again in order to be helpful and as not part of the formal Freedom of Information Act response we should explain the company is a relatively new business starter within the UK. Its parent company is to provide a guarantee of performance in respect of the contract to the Council. It proposes to establish its UK headquarters within Bedford Borough and the Council has no reason to doubt that it will shortly be a market leader for this product)

3957 20/2/2013 Request

It would be greatly appreciated if you could include any cases that have been or will be sent to the Treasury Solicitor (or Duchy of Lancaster/Duchy of Cornwall, QLTR or National Ultimus Haeres) and any cases where the deceased died on or before 1 September 2012 but have recently come to attention for any reason.

For each deceased persons please include the following information:1. First name & Surname2. Date of death and Date of birth3. Last known residence of the deceased4. Estimated value of estates5. Date on when the information was or will be sent to the Treasury Solicitor (or Duchy of Lancaster, Duchy of Cornwall, QLTR or National Ultimus Haeres)6. Name of persons responsible for sending this information to the Treasury Solicitor (or Duchy of Lancaster, Duchy of Cornwall, QLTR or National Ultimus Haeres)7. Who or which authority has reported this death to the council?8. Once a death has been reported, who is in charge of examining the estate of the deceased?9. What is the role of the Department of Work and Pensions if it is a pensioner who has died with no known next of kin?10. Who or which other authority do you send the details of the death?11. Apart from the council, Treasury Solicitor (or Duchy of Lancaster, Duchy of Cornwall, QLTR or National Ultimus Haeres) who else is notified of the death of the deceased with no known next of kin?12. Who is responsible for the deceased if he/she has died within the care of the NHS or a nursing home?

Response


that we do hold the information you requested.



3958 1/2/2013 Request

Under the Freedom of Information Act, please could you confirm:-

1. The registration number of the Council's registered body with the Criminal Records Bureau or Disclosure and Barring Service as it is now called.

2. The name of the registered body's Lead Countersignatory.

3. The postal address for correspondence to the Lead Countersignatory.

4. The email address for correspondence to the Lead Countersignatory.

Response



1) Registration no – 206S1900009

2) Keith Simmons

3) MK42 9AP

4) [email protected]


3959 15/2/2013 Request

Under the Freedom of Information Act I would like to request details about the use of ‘powers of entry’ laws by officials from your council.

Please provide me with the answers to the following questions:

1. The total number of people within the council who are granted the right to use powers of entry legislation to enter a private property as of the 1st January 2013

2. The number of people who have been disciplined for the misuse of these powers3. Details of any disciplinary action taken in relation to Q2.

I request that the period covered for questions 2 and 3 is 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2012.

The table below shows how I would like the information to be presented.

Local Authority

Total number of employees who are

granted the right to use powers of entry

Number of people disciplinedDetails of the disciplinary action

2009 2010 2011 2012Name of Council 25 1 1 1 1

4 instances - Unauthorised use of powers. Internal proceedings. Written warning.

Response


1. The total number of people within the council who are granted the right to use powers of entry legislation to enter a private property as of the 1st January 2013

2. The number of people who have been disciplined for the misuse of these powers3. Details of any disciplinary action taken in relation to Q2.

I request that the period covered for questions 2 and 3 is 1st January 2009 to 31st December 2012.

Please see table below in the format requested

Local Authority

Total number of employees who are

granted the right to use powers of entry

Number of people disciplinedDetails of the disciplinary action

2009 2010 2011 2012Bedford Borough Council

89 1

1 instances - Internal proceedings. Verbal Warning

3960 19/2/2013 Request

1. How many households are under-occupying (or are believed to be under-occupying) their properties by one bedroom? Please

exclude from the data any households that are exempt from the bedroom tax (e.g. pensioners).

2. How many households are under-occupying (or are believed to be under-occupying) their properties by two or more bedrooms?

Please exclude from the data any households that are exempt from the bedroom tax (e.g. pensioners).

For both questions 1 and 2, please provide the data broken down as follows:

a) under-occupying households in council housing

b) under-occupying households in all social and affordable housing (including council housing)

In this request, ‘under-occupying’ is defined as it is under the terms of the bedroom tax.

The council may not have figures for both subsets (a and b) of each question. In this case, please provide what information you do

hold.

If any of the data is held by a housing association or similar external provider, please forward the relevant parts of this request on to

them – Housing Benefit is administered by the local authority, so information on under-occupancy can be seen as being held by

housing associations on behalf of the local authority for the purpose of ensuring the correct Housing Benefit is paid out by the local

authority under the bedroom tax.

