At the meeting the Mayor agreed to change the order of business to take Agenda Item 6.3 (Revised Approach to Day Support in Adult Social Care) before the other reports for decision due to the presence of residents who wished to speak on this item.

For clarity the minutes are presented in the order the items appeared on the agenda.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         James Thomas (Corporate Director, Children and Culture) for whom Christine McInnes (Divisional Director Education and Partnerships) was deputising.

·         Denise Radley (Corporate Director, Health, Adults and Community) for whom Claudia Brown (Divisional Director, Adult Social Care) was deputising.

Members are reminded to consider the categories of interest, identified in the Code of Conduct for Members to determine; whether they have an interest in any agenda item and any action they should take. For further details, see the attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

Members are also reminded to declare the nature of the interest at the earliest opportunity and the agenda item it relates to. Please note that ultimately it is the Members’ responsibility to identify any interests and also update their register of interests form as required by the Code.

If in doubt as to the nature of an interest, you are advised to seek advice prior to the meeting by contacting the Monitoring Officer or Democratic Services.

There were no Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, but Councillor Rachel Blake noted there was a Pre-Decision Scrutiny Question on the Tower Project and the Council had appointed her to that body. She took part in the discussion of that item.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 21 October 2020 are presented for approval.

RESOLVED

1.    That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 21 October 2020 be approved and signed by the Chair as the correct record of proceedings.

The Mayor made the following announcements:

·       That he had updated his Executive Scheme of Delegation so that at Cabinet meetings decision making would now made collectively with all Cabinet Members involved.

·       He provided an update on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the borough and on residents. He also highlighted the importance of all Councillors showing community leadership during this time.

·       He also highlighted the support being provided by the Council including to tackle holiday hunger during half-term.

·       The Council’s budget consultation exercise was launching for the budget proposals for the new year and he encouraged all residents to take part. The Council had significant budget challenges to meet.

·       The Council had won an award for the Asthma Partnership led by the Public Health Team at the Local Government Chronicle awards. The Council had also had four shortlisted nominations in other categories.

Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) to report on any issues  raised by the OSC in relation to unrestricted business to be considered.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were tabled in relation to all the reports on the agenda. These were considered during discussion of the relevant agenda items.

In addition, Councillor James King, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), provided an update on their meeting held earlier in the week. The committee had discussed a number of issues including:

·       A budget monitoring session looking at controlling spending and the impact of government announcements.

·       Performance update on the waste service and the improved performance since the service had been brought in-house, although more improvements were still needed.

·       Detailed review of the Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and he highlighted the recent scrutiny review report on this matter.

·       The committee was examining its work planning to determine its future priorities.

The Mayor thanked Councillor James King for his update.

The Mayor deferred consideration of the Call-In report of the Common Housing Register Allocations Scheme (Post Consultation) decision taken at the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 23 September 2020.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To agree to implement the proposed changes to the terms and conditions within the residents parking permit as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report.

2.    To note that in addition, officers will continue to review the operation of the new terms and conditions, invite feedback from affected residents and explore mitigation options which could include reviewing the boundaries between Zones C2/C4 and between C3/C4, widening buffers or merging zones.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Divisional director, Public Realm (D. Jones)

(Head of Parking Services (M. Darby)

Councillor Dan Tomlinson, Cabinet Member for Environment and Public Realm (Job Share) – Lead on Public Realm, introduced the report setting out proposed changes to the terms and conditions of resident parking permits. The proposal was to remove the ability to park all day across a ‘main zone’ and limit it to the specific ‘mini-zone’. However, he also highlighted that the Council was reviewing the scheme further as was looking to see if other changes would be useful for example around boundaries, buffer streets and similar. Consultations would be taking place soon and through that or otherwise, he encouraged residents to let the Council know if they were experiencing any issues.

It was particularly highlighted that changes in Wapping were being considered to change boundaries or deal with particular parking pressures in that area. Zones C2/C4 and C3/C4 were particularly being monitored.

