Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors David Simmonds and Jonathan Bianco.

Councillor Douglas Mills declared a personal and prejudicial interest in Item 5 (minute 356) due to the vicinity of his property to the proposed HS2 route and left the room during discussion and vote on the item.

Councillor George Cooper declared a personal interest in Item 5 (minute 356) as a member of the Board of the Colne Valley Partnership and remained in the room during discussion on the item.

Councillors George Cooper and Judith Cooper declared personal interests in Item 6 (minute 357) due to the involvement of Cllr Judith Cooper in the Rural Activities Garden Centre and remained in the room during discussion on the item.

Councillor George Cooper declared a personal interest in Item 21 (minute 372) as a trustee of Groundwork Thames Valley Trust Ltd and remained in the room during discussion on the item.

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

It was agreed that the items listed on the agenda would be considered as set out in Part I and Part 2, with the exception of Items 17 (deferred) and 20 (withdrawn).

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1. Welcomes the Council’s resolution on 7 July 2011 reaffirming the London Borough of Hillingdon’s full opposition to HS2; 

2. Recognises the extensive resident consultation campaign led by the Leader of the Council and notes the overwhelming support against the proposed HS2 route from residents and local action groups across the Borough;

3. Notes the contents of the report and agrees the response to the Government’s Consultation for submission to the Department for Transport as set out in Appendix 1;

4. Agrees to grant delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling to agree any further changes required to the Council’s consultation response;

5. Notes the response to the London Assembly Transport Committee as set out in Appendix 2;

6. Notes that in addition to residential properties, that there will be a number of council-owned properties that will be affected by the proposed route as set out in Appendix 3;

7. Endorses the 51M Group’s response to the Government’s High Speed Rail Consultation as set out in Appendix 4;

8. Instructs officers to continue work on opposing the Government’s current proposals for High Speed Rail, including joint working with the 51M Group, and to report back to Cabinet on any significant issues and;

9. Agrees the urgency of this matter so that the Council's response can be sent to the Government by the consultation deadline and therefore requests the call-in procedures be waived on the above recommendations so that any decisions take immediate effect.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted that the proposed High Speed 2 rail line was likely to be the most significant development proposal in Hillingdon since the 3rd Runway at Heathrow. Its adverse impacts were considered to be far in excess of the benefits that would ensue from the proposal.

Cabinet agreed an effective and robust response to the Government’s consultation on High Speed Rail to protect the interests of residents and businesses in the Borough. This had followed significant consultation with residents from across the whole Borough.

Cabinet thanked the local residents groups for their efforts to-date and in particular, paid tribute to the professional team of Council Officers who had worked on pulling the detailed response together.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Jales Tippell - Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

The Chairman of the Social Services, Health and Housing Policy Overview Committee, Councillor Judith Cooper, presented to Cabinet her Committee’s comments on the report.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Note the extensive potential that the Rural Activities Garden Centre has for supporting residents with learning difficulties, disabilities and mental health issues into appropriate training, volunteering and supported employment.

2. Instruct officers and to action the proposed Project Plan to ensure the Centres sustainable future.  

3. Noted the comments from the Social Services, Health and Housing Policy Overview Committee.

Reason for decision

Following recent consultation with users and stakeholders, Cabinet agreed proposals for the Rural Activities Garden Centre as a multi use site to ensure a sustainable future for the Centre and enable residents with learning difficulties, disabilities and mental health issues to engage in appropriate training, volunteering and supported employment activities.  

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have decided to out source the Centre or decommission the service, but instead decided that the development of a multi use site, where several Council Services can contribute positively and work together for the benefit of the centre’s users, would by far be the preferable option.

Officer to action:

Tricia Collis - Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:-

1.         Notes the responses received to the consultations held during February and March 2011 on the Local Development Framework Pre-Submission Draft Core Strategy, as detailed in the Report of Consultations attached at Appendix 1.

2.         Approves the Schedule of Proposed Changes tothe Pre-Submission Draft Core Strategy for submission to the Secretary of State, attached at Appendix 2.

3.         Approves the final Sustainability Appraisal attached at Appendix 4.

4.         Recommends to Full Council that the:

·         Local Development Framework Pre-Submission Draft Core Strategy

·         Schedule of Proposed Changes

·         Report of Consultations on the Pre-Submission Draft Core Strategy

·         Consultation Statement for the Consultation Draft Core Strategy and

·         Final Sustainability Appraisal Report

be submitted to the Secretary of State for formal examination.

5.         Grants delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and 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 Pre-Submission Draft Core Strategy, before it is formally submitted.           

