Agenda and minutes

Councillor David Simmonds and Councillor Henry Higgins gave their apologies for the Cabinet meeting.

None.

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

This was confirmed.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1)         Notes the content of this report.

2)         Endorses the officer response to the consultation as set out in Appendix 1 for submission to the Department for Transport by 31st October 2012.

3)         Notes the submission of evidence that has been sent to Transport Select Committee on Aviation by the Leader of the Council as set out in Appendix 2.

4)         Instructs officers to continue to respond to consultations on the future of aviation strategy and potential airport expansion, including joint working with the 2M group and other relevant technical groupings.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received and endorsed the response by the London Borough of Hillingdon to the Department for Transport’s consultation on a Draft Aviation Policy Framework. Cabinet re-confirmed its commitment to continue to lobby against any capacity increases at Heathrow and to maintain pressure on the relevant bodies to ensure that there are appropriate environmental constraints on aviation in place to bring about improvements in noise, air quality and public transport for Hillingdon residents. Additionally, Cabinet noted the submission from the Leader of the Council to the Transport Select Committee for evidence in their review on Aviation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

If Cabinet had not responded to these consultations, it would have not continued to play a leading role in influencing future aviation policy and protecting the interests of residents in the Borough and beyond.

Officer to action

Jales Tippell – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

1)         That Cabinet approves the next steps identified below for setting up Healthwatch in Hillingdon and delegates authority for decisions be taken to the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Central Services on the following:

a)     Establishing a new independent corporate body to undertake the statutory functions envisaged in the Health and Social Care Act 2012. 

b)     Establishing appropriate governance arrangements for the new organisation. 

c)     Recruitment of the first Healthwatch Hillingdon Board, noting the appointment of Jeff Maslen as designated Chairman of Healthwatch Hillingdon following a full and open competition. 

d)     To enter into an agreement with Hillingdon Healthwatch, once established, for a period of two years with options to extend for up to a further two years.

2)         That Cabinet note that discussions have begun with other local authorities on a joint procurement venture to procure the NHS ICAS service;

3)         That Cabinet authorises the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Central Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Social Services, Health and Housing, to approve such arrangements as are necessary to procure the NHS ICAS service.

4)         That Cabinet notes the outcome of the public consultation at Appendix 1.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted that the Health and Social Care Act 2012 required local authorities to establish local Healthwatch organisations in their areas from 1 April 2013 to replace the Local Involvement Networks. Cabinet agreed the steps to set up Hillingdon Healthwatch to become the new local health and social care consumer champion, representing the views of all local residents. Additionally, Cabinet gave delegated approval to make the necessary decisions in respect of commissioning the NHS Independent Complaints Advocacy Service.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Whilst statutory in nature, Cabinet could have decided to set up a local Healthwatch in a different way such as through a competitive tender process, but on balance felt that such an approach would not lead to strong local governance, representative of local people. 

Officer to action

Kevin Byrne – Central Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.            Approves the designation of the Rockingham Bridge Conservation Area, as shown on the map in Appendix 1.

2.            Approves the designation of the Raisins Hill Area of Special Local Character, as shown on the map in Appendix 2.

3.            Instructs officers to undertake the appropriate notification of residents and associated publicity within the designated areas, as in recommendations 1 and 2 above.

4.            Agrees that leaflets based on the drafts included in Appendices 3 and 4 are distributed to the residents, shopkeepers and other interested parties within the designated areas.

Reasons for decision

Following public consultation and support, Cabinet agreed that the area surrounding Rockingham Bridge in Uxbridge be designated as a Conservation Area, and Raisins Hill, Northwood Hills, be designated as an Area of Special Local Character.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to designate the areas, which would have left heritage assets unprotected and residents’ concerns unaddressed.

Officers to action:

Nairita Chakraborty & Sarah Harper – Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet notes the progress made on the delivery of the 2012/13 Disabled People’s Plan to date.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet welcomed the progress on the delivery of the Disabled People’s Plan 2012-13 and the commitment by the Council and its partners to the continued development and improvement of services designed to create a better quality of life for disabled people in Hillingdon.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Daniel Kennedy, Central Services

RESOLVED

That Cabinet notes the continued progress to deliver the Older People’s Action Plan during 2012/13 to improve the quality of life, health and wellbeing of older people in Hillingdon.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet welcomed the progress on the Older People’s Plan 2012-2013 and the commitment by the Council and its partners to the continued development and improvement of services designed to create a better quality of life for older people in Hillingdon. Cabinet noted a number of initiatives, showing Hillingdon Council leading the way in its support for Older People.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Dan Kennedy, Central Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.        Approves the adoption of the Hillingdon Landscape Character Assessment;

2.        Delegates authority to the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling to make any minor amendments required to the Assessment before final publication, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services.

