Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         Councillor Rania Khan (Cabinet Member for Culture)

·         Councillor Shahed Ali (Cabinet Member for Environment)

Action by:

ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE – LEGAL SERVICES (I. FREEMAN)

(Committee Services Manager, Democratic Services, Chief Executive’s (M. Mannion)

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         Councillor Rania Khan (Cabinet Member for Culture)

·         Councillor Shahed Ali (Cabinet Member for Environment)

Noted.

No pecuniary interests were declared however Councillor Shafiqul Haque noted in relation to Item 6.1 that he was a leaseholder but that it was not a Pecuniary Interest and so he would take part in the discussion of that item.

No pecuniary interests were declared however Councillor Shafiqul Haque noted in relation to Item 6.1 that he was a leaseholder but that it was not a Pecuniary Interest and so he would take part in the discussion of that item.

Noted.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 5 December 2012 are presented for information.

The unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Cabinet held on 5 December 2012 were presented for information.

The unrestricted minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Cabinet held on 5 December 2012 were presented for information.

To receive any petitions.

No petitions were received.

No petitions were received.

To receive any advice of key issues or questions in relation to the unrestricted business to be considered, arising from the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 8 January 2013.

Pre-decision scrutiny questions on Agenda Items 6.3 (Disposals Programme), 71 (Future Commissioning Arrangements and 8.1 (Bonner Primary School) were Tabled and noted.

Pre-decision scrutiny questions on Agenda Items 6.3 (Disposals Programme), 71 (Future Commissioning Arrangements and 8.1 (Bonner Primary School) were Tabled and noted.

The tabled responses to the questions on Items 7.1 and 8.1 were also noted. In respect of the question on Item 6.3, officers responded to that question under the appropriate Agenda Item.

In addition, Councillor Ann Jackson, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) provided the Cabinet with an update on their meeting the previous evening. She reported that a number of issues had been considered including that:

·         An extraordinary OSC meeting had been held on 17 December to consider the call-in of the Mainstream Grants Programme and that Members were still looking for answers to some questions in relation to the scheme.

·         The regular January meeting had received a report on the 2012 annual canvass and also the new individual electoral registration system where Members had expressed concerns over the potential for fraud under individual registration and accuracy issues on the data matched by the Department for Work and Pensions which would create additional work for the elections team.

·         On the Financial Inclusion Strategy there was an interesting discussion on possible ways of tackling this issue.

·         The Committee was continuing its review work for example on the accountability of housing providers and on youth unemployment. Work would also shortly begin on reviewing post-16 attainment and the mainstream grants programme.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Ann Jackson for her update.

(Under provisions of Article 6 Para 6.02 V of the Constitution).

Nil items.

Nil items.

The Clerk advised that no requests had been received by the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to ‘call-in’ for further consideration, by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee any provisional decisions taken by the Mayor in Cabinet, at the Cabinet meeting held on 5 December 2012.

1.         To adopt the Payment options detailed at Appendix 1

2.         To authorise the Corporate Director Development and Renewal in consultation with Assistant Chief Executive (Legal), to enter into all necessary documents to implement the decisions made in respect of this report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Service Head Housing, Strategy and Regeneration (J. Odunoye)

(Housing Partnerships Manager (J. Kiwanuka)

(Leasehold Manager (B. Whiteside)

Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing introduced the report. She highlighted the duty of care the Council had to leaseholders and the options available to offer payment support and encourage early payments.

During discussion, a number of Cabinet Members welcomed the report. Members also highlighted issues to consider including:

·         Ensuring works were completed to a satisfactory level.

·         Whether some leaseholders were subletting properties.

·         The responsibility on leaseholders to pay their bills but the need to ensure bills were appropriate.

In particular the Cabinet Member for Jobs and Skills, Councillor Shafiqul Haque, emphasised that:

·         Section 20 consultations must be meaningful and effective and not just the minimum required.

·         He had concerns that Service Charge levels at Tower Hamlets Homes were far in excess of reasonable levels elsewhere. The Corporate Director was asked to look into this issue.

It was stated that the Cabinet Member for Housing would be leading a subgroup to maintain oversight of many of these issues.

The Mayor welcomed the report and thanked Members for their contributions to the discussion. He stated that officers would convey the concerns expressed to Tower Hamlets Homes to ensure the actions are taken.

