Bedford Borough Council Requests and Responses Received December 2011
Request ID
Date of
response
2698
9/12/2011
Request and Response
Request and response:
Request pursuant to Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004 – Request No. 2698
Thank you for your request for information about sites where planning approval has been granted under the Notification of
Installations Handling Hazardous Substances Regulations which we received on 2 December 2011. Your request has been
considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
The information you requested is available on the authority’s website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/application_support__search.aspx .
To track, search for, and view details / scanned images** of planning applications from 1991 and Enforcement and Appeal
cases please use Public Access Portal (not available 11pm – 6am). (For pre-1991 searches, documents and for viewing all
plans between 11pm and 6am please see the next paragraph). PublicAccess also includes a mapping system with features
and constraints from 1st Sept 1997. We advise you to read the guidance notes prior to agreeing to the terms and conditions and
entering the database.
To view the scanned images** only, current or historic of a planning application, appeal decision or Enforcement notice, or to
conduct a history search on the plotting sheets pre 1991, please click on the link below to our Document Management system
Web page (available 24 hours). All the scanned images are kept in year and application number order. The Plotting sheets
section has a key and a map to direct you to the correct one for the area you are researching.
View Plans, Decisions, Associated Documents, Plotting Sheets and historic building descriptions
**Please note: we are currently in the process of scanning planning application documentation onto our websites. Plans,
relevant studies, statements and assessments etc are available for current applications, 2009, 2010 and most from 1995 – mid
2006. Decision notices and associated appeal decisions are displayed currently from 1963 onwards but we can scan on any
additional at request if available (all documents only viewable in PublicAccess from 1991). From 2010 we have included the
Officers report in the decision notices section.
2699
8/12/2011
Request:
i. A list of all un-adopted highways in the Bedford Borough constituency with a Section 38 Agreement Highways Act 1980) in
place, including the developer and/or landowners named on the agreement
ii Contact details of the head / principal representative in your highway and legal departments who is responsible for highways
adoptions
iii Any details you may hold regarding the third party surety provider as named on the agreement and remaining bond value if
available.
Our response:
Un-adopted Highways
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2699
Further to your request for information dated 1 December 2011, 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.”
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.
2700
13/12/2011
Request and response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2700
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:
I am researching what councils charge when older people are using non-residential social care services. I attach an Excel
spreadsheet containing my FOI information requests. Please complete the file by filling in the cells that are coloured yellow
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of attachment
2701
6/12/2011
Request:
Please could you advise me of the Social Services complaints procedures?
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No .
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 enclosed. You requested;
Please could you advise me of the Social Services complaints procedures?
Children’s Services: Here is the link to the Children’s Services complaints procedure / forms:
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/customer_feedback/childrens_services_complaints.aspx
Adults Services: Adults Social Care Complaints procedure is attached.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
2702
13/12/2011
Request:
Thanks very much in advance.
1. A breakdown of how much the council has spent on private detectives to recover money owed to them since 2006
and what those debts were for.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2702
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:
1. A breakdown of how much the council has spent on private detectives to recover money owed to them since 2006
and what those debts were for.
This is a nil return.
2703
29/12/2011
Request and response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2703
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 as follows (see note below):
I would like to obtain the following figures for the financial years 2005-6, 2006-7, 2007-8, 2008-9, 2009-10, 2010-11:
1)
Complaints regarding dog fouling
2)
Complaints regarding litter (or fly tipping)
05/06
06/07
07/08
08/09
09/10
10/11
Dog Fouling
75
83
60
110
139
269
Litter (or fly
tipping)
2464
3183
4730
4880
5004
5570
Information prior to April 2010 was held on an old database system which has since been superseded. Therefore information
from the previous database has been provided in part for the requested years, however full details have been provided post
April 2010 onwards. This information is from Environmental Health & Trading Standards and Environmental Services and
includes service requests relating to both public and private land.
I would also like to know the year in which on-line forms for making complaints in the above categories were implemented in
your borough or district.
The dog fouling form went live in 2006 and the flytipping form in 2007
2704
15/12/2011
Request:
Please would you provide me with a response to the following query:
How many staff were paid via the PAYE system last month?
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No.2704
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council (see below). Please find the information you requested below.
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists.
Question
How many staff were paid via the PAYE system last month
Answer
In November 2011, the following were paid via the PAYE system:

2705
13/12/2011
2,521
3,108
Bedford Borough Staff
LEA School employees
Request and response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2705
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:
We manufacture a range of commercial pumps for a range of sized swimming pools including large public pools.
We have, in the past, supplied our products to specialist pump supply and distribution companies, however we are
now offering them directly to the end user.
I would appreciate contact details of whoever is responsible for operations in your leisure centres so we can supply
information on our pumps.
Roy Harding – roy.harding@bedford.gov.uk
Adrian Wareing – Adrian.wareing@bedford.gov.uk
2706
30/12/2011
Request and Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No.2706
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council (see below). Please find the information you requested below.
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists.
Question
How much money has the Council invested in General Dynamics Corp through pension contributions since 2006?
Answer
The Pension Fund has had nothing directly invested with General Dynamics Corp since 2006.
However, the Pension Fund has the following indirect holdings of General Dynamics Corp.
2707
2708

Aquila Life US Fund has been in the portfolio since before 2006. The individual stock tracks the index weighting and the
current value is £89,000.

