Agenda and minutes

All Members were present.

No interests were declared at this meeting.

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

This was confirmed.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet:

1.    Note the budget position for revenue and capital as at outturn.

2.    Note the treasury management update at outturn at Appendix E.

3.    Approves the release of £18,577k 2013/14 contingency budgets to fund service pressures within Directorate Operating Budgets as set out in table 6.

4.    Approves the establishment of a new Charitable Fund from the proceeds of the kerbside textile waste initiative and delegates authority for the operation of the Fund and award of grants to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Residents Services, in consultation with the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling.

5.    Approves the earmarking from the in-year underspend of £220k to continue the operation of the successful Ward Budget Initiative from this financial year.

6.    Approves re-phasing of £3,707k General Fund capital and £227k HRA capital budgets as set out in Tables 1 and 3 in Appendix D.

7.    Continue the delegated authority up until the 24 July 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 24 April and 19 June 2014 Cabinet meetings, detailed at Appendix F.

8.    Earmark £60k from unallocated 2014/15 General Contingency to fund the costs associated with the potential Powerday Public Inquiry

9.    Cabinet agrees to continue the successful shop front grant scheme, authorising officers to make the necessary grant awards from the town centre initiatives capital funding, subject to sign-off by the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Community, Commerce and Regeneration.

10.In relation to Appendix G, that the Cabinet:

a)    Agree the implementation of the Private Sector Leasing Scheme set out in Appendix G;

b)   Delegate authority for decisions regarding such leases to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Residents Services, with sign-off by the Leader of the Council.

c)    Ratify previous leases granted under this scheme and;

d)   Note that the Leader of the Council will recommend to a future meeting of full Council a permanent change to Property Procurement Standing Orders to be consistent with the Scheme's flexible and practical application.

11.Ratify a Cabinet-level decision taken by the Leader of the Council on 22 May 2014, under interim executive arrangements, in relation to granting of a license of the playing fields to Guru Nanak Sikh Academy Limited to allow the building of a Free School on the land.

12.Welcome the establishment of at new Sports and Activities for All Ages Fund of £400k for 2014/15 onwards and delegates authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Residents Services the operation of the Fund and the award of any expenditure, in consultation with the Leader of the Council. Noting that such expenditure will be reported back to Cabinet through the usual budget monitoring process for Members' information, as and when required.

Reason for decision

Cabinet welcomed the Council’s positive 2013/14 revenue & capital outturn position and agreed to re-phase capital resources to planned expenditure in cases where agreed and where planned expenditure had fallen within different financial years.

Additional recommendations were approved by Cabinet, including the establishment of a new Charitable Fund and separate Sports Fund, to continue with the popular Ward Budget Initiative and Shop Front Grant Scheme along with the implementation of a Private Sector Leasing Scheme to reduce the pressure and costs of Bed and Breakfast Accommodation.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.

Officer to action:

Paul Whaymand, Finance Directorate

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet authorises officers to accept gift funding from three developers (Cathedral Group, City Grove and Inland Homes) for the engagement of additional staff that will provide the discretionary services highlighted in this report in accordance with the provisions of Section 93 of the Local Government Act 2003.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed to receive a small amount of monies to cover the necessary infrastructure costs associated with three proposed major developments in the Borough: 1) The former Arla Foods Depot Site, South Ruislip; 2) The former National Air Traffic Service Site, West Drayton and; 3) The old Vinyl Factory Site in Hayes. Cabinet felt it justifiable for the developer to contribute to the public cost of carrying out its planning functions.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have refused the gift, which would have not been in the best interests of the local communities, tax-payers or the Council.

Officer to action:

Matt Duigan – Residents Services

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet notes the updated financial information attached to the report.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet noted the report which detailed the financial planning obligations held by the Council and what progress had, and was, being made.

Alternative options considered and rejected

To not report to Cabinet.  However, Cabinet believed it was an example of good practice to monitor income and expenditure against specific planning agreements.

Officer to action:

Nicola Wyatt, 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.    Agrees to progress plans for a new 5FE Junior School on Council land adjacent to the existing the Laurel Lane School, noting that planning consent, changes to rights of way and land appropriation permissions are being sought.

3.    Approve the provision of Specialist Resource Provision (SRP) unit and an additional modular classroom unit at Cherry Lane Primary School.

4.    Ratify a Cabinet-level decision taken by the Leader of the Council on 18 June 2014, under interim executive arrangements, in relation to the appropriation of Land at Laurel Lane, West Drayton.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received an update on the primary and secondary school capital programmes and made a number of decisions to progress the provision of sufficient school places, including those relating to the proposed new school on the Laurel Lane site.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet could have decided to delay or not progress aspects of the school capital programmes, which would have impacted upon the Council’s ability to provide sufficient school places.

Officer to action:

David Murnaghan – Residents Services

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approves the grant of an Agreement for Lease and a 125 year Lease of the new school at the former RAF Uxbridge site, due for completion in August 2014, to The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust, on the main terms outlined in the report.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed the grant of a 125 year lease to an Academies Trust to facilitate theconversion of the new primary school on the former RAF Uxbridge site to Academy status. Cabinet noted that decisions regarding academies were made by the Secretary of State for Education and therefore the Council had no choice other than to progress with the transfer of the premises.