Response


1. How many households are under-occupying (or are believed to be under-occupying) their properties by one bedroom? Please

exclude from the data any households that are exempt from the bedroom tax (e.g. pensioners).

1250 non-pensioner households have been identified as under occupying

2. How many households are under-occupying (or are believed to be under-occupying) their properties by two or more bedrooms?

Please exclude from the data any households that are exempt from the bedroom tax (e.g. pensioners).

For both questions 1 and 2, please provide the data broken down as follows:

a) under-occupying households in council housing No Council Stock

b) under-occupying households in all social and affordable housing (including council housing) 1250 non-pensioner

households

In this request, ‘under-occupying’ is defined as it is under the terms of the bedroom tax.

The council may not have figures for both subsets (a and b) of each question. In this case, please provide what information you do

hold.

3961 5/2/2013 Request

The National Planning Policy Framework, March 2012, states in Para. 47 that "Where there has been a record of persistent under delivery of housing, local planning authorities should increase the buffer to 20% .... "

Can you please say what criterion you use to identify "a record of persistent under delivery of housing?"

Response

Thank you for your request for information about National Planning Policy Framework criteria which we received on 26 January 2013. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.

The information requested is that we do not have a criterion.

3962 6/2/2013 Request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. May I please request the following information please: The names and email addresses of the following:

Name

Street Lighting Highways andTransportation

Parking PassengerTransport (Adult and Children services

Directorsresponsible for the services shown

Name: Email Address:




Head of or Managers for the services shown





Lead Member or cabinet member responsible for services shown





Response


Please find the information you requested below.

Name Street Lighting Highways and Transportation Parking Passenger Transport (Adult and Children services

Directors Name: Stewart Briggs Name: Stewart Briggs Name: Stewart Briggs Name: Stewart Briggs

Email Address: [email protected]



Email Address: Stewart.Briggs@bedford. gov.uk

Head of or Managers

Name: David Lant Name: Brian Hayward Name: Chris Pettifer Name: Chris Pettifer





Lead Member or cabinet member

Name: Cllr Royden Name:Cllr Royden Name: Cllr Royden Name: Cllr Royden





3963 1/3/2013 Request

Please answer the following questions for your adults and children's departments: Adults • Who is your main contact for Commissioning Services for Adult Social Care? • Do you currently use an IT system to support your contract management? If Yes please name the system and suppliers? • How much does this IT system cost, when did you sign up for the contract and how long was the contract? • Once service users are assessed, what is the split between self-funders and people reliant on the local authority to pay for their

care (full or part)? • Do you provide brokerage services for self/part funders? • Do you use/plan to use micro-procurement/commissioning? • Do private brokers operate in your area? • How do you currently procure your services, please provide information of the split between the following methods? e.g. via

commissioning teams, social workers do it themselves, panels for expensive care packages, micro-procurement/commissioning, personalisation/self-directed support

• What is the proportion of the above? Please provide us with an estimated split between all of your service types • How many providers do you contract with and are they internal/external? • How many contracts and of what type does your councils manage in the commissioning of adult social care services? e.g. is it

referrals to in-house services, predominantly spot purchasing, purchasing under framework contracts/agreements, block contracts or cost and volume contracts

• Do you have a performance management framework for monitoring the performance of providers? If so then would it be possible to forward or provide a link to it.

Children’s • Who is your main contact for Commissioning Services for Children’s Services? • Do you currently use an IT system to support your contract management? If Yes please name the system?

• How much does this IT system cost, when did you sign up for the contract and how long was the contract? • How do you currently procure your services for Children’s Social Care, please provide information of the split between the

following methods e.g. via commissioning teams, social workers do it themselves, panels for expensive care packages,micro-procurement/commissioning

• What is the proportion of the above? • Do you use/plan to use micro-procurement/commissioning? • How many providers do you contract with and are they internal/external? • How many contracts and of what type does your councils manage in the commissioning of Children’s social care services? e.g.

is it referrals to in-house services, predominantly spot purchasing, purchasing under framework contracts, block contracts or cost and volume contracts

• Do you have a performance management framework for monitoring the performance of providers? If so then would it be possible to forward a copy or provide a link to it.

Response:


Adults:

• Who is your main contact for Commissioning Services for Adult Social Care?

George Hunt, Head of Commissioning

• Do you currently use an IT system to support your contract management?

No

If Yes please name the system and suppliers?

N/A

• How much does this IT system cost, when did you sign up for the contract and how long was the contract?

N/A

• Once service users are assessed, what is the split between self-funders and people reliant on the local authority to pay for their care (full or part)?

The split between self-funders and people reliant on the local authority to pay for their care as recorded on Swift as at 22-02-2013 is 11.3% self-funders and 88.7% Local Authority.

