Agenda and minutes

No apologies were received. All Cabinet Members were present.

Councillor Corthorne declared a personal interest in Item 16 (minute 481) as a Member of the London Housing Consortium and stayed in the room during the discussion and vote on the item.

Councillor Judith Cooper declared a personal interest in Item 16 (minute 481) as a Member of the London Housing Consortium and stayed in the room during the discussion on the item.

Councillor George Cooper declared a personal interest in Items 16 and 21 (minutes 481 and 487) in relation to the London Housing Consortium and the former Day Centre and stayed in the room during the discussion on the items.

Councillor Crowe declared a personal interest in Items 5 and 7 (minutes 470 and 472) and stayed in the room during discussion on the items.

The decisions and minutes of the last meeting on 15 December 2011 were approved and agreed as a correct record of the meeting.

This was confirmed.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Note the Report on the Disabilities Commissioning Plan consultation programme;

2. Approve the amendments to the Disabilities Commissioning Plan resulting from the consultation process as set out in paragraph 25 of the report

3. Authorise officers to implement the amended Disabilities Commissioning Plan and the following specific recommendations:

Reasons for decision

Cabinet considered the significant feedback from the robust consultation exercise that had taken place on the proposals contained within the draft Disabilities Commissioning Plan, including the views from a recent Petition Hearing on the proposed closure of the Phoenix Day Centre, which was proposed be replaced with a more modern facility at Queen’s Walk in South Ruislip.

Cabinet agreed to move forward with the proposals detailed in the report, mindful of the need to carefully support vulnerable people during the changes that were proposed for disability services.

Cabinet was of the view that the delivery of the Disabilities Commissioning Plan would lead to improved access to information, increased choice and better outcomes, in particular through the already successful use of personal budgets. This, coupled with the Council’s commitment to increase the extent and range of supported housing, would ensure a better quality of life and more independence for Hillingdon’s most vulnerable residents.

Cabinet welcomed the supportive comments from the Social Services, Health and Housing Policy Overview Committee, in particular about the thoroughness of the consultation and engagement with users that had been undertaken.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Cabinet could have decided not to approve the Disabilities Commissioning Plan or amend specific proposals contained within the Plan.

Officer to action:

Paul Feven – Social Care, Health and Housing

RESOLVED

That Cabinet notes the report.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received a report on the standards and quality of education in Hillingdon schools report, including a summary of performance trends and inspection outcomes for the academic year 2010/11. Cabinet welcomed the improvements that both the Council and schools had made raising attainment reflecting the good quality of education provided by Hillingdon schools.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None

Officer to action:

Anna Crispin – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1. Note the report on consultation regarding the Adult Social Care Personalisation and Commissioning Plan in Appendix 1;
2. Approve the amendments to the Adult Social Care Personalisation and Commissioning Plan resulting from the consultation process as set out in this report and authorise officers to implement the Plan.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet considered the significant feedback from the consultation exercise that had taken place on the proposals contained within the draft Adult Social Care Personalisation and Commissioning Plan. Cabinet welcomed the proposals to improve access to information, advocacy and advice services, increase the number of people able to use personal budgets to purchase community based services of their choice and increase the choice of services available from the voluntary sector to assist service users and carers. A prime focus of the Plan was to increase the extent and range of supported housing available for people in the Borough people.

Cabinet welcomed the supportive comments from the Social Services, Health and Housing Policy Overview Committee, in particular about the consultation and engagement with users that had been undertaken.

Alternative options considered and rejected:

Cabinet could have decided not to approve the Plan or amend specific proposals contained within the Plan.

Officer to action:

Paul Feven – Social Care, Health and Housing

RESOLVED:

That in support of the Council’s overall priorities for voluntary sector in Hillingdon the following decisions be made, subject to the approval by Council on 23 February 2012 of the additional £400k priority growth allocation to the voluntary sector, Cabinet agree:

1)         The broad principles for the operation of a new small grants programme of £50k for one-off development awards in 2012/13 and to delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Improvement, Partnerships and Community Safety, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Central Services, to oversee and make all necessary decisions on the operation of the programme, including the award of such small grants;

2)         To improve services for victims of Domestic Violence in the borough by:

a) Approving the application from Hestia and to develop the refuge based service into a wider community based service for children who are victims of Domestic Violence and;   

b) Approving to fund EACH £30k to continue to provide the Pukaar culturally sensitive domestic violence counselling and advocacy service in Hillingdon.   

