During the meeting the Mayor agreed to vary the order of the agenda such that Item 5.16 (Tower Hamlets Cycle Strategy) was moved up the agenda to be taken straight after Item 5.12 (Commissioning of adult social care and supported housing contracts). For clarity, the minutes are presented in the order the items appear on the agenda.

Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         Councillor Sirajul Islam (Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Performance)

·         Councillor Joshua Peck (Cabinet Member for Work and Economic Growth)

·         Will Tuckley (Chief Executive)

·         Aman Dalvi (Corporate Director, Development and Renewal)

·         Stephen Halsey (Corporate Director, Communities, Localities and Culture)

·         Debbie Jones (Interim Corporate Director, Children’s Services)

Councillors Rachael Saunders (Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services) and Ayas Miah (Cabinet Member for Environment) declared Disclosable Pecuniary Interests in agenda item 5.9 (Extended Payment Support Options to Leaseholders for Repayment of Major Works Recharges) as they were Leaseholders. They would withdraw from the room for the duration of the debate on that item.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 1 December 2015 are presented for approval.

RESOLVED

1.    That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 1 December 2015 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record of proceedings subject to the following amendments:

a.    Item 5.3 (Neighbourhood Planning – Approving Area and Forum Applications) – Recommendation 2 be changed to ‘To approve in principle the designation of a Neighbourhood Planning Forum for the Isle of Dogs application subject to clarification of the boundaries of the Neighbourhood Planning Area. Decisions to be taken on the Forum and Area Boundary at the earliest opportunity.

b.    Item 5.5 (Future Commissioning arrangements for domicliary care services previously commissioned from Majlish Homecare Services) paragraph two to be amended to make it clear that options C to F were also rejected as they were not practical or feasible in the current circumstances as well as not being value for money.

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 submitted in relation to Agenda Item 5.5 (Housing Revenue Account Rent Setting Report) and Item 5.7 (Six Monthly Strategic Performance Monitoring Report). The questions were considered along with the reports themselves later on the agenda.

Councillor John Pierce, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, also provided an update on their meeting the previous evening. He reported that there had been valuable discussions on a number of issues including around leaseholders and in particular on leaseholder charges. Issues had been referred to the Chief Executive of Tower Hamlets Homes for him to report back to the Committee. Other topics discussed included:

·         Budget Monitoring and in particular underspends in children’s and adults’ services.

·         The Housing Revenue Account with particular reference to capital spending.

·         Gambling policy, which may result in a scrutiny review in the near future.

·         How to improve recycling rates.

Finally Councillor John Pierce thanked officers for responding to requests for information from Scrutiny Members in relation to their draft budget deliberations. However, he stated that not all the responses were as detailed as they needed to be and he would be contacting the relevant services to request more information.

The Mayor thanked him for his update.

Nil items.

An amended Appendix 9 to the report was tabled. A number of amendments to the budget proposals were agreed (set out below) but these did not alter the text of the decisions at this stage.

•              The proposal to save £93k by Reducing or Stopping Sunday Idea Store opening will not be progressed.

•              The proposal to reduce the corporate match funding budget by £246k will also not be progressed.

•              And the saving of £241k from the Review Day Services for Older People will only be progressed once suitable alternative to current provision has been found for any service users affected.

DECISION

1.    To agree a General Fund Revenue Budget of £358.774m for 2016-17.

2.    To accept the proposed increase to Council tax (Band D) of 3.99% in 2016-17 and thereby agree Council Tax (Band D) at £920.85 for the new financial year.

3.    To agree to propose the items listed below for public consultation and consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework. A further report will then be submitted to the next Cabinet meeting in February detailing the results of consultations and feedback from Overview and Scrutiny committee; inviting Cabinet to recommend a Budget Requirement and Council Tax for 2016-17 to Full Council.

4.    To note the following matters:

Budget Consultation

The outcome of consultation with residents and Overview and Scrutiny Committee on savings proposals as detailed in section 3.12 and Appendix 9.

Funding

The funding available for 2016-17 and the indications and forecasts for future years set out in Section 3.4.

Base Budget 2016-17

The Base Budget for 2016-17 as £350.346mas detailed in Appendix 1.

Growth and Inflation

The risks identified from potential growth and inflation commitments arising in 2016-17 and future years and as set out in Section 3.5 and in Appendix 3.

General Fund Revenue Budget for 2016-17 and Medium Term Financial Plan 2016-17to 2019-20

The initial budget proposal and Council Tax for 2016-17 together with the Medium Term Financial Plan set out in Appendix 1.