Legal & General World Equity Index Fund has been in the portfolio since December 2008. The individual stock also
tracks the index weighting and the current value is £80,960.
Applicant
did not
respond to
clarification
query
Request:
23/12/2011
Request:
Could we enquire as to whether you employ private investigators and if so how much your council has spends/has spent on
them.
I am looking to obtain two complete lists of all the privately owned and council / public body or company owned empty properties
in Bedford
Please could you send me the following information in two separate lists, one list for private owned properties and a separate
list for council owned or public body or company empty properties
Preferably in an excel spreadsheet if possible under the following headings
List 1 Private owned empty property
Address - postcode – area – property type – empty since - name of owner – contact address – email address – tel number
List 2 Council or public body or company owned empty property
Address - postcode – area – property type – empty since - name of owner – contact address – email address – tel number
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2708
Further to your request for information dated 1st December 2011, 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 a list of the empty properties in Bedford Borough.
Pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the Act the Council
1.
States that providing a list of the empty properties in Bedford Borough is exempt information.
2.
Specifies, that the exemption in question is contained within Sections 40 and 31 of the FOI Act (FOIA).
An explanation follows below
On receiving your FOI request, legal advice has been taken and the Council has concluded that the information relating to
properties where the Council Tax payer is an individual is confidential personal information that is exempt on the basis of
Section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act.
The Council also considers that the information in relation to all the properties is exempt under Section 31 which is concerned
with increased crime. The Council is particularly concerned about the high level of thefts of valuable metals and that publishing
a list of empty properties will encourage thefts of this type.
2709
19/12/2011
Request:
This is a request for Business Rates related information, filed under Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Please provide the following information in respect of the properties listed below for the period specified;
The ratepayer name(s) if the ratepayer was/is a limited company
The period for which each ratepayer is liable for business rates at the property
Address: 1B/1C, HAMMOND ROAD, BEDFORD MK41 0LQ
Period: 01/04/2000 - 31/03/2003
Response:
Request Pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2709
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 the authority does hold the information requested.
The ratepayer of 1B/1C Hammond Road, Bedford during the period 1 April 2000 to 31 March 2003 was East of England
Ambulance Service NHS Trust.
2710
3/1/2012
Request:
How much was spent on the fireworks display on 29 November when the Xmas lights were switched on ?
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2710
I refer to your enquiry dated 2nd December 2011 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.
The information that you have requested is as follows:
How much was spent on the fireworks display on 29 November when the Xmas lights were switched on?
The cost of the firework display on 29 November 2011 was £19,000.
2711
23/12/2011
Request;
I may request the list of Empty Properties known to the Council.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2711
Further to your request for information dated 29th November 2011, 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 a list of the empty properties in Bedford Borough.
Pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the Act the Council
1.
States that providing a list of the empty properties in Bedford Borough is exempt information.
2.
Specifies, that the exemption in question is contained within Sections 40 and 31 of the FOI Act (FOIA).
An explanation follows below
On receiving your FOI request, legal advice has been taken and the Council has concluded that the information relating to
properties where the Council Tax payer is an individual is confidential personal information that is exempt on the basis of
Section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act.
The Council also considers that the information in relation to all the properties is exempt under Section 31 which is concerned
with increased crime. The Council is particularly concerned about the high level of thefts of valuable metals and that publishing
a list of empty properties will encourage thefts of this type.
The Council is aware of the need to tackle the problem of empty homes and is actively working on this issue. We would be
interested in considering with you whether there is a contribution that you could make to this process. Please contact us if this
would be of interest to you.
2712
30/12/2011
Request and response:
Subject: EIR 2712 - Schedule 4 EPA 1990
Thank you for your request for information about Schedule 4 EPA 1990 which we received on 4 December. Your request has
been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and we give below the information you requested.
Bedford Borough Council is aware that Schedule 4 EPA 1990 had been given some thought and discussed at some briefing
meetings in 2004/5, and at that time it may have been put forward that it was to be adopted. However, there is no
documentation to prove the case that it had been fully adopted and the necessary processes followed.
1. Has Bedford Council adopted schedule 4? - No
2. On what date was this resolution passed and what date did it come into force? - N/A
3. Which local paper was notice of resolution published in? - N/A
4. How many trolleys have been seized since the resolution was passed? - N/A
5. How many charges have been paid by each retailer? - N/A
6. How many trolleys have been disposed of by the Council? - N/A
Bedford Borough Council is now looking to follow the defined guidelines to adopt Schedule 4 EPA 1990, as amended by CNEA
2005
2713
5/1/2012
Request and Response:
Request pursuant to Environmental Information Regulations 2004
Request no EIR 2713 - Grounds Maintenance and Arboriculture Contracts
Thank you for your request for information about Grounds Maintenance and Arboriculture Contracts which we received on 5
December. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 and the information you
requested is attached.
2714
13/12/2011
Management
Type
In-house
Current
Contractor
N/A
External
Bartlett Tree
Experts
Contract
Description
Grounds
Maintenance
Arboriculture
Start Date
Expiry Date
N/A
N/A
Value per
annum
£1,761,900
Spring 2012
£234,800
Request :
I would like information on people dying with no next of kin being known at the time of death from the date of my last request of
3/8/11 to the day of your response to this request. If someone died before 3/8/11 but the case has only come to your attention
since my last request, could you please also include details, as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Surnames and forenames or initials
Dates of death
Age at death or date of birth
Place of birth
Marital status
Maiden surnames of married or widowed women
Usual address at time of death
8.
9.
Approx. value of their estate if known
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.
10. If you have yet to send the information on, as per 9 above, or a decision has not yet been made whether or not to do so,
please also advise of this.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2714
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:
I would like information on people dying with no next of kin being known at the time of death from the date of my last
request of 3/8/11 to the day of your response to this request. If someone died before 3/8/11 but the case has only come
to your attention since my last request, could you please also include details, as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Surnames and forenames or initials
Dates of death
Age at death or date of birth
Place of birth
Marital status
Maiden surnames of married or widowed women
Usual address at time of death
Approx. value of their estate if known
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.
10. If you have yet to send the information on, as per 9 above, or a decision
has not yet been made whether or not to do so, please also advise of this.
This is a nil return.
2715
8/12/2011
Request:
I write to request a review of the Council's planning application files under the terms of the Freedom of Information
Act. Specifically, the information that I wish to view is: -
1.
Copies of all decided planning applications for changes of use from meat processing to slaughter (abattoir);
2.
Copies of all decided applications for Certificates of Lawful Use or Development seeking confirmation that
change of use from meat processing to slaughter (abattoir) is exempt or permitted development;
3.
Copies of planning case officer reports for the applications in items 1 and 2 above;
4.
Copies of Council committee minutes when the applications at items 1 and 2 above were discussed; and
5.
Copies of any appeal decisions relating to decisions taken in respect of items 1 and 2 above
I attach a letter making the above request and trust you will find this in order; should you require anything further
please contact me.
Response:
Request pursuant to Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004 – Request No. 2715
Thank you for your request for information about planning applications for meat processing to slaughter (abattoir) which we
received on 18 November 2011. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
The information you requested is available on the authority’s website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/application_support__search.aspx .
To track, search for, and view details / scanned images** of planning applications from 1991 and Enforcement and Appeal
cases please use Public Access Portal (not available 11pm – 6am). (For pre-1991 searches, documents and for viewing all
plans between 11pm and 6am please see the next paragraph). PublicAccess also includes a mapping system with features
and constraints from 1st Sept 1997. We advise you to read the guidance notes prior to agreeing to the terms and conditions and
entering the database.
To view the scanned images** only, current or historic of a planning application, appeal decision or Enforcement notice, or to
conduct a history search on the plotting sheets pre 1991, please click on the link below to our Document Management system
Web page (available 24 hours). All the scanned images are kept in year and application number order. The Plotting sheets
section has a key and a map to direct you to the correct one for the area you are researching.
View Plans, Decisions, Associated Documents, Plotting Sheets and historic building descriptions
**Please note: we are currently in the process of scanning planning application documentation onto our websites. Plans,
relevant studies, statements and assessments etc are available for current applications, 2009, 2010 and most from 1995 – mid
2006. Decision notices and associated appeal decisions are displayed currently from 1963 onwards but we can scan on any
additional at request if available (all documents only viewable in PublicAccess from 1991). From 2010 we have included the
Officers report in the decision notices section.
2716
4/1/2012
Request and Response:
Request pursuant to Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004 – Request No. 2716
Thank you for your request for information about planning applications 11/01980/FUL and 11/01473/FUL which we received on
6 December 2011. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
The information you requested is available on the application files which can be inspected at the planning office during normal
working hours. If you require copies of any documents these can be requested and will be charged at our approved copying
rates.
2717
19/12/2011
Request and response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2717
I refer to your enquiry dated 2nd December 2011 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. You requested:
Please could you provide the following details of your social care IT system?
Do you operate the system as one joint IT system for both adult’s and children’s social care? Yes
If ”yes” please could you provide:
The total annual cost of support and maintenance and cost of any recurring fees payable to your IT system supplier for the
combined service. £207,000
The installed modules used Northgate – Swift, Adults Information System, Integrated Children’s System, Practitioner Portal
The contract expiry date. May 2015
If “no “.
The total annual cost of support and maintenance and cost of any her recurring fees payable by children’s services to the
supplier of your children’s social care IT system? The installed modules used. The contract expiry date.And also




