Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Cllr Jonathan Bianco, Cllr Henry Higgins and ex-officio member of the Cabinet, Cllr George Cooper.

No interests were declared at the meeting.

The minutes and decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on 26 July 2012 were agreed as a correct record.

This was confirmed.

The Chairman of the Education and Children’s Services Policy Overview Committee, Cllr Catherine Dann, presented the Committee’s major review report to Cabinet, which was warmly welcomed.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Welcomes the attached report of the Education & Children’s Services Policy Overview Committee on Adoption & Permanency for Looked After Children and the work carried out by officers of the Adoption & Permanence Team .

2. Accepts the recommendations of the Policy Overview Committee as reflected below:

RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE EDUCATION & CHILDREN’S SERVICES POLICY OVERVIEW COMMITTEE

i)  That the local arrangements for concurrent fostering and adoption approvals are strengthened taking advantage of statutory changes as soon as they are available.

ii) The criteria for recruiting adopters should reflect statutory requirements and that Hillingdon applicants should be welcomed and approved on the basis only of their suitability to offer a permanent home to a child. Local processes to improve the efficiency of the approval process will continue to be strengthened to take advantage of changes in regulatory framework as soon as they are available and any improvements possible ahead of statutory change will be made.

iii) The recruitment and attraction campaign for prospective adopters is improved by developing a range of approaches targeted at finding adopters who will meet the needs of harder to place children. This will include developing a recruitment website which is attractive to prospective adopters and gives good quality information to encourage them to offer a loving home to children who are waiting.

iv)That the proposed changes in Panel processes are implemented once regulatory changes are in place.

v)  That a Hillingdon Scorecard for Adoption is developed and is used to report to the Adoption Panel, Corporate Parenting Board and as a management tool to monitor the progress of these proposals. The Hillingdon scorecard would be amended to meet any new statutory or regulatory changes.

vi)

a)     That Hillingdon approved adopters should be routinely offered for exchange where there are no matched local children within 2 months of approval.

b)     Funds gained from Interagency fees should be used to purchase adopters whose offer matches for any child waiting who is not matched with Hillingdon adopters. This should happen within one month of Hillingdon’s Agency Decision Maker approving adoption as their plan.

c)     That where children are not matched with Adopters within 3 months, their names will be placed on the Adoption register.

vii) Taking account of the Norgrove Family Justice Review, processes are reviewed to ensure that robust care plans minimising the need for expert witnesses and the assessment of Connected Persons delaying Care Proceedings, are devised.

viii)That the local arrangements for tracking the Permanence planning of all Looked After Children be strengthened and a regular management review of children’s progress is implemented.

ix) That family finding for children waiting is focused on attracting offers for children who are harder to match with waiting carers by the use of short films of them, the development of Adoption Activity days or any other useful methods.

x)That arrangements to clarify the role of identity in matching children with prospective adopters are put in place with training provided for all staff involved in this work to ensure that children are matched without unnecessary delay wherever possible.

xi)The viability assessment of prospective Special Guardians be completed by the child’s social worker before the Final Hearing of Care Proceedings unless directed otherwise by a court. The criteria for Special Guardians should be no less than that for Adopters.

xii)That a protocol is developed with local health & education partners to improve their offer to adopters offering priority access to support for adopted children in line with recommendations from the Action Plan for Adoption.

xiii)That parallel permanency planning be undertaken for a Child to ensure that there was no delay in finding a permanent home.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet welcomed the Committee’s review and agreed their recommendations, aimed to improve child adoption arrangements and procedures to ensure that all Hillingdon children that need a substitute permanent home are placed to meet their needs, within acceptable timescales.  

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have decided to reject or amend one or more of the Committee’s recommendations.

Officers to action:

Merlin Joseph, Social Care, Health and Housing

Gill Oswell, Central Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1) Sign up to the Adopters’ Charter which commits London Borough of Hillingdon’s adoption agency to the service standards set out in the document.

2) Agrees that the Charter shall be signed by a delegated officer in the case of every adoption arranged by the London Borough of Hillingdon adoption agency

Reasons for decision

Cabinet approved the adopters’ charter which aimed to bring about greater clarity to the commitments of all parties involved in adoption and to encouraged residents to adopt children allowing them to leave care and live permanently as part of a loving, stable family.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have agreed not to sign up to the Charter.

