Bedford Borough Council Requests and Responses Received August 2012
Reques
t ID
Date of
respons
e
3421
3/8/2012
Request and Response
Request:
1. How many schools make up the community for your Local Authority?
2. How many staff are employed in those schools?
3. How are HR and Payroll Services provided to those schools? Specify whether:
a. You provide these services directly
b. You currently outsource to a 3rd party, if so who is that 3rd party?
c. You operate a brokering service from which schools can purchase these services, and if so who is the responsible
officer within your organisation for that?
d. Given the Government agenda around the academy/Free school initiative, do you have intentions in the short/medium
term to change the way in which HR and/or payroll services are delivered to your community of schools?
Our response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please note that your letter was addressed to Bedfordshire County Council which ceased to exist after 31/03/09 when the
schools were split geographically between Bedford Borough Council and Central Bedfordshire Council. The data provided
relates to schools maintained by Bedford Borough Council only.
Please find the information you requested below.
1. There are 67 schools maintained by Bedford Borough Council.
2. There are currently 3736 employees at these 67 schools.
3. a) Bedford Borough Council runs its own HR and Payroll departments which provide a full service to schools.
b) We do not outsource HR or Payroll provision to a 3rd party.
c) We do not provide a brokering service
d) We do not have any plans to change the way in which these services are delivered to our own maintained schools.
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29/8/201
2
Request:
Re: Butterfield Ct
We are currently undertaking an environmental review of the above site. We understand from a review of historical maps is located on a
former Garage.
We would be grateful if you could conduct a search for the following details:
1.
Is the site likely to be investigated further under the Council’s Part IIA Strategy and if so what level of priority would it be
given?
2.
Does the Council have any specific concerns regarding ground conditions at the site?
3.
Is the Council aware of any previous site investigations and / or remediation work that has been undertaken on site or in
the surrounding area?
4.
Records of any pre-licensing landfill sites within 500m, including:

licence holder

location (grid reference and boundary plan)

dates of operation and nature of fill material

details of any leachate / landfill gas monitoring
5.
6.
Pollution records / known areas of contamination within 500m, including:

location / grid reference

nature / source of pollution

previous land uses

any further details (e.g. remedial work)
Environmental Permits within 250m, including:

authorisation holder

location / grid reference

nature of authorisation
Our response:
Thank you for your letter requesting further information about potential contaminated land at Butterfield Court, Milton Ernest,
Bedfordshire. I have consulted the records held within the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Department, and have
responded to your questions as listed below:
1. By virtue of Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (‘the Act’), the Council was required to formulate a Strategy
to detail how it plans to meet its duty to inspect land in its area and identify contaminated land under sections 78B and C of
the Act. Based on information available at this time, it is not considered likely that the above site will be inspected under
the Act. However, it is possible that new information may become available which could alter this assessment.
2. The Environmental Health and Trading Standards Department do not have any specific concerns regarding ground
conditions at the site.
3. Environmental Health and Trading Standards Department is not aware of any previous site investigations and / or
remediation work that has been undertaken on site or in the surrounding area?
4. With respect to records of records of any pre-licensing landfill sites within
500m:
Our records indicate the presence of a site at approximately 250m North West of the Site, which was formerly used as a
brickyard, and subsequently used for the disposal of brick rubble. This Department holds no records of any disposal of
other materials, nor of any formal records of site operators, monitoring etc.
5
No records of any pollution or known areas of contamination within 500m are held by the Environmental Health and
Trading Standards Department.
6 There is one permitted installation within 250m of the site:


3423
2/8/2012
The authorisation is held by BBS Fleet Logistics, 41 Rushden Road (A6), Milton Ernest, Bedfordshire, MK44
1RU.
The premises is authorised to carry out vehicle re-spraying.
Request:
I want to make a Freedom of Information request, could you please send me the following information with regards to the
organisation’s Mobile Phone contracts.
1.
Existing Supplier(s) - If there is more than one supplier please split the contract up
2.
Total contract value- If there isn’t a total contract value please cans you provide me with the latest annual spend on mobile
phone.
3.
Number of Users- Number of connections with network provider
4.
Duration of the contract- please state if the contract also include contract extensions
5.
Contract/Framework Agreement Start Date- please provide me with the month and year and day if possible
6.
Contract/Framework Agreement Expiry Date- please provide me with the month and year and day if possible
7.
Contract/Framework Agreement Review Date- please provide me with the month and year and day if possible
8.
The person within the organisation responsible for this particular contract. Can you send me the full contact details Contact
Name, Job Title, Contact Number and direct email address.
Our response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested set out below for 2011/12:
With regards to the Council Mobile Phone contracts:
1)
Existing Supplier(s) - If there is more than one supplier please split the contract up
A - Vodafone
2)
Total contract value- If there isn't a total contract value please cans you provide me with the latest annual spend on
mobile phone.
A - £94,400 per annum (£23,600 per qtr)
3)
Number of Users
A - 1,052 (as at 01/08/2012)
4)
Duration of the contract
A - 28 months from 01 /03/2012, any new connections after this date are for 28 months from the date of connection
5)
Contract Start Date
A - 01/03/2012
6)
Contract Expiry Date
A - 31/07/2014
7)
Contract Review Date
A - Approx 60 days prior to expiry
8)
The person within the Council responsible for this particular contract. Can you send me the full contact details
Contact Name, Job Title, Contact Number and direct email address.
A - Lawrence McArdle, Head of ICT, 01234 718221, lawrence.mcardle@bedford.gov.uk
3424
16/8/201
2
Request:
I would like to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act / Freedom of Information Act (Scotland) to establish how many
public health funeral cases have taken place in the council within the last 6 months.
I would be most grateful if you could include in your response some or all of the following information:
Name of the Deceased
Date and Place of Death
Date and Place of Birth
Last known residence of the deceased
Whether next of kin have been traced
Value of the Estate
Date on which referred/due to be referred to the Treasury Solicitor or Duchy or QLTR if applicable.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
I can confirm we currently have a contract with a local funeral director who carry all assisted funeral services for the Council.
Please find the information you requested enclosed.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the spreadsheet
3425
16/8/201
2
Request:
I wish to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act I require the following details.
Name of the deceased including any maiden name
Date of Birth of deceased
Date of Death of deceased
Last known Address of the deceased
When the estate was passed onto the Treasury Solicitor, Duchy of Lancaster or Cornwall, QLTR ( Scotland)
Estimate of the estate if any
I would like details of all public health funerals whether they have, have not or will go to the above organisations since April 2012 to
present day.
The details requested concern those members of the public who have died without any known next of kin or those people that have
died with a named next of kin that cannot be traced and therefore the Treasury Solicitor maybe unwilling to act upon.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the spreadsheet
3426
3/8/2012
Request:
Please provide the following information under the Freedom of Information Act.
1) How many full-time members of staff does the authority CURRENTLY have in its Procurement Dept ( IE all members of staff
involved in purchasing products & services on behalf of the Authority)
2) How many full-time members of staff did the authority have in its Procurement Dept at 31 December 2008
3) How many contracts (for all products & services) of all values did the Authority award in 2011?
Our response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested and it is duly given below.
1)
How many full-time members of staff does the authority CURRENTLY have in its Procurement Dept? (IE all members of staff involved
in purchasing products & services on behalf of the Authority)
1 interim manager and 3 full-time staff.
2)
How many full-time members of staff did the authority have in its Procurement Dept at 31 December 2008?
None – the Authority became unitary on 1st April, 2009.
3)
How many contracts (for all products & services) of all values did the Authority award in 2011?
There were 111 contracts commenced during 2011.
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2
Request:
In accordance with the provisions specified within the above Act I hereby request the following information or an update of the
information since the last request. All information requested relates to Business Rates.
Required Information;- A list of all live business rates accounts with a 2010 list Rateable Value greater than or equal to £25,000.
Property Reference Number (also known as Billing Authority Reference Number) of the property on which the charge is made. Please
note that this is not the Rate Demand or Rate Account Number.
Current Rateable Value upon which the charge is based
The Business Name of the party liable for the charge
The hereditament address
The address(of the account holder) to which correspondence in respect of the property is sent including the contact telephone number
and email address
The liability start date or date of first account
In addition to occupied business rated properties, where a property is currently subject to empty rates please provide the date it
became empty
A description of the property type (e.g. office/warehouse/retail)
We do not require any personal information or sole traders.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information in the attached spreadsheet.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
3428
23/8/201
2
Request:
Funding totals
1.
How much does the council expect to spend on council tax benefit in 2012/13? (Please provide the figure for the council itself, eg. A
figure which does not include amounts relating to any precepting authorities and so is comparable to the 2013/14 figure provided by
DCLG in Annex A of its funding consultation http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/2146644)
2.
If the council has made a different calculation of the funding change between 2012/13 and 2013/14, what is the result of this
calculation and how was it made?
3.
How much does the council expect to spend on single person’s discount in 2013/14?
Empty homes
4.
What is the maximum additional income the council would receive in 2013/14 if it scrapped the discount on empty homes
completely?
5.
Is the council minded to use the new powers to change discounts on empty homes?
6.
If yes to question 5, what change to the discount and what additional income does the council expect from this?
7.
If there is any extra explanation or context you’d like to provide about the scheme design, please do.
Second homes
8.
What is the maximum additional income the council would receive in 2013/14 if it scrapped the discount on second homes
completely?
9.
Is the council minded to use the new powers to apply additional council tax to second homes?
10. If yes to question 10, what change to the discount and what additional income does the council expect from this?
11. If there is any extra explanation or context you’d like to provide about the scheme design, please do.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information below:
Funding totals
1. How much does the council expect to spend on council tax benefit in 2012/13? (Please provide the figure for the council itself,
eg. A figure which does not include amounts relating to any precepting authorities and so is comparable to the 2013/14 figure
provided by DCLG in Annex A of its funding consultation
http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/2146644)
It is estimated that the Council will spend £10.382 million on Council Tax Benefit. This figure includes local precepts but not
precepts issued by the major precepting authorities. It is estimated that the proportion of this amount that may be attributable
to local precepts is in the region of £140,000 to £150,000.
2. If the council has made a different calculation of the funding change between 2012/13 and 2013/14, what is the result of this
calculation and how was it made?
The Council has not made a different calculation.
3.
How much does the council expect to spend on single person’s discount in 2013/14?
The current value of single person discounts (i.e. the amount of Council Tax income foregone) is £7.7 million. It is
anticipated that a similar value of single person discounts will be awarded in 2013/14 subject to the effect of any increase in
the Council Tax. It is estimated that approximately £6.5 million of this amount relates to the Borough Council’s precept.
Empty homes
4.
What is the maximum additional income the council would receive in 2013/14 if it scrapped the discount on empty homes
completely?
The Council does not currently allow discounts on empty homes.
The estimated additional revenue that would be raised if no discount were allowed in respect of properties that would have
been exempt from Council Tax under Class A is £0.2 million and under Class C £1.1 million (including local precepts).
5.
Is the council minded to use the new powers to change discounts on empty homes?
The Council will publish an Executive report on 3rd September 2012 setting out its proposals and will commence public
consultation.
6.
If yes to question 5, what change to the discount and what additional income does the council expect from this?
The Council will publish an Executive report on 3rd September 2012 setting out its proposals and will commence public
consultation.
7.
If there is any extra explanation or context you’d like to provide about the scheme design, please do.
Please note that all figures are based on the 2012/13 Council Tax and do not take account of any possible increase in respect
of the 2013/14 Council Tax.
Second homes
8.
What is the maximum additional income the council would receive in 2013/14 if it scrapped the discount on second homes
completely?
The Council currently allows a discount of 10% on second homes. If this were reduced to zero it is estimated that an additional
£50,000 would be raised.
9.
Is the council minded to use the new powers to apply additional council tax to second homes?
It is presumed that this question relates to the new powers to apply a Council Tax premium to properties that have been
empty for more than two years.
The Council will publish an Executive report on 3rd September 2012 setting out its proposals and will commence public
consultation.
10. If yes to question 10, what change to the discount and what additional income does the council expect from this?
The Council will publish an Executive report on 3rd September 2012 setting out it proposals for public consultation. A premium
of 50% would raise and estimated £70.000.
11. If there is any extra explanation or context you’d like to provide about the scheme design, please do.
Please note that all figures are based on the 2012/13 Council Tax and do not take account of any possible increase in respect
of the 2013/14 Council Tax.
3429
16/8/201
2
Request:
Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property known as:
Victor Close
Shortstown
Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:
3.1 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.2 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (b) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (c) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (d) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (e) - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (f) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.11 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
Response:
Thank you for your request for information about Victor Close, Shortstown. Your request has been considered under the
Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating
to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx
Property Address:
Victor Close, Shortstown,
3.7
Outstanding Notices
Do any statutory notices which relate to the following
matters subsist in relation to the property other than
those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in
this schedule:b) environment
c) health & safety
d) housing
b) No
c) No
f) public health
3.11
3.13
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made to
compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
d) No
f) No
No
No
Request:
3430
1. How many events did your Local Authority organise in 2010?
2. How many events did your Local Authority organise in 2011?
3. How many events is your Local Authority planning to organise in 2012?
4. What encourages your Local Authority to stage events?
5. Who is in charge of events within your Local authority? Do you have a designated Events Department or do you outsource it to third
party promoters?
6. What is average capacity of your events?
7. Do you employ a security company for your events?
8. Do you conduct tendering process when you select security provider?
Clarification requested from applicant, no response received
3431
14/8/201
2
Request:
I would like to know the following under the FOI Act:
1. How many sport facilities do you own or operate (either in whole or in partnership)?
2. In the past 3 years, how many of the sport facilities you owned or operated (in whole or in partnership) have closed to the public?
(Please include partial closures or mothballing, such as closing a facility within a larger leisure centre, for example)
3. In the past 3 years, how many of the sport facilities you own or operate have reduced their opening hours?
Response
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
I would like to know the following under the FOI Act:
1. How many sport facilities do you own or operate (either in whole or in partnership)?
There are currently eight sports facilities in operation:








Kempston Swimming Pool
Robinson Swimming Pool
The Oasis Swimming Pool
The Bunyan Sports Centre
Bedford International Athletic Stadium
Mowsbury Golf & Squash Complex
Blue Peris Mountain Centre
Kempston Outdoor Centre
2. In the past 3 years, how many of the sport facilities you owned or operated (in whole or in partnership) have closed to the
public?
(Please include partial closures or mothballing, such as closing a facility within a larger leisure centre, for example):
None
3. In the past 3 years, how many of the sport facilities you own or operate have reduced their opening hours?
5 facilities
September 2010:
The Bunyan Centre, reduced by 1 1/2 hours per day Monday to Friday (term time only).
April 2011:
The Bunyan Centre, reduced by 2 hours on a Sunday
Bedford International Athletic Stadium, reduced by 4 1/2 hours on a Sunday, reduced by 1/2 hour per day Monday to Friday.
January 2012:
Robinson Swimming Pool, closed on 5 Bank Holidays per year, reduced by 1 hour on a Saturday & Sunday, reduced by 1 hour per day
Monday to Friday.
Oasis Swimming Pool, reduced by 1 hour per day Monday to Friday (during school holidays).
Kempston Swimming Pool reduced by 1 hour on a Wednesday & Friday.
Total number of hours facilities are currently open to the public per week:
Robinson Swimming Pool - 101 hours
Kempston Swimming Pool - 98 hours
Oasis Swimming Pool - 87 hours
Bedford International Athletic Stadium - 85 1/2hours term time, 88 hours school holiday time
The Bunyan Centre - 38 1/4 hours term time, 84 1/4 hours school holiday time
Mowsbury Golf - 102 1/2 hours
Blue Peris Mountain Centre - The centre is open 50 weeks a year with a 2 week shut down at Christmas. Residential groups stay from
Sunday evening through to Saturday morning. However this does vary according to the individual needs of each group. Blue Peris is a
residential centre offering food, accommodation and activities and operate 24 hours a day when required.
The Kempston Outdoor Centre - Opening times of the centre are varied beyond expected 'normal' hours as the centre opens as and
when it is pre booked for groups. The centre hours are generally 8.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm on Saturdays,
Tuesday & Thursdays the centre stays open until 6.30pm to run youth groups and during school holidays the facility stays open until
6.30pm.
For all of the above, please take ‘sport facilities’ to include, but not be limited to, indoor and outdoor facilities, gyms, pools,
courts, pitches, golf courses, athletic tracks, stadia, or anything else used for the purpose of sport.
Please note: provided figures are from the current financial year, which is more representative due to achieved budget reduction via
several commissioning activities in last year.
3432
16/8/201
2
Request:
Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at:
Comet Drive
Shortstown
Bedford
Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:
3.1 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.2 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (b) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (c) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (d) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (e) - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (f) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.11 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
Response:
Thank you for your request for information about Comet Drive, Shortstown. Your request has been considered under the
Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating
to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx
Property Address:
Comet Drive, Shortstown,
3.7
3.11
3.13
3433
21/9/201
2
Outstanding Notices
Do any statutory notices which relate to the following
matters subsist in relation to the property other than
those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in
this schedule:c) environment
c) health & safety
e) housing
f) public health
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made to
compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
Request:
Since the 2010 Election by how much have the following budgets been cut/increased:
A Law Centre/ CAB provision
B Other charities such as refuges
C Social Services
D Non-statutory Youth Services
could you please provide the answers in
i cash terms
ii percentage terms
iii real terms
Response:
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council. Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority
must state whether or not the information exists. I confirm that we do hold the information you requested
and this is given below.
Since the 2010 Election by how much have the following budgets been cut/increased?
Law Centre/CAB Provision
Other Charities such as Refuges
Social Services
Non-statutory Youth Services
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2
Cash Terms
£000
0
-238
-1
-444
% Terms
0%
-9%
0%
-80%
Real Terms
£000
-14
-474
-4,951
-493
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I kindly request the following information in relation to short breaks services for children with a
learning disability in your local authority:
1) How many children aged 0-18 with a learning disability were known to social services in a) 2009/10, b) 2010/11 and c)
2011/12?
2) How many children aged 0-18 with a learning disability attended short breaks services, as set out in paragraph 4 (‘Types of
services which must be provided’) of the ‘Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011’, in:
i. 2009/10
ii. 2010/11
iii. 2011/12;
and what is your projection for short breaks service use in 2012/13?
3) Do you have a short breaks services statement in accordance with paragraph 5 (‘Short breaks services statement’) of the
‘Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011’?
4) If you have published a short breaks services statement in accordance with paragraph 5 (‘Short breaks services
of the ‘Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011’:
statement’)
i. when was it published?
ii. please provide details of your latest statement
5) How many short breaks services, as set out in paragraph 4 (‘Types of services which must be provided’) of the
Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011’, closed in:
‘Breaks for
i. 2009/10
ii. 2010/11
iii. 2011/12;
and are you planning to close any short breaks services in 2012/13?
6) If there have been short breaks service closures within the local authority, have any alternative services been put in place
those who attended the short breaks service?
for
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested:
1.
How many children aged 0-18 with a learning disability were known to social services in a) 2009/10, b) 2010/11 and c) 2011/12?
09/10 – 121 10/11 – 159 11/12 – 135
All figures derived from CIN Census return
2.
How many children aged 0-18 with a learning disability attended short breaks services, as set out in paragraph 4 (‘Types of services
which must be provided’) of the ‘Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011’, in:
i. 2009/10 - 96
ii. 2010/11 – we do not hold this information
iii. 2011/12; - we do not hold this information
IMPACT is in the process of developing a data collection tool. Bedford Borough Council’s intention is to adopt this tool, when it is
published and what is your projection for short breaks service use in 2012/13?
This information is not currently forecast
3.
Do you have a short breaks services statement in accordance with paragraph 5 (‘Short breaks services statement’) of the ‘Breaks for
Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011’?
Yes, see pdf document attached.
4.
If you have published a short breaks services statement in accordance with paragraph 5 (‘Short breaks services statement’) of the
‘Breaks for Carers of Disabled Children Regulations 2011’:
i. when was it published? 30 September 2011
ii. please provide details of your latest statement
See pdf document attached.
5.
How many short breaks services, as set out in paragraph 4 (‘Types of services which must be provided’) of the ‘Breaks for Carers of
Disabled Children Regulations 2011’, closed in:
i. 2009/10
None
ii. 2010/11
None
iii. 2011/12;
Foxgloves Social Club, ‘Chill Out’ Club (which was commissioned as a pilot)
and are you planning to close any short breaks services in 2012/13?
There are no current plans to close Local Authority run short break services in 2012/13
6.
If there have been short breaks service closures within the local authority, have any alternative services been put in place for those
who attended the short breaks service?
The Social Activity Club provided by Papworth Trust was commissioned as a replacement for the Foxgloves Social Club and ‘Chill Out’
Club
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
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Request:
I've been trying to find the details of payments of allowances and expenses to members of the Council in 2009/10, 2010/11 and
2011/12 but can't seem to find them on the website. Have I missed something or is there another way of getting them?
Response:
Further to your request for information, 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 details of payments of allowances and expenses to members of the Council in 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12
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 the subject of an absolute exemption contained within Section 21 (Information
accessible to applicant by other means) of the FOI Act (FOIA).
An explanation follows below.
The details you require are on Bedford Borough Council’s website at the following link:
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/transparency/members_allowances.aspx
3436
21/8/201
2
Request:
Follow up request from 3414.
Further to your correspondence, and suggestion on how I am able to receive this information. I can confirm that I am happy to
receive a list of all the indicators without establishing the specific requirements as stated.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested attached.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
3437
9/8/2012
Request:
It would be much appreciated if you could answer the following under the Freedom of information act 2000.
1) Are the schools within Bedfordshire split into groups / clusters/ pyramids? If so, what are the names of the groups/
clusters/ pyramids and what schools make them up?
2) Who is the main contact for each (referencing to the above question)
3) What is the council’s ICT strategy for schools e.g. VLE, Learning platform?
4) Please give a breakdown in numbers in terms of primary, infant, junior, special and whatever other categories there are
that schools fall into
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested:
The information given is for Bedford Borough only as Bedfordshire County Council is no longer in existence
1)
Are the schools within Bedfordshire split into groups / clusters/ pyramids? If so, what are the names of the groups/ clusters/
pyramids and what schools make them up?
There are no formal cluster arrangements, schools are free to make their own links and do so in a variety of ways.
2)
Who is the main contact for each (referencing to the above question)
The Local Authority does not hold this information
3)
What is the councils ICT strategy for schools e.g. VLE, Learning platform.
Schools are free to purchase software, hardware and connectivity from anywhere in the market. Many schools however do
belong to the regional broadband provider E2BN
4)
Please give a breakdown in numbers in terms of primary, infant, junior, special and whatever other categories there are that
schools fall into
There are currently:
3 Nursery schools
50 Lower schools
1 Primary school
14 Middle schools
3 Special schools
6 Upper schools
1 Secondary school
3438
28/8/201
2
Request:
Please provide:
1. The total number of full-time equivalent (FTE) social worker posts in your local authority as of 3 August 2012, including filled
and unfilled posts. Figures relating to part-time staff should be rounded up and included within the overall figures for FTE
staff. Please do not provide a headcount.
2. The number of vacant FTE social worker posts in your local authority as of 3 August 2012. Vacant posts are defined as
‘unfilled’ posts, i.e. not filled by any member of staff, including agency staff.
3. The number of FTE social worker posts filled by agency staff as of 3 August 2012.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested attached.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
3439
10/8/201
Request:
2
I am interested in the amounts paid by each school in Bedford Borough Council in relation to temporary teacher staffing cover. My
hope is to receive an electronic breakdown of amounts paid by each school from the Consistent Financial Reporting System for each
school. The specific CFR codes I would like to examine are CFR02 - Supply Teachers and CFR26 - Agency Supply Staff.
I would like the information in an electronic format.
The information I require for each school is: School name, CFR02 annual total and CFR26 annual total.
If possible, please could the spend be broken down by primary, secondary and Special Needs schools.
I would like the information to cover the year 2011/12.
Response:
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council, as detailed below.
“I am interested in the amounts paid by each school in Bedford Borough Council in relation to temporary teacher staffing cover. My
hope is to receive an electronic breakdown of amounts paid by each school from the consistent Financial Reporting System for each
school. The specific CFR codes I would like to examine are CFR02, Supply Teachers and CFR26 – Agency Supply
Staff. I would like the information in an electronic format. The information I require for each school is : School Name, CFR02 Annual
Total and CFR26 Annual Total. If possible, please could the spend be broken down by Primary, Secondary and Special Needs
Schools. I would like the information to cover the year 2011/12”.
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists. I confirm that we
do hold the information you requested and this is attached as Appendix A.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of appendix A
3440
9/8/2012
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I write to request the names of all Public Health Funerals carried out by your Authority
between 1 March 2012 and the date of your response.
Please supply the following information in relation to each such estate:1) The full name of the deceased
2) The date and place of the funeral
3) The approximate value of the estate
4) Whether next-of-kin have been traced
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
I can confirm we currently have a contract with a local funeral director who carry all assisted funeral services for the Council.
Please find the information you requested enclosed.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
3441
15/8/201
2
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I kindly request the following information on eligibility for children’s services (for
the purposes of this request, ‘children’s services’ relates to those referenced in Section 17 of the Children’s Act 1989):
1) Does your local authority use eligibility criteria to determine qualification for services for children?
2) If your local authority does use eligibility criteria to determine qualification for services for children:
i. when were they implemented?
ii. were consultations held around introducing them and, if so, what was the consultation period?
iii. please provide details of the eligibility criteria
3) If your local authority does not use eligibility criteria to determine qualification for services for children, by what criteria
do you determine a child’s eligibility for such services?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested;
1. Does your local authority use eligibility criteria to determine qualification for services for children?
Yes
2. If your local authority does use eligibility criteria to determine qualification for services for children:
i.
when were they implemented?
These are detailed in Bedford Borough’s Children in Need Procedures. See Question 2 iii below.
ii.
were consultations held around introducing them and, if so, what was the consultation period?
These were consulted on via the LSCB from September 11 to Jan 12.
iii.
please provide details of the eligibility criteria
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).
This information is available on Bedford Borough’s website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/education_and_learning/family_information_service/children_with_a_disability/short_breaks_service
s.aspx
and also the LSCB’s website
http://www.bedfordshirelscb.org.uk/publications/pictures/content45/cinproceduresfinalforprinting.pdf
3. If your local authority does not use eligibility criteria to determine qualification for services for children, by what criteria do you
determine a child’s eligibility for such services?
N/A
3442
4/9/2012
Request:
I am writing to make an open government request for all the information to which I am entitled under the Freedom of Information Act. In
order to assist you with this request, I am outlining my query as specifically as possible. If however this request is too wide or too
unclear, I would be grateful if you could contact me as I understand that under the Act, you are required to advise and assist
requesters.
I am writing to request the following details of actual spend for the last available financial year:
3 and 4 year old funded places (total spend and spend broken down by type of provider, including but not limited to nurseries
and with childminders);
2 year old funded places;
Grants separate to central government funding to childcare centres;
Sure Start;
Discretionary childminder funding excluding funding provided for 2, 3 and 4 year old places;
Any funding given to the National Childminding Association;
Any support given to childminders by staff – and whether provision is provided by council staff or outsourced, and if outsourced
the name(s) of the providers(s).
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested;
I am writing to request the following details of actual spend for the last available financial year:
3 and 4 year old funded places (total spend and spend broken down by type of provider, including but not limited to nurseries and with
childminders);
2 year old funded places;
Grants separate to central government funding to childcare centres;
Sure Start;
Discretionary childminder funding excluding funding provided for 2, 3 and 4 year old places;
Any funding given to the National Childminding Association;
Any support given to childminders by staff – and whether provision is provided by council staff or outsourced, and if outsourced the
name(s) of the providers(s).
Please see excel spreadsheet attached.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
3443
4/9/2012
Request:
Q1. For the financial year 2011-2012, please indicate the number of the following enforcement or statutory notices issued in regard to:
£ Waste Carriers Licence Producer
£ Abandoned Trolley
£ Litter Clearance Notice
£ Public Health Act 1961 Section 34 Notice
£ Prevention of Damage by Pests Section 4 Notice
£ Waste Transfer Note Producer
£ Street Litter Control Notice
£ Town & Country Planning Act 1990 Section 215 Notice
£ Town & Country Planning Act 1990 Section 225 Notice
Q2. For the financial year 2011-2012, please indicate the number of the following Fixed Penalty Notices issued in regard to:
£ Waste Carriers Producer
£ Litter (drop, throw down or otherwise deposit)
£ Litter Clearance Notice
£ Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003 (section 43 - graffiti or fly-posting)
£ Waste Transfer Note Producer
£ Street Litter Control Notice
£ Health Act 2006 (section 7 - smoking)
Q3. For any of the matters mentioned in Question 1, if there is a "zero" response for any subject area, have the Authority ever issued a
notice in respect of the subject with a "zero" response? Please provide an individual response to each subject area.
Q4. For any of the matters mentioned in Question 2, if there is a "zero" response for any subject area, have the Authority ever issued a
Fixed Penalty Notice in respect of the subject with a "zero" response? Please provide an individual response to each subject area.
Q5. For the financial year 2011-2012, please indicate the number of prosecutions or simple cautions completed/accepted in regard to:
£ Fly-tipping
£ Dropping Litter
£ Fly-posting or other Illegal Displays of Adverts
Q6. For each of the subject matters below, please provide the name, job title, telephone number and email address for the Team
Leader / Manager who has day-to-day responsibility for the enforcement / investigation of the matter concerned
£ Allegations of fly-tipping
£ Allegations of fly-posting
£ Litter Enforcement
Response:
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 3443
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 attached.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
Request:
3444
I am writing to ask for the information in the attachment, under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. The information all
concerns the subject of in-sourcing of local authority services, which is the decision making and process of bringing a local authority
service (such as highways maintenance, or the homelessness service) back in-house after it has previously been delivered by a
contractor acting for the authority.
Clarification sought, requester has not responded
3445
30/8/201
2
Request
Personal Property Search Data - request under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004
Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at:
Amberley Gardens
Bedford
Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:
3.1 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.2 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (b) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (c) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (d) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (e) - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (f) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.11 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
Response:
Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating
to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx
Property Address:
Amberley Gardens, Bedford,
3.7
3.11
3.13
Outstanding Notices
Do any statutory notices which relate to the following
matters subsist in relation to the property other than
those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in
this schedule:d) environment
c) health & safety
f) housing
f) public health
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made to
compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
3446
14/8/201
2
Request:
I would be grateful if you could answer the following.
Who is your Head of Personalisation / Personalisation Programme Manager and what are their contact details?
Who is your Lead on Universal Information in Adult Social Care?
Do you currently have a Universal Information Solution in adult social care as part of the Personalisation Agenda?
If you do have a solution what is this called and where can I find it?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Who is your Head of Personalisation / Personalisation Programme Manager and what are their contact details?
Jo Hawthorne
Project Manager Transformation
Jo.hawthorne@bedford.gov.uk
Who is your Lead on Universal Information in Adult Social Care?
Jo Hawthorne
Project Manager Transformation
Jo.hawthorne@bedford.gov.uk
Do you currently have a Universal Information Solution in adult social care as part of the Personalisation Agenda?
No not in place.
If you do have a solution what is this called and where can I find it?
N/A.
3447
16/8/201
2
Request:
How does the Council currently dispose of its IT equipment and removes data from PCs, laptops and Servers prior to disposal.
The information sought is specifically:
1.
a)
b)
c)
Does the council currently have a contract for IT disposal?
If so, which company handles the contract?
When does the contract expire?
Is the contract advertised in the European Journal or other Purchasing Publication (Buying Solutions – local framework
agreements)? – Please detail
d) Does the contract cost the Council to dispose of IT – or does the awarded company “pay” for the material?
e) If the contractor pays for the removal of IT – what are the typical costs? What are the last 3 months and 6 months
worth of transacted business?
f) If the Council pays for the material to be removed – what is the projected spend over the period of the contract?
2. What involvement does the Council IT Services division specifically get involved in the disposal of IT equipment? Is
this a piece of work where “estates” decide how material is disposed of?
3.
a)
b)
c)
d)
How is data removed from Servers and PCs prior to end of life?
If a software tool is deployed, what tool is it?
Does the tool meet CESG and DIPCOG certification?
Are drives removed and destroyed? If so, who removed the drives?
How long does it maker per machine to removed hard drive drives?
4. Does the council donate any equipment to charity, good causes or staff? If so, how does the council ensure data
protection?
a) If the council prepares a pc to be donated to charity, good causes or staff – how long does it take to prepare each pc
and how does the council support any of the donated methods in terms of post donation to support?
b) How does the council transfer any licenses between council and new owners?
5. Who has overall responsibility for the disposal of IT equipment within the council? Please supply name, telephone and
email details
6. Can the council track all assets disposed of should there be a breach of data investigation? If so, how would an
individual asset be tracked?
7. How many incidents has the council dealt with in the last 3 years from data being found on IT equipment disposed of?
8. At what point during the IT asset’s lifecycle does the item become a zero cost asset to the council? (When does the
council write the asset off)?
9. How does the council recognise any rebate back from equipment sold?
10. How many staff are involved with decommissioning services of legacy IT equipment?
11. Is decommissioning a process driven exercise (set standards and procedures)? If so – please supply procedures
adhered to and staff training.
12. How old is IT equipment before it is disposed of?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested set out below.
The information sought is specifically:
1) Does the Council currently have a contract for I.T. disposal? - Yes
a) If so, which company handles the contract? - Pure Planet Recycling
b) When does the contract expire? - It is an 'annual' rolling contract
c) Is the contract advertised in the European Journal or other Purchasing Publication
(Buying Solutions -local framework agreements?) - No, it is a zero value contract
d) Does the contract cost the Council to dispose of I.T. - or does the awarded company “pay” for the material? - Neither, It is a
cost neutral contract
e) If the contractor pays for the removal of I.T. -what are the typical costs? What are the last 3 months and 6 months worth of
transacted business? - N/A
f) If the Council pays for the material to be removed - what is the projected spend over the period of the contract? - N/A
2) What involvement does the Councils Information Technology Services division specifically get involved in the disposal of IT
equipment? Is this a piece of work where “estates” decide how material is disposed of? - ICT Services have total control
3) How is data removed from Servers and PC’s prior to end of life - Data is removed by the Contractor using degaussing techniques
with destruction certificates being issued.
a) If a software tool is deployed, which tool is it? - Undertaken by Contractor
b) Does the tool meet CESG and DIPCOG certification? - The removal tools are approved by The North Atlantic Treaty
Organisation (NATO)
c) Are drives removed and destroyed? If so who removes the drives? Yes, by the Contractor
d) How long does it take per machine to remove hard drives - This is a Contractor issue
4) Does the Council donate any equipment to charity, good causes or staff’? If so how
does the university ensure data protection? - No, it does not donate any equipment,
interested parties are directed to the Contractor
a) If the Council prepares a PC to be donated to charity, good causes or staff-how long does it take to prepare each PC and
how does the Council support any of the donated methods in terms of post donation to support?
b) How does the Council transfer any licenses between the Council and new owners?
5) Who has overall responsibility for the disposal of IT equipment within the Council? Please supply name, telephone and email
details
- Lawrence McArdle, Head of ICT, 01234 718221, lawrence.mcArdle@bedford.gov.uk
6) Can the Council track all assets disposed of should there be a breach of data investigation? If so how would an individual asset
be tracked? - Yes, via our electronic Asset Register database
7) How many incidents has the Council dealt with in the last 3 years from data being found on IT equipment disposed of? - None
8) At what point during the IT assets lifecycle does the item become a zero cost asset to the Council? (When does the Council
write the asset of) - After 5 years
9) How does the Council recognise any rebate back from equipment sold? - The whole process is self balancing with no costs or
rebates
10) How many staff are involved with decommissioning services of legacy IT equipment?
- approx 1 FTE (aggregated)
11) Is decommissioning a process driven exercise (set standards and procedures)? If so please supply procedures adhered to and
staff training - Under our current BSI
ISO 9001:2008 accreditation we have an Operating Standard (OS 45) for this process (attached,) all relevant staff are trained in
Operating Standards as a condition of the accreditation
12) How old is I.T. equipment before it is disposed of’? - At least 5 years
3448
15/8/201
2
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