• Do you provide brokerage services for self/part funders?

Yes

• Do you use/plan to use micro-procurement/commissioning?

No.

• Do private brokers operate in your area?

Please check Yellow Pages or other suitable directories with publically available information.

• How do you currently procure your services, please provide information of the split between the following methods? e.g. via commissioning teams, social workers do it themselves, panels for expensive care packages, micro-procurement/commissioning, personalisation/self-directed support?

Mixture – brokerage for domiciliary care, social work teams do some themselves, direct payments for self-directed support, and Commissioning team for large contracts or substantial changes to existing contracts.

• What is the proportion of the above? Please provide us with an estimated split between all of your service types:

5% in house, 30% external domiciliary care, 20% direct payments, 25% permanent res/nursing care and 10% other external services.

• How many providers do you contract with and are they internal/external?

Approximately 270 internal and external providers.

• How many contracts and of what type does your councils manage in the commissioning of adult social care services? e.g. is it referrals to in-house services, predominantly spot purchasing, purchasing under framework contracts/agreements, block contracts or cost and volume contracts?

Domiciliary CareApproved Provider Agreements with 29 home care providers and care packages are placed with them on a spot basis.

Residential and Nursing CareAdass Regional Standard Contract with 38 providers for residential and nursing services. Placements in homes are made on a spot basis.

Block contract for residential careBlock contract with Bupa for 6 care homes with a total of 171 beds.

Supported Living ServicesAdass Regional Standard Contract with 4 providers for supported living services.

Third SectorContracts with 19 voluntary sector organisations for a range of different services. One of these is a cost and volume contract.

Extra Care SchemesContracts with 2 providers for on site care at 3 extra care schemes.

Personalised Support ServicesApproved Provider Agreements with 24 providers of personalised support services for people with direct payments.

Day CentresContracts with 12 day centres

In House Services7 day centres

• Do you have a performance management framework for monitoring the performance of providers? If so then would it be possible to forward or provide a link to it?

Yes. Care Standards Monitoring Team who monitor standards of all providers in residential and nursing homes, domiciliary and day care providers. The standards are assessed against Bedford Borough Benchmark standards which are aligned to current CQC outcomes.

Children’s:

• Who is your main contact for Commissioning Services for Children’s Services?

Adrian Wells, Transition Manager for Commissioning and Resources.

• Do you currently use an IT system to support your contract management? If Yes please name the system?

There is no bespoke IT system in place although a new Client Records Management system has been recently procured.

• How much does this IT system cost, when did you sign up for the contract and how long was the contract?

Exempt Sec 43(2) FOI Act 2000 – This information is commercially sensitive.

• How do you currently procure your services for Children’s Social Care, please provide information of the split between the following methods e.g. via commissioning teams, social workers do it themselves, panels for expensive care packages, micro-procurement/commissioning?

Bedford Borough is currently considering how best to commission services for children, currently most services are commissioned from a central children’s commissioning team and a weekly resource panel considers requests. Fieldwork teams can commission and buy small packages of care without going through this system.

• What is the proportion of the above?

There are currently 15 (Adoption & Fostering, St Christopher’s, IFA Framework, ITT, Kids, Papworth, 3 Play schemes, PP, NCMA, Contact, IV, NYAS, CiBs) contracts with shared or full management responsibilities within the children’s commissioning team. Given the fluid nature of the services commissioned it is not possible to be clear regarding the precise proportion but the vast majority of services are commissioned via the central team.

• Do you use/plan to use micro-procurement/commissioning?

We do commission care packages to meet the needs of an individual service user, micro procurement/commissioning will be considered as part of the review of the commissioning roles and responsibilities.

• How many providers do you contract with and are they internal/external?

At the time of updating our database late last year we had 90 external providers from who we requested up to date information from although we are not actively commissioning from all at any one time. The majority of the services are externally commissioned, the exception being the internal fostering service which is currently commissioned and managed by Central Bedfordshire on behalf of both Boroughs.

• How many contracts and of what type does your councils manage in the commissioning of Children’s social care services? e.g. is it referrals to in-house services, predominantly spot purchasing, purchasing under framework contracts/agreements, block contracts or cost and volume contracts?

(See above). It is not possible

• Do you have a performance management framework for monitoring the performance of providers? If so then would it be possible to forward a copy or provide a link to it.

3964 14/2/2013 Request

I would like to follow-up my previously submitted Freedom of Information request with the following additional questions.