Officer to action:

Merlin Joseph, Deputy Director, Children & Families

RESOLVED:

As a Policy Framework Document, That Cabinet agree the draft Statement of Gambling Principles for consultation and receives consultation feedback at its December meeting before being recommended to Council for adoption.

Reasons for decision

In accordance with the licensing legislation, Cabinet approved a draft statement of gambling principles for wider consultation, noting that as a policy framework document it would require further approval by Cabinet and Council before implementation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None. The Council is required, under the Gambling Act 2005, to publish a statement of gambling principles, every 3 years.

Officer to action:

Sharon Garner – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:-

1.                  Notes the outcome of the Examination in Public held earlier this year on Hillingdon’s Submission Draft Core Strategy.

2.                  Recommends to the next full Council meeting that it adopts the revised text shown at Appendix 1 as the “Hillingdon Local Plan: Part One – Strategic Policies”.

3.                  Recommends to the next full Council meeting that it adopts the 2007 Saved Unitary Development Plan policies as the “Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two” with the exception of the policies to be deleted shown at Appendix 2, pending the preparation and adoption of site specific allocations, development management policies and a policies map.

4.                  Grants delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education  and Community Services to agree, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling to make any further minor editing and textual changes to the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part One – Strategic Policies and Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two, before they are adopted at full Council.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the outcome of the Examination in Public held earlier this year on Hillingdon’s Submission Draft Core Strategy, noting Hillingdon’s leading position in comparison to many other local authorities. Cabinet gave its approval to adopt the Hillingdon Local Plan: Part One – Strategic Policies and furthermore agreed to adopt the 2007 Saved Unitary Development Plan policies as the “Hillingdon Local Plan: Part Two” with some exceptions.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have declined to recommend adoption of the Hillingdon Local Plan or have decided not to approve the major changes proposed by the Inspector or the minor changes brought forward during the Examination in Public. However, it was considered such options would prejudice the Council’s progress on the preparation of the Hillingdon Local Plan as a whole.

Officer to action:

Jales Tippell – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1. Notes the commencement of the Community Right to Bid and the potential implications for Council property as outlined in this report;

2. Agrees to adopt the outline process for maintaining lists of assets of community value as detailed in this report;

3. Delegates responsibility for further development of the process for listing assets of community value in Hillingdon to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director, Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services in discussion with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the new Community Right To Bid brought in by the Localism Act 2011 and considered the implications for Hillingdon. Cabinet agreed the process for considering nominations from voluntary and community groups to add land and buildings in public or private ownership to a list of ‘assets of community value’ maintained and published by the Council.

Alternative options considered and rejected.

Cabinet could have decided not to adopt a process to receive nominations, but this would leave the Council open to legal challenge.

Officers to action:

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

Kevin Byrne, Central Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Notes the consultation responses received on the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule as detailed in Appendix 1.

2. Notes the consultation responses received on the Draft Supplementary Planning Document: Planning Obligations, as detailed in Appendix 2

3. Approves the proposed amendments to the Preliminary Draft Charging Schedule as set out in Appendix 3, and authorises officers to undertake further public consultation of 4 weeks on the document.

4. Agrees that following the further public consultation of 4 weeks on the Draft Charging Schedule, that delegated authority be granted to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling to agree the Submission of the Draft Charging Schedule for Examination to the Secretary of State.

5. Approves the proposed amendments to the Supplementary Planning Document: Planning Obligations, as set out in Appendix 4, and agrees to hold the document in abeyance, so it can be adopted at the same time as the CIL Charging Schedule.

6. Grants delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services to agree, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling, to make any minor editing and textual changes to both documents.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the outcome of the consultation for Hillingdon's Preliminary Draft Community Infrastructure Levy and the Draft Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document and gave its approval for further consultation on the draft Charging Schedule and the adoption of the Supplementary Planning Document.

Alternative Options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not approved the Draft Charging Schedule for public consultation or not agreed the supplementary planning document. It was considered that these options would prejudice progress on them.