3)                 The new approach to monitoring and ensuring value for money as set out in the report;

4)                 To reduce the annual core grant to Hillingdon Association of Voluntary Services by 50%,  subject to three months notice, effective from 1st May 2012;

5)                 To fund Age UK Hillingdon to deliver volunteering services for older people of  £21k,  a one year pilot  “Making the right move” programme of up to £24k and up to £10k towards developing the “Care to work” initiative and;  

6)                 To fund the WRVS scheme to support sufferers of dementia of £50k in 2012/13, with a view to reducing support in subsequent years.

Reasons for decision

Following publication of the proposed corporate grants for 2012/13 in December, Cabinet reaffirmed its long term financial support for the Borough’s voluntary sector, in particular by committing additional resources to tackling domestic violence, dementia care and supporting Older People. The overall increase in resources for the voluntary sector was welcomed by the Corporate Services and Partnerships Policy Overview Committee at its meeting on 18^th January. Cabinet endorsed the proposal to reduce the core grant to HAVS and place greater emphasis on funding front-line voluntary sector organisations.

Cabinet placed on record its thanks to the Domestic Violence Forum and the Borough Advocate against Domestic Violence, Cllr Janet Gardner, for their sterling work on this matter.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have chosen to reject or delay any of the recommendations in the report or to commission further details on alternative options.  

Officers to action:

Kevin Byrne, Nigel Cramb, Central Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1) Notes and endorses the response sent by officers to the Government’s recent consultation on Neighbourhood Planning Regulations.

2) Notes the potential implications for Hillingdon of the Government’s introduction of a neighbourhood planning system.

3) Instructs officers, after the Neighbourhood Planning Regulations come into force, to facilitate a workshop in each of the four areas referred to in paragraph 24 of this report and to report the outcomes to a future Cabinet meeting in 2012.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted that under the Localism Act the Council would have a duty to facilitate the introduction of the neighbourhood planning system. Such a system would allow for greater public involvement in planning decision-making. In considering the legislation, Cabinet indicated its preference to use the well established community engagement mechanisms within the Borough, where possible. Cabinet endorsed the response that had been sent to the Government.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Jales Tippell –

Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet welcome the update report from the Residents’ and Environmental Services Policy Overview Committee and note the progress made in tackling the problems posed by the use of the legal stimulant khat within the London Borough of Hillingdon and on a national scale.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received an update following the Resident and Environmental Services Policy Overview Committee review into the problems associated with the legal high Khat. Cabinet was pleased to report that the proposals made by the Committee had been taken forward by the Home Office and Members of Parliament. Cabinet welcomed a possible review of the advice given to the Government on a national scale about Khat from the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Natasha Dogra – Central Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet note this report and takes account of its conclusions in future planning for children’s services.

Reason for decision

Cabinet noted the Annual Report of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) for the year 2010-11 and its assurances around the effectiveness of children’s safeguarding in Hillingdon. Cabinet endorsed the priorities for future action and attention.

Alternatives considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Paul Hewitt – Social Care, Health and Housing

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet note the work of the Partnership Board and safeguarding activity in LB Hillingdon.

Reason for decision

Cabinet noted the Annual Report of the Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board for the year 2010-11 and its assurances around the effectiveness of adult safeguarding in Hillingdon. Cabinet endorsed the priorities for future action and attention.

Cabinet welcomed the supportive comments from the Social Services, Health and Housing Policy Overview Committee about the report.

Alternatives considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Nick Ellender – Social Care, Health and Housing

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.      Note the forecast budget position for revenue and capital as at Month 8;

2.      Agree that the utilisation of development & risk contingency funding detailed in the Council’s Budget and Medium Term Financial Forecast will be approved by the Chief Finance Officer in conjunction with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property & Business Services;

3.      Notes the success of the Business Improvement Delivery (BID) programme to-date and reasserts that constitutional responsibility for Business Improvement Delivery across the Council rests with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services;

4.      Note the treasury Month 8 update at Appendix B;

5.      Approve the retaining of agency staff as detailed in Appendix C;

6.      Agrees to allocate £15k from the strike savings made in 2011 to purchase the Soundbeam system aimed at unlocking the music potential of people with disabilities and special needs.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received an update on the Council’s strong financial position and made a number of necessary decisions in relation to agency staff, end or year finances and using the savings from the recent strikes to assist young people with learning disabilities. Cabinet also re-affirmed responsibility for the co-ordination of the Council’s transformation programme.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Paul Whaymand, Central Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Notes the progress made on phases 1a, 1, 2 and 3 of the primary schools capital programme of works.