1. The number of weeks in a year that the council pays Housing Benefit to a full-year claimant (e.g. 52 weeks a year, 48 weeks a year etc)

2. The number of vacant one-bedroom properties that currently exist (or are likely to exist in April 2013) (a) in the local council housing stock and (b) in the social and affordable housing stock of local housing associations, excluding supported housing units

3. The number of one-bedroom properties (excluding void properties) that became vacant (a) in the local council housing stock and (b) in the social and affordable housing stock of local housing associations, during 2012 (or 2012/13 year-to-date, if a calendar year figure is unavailable). Where a property became vacant more than once during the year, please count each vacancy individually if possible

4. The figure for (3), but excluding supported housing units 5. A list of all ALMOs, Registered Social Landlords, Housing Associations and other social/affordable housing providers known

to provide housing in the council area

Response


1. The number of weeks in a year that the council pays Housing Benefit to a full-year claimant (e.g. 52 weeks a year, 48 weeks a year etc)

52 weeks

2. The number of vacant one-bedroom properties that currently exist (or are likely to exist in April 2013) (a) in the local council housing stock and (b) in the social and affordable housing stock of local housing associations, excluding supported housing units

No Information held as the Council transferred its housing stock in 1990 to Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association.

3. The number of one-bedroom properties (excluding void properties) that became vacant (a) in the local council housing stock and (b) in the social and affordable housing stock of local housing associations, during 2012 (or 2012/13 year-to-date, if a calendar year figure is unavailable). Where a property became vacant more than once during the year, please count each vacancy individually if possible

No Information held as the Council transferred its housing stock in 1990 to Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association.

4. The figure for (3), but excluding supported housing units

No Information held.

5. A list of all ALMOs, Registered Social Landlords, Housing Associations and other social/affordable housing providers known to provide housing in the council area

Affinity Sutton - Level 6, 6 More London Place, Tooley Street, London, SE1 2DA Tel: 0300 100 0303Aldwyck - 6 Houghton Hall Business Park, Porz Avenue, Houghton Regis, Beds. LU5 5UZ Tel: 01582 869100Anchor Staying Put - Milestone Place, 100 Bolton Road, Bradford, BD1 4DHCustomer Centre: 0845 140 2020Anchor Housing - Dame Alice Court, 19 Newnham Street, Bedford, MK40 3NR Tel: 0845 140 2020Bedfordshire Citizens Housing Association - Registered Office: Bedford Charter House, 1A Kimbolton Road, Bedford, MK40 2PU.

Telephone: 01234 321400 Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association - Registered Office Pilgrims House, Horne Lane, Bedford MK40 1NY Tel: 01234 791000Circle Anglia - Number One Building, The Causeway, Bishops Stortford, Herts. CM23 2ER Tel: 0845 600 1543Genesis - Head office, Capital House, 25 Chapel Street, London, NW1 5DT Tel: 033 3000 3000 Granta/Metropolitan - 1 Horizon Park, Barton Road, Comberton, Cambridge, CB23 7AF. Horizon Park Switchboard: 0203 535 2345Grand Union - Katherines House, Dunstable Street, Ampthill, Bedford, MK45 2JP. Tel:01525 402 526Guinness South - Henshaw House, 851 Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3JZ Tel: 01908 544723Hanover - Hanover House, 1 Bridge Close, Staines. TW18 4TB Tel: 01784 446000Hastoe – (Milton Keynes Office) - Witan Court, 319 Upper Fourth Street, Milton Keynes, MK9 1EH - Tel: 01908 396240 Fax: 01908 237843Home Group - Norfolk House West, 413/415 Silbury Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 2AH Tel: 0845 155 2305Housing 21- 9 Avro Court, Ermine Business Park, Huntingdon, Cambs. PE29 6WG. Tel: 0370 1924498Jephson - 5 Mill Square Featherstone Road, Milton Keynes, MK12 5ZD Tel: 01908 628000Langley House Trust – PO Box 395, Bedford, MK43 6AD Tel: 01234 855515North Hertfordshire Homes - Rowan House, Avenue One, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, SG6 2WW Tel: 01462 704101Orbit Heart of England – 12 Bromham Road, Bedford, MK40 2QW. Tel: 0345 8 500500Papworth Trust - Papworth Trust, Bernard Sunley Centre, Papworth Everard, Cambridge CB23 3RG Tel: 0800 952 5000Paradigm - Paradigm Housing Group 1 Glory Park Avenue, Woburn Green, Buckinghamshire, HP10 0DF. Customer Services: 0300 303 1010Places for People - Milton Keynes and East Anglia, Places for People, Matrix House, North Fourth Street, Milton Keynes, MK9 1NJ. Tel: 01908 207311Raglan - Raglan Housing Association Ltd, Suite C, Lancaster House, Grange Business ParkEnderby Road, Whetstone, Leicester, LE8 6EPSpringboard - Springboard House, 2A Claughton Road, London, E13 9PN. Tel: 020 8475 0033

3965 21/2/2013 Request

I am looking for all limited companies in your area that have recently (last 12 months) had or are about to have liability orders made against them for non payment of business rates. So far I have succeeded in obtaining companies who are about to have the seven day letter sent out to them, with names and amounts outstanding.