Savings

New savings items to be included in the budget for 2016-17 and the strategic approach for future savings to be delivered are set out in Section 3.6, Appendix 4.1 and 4.2 of the report.

Capital Programme

The capital programme to 2018-19; including the proposed revisions to the current programme as set out in section 3.10 and detailed in Appendices 8.1, 8.2 & 8.3, and the proposed refresh of the council’s capital strategy during 2016-17.

To adopt a capital estimate for Communities, Localities & Culture TFL LIP schemes (2016-17) totalling £2.487m & S106 schemes totalling £0.276m as detailed in Appendices 8.1 & 8.2.

Dedicated Schools Grant

The position with regards to the Dedicated Schools Grant as set out in Section 3.8 and Appendices 6.1 & 6.2.

Housing Revenue Account

The position with regards to the Housing Revenue Account as set out in Section 3.9 and Appendix 7.

Financial Risks: Reserves and Contingencies

The strategic budget risks and  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.1

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report and tabled an amended Appendix 9. He drew Members attention to the provisional nature of some of the figures from the government which could result in further changes to the proposals. He also highlighted a number of the growth and savings proposals contained in the report and recommended some further amendments to the original draft proposals:

•              The proposal to save £93k by Reducing or Stopping Sunday Idea Store opening will not be progressed.

•              The proposal to reduce the corporate match funding budget by £246k will also not be progressed.

•              And the saving of £241k from the Review Day Services for Older People would only be progressed once suitable alternative to current provision has been found for any service users affected.

He reported that the Council had a relatively low Council Tax compared to other London Boroughs and that the government was assuming that Councils would be increasing the tax by 2% to support adult social care services. The draft budget also included proposals for a 1.99% increase on top of that although it was hoped not to have to include this additional increase in future years. Finally, he drew Members attention to sections of the report on the reserves and capital projects as well as potential risks around reductions in the new homes bonus and funding for schools.

The Mayor thanked Councillor David Edgar and officers for the report. He highlighted that the budget was still a work in progress in particular as he had only been Mayor for six months. He noted that some of the savings targets were ambitious but there were significant cuts that were required and so there would have to be a continual review of budgets.

Particular issues he would continue to monitor included:

• Whether early years services savings negatively impacted on those services.
• Potential growth required to improve street cleaning.
• The impact of benefit changes and welfare reform.

It was noted that the draft budget would be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 18 January 2016. 

During discussion Members noted the need to monitor the savings proposals that were being made in partnership with the East London NHS Trust and also that the proposed Council Tax increase to cover Social Care was not expected to fully cover the pressures on those services.

The Mayor accepted the amendments proposed by Councillor David Edgar, and subject to those, he agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    Subject to the above amendments, to agree a General Fund Revenue Budget of £358.774m for 2016-17.

2.    To accept the proposed increase to Council tax (Band D) of 3.99% in 2016-17 and thereby agree Council Tax (Band D) at £920.85 for the new financial year.

3.    Subject to the above amendments, to agree to propose the items listed below for consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at a public meeting in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.1

DECISION

1.    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 2016/17 shall be 83,493.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the yearly report detailing the Borough’s Council Tax base.

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

RESOLVED

1.    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 2016/17 shall be 83,493.

DECISION

1.    To recommend to Full Council that it approves the continuation of the current Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2016/17 which will retain the same level of support to all working age Council Tax payers on a low income.

2.    To recommend to Full Council that it agrees that the extension of the scheme is for one year only, to be reviewed alongside the impact of the Government’s proposed welfare reform changes and an options review for the future of LCTRS during 2016.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Head of Benefits Services (S. Hill)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report recommending that the existing Council Tax Reduction Scheme be extended for a further year to be reviewed at that point.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To recommend to Full Council that it approves the continuation of the current Local Council Tax Reduction Scheme for 2016/17 which will retain the same level of support to all working age Council Tax payers on a low income.

2.    To recommend to Full Council that it agrees that the extension of the scheme is for one year only, to be reviewed alongside the impact of the Government’s proposed welfare reform changes and an options review for the future of LCTRS during 2016.

DECISION

1.    To approve the revised fees and charges for Communities, Localities and Culture as set out in Appendix 1 with effect from 1^st April 2016.

2.    To approve the new Pre-application charges for Development and Renewal as set out in Appendix 2 with effect from 5^th January 2016.

3.    To approve the revised fees and charges for Development and Renewal as set out in Appendix 2 with effect from 1^st April 2016.