How many schools in the local authority have asked parents to contribute to their child’s swimming lessons in the 2011/12
school year?
Response:
I am writing in respect of your recent enquiry for information held by the Council under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act
2000.
You requested;
 How many schools in the local authority have asked parents to contribute to their child’s swimming lessons in the 2011/12
school year?
Under the Freedom of Information Act the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold
this information. You will need to contact the individual schools direct for this information; please find attached a copy of Bedford
Borough’s Education Establishment Guide for your information.
3449
16/8/201
2
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

Number of breakfast, homework or other after school clubs operating in your local authority during the 2011/12 school year
compared to the 2010/11 school year.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested;

Number of breakfast, homework or other after school clubs operating in your local authority during the 2011/12 school year
compared to the 2010/11 school year.
Breakfast Clubs
2010/11 42
2011/12 40
After School Clubs
2010/11 49
2011/12 49
We do not hold information separately on homework clubs, if we had details of any we would have recorded these on our database as
out of school clubs.
3450
15/8/201
2
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

The cost of pupil uniforms in your local authority controlled schools for the 2012/13 school year compared to the 2011/12
school year.
Response:
Under the Freedom of Information Act the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold
this information. You will need to contact the individual schools direct for this information; please find attached a copy of Bedford
Borough’s Education Establishment Guide for your information.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
3451
15/8/201
2
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

(i) Number of English teachers employed in schools during the 2011/12 school year compared to the 2010/11 school year? (ii)
Number of Maths teachers employed in schools during the 2011/12 school year compared to the 2010/11 school year?
Response:
Under the Freedom of Information Act the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold
this information. You will need to contact the individual schools direct for this information; please find attached a copy of Bedford
Borough’s Education Establishment Guide for your information.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
3452
12/9/201
2
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

Itemised spend on schemes covered by the Early Intervention Grant.
Response:
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council, as detailed below.
“Itemised spend on schemes covered by the Early Intervention Grant for financial year 2011/2012”.
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists. I confirm that we
do hold the information you requested and this is as follows.
From 2011/2012 the Government removed the ring-fence for Early Intervention Grant (EIG) to enable local authorities to determine the
funding required to meet local needs. As a result, the Council no longer allocates EIG funding to specific services and the grant funds
the Council’s overall net expenditure.
3453
29/8/201
2
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

Number of school buildings in disrepair that did not benefit from the Priority School Building Programme, and the estimated
cost of repairs required to those schools.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested:
Number of school buildings in disrepair that did not benefit from the Priority School Building Programme, and the estimated cost of
repairs required to those schools.
There were 5 schools which were unsuccessful in bidding for funding through the Priority School Building Programme. The total of
priority 1 and priority 2 repairs works for these schools included within the bids is £3,575,731.
3454
3/9/2012
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

(i) Number of pupils missing out on their first choice primary school place in 2012 compared to 2011 and 2010? (ii) Number of
pupils missing out on all of their primary school selection choices in 2012 compared to 2011 and 2010? (iii) How many primary
and secondary school pupils will be taught in temporary classrooms? (iv) How many primary and secondary schools in the
local authority area are over capacity?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested;
(i)
Number of pupils missing out on their first choice primary school place in 2012 compared to 2011 and 2010?
2012 – 185;
(ii)
2011 – 185;
2010 – 151
(ii) Number of pupils missing out on all of their primary school selection choices in 2012 compared to 2011 and 2010?
2012 – 17;
2011 – 14;
2010 – 48
(iii)
How many primary and secondary school pupils will be taught in temporary classrooms?
Temporary places in Bedford Borough are :Primary – 795
Secondary - 629
As some of the schools are now Academy this could have changed for them without us knowing.
(iv)
How many primary and secondary schools in the local authority area are over capacity?
Every school has an agreed capacity. This is agreed between the LA and the individual school and lies within a
calculated minimum and maximum permitted range for the accommodation available.
No primary schools are over capacity
14 lower schools are over the agreed capacity. Of these 8 are below the maximum figure calculated.
4 middle schools are over the agreed capacity.
2 upper schools are over the agreed capacity. Both are below the maximum figure calculated.
1 secondary school is over the agreed capacity but is below the maximum figure calculated.
3455
22/8/201
2
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

The 2012/13, 20111/12 and 2010/11 budget for holiday activities aimed at young people.
Response:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

The 2012/13, 20111/12 and 2010/11 budget for holiday activities aimed at young people.
The Sports Development Budget included specific holiday project funding for young people as shown:
3456
3/9/2012
2010/2011:
Summer Sports Courses
Summer Play schemes
£530
£80,400
2011/2012:
Summer Sports Courses
Summer Play schemes
£530
£81,200
2012/2013:
Summer Sports Courses
Summer Play schemes
£540
£61,200
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

Number of youth centres and youth services staff employed by the local authority in 2012 compared to 2011 and 2010.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested;
Number of youth centres and youth services staff employed by the local authority in 2012 compared to 2011 and 2010.
2012 - 1 Youth Centre – 1 member of staff. The idea is that this member of staff will engage with community, church and
voluntary organisations who offer youth work to co-ordinate, plan and resource specific pieces of work in local communities.
compared to 2011 - 2 Youth Centres – 9 members of staff with 180 hours sessional support staff and 2010 – 2 Youth Centres
8 members of staff with 180 hours sessional support staff.
3457
15/8/201
2
Request:
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I request you to provide me with the following information.