Response


You requested:

“I am looking for all limited companies in your area who have recently (last 12 months who had or are about to have liability orders made against them for non-payment of business rates. So far I have succeeded in obtaining companies who are about to have the seven day letter sent out to them, with names and amounts outstanding. If you could also supply me with this information I would be very grateful.”


1. States that the information requested is exempt information.

2. Specifies, that the exemption in question is contained within Section 43 (2) of the FOI Act (FOIA).

It is the Council’s view that, having considered the public interest test, the information requested is exempt because disclosure of the information would be likely to result in commercial disadvantage or even commercial harm to the ratepayers and, therefore, disclosure would be likely to prejudice their commercial interests. Whilst it is accepted that the information may be publicly available at the Magistrates’ Court hearings such applications are considered to be a routine legal process and the Council does not consider that it would be in the public interest to release information regarding the outcome of such proceedings at a later date.

3966 4/2/2013 Request

How many Directors of Children’s Services did the Local Authority’s Social Services department employ from March 2007 to March 2012?

Please state each Director of Children’s Services’ start and finish date and whether they resigned or were dismissed from this position.

Response



Please note that Bedford Borough Council did not have a Director of Children’s Services prior to November 2008 in the lead up to becoming a Unitary Authority and find the information you requested below.

Question 1:

Two

Question 2:

A: 24.11.2008 – 31.05.2012 ResignedB: 02.07.2012 – present N/a

3967 27/2/2013 Request

FOI Questions

· For the complete suite of council financial services (transactional banking and investment), which *provider(s) does the Council currently use, and how many individual accounts are held with each listed financial services provider? (2010/11 and 2011/12 financial years).

· How frequently are the various financial services procured, and when is the existing arrangement due to end (month/ year) - for each listed provider?

· What was the average balance(s)/ cap on investment(s); of accounts held with each listed provider as at last audit? (for transactional & investment banking).

· Please provide the specific procurement criteria and weighting that the council uses to assess and procure financial services.

· Detail if, and how, the procurement criteria, weighting, and assessment process has been reviewed and modified, to give effect to Best Value Guidance and the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 to maximize public socio-economic value via

procurement.

Response




Question 1

For the complete suite of council financial services (transactional banking and investment), which *provider(s) does the Council currently use, and how many individual accounts are held with each listed financial services provider? (2010/11 and 2011/12 financial years).

Question 2

How frequently are the various financial services procured, and when is the existing arrangement due to end (month/ year) -for each listed provider?

Question 3

What was the average balance(s)/ cap on investment(s); of accounts held with each listed provider as at last audit? (for transactional & investment banking).

Question 4

Please provide the specific procurement criteria and weighting that the council uses to assess and procures financial services.

Question 5

Detail if, and how, the procurement criteria, weighting, and assessment process has been reviewed and modified, to give effect to Best Value Guidance and the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 to maximize public socio-economic value via procurement.

*Please include relevant data for credit unions, building societies, local, mutual, ethical & high street retail/ investment banks, treasury management services, as well as funds with Peer-to-Peer (P2P) lenders

Answer: Please find the information you requested below.

Questions 1-3: Please see attached spreadsheet: called FOI -Banking & Financial Services Procurement 200213. Each question has its own sheet.

Question 4: The last tender for Treasury Management Advisers included the following information given to prospective companies: “The contract for the services will not be awarded on the basis of cost alone and a presentation to the Council’s Treasury Management Advisory Panel will form part of the selection process.”

Question 5: Criteria will be developed and will include relevant legislation should we tender for any future financial services.


3968 12/2/2013 Request

Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at: Little Owl LaneWixamsBedford Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form: 3.1 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.2 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (b) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (c) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (d) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (e) – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council3.7 (f) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council


3.11 – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council

Response



Property Address:Little Owl Lane, Wixams, Bedford,





No


No


3969 31/1/2013 Request

Please can you provide contract, spend & product details on the telecom services highlighted in the attached spreadsheet.

Response

Further to your request for information dated 29 January 2013, I can confirm that the information you requested is held under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. However, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 does not oblige the Council to comply with a request for information if it estimates that the cost of complying with the request would exceed the “appropriate limit.”