2718
22/12/2011
The total annual cost of support and maintenance and cost of any ther recurring fees payable by adult’s services to the
supplier of
your adult’s social care IT system?
The installed modules used.
The contract expiry date.
Request and Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2718
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. The information you requested is as follows:
1. How soon after a parking transgression is a warden empowered to issue a penalty notice to a motorist?
The time given by a Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) when a vehicle is in contravention to issue a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN)
is legally none, but as a courtesy if the vehicle is on an overstay contravention we allow the pay and display ticket to run over
approximately 5 minutes before issuing a PCN. If the vehicle has no ticket or permit on display the vehicle is given a five minute
observation period.
Please confirm that you calibrate the street ticket issuing machine daily as stated.
Each Civil Enforcement Officer (CEO) sets their Hand Held Control Terminal (HHCT) at base, via a radio controlled clock which
is synchronised to GMT, at the start of each shift to ensure accuracy of time. Before leaving base, each CEO then produces a
test Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) on their HHCT to ensure that the correct time and date has been set.
Before 9am each morning, the early shift checks each on-street Pay and Display machine against the time and date set on their
HHCT to ensure that the details match and are correct. They also produce a test Pay and Display ticket at the time of each
machine check to ensure that the machine is in working order and printing the correct information. If the time or date differs
from the time or date set on their HHCT, these details are manually corrected by the CEO at the time and all test Pay and
Display tickets are returned to base as standard procedure, which are then logged and stored at Bedford Parking Services for
two years.
2. Are the Clocks in the parking ticket machines synchronised or checked against Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)?
The clocks in the pay and display machines are all monitored and set before 9am every morning. The time on the pay and
display machine is set by the time on the Hand Held Control Terminal (HHCT) which is set by a satellite controlled clock located
in the parking shop.
3. Are the Clocks in the penalty notice machines synchronised or checked against GMT?
Please see answer to Q2 above.
2719
13/12/2011
Request and Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2719
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:
A copy of the Resource Allocation System (RAS) employed by Bedford Borough Council in respect of Adult Social
Care.
At Bedford Borough Council - Adult Social Care we have not implemented a points based Resource Allocation System. We
have developed a tool which is a transparent system which gives a clear up front allocation of resources for adult who has
eligible assessed needs in the FACS criteria of Bedford Borough Council.
The Ready Reckoner is a simple tool to help staff work out an indicative budget following the community care assessment of
eligible assessed needs. This is based on current market costs which have been averaged out to give a base line cost. After
applying the ready reckoner, the customer is then financially assessed to determine their contribution. Once the care support
plan is complete and has been validated by a manager the customer has their personal budget amount confirmed.
Any financial or technical reports concerning the workings of the RAS in relation to Adult Social Care.
Attached is the Ready Reckoner Procedure document and a copy of the Ready Reckoner.
BBPRO2%20READY Ready Reckoner
%20RECKONER%20PROCEDURE%20DOCUMENT%20final%20version%20290911__.pdf
template.doc
The algorithm and related mathematical formulae on which Bedford Borough Council bases its calculations that are
incorporated in the RAS in relation to Adult Social Care. I am particularly interested in the calculations involved in
converting assessed care needs into points and then into a monetary value which forms the basis of an individual’s
direct payments.
We do not have an algorithm and related mathematical tool is the Ready Reckoner.
Any other documents used by Bedford Borough Council to implement the RAS, for example self-assessment
questionnaires and scoring sheets.
Please see the attached documentation for the Ready Reckoner and the procedure.
2720
19/12/2011
Request:
Re: List of commercial properties with rateable values of £10,000 and above
Please can you provide me with the following information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000:(a) Addresses and rateable values of Commercial properties that are within your jurisdiction with a rateable value of £10,000
and above;
(b) The occupants Business / Company name of those properties referred to in (a)
And
(c) The assessment numbers of those properties referred to in (a)
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2720
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council regarding commercial properties with rateable values of
£10,000 and above.
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 attached as an excel spreadsheet showing the information you requested.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
2721
15/12/2011
Request:
Questions:
1. Please provide the number of premises that are known to be currently operating as shisha bars in your area.
2. Please provide the number of premises that were known to be operating as a shisha bars in 2007 in our area.
3. If your data does not go back as far as 2007, please provide the number of premises known to be operating as shisha
bars for the oldest year possible, and please state which year you are providing data for.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2721
Shisha Bars
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 as follows:1. Please provide the number of premises that are known to be currently operating as shisha bars in your area. One
2. Please provide the number of premises that were known to be operating as a shisha bars in 2007 in our area. None
3. If your data does not go back as far as 2007, please provide the number of premises known to be operating as shisha
bars for the oldest year possible, and please state which year you are providing data for. One 2008
2722
10/1/2012
Request:
I am requesting all copies of letters, memos, email correspondence as well as minutes of meetings and decisions TO and
FROM Chief Executive Philip Simpkins, Assistant Chief Executive, Michael Gough, Mayor, Dave Hodgson, Deputy Mayor
Charles Royden and the Full Council members C. Atkins, M. Headley, S. Holland, S. Hunt, D. McMurdo, S. Oliver, R. Rigby and
D. Sawyer regarding the restrictive covenants and the decisions discussed and agreed up for the property at Brickhill Drive,
Bedford, formerly The Bird in Hand Pub.
We require this information to confirm whether the Bedford Borough Council has done everything in its power to enforcement or
not to enforcement of the restrictive covenants placed on the property at Brickhill Drive, Bedford.
Response:
Requests pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2722
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council in relation to the above property.
Consideration has been given to whether your request falls to be considered under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“the
Act”) or the Environmental Information Regulations 2005 (“EIR”). It has been concluded that it does not fall within EIR as it does
not relate to environmental information. Accordingly, this response is given on the basis that the Act applies
A copy of that information, which can be disclosed, is enclosed. The Council is mindful that it has previously responded to two
earlier requests from you for information in regard to this property. The Council responded on 26th October 2011 and
accordingly only proposes to deal with information that was not covered by the previous requests.
The remainder of the information that falls within the terms of your request is exempt from the right of access under the Act.
The relevant exemptions are contained within section 42(1) of the Act, which states:Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege or, in Scotland, to confidentiality of
communications could be maintained in legal proceedings is exempt information
and Section 36(2)(b) and (c) of the Act, which states:-
(2) Information to which this section applies is exempt information if, in the reasonable opinion of a qualified person,
disclosure of the information under this Act—
………..
(b) would, or would be likely to, inhibit—
(i) the free and frank provision of advice, or
(ii) the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation, or
(c) would otherwise prejudice, or would be likely otherwise to prejudice, the effective conduct of public affairs.
Accordingly, some documents held by the Council are exempt in their entirety and in other case parts of those documents are
exempt.
The exemptions under Sections 42(1) and 36(2)(b) and (c) are qualified exemptions and the Council must apply the “public
interest test” which is whether, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs
the public interest in disclosing the information. If the public interest in disclosing the exemption outweighs the public interest in
maintaining the exemption, the information must be disclosed.
The Council has applied the “public interest” test in this case for the purposes of both exemptions. It is accepted that there is a
great deal of interest by the public particularly within Brickhill concerning this covenant, although as a matter of law interest by
the public is not necessarily the same as “public interest”. There is a legitimate interest by members of the public (“public
interest”) in ensuring the Council is acting properly and for the right motives together with the general principles of transparency
and accountability. This is offset against the important principle of any public body to have its own legal professional privilege.
The Monitoring Officer is of the view sections 36(2)(b) and (c) do apply and has certified to this effect following consideration of
the public interest. Therefore it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemptions outweighs the public interest
in disclosing the information.
.
I have stated that the Council consider that this request did not engage EIR. If that conclusion is not correct, then the
information that is considered to be exempt under the Act is equally considered to be exempt under EIR, by virtue of Regulation
12(5)(b) and 12(4)(e). The public interest test would apply and the Council would reach the same conclusion, namely, that the
public interest in maintaining the exemptions outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
2723
4/1/2012
Request:
For Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs):

Is there a set of protocols for children’s services and partner agencies clearly defining procedures, thresholds for referrals
and roles and responsibilities for when a child goes missing or runs away from a) home and b) care and when they return? If so,
please supply copies for both.

Is there a named person within Children’s Services in your area responsible for children who are missing or runaway from
home or care? If so, what is their name, position and contact details?

Are there separate procedures in place for recording and sharing information between the police, children’s services and
the voluntary sector and how often is the information analysed to assess patterns of running away from home or care?

Is there a dedicated project specifically for children who runaway in your local authority?

Does the local authority have in place emergency accommodation for children who run away, in any form? If so, please
provide details.
For Children’s Services:

How many children in your area received an ’Assessment of Need’ following a running away or missing incident of which
you were informed, between 6th April 2010 – 5th April 2011?

How many children were identified as at significant risk of harm following a running away or missing incident and referred to
children’s social care between 6th April 2010 – 5th April 2011?
o If it is not possible to provide this information for the time period specified, please supply details for most
recent time period for which this information exists.

If it is not possible to provide this, please provide details of all procedures relating to the monitoring
of running away incidents.

As well as a police safe and well check, do children who have run away from home or care have access to a Return
Interview conducted by Children’s Services or a specialist independent person?
o If so how many ‘return interviews’ did your local authority carry out with children who had run away from, a)
home and b) care, between 6th April 2010 – 5th April 2011?
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No 2723.
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 enclosed. You requested;
For Local Safeguarding Children Boards (LSCBs):
Is there a set of protocols for children’s services and partner agencies clearly defining procedures, thresholds for referrals and
roles and responsibilities for when a child goes missing or runs away from a) home
and b) care and when they return? If so, please supply copies for both.
Please find attached the procedures we have in place and are available on our website www.bedfordshirelscb.org.uk
Is there a named person within Children’s Services in your area responsible for children who are missing or runaway from home
or care? If so, what is their name, position and contact details?
There is no one named person
Are there separate procedures in place for recording and sharing information between the police, children’s services and the
voluntary sector and how often is the information analysed to assess patterns of running away from home or care?
We have an overarching procedures (attached) around Information Sharing but not specifically for missing children.
You will need to ask Bedfordshire Police in respect of the analysis of patterns as they lead on this and have a regular
group that Children Services attend where all children who go missing in Bedfordshire and Luton are discussed.
Contact for this is Nigel Stone nigel.stone@Bedfordshire.pnn.police.uk
Is there a dedicated project specifically for children who runaway in your local authority?
No dedicated project that we have been made aware of other than the regular multi agency meetings to discuss all
missing children and young people.
Does the local authority have in place emergency accommodation for children who run away, in any form? If so, please provide
details.
No
For Children’s Services:
How many children in your area received an ’Assessment of Need’ following a running away or missing incident of which you
were informed, between 6th April 2010 – 5th April 2011?
We do not collect data in this way and it would requires a significant time do a manual trawl of all referrals,
assessments and strategy meetings to gather this
How many children were identified as at significant risk of harm following a running away or missing incident and referred to
children’s social care between 6th April 2010 – 5th April 2011?
We do not collect data in this way and it would requires a significant time do a manual trawl of all referrals,
assessments and strategy meetings to gather this.
If it is not possible to provide this information for the time period specified, please supply details for most recent time period for
which this information exists.
If it is not possible to provide this, please provide details of all procedures relating to the monitoring of running away incidents.
LSCB procedures are above
As well as a police safe and well check, do children who have run away from home or care have access to a Return Interview
conducted by Children’s Services or a specialist independent person?
If so how many ‘return interviews’ did your local authority carry out with children who had run away from, a) home and b) care,
between 6th April 2010 – 5th April 2011?
The child can have a visit from the social worker but we do not keep statistics on this
2724
6/1/2012
Request:
I am writing to obtain information about this local authority’s use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).
To outline my query as clearly as possible, I am requesting:
1. How many times has this local authority authorised operations or investigations under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers
Act 2000 (Ripa) in the periods:
a) 1st December 2008– 30th November 2009?
b) 1st December 2009– 30th November 2010?
c) 1st December 2010– 30th November 2011
In each instance, please state the nature of the offence (e.g. graffiti, fly tipping etc).
Please also provide details of how many resulted in prosecutions and convictions.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2724
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.
1. How many times has this local authority authorised operations or investigations under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers
Act 2000 (Ripa) in the periods:
a) 1st December 2008– 30th November 2009?
The number of cases were – 9
One was for Parking Meter Damaged
Four related to noise.
One counterfeit
Three related to Test Purchases
None resulted in prosecutions and convictions
b) 1st December 2009– 30th November 2010?
The number of cases were – 4
Three were for Test Purchases
One for fraud
None resulted in prosecutions and convictions
c) 1st December 2010– 30th November 2011
The number of cases were -2
Both are for fraud.
None resulted in prosecutions or convictions to date.
Please also see link below which gives the result for the last quarter (Pg 617 item no. 14)
http://www.councillorsupport.bedford.gov.uk/documents/g2861/Public%20reports%20pack,%2009th-Nov2011%2018.30,%20Executive.pdf?T=10
In each instance, please state the nature of the offence (e.g. graffiti, fly tipping etc).
Please also provide details of how many resulted in prosecutions and convictions.
2725
4/1/2012
Request:
So may I ask: is any of the Bedfordshire Pension Fund invested in tobacco companies?
If so, how much is this investment currently worth?
In which companies is it invested?
What proportion of the total pension fund does this investment represent as a percentage?
What is the current total value of the pension fund?
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No: 2725
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council on behalf of Bedfordshire Pension Fund.
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:





Is any of the Bedfordshire Pension Fund invested in tobacco companies?
If so, how much is this investment currently worth?
In which companies is it invested?
What proportion of the total pension fund does this investment represent as a percentage?
What is the current total value of the pension fund?
Please find the information you requested detailed below:
I can confirm that Bedfordshire Pension Fund does invest in tobacco companies. The latest information available is as at 30
September 2011.
The Pension Fund held £1.36 million in direct holdings (via British American Tobacco) and a further £15.68 million indirectly
through 9 pooled funds (via British American Tobacco, Imperial Tobacco Group Altria Group, British American Tobacco
(Malaysia), Gudang Garam, ITC, Japan Tobacco, KT&G, Lorillard, Philip Morris International, Reynolds American, Souza Cruz
On and Swedish Match).
The tobacco total of £17.04 million represents 1.43% of the total fund value of £1,194.1 million.
2726
9/1/2012
Request and response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council regarding an accident at Gold’s Gym, Shuttleworth Road,
Bedford which was investigated by officers from Bedford Borough Council.
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I can
confirm that Bedford Borough Council Environmental Health and Trading Standards Service does hold the information that you
requested. I have enclosed with this letter copies of two letters sent by Katharine Painter, the investigating officer, and a copy of
an Inspection Report form completed following a visit to the premises for your information.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the documents
2727
9/1/2012
Request and Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2727
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.
1) A copy of all representations made by the Borough Council to the Department of Transport (or other Government
department) with regard to the proposed East/West rail link.
Assistant Director of Highways and Transport is part of the EWR Consortium and so has not made any representations to the
Dft direct. All representations to the Dft would have been made via the EWR Consortium. The link to their website is:
http://eastwestrail.org.uk/
2) A copy of all representations made to the Borough Council to the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and
Paralympic Games (LOCOG) with regard to (i) the route of Olympic torch and (ii) the possibility of the torch passing through the
Borough.
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 ‘A copy of all representations made to the BBC to the LOCOG’
Pursuant to Section 17 (1) of Freedom of Information Act the Council
1.
States that information is exempt information.
2.
Specifies, that the exemption in question is contained within Section 41 of that Act as the Information has been provided
on the basis of it being retained confidentially.
2728
Request:
4/1/2012
The 2003 Budget announced a series of measures to support Enterprise in deprived locations designating the 15% most
deprived wards/areas of England and Scotland as ‘Enterprise Areas’. These areas were to provide fast track planning,
community investment tax relief, abolition of stamp duty, and enhanced capital allowances for renovating business premises. A
prospectus outlining the Enterprise Areas ‘toolkit’ is attached to this email.
The HMRC website provides a list of the 1,997 locations classified as eligible for Enterprise Areas status, this is attached for
reference. Of the 1,997 areas eligible for Enterprise Area status the following locations are to be found in the administrative area
currently covered by Bedford Borough Council.
Kingsbrook
In relation to Enterprise Area Policy in the relation to the above locations or for the Bedford Borough Council as a whole if a
whole area approach was the preference could please forward to the following information;
-
Could you please outline how many of the overall initiatives outlined in the document were offered to the local business base?
How were these initiatives promoted?
o
o
In relation to those initiatives under the control of the Local Authority or local Regional Development Agency
Was fast track planning in relation to the Enterprise Area offered and what was the take up?
If fast track planning was not offered why not?
-
Were there any other business support initiatives offered by the Local Authority / Regional Development Agency at the time?
o
o
o
o
o
-
How did the local economy benefit from these measures? (as measured by ABI LAA or other PSA target)
From 2002 was there any annual uplift in business density?
From 2002 were any new businesses attracted to the area as a result of Enterprise Area status?
From 2002 was there any uplift in annual VAT registrations?
From 2002 was there any uplift in annual employment rates as firms grew?
From 2002 did the start-up rate per 10 000 of resident population change?
Could any of these changes be attributed to Enterprise Area status?
Could you please provide a copy of the Enterprise Strategy and / or Economic Development Strategy for the Bedford Borough
Council
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2728
I refer to your recent enquiry by your email dated 13th December 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.
The information that you have requested is as follows:
The 2003 Budget announced a series of measures to support Enterprise in deprived locations designating the 15%
most deprived wards/areas of England and Scotland as ‘Enterprise Areas’. These areas were to provide fast track
planning, community investment tax relief, abolition of stamp duty, and enhanced capital allowances for renovating
business premises. A prospectus outlining the Enterprise Areas ‘toolkit’ is attached to this email.
The HMRC website provides a list of the 1,997 locations classified as eligible for Enterprise Areas status, this is
attached for reference. Of the 1,997 areas eligible for Enterprise Area status the following locations are to be found in
the administrative area currently covered by Bedford Borough Council.
Kingsbrook
In relation to Enterprise Area Policy in the relation to the above locations or for the Bedford Borough Council as a
whole if a whole area approach was the preference could please forward to the following information;
1. Could you please outline how many of the overall initiatives outlined in the document were offered to the local
business base?
2. How were these initiatives promoted?
3. In relation to those initiatives under the control of the Local Authority or local Regional Development Agency
4. Was fast track planning in relation to the Enterprise Area offered and what was the take up?
5. If fast track planning was not offered why not?
6. Were there any other business support initiatives offered by the Local Authority / Regional Development
Agency at the time?
7. How did the local economy benefit from these measures? (as measured by ABI LAA or other PSA target)
8. From 2002 was there any annual uplift in business density?
9. From 2002 were any new businesses attracted to the area as a result of Enterprise Area status?
10. From 2002 was there any uplift in annual VAT registrations?
11. From 2002 was there any uplift in annual employment rates as firms grew?
12. From 2002 did the start-up rate per 10 000 of resident population change?
13. Could any of these changes be attributed to Enterprise Area status?
Although Kingsbrook was highlighted as an Enterprise Area in 2003, Bedford Borough Council did not designate
Kingsbrook as an Enterprise Area and therefore did not initiate an Enterprise Area Policy to Kingsbrook. I am
therefore unable to answer your questions 1 – 13 above.
I can advise that stamp duty was abolished in Kingsbrook but this is outside the remit of the Borough Council.
Could you please provide a copy of the Enterprise Strategy and / or Economic Development Strategy for the Bedford
Borough Council.
A copy of the current Economic Development Strategy is attached to this email.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the document
2729
16/1/2012
Request:
This is a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
I would be grateful if, under the provisions of the Act, you would provide the following.
· All documentation relating to any council-owned property that is currently rented and/or leased to any political party,
trade union or Member of Parliament.
I would like the above information to be provided to me in an electronic format by reply to this email.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 272
I refer to your recent enquiry by your email dated 13th December 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 not hold the information you requested.
The Council does not hold any documentation relating to any council-owned property that is currently rented and/or leased to
any political party, trade union or Member of Parliament.
2730
9/1/2012
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) I kindly request the following information for all your Commissioners, Heads
of Service, Assistant Directors Executive Directors, Contracts Managers, Procurement Managers and Councillors:
·
·
·
·
Full Name
Job Title / Position
The Area / Directorate they work in
Work Based Contact Address
·
Email Address
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2730
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.
In terms of your request below:
Pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the Act the Council:
1.
States that the Information is exempt information.
2. Specifies, that the exemption in question is contained within Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act,
Information Reasonably Accessible by Other Means.
Bedford Borough Council’s organisational structure can be located at the following link:
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/jobs_and_careers.aspx
This includes names, job titles, directorates and email addresses for Directors, Assistant Directors and Heads of
Service. The work based contact address is Bedford Borough Council, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, Bedford, MK42
9AP. Other roles are indicated by directorate and job title. For Commissioners, Contract Managers and Procurement
Managers the appropriate Head of Service will be the contact.
Councillors’ details can be found at:
http://www.councillorsupport.bedford.gov.uk/mgCommitteeMailingList.aspx?ID=0
2731
16/1/2012
Request:
Please can you provide information for the following questions:
1. Do you currently operate a Preferred Supplier Agreement when it
comes to recruiting agency Qualified Social Workers?
2. Who is currently on the PSL?
3. How long has the PSL been in place?
4. When is it up for renewal?
5. Are they able to go outside of the PSL in certain circumstances?
6. How many agency workers do the authority currently have in Children’s and Adults Services,
as of December 2011.
7. Finally, please can we have a copy of social services organisational structure.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2731
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.
1.
No the Council has an agency contract with Carlisle Managed Solutions who use a number of social work
supplier agencies.
2.
Not applicable
3.
Not applicable
4.
The agency contract ceases on 31st August 2013
5.
The Council is able to go outside of the agency contract if CMS is not able to supply.
6.
Children’s 32.55 FTE Adults 86.61 FTE
7.
In terms of your request below:
Pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the Act the Council:
1.
States that the Information is exempt information.
2. Specifies, that the exemption in question is contained within Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act,
Information Reasonably Accessible by Other Means.
Bedford Borough Council’s Social Service’s organisational structure can be located at the following link:
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/jobs_and_careers.aspx
2732
16/1/2012
Request:
I am writing to request some information on how the Government's cuts are affecting local councils under the Freedom of
Information Act.
I would prefer to receive the response by email.
Please could you provide me with the following information
1. How many staff have been made redundant or are projected to be made redundant by the Council in the following years:
2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2014/15?
2. What is the council's total budget in the following years:
2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13 (projected), 2014/15 (projected)?
3. Is the Council closing any of the following services in the period 2010/11 - 2014/15? Please give details/the total
number closed if possible
- swimming pools/leisure centres
- Sure Start centres
- libraries
- any other services you are able to provide details on
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2732
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.
1. How many staff have been made redundant or are projected to be made redundant by the Council in the following years:
2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13, 2014/15?
2010/11
123
2011/12
73 definite with potentially 51 more depending on redeployment opportunities
2012/13 onwards Not known yet as specific decisions are still to be made about savings
2. What is the council's total budget in the following years:
2010/11, 2011/12, 2012/13 (projected), 2014/15 (projected)?
The Council’s budgets for 2010/11 & 2011/12 can be accessed via the Councils Website.