The Mayor welcomed the report and supported that changes that were proposed. He noted that the intention was that these changes would make it easier for local residents to find parking places near their homes. He accepted a proposal to amend the recommendations to make it clearer that the parking permit schemes would remain under review as required with particular reference to the areas mentioned during the discussion.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted and the Mayor then proposed the amended recommendations to Cabinet. They were agreed without dissent and it was:

RESOLVED

1.    To agree to implement the proposed changes to the terms and conditions within the residents parking permit as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report.

2.    To note that in addition, officers will continue to review the operation of the new terms and conditions, invite feedback from affected residents and explore mitigation options which could include reviewing the boundaries between Zones C2/C4 and between C3/C4, widening buffers or merging zones.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

The recommendations were amended and then approved.

DECISION

1.     To note the proposed programme of consultation and engagement on the Idea Store service, to commence in late November 2020, 

2.     To note the proposed future model for the Idea Store service, subject to refinement pending the outcome of the consultation.  A future key decision on this issue will be returned to Cabinet in early 2021. 

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (N. MURTON)

(Interim Divisional Director Customer Programme (T. Heaney)

Councillor Sabina Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Brexit, introduced the report proposing a consultation on potential changes to the Idea Store and Library services.

She noted that the Covid-19 pandemic had resulted in significant changes to how these services were being provided and given the Council’s budget challenges and the changes in the way residents were accessing services, it was important to review the best way to deliver these services in the future.

It may be that online services were now preferred for many residents, but it was acknowledged that face-to-face methods were also desired by some people. The report set out a number of options for consultation. These could include reduced opening hours, closing some sites and/or reusing locations for other community uses. Staffing levels may also be reduced.

During discussion particular concerns were expressed around the impact on Watney Market and Cubitt Town sites.

The Mayor highlighted the various models that could be considered and encouraged everyone to participate in the consultation. The pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were also noted. Finally, he proposed a slight amendment to the recommendations as Recommendation 2 was supposed to read ‘To note…’.

The Mayor then proposed the amended recommendations to Cabinet. They were agreed without dissent and it was:

RESOLVED

1.     To note the proposed programme of consultation and engagement on the Idea Store service, to commence in late November 2020, 

2.     To note the proposed future model for the Idea Store service, subject to refinement pending the outcome of the consultation.  A future key decision on this issue will be returned to Cabinet in early 2021. 

Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the proposed programme of consultation and engagement on day support services, to commence on 1st November 2020,

2.    To note the proposed future model for day support services in adult social care, subject to refinement pending the outcome of the consultation. Any future key decisions on this issue will be returned to Cabinet in early 2021.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Head of Strategy and Policy – Health, Adults and Communities (J. Starkie)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, introduced the report on proposals to consult on a redesign of day support in adult social care by bringing services together in a community hub. She recognised that change was difficult for service users but that this engagement would help discuss options for the future with service users and their families. She took Cabinet through the proposals in the report and set out the plans for the consultation. She acknowledged the value service users placed on these services and she thanked all the staff who had worked so hard during the pandemic to continue to provide services.

The Cabinet then moved to discuss the report. They heard from a number of contributions from Members and residents.

Issues highlighted included:

·       Concerns service users would have about changes to their services and how the consultation was intended to help design services with service users.

·       Ensuing the equality impact assessment was fully considered and risks identified.

·       It was highlighted that services would still be provided but that the consultation was about how services were provided and what the services looked like.

·       The petitions and other submissions expressing concerns about changing the provision of services.

·       The potential impact on providers.

·       The financial challenges for the Council and the need to find better ways of providing services.

The Mayor concluded the discussion by thanking everyone for their contributions. He highlighted that the consultation was starting soon and he encouraged everyone to participate. He reminded everyone that the proposal was to retain services in a new setting. The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted. He then put the recommendations to the Cabinet and it was agreed with no dissent that:

RESOLVED

1.    To note the proposed programme of consultation and engagement on day support services, to commence on 1st November 2020,

2.    To note the proposed future model for day support services in adult social care, subject to refinement pending the outcome of the consultation. Any future key decisions on this issue will be returned to Cabinet in early 2021.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To agree Option 2 from the adult social care community charging consultation for implementation: Reducing the Standard Utilities Allowance from £15 per week to £5 per week, raising the maximum possible contribution from £250 per week to £1000 per week and providing respite and carer relief free of charge following a Carer Assessment.