4.    To approve the revised fees and charges for Adults’ Services as set out in Appendix 3 with effect from 1^st April 2016.

5.    To approve the revised fees and charges for Children’s Services as set out in Appendix 4 with effect from 1^st April 2016.
 

6.    To approve the revised fees and charges for Law, Probity and Governance as set out in Appendix 5 with effect from 1^st April 2016.

7.    To note the revised Statutory fees and charges as set out in Appendix 6 with effect from 1^st April 2016.

8.    To note the revised Licensing charges in Appendix 7 which have been approved by the Licensing Committee on 6^th October 2015, with effect from 1^st November 2015.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Interim Service Head, Finance and Procurement (B. Scarr)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report listing the proposed fees and charges for Council services for 2016/17. He explained that no increase was proposed in a number of areas and any increases were usually in line with inflation or necessary because a grant had been reduced. Following questions he confirmed that charges could be altered during the year following a review providing a formal decision was taken to do so.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the revised fees and charges for Communities, Localities and Culture as set out in Appendix 1 with effect from 1^st April 2016.

2.    To approve the new Pre-application charges for Development and Renewal as set out in Appendix 2 with effect from 5^th January 2016.

3.    To approve the revised fees and charges for Development and Renewal as set out in Appendix 2 with effect from 1^st April 2016.

4.    To approve the revised fees and charges for Adults’ Services as set out in Appendix 3 with effect from 1^st April 2016.

5.    To approve the revised fees and charges for Children’s Services as set out in Appendix 4 with effect from 1^st April 2016.
 

6.    To approve the revised fees and charges for Law, Probity and Governance as set out in Appendix 5 with effect from 1^st April 2016.

7.    To note the revised Statutory fees and charges as set out in Appendix 6 with effect from 1^st April 2016.

8.    To note the revised Licensing charges in Appendix 7 which have been approved by the Licensing Committee on 6^th October 2015, with effect from 1^st November 2015.

An updated report was tabled.

DECISION

1.    To note that, under section 21 of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill (which is at Committee Stage in the House of Lords), the Authority must implement a rent reduction of 1% for each of the next four years, starting in 2016/17, and consequently to agree an average weekly rent reduction of 1% to take effect from the first rent week of April 2016.

2.    To agree that the element of the rental charge that relates to communal electricity will be removed from the rent (de-pooled) and will be added to the tenanted service charge. 

3.    To agree that the average weekly tenanted service charge will increase by £0.10 from the first rent week in April 2016, after applying the de-pooling adjustment of communal energy charges referred to in Recommendation 2.

4.    To note the risks to the Housing Revenue Account, (HRA) detailed in sections 6 to 8, and note that an updated medium-term financial strategy will be developed for the HRA in response to the various government policies that will have a substantial impact on the HRA.

5.    To note that the HRA budget will be presented to Cabinet in February 2016.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Service Head, Resources D&R (C. Holme)

(Finance Manager D&R (P. Leeson)

(Senior Accountant D&R (K. Ball)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, introduced the report and tabled an updated version. She highlighted that the main recommendation was a government mandated 1% cut to rent charges. The risks relating to this cut were set out and would inform the Housing Revenue Account budget report that was due at the next meeting.

In response to Pre-Scrutiny Questions it was explained that officers were awaiting directions from government on how the ‘pay to stay’ process would work.

The Mayor noted the challenge that the 1% cut was going to be for housing providers and agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note that, under section 21 of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill (which is at Committee Stage in the House of Lords), the Authority must implement a rent reduction of 1% for each of the next four years, starting in 2016/17, and consequently to agree an average weekly rent reduction of 1% to take effect from the first rent week of April 2016.

2.    To agree that the element of the rental charge that relates to communal electricity will be removed from the rent (de-pooled) and will be added to the tenanted service charge. 

3.    To agree that the average weekly tenanted service charge will increase by £0.10 from the first rent week in April 2016, after applying the de-pooling adjustment of communal energy charges referred to in Recommendation 2.

4.    To note the risks to the Housing Revenue Account, (HRA) detailed in sections 6 to 8, and note that an updated medium-term financial strategy will be developed for the HRA in response to the various government policies that will have a substantial impact on the HRA.