Officer to action:

James Gleave: Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet conditionally approves the statutory proposals to enlarge the premises at:

Harlyn Primary

Glebe Primary

Field End Infant & Field End Junior (linked proposals)

Ruislip Gardens Primary

Hermitage Primary

Highfield Primary

Hillingdon Primary

Ryefield Primary

Rabbsfarm Primary

Pinkwell Primary

Heathrow Primary

Cherry Lane Primary

West Drayton Primary

Subject to the following condition for each proposal being met by 31st July 2013: that the necessary planning permissions are granted.

Reasons for decision

Carefully considering the statutory consultation feedback, Cabinet agreed the determination of statutory proposals to enlarge the premises of 14 primary schools in the Borough, as part of its Phase 2 School Expansion Programme. It was noted that additional places were needed to meet demand arising from higher birth rates, changes to migration patterns and housing development. Cabinet fully agreed that enlargement of the premises of the schools was necessary in order that there were sufficient school places for the children of the Borough.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not made any determination, which would have risked not proceeding with the enlargement proposals, resulting in delays in the delivery of the school expansion programme.

Officer to action:

Venetia Rogers – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1) Notes the cost of £298,860 for the purchase of CRC Allowances following submission of the 2011-12 CRC Annual Report to the Environment Agency.

2) Notes that the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) will publish its response to the CRC Simplification Consultation in the autumn.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the value of Allowances purchased from the Department of Energy and Climate Change to cover energy emissions regulated by the Carbon Reduction Commitment Energy Efficiency Scheme.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Richard Coomber,

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet notes the updated financial information attached to the report.

Reasons for decision

Circular 05/05 and the accompanying best practice guidance requires local planning authorities to consider how they can inform Members and the public of progress in the allocation, provision and implementation of obligations whether they are provided by the developer in kind or through a financial contribution. Cabinet noted the report which detailed the financial planning obligations held by the Council and what progress had, and was, being made.

Alternative options considered and rejected

To not report to Cabinet.  However, Cabinet believed it was an example of good practice to monitor income and expenditure against specific planning agreements.

Officer to action:

Nicola Wyatt, Planning and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.      Note the forecast management budget position for revenue and capital as at Month 4.

2.      Note the treasury Month 4 update at Appendix B.

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

4.      Approves the addition of £97k to 2012/13 PEECS revenue budgets for remediation actions at New Years Green Landfill funded by a Contaminated Land Grant given by the Environment Agency.

5.      Approves the allocation of £140k from the specific contingency held for Social Care Pressures (Children’s) to SCHH revenue budgets.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet was informed of the latest forecast revenue and capital position for the current year 2012/13. The reasons for the decisions ensure the Council achieves its budgetary and service objectives. Additionally, Cabinet approved additional grant funding from the Environment Agency, the retaining of agency staff and allocated special funds for social care pressures.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Paul Whaymand, Finance and Resources

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Note the progress made with Phases 1, 2 & 3 of the Primary School Expansion Programme.

2. Note the termination of the contracts with Terrapin Hire Ltd for temporary buildings at Rosedale, Hillingdon and Ryefield.

3. Ratify the appointment of Volker Fitzpatrick to complete the installation of the temporary buildings at Rosedale and Arc Construction to complete the installation of temporary buildings at Hillingdon and Ryefield Schools.

4. Note the principle relating to the payments made to CFS and Ryebridge, as outlined in the report.

5. Approve the sum of £500,000 relating to the increased costs for the Phase 2A projects, as outlined in the report.

6. Approve the capital release of £500,000 to support the works carried out in order to complete the temporary classrooms at Rosedale Primary, Hillingdon Primary and Ryefield Primary Schools.

7. Authorises the capital release of £250,000, with £160,000 released with immediate effect for the purchase of the temporary unit at Hermitage and approval of the remaining balance delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services. Furthermore, Cabinet requests that the Chairman of the Executive Scrutiny Committee waives the scrutiny call-in on this recommendation to ensure the necessary contractual commitments are met on time.

8. Agree the extension of agency resources to carry out the delivery of the Schools programme of works, as outlined in the report.

9. Approve capital release for the relocation of a temporary classroom from Rabbsfarm Primary School to Chantry Special School at a cost of £80,000.

10. Approve the piece of land shown in the attached plan, as a drop off/pick up point to enable the expansion of Rabbs Farm School.

