During the meeting the Mayor agreed to alter the order of business on the agenda. For clarity, the minutes are presented in the order in which the items appear on the agenda. At the meeting agenda Item 5.1 (General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan 2016/17) was taken before Agenda Item 4 (Overview and Scrutiny Committee). All other items were taken in order.

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Sirajul Islam declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 5.3 (Housing Revenue Account Budget Report 2016/17) as he was a Council tenant. Similarly it was noted that Councillors Rachael Saunders and Ayas Miah had personal interests as Leaseholders. However the report was of a general nature and was not specifically about their properties so they would take part in the discussion.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 5 January 2016 are presented for approval.

RESOLVED

1.    That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 5 January 2016 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record of proceedings.

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

A Pre-Decision Scrutiny Question was tabled in relation to Agenda Item 5.7 (Community Safety Partnership Plan Review and Extension). This was considered during the discussion on that agenda item.

In addition, Councillor John Pierce, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) reported on their meeting the previous evening. He informed Cabinet that they had had a busy meeting looking at a number of areas including the Local Plan, the impact of betting shops, key worker housing and the community safety partnership. There was also a focus on education with discussions on how to recruit a more diverse range of school governors and looking at improving post 16 attainment.

In respect of the Council’s draft budget, Councillor John Pierce reported on the OSC meeting held on 18 January that had examined the budget proposals set out at the January Cabinet meeting. He explained that the OSC had made a number of recommendations that he urged the Mayor to consider. He thanked most officers for their support of the budget scrutiny process but highlighted concern that some areas were not providing enough detail to allow proper scrutiny to take place.

Nil items.

DECISION

1.    To submit to Council for agreement a General Fund Revenue Budget of £358.313msubject to any changes that may be required following the final settlement in February 2016.

2.    To agree the  Council tax (Band D) at £920.85 for 2016-17 be referred to Full Council for consideration.

3.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources in consultation with the Mayor and Lead Member of Resources to make the required changes to the budget following the final settlement announcement in February.

4.    To consider the following matters:

Budget Consultation

The outcome of consultation with residents and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the budget and savings proposals as detailed in section 3.12 and Appendix 9 and 10.

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 £350.346m as 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 opportunities as set out in Section 3.7 and Appendix 5.2.

Reserves and Balances

New schemes being funded from general fund reserves in 2016-17.

The position in relation to reserves as set out in the report and further detailed in Appendices 5.1 & 5.3.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

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

(Head of Financial Planning & Corporate Finance Partner (E. Hussain)

(Deputy Financial Planning Manager (R. Ebaretonbofa-Morah)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report proposing the Council’s revenue and capital budget. In particular he drew Members attention to the changes to the report agreed at the January Cabinet meeting around Idea Store opening times, corporate match funding and the review of day services for older people. These were all now set out in the report. He was not proposing any other significant amendments.

The Mayor and Cabinet then discussed the report in more detail and in particular looked at the comments made by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee set out in an Appendix to the report. Particular topics discussed included:

·         The incontinence laundry service.

·         Spending on police officers.

·         School crossing services

·         Mainstream grants spending

·         The Burial subsidy

The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out to present the budget to Council for agreement.

RESOLVED

1.    To submit to Council for agreement a General Fund Revenue Budget of £358.313msubject to any changes that may be required following the final settlement in February 2016.

2.    To agree the  Council tax (Band D) at £920.85 for 2016-17 be referred to Full Council for consideration.

3.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources in consultation with the Mayor and Lead Member of Resources to make the required changes to the budget following the final settlement announcement in February.

4.    To consider the following matters:

Budget Consultation

The outcome of consultation with residents and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the budget and savings proposals as detailed in section 3.12 and Appendix 9 and 10.

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 £350.346m as 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.1

DECISION

1.            To recommend that Full Council approve the following policy and strategies:

a)    The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement set out in section 2 at annex A attached to this report;

b)    The Treasury Management Strategy Statement set out in sections 5 - 6 at annex A attached to this report;

c)    The Annual Investment Strategy set out in s sections 5 - 6 at annex A attached to this report, which officers involved in treasury management, must then follow;

2.            To recommend that Full Council approve the prudential and treasury management indicators as set out in appendix 1 to the report; and

3.            To delegate to the Corporate Director Resources, after consultation with the Lead Member for Resources, authority to vary the figures in this report to reflect any decisions made in relation to the Capital Programme prior to submission to Budget Council.