5.    To note that the HRA budget will be presented to Cabinet in February 2016.

DECISION

1.    To note the Council’s revenue and capital financial performance compared to budget for 2015/16 as detailed in Sections 3 to 6 and Appendices 1-4 of this report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Chief Accountant (K. Miles)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the revenue and capital budget monitoring report. He highlighted that the revenue budget was forecast to break even for the year. However, there were some pressures in Children’s and Adults’ services with particular concerns around social care packages and home care services. He also noted the underspend in the Housing Revenue Account and his concern that only 23% of the capital budget had so far been spent and it was important to not delay spending on supporting priority services to residents. Work was needed to improve that performance.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To note the Council’s revenue and capital financial performance compared to budget for 2015/16 as detailed in Sections 3 to 6 and Appendices 1-4 of this report.

DECISION

1.    To review and note progress in delivering the Strategic Plan at the 6 month stage (appendix 1 to the report); and

2.    To review and note the performance of the Strategic Measures at the 6 month stage (appendix 2 to the report)

Action by:

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

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

The Mayor introduced the six monthly review report. It highlighted many positive areas of progress as well as issues in some areas. Whilst the performance monitoring processes were generally good, he was looking at adjusting them in the next few months.

In response to Pre-Scrutiny Questions, Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services responded that:

·         The Council was on track in creating 800 additional places for disadvantaged 2 year olds, details on some of the capital spend was in the report later on the agenda.

·         The delays in relation to the Commissioners had been resolved.

·         On Education and Healthcare Plan conversions from SEN statements, the Council was behind schedule but was doing ok compared to other Boroughs. It was better to do them well rather than to do them quickly.

·         In respect of the campaign to register children with GPs and dentists, the January meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board (HWB) had been given over to a workshop on this issue and a report written in conjunction with the CCG would be presented to the March HWB meeting.

·         There were a number of reviews taking place that were relevant to early year’s services and she would ensure that Cabinet and Overview and Scrutiny were involved in relation to the reports that would be coming forward.

·         The Council and CCG work was ongoing to look at mental health services and she would engage with Overview and Scrutiny Committee when looking at how the services should be developed.

The Mayor thanked everyone for their contribution. He welcomed that the 800 places for disadvantaged children were on target and he highlighted the need to ensure the right children could access the places.

He stated that he had delegated day to day chairing of the Health and Wellbeing Board to Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs but that he was keeping a close eye on the work being undertaken. He agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To review and note progress in delivering the Strategic Plan at the 6 month stage (appendix 1 to the report); and

2.    To review and note the performance of the Strategic Measures at the 6 month stage (appendix 2 to the report)

DECISION

1.    To note the contents of the report and the out-turn for the 2014/15 Education, Social Care & Wellbeing (ESCW) Capital Programme as detailed in Appendix A and proposed allocation of the funding available in 2016/17 as set out in Appendix B (paragraph 3.2);

2.    To note the 2015/16 capital condition and improvement programme schemes in schools and service premises as shown in Appendix C (Schools and Children’s Services) and Appendix F (Adult Services) (paragraph 3.4);

3.    To approve the adoption of capital estimates for the 2016/17 capital condition and improvement programme schemes in schools and service premises as shown in Appendix D and authorise expenditure (paragraph 3.5 );

4.    To note the completed projects within the Primary Capital Programme (PCP) in Appendix E and approve the increase in the final cost for the works at Malmesbury Primary School (paragraph 3.9);

5.    To note the School Expansion Programme as detailed in Appendix G and approve the revised capital allocation for the expansion works at Woolmore Primary and Stepney Green schools (paragraph 3.11);

6.    To approve of the adoption of a capital estimate for fees of £1.00m to develop the design for the proposed new secondary school at the London Dock site (paragraph 3.15); 

7.    To note progress with the development of further expansion projects and approve the adoption of a capital estimate of £750,000 to cover the costs of developing proposals to be considered for inclusion in the capital programme and authorise expenditure (paragraph 3.19);

8.    To approve the adoption of a capital estimate of £300,000 for the costs of providing additional short term accommodation if required for additional pupils until major works have been carried out to provide permanent additional school places and authorise expenditure (paragraph 3.20) ;

9.    To note progress with creating early education provision and further consultation with providers as shown in Appendix E (paragraph 3.22);

10. To approve the adoption of a capital estimate for expenditure of s. 106 contributions on improvements to health infrastructure for the Maximising existing health infrastructure project of £2,603,358 (paragraph 3.24);

11. To approve of a capital estimate for expenditure of s. 106 contributions on improvements to health infrastructure  for the fit out works to William Cotton Place of £3,193,000 (paragraph 3.24);

12. To agree that Council approved Frameworks be used, where appropriate, to deliver the various projects within the approved programmes;

13.  To agree that the Corporate Director of Children’s Services or the Director of Adults Services (as applicable), in respect of all proposed tenders referred to in this report, be authorised to agree tenders for projects within the approved programmes and capital estimate;

14. To agree that any scheme exceeding the approved budget, the Corporate Director of Children’s Services or the Director of Adults Services (as applicable) to be authorised to prepare and carry out a Bill of Reductions where relevant to ensure expenditure is contained within the agreed costs.

