During the meeting the Mayor agreed to alter the order of business to allow invited guests to present their reports first. Consequently, agenda items 5.6 (Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children’s Board Annual Report) and 5.7 (Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report) were considered straight after agenda item 3 (Unrestricted Minutes).

Following completion of items 5.6 and 5.7 the rest of the agenda was taken in order starting at item 4 (Overview and Scrutiny Committee).

The Exempt Appendices under agenda items 10.1 (Civic Centre Project) and 10.2 (Disposals Report – Southern Grove and Cheviot House) were noted during the unrestricted part of the meeting.

For ease of reference, these minutes are presented in the order the items appeared on the agenda.

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 6 October 2015 are presented for consideration.

RESOLVED

1.    That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 6 October 2015 be agreed and signed by the Chair as a correct record of proceedings subject to the addition, under Agenda Item 5.5 (CPO – Aberfeldy Estate Regeneration Programme Phase 3-6), of Councillor Sirajul Islam’s request for clarification of the freehold or leasehold status of the Aberfeldy Islamic Cultural Centre.

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 were tabled on the following agenda items:

·         5.6 – Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report 2014/15

·         5.7 – Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2014/15

·         5.13 – Transparency Protocol

The questions were considered during discussion of the respective agenda items.

In addition, Councillor John Pierce, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee provided an update on the previous evening’s meeting. He reported that it had included a very useful session on early examination of the Executive’s Budget proposals and he thanked the Mayor and Cabinet Members for attending. He stated that it was now important to ensure that enough information was made available, particularly around business cases, risks and equality impact assessments to ensure Members and the public would have the ability to properly examine the proposals.

The Mayor thanked Councillor John Pierce for his update and he confirmed that he considered transparency of decision making to be an important goal for his administration.

Nil items.

The recommendations were amended and then agreed.

DECISION

1.    To agree that the former Royal London Hospital site in Whitechapel is the preferred site location for a new civic centre;

2.    To agree to retain and refurbish John Onslow House;

3.    To agree to ring-fence the disposal receipts from Jack Dash House, LEB, Commercial Road, Albert Jacob House, Southern Grove, and Cheviot House to finance the new civic centre;

4.    To note that officers will be bringing forward reports on the disposal of the above sites at the appropriate time;

5.    That officers determine an appropriate continued commemoration of Jack Dash and Albert Jacob following the disposal of the properties;

6.    To agree to the procurement of a multi-disciplinary design team to progress design development to detailed planning level (RIBA Stage 3) for both the former Royal London Hospital site and John Onslow House;

7.    To agree to the scoping and procurement of site surveys (as required) for both the former Royal London Hospital site and John Onslow House;

8.    To agree to engage legal and financial support as deemed necessary by officers, and as agreed by the Project Board, to support existing in-house capacity and expertise in developing a procurement strategy and tender documentation;

9.    To agree to investigate the financial viability of delivering a mixed-use scheme at LEB, including the provision of a One Stop Shop and/or Idea Store;

10. To endorse the development of a full business case in order to confirm a capital estimate and programme for the project;

11. To approve the funding for recommendation 5, adopting a capital estimate with a budget cap of £3.35m – representing 35% of budgeted professional fees (up to RIBA Stage 3) for both the former Royal London Hospital site and John Onslow House capital projects; and

12. To authorise the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, after consultation with the Director of Law, Probity and Governance (or their nominee) to agree and enter into the terms and conditions of any agreements required to implement recommendations 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8 following compliant procurement exercises.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Service Head, Corporate Property and Capital Delivery (A. Sutcliffe)

The Mayor introduced the update report on potential plans for a new Civic Centre. He explained the background to the report and he stated that following detailed re-examination of the original proposals, it had been determined that the Whitechapel site was the most viable option.

However, he stated that it was vital to ensure that the Council maintained a presence in other locations such as Bow, Bethnal Green and the Isle of Dogs to enable local residents to access their services more easily.

