Apologies for absence were received on behalf of:

·         Councillor Ayas Miah

·         Councillor Joshua Peck

During the meeting the Mayor agreed to change the order of business to take Agenda Item 4 (Overview and Scrutiny Committee) after Agenda Item 5.7 (Best Value Action Plan). All other items were taken in order. For clarity the minutes are presented in the order the items appeared on the agenda.

There were no Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interest. However, Councillor Shiria Khatun declared a personal interest in agenda item 5.6 (Academy Conversions – Bygrove and Stebon Primary Schools) as a family member worked in one of the schools.

The following personal interests were also noted:

·         Councillor Rachel Blake (5.4 – Approval of s106 funding to Roman Road Town Centre) – it mostly affected her ward.

·         Mayor John Biggs (5.3 – Leasehold Alterations and Housing Parcel of Land Sales Policies) – his daughter was a leaseholder.

The unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 7 February 2017 are presented for approval.

RESOLVED

1.    That the unrestricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday 7 February 2017 be approved and signed by the Mayor 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.

Councillor John Pierce, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC), provided Cabinet with an update on their meeting the previous week. He highlighted a number of issues that they considered including:

·         The Scrutiny Review into Anti-Social Behaviour – with local housing providers and the Cabinet Lead participating.

·         They welcomed the moves to bring the ‘Old Flo’ statue back into the Borough.

·         The Budget Monitoring Report, however he expressed concern as to the short amount of time Members had to review the report before the OSC meeting and asked the Chief Executive to urgently consider ways of presenting information in a more timely fashion.

He also asked the Mayor to look into reports that the local Police Services was being re-organised that would result in a reduced presence on the Borough’s streets.

The Mayor thanked Councillor John Pierce for his update.

Nil items.

DECISION

1.    To note the contents of this report and approve the Carers’ Strategy, 2016-19 attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

2.    To note the contents of the Carers’ Dignity Charter which has been co-designed with carers, with a recommendation that it is endorsed by the council and health partners.

Action by:

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

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

(Service Manager, Strategic Commissioning)

Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, introduced the report on the Carers’ Strategy and highlighted its importance to the Borough as an issue especially considering there were over 19,000 carers in the Borough. As well as looking to improve support for all carers there was a particular issue in needing to support young carers.

She then introduced two local carers and a worker from the Carers Centre who all spoke to Cabinet on their experiences and the value of receiving support as carers. It was explained that the Strategy had been developed in conjunction with carers.

Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services also highlighted that the strategy was shared with her service areas, with a particular focus on young carers.

The Cabinet also expressed their thanks to the Carers Centre for the support they provide to local residents.

The Mayor welcomed the report and, highlighting that this would be an evolving strategy, agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the contents of this report and approve the Carers’ Strategy, 2016-19 attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

2.    To note the contents of the Carers’ Dignity Charter which has been co-designed with carers, with a recommendation that it is endorsed by the council and health partners.

DECISION

1.    To note the findings of the consultation and the approach to delivering the strategy.

2.    To approve the Strategy.

Action by:

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

(Director of Public Health (S. Banerjee)

Councillor Amy Whitelock Gibbs, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, introduced the report on the proposed new strategy. The strategy had been out to consultation since its last presentation at Cabinet and was now proposed for approval.

The Health and Wellbeing Board had revised the strategy to provide a sharper focus on big issues where they could make a tangible difference. The document had also been designed to be more publically accessible.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the findings of the consultation and the approach to delivering the strategy.

2.    To approve the Strategy.

DECISION

1.    To agree the Leasehold Alterations policy set out in section 3 of the report, and detailed in Appendix 1 and 2 to the report.

2.    To agree the Housing Land Sales policy set out in section 4, and detailed in Appendix 3 to the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. DALVI)

(Interim Service Head Regeneration, Strategy, Sustainability and Housing Options (M. Baigent)

(Housing Client Manager (J. Kiwanuka)

(Head of Asset Management (R. Chilcott)

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Performance, introduced the report. He noted that since the policy had last been agreed there had been a significant increase in applications for external changes and complete redesigns to properties and that the new policy looked to set out how to address these requests. It was agreed that redeveloping properties could improve residents’ quality of life and so should be agreed where appropriate.