RESOLVED

1.         To adopt the Payment options detailed at Appendix 1

2.         To authorise the Corporate Director Development and Renewal in consultation with Assistant Chief Executive (Legal), to enter into all necessary documents to implement the decisions made in respect of this report.

1.           To authorise the Mayor to award the DH works contracts to the contractors and consultants listed in 2.1.1 – 2.1.3 once the results of the leaseholder consultation have been considered,

1.1         Lot 1 Contractors (Internal Works only)

·         Chigwell (Shepherds Bush) Ltd

·         RR Richardson LTD

1.2         Lot  2 Contractors (Internal and External Works)

·         Apollo Property Services Group LTD

·         Axis Europe PLC and

·         Breyer Group PLC

1.3         Lot 2 Consultants (Internal and External Works) Framework of 6 consultants with the first 3 administering the 2013/14 DH works programme annual mini competition thereafter:

·         Mace   Group             

·         John Rowan and Partners LLP

·         Pellings LLP

·         Frankham Consultancy Group Limited

·         Bailey Garner LLP

·         Potter Raper Partnerships

2.            To authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal), to enter into all necessary documents to implement the decisions made in respect of this report.

3.            To adopt an initial capital estimate of £71 million in respect of the 2013/14 and 2014/15 DH Programme, profiled as 2013/14: £25million and 2014/15: £46 million, in order to enter into the contracts.  The details of the programme of works will be subject to a separate report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Service Head Housing, Strategy and Regeneration (J. Odunoye)

(Housing Partnerships Manager (J. Kiwanuka)

(Decent Homes Procurement Project Manager THH (J. Mack)

Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, introduced the report. She highlighted the level of Decent Homes funding achieved by the Council but reported that there was still a shortfall. She explained that the Mayor had agreed to fund the shortfall. Finally, she highlighted that the contracts would result in significant local benefits including new apprenticeships, and both long and short term employment options.

Members proceeded to discuss the report and raised a number of issues including that:

·         It was important to ensure that the past record of the contractors was considered when awarding contracts.

·         The standard of work should also be monitored with appropriate sanctions available.

The Mayor welcomed the report and in particular the benefits the contracts could have to local companies and employment.

RESOLVED

1.           To authorise the Mayor to award the DH works contracts to the contractors and consultants listed in 2.1.1 – 2.1.3 once the results of the leaseholder consultation have been considered,

1.1         Lot 1 Contractors (Internal Works only)

·         Chigwell (Shepherds Bush) Ltd

·         RR Richardson LTD

1.2         Lot  2 Contractors (Internal and External Works)

·         Apollo Property Services Group LTD

·         Axis Europe PLC and

·         Breyer Group PLC

1.3         Lot 2 Consultants (Internal and External Works) Framework of 6 consultants with the first 3 administering the 2013/14 DH works programme annual mini competition thereafter:

·         Mace   Group             

·         John Rowan and Partners LLP

·         Pellings LLP

·         Frankham Consultancy Group Limited

·         Bailey Garner LLP

·         Potter Raper Partnerships

2.            To authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal), to enter into all necessary documents to implement the decisions made in respect of this report.

3.            To adopt an initial capital estimate of £71 million in respect of the 2013/14 and 2014/15 DH Programme, profiled as 2013/14: £25million and 2014/15: £46 million, in order to enter into the contracts.  The details of the programme of works will be subject to a separate report.

1.            To note the contents of this report:

2.            To agree to the disposal of part of Southern Grove;

3.            To authorise officers to secure a planning brief for site at part of Southern Grove;

4.            Following consultation with the Mayor and Lead Member for Resources, authorise the Director of Development and Renewal, in conjunction with the Assistant Chief Executive Legal Services, to accept the best tender return for the site on conclusion of the marketing exercise; and , 

5.            To authorise officers to appoint external agents to support the marketing of the site.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES, LOCALITIES AND CULTURE (S. HALSEY)

(Service Head – Strategic Property and Capital Delivery (A. Sutcliffe)

Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report.

In response to questions, officers reported that external agents were to be employed to help ensure best value was achieved on the open market.