11. Notes with disappointment, that following a formal request by Full Council on 6 September and the subsequent provision of technical and feasibility information from Officers, the Hillingdon Council Labour Group – despite consistently stating at the Council meeting that they were aware of alternative sites - has been wholly unable to provide any viable or practical alternative sites for a new Primary school in the relevant Hayes catchment area. Furthermore, in accordance with the Council motion, Cabinet agrees that this fact be made known to local residents at the appropriate time.

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, agreeing funds and consultancy or agency services. Cabinet also noted the position of the Labour Group with respect to sites for a new primary school in the Hayes area.

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 Cabinet:

1. Notes the contents of the report and agrees to the provision of the 2012/13 Uxbridge Ice Rink.

2. Instructs Officers to enter into negotiations with the supplier who has successfully provided the Ice Rink for the last three years to secure the most economically advantageous price for the provision of the 2012/13 initiative by undertaking a single action tender procurement route

3. Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member – Culture, Sport & Leisure to agree the award of contract  for provision of the 2012/13 Uxbridge Ice Rink

4. Agree to levy ticket prices which are in line with those in 2011 and as indicated in the body of the report

5. Delegate to the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance Property and Business Services any variation to the pricing structure highlighted in the body of the report.

6. Withdraw the exempt nature of relevant parts of thereport solely for Officers of the Council to use to provide public information about this initiative and for other related purposes

Reasons for decision

Cabinet welcomed the success of the Uxbridge Christmas Ice Rink over the past 4 years, which had attracted significant visits from members of the public, families, voluntary groups and people from neighbouring boroughs. Cabinet agreed to delegate the necessary decisions so that the Ice Rink would be in place again for Christmas 2012.

Alternative option considered and rejected.

Cabinet could have decided not to provide the Ice Rink for 2012.

Officers to action:

Mohamed Bhimani; Glenda Greenfield and Lyn Summers

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) Reviews the information provided in this report on the outcomes of the enforcement pilot scheme;

2) Approves that officers start work on the procurement process to identify a long term service provider to operate environmental wardens in the borough to tackle spitting, littering, dog fouling and other environmental crimes.

3) That the Cabinet agrees to withdraw the exempt nature of relevant parts of thereport solely for Officers of the Council to use to provide public information about this initiative and for other related purposes.

Reasons for decisions

Cabinet noted the outcome of the successful pilot scheme to trial the use of environmental enforcement officers in the Borough and agreed that work is started to identify a long-term service provider for this through a full procurement exercise.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have continued with the current supplier without carrying out a procurement exercise, discontinued the scheme or used in-house staff. These options were not pursued because they would have either had legal implications or impacted negatively upon the Borough’s town centre environments.

Officer to action:

Nigel Dicker, 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)     Authorise officers to progress with the provision of a new resource centre for people with complex needs through the refurbishment of the building currently used as the Hillingdon Learning and Development Centre at Queens Walk, South Ruislip.

2)     Authorise the construction of a new Wren Centre adjacent to the new resource centre at the same time.

3)     Authorise the budget for:

·       the provision of the new resource centre (£2.083m) and;

·       the new Wren Centre (£0.720m), a total of £2.803m as detailed in Appendix 1. 

4)     Authorise officers to seek tenders for the services of an Employer’s Agent to oversee the delivery of the projects cited in recommendations 1 and 2.

5)     Authorise the incorporation of 563 square metres of playing field, used by Deanesfield School, (subject to the consent of the Secretary of State) into the grounds of the new resource centre for the creation of a sensory garden.

6)     Delegate authority to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Planning, Education, Environment and Community Services to take all subsequent decisions in relation to the implementation of recommendations 1 and 2.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to proceed with the provision of a resource centre for people with complex needs through the refurbishment of the building currently used as the Hillingdon Learning and Development Centre at Queens Walk, South Ruislip. Cabinet also agreed to construct a new Wren Centre adjacent to the resource centre at the same time.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to relocate the new resource centre elsewhere, construct a new building for the resource centre or refurbish or provide a new Wren Centre on the existing site. These options were discounted due to the greater benefits that utilising the Queens Walk site would entail, outweighing the alternative sites and options available.

Officer to action:

Marcia Gillings – 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 Cabinet:

1)     Approves the award of a contract for bulk diesel fuel and gas oil (Lot A) to Hall Fuels Ltd for a period of 3 year with provision to extend the contract for a further 2 years.

