Agenda and minutes

All Cabinet Members were present.

No interests were declared by Members present.

The decisions and minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 19 April 2018 were agreed as a correct record.

This was confirmed as set out on the agenda.

The Chairman of the External Services Select Committee, Councillor John Riley, introduced a report from the previous municipal year on a review into Community Sentencing, which was warmly endorsed by Cabinet. He paid thanks to the Working Group established to investigate the matter, its Members and the officers supporting it.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet: 

1. Recognise and welcome the findings of the 2017/18 review by the External Services Scrutiny Committee and request that the Chief Executive forward said findings to the Ministry of Justice, requesting that action be taken to amend existing CRC contracts to compel them to co-operate with local partners, specifically in terms of scrutiny.

2. Following the report by the Communities and Local Government Select Committee, request that the Chief Executive also forward the findings of the External Services Scrutiny Committee to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee, requesting that action be taken to improve the local accountability of Community Rehabilitation Companies, specifically in terms of scrutiny.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet considered the findings of the Committee’s review of community sentencing in the Borough; particularly noting concerns over the lack of scrutiny and accountability of the London Community Rehabilitation Company. Cabinet agreed that these be taken forward to the Ministry of Justice, the Secretary of State and Select Committee Chairman for Housing, Communities and Local Government, in order to affect positive changes.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to reject or amend the Committee’s recommendations, or pursue alternative routes to progress the objectives of the review.

Officer to action:

Liz Penny, Chief Executive’s Office

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.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.     Note the final update on the Carers’ Strategy 2015-18 Delivery Plan;

2.     Approve the new Carers’ Strategy 2018-21;

3.     Approve the new Carers’ Strategy Delivery Plan 2018-21 and instruct officers to provide an annual progress report to Cabinet and;

4.     Agree the London Borough of Hillingdon becomes a signatory to the Carers’ Memorandum of Understanding for Hillingdon, authorising the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Housing, Health and Wellbeing to sign on the Council’s behalf.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received an update on the current Carers’ Strategy and agreed a new Strategy going forward to 2021, along with its agreement for the Council to sign up to a Memorandum of Understanding with local organisations to deliver a consistent approach to supporting Carers across health and care partners in Hillingdon. Cabinet paid its recognition to the critical role that carers have in not only supporting their relatives, but our wider local health and care economy. Cabinet also thanked the Carers’ Champion, Councillor Becky Haggar, for her commitment to the cause.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Nina Durnford, Assistant Director, Adult Social Care

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.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Notes the contents of the report.

2.    Approves the Data Protection Policies and Procedures as set out in Appendices 1-12.

3.    Delegates authority to the Borough Solicitor, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Finance Property and Business Services, to introduce any new Data Protection Policies and Procedures which are necessary to ensure that the Council is at all times fully compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.    

4.    Agrees that all Members of the Council should receive training from the Borough Solicitor on the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.

5.    Requests that the Chairman of the Executive Scrutiny waives the scrutiny call-in period so that any decisions can take immediate effect. This will ensure that the Council's Data Protection Policies and Procedures are in place and published on the Council's Website ahead of the new Data Protection Laws coming into force. 

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted that the laws on data protection had been overhauled by European and Domestic Legislation and the Council needed to ensure that it was fully compliant with them and to evidence its compliance by having a set of robust policies and procedures in place by 25 May 2018. Cabinet noted the steps the Council had taken to prepare for this and gave its approval to the new policies and procedures introduced as part of this preparatory work, whilst also requesting they take immediate effect.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet noted that the Council had no option other than to fully comply with the new set of laws. 

Officer to action:

Raj Alagh, Borough Solicitor - Chief Executive’s Office

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.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.    Appoints Councillor Philip Corthorne and Councillor Jane Palmer as the London Borough of Hillingdon’s representatives to the Joint Committee of the London Housing Consortium;

2.    Notes that, as of June 2018, Councillors are appointed to the London Housing Consortium Joint Committee of Elected Members (the LHC Board) for a term of four years.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet appointed two Councillors to ensure Hillingdon representation on the London Housing Consortium and the effective and lawful operation of the organisation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Mark Braddock – Chief Executive’s Office

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.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.    Agree the project and accept the tender from the successful bidder, Walker Construction (UK) Ltd., to complete the final design stages and build the Bessingby Boxing & Football Clubhouse and Changing Facilities, for the cost of £1,205,462.