In response to the tabled Overview and Scrutiny Committee question, officers described the process undertaken in evaluating disposal decisions including Cabinet and Asset Management Group discussions. It was highlighted that this was one part of a larger programme and that social and affordable housing were an important part of the wider scheme.

The Mayor welcomed the report and how it would help to deliver the aspirations of the Council. He accepted the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED

1.            To note the contents of this report:

2.            To agree to the disposal of part of Southern Grove;

3.            To authorise officers to secure a planning brief for site at part of Southern Grove;

4.            Following consultation with the Mayor and Lead Member for Resources, authorise the Director of Development and Renewal, in conjunction with the Assistant Chief Executive Legal Services, to accept the best tender return for the site on conclusion of the marketing exercise; and , 

5.            To authorise officers to appoint external agents to support the marketing of the site.

1.            To note this report and that there is a further report to be considered in the Part II Exempt section of the meeting.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES, LOCALITIES AND CULTURE (S. HALSEY)

(Service Head – Strategic Property and Capital Delivery (A. Sutcliffe)

Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, introduced the report. She highlighted that the report was a significant step to realising the Mayor’s pledge to reopen Poplar Baths and that it would also enable the building of 100 much-needed housing units and a youth centre.

During discussion of the report two local residents who had been involved in the campaign to reopen the baths addressed Cabinet and welcomed the progress that had been made. They also looked forward to seeing Dame Collet House being rebuilt and the new youth centre being provided. Cabinet Members also welcomed the report and paid tribute to those who had campaigned for Poplar Baths to be reopened. They urged that action be taken as soon as possible.

The Mayor welcomed the report and noted that there would be a further report to consider in Part II of the meeting.

Note – the report resolutions were considered alongside the Part II/Exempt report later in the meeting. For the final resolution please see Item 16.1.

1             To approve the commencement of competitive tender processes for the following contracts:

·         (See section 1a of the spread sheet appended to the report); (Please note contracts will not be awarded if insufficient funding is allocated by the DoH and the matter will be brought back to the Mayor)

2.           To approve the extension, for up to 12 months, and subsequent procurement during 2013/14, of the following contracts:

·         (See section 1b of the spread sheet appended to the report)

3.           To approve the procurement, during 2013/14 of the following contracts scheduled to expire on 31 March 2014:

·         (See section 1c of the spread sheet appended to the report);

4.           To note the contracts currently held by the NHS where the services are already provided by the Council.  These will become directly provided services from 01 April 2013, and therefore no further commissioning is required:

·         (See section 1d of the spread sheet appended to the report);

5.           To note the contracts which the NHS will not maintain beyond 31 March 2013 and will be decommissioned by the PCT. Therefore no commissioning activity is required by the Council:

·         (See section 1e of the spread sheet appended to the report);

6.           To approve the transfer of responsibility to the Council for the elements of the current contracts with Barts Health NHS Trust and the East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) which pertain to services delivered to residents of Tower Hamlets and note that the Barts contract expires on 31 March 2014 and the ELFT contract on 30^th June 2014. The services currently provided to Tower Hamlets residents under these contracts are:

·         (See section 2a of the spread sheet appended to the report);

7.           To note the intention to work with the Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group, neighbouring Councils and their respective Clinical Commissioning Groups who have an interest in the contracts with the Barts Health NHS Trust during 2013/14 to determine longer term commissioning arrangements which balance local flexibility and priorities with a prudent approach to risk sharing;

8.           To delegate authority to the Corporate Director responsible for the functions being exercised in the contracts in accordance with the Council’s constitution in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing and Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services), and subject to final approval by the Mayor, to enter into various agreements to give effect to the recommendations detailed above and also to enter an agreement with the Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group for the management of contractual arrangements with GPs and Pharmacists currently delivered under NHS Local Enhanced Services arrangements or direct employment contracts with the NHS, for the period 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014.  This is subject always to establishing adequate funding and satisfactory terms that protect the Council and deliver local objectives and or other appropriate providers.  In particular the services currently provided to Tower Hamlets residents under these Local Enhanced Services arrangements are:

·         (See sections 2c and 2e of the spread sheet appended to the report);

9.           To approve  ...  view the full decision text for item 7.1

Councillor Abdul Asad, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing introduced the report. He thanked officers and Members for the amount of work undertaken on this issue. He highlighted that once the contracts were transferred to the Local Authority the Mayor would be involved in deciding when they would end. In relation to paragraph 6.11 and the commissioning intentions for various groups of contracts, the Mayor and Cabinet Members would be fully involved in the re-design and procurement of the new Public Health services and Councillor Asad would be working with officers to produce procurement plans to reflect the Council’s and community’s wishes.