2)     Notes the tender exercise undertaken on Fuel Cards (Lot B) and agrees to re tender using a national framework.

3)     Agree delegated approval to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Finance, Property and Business Services to approve the award of a Fuel Card contract upon completion of re-tender.    

Reasons for decision

Following a full procurement exercise, Cabinet accepted the most economically advantageous contracts for the supply of bulk ultra low sulphur diesel fuel and gas oil to sites, including Harlington Road, New Years Green Lane Civic Amenity Site, and the Civic Centre and for the supply of Fuel Cards.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not accepted any of the tender submissions.

Officer to action

D M Fisher, 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 Cabinet note the contents of the report and agree to:

1. award the contract to develop the Woodland Centre/Catering facility to Wernick Buildings Ltd and that of  Constructing the Car Park to the Council’s Highways Term Contractor,

2. confirm that the Council’s Term Contractors can be approached to provide a firm price quotation for the Hard and Soft Landscaping Works once the design for this work has been  developed to tender stage

3. allocate a budget of up to £1,529,115 to construct the car park, and develop the Woodland Centre/Catering Facility and associated access arrangements to this new facility.

4. the appointment of TEP for the implementation and overseeing the ecology mitigation measures associated with the Ruislip Lido Enhancement Programme and to provide arboriculture advise for the total sum of £23,490,

5. the appointment of Gillespies to develop the hard and soft landscaping design proposals to tender stage for the sum of £7,125,

6. the appointment of Faithful and Gould to carry out CDM Co-ordinator and Employers Agent duties for the Woodland Centre/Catering Facility for the sum of  £11,543

7. delegate the decision to appoint any other consultants and/or surveys required to deliver the Ruislip Lido Enhancement Project to the Deputy Chief Executive Corporate Director Planning Environment Education & Community Services in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance Property and Business Services.

8. Instruct relevant Officers to enter discussion with the Ruislip Lido Railways Society to agree Heads of Term for the granting of their new lease

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the progress made on the developmental phase of the Ruislip Lido Enhancement Programme and gave various approvals to proceed to the construction stages of the Car Park and Woody Bay Developments, which were part of the overall programme.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to progress the development of the Ruislip Lido Enhancement Programme or delay the delivery of it.

Officer to action:

Mohamed Bhimani – 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 Cabinet:

1. Agree the award of a contract to Everything Everywhere for a period of 3 years from 1^st November 2012.
2. That agree, where the contract with Everything Everywhere does not meet business requirements, to use O2 and Vodafone as appropriate but only with written permission from Deputy Director of ICT, Highways and Business Services on the basis of a documented business case.

Reasons for decision

Following a full procurement exercise, Cabinet accepted a 3 year contract for Mobile Solutions with Everything Everywhere, which would meet the future service innovation needs of the Council.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not accepted the tender and instructed officers to use the Public Services Network agreement lot that covers mobile telephony instead.

Officer to action:

Steve Palmer – 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 Cabinet approves the tender submitted by MPM Graffiti Solutions to undertake graffiti removal and associated works such as chewing gum removal, pavement cleaning and fly poster removal, throughout the Borough.

Reasons for decision

Following a full procurement exercise, Cabinet accepted a tender for the provision of a graffiti removal service to ensure the safe removal of graffiti on public and private property within the Borough.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to use an alternative specialist company or bring the full service in-house, but these options were deemed less cost-effective.

Officer to action:

Colin Russell, 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 Cabinet:

1. Approves the award of Lot A for the supply of Bulk Waste and Recycling Bins to Egbert H Taylor Ltd for a contract period of three years with the option to extend for a further one year. 

2. Approves the partial award of Lot B for the Refurbishment, Maintenance and Cleaning of Waste and Recycling Bins to Egbert H Taylor Ltd for a contract period of three years, with the option to extend for a further one year.

3. Approves the recommendation to bring the cleaning and minor maintenance tasks relating to bulk waste and recycling bins in house. 

Reasons for decision

Following a full procurement exercise, Cabinet agreed a company to supply Bulk Waste and Recycling Bins and undertake their refurbishment, maintenance and cleaning. Furthermore, Cabinet agreed that some of the minor tasks would be brought back in-house.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to use an alternative specialist company or bring the full service in-house, but these options were deemed less cost-effective.