Action by:                                                 

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Investment and Treasury Manager (B. Tobun)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report. He highlighted adjustments to the strategy for example to reflect the regulatory environment of banks.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations to present the report to Council for agreement.

RESOLVED

1.            To recommend that Full Council approve the following policy and strategies:

a)    The Minimum Revenue Provision Policy Statement set out in section 2 at annex A attached to this report;

b)    The Treasury Management Strategy Statement set out in sections 5 - 6 at annex A attached to this report;

c)    The Annual Investment Strategy set out in s sections 5 - 6 at annex A attached to this report, which officers involved in treasury management, must then follow;

2.            To recommend that Full Council approve the prudential and treasury management indicators as set out in appendix 1 to the report; and

3.            To delegate to the Corporate Director Resources, after consultation with the Lead Member for Resources, authority to vary the figures in this report to reflect any decisions made in relation to the Capital Programme prior to submission to Budget Council.

DECISION      

Revenue

1.    To approve the draft 2016/17 Housing Revenue Account budget as set out in Appendix 1.

2.    To approve the draft 2016/17 Management Fee payable to Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) of £33.376 million as set out in Table 7 in section 10.

3.    To note that under the Management Agreement between the Council and THH, THH manages delegated income and expenditure budgets on behalf of the Council.  The principal delegated income budgets are for rental income and service charges, and the major item of delegated expenditure is repairs and maintenance.  In 2016/17, THH will manage delegated income budgets totalling £88.512 million, and delegated expenditure budgets of £24.208 million.

4.    To note the HRA Medium Term Financial Plan (2016/17 to 2020/21) outlined in Appendix 2.

            Capital

1.    To adopt a capital estimate of £2 million in relation to external works on priority blocks, as outlined in paragraph 13.3.

2.    To adopt a capital estimate of £11.5 million to fund newly arising Decent Homes works as outlined in paragraphs 13.4.

3.    To adopt a capital estimate of £3.6 million in relation to Mechanical and Electrical schemes Initiatives as outlined in paragraph 13.5.

4.    To adopt a capital estimate of £4 million in relation to Fire Risk Assessment as outlined in paragraphs 13.6.

5.    To adopt a capital estimate of £1 million to fund Overcrowding Reduction Initiatives as outlined in paragraph 13.7.

6.    To adopt capital estimates for the Aids and Adaptations programme (£750,000), the Capitalisation of Voids (£1.5 million) and the Capitalisation of Fees and Salaries (£650,000) as outlined in paragraph 13.8.

7.    To adopt a capital estimate of £200,000 in order to maintain a contingency for urgent works of £1 million, as outlined in paragraph 13.9.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Service Head, Resources (C. Holme)

(Finance Business Partner (P. Leeson)

(Senior Accountant (HRA and Capital) (K. Ball)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report. He highlighted the government requirement for a 1% rent decrease and the financial impact that would have on the account with a projected £24 million reduction in income over the next four years.

He also highlighted details on the capital programme and how to help residents make adaptions to their homes to support independent living.

Members welcomed the report and discussed a number of issues including ensuring all accommodation was of decent homes standard and looking at the new build programme.

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

RESOLVED

Revenue

1.    To approve the draft 2016/17 Housing Revenue Account budget as set out in Appendix 1.

2.    To approve the draft 2016/17 Management Fee payable to Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) of £33.376 million as set out in Table 7 in section 10.

3.    To note that under the Management Agreement between the Council and THH, THH manages delegated income and expenditure budgets on behalf of the Council.  The principal delegated income budgets are for rental income and service charges, and the major item of delegated expenditure is repairs and maintenance.  In 2016/17, THH will manage delegated income budgets totalling £88.512 million, and delegated expenditure budgets of £24.208 million.

4.    To note the HRA Medium Term Financial Plan (2016/17 to 2020/21) outlined in Appendix 2.

            Capital

1.    To adopt a capital estimate of £2 million in relation to external works on priority blocks, as outlined in paragraph 13.3.

2.    To adopt a capital estimate of £11.5 million to fund newly arising Decent Homes works as outlined in paragraphs 13.4.

3.    To adopt a capital estimate of £3.6 million in relation to Mechanical and Electrical schemes Initiatives as outlined in paragraph 13.5.