The Acting Corporate Director of Children, Schools and Families drew members attention to tabled changes to the report although she emphasised that these did not affect the recommendations.

The Mayor noted the discussion including around the need to advertise out to the community and the tabled question and answer from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. He stated that it was important that locally based services were best able to benefit the community. He agreed with Councillor Abdul Assad’s proposed alteration to recommendation 2 and approved the recommendations.

RESOLVED

1             To approve the commencement of competitive tender processes for the following contracts:

·         (See section 1a of the spread sheet appended to the report); (Please note contracts will not be awarded if insufficient funding is allocated by the DoH and the matter will be brought back to the Mayor)

2.           That once the contracts had been transferred to the Local Authority, they would fall under Council control and the Mayor would decide when they would end. This would be done as part of a programme of service redesign.

·         (See section 1b of the spread sheet appended to the report)

3.           To approve the procurement, during 2013/14 of the following contracts scheduled to expire on 31 March 2014:

·         (See section 1c of the spread sheet appended to the report);

4.           To note the contracts currently held by the NHS where the services are already provided by the Council.  These will become directly provided services from 01 April 2013, and therefore no further commissioning is required:

·         (See section 1d of the spread sheet appended to the report);

5.           To note the contracts which the NHS will not maintain beyond 31 March 2013 and will be decommissioned by the PCT. Therefore no commissioning activity is required by the Council:

·         (See section 1e of the spread sheet appended to the report);

6.           To approve the transfer of responsibility to the Council for the elements of the current contracts with Barts Health NHS Trust and the East London Foundation Trust (ELFT) which pertain to services delivered to residents of Tower Hamlets and note that the Barts contract expires on 31 March 2014 and the ELFT contract on 30^th June 2014. The services currently provided to Tower Hamlets residents under these contracts are:

·         (See section 2a of the spread sheet appended to the report);

7.           To note the intention to work with the Tower Hamlets  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.1

1                To note the contents of this report;

2                To agree that statutory proposals should be published for the enlargement of Bonner Primary School to admit 120 pupils in each year from September 2013.

3                To authorise the Acting Corporate Director Children Schools and Families, after consulting with the Mayor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services), to negotiate and agree such terms (including, in either case, the payment of appropriate financial compensation), as will enable the proposed extension to Bonner Primary School either to share the PDC with the University until 2018, or for the University to vacate those parts of the PDC which it occupies and move into alternative premises.

4                To authorise the Acting Corporate Director Children Schools and Families, after consulting with the Mayor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and  the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to negotiate and agree with the University such terms for the University’s continued occupation of the PDC as will enable the University to continue to enjoy its current use of the PDC in a manner which is consonant with the University’s reasonable expectations including (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing), teaching both undergraduate and post-graduate students in an environment not inimical to academic study.

5                To authorise the Acting Corporate Director Children Schools and Families after consulting with the Mayor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to take such steps as are necessary in the planning and design process to ensure that the Council is enabled fully to comply with its legal obligations relating to the safeguarding of children.

Action by:

INTERIM CORPORATE DIRECTOR CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES (I. CATTERMOLE)

(Head of Building Development (P. Watson)

Councillor Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, introduced the report. He highlighted the growing demand for school places in the borough and that Bonner Primary School was an outstanding school. He stated that recommendations 3, 4 and 5 should be altered to include the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services in the consultation processes.

Responding to questions officers stated that adequate safeguards were in place in light of the building having shared uses.

The Mayor noted the tabled Overview and Scrutiny tabled question and answer, the concerns expressed in relation to the shared use of the site and the impact on the University of Cumbria’s services and he agreed the recommendations subject to the amendments proposed.

RESOLVED

1                To note the contents of this report;

2                To agree that statutory proposals should be published for the enlargement of Bonner Primary School to admit 120 pupils in each year from September 2013.

