Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor Scott Seaman-Digby.

Councillor Douglas Mills declared a personal interest in Item 19 (minute 294) as Chairman of the School Governing Body and remained in the room during the discussion and vote on the item.

Councillors George and Judith Cooper both declared a personal interest in Item 9 (minute 284) as their property backed onto the school concerned and remained in the room during the discussion and vote on the item.

Councillor George Cooper declared a personal interest in Items 15 and 17 (minutes 290 and 292) as a trustee of the Groundwork Trust and remained in the room during the discussion and vote on both items.

The decisions and minutes of the last meeting were approved as a correct record.

This was confirmed.

Councillor Judith Cooper, Chairman of the Social Services, Health and Housing Policy Overview Committee, presented the Committee’s report on Assistive Technology, which Cabinet warmly endorsed.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

A:        Welcomes the Council’s commitment to support independent living and provide additional financial support to invest in Hillingdon’s TeleCareLine;

B:        Strongly endorses the Committee’s major review and its recommendations set out below and instructs Officers to incorporate them into the model of telecare that is to now be implemented;

Committee recommendations

1.      The Committee recommends to Cabinet that Telecare is a positive use of technology which will help the Council to address the growing needs of its’ ageing population. Used effectively it has the potential to radically change the way services are delivered.

2.      The Committee requests that good quality information and timely advice must be provided for families, carers and service users, working with health professionals to enable them to understand their assistive technology / telecare options to assist them to make informed choices  (to address their needs)

3.      The Committee recommends that telecare be provided free of charge for a limited period (no longer than 6 weeks) after hospital discharge as part of the re-ablement project to provide assistance. The Committee felt that early exposure to assistive technology will help increase client confidence in the service and encourage further uptake in the service.

4.      The Committee recommends that assistive technology should not simply replace personal contact but be part of a package in which AT is a complementary tool which helps to prolong independence.

5.      The Committee note that, in line with their original advice, Officers have taken a cautious approach to rebranding, and that the term “TeleCareLine” is under consideration. 

6.      The emerging body of evidence from various national review pilots has shown how valuable Assistive Technology (AT) / Telecare can be to users and carers. It is therefore essential that the status and profile of AT / Telecare is strengthened so that social care and health professionals consider this technology as an option for all service users and carers

7.      Committee advises that effective partnership working will be central to the full development of this service and that to ensure services are delivered. The early evidence from the Whole Systems Demonstrator pilots has shown how important partnership working is. To ensure services are delivered as effectively and efficiently as possible, information sharing rules and procedures must be developed.

8.      Evidence shows the potential value of telehealth in supporting people with health conditions to live independently in the community and also in making savings to the health economy.  Telehealth is under-developed in Hillingdon and the Committee recommends that officers work with health colleagues to encourage its further development.

9.      The Committee requests that officers undertake regular reviews of service costs to ensure the Authority receives value for money from service providers.

10.The Committee recommends that the Authority pursue the development of a comprehensive in-house model, centred on a local call centre (with a responder service operating 24/7), employing local knowledge and request officers to fully explore the cost implications of this option as part of the ongoing Medium Term Financial Forecast work.

11.The Committee recommends that Careline be co-located to the Civic Centre.  Moving the service will allow for future expansion as the ASCH&H emergency out of hours services are based with Careline.

12. The Committee agrees that intervention at an early stage can act as a preventative investment and thereby reduce the number of hospital admissions and delay admissions into residential care. The Committee also notes the preventative benefits that telecare offers to residents who do not satisfy the council’s Fair Access to Care Services (FACS) criteria

13. The TeleCareLine (TCL) service to private clients is very important and will be a key to the success of the service. The Committee stressed that it is important that the service is marketed as proactively as possible to maximise the take up of self funders.

14. Part of the Project Planning has been to recognise the need to be able to respond to the effects of increased numbers requesting the TCL service. Officers assured the Committee that resources are in place to deal with the expected numbers and ensure a good service is provided.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet considered the Services, Health and Housing Policy Overview Committee’s major review and recommendations on assistive technology which were aimed at moving forward the implementation of the Council’s model for telecare to deliver its overall long-term strategy for adult social care. Cabinet thanked the Committee for an excellent review and agreed to incorporate all recommendations.

