Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         Councillor Rabina Khan (Cabinet Member for Housing)

·         Councillor Rania Khan (Cabinet Member for Culture)

·         Councillor Oliur Rahman (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services)

·         Councillor Rofique U Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Regeneration)

Action by:

ASSISTANT CHIEF EXECUTIVE (LEGAL SERVICES) (I. FREEMAN)

(Committee Services Manager, (M. Mannion)

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         Councillor Rabina Khan (Cabinet Member for Housing)

·         Councillor Rania Khan (Cabinet Member for Culture)

·         Councillor Oliur Rahman (Cabinet Member for Children’s Services)

·         Councillor Rofique U Ahmed (Cabinet Member for Regeneration)

None were declared.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 3 July 2013 are presented for information.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 3 July 2013 were presented for information.

To receive any petitions.

No petitions were received.

Councillor Rachel Saunders, Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) provided an update on their meeting held on Tuesday 23 July 2013.

She reported that:

·         The Call-In report in relation to the Community Chest and Community Events Fund 2012-14 Executive Mayoral Decision had been discussed. A number of issues had been raised including how ‘local community organisation’ was defined and some concerns over the transparency of decision making. A report back had been presented to the Mayor for his consideration.

·         The Cumulative Impact Policy for Brick Lane had been presented. The Committee recognised the anti-social behaviour issues in the area but noted that licensed premises provided significant job opportunities and that Brick Lane was a key tourist attraction and they felt that further consideration of these issues would be beneficial.

·         OSC would welcome involvement in working to set up the Health and Wellbeing Board, noting that the Government had requested that they be set up by April 2013.

·         The OSC Work Programme had been agreed for the year and the committee planned to explore a number of issues including the Decent Homes programme, right to buy, school places, youth services and support for disabled staff.

Finally she expressed the hope that the mayor would be able to accept an invitation to attend an OSC meeting to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the borough.

In respect of the Call-In report, Councillor Alibor Choudhury the Cabinet Member for Resources confirmed his view that the process was transparent and fair and the awards benefited the whole community.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Rachel Saunders for her update.

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 3 July 2013.

DECISION

1.    To approve the Private Sector Renewal Policy attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Strategic Housing Manager, Development and Renewal (M. Ling)

The Mayor welcomed the report as a good piece of work and agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the Private Sector Renewal Policy attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

DECISION

1.    To adopt a capital estimate of £4.063 million for fuel efficiency works on HRA properties to supersede the existing approvals of £1.809 million that are already incorporated into the approved budget, noting that the increase of £2.254 million is the Department of Climate Change grant funded element of the scheme.

2.    To agree the proposed Fuel Poverty and Insulation Works on HRA Properties.

3.    To agree the procurement of the contract, for insulation works on HRA assets, funded by DECC, the Council and ECO, through the RENEW Framework following a competitive tendering process.

4.    To authorise the Corporate Director D/R in consultation with ACE Legal to award the contract to the successful contractor following completion of the competitive tendering process.

5.    To authorise the Assistant Chief Executive (Legal Services) 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, Regeneration and Sustainability (J. Odunoye)

The Mayor welcomed the report as another good piece of work and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To adopt a capital estimate of £4.063 million for fuel efficiency works on HRA properties to supersede the existing approvals of £1.809 million that are already incorporated into the approved budget, noting that the increase of £2.254 million is the Department of Climate Change grant funded element of the scheme.

2.    To agree the proposed Fuel Poverty and Insulation Works on HRA Properties.

3.    To agree the procurement of the contract, for insulation works on HRA assets, funded by DECC, the Council and ECO, through the RENEW Framework following a competitive tendering process.

4.    To authorise the Corporate Director D/R in consultation with ACE Legal to award the contract to the successful contractor following completion of the competitive tendering process.

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

DECISION

1.    To agree that statutory proposals for the enlargement and change of character of Bow School from September 2014 should be implemented as published.

Action by:

INTERIM CORPORATE DIRECTOR EDUCATION, SOCIAL CARE AND WELLBEING (A. CANNING)

(Head of Building Development (P. Watson)

Anne Canning, the Interim Corporate Director, Education, Social Care and Wellbeing introduced the report. She highlighted that the concerns expressed in the petition had been fairly addressed and there was no reason not to continue with the project.

The Mayor welcomed the project as a good news story for the borough and the pupils who would benefit from the school and agreed the recommendation.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree that statutory proposals for the enlargement and change of character of Bow School from September 2014 should be implemented as published.

DECISION

1.    To consider the proposed Cumulative Impact Policy and agree that it may go forward to Full Council for adoption.

2.    To note that it is intended to present the Cumulative Impact Policy to Full Council on the 18th September 2013.

3.    To agree that when the policy goes before full Council for adoption it will form part of the reviewed Statement of Licensing Policy.

4.    To recommend that Full Council approve the Cumulative Impact Policy for the Brick Lane area.

Action by:

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

(Head of Consumer and Business Regulations (D. Tolley)

Councillor Ohid Ahmed, Deputy Mayor, introduced the report. He highlighted the problems of antisocial behaviour in the area and the number of licensed premises that already existed. He reported that 86% of respondents to the consultation had been in favour of the proposal.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To consider the proposed Cumulative Impact Policy and agree that it may go forward to Full Council for adoption.