3             To authorise the Acting Corporate Director Children Schools and Families, after consulting with the Mayor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services), to negotiate and agree such terms (including, in either case, the payment of appropriate financial compensation), as will enable the proposed extension to Bonner Primary School either to share the PDC with the University until 2018, or for the University to vacate those parts of the PDC which it occupies and move into alternative premises.

4                To authorise the Acting Corporate Director Children Schools and Families, after consulting with the Mayor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and  the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to negotiate and agree with the University such terms for the University’s continued occupation of the PDC as will enable the University to continue to enjoy its current use of the PDC in a manner which is consonant with the University’s reasonable expectations including (without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing), teaching both undergraduate and post-graduate students in an environment not inimical to academic study.

5                To authorise the Acting Corporate Director Children Schools and Families after consulting with the Mayor, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to take such steps as are necessary in the planning and design process to ensure that the Council is enabled fully to comply with its legal obligations relating to the safeguarding of children.

1.    To agree the Violence Against Women and Girls Plan as set out in Appendix 1.

2.    To consider the equality analysis in Appendix 2.

3.    To note that the Violence Against Women and Girls Plan has been prepared with the Council’s major partners to be the appropriate detailed service and partnership framework for addressing all forms of violence against women and girls within the Borough.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES, LOCALITIES AND CULTURE (S. HALSEY)

(Head of Community Safety (E. Fieran-Reed)

(Domestic Violence & Hate Crime Manager (S Narayan)

Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, introduced the report. He welcomed the proposals and highlighted the four objectives that the Council wanted to achieve.

During discussion the impact on proposed benefits cuts was noted and officers confirmed that extensive consultation had taken place with service users in drawing up the plan.

The Mayor welcomed the report and agreed the recommendations.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the Violence Against Women and Girls Plan as set out in Appendix 1.

2.    To consider the equality analysis in Appendix 2.

3.    To note that the Violence Against Women and Girls Plan has been prepared with the Council’s major partners to be the appropriate detailed service and partnership framework for addressing all forms of violence against women and girls within the Borough.

1.         To agree that the Authority will continue to follow rent restructuring guidelines, and that therefore, the average 2013/14 weekly rent increase for tenanted Council dwellings will be £4.39 and the average weekly tenanted service charge increase will be £0.25 from the first rent week in April 2013.

2.         To note that the HRA budget will be presented to Cabinet for approval in February 2013.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Service Head - Resources (C. Holme)

(Finance Manager (P. Leeson)

(Senior Accountant, D&R (K. Ball)

[Note – Agenda Items 10.1 (Housing Revenue Account), 10.2 (Council Tax Base Report), 10.3 (General Fund Capital and Revenue Budgets) and 10.4 (Council Tax Support Scheme) were considered together and the combined minute is presented here. The approved recommendations are listed under the relevant items]

Councillor Rabina Khan, Cabinet Member for Housing, introduced the report for Item 10.1. She highlighted that although the rents were increasing in line with government policy they were still very low in comparison to other boroughs.

Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the reports for items 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4. In particular he highlighted that:

·         There were proposed changes to Council Tax to encourage landlords to ensure properties were occupied.

·         The Council budget presented was at a draft stage and would go out to consultation.

·         The budget listed actions to deal with the funding gap from central government whilst tackling the Mayor’s priorities.

·         The Council Tax support scheme was important in these tough economic circumstances.

The reports were discussed and issues raised included:

·         Consultations with unions over reductions in posts.

·         Service charge levels for tenants.

·         Actions to support families suffering economic difficulties.

·         Positive actions being taken in areas such as supporting young people in education in spite of the government funding cuts.

The Mayor thanked everyone for their contributions and accepted the recommendations in the reports.

RESOLVED

1.         To agree that the Authority will continue to follow rent restructuring guidelines, and that therefore, the average 2013/14 weekly rent increase for tenanted Council dwellings will be £4.39 and the average weekly tenanted service charge increase will be £0.25 from the first rent week in April 2013.

2.         To note that the HRA budget will be presented to Cabinet for approval in February 2013.

1.         To consider and agree that:

·         in relation to second homes, furnished empty properties, properties undergoing refurbishment, and new properties, the Council can charge up to 100% of the full Council Tax payable;

·         for properties empty for more than 2 years, a levy of 1.5 times the full Council Tax payable be charged; and

·         agree the policy on “Section 13a Council Tax Reductions”

2.         To approve, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, that the amount calculated by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets as its Council Tax Base for the year 2013/14 shall be 71,531 including  the technical changes.