2. Notes that the existing Gymnasium structure on the RAF Uxbridge new primary school site is to be retained and incorporated into the primary schools design.

2. Notes that the development of the new primary schools up to the submission of planning on the RAF Uxbridge and Lake Farm Sites is proposed to be retained within the Corporate Property and Construction team to maintain flexibility in design development and obtain best value for the Council.

3. Authorise Council Officers to develop the new primary school projects at RAF Uxbridge and Lake Farm to RIBA stage D, submission of planning applications.

4. Authorise Officers to progress with the Phase 2 expansion at Ryefield Primary School to Stage D, within the capital release of £2,409k approved at Cabinet on 26 May 2011.

5. Authorise the placing of a building contract with Terrapin Ltd for the Hermitage Nursery relocation building for the contract sum set out in the report, subject to providing further financial information, as outlined in this report. If Terrapin Ltd is unable to expeditiously provide the necessary financial information required by Council Officers the building contract is to be placed with the second place contractor for the sum set out in the report. Agree the urgency of the matter so the Contract can be placed as soon as possible and therefore request that the call in procedure be waived on this so the decision takes immediate effect.

6. Authorise that Council Officers commence the statutory consultations with phase 2 schools identified in this report.

7        Authorise the programme of priority school condition works identified in the report and delegates authority to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services to take all necessary steps and agree any surveys and reports, consultancy services and construction contracts necessary for delivery of the works.

8        Authorises Council Officers to prepare a brief, and delivery programme to carry out conditions surveys on the school estate, where the Council retains a maintenance responsibility.

9        Authorises Council Officers to approach the London Diocesan Board regarding the temporary expansion of one of its schools.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received an update on the primary school capital programme and made a number of decisions to progress the provision of sufficient school places, including preparatory work, placing the necessary building contracts and commencing statutory consultations.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to delay or not progress aspects of the building programme, which would have impacted upon the Council’s ability to provide sufficient school places.

Officers to action:

Boe Williams-Obasi and Norman Benn - Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1. Approve an extension to the current social care (unqualified) temporary workers agency contract with Pulse Staffing Limited until 31st August 2012.

2. Approve the award of a two-year contract for Community Outreach Service Provision for Adults & Children with Disabilities to Hayes Staffing Limited (replacing the current ‘spot contract’ provision with the same supplier).

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed an extension to the current contract for the supply of unqualified social care temporary workers and the award of a two-year contract covering the provision of community outreach care packages to the Council. It was noted that this would make an additional savings.

Alternatives considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided an alternative procurement process or declined to award the contracts.

Officer to action

Mike Talbot – Central Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.         Agrees that the London Borough of Hillingdon should continue to be a member of the LHC and approves that the LHC is to be formally established as a Joint Committee, pursuant to the Local Government Act 1972, with the London Borough of Hillingdon being a Member of the Committee jointly with one or more of the other ten participating Local Authorities who also resolve to become Members.

2.         Appoints Councillors Corthorne, J.Cooper and Nelson as the London Borough of Hillingdon’s representatives to the Joint Committee until the date of the Local Elections in May 2014 when the appointments will be reviewed.

3.         Authorises the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing and the Borough Solicitor, to agree a Constitution for the Joint Committee based on the draft Constitution set out at Appendix 1.   

4.         Agrees that other options for the legal framework and governance structure of the LHC be fully explored and that a further report, detailing the options, be submitted to a future meeting of Cabinet for its consideration.   

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to establish a Joint Committee in respect of the London Housing Consortium and that the Council should be a Member of it.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have considered withdrawing from the LHC but it identified tangible benefits for continuing its participation in it. 

Officer to action:

Raj Alagh, Borough Solicitor

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agrees to:

1. Award the construction contract for the identified refurbishment works at the Winston Churchill Hall in the sum of £267,309 to Shaylor Group Plc;

2. The under spend in budget be allocated to extend the scope of the refurbishment works to include specific areas in the main theatre auditorium and/or the community room

Reason for recommendation

Following a procurement exercise, Cabinet agreed the appointment of the Council’s construction partner to carry out the refurbishment of the front of house and associated areas at the Winston Churchill Hall over a 14 to 16 week period.

Alternative Options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to progress the refurbishment works or delay them.

Officer to action:

Mohamed Bhimani – Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

This item was withdrawn from the agenda and no decisions were made.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That Cabinet:

1. Accept the tender from D&G Electrics for support to the housing repairs operation for responsive and void electrical repairs, and award a contract for four years.  The total value of the contract is dependent on demand but will not exceed the budget available

2. Accept the tender from RP Bray Electrical Contractors Ltd for the programmed upgrading of electrical installations in dwellings and award a contract for four years.  The total value of the contract is dependent on the budget allocated each year for this work.