For 2010/2011 – please follow this link http://bb-mgov01/documents/g616/Printed%20minutes,%2003rd-Feb-



2010%2018.30,%20Full%20Council.pdf?T=1 - (See appendix 7)
For 2011/2012 – please follow this link http://bb-mgov01/documents/g1012/Printed%20minutes,%2002nd-Feb2011%2018.30,%20Full%20Council.pdf?T=1 – (See appendix 7)
2012/13 has not yet been approved but is scheduled to be considered at the Council’s Full Council on 1 February
2012. The latest Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) was reported to the Executive on 14 September 2011
Agenda Item 15 – please follow this link http://bb-mgov01/documents/g2860/Public%20reports%20pack,%2014th-Sep2011%2018.30,%20Executive.pdf?T=10
2014/15 has yet to be approved and is scheduled to be considered at the Council’s Full Council during February 2013.
3. Is the Council closing any of the following services in the period 2010/11 - 2014/15? Please give details/the total
number closed if possible
- swimming pools/leisure centres
In respect of Leisure, the Bunyan Sports Centre has been identified for closure in year 2 of the Budget Policy Options
2013/2014, however Members have asked that other alternative options are looked at to seek to try and keep the centre open.
- Sure Start centres
There are no plans to close Sure Start Children’s centres in Bedford Borough.
- libraries
The Council is not planning to close any Libraries in the period 2010/11 - 2014/15.
- any other services you are able to provide details on
The Council reviewed all services and the proposed charges were considered and approved by Executive on 7 th December
2011 see link
http://www.councillorsupport.bedford.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=116&MId=2862&Ver=4
2733
17/1/2012
Request:
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 (FOIA):