Alternative options to consider and action

None.

Officers to action:

Mike Paterson - 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 grant of an Agreement for Lease and a 125 year Lease of the new school at Lake Farm, Hayes, due for completion in August 2014, to The Park Federation Academy Trust, on the main terms outlined in the report.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed the grant of a 125 year lease to an Academies Trust to facilitate the conversion of the new school at Lake Farm to Academy status. Cabinet noted that decisions regarding academies were made by the Secretary of State for Education and therefore the Council had no choice other than to progress with the transfer of the premises.

Alternative options to consider and action

None.

Officers to action:

Mike Paterson - 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 grant of a 125 year lease to Hillingdon Primary School on the main terms outlined in the report as part of the process of conversion of the school to an academy.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet agreed the grant of a 125 year lease to facilitate the conversion of the Hillingdon Primary School to Academy status. Cabinet noted that decisions regarding academies were made by the Secretary of State for Education and therefore the Council had no choice other than to progress with the transfer of the premises.

Alternative options to consider and action

None.

Officers to action:

Mike Paterson - 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 agrees:

1.    That officers review disputed invoices and identify where local authorities have commissioned integrated sexual health models and agree verification processes to pay these invoices.

2.    To extend current substance misuse contracts that are due to end on 31st October 2014 until 31st March 2015.

3.    To note the final outcomes of the sexual health and school nursing tender exercises.

4.    In respect to Local Authority Primary Care contracts, to give approval for the following:

·         Proceed with the Local Authority Primary Care Contract and offers of appointment to local providers.

·         To start the procurement process to determine the best value provider of Point of Care Testing equipment and consumables.

·         Commence the procurement process for the single database.

5.    Note the ongoing matter of disputed liability for primary care services in the following areas:

·         LARC (Long Acting Reversible Contraception)

·         IUCDs (Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices)

·         NRT (Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Reasons for decision

Cabinet received an update on progress in a number of areas relating to Public Health contracts and gave approval for short-term contract extensions.

Alternative options considered and rejected

None at this time.

Officer to action:

Nigel Dicker / Steve Powell - Residents Services / Finance Directorate

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.    Agrees to the use of the public sector buying organisation, Laser Buying Group as proposed in recommendation 1 in the report, for the procurement of a new Fixed, Term Fixed Price (FTFP) contract for its Non- Half Hourly (NHH) electricity portfolio currently which expires on 30 September 2014;

2.    Agrees to delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Corporate Director of Residents Services in consultation with Leader of the Council and / or Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Business Services, to approve outcome of any tender, supplier selection, length of contract and energy mix (renewable or conventional) and;

3.    Agrees for 32 General Fund and HRA supplies consuming in excess of 50,000 kWhs per annum and 9 General Fund and HRA supplies consuming in excess of 100,000 kWhs per annum to be removed from the NHH renewal schedule and transfer to the existing Laser Buying Group NHH Purchase In Advance(PIA) Flexible contract.

Reasons for decision

Cabinet made the necessary decisions to secure a suitable replacement for the Council's energy supply to its buildings, housing and schools and to ensure best value for taxpayers.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered a number of other options.

Officer to action:

Allison Mayo - Finance Directorate

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.    Agree to extend the contract currently in place with West London YMCA for the provision of accommodation based support at Ventura House by 21 months to March 2016 at an annual cost of £295,235.

2. Agree to extend the contract currently in place with West London YMCA for the provision of accommodation based support at Jupiter House by 18 months to March 2016 at an annual cost of £327,860.

3. Agree to extend the contract currently in place with West London YMCA for the provision of accommodation based support at St Andrew's by 21 months to March 2016 at an annual cost of £231,782.

4. Agree to the award of contract by single tender action to P3 for the provision of accommodation based support at Bedwell Gardens, Chilton House, Challenger House and Swakefields for three years with the option of a two year extension at the annual cost of £376,879.36.

5. Approve the granting of a lease of the property at Bedwell Gardens to P3 on the main terms set out in this report for a term of three years with the option of a two year extension, subject to the extension of the service contract.

Reasons for decision

Following a full review of Housing Support provision for 16-24 year olds, four contracts were agreed by Cabinet, following due procurement process. It was noted that these contracts would enable accommodation based support at Ventura House, Jupiter House, St Andrew's along with the award of a single contract for support to Bedwell Gardens, Challenger House, Chilton House and Swakefields.

Alternative options considered and rejected

Cabinet considered a number of other options.

Officer to action:

Richard Robbins - Finance Directorate

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 7.16pm

* IMPORTANT INFORMATION

DECISION AUTHORITY

Meeting after Cabinet, the Executive Scrutiny Committee did not call-in any of the Cabinet’s decisions. The decisions of the Cabinet will therefore come into effect from 5pm, Thursday 26 June 2014.