Agenda and minutes

All Members were present.

Councillor Douglas Mills declared a non-pecuniary interest in Items 6 and 8 (minutes 919 and 921) as a local resident affected by High Speed 2 and remained in the room during the discussion and vote on the items.

Councillor Douglas Mills declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 (minute 920) as Chairman of Ruislip High School and remained in the room during the discussion and vote on the item.

Councillor Philip Corthorne declared a non-pecuniary interest in Item 7 (minute 920) as a Governor at the Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and remained in the room during the discussion and vote on the item.

The decisions and minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 23 January 2014 were agreed as a correct record.

This was confirmed.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.      Note the forecast budget position for revenue and capital as at Month 9.

2.      Note the treasury management update for Month 9 at Appendix E.

3.      Continue the delegated authority up until the 20 March 2014 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 23 January and 13 February 2014 Cabinet meetings, detailed at Appendix F.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet was informed of the latest forecast revenue, capital and treasury position for the current year 2013/14 to ensure the Council achieved its budgetary and service objectives.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Paul Whaymand, Finance Directorate

To be recommended to Council on 20 February 2014

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approves for recommendation to Council:

1. The General Fund revenue budget proposals for 2014/15 summarised at Appendix 1, including the detailed budget changes contained at Appendices 2 to 6;

2. The Housing Revenue Account budget proposals for 2014/15 summarised at Appendix 7a including detailed budget changes contained at Appendices 7b to 7d;

3. The capital programme set out at Appendix 8;

4. The Treasury Management Strategy Statement, Annual Investment Strategy and Minimum Revenue Provision Statement for 2014/15 to 2016/17 as detailed in Appendix 10;

5. The proposed London Borough of Hillingdon Pay Policy Statement for 2014/15 set out at Appendix 11;

6. The proposed fees & charges and housing rents for both the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account included at Appendix 12;
7. That it resolves that Cabinet may utilise the general reserves or balances during the MTFF financial years 2014/15 to 2018/19 in respect of those functions which have been reserved to the Cabinet in Article 7 of the Constitution (as set out in Schedule G of the Constitution - Budget and Policy Framework Procedure Rules);

8. That Cabinet notes the Corporate Director of Finance’s comments regarding his responsibilities under the Local Government Act 2003.

Reasons for decision

Following consultation, Cabinet put forward its final set of budget proposals to the Council meeting on 20 February 2014 for approval. This included the Council’s Medium Term Financial Forecast (MTFF), the draft General Fund revenue budget for 2014/15 along with indicative projections for the following years, the Housing Revenue Account, fees and charges proposals and the draft capital programme for 2014/15 and beyond.

Cabinet noted the positive comments from the Policy Overview Committees and recommended to Council a well thought out set of budget proposals which had been carefully developed to put residents first.

Alternative options considered and rejected

The Cabinet could have chosen to vary the proposals in its budget before being recommended to Council.

Officers to action:

Paul Whaymand, Finance

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1)     Agrees that the total Schools Budget for 2014/15 will be equal to the total of the Dedicated Schools Grant (as set out in paragraphs 24 to 27) provided to the Council.

2)     Approve the Early Years Single Funding Formula be set at the same rate as in 2013/14, as set out in paragraph 11

3)     Approve the base rate of funding for the Two Year Old Free Entitlement Offer, as set out in paragraphs 12 to 13

4)     Approve the proposed changes to the Primary and Secondary schools funding formula as agreed by schools and the Schools Forum, as set out in paragraphs 14 to 23.

Reasons for decision

As the local decision-making body for school funding, Cabinet agreed the arrangements to ensure that the 2014-15 budgets for schools were in place. Cabinet noted that the Council had consulted schools and the School Forum on a range of financial matters prior to making its decision.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have not agreed some or all of the proposals for education expenditure, contrary to the School Forum’s advice. 

Officer to action:

Peter Malewicz

Finance

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.                  Notes the contents of the report including the update on the legal challenges against the HS2 Scheme.

2.                  Endorses 51m's response to the Government's HS2 Phase Two consultation.

3.                  Approves in principle the Council's response to the Environmental Statement consultation, delegating authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to make any further changes that may be required to it, before agreeing its final submission.

4.                  Strongly appreciates the efforts of local residents groups that have been established in response to the HS2 proposal and reaffirms this Council's commitment to work closely with them in their campaign against HS2.

5.                  Instructs officers to take all necessary agreed actions to continue to oppose the HS2 Scheme, including joint working with the 51m Group and HS2 Action Alliance and lodging a petition in Parliament against the Hybrid Bill Phase One, and to report back to Cabinet on any significant issues.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet was updated on the Government's proposals for High Speed Rail, including an update on the outcome of the recent Supreme Court appeal and a further judicial review challenge which the Council had brought jointly with HS2 Action Alliance.

Cabinet approved the Council's response to the Government's Environmental Statement which accompanied the Hybrid Bill, noted the Council’s intention to petition the Bill at it’s meeting on 20 February and endorsed the 51m’s response to the consultation exercise on Phase Two of HS2.

Cabinet thanked local residents and campaign groups for their tremendous efforts and it expressed its unequivocal commitment to continue to oppose the proposed route.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Jales Tippell

Residents Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:-

1.                  Agrees that the draft Development Management Policies document at Appendix 1 to this report, should be included in the ‘Proposed Submission Draft’ of Part 2 of the Hillingdon Local Plan to be published for consultation for six weeks commencing in March 2014.

2.                  Agrees that the proposed changes to the existing Unitary Development Plan Proposals Map (which will draw together all the relevant proposed Site Allocations and Designations so far agreed by Members) should be included in the ‘Proposed Submission Draft’ of Part 2 of the Hillingdon Local Plan to be published for consultation for six weeks commencing in March 2014.