Reasons for decision

Cabinet made the necessary decisions to enable the Council to make meaningful progress on the Local Development Framework Core Strategy in order to meet targets approved by the Mayor of London in the Council’s Local Development Scheme.

Cabinet praised the professionalism of the Officers in preparing all the documentation to a high standard, which set out a sound platform for developing the Borough over the medium to longer term.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to not recommend to Council the draft Core Strategy or requested officers to make significant changes to it.

Officer to action:

Jales Tippell - Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

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

2. 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 make all necessary decisions on the award of design consultant contracts necessary to develop feasibility stage EdVenture Concept schemes, for Phase 2 projects outlined in this report.

3. 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 the necessary steps and agree any surveys, reports and consultancy services, for projects outlined in this report, necessary for the preparation of Phase 3 feasibility studies.

4. To approve to release £402K of capital funds in order to progress the above recommendations and also the release of a maximum of £300k to progress the Hermitage Nursery re-location set out below.

5. 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 Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services to take all the necessary steps to facilitate the relocation of Hermitage Nursery onto the Hermitage School site, and agree the procurement of relevant surveys, a temporary unit to house the nursery and associated ancillary works.

Reason for decision

Cabinet was pleased that the Council was on track to deliver sufficient primary school places for local children over the short, medium and long term.

Cabinet endorsed the need for new school buildings, conversion of existing buildings and provision of temporary accommodation to mitigate the risk of a significant shortfall in primary school and other school places for September 2011 and in subsequent years.

Cabinet made the necessary procurement and financial delegations to keep the project on time and on track.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to proceed with elements of, or delay, the school expansion works which would have resulted in a severe shortfall of school places for the start of the September school year of 2011.

Officers to action:

Norman Benn and Boe Williams-Obasi

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Endorse the Council’s proposed consultation response contained in Appendix 1 and;

2. Note the recent letter from the Transport Minister regarding the South East Airports Taskforce.

Reason for decision

Cabinet agreed Hillingdon’s robust response to the consultation by British Airports Authority (Heathrow) on a review of the airport’s noise mitigation schemes, seeking to ensure that the interests of Hillingdon residents were well protected.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officers to action:

Mike Rickaby & James Rodger,

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1)         Approves the amended Street Trading & Markets Policy as set out in Appendix A.

2)         Agrees an application fee for market licences as set out in this report.

Reason for decision

Following consultation, Cabinet approved the Council’s Street Trading and Markets Policy. Cabinet endorsed the ‘light-touch’ approach for local community events and also agreed new fees for market traders following a benchmarking exercise of other London local authorities.

Alternatives considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not agreed the policy or set alternative fees levels for market traders.

Officers to action:

Stephanie Waterford, David Frost, Nigel Dicker –

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet recommend to full Council in September that the Hillingdon’s Children and Families Plan be adopted as a policy framework document.

Reason for decision

Cabinet endorsed the Hillingdon Children’s and Families Trust Plan (HCFP) which outlined the vision that the Local Strategic Partnership had for vulnerable children, young people and their families in Hillingdon. Following the necessary consultation during May, Cabinet agreed to recommend to full Council that the Plan be approved as a policy framework document.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Linda Sanders, Social Care, Health and Housing

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.                  Approves the priorities and key issues for Hillingdon’s Housing Strategy 2011/15 for consultation with partner organisations and;

2.                  Notes that consultation is a key stage in the development of the strategy which will return to Cabinet for endorsement later this year before approval by full Council.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed its priorities and key issues for the development of the Borough’s revised housing strategy 2011- 15 and as a starting point for public consultation.

Cabinet noted that the strategy would need to take account of changes in local need and circumstances and the Government’s wider agenda for housing, localism and adult social care. 

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to update the current housing strategy.

Officer to action:

Paul Feven, Social Care, Health and Housing

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Agrees and instructs officers, when existing leases to voluntary sector tenants are being renewed, to offer new leases with a maximum term of 15 years;

2. Agrees and instructs officers, when new leases of Council premises are being negotiated with voluntary sector tenants, to offer leases for a maximum term of 10 years and;

3. Delegates authority to the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services to consider and extend the new lease term for longer than the 15 or 10 years set out in recommendations 1 and 2 above where it is considered that the individual merits of the case warrant it.

Reason for decision

Cabinet agreed amendments to the Voluntary Sector Leasing Policy with the intention of making better use of the Council assets leased to voluntary organisations in the future.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have agreed to continue to comply with the current policy.