Number of maintained schools and academies not meeting the School Food Trusts standards.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested;
Number of maintained schools and academies not meeting the School Food Trusts standards.
We can confirm that all schools and the academy in the catering contract meet the School Food Trust Standards.
To include: 3 Nurseries; 43 Lowers; 1 Primary; 3 Middles; 1 Upper; 1 Special and 1 Academy.
Unfortunately, we cannot comment on the remaining schools and academies in the borough where we have no jurisdiction to monitor
the catering provision.
3458
17/8/201
2
Request
I would like to request the following information: during the fiscal year 2009-10, how many visits were made to your area by the core
royal family (Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince Andrew, Prince Edward, Prince
William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry) and how much did these visits cost your council?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested. You requested.
Under the Freedom of Information Act, I would like to request the following information: during the fiscal year 2009-10, how many visits
were made to your area by the core royal family (Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Charles, Princess Anne, Prince
Andrew, Prince Edward, Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry) and how much did these visits cost your
council?
There were no visits made by the core royal family.
3459
30/8/201
2
Request
Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at
BERRYFIELDS
FOLKES ROAD
WOOTTON
Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:
3.1 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.2 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (b) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (c) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (d) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (e) – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (f) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.11 – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
Response:
Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating
to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx
Property Address:
Berryfields, Folkes Road, Wootton, Bedford,
Outstanding Notices
3.7
Do any statutory notices which relate to the
following matters subsist in relation to the property
other than those revealed in a response to any
other enquiry in this schedule:e) environment
c) health & safety
g) housing
f) public health
3460
11/9/201
2
3.11
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made
to compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
3.13
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
Request:
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
Q1. What computer software are you using for Contractor Systems, how much are you paying per year, how many users are you
licensed for and is there a fixed length associated with your current contractual arrangements, if so when?
Q2. What computer software are you using for Grounds Maintenance, how much are you paying per year, how many users are you
licensed for, and is there a fixed length associated with your current contractual arrangements, if so when?
Q3. What computer software are you using for Corporate Document Management, how much are you paying per year, how many
users are you licensed for, and is there a fixed length associated with your current contractual arrangements, if so when?
Q4. What computer software are you using for Flood Risk, how much are you paying per year, how many users are you licensed for
and is there a fixed length associated with your current contract arrangements, if so when?
Q5. What computer software are you using for Public Rights or Way, how much are you paying per year, how many users are you
licensed for, and is there a fixed length associated with your current contractual arrangements, if so when?
Q6. What computer software are you using for Corporate GIS, how much are you paying per year, how many users are you licensed
for and is there a fixed length associated with your current
contractual arrangements, if so when?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed.
Q1.
What computer software are you using for Contractor Systems, how much are you paying per year, how many users are you
licensed for and is there a fixed length associated with your current contractual arrangements, if so when?
The only dedicated procurement software the Council pays for is an annual subscription of £300 paid to BIP Solutions Ltd. This
pays for three user licences which allows us to place OJEU tender notices and gives us access to their e-tendering software which we
use on a pay as you go basis.
Q2.
What computer software are you using for Grounds Maintenance, how much are you paying per year, how many users are you
licensed for, and is there a fixed length associated with your current contractual arrangements, if so when?
No special software.
Q3.
What computer software are you using for Corporate Document Management, how much are you paying per year, how many
users are you licensed for, and is there a fixed length associated with your current contractual arrangements, if so when?
Software used = 'Objective'
Cost per year = £60,000
Licence = 'Enterprise Licence Agreement' ELA, in our case approx 2,200
Duration = 5 year fixed from 2011
Q4.
What computer software are you using for Flood Risk, how much are you paying per year, how many users are you licensed for
and is there a fixed length associated with your current contract arrangements, if so when?
The Council does not use any special software specifically for managing flood risk information. The Flood Risk section uses the
Highways system ‘Insight’ though to record details of flood risk assets. They do not pay any extra as the cost is absorbed into the
Highways contract. Other than that they use Excel and GIS to manage flood risk data.
Q5.
What computer software are you using for Public Rights or Way, how much are you paying per year, how many users are you
licensed for, and is there a fixed length associated with your current contractual arrangements, if so when?
The Arc GIS system is used for Public Rights of Way. The section has 6 licences.
Alongside this they have an Exegesis product called CAMS database which works with the GIS system and this allows 5 concurrent
users to work in it. The cost of this per year is £3,482 plus VAT. This includes an annual service visit.
These run from one financial year to the next.
Q6.
What computer software are you using for Corporate GIS, how much are you paying per year, how many users are you
licensed for and is there a fixed length associated with your current contractual arrangements, if so when?
Software used = 'ESRI Product Suite'
Cost per year = Protected by signed 'confidentiality' agreement
Licence= 'Enterprise Licence Agreement' ELA, in our case approx 2,200
Duration = 3 year fixed from 2011
3461
30/8/201
2
Request:
Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at:
Honey Hill Road, Bedford
Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:
3.1 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.2 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (b) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (c) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (d) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (e) – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (f) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.11 – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
Response:
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating
to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx
Property Address:
Honey Hill Road, Bedford,
Outstanding Notices
3.7
Do any statutory notices which relate to the
following matters subsist in relation to the property
other than those revealed in a response to any
other enquiry in this schedule:f) environment
c) health & safety
h) housing
f) public health
3462
30/8/201
2
3.11
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made
to compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
3.13
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
Request:
Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at:
St Andrews Road, Bedford
Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:
3.1 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.2 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (b) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (c) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (d) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (e) – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (f) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.11 – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
Response:
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating
to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx
Property Address:
St Andrews Road, Bedford,
Outstanding Notices
3.7
Do any statutory notices which relate to the
following matters subsist in relation to the property
other than those revealed in a response to any
other enquiry in this schedule:g) environment
c) health & safety
i)
housing
f) public health
3463
7/9/2012
3.11
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made
to compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
3.13
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
Request:
I would like to request the following information under the freedom of information act.
§ Current turnover for the sports and leisure facilities within the borough
§ Costs for the sports and leisure facilities within the borough
§ Net surplus or deficit in relation to the sports and leisure facilities within the borough
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
I would like to request the following information under the freedom of information act.
§ Current turnover for the sports and leisure facilities within the borough
§ Costs for the sports and leisure facilities within the borough
§ Net surplus or deficit in relation to the sports and leisure facilities within the borough
The information for the current year can be found on pages 21 and 23 of the budget book available on the website at the following link:
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_budgets_and_spending/budget_and_capital_programme.aspx
3464
24/8/201
2
Request:
I am writing to you to request the following information under the Freedom of Information act.
How much did Bedford Borough Council spend on tablet computers (including iPads) in the last financial year?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested set out below.
How much did Bedford Borough Council spend on tablet computers (including iPads) in the last financial year? - For the
financial year 2011-12 the Council spent £7,212.00
3465
20/8/201
2
Request:
I request a copy of the quarterly public records from the latest quarter for the following information, preferably in Excel or PDF format:
1.
Names and vintage years of all private equity, venture capital, mezzanine, distressed, real estate/REIT, debt and
infrastructure partnerships in the Bedfordshire Pension Fund portfolio.
2.
Most updated information available on amount committed to the partnerships and amount drawn by the partnerships.
3.
Distributions made to Bedfordshire Pension Fund to date by each individual partnership
4.
Net Asset Value of each partnership, and estimated remaining value of each partnership, as permitted under the
Partnership.
5.
Internal rates of return (IRRs) for each individual partnership, for the most recent date available. (Please specify whether
the data is net or gross of expenses and fees).
6.
Investment multiple for each individual partnership.
7.
The dollar amount of “total management fees and costs paid” for each individual partnership on an annualized, year-end
basis.
8.
Date as of which all the above data was calculated.
9.
Names and service type provided of service providers (ex. Placement Agents, etc.) assisting Bedfordshire Pension Fund
with each individual partnership.
10.
Names of all private equity, venture capital, mezzanine, distressed, real estate/REIT, debt and infrastructure partnerships
partially and fully sold by Bedfordshire Pension Fund, including date of sale.
Response:
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council relating to the most recent quarterly and annual public records for the
following:
1.
Names and vintage years of all private equity, venture capital, mezzanine, distressed, real estate/REIT partnerships in the
Bedfordshire Pension Fund portfolio.
2.
Most updated information available on amount committed to the partnership and amount drawn by the partnerships.
3.
Distributions made to Bedfordshire Pension Fund to date by each individual partnership.
4.
Net Asset Value of each partnership, and estimated remaining value of each partnership.
5.
Internal rates of return (IRRs) for each individual partnership, for the most recent date available. (Please specify whether the data is
net or gross of expenses and fees).
6.
Investment multiple for each individual partnership.
7.
The dollar amount of “total management fees and costs paid” for each individual partnership on an annualized, year-end basis.
8.
Date as of which all the above data was calculated.
9.
Names and service type provided of service providers (ex. Placement Agents, etc.) assisting Bedfordshire Pension Fund with each
individual partnership.
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 most of the information you requested. Please find the information you requested detailed
below.
BEDFORDSHIRE PENSION FUND
PRIVATE EQUITY & PROPERTY FUNDS
30 June 2012
Name
Phildrew Ventures 4th Fund
Category
Private Equity
Currency Inception Commitment Contribution Distribution Value Net IRR
GBP
£820,000
£820,000 £483,800 £4,100 N/A
Please note, however, that the dollar amount of “total management fees and costs paid for each individual partnership on an
annualised, year end basis is not available as this investment dates back to the 1990s and would have been paid in
Sterling. Also there is no response to the investment multiple for each individual partnership as this is a single investment.
3466
30/8/201
2
Request :
Please could you tell me a) what the annual budget (and budget outturn) for Bedford Borough Council's human resources department
has been for the 3 years 2012/13, 2011/12 and 2010/11; and b) how many staff were employed by Bedford Borough Council in the
same 3 years.
Please also detail which work streams / functions come under the human resources heading - e.g. payroll, staff training and
development etc.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested below.
Question A
Year
2010/11
Budget
£1,846,390
2011/12
£1,952,780
2012/13
£1,720,630
Question B
Headcount is provided as at
Year
Non-School based Employees
Schools only)
2010/11
2226
(at 31.03.2011)
*School-based Employees where the Council is the Employer (Community & VC
2011/12
2042
(at 31.03.2012)
1468
2012/13
(at present)
1480
2093
1422
*Please note historical figures for school-based employees above only include those schools where the Council CURRENTLY is the
employer. In addition HR also provides HR Services to Foundation, Voluntary Aided Schools and Academies across the Borough, as
well as to schools in various categories across the rest of Bedfordshire.
Question C
Workforce Development
HR Operations, including Employee Resourcing, HR Policy, Schools Business Team & Employee Relations
Schools Relationships
Occupational Health & Well-being
3467
7/9/2012
Request:
For the following question please provide the answers separately for each year requested.
1. How many council run leisure centres have been closed in the last in 2010, 2011, 2012. What were they called?
2. How many council run swimming pools have been closed in 2010, 2011, 2012? What were they called?
3. How many council run gyms have been closed in 2010, 2011, 2012? What were they called?
4. How many playing fields have been sold or used for other purposes in 2010, 2011, 2012? Where were they?
5. How many public toilets have been closed in n 2010, 2011, 2012? Where were they?
Response
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
For the following question please provide the answers separately for each year requested.
1. How many council run leisure centres have been closed in the last in 2010, 2011, 2012. What were they called?
None.
2. How many council run swimming pools have been closed in 2010, 2011, 2012? What were they called?
None.
3. How many council run gyms have been closed in 2010, 2011, 2012? What were they called?
None.
4. How many playing fields have been sold or used for other purposes in 2010, 2011, 2012? Where were they?
None (in parks).
No playing fields have been sold since 2009.
In 2011 the ex-Putnoe Lower School site and playing field became vacant. The site has not been sold off but is currently not
used for any formal purpose.
5. How many public toilets have been closed in n 2010, 2011, 2012? Where were they?
April 2010 /2011 – None.
April 2012 – Silver Street, Riverside, Lurke Street, Queen Street, and Mowsbury Park (West - Kimbolton Road).
3468
7/9/2012
Request:
Follow up request to 3394.
I would like to ask under the Freedom of Information Act.
Number of individuals with autism/Asperger Syndrome aged 18-65 placed out of county in registered accommodation.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Number of individuals with autism/Aspergers Syndrome aged 18-65 placed out of county in registered accommodation?
There were 6 young adults with Autism moved out of county in the last financial year - these cases were transition cases. There were
no other out of Borough placements made during this period for any other adults with autism/aspergers.
3469
7/9/2012
Request
In relation to the Troubled Families programme, would you please provide me with the following:
1. How many families were returned as living with five out seven multiple disadvantages - which include no parent in the family is
in work, family lives in poor quality or overcrowded housing, no parent has any qualifications, mother has mental health
problems, at least one parent has a long-standing limiting illness, disability or infirmity, family has low income (below 60%
median), family cannot afford a number of food and clothing items - in your authority in the year 2009-2010? These represent
the population of families that could be considered for Family Intervention Projects.
2. How many families were returned in your area who met the criteria specified in the DCLG’s "financial framework for the
Troubled Families programme’s payment-by-results scheme for local authorities"?
3. How many families were returned in your area who solely met the criteria specified in the DCLG’s "financial framework for the
Troubled Families programme’s payment-by-results scheme for local authorities" solely on the grounds of worklessness?
4. How many families were returned in your area who solely met the criteria specified in the DCLG’s "financial framework for the
Troubled Families programme’s payment-by-results scheme for local authorities" solely on the grounds of local discretion?
5. Any assessment made in the last year that the council has made of the savings that could make if troubled families were
helped by intervention projects?
6. And if possible within cost limits, how many times the local authority identified families who met one or both of the crime/ antisocial behaviour or education criteria under the government's Troubled Families scheme and used the new legal gateway
enabling a GCSX secure email account to check if the named adults were claiming out of work benefits?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested. You requested
1. How many families were returned as living with five out seven multiple disadvantages - which include no parent in the family is
in work, family lives in poor quality or overcrowded housing, no parent has any qualifications, mother has mental health
problems, at least one parent has a long-standing limiting illness, disability or infirmity, family has low income (below 60%
median), family cannot afford a number of food and clothing items - in your authority in the year 2009-2010? These represent
the population of families that could be considered for Family Intervention Projects.
We have not analysed our data in this way
2. How many families were returned in your area who met the criteria specified in the DCLG’s "financial framework for the
Troubled Families programme’s payment-by-results scheme for local authorities"?
We have not concluded our exercise to establish the number of families against the criteria set by DCLG
3. How many families were returned in your area who solely met the criteria specified in the DCLG’s "financial framework for the
Troubled Families programme’s payment-by-results scheme for local authorities" solely on the grounds of worklessness?
See response to question 2
4. How many families were returned in your area who solely met the criteria specified in the DCLG’s "financial framework for the
Troubled Families programme’s payment-by-results scheme for local authorities" solely on the grounds of local discretion?
See response to question 2
5. Any assessment made in the last year that the council has made of the savings that could make if troubled families were
helped by intervention projects?
We have not carried out this type of exercise
6.
And if possible within cost limits, how many times the local authority identified families who met one or both of the crime/ antisocial behaviour or education criteria under the government's Troubled Families scheme and used the new legal gateway
enabling a GCSX secure email account to check if the named adults were claiming out of work benefits?
We have made one submission to DWP to verify this data and await their response.
3470
13/9/201
2
Request:
I am writing to request the following information from your council:
1. How many people received adult care funding between 1st January 2011 and 15th August 2011?
2. How many people received adult care funding between 1st January 2012 and 15th August 2012?
3. What was the total spend on adult care between 1st January 2011 and 15th August 2011?
4. What was the total spend on adult care between 1st January 2012 and 15th August 2012?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
5. How many people received adult care funding between 1st January 2011 and 15th August 2011?
3344
6. How many people received adult care funding between 1st January 2012 and 15th August 2012?
3302
7. What was the total spend on adult care between 1st January 2011 and 15th August 2011?
£20,870
8. What was the total spend on adult care between 1st January 2012 and 15th August 2012?
£20,694
3471
17/9/201
2
Request:
I am interested in the amounts paid by each pupil referral unit / alternative provision setting in your Local Authority directly on supply
cover (as would be recorded for Consistent Financial Reporting purposes under code E02) and also to third parties in relation to
agency supply staff (as would be recorded for Consistent Financial Reporting purposes under code E26).
I am looking for this data for the 2011 / 12 financial year and would like this supplied in an excel spreadsheet please detailing
School Name
E02 Direct Supply Spend Total
E26 Agency Supply Spend Total
Additional Information