During discussion it was noted that communications needed to go to new and existing leaseholders on the changes.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the Leasehold Alterations policy set out in section 3 of the report, and detailed in Appendix 1 and 2 to the report.

2.    To agree the Housing Land Sales policy set out in section 4, and detailed in Appendix 3 to the report.

DECISION

1.    To approve the allocation of £331,197 of S106 funding to the Roman Road Town Centre Delivery Project as profiled in the Project Initiation Document attached at Appendix A to the report and Table 1 in the report.

2.    To approve the adoption of a capital budget for £327,000 as profiled in the Project Initiation Document attached at Appendix A to the report and Table 2 in the report.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE

(Business, Enterprise, High streets & Town Centres Manager (M. Aust)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, introduced the report. She noted that the report had been to Cabinet previously but the proposals had been enhanced and so the report had returned for further consideration.

During discussion it was noted that it was important to apply lessons from this project to other town centres and markets in the Borough.

The Mayor agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the allocation of £331,197 of S106 funding to the Roman Road Town Centre Delivery Project as profiled in the Project Initiation Document attached at Appendix A to the report and Table 1 in the report.

2.    To approve the adoption of a capital budget for £327,000 as profiled in the Project Initiation Document attached at Appendix A to the report and Table 2 in the report.

DECISION

1.    To note the reallocation of the schemes proposed for funding in the LIP Delivery Plan 2017-18 (Appendix 1 to the report).

2.    To note that the schemes were approved in the Council’s 2017/18 Capital Programme in the January 2017 Cabinet Budget Report.

3.    To agree that where possible the Council’s Framework Contracts for Highways (CLC 4371) be used for the implementation of these works as appropriate.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. DALVI)

(Head of Engineering (M. Cooper)

The Mayor introduced the report. He noted that the report provided an update on specific schemes that had been adopted at January Cabinet.

There was a general discussion about the Manchester Road area and whether any schemes for that part of the Borough had been fully developed. The Mayor agreed to continue to work up any plans for that part of the Borough but that the main proposals in the report should proceed as set out. He agreed the recommendations in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the reallocation of the schemes proposed for funding in the LIP Delivery Plan 2017-18 (Appendix 1 to the report).

2.    To note that the schemes were approved in the Council’s 2017/18 Capital Programme in the January 2017 Cabinet Budget Report.

3.    To agree that where possible the Council’s Framework Contracts for Highways (CLC 4371) be used for the implementation of these works as appropriate.

DECISION

1.    To agree to the grant of a 125-year lease to the new academy trust for Stebon Primary School;

2.    To note that the proposed grant of a 125 year lease to the new Academy Trust for Stebon Primary School will be subject to the Commissioners’ consent;

3.    To agree that the Council’s existing lease for Bygrove Primary School site may be surrendered, in order to allow a new lease to be agreed between the Westminster Diocese and the academy trust;

4.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Place, to agree the final terms and conditions for the grant of the new lease for Stebon Primary School and the surrender of the existing lease for Bygrove Primary School;

5.    To approve the Council to enter into commercial and staffing transfer agreements for both schools;

6.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Children’s Services, after consultation with the Acting Corporate Director, Governance and the Corporate Director, Resources to enter into and undertake any remaining issues and/or agreements associated with the conversion of the two schools;

7.    To authorise the Acting Corporate Director Governance to execute all documentation required to implement the decisions;

8.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources to execute the Local Government(Contract) Act 1997 Certificate required to implement the decisions.

Action by:

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

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, GOVERNANCE (G. WHITE)

(Service Manager, Policy, Programmes and Community Insight (L. Richards)

(Academy Conversions Project Manager (P. Stone)

Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, introduced the report. She highlighted that there was a set process for dealing with Academy School conversions including the need to agree the lease as set out in the report.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To agree to the grant of a 125-year lease to the new academy trust for Stebon Primary School;

2.    To note that the proposed grant of a 125 year lease to the new Academy Trust for Stebon Primary School will be subject to the Commissioners’ consent;

3.    To agree that the Council’s existing lease for Bygrove Primary School site may be surrendered, in order to allow a new lease to be agreed between the Westminster Diocese and the academy trust;

4.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Place, to agree the final terms and conditions for the grant of the new lease for Stebon Primary School and the surrender of the existing lease for Bygrove Primary School;

5.    To approve the Council to enter into commercial and staffing transfer agreements for both schools;

6.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Children’s Services, after consultation with the Acting Corporate Director, Governance and the Corporate Director, Resources to enter into and undertake any remaining issues and/or agreements associated with the conversion of the two schools;

7.    To authorise the Acting Corporate Director Governance to execute all documentation required to implement the decisions;

8.    To authorise the Corporate Director, Resources to execute the Local Government(Contract) Act 1997 Certificate required to implement the decisions.