Officer to action:

Greg Morrison - Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1. Approve that the Council accept Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) funding in order to deliver a supported housing programme of 225 units for a range of vulnerable client groups over a 3 year period. The council will enter into a grant agreement with the HCA setting out terms and conditions of the grant funding.

2. Delegate authority to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Service to approve sites to be included in the programme, including the authority to approve substitute sites if needed. 

3. Approve that the Council enters into prudential borrowing arrangements to meet the project costs of £24.6 m not covered by the grant funding.

4. Approve that the procurement process for suitably qualified specialists for professional and technical services and the building contractor be carried out by Corporate Landlord and Corporate Procurement and reported to Cabinet or Cabinet Member for decision as appropriate.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet’s gave its approval to progress the supported housing programme and to accept funding from the Homes and Communities Agency. Cabinet noted that this would allow the Council to reduce dependence on residential care by increasing supported housing options and it would also meet the needs of older residents, people with physical learning disabilities and mental health issues and promote independence.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not apply for external funding to deliver its supported housing programme.

Officer to action:

Paul Feven, Social Care, Health and Housing

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.      Notes the revenue and capital outturn position for 2010/11.

2.      Notes the annual treasury report at Appendix B

3.      Approves the rephasing of £14,323k of General Fund and £464k of HRA capital budgets into 2011/12 as set out in the report.

Reason for decision

Cabinet welcomed the Council’s successful 2010/11 revenue & capital outturn position and agreed to match capital resources to planned expenditure in cases where agreed and planned expenditure had fallen within different financial years.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Paul Whaymand, Central Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.      Note the forecast budget position for revenue and capital as at Month 2

2.      Note the treasury update at Appendix B

3.      Approves the virement of £150k of Council resources from Ruislip High School Expansion to Primary School Expansions

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

5.      Approves the changes to fees & charges for filming as detailed in Appendix D

Reason for decision

Cabinet noted the Council’s latest 2011/12 revenue & capital position, as forecasted at the end of Month 2 (May 2011). Cabinet also agreed to realign budgets with current service requirements in respect of school expansions, approved a number of agency staff and also updated the Council’s fees and charges for filming within the Borough.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Paul Whaymand, Central Services

A decision on this report was deferred to September Cabinet.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet notes the contents of the report and agrees to:

1. The revised costs of £374,963 (previously £279,754) for the provision of Project Management and Design Services for the project.
2. The appointment of Pick Everard to provide Project Management, Cost Consultancy and CDMC Services at a cost of £90,000.
3. Volker Fitzpatrick entering into negotiations with the existing design team for their transfer to work with the preferred contractor under a Design & Build arrangement. for additional pre construction fee of £98,200 which forms part of the revised costs of £374,963.
4. Should agreement not be reached as proposed in recommendation 3 then for Volker Fitzpatrick to engage a new design team for the project.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to put in place alternative arrangements for the provision of Project Management & Design Services to accelerate the progress of the phase II refurbishment of Highgrove Pool.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to suspend and/or postpone the pool’s refurbishment.

Officers to action:

Mohamed Bhimani – Planning Environment Education & Community Services

Philip Ross - 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.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet accepts the tender from Tunstall Healthcare UK Ltd for the supply of telecare products and award a contract for four years.  The total value of the contract is dependent on demand but will not exceed the £2.1m budget available.

Reason for decision

Cabinet agreed the most economically advantageous contract to support the Council’s telecare strategy, enabling older people and the physically less able with the care and reassurance they need to live safe, secure and independent lives via the TeleCareLine service.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to accept the tender or conduct a further tender exercise, but agreed that the recommended company provided best value and the prices were competitive.

Officers to action:

Grant Walker, Social Care, Health and Housing

Bob Alabaster, 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.

This report was withdrawn from the Cabinet agenda.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.      Notes Hillingdon’s participation in the RE:NEW Programme as sub-regional lead for West London and agrees to accept the external funding offered by the LDA of £1,268,750between April 2011 to March 2012.

2.      Agrees to award the contract for the delivery of RE:NEW services, as specified in the ‘Call Off’ Specification, to Climate Energy (formerly CEN) for Lot 1 and Groundwork London for Lots 2 and 3.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to participate in this home energy-efficiency initiative, of which Hillingdon had led the procurement process for across West London. Cabinet agreed to award the necessary contracts following a framework agreement which was put in place by the London Development Agency. It was noted that Charville Ward in the Borough would be the first to benefit from this scheme, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and alleviating fuel poverty.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have declined to participate and thereby would not have received external funding for this scheme.