Highways Search Data Access and Cost
Planning & Building Regulations Copy Documents
Pursuant to the FOIA, please treat this email as a formal request for information.
Please advise the cost and point of contact for the order of a highways search, namely to provide the answers to the following
questions on an individual property basis:
1)
Confirmation of which roads, footpaths and footways abutting and surrounding the property are maintainable at public
expense.
2)
Confirmation if any roads, footpaths and footways are subject to adoption and if so provision of details of any agreements.
3)
Illustration on the plan and also provision of as much detail as possible regarding any road schemes within 200m of the
property. (a copy of the plan would be provided)
4)
Illustration on a plan and also provision of as much detail as possible regarding any traffic schemes within 200m of the
property. (a copy of the plan would be provided)
5)
Detail on the plan of any footpaths, bridleways or byways which abut, cross or surround the property. (a copy of the plan
would be provided)
Response:
Request pursuant to Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004 – Request No. 2733
Thank you for your request for information about search data access and costs which we received on 15 December 2011. Your
request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I enclose a copy of the information you requested.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
2734
17/1/2012
Request:
Can you please provide me with all information relating to the consultation process which brought about the acquisition of the
Bedford mobile parking camera van. This van appears currently to be concentrating all its activity around school pick up and
drop off times.
Can you also provide financial information relating to the cost of its acquisition, its weekly operating costs, and the weekly
revenue that it generates from parking fines.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2734
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. The information you requested is as follows:
1. Can you please provide me with all information relating to the consultation process which brought about the
acquisition of the Bedford mobile parking camera van
The introduction of Bedford Borough Council’s camera enforcement vehicle resulted from Mayoral Executive Decision No. 841
in August 2010. The nature of Executive Decisions means public consultation does not form part of that process, but before the
decision can be acted upon it can be ‘called in’, challenged by Councillors and potentially overturned.
For many years Partnership working between Borough Enforcement officers, the Police, Schools and Road Safety professionals
has not achieved significant lasting improvements in the standard of parking near schools. The physical presence of uniformed
officers (Police or Civil Enforcement Officers) only has a temporary effect, which is an experience widely reflected across the
country. Experience of other local authorities indicated that the unpredicted patrolling of a camera enforcement vehicle has a
far greater effect at encouraging compliance, can support greater numbers of locations in a given time period and has low staff
resource implications.
Decision 841 was taken as a result of ongoing, long term requests for more effective enforcement of safety related parking
restrictions, particularly in the vicinity of schools and the routes to and from them. These requests were made by School Head
Teachers and their staff, Parents, Road Safety professionals, the Police, Local Councillors and Community representatives.
Complaints regarding dangerous and antisocial parking, together with requests for enforcement historically involve most schools
across the Borough, with many schools being continuously highlighted as problematic.
Decision 841 is attached for your information.
2. Can you also provide financial information relating to the cost of its acquisition
The initial one-off set up cost associated with the introduction of the mobile camera unit was £98,250 which included the cost of
the camera, associated software and provision of signs. An existing Borough vehicle was utilised, resulting in no separate
costs.
3. The weekly operating costs
Weekly costs
Driving cost
£712
Servicing
£22
Fuel cost
£80
Road fund
£4
Vehicle tracker
£6
Vehicle Costs
£112
Software & system Maintenance £160
Total operational costs:
£984
Annual costs
£37,000
£1,145
£4,195
£200
£306
£5,576
£8,300
£51,168
Administration costs associated with processing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) have been absorbed within the existing staffing
profile and are not included separately.
4. The weekly revenue that it generates from parking fines.
Total Revenue:
£1860
£96,723
This figure is based on 4318 PCNs being issued during the period 1 st January to 31st December 2011. Of those PCNs, 64%
were paid at the reduced rate of £35, 25% were challenged and therefore rescinded and 11% are still outstanding.
Any net revenue developed through parking enforcement is used to offset Highways and Public Transport budgets.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of Decision 841
2735
20/12/2011
Request and Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2735
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.
I was hoping that you would be able to tell me how many Taxi Operator licences you have registered at the moment?
We have 46 Private Hire Operators at the moment.
2736
19/12/2011
Request:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No 2736.
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 enclosed. You requested:
A list of all primary schools, secondary schools, Pupil Referral Units/Special Educational Needs schools, and local authority
nurseries in the local authority area, plus a contact email address for each. With primary and secondary schools, this request is
limited to those schools that are in receipt of Dedicated Schools Grant from the local authority.
Please find attached Bedford Borough Education Establishment guide.
All schools except Academies receive Dedicated Schools Grant.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
2737
2738
Applicant
did not
respond to
clarification
query
Request:
17/1/2012
Request and Response:
At the meeting there was mention of a commercial agreement that had been made between the council and Bellways/
Landowners in respect of the school part of the section 106 agreement. Which the Authority failed to comply with and
Bellways/Landowners were offering the smaller plot of land out lined in the planning consent. I request under the Freedom of
Information Act that the minutes to the meeting are provided together with what has been agreed in the reversion back to the
first option.
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2738
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 some of the information you requested.
You have made a Freedom of Information request concerning complaints about Councillors and Officers. For the avoidance of
any doubt the Council takes the word “complaint” to mean an expression of dissatisfaction in which there is also an expectation
that some step would be taken in response to the “complaint” and to carry out an investigation. This is as opposed to some
expression of dissatisfaction whereby there is no expectation of an investigation and for which the Council would not be able to
provide details of all such “complaints” and any attempt so to do would extend beyond 18 hours and for which the Council would
be exempt from providing the information. 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.”
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.”
In respect of complaints against Members these complaints are taken to be those allegations that a Member is in breach of the
Council’s Code of Conduct for Members. In respect of complaints against Officers this is taken to mean a complaint to the
Council under the Council’s Complaints Procedure whereby an Officer’s actions are the subject matter of the complaint.
The response to your questions are dealt with separately regarding Councillors and Officers. Concerning the complaints about
Councillors being in breach of the Code of Conduct for Members, no complaints were received prior to May 2008 as complaints
before then were submitted to what was then termed “The Standards Board”. (http://www.standardsforengland.gov.uk)
You requested the following information:
1) How many complaints the council has received about councillors and officers in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
and 2011.
Councillors
Standards Board for England handled complaints against Councillors until 8 May 2008, since then the Borough Council
has received 4 complaints against Councillors.
Officers
Bedford Borough (unitary) Council has only been in existence since 1 April 2009 so all responses include information
from that date only. Information is provided on a financial year basis and the figures for 2011/12 are to 31 December
2011.
The total number of complaints received since 1 April 2009 where a Council Officer was implicated is 99, this is broken
down as follows:
2009/2010: 27
2010/2011: 37 (of which 7 complaints implicated between 2 - 5 people per case)
2011/2012: 35 (of which 10 complaints implicated between 2 - 4 people per case)
2) How many complaints have been referred through to the Standards Committee or equivalent body regarding
councillors or officers?
Councillors
All complaints against Councillors since 8 May 2008 are automatically reported to the Standards Committee so that the
complaint may be assessed. Please see attached Schedule of Complaints
Officers
None were referred.
3) The names and positions of those against whom a complaint has been lodged.
Councillors
Please see the attached Schedule of Details of Complaint
Officers
We are unable to give names of officers –Under section 40 Personal Information (where the applicant is the subject of
information. The applicant already has the right ‘subject Access’ under the Data Protection Act 1988, where the
information concerns a third party and disclosure would breach one of the data Protection principles.
4) The nature of the complaints.
Councillors
Please see the attached Schedule of Details of Complaint
Officers
We record the nature of complaints by their different aspects, for each reporting period the aspects are shown:
2009/2010: 27 complaints relating to 52 aspects:
Communication
Lack of support
Staff Conduct
Failure to take action
Lack of knowledge / training
Quality – General
Breach of confidentiality
Needs not met
14
8
7
5
5
3
2
2
Service delayed
Views not heard / not listened to / not taken seriously
Poor decision making
Process not followed
2
2
1
1
2010/2011: 37 complaints relating to 91 aspects:
Staff Conduct
Communication
Lack of support
Failure to take action
Quality – General
Service not provided / withdrawn
Views not heard / not listened to / not taken seriously
Documents inaccurate
Service delayed
Breach of confidentiality
Lack of knowledge / training
Poor decision making
Concern re policy
21
15
10
8
7
6
5
4
4
3
3
3
2
2010/2011: 35 complaints relating to 80 aspects:
Staff conduct
Communication
Failure to take action
Lack of knowledge / training
Lack of support
Quality – general
Breach of confidentiality
Views not heard / not listened to / not taken seriously
Documents inaccurate
Service delayed
Service not provided
Concern re policy
24
16
7
5
5
5
4
4
3
2
2
1
Discrimination (racial)
Poor decision making
1
1
5) The outcome of the complaint.
Councillors
Please see the attached Schedule of Details of Complaint
Officers
2009/2010
Partly Upheld
Upheld
Not Upheld
Referred to the Ombudsman
Unsubstantiated
CR not notified of outcome / action taken
13
3
6
1
1
3
2010/2011
Partly Upheld
Upheld
Not Upheld
Unsubstantiated
CR not notified of outcome / action taken
No response from the service area
Withdrawn
13
6
15
1
6
1
2
2011/2012
Partly Upheld
Upheld
Not Upheld
Unsubstantiated
Investigated as part of another complaint
12
7
5
2
1
Council decision not to pursue
Ongoing case not yet resolved
2739
20/1/2012
3
5
Request:
I would like to request the following information under the Freedom of Information Act. This request was sent to you on 20 th
December, 2011.
1. How much was spent/is projected to be spent for electoral registration and electoral services within your authority. Where
any shared-services exists with neighbouring authorities please express your authorities’ share of that collective spend. In
order to provide a fairer comparison between election and non-election years please provide this where available for the
years:
-
2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
2. The number of Full Time Equivalent staff employed for the purposes of electoral registration for the years:
2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
3. Please also provide the additional spend by your electoral registration office for the Referendum on the voting system held
in 2010-2011.
4. Finally, please indicate which years were/will be planned local-election years
2008-2009
2009-2010
2010-2011
2011-2012
2012-2013
(i.e. years where, in addition to Parliamentary/assembly elections, there are all out or part elections as opposed to
unexpected local by-elections).
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2739
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 enclosed.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
2740
22/12/2011
Request:
I am making this request under the Freedom of Information Act, and would be grateful if you could acknowledge receipt.
1. Could you let me know how much the council has spent on accommodating statutory homeless people in B&B and hotel
accommodation in (i) 2010 and (ii) 2011?
2. Has the council had to resort to using hotels to accommodate the statutory homeless in 2010 or 2011?
If so, could you let me know:
(a) which hotels you have used,
(b) how many statutory homeless have been accommodated in hotels in (i) 2010 and (ii) 2011? Please clarify if you are referring
to households or people.
3. What is the most the council has had to pay per night for B&B or hotel accommodation in this regard in 2010 or 2011?
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2740
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:
1. Could you let me know how much the council has spent on accommodating statutory homeless people in B&B and
hotel accommodation in
(i) 2010 - Nil
and
(ii) 2011 - £2,135.62 (to date and before Housing Benefit income applied)
2. Has the council had to resort to using hotels to accommodate the statutory homeless in 2010 or 2011?
If so, could you let me know:
(a) which hotels you have used:
2010 – Nil
2011 – Travelodge/Shakespeare Hotel
(b) how many statutory homeless have been accommodated in hotels in
(i) 2010 - Nil
and
(ii) 2011? Please clarify if you are referring to households or people. 6 households
3. What is the most the council has had to pay per night for B&B or hotel accommodation in this regard in 2010 or
2011?
2010 – nil
2011 - £90.00 for a family sized room
2741
29/12/2011
Request:
I am currently studying for a degree in international spa management, and am hypothetically opening a day spa in bedford. In
order to complete a market analysis please could you provide me with the following information:
Number of people living in bedfordshire and a break down in the demographics:
· Age: children, teens, young, middle, elderly
· Gender: male, female
· Education: high school, college, university
· Income: low, medium, high
· Marital status: single, married, divorced
· Ethnic and/or religious background
· Family life cycle: newly married, married for 10 – 20 years, with or without children.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2741
Further to your request for information dated 20 December 2011, 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 statistical information as follows:
·
·
·
·
·
·
·
Age: children, teens, young, middle, elderly
Gender: male, female
Education: high school, college, university
Income: low, medium, high
Marital status: single, married, divorced
Ethnic and/or religious background
Family life cycle: newly married, married for 10 – 20 years, with or without children.
Pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the Act the Council
1.
States that this is exempt information.
2.
Specifies, that the exemption in question is contained within Section 21 (information accessible to applicant by other
means) of the FOI Act (FOIA).
An explanation follows below:
All of the information that we have on these topics is already in the public domain and is included in the three chapters
(Demography, Deprivation and Worklessness, and Housing and Households) of the Bedford Borough Statistical Profile,
available at
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/statistics_and_census/borough_statistical_profile.aspx
Additional information on Education and Skills levels is available from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Annual Population
Survey, and more detailed information on earnings is available from the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings. Both of
these can be accessed at http://www.nomisweb.co.uk/
For some of these topics (e.g. marital status, ethnicity and religion) the most recent data is still the 2001 Census. Detailed 2001
Census results for Bedford Borough are available at www.bedford.gov.uk/intelligence and follow the 2001 Census link on the left
hand menu.
The data on our website is just for Bedford Borough. Detailed information for Central Bedfordshire is available at
http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/local-government-in-central-bedfordshire/statistics-and-censusinformation/default.aspx
The detailed 2001 Census data for Central Bedfordshire can be accessed through the link on the Bedford Borough website, link
as above.
We do not hold any information on these topics which is not already in the public domain. We hope this is sufficient but please
let me know if you need anything further.
2742
3/1/2012
Request:
1) How many pupils in your LEA took a French GCSE (all exam boards and courses) this year?
2) How many passed with A*/A grades?
3) How many passed with A*-C grades?
4) How many passed at all?
5) How many pupils in your LEA took a Spanish GCSE (all exam boards and courses) this year?
6) How many passed with A*/A grades?
7) How many passed with A*-C grades?
8) How many passed at all?
9) How many pupils in your LEA took a German GCSE (all exam boards and courses) this year?
10) How many passed with A*/A grades?
11) How many passed with A*-C grades?
12) How many passed at all?
13) How many pupils in your LEA took an Italian GCSE (all exam boards and courses) this year?
14) How many passed with A*/A grades?
15) How many passed with A*-C grades?
16) How many passed at all?
17) How many pupils in your LEA took a Mandarin Chinese GCSE (all exam boards and courses) this year?
18) How many passed with A*/A grades?
19) How many passed with A*-C grades?
20) How many passed at all?
21) How many pupils in your LEA took a Russian GCSE (all exam boards and courses) this year?
22) How many passed with A*/A grades?
23) How many passed with A*-C grades?
24) How many passed at all?
25) How many pupils in your LEA took a Japanese GCSE (all exam boards and courses) this year?
26) How many passed with A*/A grades?
27) How many passed with A*-C grades?
28) How many passed at all?
29) How many pupils in your LEA took an Arabic GCSE (all exam boards and courses) this year?
30) How many passed with A*/A grades?
31) How many passed with A*-C grades?
32) How many passed at all?
33) How many pupils in your LEA took a Latin GCSE (all exam boards and courses) this year?
34) How many passed with A*/A grades?
35) How many passed with A*-C grades?
36) How many passed at all?
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2741
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.
The following has been taken from the pupil data supplied to us from DfE for the performance tables checking exercise on
20.10.2011 and is still provisional.
This only includes pupils who have taken GCSE and not equivalents such as GCE AS level.
2743
3/1/2012
GCSE
No Pupils
A*/A
A*-C
All Passes
French
307
91
256
307
Spanish
125
36
95
125
German
90
14
62
89
Italian
50
28
45
50
Mandarin Chinese
0
0
0
0
Russian
0
0
0
0
Japanese
0
0
0
0
Arabic
3
3
3
3
Latin
0
0
0
0
Request:
1.Was your organisation done an audit of asbestos in the schools in your area? if so, when was this done?
2. what did the audit show about the extent, type and condition of asbestos in schools in your area?
3. have any risk assessments been done regarding asbestos in schools in your area? if so, please would you provide a copy?
4. has a cost analysis been done to estimate the cost of any refurbishment/replacement of schools requiring treatment of
asbestos? if so, please would you provide a copy?
5. what is your organisation's policy on informing parents of the presence of asbestos in the school[s] that their child[ren]
attend?
Response:
Request pursuant to Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004 – Request No. 2743
Thank you for your recent enquiry for information held by the Council. Your request has been considered under the
Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested;
1. Has your organisation done an audit of asbestos in the schools in your area? if so, when was this done?
Yes. Bedford Borough Council tendered and implemented asbestos management surveys for all schools under their
jurisdiction in 2010/11. The surveys were undertaken by UKAS accredited surveyors in full compliance with HSG264 in order to
fulfil duties detailed under The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006.
2. What did the audit show about the extent, type and condition of asbestos in schools in your area?
The report provides ‘material assessments’ for all sampled materials in accordance with HSG264.
3. Have any risk assessments been done regarding asbestos in schools in your area?
if so, please would you provide a copy?
The material assessment provides a basis for the relevant Building Manager/Head Teacher to undertake a priority assessment
(as detailed under The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2006) which forms the risk assessment process. This takes into
consideration the type of asbestos identified in the material assessment, its location, frequency of access etc all as listed in the
management survey guidance which has been issued to each of the schools. The Local Authority does not hold copies of
individual school risk assessments.
4. Has a cost analysis been done to estimate the cost of any refurbishment/replacement of schools requiring treatment of
asbestos? if so, please would you provide a copy?
No cost analysis has been done.
5. What is your organisation's policy on informing parents of the presence of asbestos in the school[s] that their child[ren]
attend?
The Borough has an Asbestos Management Policy in place. The Local Authority does not inform parents regarding asbestos in
schools. Schools have a site specific asbestos management policy that will contain their communication procedures. The Local
Authority does not hold copies of individual school asbestos management policies.
Please find attached Bedford Borough Education Establishment Guide for your information.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
2744
24/1/2012
Request:
Please consider the following questions as requests under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, and answer in respect to the
area covered by your local authority – including in respect to any services which have been tendered out for external provision.
Any further information you can offer would also be gratefully received.
I would be very grateful if you could provide me with the following information:
1.
Do you have a domestic violence strategy?