3.                  Notes the Evidence Base Studies that have been undertaken to support the preparation of the draft Development Management Policies document.

4.                  Grants delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Residents Services to agree, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling, any minor editing and textual changes to the Draft Development Management Policies document.

5.                  Instructs officers to report back to a future meeting of Cabinet the outcome of public consultation and recommendations for changes to the Development Management Policies document, Site Allocations and Site Designations document and the Policies Map prior to its formal submission to the Department of Communities and Local Government.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet gave further approval to carry out consultations on draft proposed Development Management Policies and the Policies Map commencing in March 2014 as components of Part 2 of the Local Plan.

Cabinet’s decision enabled the Council to make meaningful progress on the Local Plan, in order to meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have amended the policies to be published for consultation.

Officer to action:

Jales Tippell, Residents Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

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

2. Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Residents Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Members for Education and Children’s Services & Finance, Property and Business Services, to make all necessary decisions to implement Government policies relating to Universal Infant Free School Meals and Child Care Places for Two Year Olds, as set out in the report.

3. Note the requirement for an additional £30,000 to complete the options appraisal for the new school in West Drayton.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received its monthly update on London’s largest school building programme, aimed at ensuring that every child in the London Borough of Hillingdon would have a quality place at a local school. Decisions were made to implement recent Government initiatives in relation to Infant Free School Meals and Child Care Places.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

David Murnaghan – Residents Services

RESOLVED:

Cabinet noted the information detailed within the report.

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 the Cabinet:

1. Approves the re-specification and extension of the existing contract with CfBT Education Trust for the provision of support, information, advice and guidance services for one year from April 1st 2014 to 31st March 2015 at an estimated cost of £318,000; and

2. Grants delegated authority to the Director for Children and Young People’s Services, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services, to finalise the terms of the extension.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet approval was given to commission young people’s support, information, advice and guidance services for young people beyond March 2014. It was noted the services would improve support for young people with special educational needs and disabilities and support young Hillingdon residents to access and sustain their employment, education and training.

Alternative options considered and rejected.

Cabinet could have opted to discontinue the services currently provided and seek a full procurement process, though it was determined that this could affect existing joint working arrangements with schools.

Officers to action:

Merlin Joseph / Tom Murphy, Children & Young People’s 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 award of a contract to London Cyrenians Housing to provide:

1.      A care and support service for people with learning disabilities and/or mental health needs at Swan House opening in 2014 for a period of five years from the date of handover at the following costs:

• Mobilisation (Three months): £66.7k
• Year 1: £782.9k
• Year 2: A maximum of £457.0k
• Year 3: A maximum of £457.0k
• Year 4: A maximum of £457.0k
• Year 5 (Nine months): A maximum of £342.8k
• TOTAL: £2,563.5k

2.      A care and support service for people with learning disabilities and/or mental health needs at Tasman House opening in 2014 for a period of five years from the date of handover at the following costs:

• Mobilisation (Three months): £77.4k
• Year 1: £377.6k
• Year 2: A maximum of £279.3k
• Year 3: A maximum of £279.3k
• Year 4: A maximum of £279.3k
• Year 5 (Nine months): A maximum of £209.5k
• TOTAL: £1,502.4k

3.      A pre-mobilisation service at an hourly rate of £14.30 at Tasman House; for a maximum of 22 weeks at a maximum of 70 hours per week.

That Cabinet also:

4.      Authorise officers to employ agency staff to backfill the staff at Merchiston House during the mobilisation period (April - June 2014) for Swan House up to a contingency cost of £45k. This cost will be met within the net savings for the Swan project.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet welcomed the two new supported housing schemes in the Borough (Swan House and Tasman House) providing a total of 38 self-contained flats as a real alternative to residential care for people with learning disabilities and/or mental health needs. Cabinet therefore made the necessary procurement decisions for associated care and support services, following competitive tenders.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to provide specialist care and support services in-house.

Officers to action:

Tony Zaman, Adult Social Care

Gary Collier, Finance

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 the rent set out in the report, which is subject to negotiation with the voluntary sector organisation detailed in this report, and instructs the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Residents Services to then commission the Borough Solicitor to complete the appropriate legal documentation.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet considered applications from local voluntary organisations and agreed to the lease and or rent review at less than the full market value as part of the Council’s policy and support to the local voluntary sector.

Alternative options considered and rejected

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

Officer to action:

Michele Henington – Residents 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 writing off of £500,520.44 in respect of irrecoverable Corporate Debt.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet gave approval for the write-off of irrecoverable debt in respect of certain non-domestic (business) rates valued over £50,000. Such write-offs were required as either the debtor had gone into insolvency or the debt had been statute barred. It was noted that there was no financial cost to the Council as the Government had already allowed for the cost of these write offs in its provision for irrecoverable debts. 

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Rob Smith, Finance

Exempt Information

This report was included in Part II as it contained information relating to an individual or could reveal the identity of an individual along with information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information). The public interest in withholding the information outweighed the public interest in disclosing it (exempt information under paragraphs 1, 2 and 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 7:22pm

* IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DECISION AUTHORITY

Meeting after Cabinet, the Executive Scrutiny Committee did not call-in any of the Cabinet’s decisions.

All decisions in relation to Items 6 and 7 (minute nos. 919 and 920) are integral to the budget proposals being considered at Council on 20 February, which included Policy Overview Committee consultation, and therefore take immediate effect.

The remaining decisions of the Cabinet will therefore come into effect from 5pm, Friday 21 February 2014.