Officers to action:

Neil Stubbings, Social Care, Health & Housing

Bob Alabaster, 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 agrees to award a 3 year contract with the option to extend by two, one-year, extensions to JPK Trade Supplies Limited to supply Recycling Bags, Garden Waste Sacks and Street Cleansing bags.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed accept the most economically advantageous tender for the ongoing provision of recycling bags and garden waste sacks. Cabinet noted that the contract also included general refuse bags used by street cleansing, all of which help would maintain and improve Hillingdon position as one of the leading recycling authorities.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officers to action:

Colin Russell – Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services & Bob Alabaster, 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 approves a permitted extension option in the original contract to award a 2 year contract extension to Sector UK Limited for the provision of Support and Development of the Customer Relationship System.

Reason for decision

Cabinet agreed the extension of a contract for the provision of support and the continued development of the Council’s Customer Relationship System (CRM) which supports the implementation of the HillingdonFirst Card, interfaces with Smartcitizen, the Library Management System and several back office systems were across the Council.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to competitively tender this system, but it would have put at serious risk the Council’s ongoing approach to customer service.

Officers to action:

Steve Palmer, Planning, Environment, Education and Community Service & Bob Alabaster, 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. Approves the appointment of Sevacare to provide care services at two new build Extra Care Housing Schemes (Triscott House and Cottesmore House) for a period of two years from September 2011.

2. Agrees to delegate all necessary decisions to lease or purchase Cottesmore House to the Leader of the Council, the Cabinet Member for Social Care, Health and Housing and the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services.

3. In accordance with the rules set out in the Constitution, agree that the above recommendation is urgent and request that the call-in period for recommendation 1 is waived so that the Cabinet’s decision can take immediate effect.

Reason for decision

Cabinet gave its approval to appoint a supplier to provide personal care to residents of two flagship extra care housing schemes that would be operational from September 2011. Cabinet noted that a competitive tender process had been conducted as the best way to market test the service and achieve value for money. Cabinet also made the necessary decisions in respect of securing the future of Cottesmore House.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officers to action:

Grant Walker, Social Care, Health and Housing

Bob Alabaster, 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 approves extension of the contracts with Logicalis (IP Network) and Oni (IP Telephony) respectively for a period of 2 years starting from the end of the current contracts on June 30^th 2012 until June 30^th 2014.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to extend two contracts to continue with the current IP (Internet Protocol) technology for the Council’s voice communications.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have undertaken a full re-tender exercise or purchased services via a framework agreement.

Officer to action:

Steve Palmer, Planning, Environment, Education and Community Service & Bob Alabaster, 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. Notes the contents of the report and agrees to the provision of the 2011 Uxbridge Ice Rink.

2. Instructs Officers to undertake a procurement exercise to secure the most economically advantageous price for the provision of either a smaller or larger Ice Rink options.

3. Agrees to delegate the decision of selecting either a smaller or larger Ice Rink option following a procurement exercise along with the operational logistics to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport & Leisure in conjunction with the Deputy Executive andCorporate Director Planning, Environment, Education & Community Services.

4. Agree to levy ticket prices as indicated in the body of the report which are in line with those charged in 2010

5. Authorise Officers to prepare and submit a planning application for the chosen size of the ice rink for 2011.

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 3 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 to Officers and Members so that the Ice Rink would be in place again for Christmas 2011.

Alternative option considered and rejected.

Cabinet could have decided not to provide the Ice Rink for 2011.

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 Cabinet:

1. Agree to the replacement of key Fleet assets as set out in the body of this report;

2. Delegate authority for the acceptance of tenders to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Members for Finance, Property and Business Services and Co-ordination and Central Services in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services. Acceptance to be subject to the provision of detailed business cases by officers and the output of a competitive and compliant tender process having been completed.

Reasons for decision

As part of the review of the Council’s fleet assets and their operation, Cabinet made the necessary decisions in respect of the vehicles that are considered to be in immediate need of replacement.

Alternative options considered

None.

Officers to action:

Steve Palmer, Planning, Environment, Education and Community Service & Bob Alabaster, 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. Agree to use the London Borough of Brent’s framework agreement for the provision of private sector accommodation which can be used to assist with the council’s legal duties to house clients and to prevent homelessness and;

2. Authorise the Corporate Director of Social Care, Health and Housing (in consultation with the Cabinet Members for Social Services, Health & Housing; Finance, Property & Business Services and Co-ordination and Central Services) to enter into agreements with any of the seventeen successful suppliers within the framework.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet gave its authority for the Council to join a West London framework agreement with providers for the supply of private sector accommodation. Cabinet noted that this would enable the Council to find new ways to house residents as well as become a better tool to help prevent homelessness.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet noted that the framework agreement would be one of a number of methods by which the Council would procure private sector accommodation.