Action by:

SECTION 151 OFFICER, SERVICE HEAD – FINANCIAL SERVICES, RISK & ACCOUNTABILITY (A. FINCH)

(Head of Revenue Services (R. Jones)

[Note – Agenda Items 10.1 (Housing Revenue Account), 10.2 (Council Tax Base Report), 10.3 (General Fund Capital and Revenue Budgets) and 10.4 (Council Tax Support Scheme) were considered together and the combined minute is presented under Item 10.1.]

RESOLVED

1.         To consider and agree that:

·         in relation to second homes, furnished empty properties, properties undergoing refurbishment, and new properties, the Council can charge up to 100% of the full Council Tax payable;

·         for properties empty for more than 2 years, a levy of 1.5 times the full Council Tax payable be charged; and

·         agree the policy on “Section 13a Council Tax Reductions”

2.         To approve, in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992, that the amount calculated by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets as its Council Tax Base for the year 2013/14 shall be 71,531 including  the technical changes.

1.    To agree to propose the items listed below for public consultation and consideration by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework (Section 15). A further report will then be submitted to the next Cabinet meeting in February detailing the results of consultations and inviting the Cabinet to recommend a budget Requirement and Council Tax for 2013-14 to Full Council.

a.    Funding

The funding available for 2013-14 and the indications and forecasts for future years (section 8) and note the introduction of the new local government funding system (Appendix 2).

b.    Base Budget 2013-14

The Base Budget for 2013-14 as £293.865m as detailed in Appendix 2.

c.    Growth and Inflation

The risks identified from potential inflation and committed growth arising in 2013-14 and future years and as set out in Section 9 and in Appendix 3.

d.    General Fund Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan 2013-14 to 2015-16

The initial budget proposal and Council Tax for 2013-14 together with the Medium Term Financial Plan set out in Appendix 1 and the savings targets arising.

e.    Savings

Savings items proposed to be included in budgets for 2013-14 and future years set out in Section 10 and in Appendices 4 and 5.

f.     Capital Programme

The capital programme to 2014-15, including the proposed revisions to the current programme as set out in section 14 and detailed in Appendix 9.

g.    Dedicated Schools Grant

The position with regard to Dedicated Schools Grant as set out in section 12 and Appendix 7.

h.    Housing Revenue Account

The position with regard to the Housing Revenue Account as set out in section 13 and Appendix 8.

i.      Financial Risks: Reserves and Contingencies

Advice on strategic budget risks and opportunities as set out in section 11 and Appendices 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3.

j.      Reserves and Balances

The position in relation to reserves as set out in the report and further detailed in Appendices 6.1 and 6.3, and officers’ advice on the strategy for general reserves at 8.40.

Action by:

SECTION 151 OFFICER, SERVICE HEAD – FINANCIAL SERVICES, RISK & ACCOUNTABILITY (A. FINCH)

[Note – Agenda Items 10.1 (Housing Revenue Account), 10.2 (Council Tax Base Report), 10.3 (General Fund Capital and Revenue Budgets) and 10.4 (Council Tax Support Scheme) were considered together and the combined minute is presented under Item 10.1.]

RESOLVED

1.    To agree to propose the items listed below for public consultation and consideration by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework (Section 15). A further report will then be submitted to the next Cabinet meeting in February detailing the results of consultations and inviting the Cabinet to recommend a budget Requirement and Council Tax for 2013-14 to Full Council.

a.    Funding

The funding available for 2013-14 and the indications and forecasts for future years (section 8) and note the introduction of the new local government funding system (Appendix 2).

b.    Base Budget 2013-14

The Base Budget for 2013-14 as £293.865m as detailed in Appendix 2.

c.    Growth and Inflation

The risks identified from potential inflation and committed growth arising in 2013-14 and future years and as set out in Section 9 and in Appendix 3.

d.    General Fund Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan 2013-14 to 2015-16

The initial budget proposal and Council Tax for 2013-14 together with the Medium Term Financial Plan set out in Appendix 1 and the savings targets arising.