Alternative options considered and rejected

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

Officer to action:

Charles Francis, Democratic Services

Councillor Catherine Dann, Chairman of the Education and Children’s Services Policy Overview Committee, presented the Committee’s report on 14-19 Diplomas, which Cabinet warmly endorsed.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Welcome the attached report from the Education & Children’s Services Policy Overview Committee aimed at improving the service currently provided to students who undertake 14-19 education and training in Hillingdon;

2.   Note that the Government commissioned an independent review of vocational education and that it will report its findings in the Spring 2011;

3. Endorse the following recommendations from the Committee as set out  below;-

(i) That officers provide an update to Members on the National Review that is currently being undertaken on vocational training when the review has been completed.

(ii) That the GCSE equivalent for diplomas is not used as the only tool for   students in making their choices in the course of their compulsory Education and that all pathways were explained to them.

(iii) That officers look at ways to ensure that impartial advice is provided to students to enable them to make an informed decision on their education path.

(iv) To ensure that sufficient impartial information, advice and guidance is available to enable students to prepare adequately for progressing to the next stage of education/training after they have reached post compulsory school age.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet considered the Education and Children’s Services Policy Overview Committee’s review and recommendations on 14-19 education and training. Cabinet thanked the Committee for its review and agreed all recommendations.

Alternative options considered and rejected

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

Officer to action:

Gill Brice, Democratic Services

RESOLVED:

1          That Cabinet notes the findings of the Hillingdon residents’ survey 2010/11. 

2          That Cabinet:

(i)           Welcome the new Code of Recommended Practice on Local Authority Publicity code and the seven principles of communications.

(ii)         Endorse the council’s approach to pro-active communications to inform, explain, justify and change behaviour for the public good.

(iii)    Note the specific requirements of local residents and duties under other legislation which means that while we will have regard to the code, we will act as local circumstances demand, in the interests of Hillingdon’s residents and in line with legislation.

(iv)   Agree that the council will continue to publish six editions of Hillingdon People a year, based on the available evidence and in the best interests of our residents.

(v)    Authorise the authority to continue to lobby the Secretary of State to end the requirement to place statutory and other advertising in local newspapers on the grounds of efficiency and effectiveness.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet welcomed the results of the residents’ survey which demonstrated high satisfaction with a range of council services, particularly support for Older People, Waste & Recycling and Libraries. Cabinet also noted from the survey how much residents value the way the Council communicates with them and how well informed they feel about Council services.

Whilst carefully considering the new Codes of Practice on Local Authority Publicity, which were likely to come into force in April 2011, the Cabinet agreed to maintain the frequency of its publication of Hillingdon People, the council’s residents’ magazine.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to reduce the number of editions of Hillingdon People to four a year.

Officer to action:

David Holdstock, Central Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approves:

1.      The amendment to street trading licence terms & conditions which have the effect of preventing the street trading of food in Uxbridge town centre, as per appendix 1.

2.      The introduction of revised street trading licence fees & charges for 2011 / 2012 financial year, as detailed in appendix 4.

Reasons for decision

Following numerous verbal enquires and three formal applications for street trading of food in Uxbridge town centre, Cabinet agreed to amendments to the street trading licence terms and conditions to control street trading of food in Uxbridge Town Centre. This would also allow officers to respond to any enquiries clarifying that the Council would not tolerate any such trading that takes place on a continuous or weekly basis. Cabinet also approved street trading fees and charges following consultation with stakeholders.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to restrict the street trading of food and not review fees and charges.

Officers to action:

David Frost, Stephanie Waterford – Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agree to modify the date for meeting the condition of obtaining planning permission, from 15th April 2011 to a new date of 1st July 2011.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted that its decision last year on statutory proposals to enlarge several primary schools, including Whitehall Infant and Junior Schools, was conditional on obtaining planning permission. Cabinet therefore agreed to extend the date for planning permission to deliver the school expansion programme on time.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to extend the conditional date and thereby put at risk the provision of sufficient primary school places in the Uxbridge North, Uxbridge South and Brunel wards.