4.    To adopt a capital estimate of £4 million in relation to Fire Risk Assessment as outlined in paragraphs 13.6.

5.    To adopt a capital estimate of £1 million to fund Overcrowding Reduction Initiatives as outlined in paragraph 13.7.

6.    To adopt capital estimates for the Aids and Adaptations programme (£750,000), the Capitalisation of Voids (£1.5 million) and the Capitalisation of Fees and Salaries (£650,000) as outlined in paragraph 13.8.

7.    To adopt a capital estimate of £200,000 in order to maintain a contingency for urgent works of £1 million, as outlined in paragraph 13.9.

DECISION

1.    To agree, considering the options available, to introduced a Selective Licensing scheme within Weavers, Whitechapel and Spitalfields and Banglatown areas (pre May 22^nd 2014 ward boundaries)

2.    To confirm that the proposed designation criteria for introducing Selective Licensing, as outlined in this report have been met.

3.    To agree to delegate to the Corporate Director of Communities Localities and Culture to setting the commencement date and issuing of the required statutory notifications in relation to the notification of the Selective Licensing scheme designation.

4.    To agree the fee structure, licence conditions, and Housing Standards which it is proposed are adopted as part of scheme.

5.    To agree to delegate to the Director of Communities Localities and Culture, authority to bring in the lower fee for all applications to enable the scheme to be introduced sooner depending on the duration of the ICT development and introduction.

6.    To agree that no further exemptions to the scheme should be considered in addition to the statutory exemptions.

7.    To agree that additional licensing should be considered further, subject to approval with the Mayor and Lead Members, once the extent of the Governments consultation of extending the definition of a licensable House in Multiple Occupation is known and that a cross-party letter be prepared as a submission to the Government expressing Members support for additional licensing powers for Local Authorities.

Action by:

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

(Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards (D. Tolley)

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Performance, introduced the report. He highlighted that the goal was to encourage better tenancies for local residents. There were a number of different license types involved and further work was required.

During discussion a number of issues were noted including:

·         That Government regulations set out that the licensing scheme could not cover the whole Borough. Members looked at why the particular areas of the Borough had been chosen.

·         The fees structure was set out and must be cost neutral.

·         The government were consulting on how to tackle houses in multiple occupancy (HMO) and the Council would monitor the outcomes of that consultation.

·         Details of the communication strategy.

·         That private rented accommodation was welcome but that it was important it was well managed.

Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative Group, addressed the meeting. He highlighted concerns about the speed with which buildings were being converted into HMOs and stressed that the Council should be looking to use its existing powers to tackle this issue. The Mayor agreed to explore creating a cross-party letter to the government consultation setting out the Borough’s position in relation to additional licensing.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out in the report subject to an amendment to Recommendation 7 to propose the cross-party letter to the government consultation.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree, considering the options available, to introduced a Selective Licensing scheme within Weavers, Whitechapel and Spitalfields and Banglatown areas (pre May 22^nd 2014 ward boundaries)

2.    To confirm that the proposed designation criteria for introducing Selective Licensing, as outlined in this report have been met.

3.    To agree to delegate to the Corporate Director of Communities Localities and Culture to setting the commencement date and issuing of the required statutory notifications in relation to the notification of the Selective Licensing scheme designation.

4.    To agree the fee structure, licence conditions, and Housing Standards which it is proposed are adopted as part of scheme.

5.    To agree to delegate to the Director of Communities Localities and Culture, authority to bring in the lower fee for all applications to enable the scheme to be introduced sooner depending on the duration of the ICT development and introduction.

6.    To agree that no further exemptions to the scheme should be considered in addition to the statutory exemptions.

7.    To agree that additional licensing should be considered further, subject to approval with the Mayor and Lead Members, once the extent of the Governments consultation of extending the definition of a licensable House in Multiple Occupation is known and that a cross-party letter be prepared as a submission to the Government expressing Members support for additional licensing powers for Local Authorities.

DECISION

1.    To note the adoptive powers under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

2.      To consider and comment on whether the Council should consult on the adoption of the powers for introducing a late night levy, along the basis outlined within the report.

Action by:

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

(Head of Environmental Health and Trading Standards (D. Tolley)

Councillor Shiria Khatun, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, introduced the report. She set out the details of the report including the time period to consider and the charging methodology. Charges collected must be used  in relation to tackling late night disorder. This report was recommending that the scheme should go out for consultation with the results being presented back to Cabinet at a later date.