Action by:

INTERIM CORPORATE DIRECTOR, CHILDREN’S SERVICES (D. JONES)

(Head of Building Development (P. Watson)

(Capital and Asset  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.8

Councillors Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services and Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adults Services, introduced the report on the Children’s and Adults Capital Programme proposals. They explained that the report included reference to the urgent provision of school places highlighted earlier on the agenda and also that the report detailed S106 money being provided to 11 surgeries to help them increase the capacity of their services.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To note the contents of the report and the out-turn for the 2014/15 Education, Social Care & Wellbeing (ESCW) Capital Programme as detailed in Appendix A and proposed allocation of the funding available in 2016/17 as set out in Appendix B (paragraph 3.2);

2.    To note the 2015/16 capital condition and improvement programme schemes in schools and service premises as shown in Appendix C (Schools and Children’s Services) and Appendix F (Adult Services) (paragraph 3.4);

3.    To approve the adoption of capital estimates for the 2016/17 capital condition and improvement programme schemes in schools and service premises as shown in Appendix D and authorise expenditure (paragraph 3.5 );

4.    To note the completed projects within the Primary Capital Programme (PCP) in Appendix E and approve the increase in the final cost for the works at Malmesbury Primary School (paragraph 3.9);

5.    To note the School Expansion Programme as detailed in Appendix G and approve the revised capital allocation for the expansion works at Woolmore Primary and Stepney Green schools (paragraph 3.11);

6.    To approve of the adoption of a capital estimate for fees of £1.00m to develop the design for the proposed new secondary school at the London Dock site (paragraph 3.15); 

7.    To note progress with the development of further expansion projects and approve the adoption of a capital estimate of £750,000 to cover the costs of developing proposals to be considered for inclusion in the capital programme and authorise expenditure (paragraph 3.19);

8.    To approve the adoption of a capital estimate of £300,000 for the costs of providing additional short term accommodation if required for additional pupils until major works have been carried out to provide permanent additional school places and authorise expenditure (paragraph 3.20) ;

9.    To note progress with creating early education provision and further consultation with providers as shown in Appendix E (paragraph 3.22);

10. To approve the adoption of a capital estimate for expenditure of s. 106 contributions on improvements to health infrastructure for the Maximising existing health infrastructure project of £2,603,358 (paragraph 3.24);

11. To approve of a capital estimate for expenditure of s. 106 contributions on improvements to health infrastructure  for the fit out works to William Cotton Place of £3,193,000 (paragraph 3.24);

12. To agree that Council approved Frameworks be used, where appropriate, to deliver the various projects within the approved programmes;

13.  To agree that the Corporate Director of Children’s Services or the Director of Adults Services (as applicable), in respect of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.8

DECISION

1.    To adopt the revised Leasehold Repayment Support Options 1-6 detailed at Appendix A to the report, and agree that this will supersede the previous Leasehold Support Options adopted by Cabinet on 9^th January 2013 – Appendix B to the report.

2.    To note that the Council has received additional Decent Homes Backlog Grant funding of £13.27 million for the 2015-16 financial year. This will result in additional net Housing Revenue Account capital resources estimated at £12.21 million after applying the statutory leasehold cap (see paragraph 3.7).

3.    To authorise the Corporate Director - Development and Renewal following consultation with Corporate Director Law, Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer (or their nominee), to enter into all necessary documents to implement the decisions made.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

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

(Housing Partnerships Manager (J. Kiwanuka)

[Note – Councillors Rachael Saunders and Ayas Miah left the meeting for the duration of this agenda item.]

Jackie Odunoye, Head of Strategy, Regeneration and Sustainability, introduced the report. She highlighted the importance of collecting the charges that were due but also the need to be fair to leaseholders who may be receiving very large bills. The proposals in the report took account of relevant government regulations on charge capping. She reported that, whilst some Councils did offer longer interest free periods, a balance had to be struck against the impact to the Housing Revenue Account.

Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative Group, addressed Cabinet. He highlighted the Council’s duty of care to leaseholders and urged a swift implementation of the proposals. He also requested that all Members be provided with a guide to the support options available for use during Councillor Surgeries.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To adopt the revised Leasehold Repayment Support Options 1-6 detailed at Appendix A to the report, and agree that this will supersede the previous Leasehold Support Options adopted by Cabinet on 9^th January 2013 – Appendix B to the report.