2.    To note that it is intended to present the Cumulative Impact Policy to Full Council on the 18th September 2013.

3.    To agree that when the policy goes before full Council for adoption it will form part of the reviewed Statement of Licensing Policy.

4.    To recommend that Full Council approve the Cumulative Impact Policy for the Brick Lane area.

DECISION

1.    To approve the approach set out in the report to the recommissioning of respite care breaks.

Action by:

INTERIM CORPORATE DIRECTOR, EDUCATION, SOCIAL CARE AND WELLBEING (A. CANNING)

(Service Head, Commissioning and Strategy (D. Cohen)

Councillor Abdul Asad, Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, introduced the report. He highlighted that the proposals were looking to ensure better outcomes for residents whilst also helping local employment and supporting the London Living Wage.

The Mayor agreed the recommendation as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the approach set out in the report to the recommissioning of respite care breaks.

DECISION

1.    To note the likely impact of welfare reform and the limited funds available to provide support meaning we need to think carefully about how to support those most in need;

2.    To agree the option at paragraph 7.9.2 to provide funding of £2.2 million to the Mayor’s Temporary Accommodation Support Fund.

3.    Subject to the decision relating to recommendation 2.2 above, transfer £950,000 from the earmarked reserve for Homelessness to the Housing Options Budget for 2013/14 to support the Mayor’s Temporary Accommodation Support Fund.

4.    To consider any additional or new considerations which should form the basis of determining eligibility for the Support Fund;

5.    To review the revised Discretionary Housing Payments policy;

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR RESOURCES (C. HOLME)

(Service Head, Corporate Strategy and Equality (L. Russell)

(Service Head, Housing Options (C. Cormack)

(Service Head, Customer Access and ICT (C. Symonds)

Colin Cormack, Service Head Housing Options, introduced the report highlighting the number of funds covered including discretionary funds.

Councillor Alibor Choudhury, Cabinet Member Resources, reported how the Council wanted to support as many people into employment as possible. He highlighted a number of issues including that:

·         Not all those affected by the benefit cap were well served by existing Job Centre Plus operations and many had additional barriers to starting work such as childcare or language difficulties.

·         The Council would provide additional support such as work-focussed interviews with experienced advisors and skills and job matching.

·         The Council would also work to bring together different support agencies related to employment, financial management and skills.

·         They were also looking to develop a practical solution to barriers such as affordable childcare, language and other training opportunities.

He therefore recommended that the Council agree to the larger £2.2 million funding option set out in Paragraph 7.9.2.

The Mayor thanked the Cabinet Member Resources for his contribution and agreed the recommendations, including to provide £2.2 million funding for the Temporary Accommodation Support Fund.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the likely impact of welfare reform and the limited funds available to provide support meaning we need to think carefully about how to support those most in need;

2.    To agree the option at paragraph 7.9.2 to provide funding of £2.2 million to the Mayor’s Temporary Accommodation Support Fund.

3.    Subject to the decision relating to recommendation 2.2 above, transfer £950,000 from the earmarked reserve for Homelessness to the Housing Options Budget for 2013/14 to support the Mayor’s Temporary Accommodation Support Fund.

4.    To consider any additional or new considerations which should form the basis of determining eligibility for the Support Fund;

5.    To review the revised Discretionary Housing Payments policy;

DECISION

1.    To agree the Financial Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan 2013 – 17 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Interim Service Head, Economic Development (A. Scott)

(Community Resources Coordinator (M. Farrelly)

Andy Scott, Interim Service Head, Economic Development, introduced the report. He highlighted that the strategy had been out to consultation and that in particular it had been very well received by the partnership executive.

The Mayor agreed the recommendation as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the Financial Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan 2013 – 17 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

DECISION

1.    That, subject to the removal  of ESCW (AHWB) 4471 (Carers Respite Breaks Framework Agreement) from the list of contracts, all the remaining contracts could go out to tender.

2.    That the agreed contracts, after tender, could  proceed to contract award subject to the relevant Corporate Director who holds the budget for the service area consulting with the Mayor and the relevant lead member prior to contract  award.

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 recommendations 1 above.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR RESOURCES (C. HOLME)

(Senior Procurement Manager (Z. Ahmed)

It was noted that as item ESCW 4471 had already been considered earlier in the meeting, it should be removed from the list.

The Mayor agreed to its removal and agreed that the rest of the contracts could go out to tender.

RESOLVED

1.    That, subject to the removal  of ESCW (AHWB) 4471 (Carers Respite Breaks Framework Agreement) from the list of contracts, all the remaining contracts could go out to tender.

2.    That the agreed contracts, after tender, could  proceed to contract award subject to the relevant Corporate Director who holds the budget for the service area consulting with the Mayor and the relevant lead member prior to contract  award.

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 recommendations 1 above.

Nil items.

DECISION

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

The Mayor agreed the recommendation set out in the report.

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 14 “Exempt/ Confidential Minutes” – 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 14 “Exempt/ Confidential Minutes” – 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 14 “Exempt/ Confidential Minutes” – 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 14 “Exempt/ Confidential Minutes” – 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.

The exempt / confidential minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 3 July 2013 are presented for information.

The Exempt/Restricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 3 July 2013 were presented for information.

Nil items.

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