If so, who holds responsibility for the strategy?

Please include a copy of the strategy, or a web link, if you have one.
2.
Do you have a functioning domestic violence partnership within the authority?
 If so, who is included in that partnership?
 Do you work with the local police force to seek referrals about domestic conflict or violent incidents to which police are
called – even if this does not result in the bringing of charges or arrest?
3.
Do you use a nationally recognised domestic violence risk assessment scale (such as Barnados, Respect, Family Matters)
when establishing which services should be provided to families at risk of, or suffering from, domestic violence?

If not, do you use an in-house risk-assessment scale?
4.
Do you use a standard definition of domestic violence? If so, please provide us with that definition.

Does this definition include:
i. Intimate partner violence?
ii. Parent-child violence?
iii. Broader family violence (e.g. involving uncles/grandparents/cousins)?
iv. Sibling violence?
v. Child-parent violence?
vi. Any other forms of violence? (Please specify)
5.
Do you offer any early intervention family support services designed to prevent or reduce domestic conflict or violence?
6.
What early intervention family support services designed to prevent or reduce domestic conflict or violence do you offer
(please indicate all that apply)?

Parenting support

Support for families with violent or potentially violent teenagers/youths

Strengthening mother-child or parent-child relationships e.g. through creative play sessions

Counselling and family therapy sessions

Outreach

Perpetrator focused programmes

Other – please state what these are
7.
What was the annual budget for your domestic violence/family conflict services for each of the past three years, and for the
coming year? What percentage of your overall budget did that equate to?
8.
How do you contact families who you think would benefit from access to early intervention services designed to prevent or
reduce domestic violence or family conflict?
 What is the uptake rate of these services by families you contact?
 Are there any specific difficulties in encouraging families to take up these services?
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2744
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 enclosed.
1. Do you have a domestic violence strategy?
Bedford Borough Council does have a Domestic Violence Strategy.

If so, who holds responsibility for the strategy?
Bedford Borough Council’s Community Safety Partnership Team.

Please include a copy of the strategy, or a web link, if you have one.
We enclose the current Domestic Violence Strategy.
2.
Do you have a functioning domestic violence partnership within the authority?
Bedford Borough Council does have a functioning Domestic Violence Partnership. It is called the Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse
Partnership.

If so, who is included in that partnership?

Bedford Borough Council:
o Children’s Services
o Housing Services
o Supporting People
Central Bedfordshire Council:
o Children’s Services
o Housing Services
o Adult Services
Bedfordshire Police
IDVA Service















Victim Support
The Emerald Centre (SARC)
Bedfordshire Criminal Justice Board
BPHA
Aragon Housing Association
Bedfordshire NHS
Central Bedfordshire Community Safety Partnership
Bedford Borough Community Safety Partnership
Bedford Hospital
Bedfordshire Probation Service
Crown Prosecution Service
MARAC Coordinator

Do you work with the local police force to seek referrals about domestic conflict or violent incidents to which
police are called – even if this does not result in the bringing of charges or arrest?
Bedford Borough Council does work with the local police force to seek referrals regarding domestic conflict or violent incidents.
3.
Do you use a nationally recognised domestic violence risk assessment scale (such as Barnados, Respect,
Family Matters) when establishing which services should be provided to families at risk of, or suffering from,
domestic violence? If not, do you use an in-house risk-assessment scale?
Bedford Borough Council uses Family Matters when establishing which service should be provided to families at risk or suffering
from domestic violence.
Social care receive referrals from the police and all police incidents are risk assessed using the DASH tool this is aimed at
adults. We also have a local risk/vulnerability and resilience matrix that can be used to assess the risk to children as part of a
CAF or social care assessment”
4.
Do you use a standard definition of domestic violence? If so, please provide us with that definition.
Bedford Borough Council uses the following definition of domestic violence as defined by the Home Office in 2008:
“Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between
adults who are, or have been in a relationship, or between family members. It can affect anybody, regardless of their gender or
sexuality. The abuse can be psychological, physical, sexual or emotional. It can include "honour based violence", female
genital mutilation and forced marriage.”

Does this definition include:
i. Intimate partner violence? - Yes
ii. Parent-child violence? Yes, if over 16.
iii. Broader family violence (e.g. involving uncles/grandparents/cousins)? – Yes
iv. Sibling violence? - Yes
v. Child-parent violence? - Yes, if over 16
vi. Any other forms of violence? (Please specify)
As in the definition, honour based violence, female gender mutilation and forced marriage.
5.
6.