2.    To note that the Council has received additional Decent Homes Backlog Grant funding of £13.27 million for the 2015-16 financial year. This will result in additional net Housing Revenue Account capital resources estimated at £12.21 million after applying the statutory leasehold cap (see paragraph 3.7).

3.    To authorise the Corporate Director - Development and Renewal following consultation with Corporate Director Law, Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer (or their nominee), to enter into all necessary documents to implement the decisions made.

DECISION

1.    To approve the formation of the decision-making structure as proposed in this document for adoption from the 1^st April 2016. More specifically:

·         The formation of an officer level group, the Infrastructure Delivery Steering Group, chaired by the Corporate Director of Development and Renewal;

·         The formation of a board level group, the Infrastructure Delivery Board, chaired by the Mayor which will refer relevant matters to Cabinet via the Cabinet Pre-Agenda Planning Meeting. The relevant matters will not be referred to the Directorate Management Team, the Corporate Management Team or the Mayor’s Advisory Board as required under the current Cabinet process.

2.    To approve the formation of an evidence base to support decision-making. This evidence base will be finalised and submitted for approval by the IDB and Cabinet once the IDF is implemented;

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Service Head Planning and Building Control (O. Whalley)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, introduced the report on the implementation of a new Infrastructure Delivery Framework to replace existing procedures.

The Mayor welcomed the report as part of his transparency agenda and agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the formation of the decision-making structure as proposed in this document for adoption from the 1^st April 2016. More specifically:

·         The formation of an officer level group, the Infrastructure Delivery Steering Group, chaired by the Corporate Director of Development and Renewal;

·         The formation of a board level group, the Infrastructure Delivery Board, chaired by the Mayor which will refer relevant matters to Cabinet via the Cabinet Pre-Agenda Planning Meeting. The relevant matters will not be referred to the Directorate Management Team, the Corporate Management Team or the Mayor’s Advisory Board as required under the current Cabinet process.

2.    To approve the formation of an evidence base to support decision-making. This evidence base will be finalised and submitted for approval by the IDB and Cabinet once the IDF is implemented;

DECISION

1.    To approve the Carbon Offset Solutions Study for adoption.

2.    To note the monies secured to date.

3.    To note the council’s approach in managing the funds and delivering projects.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Sustainable Development Team Leader (J Taylor)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Strategic Development introduced the report. She congratulated officers for their work on the report and study. She explained that it was forecast there would be approximately £2 million of funds secured annually and the report set out the priority areas for action.

Progress on the projects identified would be reported back to Cabinet.  

The Mayor welcomed the report as important and urgent work. He agreed the recommendations set out in the report and agreed it was important that Cabinet kept a watch on the progress of the projects.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the Carbon Offset Solutions Study for adoption.

2.    To note the monies secured to date.

3.    To note the council’s approach in managing the funds and delivering projects.

DECISION

1.    To authorise the initiation of tender processes and subsequent awarding of contracts, subject to best value considerations being met by bids received, in respect of the adult social care and supported housing services listed in paragraph 3.2 of this report;

2.    To delegate authority to the Acting Director of Adults’ Services following consultation with the Corporate Director of Law Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer the power to decide to enter into all necessary agreements and undertake any other ancillary matter to give effect to the decision referred to in recommendation 1;

3.    To authorise contractual terms of sixty months for each of the contracts to be let for the services listed in paragraph 3.2 of this report, that being an initial term of thirty-six months with the option to extend this initial term by two periods of twelve months each.

4.    To authorise the direct award of contracts to existing providers of these services listed in paragraph 3.3 of this report for the duration identified for each service in order to ensure continuity of service provision to residents while new contracts are procured and let;

5.    To delegate authority to the Acting Director of Adults’ Services following consultation with the Corporate Director of Law Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer the power to decide to enter into all necessary agreements and undertake any other ancillary matter to give effect to the decision referred to in recommendation 4;

6.    To delegate authority to the Acting Director of Adults’ Services following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, the Corporate Director of Law Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer the power to exercise the contractual extension clauses contained in contracts for the social care and supported housing services listed in paragraph 3.6 of this report subject to being satisfied with performance and value for money.

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, ADULTS’ SERVICES (L. ADDAMS.

(Acting Service Head, Commissioning and Health (K. Sugars)

Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adults’ Services, introduced the report proposing to commission various social care and supported housing contracts. She took Members through the report highlighting the review of contracts that had taken place, the immediate requirement to extend some contracts and longer term work to ensure stability of the services. Members would be involved in the retendering processes at the appropriate points.