The list of requirements is extensive and there are many individual contracts within some of the areas. In order for each individual contract to be identified is prohibitive in terms of time.

This appropriate limit has been set in the Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004 which provides that for a local authority the appropriate limit is £450. This is calculated by reference to a maximum of 18 hours being taken and the cost of staff time being set in the Regulations as £25 per hour. The Regulations also say that In calculating the amount the Council may, “for the purpose of its estimate, take account only of the costs it reasonably expects to incur in relation to the request in: (a) determining whether it holds the information, (b) locating the information, or a document which may contain the information, (c) retrieving the information, or a document which may contain the information, and (d) extracting the information from a document containing it.”

The Council has therefore decided to refuse your request.

3970 25/2/2013 Request

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 please can you provide a full list of commercial properties which are responsible for any Business Rates liability from December 2012 onwards?

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information in the attached excel spreadsheet.


3971 25/2/2013 Request

In accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 please can you provide a list of remaining credit and also credits that have been written off by your authority in respect of Business Rates as at 1/1/13 for companies as far back as your records will allow.

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information in the attached excel spreadsheets.


3972 13/2/2013 Request

Under The Freedom of Information Act 2000 I request the following details:

1. Since November 2012 please provide details of any deceased persons you have dealt with who have no known next of kin (or you cannot find next of kin).2. Date of Death and Date of Birth.3. Last known address.4. The date passed onto TSOL or The Duchy Solicitor (plus any pending).5. The Value of estate if known (approximately).6. Please email your response.

Response




Please find the information you requested enclosed


3973 19/2/2013 Request

1. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) total budget for financial year 2. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) total spend for financial year 3. Number of Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) made in the financial year

Response


1. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) total budget for financial yearFinancial Year Total Budget

2011/12 184,953 (Gvmt Amt 73,981)2012/13 320,230 (Gvmt Amt 128,092)

2. Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) total spend for financial yearFinancial Year Total Budget

2011/12 70,3712012/13 94,182 (as at 17 Feb 2013)

3. Number of Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP) made in the financial yearFinancial Year Total Budget

2011/12 3242012/13 508 (as at 17 Feb 2013)

3974 13/2/2013 Request

I would like information on people dying with no next of kin being known at the time of death from 1/11/12 to the day of your response


to this request. If someone died before 1/11/12 but the case has only come to your attention since, could you please also include details, as follows:

1. Surnames and forenames or initials2. Dates of death3. Age at death or date of birth4. Place of birth5. Marital status6. Maiden surnames of married or widowed women7. Usual address at time of death8. Approx. value of their estate if known9. The date you sent information to the Treasury Solicitor (or, if in Lancashire, the Duchy of Lancaster, or, if in Cornwall, the Duchy

of Cornwall), or confirmation that this action was not applicable.

Response




3975 11/2/2013 Request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 I seek information about Bedford Borough Council's facilities management, school catering and road/ highway maintenance contracts.

I would be grateful if you could please provide me with the followinginformation:

1. The start date, duration, annual value and name of the supplier(s) of any council-wide facilities management contracts you currently hold.2. The start date, duration, annual value and name of the supplier(s) of any council-wide contracts for catering in schools you currently


hold.3. The start date, duration, annual value and name of the supplier(s) of any road/highway maintenance contracts you currently hold, including but not limited to any contracts for the provision and maintenance of street lighting.

Response



1. The start date, duration, annual value and name of the supplier(s) of any council-wide facilities management contracts you currently hold.

Answer:We do not have one single supplier or suppliers that have a specific Facilities Management contract(s).

2. The start date, duration, annual value and name of the supplier(s) of any council-wide contracts for catering in schools you currently hold.

Answer:Start Date: April 2011Duration: Five years- March 2016Average Annual Value: £775,983Catering Contractor: Caterlink

3. The start date, duration, annual value and name of the supplier(s) of any road/highway maintenance contracts you currently hold, including but not limited to any contracts for the provision andmaintenance of street lighting.

Answer:Bedford Borough Council has a Managing Agent Contract with Amey for Highways Services. The contract commenced in Oct 2005 and will reach full term in March 2016. The annual value of services delivered through the contract is circa £4m.

3976 15/2/2013 Request

1. How many households has you local authority identified as being subject to the under –occupation housing benefit reduction?

a) How many of these households have registered or requested for a transfer to smaller accommodation and how many are projected to have transferred before April, and during 2013/14?

b) How many households will move to private sector accommodation, and what is the projected change in housing benefit expenditure as a result of these changes?

c) What projections have been made of rent arrears arising from the under-occupation housing benefit reduction?

d) What assessment has been made of the impact of Housing Association tenants in the area?