Members welcomed the report, recognising the issue of late night anti-social behaviour. It was noted that 70% of the receipts had to be allocated to the Metropolitan Police but that MOPAC (Mayor’s Officer for Policing and Crime) had agreed to allocate the funding to the Borough through existing partnership arrangements.

Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative Group, addressed the meeting. He reported that the Licensing Committee had seen figures showing the high levels of anti-social behaviour in the Shoreditch area and welcomed the report as very timely.

The Mayor also noted concerns expressed by landlords and concerns about the financial pressure on good license holders. However, on balance he was minded to agree the recommendations to go out to consultation on the scheme.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the adoptive powers under the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011.

2.      To consider and comment on whether the Council should consult on the adoption of the powers for introducing a late night levy, along the basis outlined within the report.

Minor correction noted to report.

DECISION

1.    To note the schemes proposed for funding  in the LIP Delivery Plan.

2. To include the schemes listed in Appendix 1 to the report within the Communities Localities & Cultural Services Directorate’s 2015/16 and 2016/17 Capital Programme.

3. To adopt Capital Estimates for the sum specified in the estimated scheme cost column for 2016/17 and additional LIP Major Schemes funding of £0.650m in 2015/16 as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report.

4.    To agree that where possible the Council’s Framework Contracts for Highways be used for the implementation of these works as appropriate.

Action by:

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

(Head of Engineering (M. Cooper)

(Business Finance Partner (S. Adams)

Councillor Ayas Miah, Cabinet Member for Environment, introduced the report. He explained that the report provided an update on the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) including a request to adopt capital estimates for a number of projects. Projects reported on included those on cobbles reinstatement, resurfacing roads, cycling and highways.

In discussion it was noted that the Borough-wide 20mph zone would be reviewed at Cabinet in September. It was also noted that the Cable Street proposals were still being developed.

A minor correction was noted that on page 147 where is stated Albert Bishop House it should have said Albert Jacob House.

The Mayor welcomed the report as showing ambitious plans to improve the Borough. He agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the schemes proposed for funding  in the LIP Delivery Plan.

2. To include the schemes listed in Appendix 1 to the report within the Communities Localities & Cultural Services Directorate’s 2015/16 and 2016/17 Capital Programme.

3. To adopt Capital Estimates for the sum specified in the estimated scheme cost column for 2016/17 and additional LIP Major Schemes funding of £0.650m in 2015/16 as outlined in Appendix 1 to the report.

4.    To agree that where possible the Council’s Framework Contracts for Highways be used for the implementation of these works as appropriate.

DECISION

1.    To note the content of the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2013-16 Revised for Year 3 (appendix 1 to the report).

2.    To note the content of this report and the decision made under the relevant legislation by the CSP to extend its current CSP Plan by 1 year, so that it remains aligned with MOPAC’s Police and Crime Plan 2013-16 and expires on 31.03.17.

3.    To agree that this report, the Revised CSP Plan 2013-16 and CSP decision to extend goes before progresses to Full Council as per Council Constitution for formal consideration.

Action by:

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

(Community Safety Partnership Officer (C. Hewitt)

Councillor Shiria Khatun, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Community Safety, introduced the report. She highlighted the process to date and the extension to the plan that was being requested. The report would be presented to Council for final approval.

Particular issues highlighted as important included the addition of specific target around prostitution, separating arson out from general anti-social behaviour and the need to tackle female genital mutilation (FGM). In particular Members heard how extensive plans to tackle FGM were being developed.

The Mayor noted the pre-decision scrutiny question. He thanked Members and officers for their work on this report and the projects set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the content of the Community Safety Partnership Plan 2013-16 Revised for Year 3 (appendix 1 to the report).

2.    To note the content of this report and the decision made under the relevant legislation by the CSP to extend its current CSP Plan by 1 year, so that it remains aligned with MOPAC’s Police and Crime Plan 2013-16 and expires on 31.03.17.

3.    To agree that this report, the Revised CSP Plan 2013-16 and CSP decision to extend goes before progresses to Full Council as per Council Constitution for formal consideration.