DECISION

1.    To agree the final 6 monthly update prior to submission to the Secretary of State (Appendix 1 to the report);

2.    To agree the Best Value arrangements for 2017 – 18 as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report.

3.    To agree the Best Value Improvement Plan 2017-18 (Appendix 2 to the report) which will be monitored on a six monthly basis by Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

Action by:

ACTING CORPORATE DIRECTOR, GOVERNANCE (G. WHITE)

(Divisional Director, Strategy, Policy and Equality (S. Godman)

The Mayor introduced the latest update report on the Best Value Action Plan. He welcomed the improvements set out in the report and highlighted that if the Commissioners were to leave then a new body would be set up to continue to implement the actions in the Best Value Plan.

Councillor Peter Golds, Leader of the Conservative Group, welcomed the progress the Council had made in improving its processes and procedures and that there was even the opportunity to become a trail blazer in some of the new arrangements that were being developed.

During discussion the Mayor and Councillor Rachael Saunders, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, noted the importance of ensuring a diverse group of Councillors were engaged in discussions in relation to this work, with particular reference to the work of Members.

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

RESOLVED

1.    To agree the final 6 monthly update prior to submission to the Secretary of State (Appendix 1 to the report);

2.    To agree the Best Value arrangements for 2017 – 18 as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report.

3.    To agree the Best Value Improvement Plan 2017-18 (Appendix 2 to the report) which will be monitored on a six monthly basis by Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

DECISION

1.            To note the Council’s Revenue and Capital financial forecast outturn position as at the end of December 2016 as detailed in Sections 3 to 8 of the report.

2.            To note the summary savings position and management action being taken.

3.            To note the summary Balance Sheet Information.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, RESOURCES (Z. COOKE)

(Chief Accountant (K. Miles)

Councillor David Edgar, Cabinet Member for Resources, introduced the report. He highlighted in particular that the report was suggesting an underspend of £700k for the year which was good news and also that the overall quality of the information provided in the report was improving including the addition of data on how well the Council was performing against proposed savings targets.

He also noted the pressures on certain services and the need to ensure Capital Spending plans were more realistically forecast.

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

RESOLVED

1.            To note the Council’s Revenue and Capital financial forecast outturn position as at the end of December 2016 as detailed in Sections 3 to 8 of the report.

2.            To note the summary savings position and management action being taken.

3.            To note the summary Balance Sheet Information.

The Exempt Appendix was noted and agreed as exempt.

DECISION

1.    To agree that the award of the contract to host “Draped Seated Woman” (locally known as “Old Flo”) be awarded to the bidder with the highest score (see exempt Appendix 1 to the report)

2.    To delegate to the Corporate Director – Children’s Services and in her absence to the Acting Divisional Director, Sport, Leisure, Culture and Youth authority to enter into a contract  with the said highest scoring bidder.

Action by:

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

(Acting Divisional Director, Sport, Leisure, Culture and Youth (J. St John)

The Exempt Appendix was noted and agreed as exempt due to the information relating to the financial and business affairs of the Council and other organisations.

Councillor Asma Begum, Cabinet Member for Culture, introduced the report. She took Members through the process that had been agreed to procure a host for the statue for the next 5 years. She asked the Mayor to agree the recommendation to award the contract to the highest ranking bidder as set out.

The Mayor welcomed the return of the statue and agreed the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED

1.    To agree that the award of the contract to host “Draped Seated Woman” (locally known as “Old Flo”) be awarded to the bidder with the highest score (see exempt Appendix 1 to the report)

2.    To delegate to the Corporate Director – Children’s Services and in her absence to the Acting Divisional Director, Sport, Leisure, Culture and Youth authority to enter into a contract  with the said highest scoring bidder.

Nil items.

Nil items.

The exempt / confidential minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on xxxxxx are presented for approval.

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.