2. What assessment has been made of the availability and possible shortfall of suitable accommodation in the social sector for tenants requesting to downsize as a consequence of the under-occupation housing benefit reduction?

3. What assessment has been made of the impact of the projected rent arrears on your council’s ability to build additional council homes?

Response


1. How many households has you local authority identified as being subject to the under –occupation housing benefit reduction?

1250 cases were identified as under occupying on 22nd of January

1000 cases were at 14%

250 cases were at 25%

a) How many of these households have registered or requested for a transfer to smaller accommodation and how many are projected to have transferred before April, and during 2013/14?

At the end of December 2012 - 15 households were registered as requesting a transfer due to under-occupation. There are no projections on numbers expected to transfer before April 2013

b) How many households will move to private sector accommodation, and what is the projected change in housing benefit expenditure as a result of these changes?


c) What projections have been made of rent arrears arising from the under-occupation housing benefit reduction?


d) What assessment has been made of the impact of Housing Association tenants in the area?


2. What assessment has been made of the availability and possible shortfall of suitable accommodation in the social sector for tenants requesting to downsize as a consequence of the under-occupation housing benefit reduction?


3. What assessment has been made of the impact of the projected rent arrears on your council’s ability to build additional council homes?

The Council is not a stock holding authority.

3977 11/2/2013 Request

May I please have a copy of any records that would show some or all of the following information:

1. A list of ALL types of alternative asset investments, including private equity, venture capital, distressed debt, mezzanine, fund of funds, infrastructure and real estate partnerships in which Bedfordshire County Council is an investor; and

2. For each partnership, may I please have a copy of any alternative assets investment records that would show some or all of the following information as at 31st December, 2011:

a. Bedfordshire County Council 's total commitment to the partnership,b. the total contributions made by Bedfordshire County Council to the partnership to date,c. the total distributions received by Bedfordshire County Council from the partnership to date,d. the estimated current value of Bedfordshire County Council 's holding in the partnership, ande. any available estimates of the IRR earned by Bedfordshire County Council to date on its investment in the

partnership.

Response




Answer Q1: The Bedfordshire Pension Fund reports quarterly to its Pension Committee. The Asset Allocation information can be found within the Investment Performance – Quarterly Monitoring report. All reports can be accessed through the below website address:

(http://www.councillorsupport.bedford.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=378&Year=2012 ).

Answer 2: Please find the information you requested enclosed below:

BEDFORDSHIRE PENSION FUND PRIVATE EQUITY

http://www.councillorsupport.bedford.gov.uk/ieListMeetings.aspx?CId=378&Year=2012%20

31 December 2011

Name Category Currency Inception Commitment Contribution Distribution Value Net IRR Phildrew Ventures 4th Fund Private GBP - £820,000 £820,000 £483,800 £4,100 N/A

Equity

3978 7/2/2013 Request

Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

· How many school sport partnerships were operating in your local authority during school years a) 2007/08 b) 2008/09 c) 2009/10 d) 2010/11 e) 2011/12 f) 2012/13?

· How many school sport coordinators were working in your local authority during school years a) 2007/08 b) 2008/09 c) 2009/10 d) 2010/11 e) 2011/12 f) 2012/13?

· How many School Sport Partnerships remain in place since the government announcement in October 2010 stating that funding was to be cut, and how are they now funded?

· How many PE teachers are there currently on teacher release funded by the Department for Education for the purpose of organising competitive sport?

· How many children in your area participate in the government’s School Games programme? Response


Under the Freedom of Information Act the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold this information. You will need to contact the individual schools for this information. A list of Bedford Borough schools is available on our website http://www.bedford.gov.uk/education_and_learning/schools_and_colleges.aspx under related links on the right hand side – Education Establishment Guide.

3979 22/2/2013 Request

I would like to request the following under the Freedom of Information Act

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/education_and_learning/schools_and_colleges.aspx

All correspondence between constituency MP(s) in the local authority area and the council regarding the new size criteria for housing benefit claimants living in social housing (the so-called ‘bedroom tax’).

i) sent between July 31, 2012 and January 31, 2013 This is to include correspondence where the MP(s) is the sender, a direct recipient or a copy recipient.

Response

Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you requested. Our searches have revealed one case of relevant correspondence.

Please find part of the information you requested attached. This is a redacted response to a request to Bedford Borough Council from Alistair Burt MP. The constituent’s name has been redacted as Mr X. The email recipient’s name: a researcher at Mr Burt’s office has been redacted as he no longer works at that office. In respect of the original email enquiry from Mr Burt’s office: the Council, for the reasons that follow, declines to disclose the information requested.