During discussion the Cabinet Member for Work and Economic Growth, proposed that new ways be found of commemorating Jack Dash and Albert Jacob following the disposal of the respectively named buildings.

Finally the Mayor highlighted the importance of cross-party agreement on such an important project and so he stated that he would be looking to present a motion to Council for debate and he would also look to ensure all parties were involved in a steering group for the project.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out in the report subject to the above amendment in relation to Jack Dash and Albert Jacob.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree that the former Royal London Hospital site in Whitechapel is the preferred site location for a new civic centre;

2.    To agree to retain and refurbish John Onslow House;

3.    To agree to ring-fence the disposal receipts from Jack Dash House, LEB, Commercial Road, Albert Jacob House, Southern Grove, and Cheviot House to finance the new civic centre;

4.    To note that officers will be bringing forward reports on the disposal of the above sites at the appropriate time;

5.    That officers determine an appropriate continued commemoration of Jack Dash and Albert Jacob following the disposal of the properties;

6.    To agree to the procurement of a multi-disciplinary design team to progress design development to detailed planning level (RIBA Stage 3) for both the former Royal London Hospital site and John Onslow House;

7.    To agree to the scoping and procurement of site surveys (as required) for both the former Royal London Hospital site and John Onslow House;

8.    To agree to engage legal and financial support as deemed necessary by officers, and as agreed by the Project Board, to support existing in-house capacity and expertise in developing a procurement strategy and tender documentation;

9.    To agree to investigate the financial viability of delivering a mixed-use scheme at LEB, including the provision of a One Stop Shop and/or Idea Store;

10. To endorse the development of a full business case in order to confirm a capital estimate and programme for the project;

11. To approve the funding for recommendation 5, adopting a capital estimate with a budget cap of £3.35m – representing 35% of budgeted professional fees (up to RIBA Stage 3) for both the former Royal London Hospital site and John Onslow House capital projects; and

12. To authorise the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, after consultation with the Director of Law, Probity and Governance (or their nominee)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.1

DECISION

1.    To agree the making, confirming and implementation of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to include specific land interests that must be acquired to facilitate the redevelopment by Poplar HARCA of Burdett Estate, to provide new educational facilities, housing and estate regeneration.

2.    Subject to the Council entering into the Indemnity Agreement as described at recommendation 5., delegate to the Corporate Director of Development and Renewal, after consultation with the Director of Law Probity and Governance (or their nominee), the power to effect the making, confirming and implementation of the CPO and to take all necessary steps to give effect to the CPO in respect of the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 to the report including, but not limited to, the following procedural steps:

2.1             Acquiring all known interests in land and any additional interests identified through the land referencing process within the CPO boundary, as shown at Appendix 1 to the report, either by private agreement or compulsorily, including those specific interests listed in Appendix 2 to the report.

2.2             Appointing land referencing agents, making the CPO, the publication and service of any press, site and individual notices and other correspondence for such making.

2.3             Monitoring of negotiated agreements by Poplar HARCA with land owners or others as applicable, setting out the terms for withdrawal of any objections to the CPO, including where appropriate seeking exclusion of land or new rights from the CPO.

2.4             Seeking confirmation of the CPO by the Secretary of State (or, if permitted, by the Council pursuant to Section 14A of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981), including the preparation and presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry which may be necessary.

2.5             Publication and service of notices of confirmation of the CPO and thereafter to execute and serve any General Vesting Declarations and/or notices to treat and notices of entry, and any other notices or correspondence to acquire those interests within the area.

2.6             Issuing of General Vesting Declarations and/or Notices to Treat in respect of the land/interests within the area edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 to the report and those listed at Appendix 2 to the  report.

2.7             Referral and conduct of disputes, relating to compulsory purchase compensation, at the Upper Tribunal (Lands Chamber).

2.8             Transfer of any land interests compulsorily acquired by the Council to Poplar HARCA, for nil consideration, within a timescale to be agreed with Poplar HARCA.