2.    To agree to implement the agreed option from December 2020. Note that this is three months’ later than the date originally agreed in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy savings proposal, which is due to the consultation being paused then relaunched as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Divisional Director, Adults Social Care (C. Brown)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, introduced the report presenting the outcomes of the consultation into proposed changes to adult social care community charging fees. The consultation had taken place over the last six months including a pause during the early stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. She took Members through the proposed changes to the current arrangements. The proposals had been considered carefully and it was felt that Option 2 best spread out the impact of the costs. She also highlighted the responses provided to the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions.

During discussion a positive change to introduce free respite to all carers was welcomed. The Mayor indicated that he supported the proposed Option 2 recommendation.

The Mayor then proposed the recommendations to Cabinet. They were agreed without dissent and it was:

RESOLVED

1.    To agree Option 2 from the adult social care community charging consultation for implementation: Reducing the Standard Utilities Allowance from £15 per week to £5 per week, raising the maximum possible contribution from £250 per week to £1000 per week and providing respite and carer relief free of charge following a Carer Assessment.

2.    To agree to implement the agreed option from December 2020. Note that this is three months’ later than the date originally agreed in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy savings proposal, which is due to the consultation being paused then relaunched as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic

Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To endorse and approve the revised Travel Assistance Policy, which can then be implemented fully by the end of 2020.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH, ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Head of Strategy and Policy – Health, Adults and Communities (J. Starkie)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing introduced the report on the Council’s Covid-19 winter care plan. She highlighted how important this document was to the Council given the impact the pandemic was having on residents. She thanked all those who had helped put the plan together and everyone who was helping support residents and their services.

She took Cabinet through the different sections of the plan including covering issues such as discharging from hospital, care home action plans and local outbreak plans, providing support to care home staff who were self-isolating, provision of personal protection equipment and support for home visits, day services and respite provision. She also highlighted the training and support being provided to staff.

Finally, she also highlighted the work being undertaken to tackle issues of racism and inequalities and the support being provided to community volunteering.

The Mayor welcomed the report and he noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses. The Mayor proposed the recommendation to Cabinet and it was agreed without dissent. It was:

RESOLVED

1.    To endorse and approve the revised Travel Assistance Policy, which can then be implemented fully by the end of 2020.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To endorse and approve the revised Travel Assistance Policy, which can then be implemented fully by the end of 2020.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN AND CULTURE (J. THOMAS)

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, HEALTH ADULTS AND COMMUNITY (D. RADLEY)

(Divisional Director, Youth and Commissioning (R. Martins-Taylor)

(Interim Head of Service, Children’s Integrated Commissioning Team (A. Harris)

Councillor Danny Hassell, Cabinet Member for Children and Schools, introduced the report on the Council’s updated Travel Assistance Policy. The proposals set out a clear policy to ensure the Council met its statutory obligations and promoted inclusion, independence and choice.

He explained that the proposals had been out for consultation and the majority of responses had shown support for the options set out. He also noted the involvement of the Children and Education Scrutiny Sub-Committee in reviewing the proposals.

The Mayor welcomed the report and thanked the Lead Member and officers for their work on the proposals. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and proposed the recommendations to Cabinet. The recommendations were agreed with no dissent and it was:

RESOLVED

1.    To endorse and approve the revised Travel Assistance Policy, which can then be implemented fully by the end of 2020.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the Council’s projected outturn position against General Fund, Dedicated Schools Budget, Housing Revenue Account and earmarked

a.    reserves for 2020-21, based on forecasts as at 31st August 2020;

2.    To note the Council’s projected outturn position on the capital programme;

3.    To note that there are no equalities implications directly resulting from this report, as set out in Section 4 of the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (N. MURTON)

(Interim Chief Accountant (T. Harlock)

Councillor Candida Ronald, Cabinet Member for Resources and the Voluntary Sector, introduced the report monitoring the Council’s budget position at period 5. She highlighted the financial challenges the Council faced in particular due to the current pandemic and also the many underlying service pressures.

The report set out savings targets for the year including those which the Council was no longer expecting to make. A significant use of Council reserves was forecast.