1. States that the content within that email is exempt information.

2. Specifies, that the exemption in question is the subject of an absolute exemption contained within Section 40 (Personal Information) of the FOI Act (FOIA).


3980 22/2/2013 Request

Does your authority manage a Crematorium? If so how many and please give details of their location.

Do you routinely give parents the ashes of pre-term babies?

For each of the last five years please say how many cremations this involved and of those how many sets of ashes were returned to parents?


Do you routinely give parents the ashes of still-born full term babies?


Do you routinely give parents the ashes of babies who have died at 6 months or less?


Do you routinely give parents the ashes of children older than 6 months at time of death?

For each of the last five years please say how many cremations this involved and of those how many sets of ashes were returned to parents? For numbers 2-5 please indicate if the current practice differs from practices over the last 40 years, and if it does give details of previous practices. Is there an area where you dispose of babies ashes at the crematorium or elsewhere?

Are parents always informed when ashes are disposed of in this area?

Please enclose any relevant policy relating to the cremation of babies and the disposal of their ashes.

Response






3981 18/2/2013 Request

Re: Bus Lanes. Under the freedom of information act I wish for you to supply the percentage of fines given to ‘Bedford local’ residents and visitors.

Response


What is the percentage of bus lane fines given to Bedford local residents and visitors?

To work out the information you require we have filtered all Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued by using the Bedford postcode. Therefore since the introduction of the Bus Lane Enforcement in April 2012, 5241 PCNs have been issued. Of that figure 3580 (68%) PCNs were issued under the Bedford postcode and 1661 (32%) PCNs were issued to residents outside of the Bedford postcode.

3982 4/2/2013 Request

I note that from January 2013, the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 came into effect.

Can you let me know the extent to which Bedford Borough Council has reacted to this legislation?

And can you inform me how this will affect public services delivered by Bedford Borough Council in 2013?

If you could send my any published reports already covering these two issues, that would be great.

For your info, I attach for you Social Enterprise UK's interpretation of the Act.

Response



that we do hold the information you requested.

I note that from January 2013, the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 came into effect.

Can you let me know the extent to which Bedford Borough Council has reacted to this legislation?

Bedford Borough Council’s Corporate Procurement Strategy takes on board many of the aims of the Social Value Act. The Social Value Act emphasises a duty to consider the social impact of procurement. Bedford Borough Council’s Procurement Strategy incorporates this point and emphasises the continuing importance of Sustainable Procurement, using procurement to support wider social, economic and environmental objectives in ways that offer real long-term benefits.

Additionally within the Council’s Corporate Plan it has committed to Serving its Customers Better by ensuring it achieves the Best Buy for Bedford (Corporate Plan 2012-2016, 4C). The Corporate Plan aims to ensure a commitment to sustainability, fairness and that development of the local economy will be built into purchasing decisions.

All future procurement activity will embody the spirit of the act, irrespective of the procurement value. Consideration of social value will be taken at all stages of the commissioning life cycle and embedded within all stages of the procurement process. Bedford Borough Council are now revising procurement documents and policies to include the new legislation.

And can you inform me how this will affect public services delivered by Bedford Borough Council in 2013?

Bedford Borough Council acknowledges that local spending has a massive multiplier effect on the local economy and that our local supply chain brings with it a large carbon footprint.

Social Value principles will influence the design of Bedford Borough Council procurements to make them more accessible to smaller and third sector suppliers for the delivery of public services. Bedford Borough Council will work with potential suppliers to help them work their way through the procurement regulations to win contracts as well as reducing some of the hurdles that sometimes make life difficult for competitive smaller organisations. With live contracts in place, Bedford Borough Council can work collaboratively with suppliers to reduce environmental impact and increase opportunities for local job creation and training.

If you could send my any published reports already covering these two issues, that would be great.

Bedford Borough Council’s Corporate Procurement Strategy can be found at the web address below. This strategy embraces the characteristics of the Social Value Act.

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/business/tenders_and_contracts.aspx

http://www.bedford.gov.uk/business/tenders_and_contracts.aspx

3983 22/2/2013 Request

Please take this e-mail as the request for answers to Con29r questions 3.7, 3.11, 3.12 and 3.13 under EIR in respect of the following address:-

Wheel Wright House, Bedford

A plan is attached for your convenience.

Response


I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department.

Property Address:

Wheelwright House, Palgrave Road, Bedford,





No


g) a contaminated land notice;h) in relation to a register maintained under



consultation with the owner occupier of the property conducted under section 78G(3) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 before the service of a remediation notice?

No


No

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