3.    To determine that the use of CPO powers is exercised after balancing the rights of individual property owners with the requirement to obtain vacant possession of the site.

4.    To determine that the interference with the human rights of the property owners affected by these proposals, and in particular their rights to a home and to the ownership of property, is proportionate, given the adequacy of their rights to object and to compensation, and the benefit to the economic, social and environmental well-being of the areas of Tower Hamlets affected  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.2

The Mayor introduced the report. He highlighted that there had been considerable consultation with those affected and that the proposed redevelopment was important for the area.

Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative Group, addressed the meeting. He stated that, whilst acknowledging the difficulties Compulsory Purchase Orders could cause, he stressed the importance of the proposed development happening as quickly as possible as the housing and school places were both urgently needed.

During discussion the need for Poplar HARCA to take account of vulnerable residents affected by the proposals were highlighted. The Mayor agreed and noted the important role for Ward Councillors in monitoring the project. Finally, it was noted that the issue of the green space had been resolved as it was to be re-provided.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the making, confirming and implementation of a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) to include specific land interests that must be acquired to facilitate the redevelopment by Poplar HARCA of Burdett Estate, to provide new educational facilities, housing and estate regeneration.

2.    Subject to the Council entering into the Indemnity Agreement as described at recommendation 5., delegate to the Corporate Director of Development and Renewal, after consultation with the Director of Law Probity and Governance (or their nominee), the power to effect the making, confirming and implementation of the CPO and to take all necessary steps to give effect to the CPO in respect of the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 to the report including, but not limited to, the following procedural steps:

2.1             Acquiring all known interests in land and any additional interests identified through the land referencing process within the CPO boundary, as shown at Appendix 1 to the report, either by private agreement or compulsorily, including those specific interests listed in Appendix 2 to the report.

2.2             Appointing land referencing agents, making the CPO, the publication and service of any press, site and individual notices and other correspondence for such making.

2.3             Monitoring of negotiated agreements by Poplar HARCA with land owners or others as applicable, setting out the terms for withdrawal of any objections to the CPO, including where appropriate seeking exclusion of land or new rights from the CPO.

2.4             Seeking confirmation of the CPO by the Secretary of State (or, if permitted, by the Council pursuant to Section 14A of the Acquisition of Land Act 1981), including the preparation and presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry which may be necessary.

2.5             Publication and service of notices of confirmation of the CPO and thereafter to execute and serve any General Vesting Declarations and/or notices to treat and notices of entry, and any other notices or correspondence to acquire those interests within the area.

2.6             Issuing of General Vesting Declarations and/or Notices to Treat in respect of the land/interests within the area edged red on the plan at Appendix 1 to the report and those listed at Appendix 2  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.2

DECISION

1. To note the contents of this report;

2. To agree that the land and buildings referred to below (as shown on the plans in Appendix A) are surplus to requirements:

a.    Cheviot House, 227 to 233 Commercial Road

b.    60 Southern Grove

3. To agree to the disposal of the sites by informal tender;

4. To agree to the disposal of the sites on 199 year leases;

5. To authorise the Corporate Director, Development & Renewal, to appoint external agents to support the marketing of the sites;

6. To authorise the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal to accept the best tender returns for the sites on conclusion of the marketing exercise; and

7.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, following consultation with the Director of Law Probity and Governance, to agree the terms and conditions of any agreements required to implement the recommendations above.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Service Head, Corporate Property and Capital Delivery (A. Sutcliffe)

The Mayor introduced the agenda item and in particular thanked Ann Sutcliffe, Service Head, Corporate Property and Capital Delivery, for the work she had undertaken on this issue.

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, then introduced the report. He highlighted that there had been discussions over a number of years but that the buildings were mainly empty and were costing the Council significant funds to maintain. It was noted that there was significant history attached to the old workhouse building.