Reasons for decision

Following a procurement exercise, Cabinet agreed to accept tenders for support to the housing repairs operation for responsive and void electrical repairs, and for the programmed upgrading of electrical installations in dwellings and agreed to award contracts for four years.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to go back out to the market to tender for these services.

Officer to action:

Grant Walker – Social Care, Health and Housing

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RECOMMENDATION

That Cabinet agrees;

1. To accept the unconditional offer from Bidder A, for the purchase of the former Hayes Library, Golden Crescent subject to formal contract and any further finalisation of negotiations;

2. In the event that Bidder A does not wish to proceed or fails to exchange contracts by a date to be decided, officers be authorised to withdraw the offer and invite Bidder B to proceed on a similar basis;

3. In the event that Bidder B does not wish to proceed or fails to exchange contracts by a date to be decided, officers be authorised to withdraw the offer and invite Bidder C to proceed on a similar basis;

4. Should neither Bidder A, B or C proceed, then this matter is to be reported back to Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services for the future of the site to be determined.

Reason for decision

Cabinet noted that there were no service requirements for the former Hayes Library and considered the Cabinet Member decision of 23rd September 2011, where it stated that it would make no sense, financial or otherwise, to retain the building. Cabinet agreed that the best option overall for the local community would be to sell the site to generate a capital receipt as a contribution towards the Council’s Capital Programme. Cabinet therefore accepted the highest bidder, as a result of the marketing exercise, to dispose of the site.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have rejected certain bid offers. Cabinet also noted that alternative uses of the site had previously been considered by earlier Cabinet and Cabinet Member decisions.

Officer to action:

Boe Williams-Obasi - Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information that could identify an individual and relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 1,2&3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agrees;

1. To accept the unconditional offer from Bidder A for the sale of the former Honeycroft Day Centre site, with planning permission for a residential development.

2. In the event that Bidder A does not wish to proceed or fails to exchange contracts by a date to be decided, Officers be authorised to withdraw contracts and invite Bidder B to proceed on a similar basis.

3. Should neither Bidder A or B proceed then this matter is to be reported back to Cabinet for the future of the site to be determined.

Reason for decision

Cabinet agreed that there was no service requirement for the former Honeycroft Day Centre site and that the best option would be to sell the land to generate a capital receipt as a contribution to the Council’s Capital Programme. Cabinet therefore accepted the highest bidder following the site being marketed for sale.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to retain the site in Council’s ownership, sell the site to a Registered Social Landlord or leave the site vacant and un-used.

Officer to action:

Boe Williams-Obasi - Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information that could identify an individual and relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 1,2&3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agrees:

a)     To accept the unconditional offer from bidder B, for the purchase of 24 Eastbury Road subject to formal contract and any further finalisation of negotiations;

b)     That in the event that Bidder B does not wish to proceed or fails to exchange contracts by a date to be decided, Officers be authorised to withdraw the offer and invite Bidder C to proceed on a similar basis; and

c)     In the event that Bidder C does not wish to proceed or fails to exchange contracts by a date to be decided, Officers be authorised to withdraw the offer and invite Bidder D to proceed on a similar basis.

d)     Should neither Bidder B, C or D proceed then this matter is to be reported back to Cabinet for the future of the site to be determined.

Reason for decision

At the 18^th November 2010 Cabinet meeting it was decided to close the Eastbury Road building and release it for agreed alternative use or disposal.  As there was no service requirement for the site, Cabinet agreed that the best option would be to sell the land to generate a capital receipt as a contribution to the Council’s Capital Programme. Cabinet therefore accepted the appropriate bidder following the site being marketed for sale.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to accept alternative bids.

Officer to action:

Boe Williams-Obasi - Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information that could identify an individual and relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 1,2&3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

No additional items were considered by the Cabinet.

The meeting closed at 7.50pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DECISION AUTHORITY

Meeting after Cabinet, the Executive Scrutiny fully endorsed all of Cabinet’s decisions. In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the Chairman of the Executive Scrutiny Committee agreed to waive the scrutiny call-in on Cabinet’s decisions in respect of:

·        Item 14 (minute 479) decision no.6 – Primary School Capital update so that the contract could be placed as soon as possible.

·        Items 20, 21 and 22 (minutes 485, 486 and 487) to ensure the swift disposal of the sites concerned.

The remaining decisions now come into effect from 5pm, Friday 3 February 2012.