2.    Approve the allocation of £224k from the General Fund Capital Contingency 2018/19 budget, to the Bessingby Boxing and Football Clubhouse capital budget.

3.    Delegate full 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 Residents Services, to make any subsequent procurement and financial decisions, as appropriate.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet accepted the most economically advantageous tender, in order to progress the project to demolish the existing club house, which was in a poor state, to build a new purpose built boxing clubhouse with separate changing facilities for the Football Club in Field End Recreation Ground, improving local sporting facilities for residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to build the clubhouse.

Officer to action:

Michael Naughton, Residents Services

Classification: Private

Whilst the Cabinet's decisions above are always made public, the officer report relating to this matter is not because it was considered in the private part of the meeting and 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. Agree to award, via direct call off from the West London Alliance framework, a 2-year contract (1+1) to YMCA West London, effective from 1 April 2018.

2. Note that the contract will provide continuing semi-independent accommodation and support for Looked After Children aged 16 to 25 year olds and eligible care leavers and young people in the community whilst a review of this provision is undertaken.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to award a new contract to provide continuity for children in care currently living in semi-independent accommodation, in line with the Council’s statutory duty to provide suitable accommodation for looked after children, children in need and care leavers.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have considered individual placements in different accommodation, which would have resulted in higher costs.

Officer to action:

Vanessa Strang - Social Care

Classification: Private

Whilst the Cabinet's decisions above are always made public, the officer report relating to this matter is not because it was considered in the private part of the meeting and 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 a variation to the lease to increase the number of units on the site at 85-87 Manor Waye, Uxbridge from 2 x 2 bedroom semi-detached houses to 3 townhouses and instructs Legal Services to complete the appropriate legal documentation.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to the variation will increase the housing stock in the Borough, optimising use of the Council’s property assets.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to agree to the variation.

Officer to action:

Mike Paterson, Residents Services

Classification: Private

Whilst the Cabinet's decisions above are always made public, the officer report relating to this matter is not because it was considered in the private part of the meeting and contained information relating to an individual, information likely to reveal the identity of an individual and information the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) and the public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 1,2 & 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 as amended.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet approves a 1 year contract extension to Mental Health First to continue to provide a Best Interest Assessment Service for Hillingdon residents from 1st July 2018  at an estimated cost of £488k to £800k.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to extend the current contract for the Best Interest Assessment Service which supports a statutory function of the Council to authorise deprivations of liberty by undertaking Best Interest Assessments under the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, protecting the interests of vulnerable people.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Kate Kelly Talbot - Social Care

Classification: Private

Whilst the Cabinet's decisions above are always made public, the officer report relating to this matter is not because it was considered in the private part of the meeting and 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.    Declares the site at 15 Mulberry Parade, West Drayton as surplus to requirements;

2.    Authorises the sale of the freehold site with the existing planning status of C3(b) to Comfort Care Limited, who will acquire the property in the name of Hopewell Housing Ltd;

3.    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 of Residents Services for all subsequent decisions regarding the sale of the site.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to the disposal of the former children’s care home in light of the children’s services there moving to the newly refurbished facility at Merchiston House. The sale of the former property to Comfort Care Limited will allow the site to be developed for supported living for vulnerable adults, benefiting residents.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet had considered a range of options for use of the site.

Officer to action:

Mike Paterson; Residents Services

Classification: Private

Whilst the Cabinet's decisions above are always made public, the officer report relating to this matter is not because it was considered in the private part of the meeting and 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.

No additional items were considered by the Cabinet.

The meeting closed at 19.18pm.

Internal Use only - implementation of decisions

Decisions that come into immediate effect: Item 7 – The General Data Protection Regulation – the scrutiny call-in period was waived on this item by the Chairman of the Executive Scrutiny Committee after the Cabinet meeting in order for the Council’s updated data protection policies and procedures to come into effect on 25 May 2018, the day the new laws take effect.

All remaining decisions: Meeting after Cabinet, the Executive Scrutiny Committee did not call-in any of the Cabinet’s decisions. Therefore, these decisions can be implemented by officers upon the expiry of the scrutiny call-in period below:

from 5pm, Monday 4^th June 2018

Officers to action the decisions are indicated in the minutes.

If you would like further information about the decisions of the Cabinet, please contact the Council below:

democratic@hillingdon.gov.uk

Democratic Services: 01895 250636

Media enquiries: 01895 250403

To find out more about how the Cabinet works to put residents first, visit here.