The Mayor welcomed the report and requested that the Lead Member monitor the new officer-led procurement procedures. He agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To authorise the initiation of tender processes and subsequent awarding of contracts, subject to best value considerations being met by bids received, in respect of the adult social care and supported housing services listed in paragraph 3.2 of this report;

2.    To delegate authority to the Acting Director of Adults’ Services following consultation with the Corporate Director of Law Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer the power to decide to enter into all necessary agreements and undertake any other ancillary matter to give effect to the decision referred to in recommendation 1;

3.    To authorise contractual terms of sixty months for each of the contracts to be let for the services listed in paragraph 3.2 of this report, that being an initial term of thirty-six months with the option to extend this initial term by two periods of twelve months each.

4.    To authorise the direct award of contracts to existing providers of these services listed in paragraph 3.3 of this report for the duration identified for each service in order to ensure continuity of service provision to residents while new contracts are procured and let;

5.    To delegate authority to the Acting Director of Adults’ Services following consultation with the Corporate Director of Law Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer the power to decide to enter into all necessary agreements and undertake any other ancillary matter to give effect to the decision referred to in recommendation 4;

6.    To delegate authority to the Acting Director of Adults’ Services following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, the Corporate Director of Law Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer the power to exercise the contractual extension clauses contained in contracts for the social care and supported housing services listed in paragraph 3.6 of this report subject to being satisfied with performance and value for money.

DECISION

1.    To agree that the domiciliary care services previously provided by Majlish Homecare Services, and currently directly provided by the Council, be included in the scope of the domiciliary care services tender to be advertised in January 2016;

2.    To authorise the Acting Director of Adults’ Services following consultation with the Director of Law, Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer to enter into any necessary negotiations and other processes required by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations regarding the transfer of any persons deemed to be employees employed by the Council for the provision of the service as at the date of transfer, to those providers from whom services are subsequently commissioned.

3.    To authorise the Acting Director of Adults’ Services following consultation with the Corporate Director of Resources, Director of Law Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer to enter into all necessary negotiations with a view to reach agreement with workers in the service in respect of any continuous period of employment proposed to be offered to them by the Council until such time as the tender process is complete and any employees are transferred to new employers.

4.    To note the intention that the tender process referred to in recommendation 1 above is the means by which a range of contractual requirements will be introduced with the express aim of improving the terms and conditions of individuals who will be employed to deliver the service by the successful bidders in line with the Mayoral commitment to explore how to introduce the Ethical Care Charter into domiciliary care services in the borough.

Action by:

ACTING DIRECTOR, ADULT’S SERVICES (L. ADDAMS)

(Acting Service Head, Commissioning and Health (K. Sugars)

Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adults’ Services, introduced the report on future commissioning arrangements for certain domiciliary care services. She highlighted that a similar report had been presented at the last Cabinet meeting where the decision had been taken to reject four listed options and to either select Option A or Option B. Details were provided in the report.

She recommended that Option B be chosen for the reasons set out in the new report.

The Mayor confirmed that there had been a number of discussions about this issue and that, whilst Option A had some merits, Option B was recommended as the safe option at the current time. He therefore agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree that the domiciliary care services previously provided by Majlish Homecare Services, and currently directly provided by the Council, be included in the scope of the domiciliary care services tender to be advertised in January 2016;

2.    To authorise the Acting Director of Adults’ Services following consultation with the Director of Law, Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer to enter into any necessary negotiations and other processes required by the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations regarding the transfer of any persons deemed to be employees employed by the Council for the provision of the service as at the date of transfer, to those providers from whom services are subsequently commissioned.

3.    To authorise the Acting Director of Adults’ Services following consultation with the Corporate Director of Resources, Director of Law Probity and Governance and Monitoring Officer to enter into all necessary negotiations with a view to reach agreement with workers in the service in respect of any continuous period of employment proposed to be offered to them by the Council until such time as the tender process is complete and any employees are transferred to new employers.

4.    To note the intention that the tender process referred to in recommendation 1 above is the means by which a range of contractual requirements will be introduced with the express aim of improving the terms and conditions of individuals who will be employed to deliver the service by the successful bidders in line with the Mayoral commitment to explore how to introduce the Ethical Care Charter into domiciliary care services in the borough.

DECISION

1.    To agree that the London Borough of Tower Hamlets can join the London Sexual Health Transformation Project and the supporting east London commissioning with delegations that will enable the work to be taken forward.