e.    Savings

Savings items proposed to be included in budgets for 2013-14 and future years set out in Section 10 and in Appendices 4 and 5.

f.     Capital Programme

The capital programme to 2014-15, including the proposed revisions to the current programme as set out in section 14 and detailed in Appendix 9.

g.    Dedicated Schools Grant

The position with regard to Dedicated Schools Grant as set out in section 12 and Appendix 7.

h.    Housing Revenue Account

The position with regard to the Housing Revenue Account as set out in section 13 and Appendix 8.

i.      Financial Risks: Reserves and Contingencies

Advice on strategic budget risks and opportunities as set out in section 11 and Appendices 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3.

j.      Reserves and Balances

The position in relation to reserves as set out in the report and further detailed in Appendices 6.1 and 6.3, and officers’ advice on the strategy for general reserves at 8.40.

1.         To agree the proposed Council Tax Support scheme asthe replacement to Council Tax Benefit from April 2013. (The draft scheme is published on the Council’s website)

2.         To note the results of the public consultation on the Council Tax Support scheme.

3.         To note that the scheme willneed to be agreed by fullCouncil.

4.         To note that adoption of the scheme will enable the council to apply for part of a £100m DCLG transition grant.

Action by:

SECTION 151 OFFICER, SERVICE HEAD – FINANCIAL SERVICES, RISK & ACCOUNTABILITY (A. FINCH)

(Claire Symonds – (Service Head Customer Access & ICT)

(Steve Hill – (Head of Benefits Services)

[Note – Agenda Items 10.1 (Housing Revenue Account), 10.2 (Council Tax Base Report), 10.3 (General Fund Capital and Revenue Budgets) and 10.4 (Council Tax Support Scheme) were considered together and the combined minute is presented under Item 10.1.]

RESOLVED

1.         To agree the proposed Council Tax Support scheme asthe replacement to Council Tax Benefit from April 2013. (The draft scheme is published on the Council’s website)

2.         To note the results of the public consultation on the Council Tax Support scheme.

3.         To note that the scheme willneed to be agreed by fullCouncil.

4.         To note that adoption of the scheme will enable the council to apply for part of a £100m DCLG transition grant.

1.            To consider the contract summary at Appendix 1, and identify those contracts about which specific reports – relating either to contracting strategy or to contract award – should be brought before Cabinet prior to contract award by the appropriate Chief Officer for the service area;

2.            To authorise the relevant Corporate Director who holds the budget for the service area to award the contract or contracts following consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services)on the relevant terms and conditions of contract with the exception of the Domiciliary Care Framework Contract (AHWB 4396) which was dererred; and

3.            To authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to execute all necessary contract documents in respect of the awards of contracts referred to at recommendation 2 above.

Councillor Abdul Asad, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing introduced the report. He explained that the Domiciliary Care Contract on page 28 of the supplementary pack was being withdrawn from the report.

The Mayor welcomed the report and accepted the recommendations subject to the removal of the Domiciliary Care Contract.

RESOLVED

1.            To consider the contract summary at Appendix 1, and to agree the following contracts be taken forward:

a.    Resources R4414 – (Various insurances)

b.    Resources R4357 – (Leaseholder Insurance)

c.    Chief Executive CE3878 – (Print and Design Framework)

d.    Chief Executive CE4364 – (Inter-borough print contract)

e.    CLC 4383 – (Community Alcohol Service)

f.     D&R 4370 – (Office equipment – printers and MFDs)

2.            To authorise the relevant Corporate Director who holds the budget for the service area to award the contract or contracts set out in 1 above following consultation with the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) on the relevant terms and conditions of contract and

3.            To authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) to execute all necessary contract documents in respect of the awards of contracts referred to at recommendation 1 above.

1.    To note the Procurement Policy Priorities.

Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member for Resources, welcomed the report. He thanked officers for their work and highlighted the importance of a good procurement plan in helping to target the Council’s priorities.

The Mayor welcomed the report and highlighted its value in driving forward the Council’s ambitions.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the Procurement Policy Priorities.

Nil items.

1.    To note the exercise of Corporate Directors’ discretions as set out in Appendix 1.

The Mayor received the report and accepted the recommendation.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the exercise of Corporate Directors’ discretions as set out in Appendix 1.