3.        Subsequently, authorises officers to publicise the report on the Council’s website and to notify all groups having a particular interest in it, including those who participated in the public consultation event.

Reasons for decision

Following public consultation, Cabinet approved the Landscape Character Assessment of the Borough in order to provide a comprehensive evidence base to influence Hillingdon’s local planning policies and development management decisions. Due to the need to make some minor changes to the Assessment to take into account additional views from residents, Cabinet agreed to delegate authority to do this before the final version was published.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to adopt the Landscape Character Assessment, which would have been to the detriment of local plan policies and development management decisions.

Officer to action:

Charmian Baker –

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.            Approves the revisions to the existing entries in the adopted Local List of Buildings of Architectural or Historic Importance, as attached in Appendix 1; and,

2.            Instructs officers to carry out consultation with owners and interested groups on the proposed new entries as contained in Appendix 2.

Reason for decision

Cabinet agreed to revisions to existing entries on the ‘Local List of Buildings of Architectural and Historic Importance’ and public consultation on proposed new entries onto it.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to update the existing Local List.

Officer to action:

Nairita Chakraborty & Sarah Harper –

Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.      Note the forecast management budget position for revenue and capital as at Month 5.

2.      Note the treasury Month 5 update at Appendix B.

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

4.      Agree the additional Voluntary Sector grants as detailed in Appendix D.

5.      Approve the virement of £50k from Unallocated Priority Growth to PEECS revenue budgets.

6.      Approves the allocation of £839k from Capital General Contingency to the Queenswalk Redevelopment Project.

7.      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 and Corporate Director of Planning, Environment, Education and Community Services, to accept the tender for a new air conditioning chiller and pumps for the Civic Centre.

8.      That Cabinet approves the release of £400,000 of earmarked General Fund reserves to Abbotsfield School.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet was informed of the latest forecast revenue, capital and treasury position for the current year 2012/13, to ensure the Council achieved its budgetary and service objectives. Additionally, Cabinet made a number of decisions in respect of voluntary sector grants, budget virements and the use funding for key construction and building projects.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Paul Whaymand, Central Services

(private - para. 3)

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

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

2. Approve the variation of the existing contract with MPH Ltd to construct Rabbsfarm Primary School, to include the construction of the Hermitage School summer works.

3. Approve the release of £25,780 for the variation to the Scape contract for additional design consultation for the school at RAF Uxbridge.

4. Approve the addition of £875,000 Education grant “Demographic Growth Capital Fund” to the capital budget for the construction of the Meadow 6th Form classrooms.

5. Approve the release of the additional matched funding element of £300,000 for the Meadow 6th Form classrooms.

6. Approve the capital release of an additional £347,000 for the construction of two permanent classrooms at Bourne Primary School

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 those relating to the necessary building contracts and project funding.

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.

(private - para. 3)

RECOMMENDATION

That the Cabinet agree to the recommendation that the existing contract for the provision of Banking Services with HSBC Plc be extended for a further two years.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted that the Council had signed a 3 year contract with HSBC Bank for the provision of Money Transmission and Merchant Services. Following a review, Cabinet agreed to extend the contract for a further two years.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to undertake a tender exercise for a new contract, but this was considered not worthwhile in the current market.

Officer to action

Annette Reeves – 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.

(private - para. 3)

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approve the acceptance of a tender and award of contract to Grays Truck Centre Limited t/a Grays Truck & Van for the supply and delivery of 9 no. 7.5 tonne tipper vehicles for Highway Maintenance.

Reasons for decision

Following a competitive tender exercise, Cabinet gave its approval to accept a tender for the supply and delivery of 9 no. 7.5t tippers for Highway Maintenance services to replace previously hired vehicles. The new vehicles would be built with Euro 5 engines that complied with the Transport for London low emission zone.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to replace the hired vehicles but considered this not an economic option or value for money in the long-term.

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.

(private - para. 3)

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approve the acceptance of a tender and award of contract to Grays Truck Centre Limited t/a Grays Truck & Van for the supply of 6 no. 3.5 tonne caged tippers.

Reasons for decision

Following a competitive tender exercise, Cabinet gave its approval to accept a tender for the supply and delivery of 6 no. 3.5 tonne caged tippers for Street Cleaning.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided not to replace the vehicles but as they were close to the end of their useful life incurring significant maintenance costs, it was considered not an economic option.

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.

No additional items were considered by the Cabinet.

The meeting closed at 7.35pm

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DECISION AUTHORITY

Meeting after Cabinet, the Executive Scrutiny fully endorsed all of Cabinet’s decisions. The decisions of the Cabinet come into effect from 5pm, Friday 2 November 2012.