Councillor Peter Golds, Leaders of the Conservative Group, addressed the meeting. He highlighted the architectural importance of preserving a unique art deco building and ensuring a sensitive redevelopment.

The Mayor noted concerns about the need to preserve the history of the area and that any developments should be sensitive to that. He agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1. To note the contents of this report;

2. To agree that the land and buildings referred to below (as shown on the plans in Appendix A) are surplus to requirements:

a.    Cheviot House, 227 to 233 Commercial Road

b.    60 Southern Grove

3. To agree to the disposal of the sites by informal tender;

4. To agree to the disposal of the sites on 199 year leases;

5. To authorise the Corporate Director, Development & Renewal, to appoint external agents to support the marketing of the sites;

6. To authorise the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal to accept the best tender returns for the sites on conclusion of the marketing exercise; and

7.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Development and Renewal, following consultation with the Director of Law Probity and Governance, to agree the terms and conditions of any agreements required to implement the recommendations above.

DECISION

1.    To note the Scrutiny Challenge Session report titled “The Quality of s106 funded Social Housing Scrutiny Challenge Session Report” as agreed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 7^th April 2015 (see Appendix One to the report); and

2.    To agree the draft action plan that has been prepared in response to the 4 recommendations contained in that Report (see Appendix Two to the report).

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, introduced the report. She reported that officers were already well advanced in examining the action plan. She recommended that the draft action plan be agreed.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To note the Scrutiny Challenge Session report titled “The Quality of s106 funded Social Housing Scrutiny Challenge Session Report” as agreed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 7^th April 2015 (see Appendix One to the report); and

2.    To agree the draft action plan that has been prepared in response to the 4 recommendations contained in that Report (see Appendix Two to the report).

DECISION

1. To consider this report of the scrutiny working group and agree the action plan in response to the challenge session recommendations.

Action by:

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

Councillor John Pierce, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee introduced the report. He reported that the review came out of pledges that Councillors had signed in 2014 to support cycling. He requested that the report’s recommendations be agreed.

Councillor Ayas Miah, Cabinet Member for Environment, welcomed the report and in particular its potential positive health impacts and improving commuting options.

In response to questions raised during discussion officers reported that:

·         An Overview and Scrutiny Committee session was planned for January looking at issues around enforcing the 20mph speed limits and options around traffic calming and publicity.

·         There had been over 300 replies to the cycle strategy consultation which demonstrated a good level of community engagement.

·         Issues around cycle parking were being examined.

The Mayor welcomed the report, noted the issues raised and agreed the recommendation as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1. To consider this report of the scrutiny working group and agree the action plan in response to the challenge session recommendations.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny questions were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the report from the Local Safeguarding Children Board

Action by:

INTERIM COROPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDRENS SERVICES (D. JONES)

(Interim Policy, Programmes and Community Insight Manager (A. Walters)

Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, introduced the report. She expressed strong support for the work of the Board and stated that she was looking to strengthen the Council’s engagement with its partners through the Board.

Councillor Rachael Saunders then introduced Sarah Barker, Independent Chair of the Board and took the opportunity to formally thank her for her important contribution to the work of the Board.

Sarah Barker then provided a review of the Board’s Annual Report including looking at its impact on safeguarding issues across the Borough. She highlighted that the report was also available on the Board’s website. She then took Cabinet through the report in more detail, taking questions from Members on various issues.

The Pre-Scrutiny Questions were addressed in summary but it was agreed that a full written response be provided after the meeting.

Members then discussed the report and a number of points were noted including that:

·         The Councils training and learning function should continue its valuable support on safeguarding.

·         Tacking Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was a key priority for the next year.

·         A lot of work had been undertaken looking at protecting children from sexual exploitation but it was recognised that a lot more needed to be done.

·         It was important to look to try and identify trends before they became big issues.