That pursuant to regulation 21(1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting:

(a)  As it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted in Section Two of the agenda, that if members of the public were present during consideration of this business there would be disclosure of exempt information.

·         Exempt information is defined in section 100I and, by reference, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”). To be exempt, information must fall within one of the categories listed in paragraphs 1 to 7 of Schedule 12A, must not fall within one of the excluded categories in paragraphs 8 and 9 and the public interest in maintaining the exemption must outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information.

o   Agenda item 16.1. “Poplar Baths and Dame Colet House – Tender results report and recommendation” contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council.

(b)  As although there is a public interest favouring public access to local authority meetings, in this case the Cabinet concluded that given the information contained in:

o   Agenda item 16.1. “Poplar Baths and Dame Colet House – Tender results report and recommendation” contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council.

that the public interest in maintaining the exemption on the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

RESOLVED

That pursuant to regulation 21(1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2000, the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting:

(a)  As it was likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted in Section Two of the agenda, that if members of the public were present during consideration of this business there would be disclosure of exempt information.

·         Exempt information is defined in section 100I and, by reference, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the 1972 Act”). To be exempt, information must fall within one of the categories listed in paragraphs 1 to 7 of Schedule 12A, must not fall within one of the excluded categories in paragraphs 8 and 9 and the public interest in maintaining the exemption must outweigh the public interest in disclosing the information.

o   Agenda item 16.1. “Poplar Baths and Dame Colet House – Tender results report and recommendation” contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council.

(b)  As although there is a public interest favouring public access to local authority meetings, in this case the Cabinet concluded that given the information contained in:

o   Agenda item 16.1. “Poplar Baths and Dame Colet House – Tender results report and recommendation” contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). In particular information relating to the financial affairs of the Council.

that the public interest in maintaining the exemption on the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

(Under provisions of Article 6 Para 6.02 V of the Constitution).

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

1             To agree to the recommendation of the procurement evaluation panel to appoint bidder 1 as preferred bidder;

2             To authorise officers to proceed with the final stage of procurement in finalising the Development Agreement;

3             In consultation with the Mayor and the Cabinet Members for Housing and Resources, to nominate Bidder 2 as a reserve and to call upon this reserve Bidder if finalisation of the Development Agreement with the preferred bidder does not proceed as authorised; 

4             To authorise the Director of Community Localities and Culture and the Assistant Chief Executive Legal in conjunction to finalise the Development Agreement terms in accordance with the bid and following consultation with the Mayor and the Lead Member for Resources to complete the Development Agreement and ancillary documents;

5             To adopt a capital estimate to the value of £36m for the development of the Poplar Baths and Dame Colet sites in order to make provision for the eventuality of the reserve bidder being required; and

6             To confirm that funding requirements as outlined in the Part 2 report will be available to meet the potential Development Agreement costs subject to entering into the Development Agreement.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR COMMUNITIES, LOCALITIES AND CULTURE (S. HALSEY)

(Service Head – Strategic Property and Capital Delivery (A. Sutcliffe)

There was a discussion of the report during which the various options were discussed. The Mayor accepted the report and, subject to a small amendment, approved the recommendations.

RESOLVED

1             To agree to the recommendation of the procurement evaluation panel to appoint bidder 1 as preferred bidder;

2             To authorise officers to proceed with the final stage of procurement in finalising the Development Agreement;

3             In consultation with the Mayor and the Cabinet Members for Housing and Resources, to nominate Bidder 2 as a reserve and to call upon this reserve Bidder if finalisation of the Development Agreement with the preferred bidder does not proceed as authorised; 

4             To authorise the Director of Community Localities and Culture and the Assistant Chief Executive Legal in conjunction to finalise the Development Agreement terms in accordance with the bid and following consultation with the Mayor and the Lead Member for Resources to complete the Development Agreement and ancillary documents;

5             To adopt a capital estimate to the value of £36m for the development of the Poplar Baths and Dame Colet sites in order to make provision for the eventuality of the reserve bidder being required; and

6             To confirm that funding requirements as outlined in the Part 2 report will be available to meet the potential Development Agreement costs subject to entering into the Development Agreement.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.