2.    To delegate authority to the Director of Public Health to approve the Council’s participation in the pan-London agreements on cross charging, lead commissioning and integrated sexual health tariff.

3.    To approve the Council’s participation in a pan London procurement for a web-based system to include a ‘front-end’ portal, joined up partner notification and home/self-sampling. This will include the council being named in a Prior Indicative Notice (PIN) and Official Journal of European Union Notice (OJEU).

4.    To approve the Council’s participation in sub-regional arrangements for commissioning and procurement of Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) and Contraception and Sexual Health Service (CaSH) Services.

5.    To delegate authority to award contracts, as set out in the recommendations 2. to 4. above, to the Director of Public Health following consultation with the Head of the Legal Services, Chief Financial Officer and the Portfolio Holders for Finance and Health and Well Being.

Action by:

ACTING DIRECTOR, ADULT’S SERVICES (L. ADDAMS)

(Associate Director of Public Health (C. Lovitt)

Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adults’ Services, introduce the report. She welcomed the proposed collaborative agreement on sexual health as a positive development that would provide better services and ensure the Council received better value for money. Some smaller similar projects had already saved over £2 million. She highlighted the risks set out in the report but also noted that there were greater risks in not participating.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To agree that the London Borough of Tower Hamlets can join the London Sexual Health Transformation Project and the supporting east London commissioning with delegations that will enable the work to be taken forward.

2.    To delegate authority to the Director of Public Health to approve the Council’s participation in the pan-London agreements on cross charging, lead commissioning and integrated sexual health tariff.

3.    To approve the Council’s participation in a pan London procurement for a web-based system to include a ‘front-end’ portal, joined up partner notification and home/self-sampling. This will include the council being named in a Prior Indicative Notice (PIN) and Official Journal of European Union Notice (OJEU).

4.    To approve the Council’s participation in sub-regional arrangements for commissioning and procurement of Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) and Contraception and Sexual Health Service (CaSH) Services.

5.    To delegate authority to award contracts, as set out in the recommendations 2. to 4. above, to the Director of Public Health following consultation with the Head of the Legal Services, Chief Financial Officer and the Portfolio Holders for Finance and Health and Well Being.

DECISION

1.    To note the scrutiny challenge session report as agreed by the Health Scrutiny Panel on 9^th September 2015 (Appendix 1 to the report) and agree the action plan in response to the review recommendations. (Appendix 2 to the report).

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, ADULT’S SERVICES (L. ADDAMS)

Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adults’ Services, introduced the report highlighting its important contribution in tackling the significant problem of supporting the work of unpaid carers. She welcomed Scrutiny’s involvement and the proposed action plan which included some exciting proposals, for example around Care Centre collaboration.

Councillor Asma Begum, Cabinet Member for Culture, also spoke to the report having been the Scrutiny Lead on the original challenge session. She explained that the session had focussed on how well the Council was implementing the Care Act 2014 which made it a legal requirement for the Council to assess unpaid carers who may be impacted by their caring role.

The Mayor agreed that this was important work for the Council to prioritise and endorsed the proposed action plan. He agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the scrutiny challenge session report as agreed by the Health Scrutiny Panel on 9^th September 2015 (Appendix 1 to the report) and agree the action plan in response to the review recommendations. (Appendix 2 to the report).

DECISION

1.    To approve the attached document as the Council’s Cycle Strategy 2015-2025.

Action by:

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

(Head of Engineering (M. Cooper)

Councillor Ayas Miah, Cabinet Member for Environment, introduced the report. He explained that it sought approval for a new cycle strategy. There had been a high number of responses to the consultation process which demonstrated strong support from residents.

The Mayor introduced Councillor Dave Chesterton as his cycling champion.

Councillor Dave Chesterton updated the meeting on his engagement work with local cycling groups. He highlighted a number of proposals in the report including around traffic calming, cycle storage and on street lockers. He noted that annual update reports would be provided.

Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative Group, addressed the meeting. He welcomed the report and highlighted that it was important that any strategy addressed issues for all highway users. He considered that education should also be targeted at cyclists to ensure their appropriate use of the highway.

Following a discussion of the report, the Mayor thanked all those who had worked on the strategy and agreed the recommendation as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the attached document as the Council’s Cycle Strategy 2015-2025.

DECISION

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

Action by:

COMMITTEE SERVICES MANAGER (M. MANNION)

The Mayor introduced the report. He noted that he had signed a further decision today on the Best Value Action Plan for Communications. He agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

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

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

Nil items.

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.

Nil items.

Nil items.