If it is attainable I would like the E26 Agency Spend broken down by individual supplier
I can be contacted via this email address if there are any questions you may have to help speed up this request
Response:
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council as follows :
I am interested in the amounts paid by each pupil referral unit/alternative provision setting in your Local Authority directly on supply
cover (as would be recorded for Consistent Financial Reporting purposes under code E02) and also to third parties in relation to
agency supply staff (as would be recorded for Consistent Financial Reporting purposes under code E26).
I am looking for this data for the 2011/12 financial year and would like this supplied in an excel spreadsheet please detailing :
School Name
E02 Direct Supply Spend Total
E26 Agency Supply Spend Total
Additional Information
If it is attainable I would like the E26 Agency Spend broken down by individual supplier.
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 most of the information you requested. Please find the information you requested detailed over the page.
Supply Costs for 2011/2012
Pupil Referral Unit -Kempston, Bedford
Greys Education Centre
DFE No -1104
2011/2012
£'000
Agency Supply
National College Learners
Capita Education Resourcing
Central Bedfordshire Council
Recruit Employment Services
1
66
15
1
Total Agency Supply
83
Direct Supply
21
Total Supply Costs
3472
13/9/201
2
104
Request:
I would like to receive a copy of the following information which is held by your local authority as a result of the latest food hygiene
inspections for each food business.
The information should comprise, for each inspection...
Business name
Council ID
phone number (if known)
Email address (if known)
Risk Rating
8 component scores.
I would prefer to receive the information as an excel spreadsheet in the order specified.
As a clarification of the FOI and to aid you in providing the information requested, please note the following....
1. The food businesses required are only those supplied to the FSA as part of the FHRS or FHIS submissions.
2. The FSA receive only a part of the food hygiene inspection results, we are requesting the information not supplied. Therefore the
current FHRS/FHIS submissions or FSA web site are not an acceptable reply to this FOI request.
3. Two possible existing reports can be used as a basis for the reply to us. They are the existing FHRS/FHIS report or the LAEMS
report. This should dramatically reduce the effort required.
4. If the current LAEMS report was up to date and accurate, then this would be sufficient if the available telephone numbers/emails
were added
5. Telephone numbers and email addresses are only required if known.
6. The council id is the id used as part of the FHRS submission to uniquely identify each food business uploaded.
7. This information request will not be required on an ongoing frequent basis
8. For councils using Uniform, the 8 component scores can be provided in a single field and we can extract the underlying scores.
9. The risk rating is the standard A-E etc. rating
10. Councils who used to be part of the SOTD service could use the same report they used for this upload in order to save effort.
Response :
Thank you for your request for information regarding the latest food hygiene inspections for food business. Your request has been
considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attached a copy of the information you requested. Please note the CIVICA APP system currently stores zero scores as blank fields.
This means that when exporting the scores for confidence in management, hygiene and structure etc. zero scores will appear as
blanks. The parameter description and value description have therefore been included in the attached along with a copy of the
relevant code set.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
3473
22/8/201
2
Request:
This letter is a request for information under the freedom of information act and I hope you can assist me. I appreciate you might not
hold all of the information below, but would like to know as much as you can provide. I would like to know details of anyone who has
died with no known next of kin from 1/2/2012 to the day of your reply. If there are any new cases where the person died prior to
1/2/2012, but that were only dealt with after this date, pleas also include details, and to be more specific;
1.
their full names
2.
the date they died
3.
the approximate value of their estate
4.
their dates of birth or age at death
5.
whether or not they were married, divorced, single, or widowed
6.
the maiden surnames of married females or widows
7.
their address at death
8.
the date when a referral was made of this estate to the Treasury Solicitor or Duchy of Lancaster or Cornwall
9.
If a referral to the Treasury Solicitor or Duchy has not yet been made and you think it will be made soon could you advise me of
this too.
10. If a case is still undecided or awaiting referral, please also advise of details.
Response:
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.
This is a nil return.
3474
12/9/201
2
Request:
I would like to know how much the council has spent (budget wise) on the following services for the last four financial years (20092010, 2010-2011, 2011-2012,2012 budget)
Sexual and domestic violence
Abortion
Specialist violence against women services rape crisis centres refuge centres domestic violence outreach ethnic minority women
trafficked women and women in prostitution sexual assault referral centres
If possible, I would like both the lump budget sum for 'women's services' and the amount that's been spent for the specific services
listed.
Response:
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council, as follows.
I would like to know how much the Council has spent (budget wise) on the following services for the last four financial years (2009 2010, 2010 – 2011, 2011 – 2012, 2012 budget); Sexual and domestic violence, abortion, specialist violence against women services,
rape crisis centres, refuge centres, domestic violence outreach, ethnic minority women, trafficked women and women in prostitution,
sexual assault referral centres.
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists. I confirm that we
do hold the information you requested and this is detailed below:
2009/10
£
2010/11
£
2011/12
£
2012/13
Budget
£
Sexual and domestic violence
4,470
26,741
15,500
0
Abortion
0
0
0
0
Specialist violence against women
services
0
0
0
0
Rape crisis centres
0
0
0
0
Refuge centres
237,859
216,686
188,980
188,980
Domestic violence outreach
371,998
363,836
351,480
156,630
3475
4/9/2012
Ethnic minority women
4,550
11,062
0
0
Trafficked women and women in
prostitution
0
0
0
0
Sexual assault referral centres
0
0
0
0
Total
618,877
618,325
555,960
345,610
Request:
Please could you provide the following information, ideally broken down by year for the past five years:
1. The value of funding for the Financial Investigations Unit supplied by the Federation Against Copyright Theft (FACT), and the
proportion of total funding that this amount represents.
2. The number of cases investigated by the Trading Standards Financial Investigations Unit which were at the request of FACT, and
the proportion of the total number of cases which this number represents.
Response:
Under the Freedom of Information Act the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold
this information. The Bedfordshire Financial Investigation Unit was operated as a shared service following Unitary reorganisation of
Local Government in Bedfordshire in 2009. Bedford Borough Council does not hold the specific information requested regarding FACT
funding and number of cases requested by FACT, as Central Bedfordshire Council were the host Authority for this shared service.
Therefore I would recommend that you make this enquiry with Central Bedfordshire Council using the following link
accesstoinfo@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
3476
13/9/201
2
Request:
I should be grateful, if you could confirm the answers to the following questions about taxi licensing in Bedford Borough:
1.
Does the Borough have any plans to implement a requirement for taxis (either private hire or hackney carriages) to have
CCTV systems installed?
2.
Is the Borough aware of any voluntary scheme amongst drivers or operators to install CCTV systems into their vehicles? If
so, does the Borough provide any guidance on the minimum requirements of such systems?
3. What are your views on having CCTV installed in taxis? Would the Borough be interested in having a demonstration of a
secure, encrypted system?
Response
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested. You requested
1. Does the Borough have any plans to implement a requirement for taxis (either private hire or hackney carriages) to have
CCTV systems installed?
No
2. Is the Borough aware of any voluntary scheme amongst drivers or operators to install CCTV systems into their vehicles? If so,
does the Borough provide any guidance on the minimum requirements of such systems?
We are aware of a voluntary scheme and the guidance given was to contact the Information Commissioner‘s Office on the
requirements of the system.
3. What are your views on having CCTV installed in taxis? Would the Borough be interested in having a demonstration of a
secure, encrypted system?
Views are not covered under the Freedom of Information Act 2000
3477
23/8/201
2
Request:
I am writing under the Freedom of Information Act to ask for the following information:

What is the oldest local bylaw that you have on record that is still implemented by a department of the district council?

What is it used for?

What is the most recent case of it being invoked?

If you have information about why it was passed and the first time it was used, that would also be very helpful?

How many local bylaws from before 1900 are still used today?

How many local bylaws from 1900 and 1950 are still used today?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested. You requested

What is the oldest local bylaw that you have on record that is still implemented by a department of the district council?
There was one in 1882

What is it used for?
By 1/7 Regulation of Traffic on the River Ouse

What is the most recent case of it being invoked?
We only keep Magistrates Court Files for 12 years and there were no cases within this period.