The Mayor thanked everyone for their contributions to the discussion and thanked the Chair and the Board for their work. He agreed to note the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the report from the Local Safeguarding Children Board

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the report from the Safeguarding Adults Board

Action by:

DIRECTOR, ADULTS SERVICES (L. ADDAMS)

(Interim Policy, Programmes and Community Insight Manager (A. Walters)

Councillor Amy Whitelock-Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, introduced the report. She explained that the work of the Board was extremely important in looking to protect vulnerable adults in the community, many of whom had complex needs.

She introduced Brian Parrott, the Independent Chair of the Board.

Brian Parrott provided a review of the Board’s Annual Report. He highlighted that, although there were many similarities with the previously considered report of the Safeguarding Children’s Board, there were also key differences with the Safeguarding Adults’ Board in terms of statue, funding and partners. He stated that the Council had a lead role to play with health partners and the police also being key agencies. He then discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the Board and key issues to consider including around strengthening governance arrangements, the balance of safeguarding against personal liberties and how to improve performance and trend data.

He called on the Council to continue its support to strengthen the work of the Board. Finally he reported that he would be standing down as Chair once a new appointment had been made.

The Pre-Scrutiny Questions were addressed in summary but it was agreed that a full written response be provided after the meeting.

The Mayor opened the discussion by thanking the Chair for his efforts for the Board. The report was then opened out for discussion. A number of issues were noted including:

·         Potential links to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

·         Whether there were capacity issues in relevant parts of the Council.

·         It was important to keep safeguarding issues at the forefront of Members’ and officers’ minds and that these issues should be seen as part of everyone’s work.

The Mayor agreed to note the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the report from the Safeguarding Adults Board

The recommendations were amended and then agreed.

DECISION

1.    To note the recommendations from the review.

2.    To agree to extend three current core spot contractual arrangements for St Hilda’s East, (Somali Gardens Older Persons Day Service and Somali Gardens Older Persons Weekend Service, E1) and Peabody’s Older Persons Day Service at the (Sundial Centre, E2) up to September 2016 to enable the completion of a procurement process to establish a preferred provider list with a new service specification. The normal procurement process could take between nine months and a year (a final timeline will need to be confirmed). If members agree this route, the new  contract arrangements will start in September 2016. 

The annual estimated value of the current arrangements is:

§     St Hildas at Sonali Gardens          £479,459

§     St Hildas weekend service             £22,859

§     Peabody at Sundial Centre                       £298,005

Including a small number of additional day service placements that meet specific individual needs, the overall the estimated value of external day service provision is approximately £929,069 per annum.

3.    To take no decision with respect to services provided at Mayfield House until the Council has had time to consider all submissions from the related budget savings proposals consultation.

4.    To delegate to the Corporate Director Adult Social Care or to such other officer who then receives such delegation in accordance with Part A of the Scheme of Management in Part 3 of the Council’s constitution the power to agree to entering into the interim contracts with the existing providers as detailed in recommendation 2

5.    To note the demographic background and growing demand in Tower Hamlets against which the modernisation of older people’s day services is presented.

6.    To agree the recommended procurement approach (Option B) set out in Appendix A, which proposes a comprehensive package of services for older people who are eligible for services in Tower Hamlets, to ensure the services are outcomes-focused, tailored to physical, cultural and social needs, and represent quality, efficiency and best value.

7.    To agree that the Older Persons Pathway Board (or similar) will provide the strategic lead and governance for services supporting older people, which includes working in partnership with Health, Public Health and partners with a strategic plan for the next 10 years. This will ensure services are responsive to continued change and that adequate resources are allocated and identified to enable ongoing efficient and effective service provision, which promotes a preventative approach.

8.    To note that the Mayor in Cabinet will continue to be provided with updates at strategic points in the transformation process and the Lead Member for Health and Adult Services will be involved in the design phase of the service specification and procurement process, at appropriate points.