Officer to action:

Terry Brennan -Planning Environment, Education & Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:-

1. makes a recommendation to Council to adopt Schedule 3 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982;
2. makes a recommendation to Council to approve the draft Sex Establishment Licensing Policy (Appendix 1);
3. makes a recommendation to Council that the terms of reference of the Licensing Committee be extended to include the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982;
4. agrees and sets the fee of £2300 in relation to Sex Establishment Licence applications;
5. makes a recommendation to Council to agree the table of delegations as set out in Appendix 3;
6. approves the proposed timetable for implementation (Appendix 4)

Reasons for decision

Following national legislative changes, Cabinet agreed to move forward with proposals to enable the Council to control the number and location of sex establishments in the Borough.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to introduce controls on sex establishments and thereby the Council would have been at risk of allowing premises to operate without any ability to regulate, which would potentially see the number of establishments rise.

Officers to action:

Stephanie Waterford, David Frost

Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:-

1.            Agrees not to designate the area as a Conservation Area; and 

2.            Instructs officers to notify residents of the above decision.

Reasons for decision

Following public consultation within the existing Gatehill Farm Estate Area of Special Local Character to gauge the support of residents for its designation as a Conservation Area, Cabinet considered that the response by residents was such that designation could not be justified.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have agreed to designate the area concerned, which would have been against the wishes of many local residents.

Officers to action:

Sarah Harper/ Nairita Chakraborty

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet notes the updated financial information attached at Appendix 1.

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 current forecast budget position for revenue and capital as at Month 10.

2.      Note the treasury update at Appendix B.

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

4.      Approves the following capital virements:

·         £40k Chrysalis funding to support the TfL Pinkwell lane crossing project

·         £75k from Early Year Foundation Stage to Children’s Centres Phase II

·         £14k from Aiming Higher for Disabled Children to the Merrifields fit out project

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the Council’s latest forecast revenue and capital position for the current year 2010/11. Cabinet also noted the Council’s investments via the treasury management update, approved retaining certain agency staff and agreed budget virements to deliver various capital programmes.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Paul Whaymand, Central Services

RESOLVED:

Cabinet agreed to:

1. Award the construction contract for the development of the sites to Apollo Property Services Group Ltd at a maximum contract sum of £3,796k [The JCT 2005 form of contract will be used with contractor’s design.]

2. Instruct officers to enter into contracts with Carless and Adams Partnership as Employers Agent and CDM Co-ordinator using the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Standard Form of Appointment with up to a maximum value of £37k (0.97% of works cost) for the Employer’s Agent and CDM Co-ordinator role for the project.

3. The disposal of the individual plots on a shared ownership lease of 125 years (34 units including the Gilbert Road site)

Reasons for decision

In January 2011 Cabinet agreed to accept the £725k grant from the Homes and Comunities Agency to build 29 units of new low cost housing for purchase by Hillingdon residents. Following a tender exercise by officer, Cabinet approved the construction contract and specialist advisers to deliver the new homes.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have accepted an alternative tender or not accepted any tender, which would have not represented value for money or have provided any benefits to residents in Hillingdon.

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.

Officer to action:

Paul Feven, Social Care, Health and Housing

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agree to:

1. Split the New Years Green Lane project into two parts with Phase 1 relating to works associated with Depot Buildings and Phase 2 works relating to the Waste Disposal facility.  The Phase 2 works are not to commence until after April 2012 or any other time that confirmation has been obtained that ownership of the asset will not transfer to the refuse disposal authority (West London Waste).

2. Obtain revised tenders from the existing tendering contractors to vary the design requirements and construction phasing for the New Year’s Green Lane project, by a post tender addendum.

3. Vary the existing consultants Glanville’s contract of appointment and approve additional fees of £128k as detailed in the report to carry out the additional services to facilitate this project.