If you have information about why it was passed and the first time it was used, that would also be very helpful?
N/A

How many local bylaws from before 1900 are still used today?
There are four

How many local bylaws from 1900 and 1950 are still used today?
There are sixty one
3478
14/9/201
2
Request:
I require details of all maintenance work carried out near or outside the Bankers Draft, High Street Bedford from 1 January 2008 to
date.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold some of the information you requested.
Please find attached Safety Inspections Records showing details of all carriageway defects identified on the High Street since 2009.
From the Safety Inspections Records we have identified maintenance work carried out near to or outside the Bankers Draft and these
are shown on the Instruction Sheets.
We do not hold information preceding 2009 as this service was carried out by Contractors acting on behalf of Bedfordshire County
Council. As from 1st April 2009 Bedfordshire County Council ceased to exist and its functions were taken over by both the existing
Bedford Borough Council and the new Central Bedfordshire Council
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachments
3479
5/9/2012
Request:
For the 2011/12 academic year can you state how many children within your authority were (i) given a fixed period exclusion and (ii)
permanently excluded from a school because of their involvement with a weapon of any description?
Please could you give a one line summary of each incident referred to in Q.1.
Detailing what the weapon was, used or threat and who the victim was – pupil, teacher or member of public.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested:
For the 2011/12 academic year can you state how many children within your authority were (i) given a fixed period exclusion and
We are unable to provide the information regarding fixed term exclusions. Use of a weapon is not a category the DfE ask us to record
or report on. This means that all incidents involving weapons are recorded against other categories, such as assault.
While we were manually able to go through 42 Permanent exclusion records to count the number of incidents involving weapons, we
would not be able to go through the large number of fixed term exclusions that we had.
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 with regards to question (i).
(ii) permanently excluded from a school because of their involvement with a weapon of any description?
5 Permanent Exclusions in the Academic Year 2011/12 involved weapons. We don’t record the actual incidents and so couldn’t give a
further breakdown in the form of the summary requested.
3480
12/9/201
2
Request:
I would like to request for Con29R Environmental Health under EIR (Qs 3.7, 3.11, 3.12 & 3.13) for the address(es) below please?
Frome Close, Brickhill, Bedford
Response:
Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department.
Property Address:
Frome Close, Brickhill,
Outstanding Notices
3.7
Do any statutory notices which relate to the following
matters subsist in relation to the property other than
those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in this
schedule:h) environment
c) health & safety
j)
housing
f) public health
3.11
3.12
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made to
compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Contaminated Land
Do any of the following apply (including any relating to
land adjacent to or adjoining the property which has
been identified as contaminated land because it is in
such a condition that harm or pollution of controlled
waters might be caused on the property):a) a contaminated land notice;
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
3.13
3481
12/9/201
2
b) in relation to a register maintained under section
78R of the Environmental Protection Act 1990:i)
a decision to make an entry; or
ii)
an entry; or
c) consultation with the owner occupier of the
property conducted under section 78G(3) of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 before the
service of a remediation notice?
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a ‘Radon
Affected Area’ as identified by the Health Protection
Agency?
No
Request:
I would like to request for Con29R Environmental Health under EIR (Qs 3.7, 3.11, 3.12 & 3.13) for the address(es) below please?
Renhold Road, Wilden, Bedfordshire
Response:
Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department.
Property Address:
Renhold Road, Wilden Bedford,
Outstanding Notices
3.7
Do any statutory notices which relate to the following
matters subsist in relation to the property other than
those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in this
schedule:i) environment
c) health & safety
k) housing
f) public health
3.11
3.12
3.13
3482
12/9/201
2
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made to
compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Contaminated Land
Do any of the following apply (including any relating to
land adjacent to or adjoining the property which has
been identified as contaminated land because it is in
such a condition that harm or pollution of controlled
waters might be caused on the property):d) a contaminated land notice;
e) in relation to a register maintained under section
78R of the Environmental Protection Act 1990:i)
a decision to make an entry; or
ii)
an entry; or
f) consultation with the owner occupier of the
property conducted under section 78G(3) of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 before the
service of a remediation notice?
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a ‘Radon
Affected Area’ as identified by the Health Protection
Agency?
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
No
Request:
I would like to request for Con29R Environmental Health under EIR (Qs 3.7, 3.11, 3.12 & 3.13) for the address(es) below please?
Shakespeare Road, Bedford
Response:
Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department.
Property Address:
Shakespeare Road Bedford
Outstanding Notices
3.7
Do any statutory notices which relate to the following
matters subsist in relation to the property other than
those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in this
schedule:j) environment
c) health & safety
l)
housing
f) public health
3.11
3.12
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made to
compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Contaminated Land
Do any of the following apply (including any relating to
land adjacent to or adjoining the property which has
been identified as contaminated land because it is in
such a condition that harm or pollution of controlled
waters might be caused on the property):g) a contaminated land notice;
h) in relation to a register maintained under section
78R of the Environmental Protection Act 1990:i)
a decision to make an entry; or
ii)
an entry; or
i) consultation with the owner occupier of the
property conducted under section 78G(3) of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 before the
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
3.13
service of a remediation notice?
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a ‘Radon
Affected Area’ as identified by the Health Protection
Agency?
Yes
This property falls within a Radon
Affected Area as it is underlain,
completely or partly by geology
which has potential to cause radon
levels to exceed the action levels
for either basic or full radon
protection. The level of protection
needed, if any, is site specific.
Radon Affected Areas are
designated by the Health Protection
Agency They estimate that between
1-3% of properties in the area could
be affected and recommend that
the level of radon gas should be
measured. The present owner or
(for a new property), the builder
should be asked if the radon levels
have been measured in the
property; whether the results were
at, or above the Action Level
(prescribed by the HPA) and if so,
whether remedial measures were
installed and if the radon levels
were re-tested and confirmed, the
effectiveness of the measures.
The HPA should be contacted for
any further advice. (Tel: 01235831600 or through their internet
address: www.hpa.org.uk/radiation).
A guide containing further
information about Radon Affected
Areas is available free from DEFRA
Warehouse Publications, Admail
6000, London SW1A 2XX (Tel:
08459-556000 and Fax: 020-89575012) or from DEFRA Radioactive
Substances Division, Zone 4/E7,
Ashdown House, 123 Victoria
Street, London SW1E.
3483
12/9/201
2
Request:
I would like to request for Con29R Environmental Health under EIR (Qs 3.7, 3.11, 3.12 & 3.13) for the address(es) below please?
Chaucer Road, Bedford,
Response:
Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department.
Property Address:
Chaucer Road, Bedford,
Outstanding Notices
3.7
Do any statutory notices which relate to the
following matters subsist in relation to the property
other than those revealed in a response to any other
enquiry in this schedule:k) environment
c) health & safety
m) housing
f) public health
b) No
c) No
d) No
3.11
3.12
3.13
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made
to compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Contaminated Land
Do any of the following apply (including any relating
to land adjacent to or adjoining the property which
has been identified as contaminated land because it
is in such a condition that harm or pollution of
controlled waters might be caused on the property):j) a contaminated land notice;
k) in relation to a register maintained under
section 78R of the Environmental Protection
Act 1990:i)
a decision to make an entry; or
ii)
an entry; or
l) consultation with the owner occupier of the
property conducted under section 78G(3) of
the Environmental Protection Act 1990
before the service of a remediation notice?
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
f) No
No
No
Yes
This property falls within a Radon
Affected Area as it is underlain,
completely or partly by geology which
has potential to cause radon levels to
exceed the action levels for either
basic or full radon protection. The
level of protection needed, if any, is
site specific. Radon Affected Areas
are designated by the Health
Protection Agency They estimate that
between 1-3% of properties in the
area could be affected and
recommend that the level of radon
gas should be measured. The
present owner or (for a new property),
the builder should be asked if the
radon levels have been measured in
the property; whether the results were
at, or above the Action Level
(prescribed by the HPA) and if so,
whether remedial measures were
installed and if the radon levels were
re-tested and confirmed, the
effectiveness of the measures.
The HPA should be contacted for any
further advice. (Tel: 01235-831600 or
through their internet address:
www.hpa.org.uk/radiation).
A guide containing further information
about Radon Affected Areas is
available free from DEFRA
Warehouse Publications, Admail
6000, London SW1A 2XX (Tel:
08459-556000 and Fax: 020-89575012) or from DEFRA Radioactive
Substances Division, Zone 4/E7,
Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street,
London SW1E.
3484
18/9/201
2
Request:
I request the information detailed below under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
1. Do you fund support to enable users to attend leisure and social activities as part of the daily living component of your direct
payments support to disabled people over the age of 16?
2. If you do fund this please provide a yearly breakdown of how many users received the funding outlined in question (1) during
this year to date, during 2011-2012 and during 2010-2011?
3. For each of the years listed in question (2) please provide a breakdown of the categories of activity the funding was used to
support.
4.
For each of the years listed in question (2) please provide a breakdown of the number of users from each disability category
who accessed direct payments or individual budgets funding for support with accessing leisure and/or social activities.
Response:
3485
19/9/201
2
Request:
Please could I request the following information:
- expenses claimed during Jas Parmar's time as a councillor
- the number of foreign trips he went on paid for by council or related to his work as councillor
- the details of any outsourcing contracts he oversaw
- full details of his entry on register of members interests
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested. You requested:
- expenses claimed during Jas Parmar's time as a councillor
Councillor Parmar received £19204.76 in allowance and claimed £30.30 in expenses during 7/5/06 to 06/6/09 – his time as a
Councillor
- the number of foreign trips he went on paid for by council or related to his work as councillor
None
-
the details of any outsourcing contracts he oversaw
We do not hold any information about outsourcing contracts he oversaw whilst a Councillor.
-
full details of his entry on register of members interests
We no longer hold the register entry for Cllr Parmar’s. Our document Retention/Destruction Policy requires us to hold the entries for
former Councillors for a period of two years only after they have ceased to hold office.
3486
3/9/2012
Request:
The total pre-tax annual financial compensation in the last full financial year, including bonuses, for each of the following:
1) Your highest paid employee
2) Your lowest paid directly-employed employee
3) Your lowest paid agency worker or external contractor worker
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold some of the information you requested.
Question 1
2011/12
£153,000 - £170,000
Question 2
2011/12
£12,145 - £12,489
The Council’s pay policy for the year 2012/2013 is also attached
Question 3
We do not hold the annual financial compensation in the last financial year for the lowest paid agency worker or contractor.
However, we do hold the hourly rate of pay for the lowest paid agency worker which is the national minimum wage and is
paid to industrial workers.
3487
14/9/201
2
Request:
Would you please disclose the following information to me please:
1) Any correspondence with DCLG regarding CTB reform
2) Any consultation paper you have issued on CTB reform
3) Any assessment you have made on the effect of localised council tax reform on council tax collection rates
4) Any groups that you have intend to or have suggested protecting from the impact of CTB reform, e.g. single mothers, carers, the
disabled, etc.
5) The maximum %age of council tax liabilities that you have suggested in consultation or in discussion charging current recipients,
e.g. charging 25% of council tax to some groups in order to protect pensioners. You may have provided a range; if so, that will suffice.
6) Any assessment you have made of the %age of CTB recipients that are pensioners in your local authority.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
1) Any correspondence with DCLG regarding CTB reform
The Council has not entered into correspondence with DCLG regarding Council Tax Benefit reform.
2) Any consultation paper you have issued on CTB reform
The Council has not yet issued any consultation paper on CTB reform. Public consultation is due to commence in the next two
week, and consultation papers will be published on the Council’s website www.bedford.gov.uk.
The information requested in your questions numbered 3 to 6 is contained in a report to the Council’s Executive at its meeting of
12 September 2012 and the accompanying draft Council Tax Reduction Scheme. These documents are published on the
Council’s website and are available at the following link;
http://bb-mgov01/documents/s19660/Item%2020%20Council%20Tax%20Reduction%20Scheme%20-%20Draft%20Scheme%20%20Final%20Draft.pdf
3488
17/9/201
2
Request:
Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at:
Whitworth Way, Wilstead, Bedford
Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:
3.1 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.2 – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (b) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (c) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (d) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (e) – Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (f) – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.11 – Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
Response:
Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating
to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx
The data used for answering questions 3.1, 3.2 and 3.7(e) is accessible for viewing on appointment directly with Highways
Development Control.
Property Address:
Whitworth Way, Wilstead,
3.7
3.11
3.13
3489
30/8/201
2
Outstanding Notices
Do any statutory notices which relate to the following
matters subsist in relation to the property other than
those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in
this schedule:l) environment
c) health & safety
n) housing
f) public health
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made to
compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
Request:
We understand we need replies to the following from yourselves:1.
2.
3.
4.
Are you aware of the historic use of the area
What level of priority has been assigned to the site. Please indicate the category level and number of sites within that category
Please confirm how may sites you investigate per calendar year and the likelihood of when this site will be investigated
Please confirm if the site is suitable for its current residential use.
Response:
Thank you for your request for information about property on George Street, Clapham which we received on 8th August 2012. Your
request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I have searched the records held by the Environmental Health and Trading standards Department at Bedford Borough Council, and
have answered your queries, below:
1. Please note that we do not have a comprehensive database of previous land uses within our area, or a comprehensive set of
historical data. However, we do have some information on historical uses, and a search of information held within this
department has indicated the following:


We have no record of any potentially contaminative previous land use at the above address.
The address backs onto an address on High Street, Clapham. This is a former garage site, which has now been
developed to housing, under planning permission reference: 04/01655/FUL. This site was investigated and
remediated under a condition attached to the planning permission Environmental Health stated their satisfaction that
the remediation carried out was likely to be sufficient to be protective of human health at the development site.
However, the Environment Agency had outstanding requirements relating to the protection of controlled waters, and
therefore I believe that the condition has not been formally discharged. (You may wish to confirm this with the
Planning Department).
2. The subject site is not on our list of sites to inspect. A medium level of priority has been assigned to the adjacent site. There
are 867 sites within the ‘medium priority’ category.
3. We do not currently have a target for the number of sites to investigate per calendar year. Therefore I cannot estimate when
this site is likely to be investigated.
4. This Department is not aware of any information which indicates that the property is not suitable for its current use.
3490
12/9/201
2
Request:
I would like to request for Con29R Environmental Health under EIR (Qs 3.7, 3.11, 3.12 & 3.13) for the address(es) below please?
Pembroke Street, Bedford
Response:
Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department.
Property Address:
Pembroke Street, Bedford,
Outstanding Notices
3.7
Do any statutory notices which relate to the following matters
subsist in relation to the property other than those revealed in
a response to any other enquiry in this schedule:m) environment
c) health & safety
o) housing
f) public health
3.11
3.12
3.13
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made to
compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Contaminated Land
Do any of the following apply (including any relating to land
adjacent to or adjoining the property which has been identified
as contaminated land because it is in such a condition that
harm or pollution of controlled waters might be caused on the
property):m) a contaminated land notice;
n) in relation to a register maintained under section 78R
of the Environmental Protection Act 1990:i)
a decision to make an entry; or
ii)
an entry; or
o) consultation with the owner occupier of the property
conducted under section 78G(3) of the Environmental
Protection Act 1990 before the service of a
remediation notice?
Radon Gas
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
No
Do any records indicate that the property is in a ‘Radon
Affected Area’ as identified by the Health Protection Agency?
3491
21/9/201
2
Request:
As discussed can you please forward me information regarding noise issues & complaints for the following addresses on
Kimbolton Avenue, Bedford.
Response:
In response to your question below we have checked our database and can confirm that we have no records relating to either noise or
other complaints at the addresses you specified in your request.
3492
18/9/201
2
Request:
Please can you tell me what the incremental costs were over the cost of producing the normal canvass of:
·
producing and sending Section 11 instructions/forms and/or information
·
setting up your IT system/database to record section 11 instructions (including any software development fees)
·
processing section 11 requests received from voters
Where the costs are internal (ie. staff working hours) please advise the number of hours and hourly costs of those employees.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested below:
Freedom of Information Request – Electoral Information
I refer to your request under the Freedom of Information Act regarding the Register of Electors. The registration of electors is governed
by the Representation of the People Act 1983 as amended. Under Section 8 of the Act, the council must appoint an officer of the
council to be the registration officer for any constituency or part of a constituency coterminous with or situated in the council’s area. I
am the appointed officer for the registration area of Bedford Borough. My appointment as Electoral Registration Officer is separate to
my appointment as Chief Executive and, although appointed by the council, the Electoral Registration Officer’s responsibilities and
duties are personal. An example of this is that the register of electors is deemed to be the property of the Electoral Registration Officer,
not the local authority.
The Electoral Registration Officer does not carry out the duties on behalf of the local authority but in his own personal capacity. A list of
public bodies and local authorities that are subject to the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act is available at the following
website:
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/36/schedule/1
As you will see, the Freedom of Information Act does not list any person appointed under the Representation of the People Act 1983. It
follows that the Electoral Registration Officer, Returning Officer or any other person appointed under the Act are not subject to the
provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
Notwithstanding that there is no statutory obligation to provide this information; please see below information to the requests you
make:
Q. Further to my FOI request of July 20th 2012 where I asked for copies of this year's electoral canvass forms together with any
literature regarding section 11 notifications (or permanent opt-outs), under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act I would like to
make a follow-up FOI request:
Please can you tell me what the incremental costs were over the cost of producing the normal canvass of:
·
producing and sending Section 11 instructions/forms and/or information
·
setting up your IT system/database to record section 11 instructions (including any software development fees)
·
processing section 11 requests received from voters
Where the costs are internal (ie. staff working hours) please advise the number of hours and hourly costs of those employees.
A. There were nil costs over the normal canvass process.
3493
10/9/201
2
Request and response:
Further to your request for information dated 23 August 2012, 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.
The information requested is held on individual case files and would mean doing a manual search of each case file over the three
years requested and this would exceed the appropriate limit.
This is because this particular request requires information in 513
different categories; three categories of care placement, over three years, for each of 19 age groups – 3 x 3 x 3 x 19 = 513. The
categories are also so small that individual children will be identified.
You requested:
For each of the last three full calendar years (2009/2010/2011):
1. The number of reports of looked-after children in foster care:
a) missing for any length of time (ie. the total number of reports of a child going missing),
Please provide a breakdown by age showing the number of reports for children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17 and 18 or over.
b) those missing for more than 24 hours,
Please provide a breakdown by age showing the number of reports for children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17 and 18 or over.
c) those missing for more than a week
Please provide a breakdown by age showing the number of reports for children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17 and 18 or over.
2. The number of reports of looked-after children in residential children's homes (not including respite care):
a) missing for any length of time (ie. the total number of reports of a child going missing),
Please provide a breakdown by age showing the number of reports for children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17 and 18 or over.
b) those missing for more than 24 hours,
Please provide a breakdown by age showing the number of reports for children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17 and 18 or over.
c) those missing for more than a week
Please provide a breakdown by age showing the number of reports for children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17 and 18 or over.
3. The number of reports of looked-after children in secure residential children's homes:
a) missing for any length of time (ie. the total number of reports of a child going missing),
Please provide a breakdown by age showing the number of reports for children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17 and 18 or over.
b) those missing for more than 24 hours,
Please provide a breakdown by age showing the number of reports for children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17 and 18 or over.
c) those missing for more than a week
Please provide a breakdown by age showing the number of reports for children aged 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15,
16, 17 and 18 or over.
3494
29/8/201
2
Request
In respect of hospital records for his late cousin.
Response:
Under the Freedom of Information Act the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do not hold
this information. As you are requesting health records, this would be held by the NHS. Please let us know if you would like us to
transfer your request or if you would prefer, you could contact them directly at the following address:
Freedom of Information
Board Secretary
NHS Bedfordshire and Luton
Gilbert Hitchcock House
21 Kimbolton Road
Bedford MK40 2AW
Fax: 01234 785897 or at the following web link: https://www.bedfordshireandluton.nhs.uk/page/?id=3229
3495
21/9/201
2
Request
I am undertaking a study on council based funerals. Would you be able to provide some information under the Freedom of Information
Act about national assisted funerals otherwise known as public health funerals?
Number of funerals the council has undertaken since August 2011 to present.
Contact details of who (either another government body/public or private authority) informed the council of the deceased death?
Names of the deceased in which the council has undertaken funerals
Ethnic Origin (if the information is held)
Date of death
What was the reason for the local authority to get involved in providing the funeral?
Did the deceased live in a council owned property?
Did the deceased have any family members?
If yes, were they unable to make funeral arrangements?
Have the details of the deceased been passed to either a government body and/or public authority? Please provide names of who the
information has been referred to and why.
Response
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the spreadsheet
3496
4/9/2012
Request
How many homes for affordable rent (not including social rent), which have received all necessary approvals, and with financing in
place, will be started in each of the next three years in the geographical area under your remit?
This includes those being built directly or by housing associations.
Response
Thank you for your request for information about affordable homes which we received on 24 August 2012. Your request has been
considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
Following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you have requested is not held by
Bedford Borough Council.
3497
24/9/201
2
Request
We are currently carrying out analysis into the provision of care to elderly persons. In order to assist in our work, please would you be
able to provide the following information? The information should be readily available from the relevant department with responsibility
for social care.
1. Does the local authority own any care homes registered to provide nursing or residential care to the elderly?
If the answer to the above is No, please respond to that effect without the need to complete the following. If the answer is Yes, please
also respond to the following:
2. Is the care provided by local authority employees or is the home operated by an independent body by way of lease or
management agreement?
3. Is there any strategy in place at present to close or sell the homes as going concerns?
4. Can you please confirm the names and locations of the facilities?
Response
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
We are currently carrying out analysis into the provision of care to elderly persons. In order to assist in our work, please
would you be able to provide the following information? The information should be readily available from the relevant
department with responsibility for social care.
1. Does the local authority own any care homes registered to provide nursing or residential care to the elderly?
Yes.
If the answer to the above is No, please respond to that effect without the need to complete the following. If the answer is
Yes, please also respond to the following:
2. Is the care provided by local authority employees or is the home operated by an independent body by way of lease or
management agreement?
Care is provided by BUPA under a block contract.
3. Is there any strategy in place at present to close or sell the homes as going concerns?
No but a contract review is taking place and there is likely to be a retendering of the care contract, probably linked to building
development opportunities. If this goes ahead we will advertise in OJEU and invite prospective tenderers to participate in
competitive dialogue.
4. Can you please confirm the names and locations of the facilities?
Parkside, Bedford Road, Kempston
Highfield, Corner of Torridge Rise and Avon Drive, Bedford
Rivermead, Halsey Road, Kempston
Puttenhoe, Putnoe Street, Bedford
Southway, London Road, Bedford
3498
11/9/201
2
Request
In todays climate the possibility of a Nuclear or Chemical attack is a slim, but very real, threat and with this in mind, Under the Freedom
Of Information Act 2000, I would like to request details any plans that Bedford Borough Council has in place for a nuclear or chemical
strike which would affect Bedfordshire or large scale virus outbreaks that affect Bedfordshire including, but not limited to;
- Alerting the public to such a crisis
- Managing evacuations and dealing with casualties
- Dealing with the aftermath and rescue operations
- Safeguarding the public during this time
- Ensuring hospitals can cope with an influx of patients and have suitable equipment
- Setting up and managing shelters/ places of refuge
Response
Request pursuant to Freedom of Information Act 2000 – Request No. 3498
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.
Bedford Borough Council is a Category One responder as defined by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. Bedford Borough Council
works in partnership with other Bedfordshire category one responders such as the Police, Fire Service, Ambulance Service, NHS,
Environment Agency and other local authorities as part of Bedfordshire and Luton Local Resilience Forum, BLLRF.
BLLRF holds a number of plans to respond to all kinds of emergencies.
In answer to your questions:Alerting the public to such a crisis – Done by single or multi agency communications teams using a BLLRF Warning and Informing
Plan where deemed necessary.
Managing evacuations and dealing with casualties – Evacuations are dealt with by the Police. Casualties are dealt with by the
Ambulance Service and the NHS. There are BLLRF evacuation plans in place for key areas, a BLLRF Mass Casualty plan plus Fire
and NHS decontamination plans and equipment.
Dealing with the aftermath and rescue operations – There is a Recovery section within the BLLRF Command and Control structure.
Rescue operations are led by the Emergency Services. Recovery is usually led by Local Authorities.
Safeguarding the public during this time – The public would be taken to Emergency Assistance centres where practicable or through
mass decontamination facilities if necessary.
Ensuring hospitals can cope with an influx of patients and have suitable equipment – This is an Ambulance Service and NHS issue.
Setting up and managing shelters/ places of refuge – Local Authorities are responsible for providing shelter via Emergency Assistance
Centres using the BLLRF Emergency Assistance Centre Plan
3499
20/9/201
2
Request
I attach a copy of the search results and would ask you to confirm the follow:
That you are aware of the past use of the area and have not identified the study site of any surrounding sites as ‘Contaminated Land’
(as defined under Part IIA of EPA 1990), or are not considering any further action against the site or any surrounding sites (either
formally or informally) under the legislation. If you are considering further action please let us know the level of priority assigned to the
site.
Response
Thank you for your letter requesting further information about potential contaminated land at Chantry Avenue, Kempston (Bedford),
which we received on 24th August 2012.
I have searched the records held by the Environmental Health and Trading Standards Department, and have answered your query as
follows:
This department is aware of the previous uses of land in the vicinity of the site.
By virtue of Part IIA of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (‘the Act’), the Council was required to formulate a Strategy to
detail how it plans to meet its duty to inspect land in its area and identify contaminated land under sections 78B and C of the
Act. To date, no sites within our area have been identified as falling within the definition of contaminated land as defined in
the Act.



Chantry Avenue has not been identified as requiring assessment with respect to potential contaminated land.
The Woburn Industrial Estate is located adjacent to the South of the property. We have undertaken a desk-based assessment
of the Woburn Industrial Estate and, based on its current use, do not consider it necessary to undertake any further action with
respect to contaminated land.
This department has undertaken a desk-based assessment of land located approximately 40m East along Chantry Avenue,
from this site. Between the mid-1950s until at least as late as the mid-1970s, various engineering works were located there.
These are listed in the trade directory as follows:
Year
1947
1952
1955
Door
No.
64
64
64
1961
64
1965
64
196970
1976
66
64
66
64
On-site business(es)
Residential
Residential
Residential, then:

Ashdown Bros. & Co. (Engineers) Ltd. General Engineers

Fords (Finsbury) Ltd. aluminium capping machine manufacturers
Residential, then:

Ashdown Bros. & Co. (Engineers) Ltd. Precision Engineers

Fords (Finsbury) Ltd. aluminium capping machine manufacturers

Ashdown Bros. & Co. (Engineers) Ltd. Precision Engineers

Peabody Henry W (Industries) Ltd. Chemical Manufacturers
Harvey Geo (residential), then:

Fords (Finsbury) Ltd. aluminium capping machine manufacturers
Residential, then:

Badalex (Ashdown) Ltd. Precision Engineers

Peabody Henry W (Industries) Ltd. Chemical Manufacturers.
Ivison . S. (residential), then:

Fords Finsbury Ltd – General Engineers
Residential, then:

Peabody Henry W (Industries) Ltd.
66
Residential, then:

Fords Finsbury Ltd – General Engineers
Following the assessment, the department considered that intrusive investigation would be necessary at that site. Please find below an
extract from the desk study report:
‘Having contacted the developers of the site and the Building Control Department at Bedford Borough Council, it does not
appear that any appropriate investigation has been undertaken of potential contamination at the site. No record could be
found of any remediation or raising of ground levels at the time that the residential dwellings were developed.
Given the above, it is likely that intrusive investigation will be necessary to determine whether significant contamination
exists at the site and, if so, whether it is likely to cause significant harm to residents and visitors to the site.’
At this stage, the Council is unable to state whether or not it expects any of these sites to be identified as contaminated land,
because its inspection of land is in the course of completion. Therefore, no reply given above refers to contaminated land for
the purposes of the said Act. Similarly, unless otherwise noted, references to contamination should not be taken to mean the
land has been deemed prejudicial to health or a nuisance, for the purposes of Part III of the Act.
We do not currently have a target for number of sites to investigate per calendar year. Therefore I cannot estimate when the works
site is likely to be investigated.
3500
20/9/201
2
Request
Please could you provide me with the following information under the Freedom of Information Act

Details of public houses inspected under the Joint Inspection Scheme during the period January 2011 to date
If possible, please could you give the name of the public house and the date inspected together with officers that carried out the
inspection.
Response
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold some of the information you requested. You requested:

Details of public houses inspected under the Joint Inspection Scheme during the period January 2011 to date
If possible, please could you give the name of the public house and the date inspected together with officers that carried out the
inspection.
Please find the information you requested attached. We are unable to provide the names of officers who carried out the visits as do not
hold this information.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment.
3501
17/9/201
2
Request
Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at:
New Road
Great Barford
Bedford
Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:
3.1 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.2 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (b) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (c) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (d) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (e) - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (f) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.11 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
Response
Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating
to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx
The data used for answering questions 3.1, 3.2 and 3.7(e) is accessible for viewing on appointment directly with Highways
Development Control.
Property Address:
New Road, Great Barford, Bedford,
Outstanding Notices
3.7
Do any statutory notices which relate to the
following matters subsist in relation to the property
other than those revealed in a response to any
other enquiry in this schedule:n) environment
c) health & safety
p) housing
f) public health
3.11
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made
to compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
3.13
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
No
3502
13/9/201
2
Request
Please find attached a questionnaire regarding your Council’s age-restricted sales test purchasing statistics as they relate to alcohol
and off-licensed premises.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested attached regarding the Council’s age-restricted sales test purchasing statistics as they relate
to alcohol and off-licensed premises.
Please contact Freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
3503
17/9/201
2
Request
Please accept this email as a request for the following information, in relation to the property at:
Odell Rd
Bedford
Access is required to records containing the information necessary to answer the following questions of the CON29R form:
3.1 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.2 - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (b) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (c) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (d) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (e) - Highways Development Control Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.7 (f) - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.9 (a)-(n) - Planning Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.11 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
3.13 - Environmental Health Department, Bedford Borough Council
Response
Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department. Regarding the questions relating
to planning, the Planning department advise that all information relating to planning applications is available on our website
http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/view_applications_plans__docs.aspx
The data used for answering questions 3.1, 3.2 and 3.7(e) is accessible for viewing on appointment directly with Highways
Development Control.
Property Address:
Odell Road, Odell, Bedford,
Outstanding Notices
3.7
Do any statutory notices which relate to the
following matters subsist in relation to the property
other than those revealed in a response to any
other enquiry in this schedule:o) environment
c) health & safety
q) housing
f) public health
3.11
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made
to compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
3.13
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
b) No
c) No
d) No
f) No
No
Yes
This property falls within a Radon
Affected Area as it is underlain,
completely or partly by geology which has
potential to cause radon levels to exceed
the action levels for either basic or full
radon protection. The level of protection
needed, if any, is site specific. Radon
Affected Areas are designated by the
Health Protection Agency They estimate
that between 1-3% of properties in the
area could be affected and recommend
that the level of radon gas should be
measured. The present owner or (for a
new property), the builder should be
asked if the radon levels have been
measured in the property; whether the
results were at, or above the Action Level
(prescribed by the HPA) and if so,
whether remedial measures were
installed and if the radon levels were retested and confirmed, the effectiveness of
the measures.
The HPA should be contacted for any
further advice. (Tel: 01235-831600 or
through their internet address:
www.hpa.org.uk/radiation).
A guide containing further information
about Radon Affected Areas is available
free from DEFRA Warehouse
Publications, Admail 6000, London SW1A
2XX (Tel: 08459-556000 and Fax: 0208957-5012) or from DEFRA Radioactive
Substances Division, Zone 4/E7,
Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street,
London SW1E.
3504
18/9/201
2
Request
Please supply the following information under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000
The Equality Act 2010 (Section 88 Schedule 10) requires all Local Authorities responsible for schools to create, amend and keep up to
date an Accessibility Strategy.
1. Please confirm whether you have a current Accessibility Strategy pursuant to the Equality
Act 2010.
2. If you do not have an up to date Accessibility Strategy please confirm what steps are being taken to address this breach of the Act,
and who is responsible for managing this process. Please supply contact details for this officer.
3. If you have an up to date accessibility strategy, does it cover in its content, provision for addressing web accessibility.
4. Does the strategy refer to any British Standards in regards to web accessibility (eg BS8878) – if so how.
5. Does the strategy refer to any International standards in regards to web accessibility (eg W3C WAI WCAG 2.0) – if so how.
6. Do you have any additional charters or policy commitments in regards to web accessibility – please supply these in an accessible
electronic form
7. If you have an up to date Accessibility Strategy please provide a URL where it is published. If it is not available to the general public
please supply this in an accessible electronic form.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested enclosed. You requested:
1. Please confirm whether you have a current Accessibility Strategy pursuant to the Equality Act 2010
This is out for consultation, to be adopted February 2013
2. If you do not have an up to date Accessibility Strategy please confirm what steps are being taken to address this breach of the
Act, and who is responsible for managing this process. Please supply contact details for this officer –
See above. Contact officer is Margaret Dennison Interim Executive Director Children’s Services, Schools and Families.
3. If you have an up to date accessibility strategy, does it cover in its content, provision for addressing web accessibility – the draft
does cover web access
N/A
4. Does the strategy refer to any British Standards in regards to web accessibility (eg BS8878)
No
5. Does the strategy refer to any International standards in regards to web accessibility (eg W3C WAI WCAG 2.0)
No
6. Do you have any additional charters or policy commitments in regards to web accessibility – please supply these in an
accessible electronic form
No
7. If you have an up to date Accessibility Strategy please provide a URL where it is published. If it is not available to the general
public please supply this in an accessible electronic form
Will be published in February 2013
3505
27/9/201
2
Request:
My understanding is that the Bedfordshire Pension Fund is aligned to a public authority and is consequently subject to FOIA
2000. Therefore, in accordance with the Act, I would like the request the following information:
All IMA Disclosure Tables received by trustees of the Bedfordshire Pension Fund,
·
From all investment managers appointed by the Pension Fund, documenting their relevant asset class,
·
For all periods between 31 March 2005 and 28 August 2012.
And the related Fund Manager Fee for these periods.
Response:
I refer to your recent enquiry for information held by the Council. Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority
must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm that we do hold the information you
requested.
You requested:
All IMA Disclosure Tables received by trustees of the Bedfordshire Pension Fund,
• From all investment managers appointed by the Pension Fund, documenting their relevant asset class,
• For all periods between 31 March 2005 and 28 August 2012 and the related Fund Manager Fee for these periods.
Attached are copies of the disclosures received during this period from BGI/Blackrock, Aberdeen Asset Management, Lazard Asset
Management and Alliance Bernstein. A list of Investment Managers and asset classes is contained
within the Annual Reports available via the link given below
http://www.bedspensionfund.org/fund_information/reports_and_accounts.aspx and for 2011/2012 via
http://www.councillorsupport.bedford.gov.uk/ ieListMeetings.aspx?CommitteeId=378. The amount of investment management fees is
disclosed in summary in those reports.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachments
3506
27/9/201
2
Request:
I would like to request the following information from you please:
Were there any complaints raised in relation to any of the following addresses in years 2004-2007:
Hereford Road, Bedford,
And if so, could you please let me know who raised those complaints, what those complaints were about and what the outcomes were.
Response:
Thank you for your request for information about complaints against properties on Hereford Road, Bedford between 2004 and 2007.
A copy of the information you requested is enclosed with this letter.
Please contact freedomofinformation@bedford.gov.uk for a copy of the attachment
3507
24/9/201
2
Request:
I would like to request for Con29R Environmental Health under EIR (Qs 3.7, 3.11, 3.12 & 3.13) for the address below please?
COTTRIL WAY, BEDFORD,
Response:
Thank you for your request for information. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department below.
Property Address:
Cottril Way, Bedford,
3.7
Outstanding Notices
Do any statutory notices which relate to the following
matters subsist in relation to the property other than
those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in
this schedule:p) environment
c) health & safety
r) housing
b) No
c) No
f) public health
3.11
3.13
3508
24/9/201
2
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made to
compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
d) No
f) No
No
No
Request;
I would like to request for Con29R Environmental Health under EIR (Qs 3.7, 3.11, 3.12 & 3.13) for the address below please?
Lovell Road, BEDFORD,
Response:
Thank you for your request for information. Your request has been considered under the Environmental Information Regulations 2004.
I attach the information you requested from Environmental Health & Trading Standards department below.
Property Address:
Lovell Road, Bedford, MK42 0LR
3.7
Outstanding Notices
Do any statutory notices which relate to the following
matters subsist in relation to the property other than
those revealed in a response to any other enquiry in
this schedule:q) environment
c) health & safety
s) housing
f) public health
b) No
c) No
d) No
Compulsory Purchase
Has any enforceable order or decision been made to
compulsorily purchase or acquire the property?
Radon Gas
Do any records indicate that the property is in a
‘Radon Affected Area’ as identified by the Health
Protection Agency?
3.11
3.13
3509
23/8/201
2
f) No
No
No
Request:
Requesting Personal Information
Response:
I can confirm that the information you requested may be held under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“the 2000 Act”).
However, the Council, for the reasons that follow, declines to disclose the information requested.
In respect of this request and pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the 2000 Act, the Council
1.
States that the documentation you requested is exempt information.
2.
Specifies, that the exemption in question is the subject of an absolute exemption contained within Section 40 (Personal Data)
of the 2000 Act.
An explanation follows below:
The information you are requesting is your personal information and such information is exempt under the Freedom of Information Act
2000 and is covered by the Data Protection Act 1998. This necessitates completion of the attached Subject Access Request Form.
Guidance Notes containing information regarding completion of the form are also attached. Further information is available at the
attached link: http://www.bedford.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/data_protection,__foi__eir/data_protection.aspx
3510
17/9/201
2
Request:
We are currently reviewing our employee benefits package and so are conducting research to find out what other local authorities offer
their employees.
Therefore, I would like to request the below information under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Private Medical Health Insurance
1. Do you provide Private Medical Health Insurance (for example, through BUPA, or AXAPPP) to your employees?
Yes / No
If yes:
a. Who do you provide cover to:
All employees
Senior managers
Directors
Other, please explain
b. What level of cover do you provide?
Single
Couple
Single Parent Family
Family
c.
Do you provide a different level of cover depending upon seniority?
d. Do you allow employees to cover other family members at their own expense?
Health and Wellbeing
2. Do you offer employees access to a Health Cash Plan on a voluntary or employer paid basis?
3. Do you offer employees access to Dental Health Insurance on a voluntary or employer paid basis?
Development
4. Do you offer your employees time away from work for personal development opportunities?
5. Do you sponsor career development for your employees, eg pay for professional qualifications?
6. Where you do sponsor, are there any criteria applied (e.g. must be related to role)?
Leave
7. Do you provide employees with the opportunity to buy and/or release annual leave?
8. Do you provide unpaid sabbatical opportunities to employees?
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested.
Please find the information you requested below:
Private Medical Health Insurance
1. Do you provide Private Medical Health Insurance (for example, through BUPA, or AXAPPP) to your employees?
No
2. Do you offer employees access to a Health Cash Plan on a voluntary or employer paid basis?
No
3. Do you offer employees access to Dental Health Insurance on a voluntary or employer paid basis?
No
Development
4. Do you offer your employees time away from work for personal development opportunities?
Yes, in accordance with the Council’s time off for training policy
5. Do you sponsor career development for your employees, eg pay for professional qualifications?
The Council will sponsor degree/professional qualifications for some roles eg: Social Workers, HR
6. Where you do sponsor, are there any criteria applied (e.g. must be related to role)?
Yes
. any sponsorship must be related to the role
. the employee must remain in the employ of the Council for a period of 2 years after obtaining the qualification, provided that
there is a suitable post available requiring the qualification.
Leave
7. Do you provide employees with the opportunity to buy and/or release annual leave?
No
8. Do you provide unpaid sabbatical opportunities to employees?
This will be considered where requested and will be based on the needs of the service area.
Note: The Council will be undertaking a review of its Employee Benefits Package
3511
11/9/201
2
Request:
I am requesting you send me CCTV footage from my visit to a Car Park on 10 August.
Response:
Further to your request for information dated 20/8/12, 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:
CCTV images of yourself on 10/8/12
Pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the Act the Council
1. States that the information requested is exempt information.
Specifies, that the exemption in question is contained within Section 40 Personal Information of the FOI Act (FOIA). This would be
covered by Subject Access Request. Further details are attached.
3512
5/9/2012
Request:
Firstly, I would like to know: what is the greatest number of council tax - related letters that have been sent to one individual in the
space of a year from 2005 to present?
Secondly I would like to know how many council tax-related letters are sent every year in your council area. Finally I would like to know
how much is spent every year from 2005 to present on printing, stationary, postage and estimated labour sending council tax letters.
Response:
Further to your request for information dated 28 August 2012, 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.
3513
24/9/201
2
Request:
Please let me know how many Second Adult Rebates are currently being granted - split between those awarded as a result of the
"Better Buy" calculation and those awarded as a result of a claim for 2AR and also split between the three income bands. Also,
please let me know the annual amount of 2ARs granted for this year and the last two years.
Response:
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act, the authority must state whether or not the information exists and I confirm
that we do hold the information you requested and you will find the information below.
Our Caseload figure for 2AR cases as at the end of 2010/11 was 164 and 2011/12 162. We are unable to split standard CTB payments
from CTB via 2AR / better buy on our reports so this data would need to be collated manually which would take a considerable amount
of time.
We have been able to ascertain the data below for the current claims as at 07/09/2012. Please bear in mind that the current numbers
may fluctuate from day to day,
Claim Type
2AR
CTB (better buy)
7.50%
15%
25%
Totals
0
23
71
94
11
26
19
56
Clarification from requester on response received:
Thank you for your email of 24th September 2012 and your response to the information which I requested in the second paragraph of
my email of 31st August 2012. I note that you are unable to provide the amounts of Council Tax Benefit granted in respect of Second
Adult Rebate. In the circumstances, perhaps you could split the number of Second Adult Rebates currently being granted (150)
between pensioner claimants and working-age claimants if that information is readily available.
Final response sent 25/9/12
Further to your below email and your request in paragraph one for clarification, our response is as follows:
The split between working age claims and non-working age is below. We have gained a few ‘Better Buy’ claims in the last few weeks,
the total number of 2AR and CTB Better Buy claims tends to hover between 150 and 160 looking back over the year. The figures are
showing as a combined figure as, unfortunately, we are unable to comply with your request to split the claims down to working age and
non-working age as we estimate that the cost to do so would exceed the “appropriate limit” under 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.
Working Age
Non-Working Age
2AR / better Buy claims
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