Action By:

DIRECTOR, ADULTS SERVICES (L. ADDAMS)

(Service Manager, Strategic Commissioning (B. Disney)

Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services introduced the report. She emphasised that the report was examining provision of services for those with specific care needs and was not about general provisions such as lunch clubs that were open to all.

She explained that the aim of the proposals was to better meet the needs of older residents by providing better tailored services and to adjust for expected demand pressures.

In respect of Mayfield House she reported that it was also subject to an ongoing budget consultation process and so she proposed that the decision relating to services provided at Mayfield House be deferred to allow for feedback from the consultation to be properly considered.

During discussion Members welcomed that the issues set out in the report were now being tackled. The Mayor thanked Barbara Disney, Strategic Commissioning Manager, who had led on this work.

Subject to the amendment proposed above, the Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the recommendations from the review.

2.    To agree to extend three current core spot contractual arrangements for St Hilda’s East, (Somali Gardens Older Persons Day Service and Somali Gardens Older Persons Weekend Service, E1) and Peabody’s Older Persons Day Service at the (Sundial Centre, E2) up to September 2016 to enable the completion of a procurement process to establish a preferred provider list with a new service specification. The normal procurement process could take between nine months and a year (a final timeline will need to be confirmed). If members agree this route, the new  contract arrangements will start in September 2016. 

The annual estimated value of the current arrangements is:

§     St Hildas at Sonali Gardens          £479,459

§     St Hildas weekend service             £22,859

§     Peabody at Sundial Centre                       £298,005

Including a small number of additional day service placements that meet specific individual needs, the overall the estimated value of external day service provision is approximately £929,069 per annum.

3.    To take no decision with respect to services provided at Mayfield House until the Council has had time to consider all submissions from the related budget savings proposals consultation.

4.    To delegate to the Corporate Director Adult Social Care or to such other officer who then receives such delegation in accordance with Part A of the Scheme of Management in Part 3 of the Council’s constitution the power to agree to entering into the interim contracts with the existing providers as detailed in recommendation 2

5.    To note the demographic background and growing demand in Tower Hamlets against which the modernisation of older people’s day services is presented.

6.    To agree the recommended procurement approach (Option B) set out in Appendix A, which proposes a comprehensive package of services for older people who are eligible for services in Tower Hamlets, to ensure the services are outcomes-focused, tailored to physical, cultural and social needs, and represent quality, efficiency and best value.

7.    To agree that the Older Persons Pathway Board (or  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.8

DECISION

1. To consider this report of the scrutiny working group and agree the action plan in response to the review recommendations.

Action by:

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

Councillor John Pierce, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, introduced the report. He explained why Members had come to look at these issues and how  more joined-up working would benefit residents.

During discussion Members noted that there were significant challenges in tacking these issues. It was noted that a Member workshop had been arranged and that the Borough Commander was due at Overview and Scrutiny to discuss some of the issues noted. It was also reported that the Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy was due to be presented to Cabinet Members in due course.

The Mayor highlighted the multi-agency nature of the field and that tackling anti-social behaviour generally was one of his priorities. He agreed the recommendation in the report.

RESOLVED

1. To consider this report of the scrutiny working group and agree the action plan in response to the review recommendations.

DECISION

1.      To agree to the procurement of the EIA Review Contract.

2.      To delegate to the Corporate Director Development and Renewal or to such other officer who then receives such delegation in accordance with Part A of the Scheme of Management in Part 3 of the Council’s constitution the power to agree to entering into the contract with the winner or winners (as the case may be) of the procurement of the EIA Review Contract

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Environmental Impact Assessment Officer (H. Peacock)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Strategic Development introduced the report. She explained that spending on Environmental Impact Assessment Reviews had been greater than anticipated due to the Borough receiving more development applications that required statements that expected. A new contract was therefore required.

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

RESOLVED

1.      To agree to the procurement of the EIA Review Contract.

2.      To delegate to the Corporate Director Development and Renewal or to such other officer who then receives such delegation in accordance with Part A of the Scheme of Management in Part 3 of the Council’s constitution the power to agree to entering into the contract with the winner or winners (as the case may be) of the procurement of the EIA Review Contract.