4. Pay compensation monies to Council farm tenant for loss of grazing land.

Reason for decision

Cabinet gave its approval to vary the design requirements, construction phasing and existing contract tenders to progress the re-development of the Civic Amenity site at New Year’s Green Lane and to minimise the financial risk to the council.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have delayed its decision or halted the re-development, but this would not have been in the Borough’s best interests.

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.

Officer to action:

Bill Ogden / Graham Davies

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:-

1.                  makes an application to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government under the provisions of the Green Belt (London and Home Counties) Act 1938:

2.                  advertises the proposal by way of public notice placed in a local paper for a period of two consecutive weeks prior to making the application to the Secretary of State.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed it was necessary to make an application under the relevant Act to obtain the Secretary of State’s consent to change the use of some sites in the Borough from farmland to civic amenity use.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to seek such consent which would have meant the Council could not redevelop the area for civic amenity use.

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.

Officer to action:

Hannah Bloxham –

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

Cabinet made a number of decisions regarding the statutory determination of the New Years Green Lane Landfill Site.

Reasons for decision

Following discussions with the Environment Agency, Cabinet reviewed the status of the site and made the necessary decisions to facilitate the determination of the site.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it containedinformation in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings and information which revealed that the authority proposes to either (a) to give under any enactment a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person; or (b) to make an order or direction under any enactment.The public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 5&6 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

Officers to action:

Peggy Law, Mick Brough – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services.Raj Alagh, Borough Solicitor

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet give approval, subject to leasehold consultation, to accept a tender from PDERS in the sum of £823,542.00 to refurbish the lifts in the three tower blocks - Glenister House, Fitzgerald House and Wellings House - at Avondale Drive, Hayes, including installing larger ten person lift cars and opening up the landings between floors one and ten so that both cars serve all these floors.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet accepted a tender for the refurbishment of the lifts in the three tower blocks in Avondale Drive, Hayes that formed part of the programme of improvements to the Council’s housing stock. Cabinet noted that the lifts were over 34 years old and had gone past their expected life span.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have accepted an alternative tender which would not have represented best value or have decided to not proceed with the much needed lift refurbishment.

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.

Officer to action:

Grant Walker, Social Care, Health and Housing

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet delegate authority 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, Environment, Education & Community Services, to make a decision on the award of the building contract for Ruislip High School 6^th Form Extension on the receipt of relevant tender information.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to delegate the award of the Building Contract, for the sixth form expansion at Ruislip High School, to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not to proceed with the project which would have meant that Ruislip High School would not be able to accommodate the 6th form intake in the 2011/12 academic year.

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.

Officer to action:

Chris Mafico.

Planning, Environment , Education and Community Services 

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approve to enter into a new contract with CfBT Education Trust for the provision of Connexions services for one year to 31^st March 2012

2. Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services in conjunction with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services to finalise the terms of the contract

Reason for decision

Cabinet agreed a one year continuation of the current careers education, information, advisory and guidance services. Cabinet’s decision ensured that both the Council’s statutory duties were met and flexibility would be provided to accommodate national legislative changes in this field.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have secured an alternative service in partnership with schools or have decided to bring the service back in-house.

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) andinformation relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of, or office holders under, the authority.The public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 3&4 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

Officer to action:

Tom Murphy, Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet agrees the rents set out in Table 1 of this report provisionally agreed by officers with the voluntary sector organisations detailed in this report and instructs the Deputy Chief Executive & Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services to then commission the Borough Solicitor to complete the appropriate rent review memoranda and lease documentation.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet approved a number of terms provisionally agreed by officers which granted local voluntary sector organisations discounted rent in line with the Council’s Voluntary Sector Leasing Policy.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have chosen not to apply the Voluntary Sector Leasing Policy.

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.

Officer to action:

Greg Morrison, Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

None.

The meeting closed at 7.48pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DECISION AUTHORITY

The Cabinet’s decisions were not called-in by the Executive Scrutiny Committee and therefore come into effect from Friday 25^th March 2011 after the call-in period expires.

Changes to proposed decisions:

Officers should note that the Cabinet amended recommendations and thereby agreed revised decisions on the following item:

• Item 20 (minute 295)