DECISION

1.            To agree the arrangements and oversubscription criteria for admission to Community Nursery Schools/Classes in 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

2.            To agree the arrangements, oversubscription criteria and catchment areas for admission to Community Primary Schools in 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

3.            To agree the arrangements and oversubscription criteria for admission to Community Secondary Schools in 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report.

4.            To agree the schemes for co-ordinating admissions to the Reception Year of primary school and Year 7 of secondary school for 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 4 to the report.

5.            To agree the scheme for co-ordinating ‘In-Year’ Admissions for 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 5 to the report.

6.            To agree the planned admission number for each school in Tower Hamlets in 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 6 to the report.

Action by:

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

(Head of Pupil Admissions and Exclusions (T. Bryan)

Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, introduced the report setting out school admission arrangements for 2017/18. The report had been discussed and agreed at the Schools Admissions Forum.

It was noted that officers were exploring how to better co-ordinate admissions at nursery level to ensure better continuity and consistency.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.            To agree the arrangements and oversubscription criteria for admission to Community Nursery Schools/Classes in 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report.

2.            To agree the arrangements, oversubscription criteria and catchment areas for admission to Community Primary Schools in 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 2 to the report.

3.            To agree the arrangements and oversubscription criteria for admission to Community Secondary Schools in 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 3 to the report.

4.            To agree the schemes for co-ordinating admissions to the Reception Year of primary school and Year 7 of secondary school for 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 4 to the report.

5.            To agree the scheme for co-ordinating ‘In-Year’ Admissions for 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 5 to the report.

6.            To agree the planned admission number for each school in Tower Hamlets in 2017/18, as set out in Appendix 6 to the report.

DECISION

1.    To ensure that future arrangements for school improvement allows the borough to focus on the continuous improvement of its schools as reported in this paper.

Action by:

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

(Interim Service Head, Learning and Achievement (T. Parkin)

Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, introduced the report. She highlighted that there was a lot of good news contained in the results, a real success story. She took Members through many of the specific results particularly those areas showing the Borough scoring better than the National and London averages.

As a risk for the future she highlighted that the upcoming government review of funding may well reduce the resources available to local schools. However the schools and Council remained ambitious to continue to improve on performance and had a particular focus on the 16-18 year age group.

The Mayor welcomed the report and thanked the Lead Member for her work on supporting this success. He noted the areas that required improvement including the underachievement of boys and the need to look at the impact of the rising school leaving age. He agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To ensure that future arrangements for school improvement allows the borough to focus on the continuous improvement of its schools as reported in this paper.

DECISION

1.    To approve the draft Outline Strategic Plan.

Action by:

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

(Acting Service Head, Corporate Strategy and Equalities (K. Kewin)

The Mayor introduced the report noting the updates from the last time it had been presented to Cabinet. The draft Outline Strategic Plan contained overarching objectives and the top 50 performance indicators to track. He highlighted two priority outcomes in the need for excellence in public services and the focus on those who need the most help. He thanked officers for their hard work in preparing the Plan, in particular Kevin Kewin the Acting Service Head for Corporate Strategy and Equalities and the former Service Head Louise Russell.

He confirmed that the Plan would return at a later date with more detailed information and he agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the draft Outline Strategic Plan.

DECISION

1.    To agree the draft six month progress update (Appendix 1 to the report) prior to the submission to the Secretary of State by 17th March 2016

2.    To note that the progress report will be updated to reflect the latest position before submission to the Secretary of State.

Action by:

CHIEF EXECUTIVE (W. TUCKLEY)

(Acting Service Head, Corporate Strategy and Equalities (K. Kewin)

The Mayor introduced the report. He noted that progress on delivery was strong and that nearly all actions were on track for completion by early May.

He highlighted that the Administration took the plan very seriously and he took the meeting through the more detailed programmes of improvement around Communications, the awarding of grants and asset management. He further highlighted the need to ensure that the organisations culture was transparent and outward looking. It was important to regain the confidence of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Members discussed the report particularly focussing on Grants and procurement.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out also noting that alongside the Chief Executive he would make any final changes necessary before the plan was submitted to the Secretary of State.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the draft six month progress update (Appendix 1 to the report) prior to the submission to the Secretary of State by 17th March 2016

2.    To note that the progress report will be updated to reflect the latest position before submission to the Secretary of State.

DECISION

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

Action by:

COMMITTEE SERVICES MANAGER (M. MANNION)

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

RESOLVED

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

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.