Officers to action:

Paul Feven, Social Care, Health and Housing

Bob Alabaster, 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. Notes the contents of the report

2. Agrees to award the construction contract for the refurbishment of Manor Farm – Stables to Francis Construction Limited

Reason for decision

Cabinet agreed the appointment of the Council’s construction partner to carry out the refurbishment of Manor Farm – Stables, which involved upgrading and refurbishing the facility to increase use by local organisations.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to progress the refurbishment works.

Officers to action:

Mohamed Bhimani, Planning Environment Education & Community Services & Bob Alabaster, 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. Agree the proposal for a new contract for housing adaptations, for use on council housing and for owner occupiers, to be procured through the West London Alliance (led by the council)

2. Approve the extension of the existing contract with Apollo Property Services for adaptations to council dwellings for its final 12 months while the new housing contract is procured.

Reasons decision

Cabinet gave its approval to start procuring a new integrated contract for housing adaptations, and in the interim agreed to the extension of the existing contract for adaptations to Council dwellings.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have let the current contract lapse and sought a competitive tender, which would have had a detrimental affect on service provision.

Officers to action:

Grant Walker, Social Care, Health and Housing

Bob Alabaster, 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 approve the extension of the contract with D&G Electrics Limited to support the work of the Hillingdon Housing Repairs Service on the repair and maintenance of electrical services in the housing stock for a period of 12 months.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet gave its approval to the extension of an existing contract for a period of 12 months. Cabinet noted that this would maintain continuity of service whilst a tender exercise was conducted for a combined contract for electrical support to the repairs operation and for planned electrical upgrades.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have let the current contract lapse and sought a competitive tender, which would have had a detrimental affect on service provision.

Officers to action:

Grant Walker, Social Care, Health and Housing

Bob Alabaster, 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 approves the appointment of the following Registered Providers as preferred partners for affordable housing provision:

• Catalyst Housing Group
• London and Quadrant Housing Trust
• Notting Hill Housing Group
• Paradigm Housing Group
• Shepherds Bush Housing Group
• Thames Valley Housing Association

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to create a framework of preferred partners to deliver affordable housing mainly on private sites but also Council sites in the Borough. Cabinet agreed the specific partner registered providers and noted that this would enable the Council to better reflect local housing needs.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have agreed more formal arrangements with individual partners or continued with the current arrangements, though it was felt that this would make it increasingly difficult to co-ordinate affordable housing development.

Officers to action:

Paul Feven, Social Care, Health and Housing

Bob Alabaster, 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 notes the comments of this report and agrees to:

1. Delegate authority to the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Education & Children’s Services, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Planning Education Environment & Community Services, to approve the Council’s entry into appropriate contracts with Barnhill Community High School Academy Trust and the Department for Education in order to facilitate the conversion of the School to Academy status

2. Authorise expenditure up to a capped level of £20,000 with Bevan Brittan LLP (as the Council’s external legal advisors) to conclude the required contractual negotiations and documentation

Reasons for decision

Cabinet gave the necessary delegated authority to enter into contracts with the Department for Education and the Barnhill Community High School Academy Trust in order to facilitate the conversion of the school to Academy Status. Cabinet also made a decision to appoint legal experts to assist the Council in such contractual negotiations.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet noted that the Council had limited alternative options in regard to this matter as the Secretary of State had issued an Academy Order in respect of Barnhill Community High School on 14 February 2011.

Officers to action:

Anna Crispin – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services;  Bob Alabaster – 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.

Special Urgency Provisions

This report had been circulated less than 5 working days before the Cabinet meeting and was agreed by the Chairman to be considered as urgent.

None.

The meeting closed at 8:03pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DECISION AUTHORITY

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 5 (minute 356) – Hillingdon’s response to the Government’s consultation on High Speed Rail

·        Item 24 (minute 375) – Extra Care Housing; contract award for the provision of personal care.

The above Cabinet decisions therefore take immediate effect.

All other Cabinet decisions come into effect from 5pm, Friday 5^th August 2011.

Changes to proposed decisions:

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

• Item 8 (minute 359) where additional recommendations were added in respect of Hermitage Nursery
• Item 13 (minute 364) where all 3 revised recommendations were amended
• Item 24 (minute 375) where a small amendment was made to delegate in consultation with an officer
• Item 27 (minute 378) where a small amendment was made to delegate in consultation with an officer
• Item 28 (minute 379) where a small amendment was made to delegate in consultation with Cabinet Members.