Officer to action:

Robert Williams –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 Cabinet:

1. Agree to re-offer the land for sale freehold.

2. Delegate authority to accept the most advantageous bid, to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Planning, Education, Environment and Community Services.

3. Delegate all other decisions involved in the sale of this site to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Planning, Education, Environment and Community Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the withdrawal of the purchaser of the former day centre site at Honeycroft Hill and agreed to re-market the site, as there were no service requirements for the land.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to sell the freehold to the next highest bidder, but given the time period that had passed, Cabinet considered that a full re-marketing would yield better results.

Officer to action:

Marcia Gillings, Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to an individual, information that could reveal the identify of an individual and 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. Declare 6 Church Road, Cowley, Uxbridge UB8 3NA surplus to requirements.

2. Agree to offer the property for sale freehold on the open market.

3. Delegate authority to accept the most advantageous bid, to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Planning, Education, Environment and Community Services.

4. Delegate all other decisions involved in the sale of this property to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Planning, Education, Environment and Community Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to dispose of the property on the open market as there were no service requirements.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to redevelop or refurbish the site for supported housing, but agreed there was no viable financial or service case to do so.

Officer to action:

Marcia Gillings,

Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to an individual, information that could reveal the identify of an individual and 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. Declare the land behind the Shakespeare Avenue Scout Hut as shown on the plan surplus to requirements.
2. Authorise the marketing and sale of the plot, subject to planning consent for residential development and subject to a development agreement that obliges the purchaser to build a new scout hut.
3. Delegate authority to accept any offers to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director of Planning Education, Environment and Community Services.
4. Delegate any other decisions necessary in the disposal of this site, to the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director of Planning, Education, Environment and Community Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services.

Reasons for decision

Following positive discussions with the local Scout Group, Cabinet agreed to declare the land behind the Scout Hut surplus to requirements and market and it with planning consent for residential development, strictly subject to a development agreement that would tie any purchaser into building a new scout hut.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not pursued this development opportunity, which would have meant that the existing scout hut would continue to fall into disrepair.

Officer to action:

Marcia Gillings

Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to an individual, information that could reveal the identify of an individual and 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. Authorise officers to accept the offer as set out in the report from Bidder A for 7 Breakspear Road North, Harefield.

2. In the event that Bidder A does not wish to proceed or fails to exchange contracts by a date to be decided, authorise officers 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, authorise officers to withdraw the offer and remarket the property.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet gave its authority to accept an offer for 7 Breakspear Road North, Harefield, following a marketing exercise to dispose of the property.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have rejected the recommended offer.

Officer to action:

Marcia Gillings, Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to an individual, information that could reveal the identify of an individual and 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:

In Relation to HRA Phase 1 – Mead House

1.      Authorise Officers to negotiate the closure of the final account as set out in the report. Any negotiations would take place under the direction of the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services.

In relation to Gilbert Road (Part of HRA Phase 2 Housing Programme).

2.      Authorise Officers to negotiate the final account as set out in the report. Any negotiations would take place under the direction of the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services. 

In relation to flooring works at Park Parade, Jupiter Way, Chestnut Close, The Larches, Voltaire and Sycamore Drive.  (Originally charged to the Triscott House account)

3.      Authorise Officers to negotiate the closure of the account as set out in the report. Any negotiations would take place under the direction of the Deputy Chief Executive, Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council & Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services. 

In relation to Triscott House

4. Note the proposal to terminate the contract with Breyer Group on Triscott House. The full commercial position on this will be reported to Cabinet in October. 

Reasons for decision

Following a review of the Council’s supported housing programme, Cabinet made a number of contractual and financial decisions to keep the building programme on track and resolve any outstanding issues.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have made alternative decisions, but they would have not been in the Council’s best interests.

Officers to action:

Michael Naughton & David Murnaghan, Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to an individual, information that could reveal the identify of an individual and 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.

No additional items were considered by the Cabinet.

The meeting closed at 7.47pm

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 15 (minute 606) decision no.7 – release of capital funds for the school expansion programme

This decision comes into immediate effect.

The remaining decisions of the Cabinet come into effect from 5pm, Friday 5 October 2012.