The Mayor thanked Councillor Candida Ronald for her presentation and highlighted how vital it was for the Council to meet its budget challenges. Whilst he welcomed the further government grants recently announced he reported that the pandemic had also caused serious additional challenges beyond the level of support provided and in any case every effort needed to be made to control the Council’s budgets.

The Mayor noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses. In particular, the request to be clear how far the pandemic was impacting on specific budgets. He proposed the recommendations to Cabinet, and they were agreed without dissent. It was:

RESOLVED

1.    To note the Council’s projected outturn position against General Fund, Dedicated Schools Budget, Housing Revenue Account and earmarked

a.    reserves for 2020-21, based on forecasts as at 31st August 2020;

2.    To note the Council’s projected outturn position on the capital programme;

3.    To note that there are no equalities implications directly resulting from this report, as set out in Section 4 of the report.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

The exempt appendix was noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the position with respect to the future of Billingsgate Market and the joint working with the City of London Corporation (the City) in relation to its future redevelopment.

2.    To approve the terms of a Cooperation Agreement between the Council and the City as outlined in paragraph 3.7 of the report, to be entered into on or before the laying of the draft Bill in Parliament by the City on the 27 November 2020, in accordance with the heads of terms included in the exempt Appendix 2 to the report.

3.    To approve the statement of support for the future redevelopment of Billingsgate Market attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

4.    To approve the Qualifying and Abortive Costs set out in the exempt Appendices 2 and 3 to the report.

5.    To agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Governance to agree minor changes to the heads of terms as may be appropriate in the light of further negotiations, and to complete the Cooperation Agreement.

6.    To note the financial risk to the Council set out in paragraph 6 of the report and in the exempt Appendix 3 to the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Divisional Director Property and Major Programmes (M. Rourke)

The Mayor introduced the report proposing to enter into an agreement with the City of London Corporation in relation to the future development of the Billingsgate Market site. He explained that at this stage it only provided initial agreement but eventually this could result in a long-term commitment. There was a significant amount of work that would need to be undertaken before final agreement.

This agreement would allow the City to consolidate its markets on a site elsewhere in East London and it was therefore important to see how the existing site should best be used including looking at the needs of the local area.

The exempt appendix setting out confidential financial information in relation to the proposals was noted as were the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses.

The Mayor welcomed continuing conversations on this matter over the coming period as more detailed plans were developed. He proposed the recommendations to Cabinet, and they were agreed without dissent. It was:

RESOLVED

1.    To note the position with respect to the future of Billingsgate Market and the joint working with the City of London Corporation (the City) in relation to its future redevelopment.

2.    To approve the terms of a Cooperation Agreement between the Council and the City as outlined in paragraph 3.7 of the report, to be entered into on or before the laying of the draft Bill in Parliament by the City in November 2021, in accordance with the heads of terms included in the exempt Appendix 2 to the report.

3.    To approve the statement of support for the future redevelopment of Billingsgate Market attached at Appendix 1 to the report.

4.    To approve the Qualifying and Abortive Costs set out in the exempt Appendices 2 and 3 to the report.

5.    To agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Governance to agree minor changes to the heads of terms as may be appropriate in the light of further negotiations, and to complete the Cooperation Agreement.

6.    To note the financial risk to the Council set out in paragraph 6 of the report and in the exempt Appendix 3 to the report.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Should the Mayor in Cabinet consider it necessary, it is recommended that the following motion be adopted to allow consideration of any exempt/restricted documents.

“That, under the provisions of Section 100A of the Local Government Act, 1972 as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act, 1985, the Press and Public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting for the consideration of the Section Two business on the grounds that it contains information defined as Exempt in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government, Act 1972”.

EXEMPT/CONFIDENTIAL SECTION (PINK)

Nil items.

Nil items.

The exempt / confidential minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 21 October 2020 will be presented for approval (if any).

Nil items.

Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) to report on any issues  raised by the OSC in relation to exempt/confidential business to be considered.

A Pre-Decision Scrutiny Question and officer response to the exempt appendix to Agenda Item 6.8 (Billingsgate Market – Update on Joint Working with the City of London Corporation) was noted during discussion of that item.

Nil items.

Nil items.