Do you offer any early intervention family support services designed to prevent or reduce domestic conflict or
violence?
What early intervention family support services designed to prevent or reduce domestic conflict or violence do
you offer (please indicate all that apply)?
Parenting support
Support for families with violent or potentially violent teenagers/youths
Strengthening mother-child or parent-child relationships e.g. through creative play sessions
Counselling and family therapy sessions
Outreach
Perpetrator focused programmes – other than the IDAP there are no perpetrator programmes available.
Other – please state what these are
A small number of Children Centres (up to 4) in Bedford Borough run the Freedom Programme. The programme was developed
in response to locally identified needs. It is currently a rolling programme.
7.
What was the annual budget for your domestic violence/family conflict services for each of the past three
years, and for the coming year? What percentage of your overall budget did that equate to?
Adult Services put in £22,500 towards the Domestic Violence Co-ordinator post.
The freedom programme is a relatively small part of Children Centre work and the budgets not ring fenced for this specific
purpose.
8.
How do you contact families who you think would benefit from access to early intervention services designed
to prevent or reduce domestic violence or family conflict?
An agreed safe communication method with the victim is used so contact would be either by a phone call to a safe number, by
post to a secure address or in person at a safe place.

What is the uptake rate of these services by families you contact?
For the IDVA Service there is an average 62% engagement rate.

Are there any specific difficulties in encouraging families to take up these services?
Language barriers can present difficulties on occasion particularly with eastern European languages. As ever with domestic
abuse cases, it is whether the person is ready to engage and accept support and as such front line domestic abuse services
particularly those that work specifically with victims will never achieve 100% engagement rates. There are additional issues
such as access to transport which can play a part too.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
2745
4/1/2012
Request and Response:
Request pursuant to Environmental Information Regulations Act 2004 – Request No. 2745
Thank you for your request for information about street light switch-off or dimming schemes within the Borough of Bedford,
which we received on 23rd December 2011. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information
Regulations Act 2004.
The information you requested is as follows:
1. Where, if any, are there street light switch-off or dimming schemes in the Bedford Borough Council area?
There is a part night lighting scheme in Milton Ernest, Bedford
2. How long has this been up and running or is it still a trial?
This is a pilot scheme and has been in place since February 2011.
3. What were the set up costs - i.e. the cost of installing dimming technology or converting lights to part-night
operation?
The total set up costs for lantern replacement and column replacement was £24,000 (this includes £5,500 for the part night
lighting element)
4. How much money has been saved per year (or over the period of operation) in terms of actual energy costs and also
maintenance costs.
Over the period of operation £900 has been saved on energy costs and £1,100 has been saved on maintenance costs.
5. If there aren't any street light switch-off or dimming schemes are there any planned?
N/A
6. For planned schemes what are the estimated set up costs, and estimated savings in both energy costs and
maintenance costs?
N/A
2746
18/1/2012
Request:
In the face of this response, I would like to revise (or make a new request) for the details of empty properties at which the
council tax is 'not' paid by an individual, which is the essence of the Council's reason for declining to provide the requested
information.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2746
Further to your request for information dated 23rd December 2011, 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 a list of the empty properties where council tax is not paid for by an individual in Bedford Borough.
Pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the Act the Council
1.
States that providing a list of the empty properties in Bedford Borough is exempt information.
2.
Specifies, that the exemption in question is contained within Section 31 of the
FOI Act (FOIA).
An explanation follows below
On receiving your FOI request, further legal advice has been taken and the Council has concluded that the information in
relation to all the properties is exempt under Section 31 which is concerned with increased crime. This includes those properties
where the council tax is not paid for by an individual. The Council is particularly concerned about the high level of thefts of
valuable metals and that publishing a list of empty properties will encourage thefts of this type.
2747
23/1/2012
Request:
Freedom of Information Request - School Admission Appeals
I am writing to request details of the school admission appeals your authority managed in the academic year August 2010 to
July 2011. Please provide a list of which schools had appeals lodged, how many appeals were heard and how many appeals
were successful.
Also please confirm which department is responsible for arranging and administering the school admission appeals in your
authority, and a contact email address if possible
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2747
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.
BEDFORD BOROUGH APPEALS HEARD
BETWEEN AUGUST 2010 – JULY 2011
Name of School
Number of Appeals
Lodged
Number of Appeals
Heard
Number of Appeals
Successful
Alban Middle
7
2
2
Bedford Road Lower
1
1
0
Biddenham Upper
24
18
15
Brickhill Lower
8
6
0
Bromham Lower
5
2
0
Camestone Lower
3
1
0
Castle Lower
20
16
14
Cauldwell Lower
13
9
0
Christopher Reeves
Lower
1
0
0
Daubeney Middle
13
9
0
Edith Cavell Lower
2
0
0
Eileen Wade Lower
2
2
0
Elstow Lower
10
8
0
Goldington Middle
23
18
8
Harrold Lower
3
0
0
Harrowden Middle
24
19
11
Name of School
Number of Appeals
Lodged
Number of Appeals
Heard
Number of Appeals
Successful
Hazeldene Lower
4
2
0
John Gibbard Lower
3
0
0
Kempston Rural Lower
3
3
0
Lincroft Middle
29
26
16
Livingstone Lower
1
0
0
Margaret Beaufort
Middle
4
3
1
Mark Rutherford Upper
27
24
13
Marston Vale Middle
3
2
0
Newnham Middle
11
9
3
Oakley Lower
3
2
0
Priory Lower
3
1
0
Queens Park Lower
5
5
2
Renhold Lower
1
0
0
Scott Lower
11
6
1
Shackleton Lower
18
13
0
Sharnbrook Upper
26
25
25
Shortstown Lower
2
1
0
Springfield Lower
2
2
1
Name of School
Number of Appeals
Lodged
Number of Appeals
Heard
Number of Appeals
Successful
St Gregory’s Middle
4
2
1
St James Lower
8
5
3
St John Rigby Lower
1
1
0
St Josephs Lower
1
0
0
St Lawrence Lower
1
0
0
St Thomas More Upper
19
17
8
Stephenson Lower
8
5
1
The Bedford Academy
1
0
0
The Hills Lower
10
5
0
Ursula Taylor Lower
4
0
0
Westfield Middle
11
5
5
Wootton Lower
3
2
2
Wootton Upper
25
20
6
The appeals service is currently a shared service between Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council,
Bedford Borough is the host.
Tracey Johnston is the administrator who currently deals with all the admin arrangements,
email address: tracey.johnston@bedford.gov.uk.
Tel no: (01234) 228523
2748
12/1/2012
Request:
I have recorded the number of home educated children known to 60 local authorities in England spanning the period 2005 to
2009 here http://edyourself.org/articles/lalinegraph.php
Please could you tell me how many children in your authority were listed as being home educated in 2010 and in 2011.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No 2748.
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 enclosed. You requested:
Please could you tell me how many children in your authority were listed as being home educated in 2010 and in 2011.
There were 25 pupils doing Elective Home Education in 2010. There are currently 31 registered as Elective Home Education
with another 10 who we have been notified about but who have not yet been agreed officially so would total 41.
2749
16/1/2012
Request and Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2749
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:
25th August 2011 – 16th January 2012
I would like information about any person who has died with no living blood relatives being known when they died,
from the above date to the date of your response. If a person died before the above date, but the information was not
sent in your previous reply to me, could you also include same?
In particular:
1. The date(s) they passed away.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Their home addresses at death.
Their forenames, or initials, plus Surnames.
Ages at death or dates of birth.
Places of birth.
Marital condition (bachelor, spinster etc).
Maiden surnames of married/widowed/divorced females.
The values of their estates.
The date(s) on which information was referred to the Treasury Solicitor, Duchy of Lancaster or Cornwall.
Please also advise if you have yet to refer the information above, or a decision is still pending.
This is a nil return.
2750
9/1/2012
Request:
I'd like to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act for some information regarding complaints management.
Please find attached a spreadsheet which details the information I am requesting.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2750
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 enclosed.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of attachment
2751
16/1/2012
Request:
I am making this request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Please could you tell me if you have either a Joint Housing Board or a Tenant's Forum that have the power to make decisions
regarding housing services, if so do you have tenants on either of these that are employed by the organisation?
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2751
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:
Please could you tell me if you have either a Joint Housing Board or a Tenant's Forum that have the power to make
decisions regarding housing services, if so do you have tenants on either of these that are employed by the
organisation?
As a stock transfer authority we have no tenants and therefore do not have a Joint Housing Board or Tenants forum
2752
10/1/2012
Request:
I have been unable to get on the property ladder and would like to know if you have any derelict or empty houses that are in
need of refurbishment.
I will live in the property while bringing the property up to selling or renting standards, with an agreement I will rent the property
or preferable buy.
Can you please let me know your thoughts on whether I can take permission of one of your empty houses.
We have personal and financial references available.
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 2752
Further to your request for information dated 14 December 2011, 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 a list of the empty properties in Bedford Borough.
Pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the Act the Council
1.
States that providing a list of the empty properties in Bedford Borough is exempt information.
2.
Specifies, that the exemption in question is contained within Sections 40 and 31 of the FOI Act (FOIA).
An explanation follows below.
On receiving your FOI request, legal advice has been taken and the Council has concluded that the information relating to
properties where the Council Tax payer is an individual is confidential personal information that is exempt on the basis of
Section 40 of the Freedom of Information Act.
The Council also considers that the information in relation to all the properties is exempt under Section 31 which is concerned
with increased crime. The Council is particularly concerned about the high level of thefts of valuable metals and that publishing
a list of empty properties will encourage thefts of this type.