Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.      Note the forecast budget position for revenue and capital as at September 2015 (Month 6).

2.      Note the Treasury Management update as at September 2015 at Appendix E.

3.      Continue the delegated authority up until the 17 December 2015 Cabinet meeting to the Chief Executive to approve any consultancy and agency assignments over £50k, with final sign-off of any assignments made by the Leader of the Council. Cabinet are also asked to note those consultancy and agency assignments over £50k approved under delegated authority between the 22 October 2015 and 19 November 2015 Cabinet meetings, detailed at Appendix F.

4.      Approve the addition of £100k grant funding from the Cabinet Office for Individual Electoral Reform to Democratic Services budgets for 2015/16.

5.      Approve the addition of £111k grant funding from the Department of Health to Adult Social Care budgets to contribute towards assessments on residents relating to Deprivation of Liberties for 2015/16.

6.      Approve the addition of £32k grant funding from Transport for London for the Bridge Assessment and Strengthening programme for 2015/16.

7.      Approve acceptance of Planning Performance Agreement income in respect of the following application:

-          Union Park, Packet Boat Lane (£28k)

8.      Ratify a delegated special urgency decision taken on 23 October 2015 by the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services to acquire Packet Boat House, Packet Boat Lane, Uxbridge to supplement affordable housing provision in the Borough, as set out in Appendix G.

9.      Agree that during the 2015/2016 winter season, with the full agreement of the Leader of the Council (or Deputy Leader if unavailable), the Chief Executive or the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Resident Services are both authorised to take all necessary urgent decisions (including those ordinarily reserved to the executive) to release funds, procure and incur expenditure in order to safeguard residents and deliver services where there is adverse weather or related incidents affecting the Borough. Such decisions taken, that would have ordinarily required Cabinet or Cabinet Member approval, are to be reported to a subsequent Cabinet meeting for formal ratification to ensure transparency. Furthermore, that Cabinet request the Chairman of the Executive Scrutiny Committee waive the scrutiny call-in period so this takes immediate effect.

10.  Delegate 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 Residents Services, to finalise the programme and award any contracts in relation to the delivery of Universal Free School Meals.

Reasons for decisions

Cabinet was informed of the latest forecast revenue, capital and treasury position (Month 6) for the current year 2015/16 to ensure the Council achieved its budgetary and service objectives.

Cabinet made a range of decisions including the acceptance of grants from central Government and Transport for London for Individual Electoral Reform, Deprivation of Liberty assessments and bridge strengthening. Additionally, Cabinet accepted gift funding from a developer in respect of a planning application and ratified a Special Urgency Decision taken to acquire the freehold of a new block of flats to supplement the affordable housing provision in the Borough.

Cabinet made some additional decisions on the night following receipt of further information. Cabinet agreed to renew the usual delegated authority in respect of the Council’s emergency decision-making capabilities during the winter season. Cabinet also delegated authority to enable flexible decision-making on decisions in relation to the delivery of Universal Free School Meals given the challenging timetable.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Where necessary Cabinet also considered alternative options in respect of the above decisions.

Officer to action:

Paul Whaymand, Finance Directorate

Classification: Public

The report and any background papers relating to this decision by the Cabinet are available to view on the Council's website or by visiting the Civic Centre, Uxbridge.