DECISION

1.            To note the contents of this report.

2.            To consider and agree the proposed Supply Chain Code of Conduct in substitution of the current Ethical Governance Protocol and Supplier and Contractors Charter in order to achieve the milestone outlined in the Best Value Implementation Plan.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Head of Procurement (Z. Ahmed)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report. He welcomed the report for providing a more comprehensive code than the previous version.

The Mayor welcomed the report and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.            To note the contents of this report.

2.            To consider and agree the proposed Supply Chain Code of Conduct in substitution of the current Ethical Governance Protocol and Supplier and Contractors Charter in order to achieve the milestone outlined in the Best Value Implementation Plan.

DECISION

1.    To note the annual procurement expenditure analysis.

2.    To note the achievements against the Procurement Policy Imperatives.

3.    To note the Authority’s position on central records of all supplies, services and works contracts and progress made in improving third party expenditure under management.

4.    To note the current issues, future challenges and planned improvements to further transform Council’s procurement activities.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Head of Procurement (Z. Ahmed)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report. In response to a number of questions raised during discussion it was noted that:

·         Examining issues around the diversity of Boards was an important factor to consider when looking at who the Council should be engaging to do business.

·         Members considered there was a need to improve contract specification and management skills in the Council.

·         Officers would report back as to why the London Living Wage target was set at 90% but that the reason the target was being phased in was due to the need to adjust contracts at appropriate times to avoid expensive break clauses.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the annual procurement expenditure analysis.

2.    To note the achievements against the Procurement Policy Imperatives.

3.    To note the Authority’s position on central records of all supplies, services and works contracts and progress made in improving third party expenditure under management.

4.    To note the current issues, future challenges and planned improvements to further transform Council’s procurement activities.

The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions were noted.

DECISION

1.    Agree the principles and action plan contained in the Transparency Protocol, contained in appendix 1 of this report.

Action by:

DIRECTOR, LAW, PROBITY AND GOVERNANCE (M. CLAY)

AND ALL DIRECTORATES

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

The Mayor introduced the report. He noted the Pre-Scrutiny Question and officer response.

Councillor John Pierce, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee welcomed the report as a demonstration of the Mayor’s commitment to transparency. He urged the Mayor to also consider the recommendations that would be coming out of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Transparency Commission.

The Mayor welcomed the contribution of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and their Transparency Commission. He stated that a key demonstration of Transparency was the willingness to be challenged in respect of decisions taken. He also highlighted that the Governance Review Working Group would be examining a number of these issues on a cross-party basis.

RESOLVED

1.    Agree the principles and action plan contained in the Transparency Protocol, contained in appendix 1 of this report.

DECISION

1.            To note the report.

Action by:

DIRECTOR, LAW, PROBITY AND GOVERNANCE (M. CLAY)

(Interim Service Head, Legal Services (G. White)

(Complaints and Information Manager (R. Dowden)

The Mayor  introduced the report. He noted the importance of learning from any issues highlighted. He noted the report.

RESOLVED

1.            To note the report.

DECISION

1.    To note the Individual Mayoral Decisions set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

Action by:

DIRECTOR, LAW, PROBITY AND GOVERNANCE (M. CLAY)

(Committee Services Manager (M. Mannion)

The Mayor noted the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the Individual Mayoral Decisions set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

Nil items.

Nil items.

No motion to exclude the press and public was passed.

Nil items.

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.

Nil items.

Nil items.

[Note – this item was considered during the unrestricted part of the meeting.]

RESOLVED

1.    To note the content of the Exempt/Confidential Appendix to the main report.

[Note – this item was considered during the unrestricted part of the meeting.]

RESOLVED

1.    To note the content of the Exempt/Confidential Appendix to the main report.

Nil items.