Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: Boardroom - Brent Civic Centre, Engineers Way, Wembley, HA9 0FJ. View directions
Contact: Anne Reid, Principal Democratic Services Officer 020 8937 1359, Email: anne.reid@brent.gov.uk
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Declarations of personal and prejudicial interests Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, any relevant financial or other interest in the items on this agenda. Minutes: None made. |
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Minutes of the previous meeting PDF 103 KB Minutes: RESOLVED:
that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 January 2014 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting. |
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Matters arising Minutes: None. |
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Petition - parking permits campaign A petition has been received in the following terms:
“We believe that residents should be able to have the choice of what method they use for visitors’ permits and should not be forced to use the online system only.”
Lead petitioner: Joel Davidson. Minutes: Mr Joel Davidson presented a petition on behalf of residents of Brondesbury Park Ward concerning the decision in September 2012 to introduce cashless parking and to withdraw scratch cards as a payment option. Mr Davidson stated that the replacement on-line and smart phone service continued to cause problems for the some residents in particular the elderly. Mr Davidson rejected the view that everyone who had visitors needed to get familiar with on-line systems and pointed to reports that residents frequently could not get through to the telephone helpline. Mr Davidson cited an example of anxiety an elderly resident, living alone without access to a computer or smart phone, whose visitors were no longer able to purchase parking permits from local shops. He urged the Executive to be more compassionate and reintroduce scratch cards, even via the post, given that parking shops had now closed.
The Chair (Councillor Butt, Leader of the Council) responded that in response to Central Government budget cuts the council was required to make substantial financial savings and drew attention to the £18m of savings required in 2014/15 referred to in the budget report due to be considered later in the evening. He stated that the council was not unusual in introducing on-line transactions and this was being introduced nationally in many areas including for Benefits and also Freedom Passes.
Councillor J Moher (Lead Member, Highways and Transportation) acknowledged that there had been some problems with the new service when first introduced and the council was working closely with the contractor to resolve them. He reminded Mr Davidson that there had been problems with the scratch card system which been subject to widespread abuse and the council had been forced to move to a more secure system. Arrangements had been introduced to assist vulnerable residents and it was now possible to apply for a visitor household permit that could be displayed on any vehicle and health, emergency and home visitors had already been addressed. |
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2014/15 Budget and Council Tax PDF 198 KB This report sets out the detail of the budget proposed for 2014/15 and how this has been developed as well as the medium term financial outlook. Members are principally concerned with setting the budget for 2014/15 at this stage, but to do so need to be mindful of the medium term position and of the inherent financial risks in delivering, as Brent does, a complex range of services to its 312,000 residents, spending over £1bn p.a. to achieve this. Additional documents:
Decision: These recommendations only include a provisional Council Tax level for the GLA as its final budget was not agreed when this report was dispatched. This means that the statutory calculation of the total amount of Council Tax under Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 may be amended by the final Greater London Authority precept.
That subject to the final confirmation of the GLA precept approval be given to the following recommendations for Full Council at its meeting on 3 March 2014:
(i) Agree the General Fund revenue budget for 2014/15, as summarised in Appendix A.
(ii) Agree the Service Area budgets including the cost pressures and savings detailed in Appendices B and C.
(iii) Note the report of the Budget and Finance Overview & Scrutiny Committee in Appendix D.
(iv) Note Appendix E and agree the budgets for central items and other budgets.
(v) Receive the report from the Chief Finance Officer in Appendix C(iii) in respect of his statutory duty under Section 25 of 2003 Local Government Act.
(vi) Agree that there is no increase in the Council’s element of council tax for 2014/15.
(vii) Note and consider the advice of the Director of Legal and Procurement as set out in Appendix M.
(viii) Agree the instalment dates for
council tax and NNDR for 2014/15, and the recovery policy for
council tax as set out in Appendix F(ii). (ix) That decisions on individual applications for reducing Council Tax payable in accordance with section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer.
(x) Note the Medium Term Financial Outlook in Section 5.
(xi) Agree the School’s Budget set out in Appendix H.
(xii) Agree the Housing Revenue Account budget set out in Appendix I(ii).
(xiii) Agree the 2014/15 to 2016/17 capital programme as set out in Appendix J.
(xiv) Note the levels of unsupported borrowing forecast for 2014/15, based on the borrowing levels agreed by the Council on 28 February 2013.
(xv) Agree the Treasury Management Strategy and the Annual Investment Strategy for 2014/15 set out in Appendix K.
(xvi) Agree the Prudential Indicators set out in this section for affordability, capital spending, external debt and treasury management set out in Appendix L.
(xvii) In relation to the council tax for 2014/15 we resolve:
That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2014/15 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended: (a) £1,059,811,000 being the aggregate of the amount that the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act. (b) £975,937,657 being the aggregate of the amounts that the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act. (c) £83,873,343 being the amount by which the aggregate at (a) above exceeds the aggregate at (b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year. ... view the full decision text for item 5. Minutes: Councillor R Moher (Lead Member, Finance and Corporate Resources, Deputy Leader of the Council) introduced the report from the Chief Finance Officer which set out the detail of the budget proposed for 2014/15 and how it had been developed as well as the medium term financial outlook, the planned capital programme for 2016/17 and information on the ring-fenced Dedicated Schools’ Grant. Councillor Moher warned that the 2015/16 and 2016/17 financial years would be more challenging and drew attention to the dramatic changes that had been introduced by Central Government through which London had fared worst. Councillor Moher was pleased to report that it was proposed not to increase the council element of Council Tax for 2014/15 and drew attention to areas in the report relating to funding sources, savings, associated risks and the overall budget requirement.
Members noted that it was the fifth year in succession that the Council Tax had been frozen. The Chief Finance Officer reminded the Executive that proposals for savings had been in the public domain since last October. He had been speaking to residents through focus groups and area forums and consultation had been widespread and examination extensive. He commended the report for consideration by Full Council on 3 March 2014.
RESOLVED:
Note: These recommendations only include a provisional Council Tax level for the GLA as its final budget was not agreed when this report was dispatched. This means that the statutory calculation of the total amount of Council Tax under Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 may be amended by the final Greater London Authority precept.
That subject to the final confirmation of the GLA precept approval be given to the following recommendations for Full Council at its meeting on 3 March 2014:
(i) agree the General Fund revenue budget for 2014/15, as summarised in Appendix A.
(ii) agree the Service Area budgets including the cost pressures and savings detailed in Appendices B and C.
(iii) note the report of the Budget and Finance Overview & Scrutiny Committee in Appendix D.
(iv) note Appendix E and agree the budgets for central items and other budgets.
(v) receive the report from the Chief Finance Officer in Appendix C(iii) in respect of his statutory duty under Section 25 of 2003 Local Government Act.
(vi) agree that there is no increase in the Council’s element of council tax for 2014/15.
(vii) note and consider the advice of the Director of Legal and Procurement as set out in Appendix M.
(viii) agree the instalment dates
for council tax and NNDR for 2014/15, and the recovery policy for
council tax as set out in Appendix F(ii). (ix) that decisions on individual applications for reducing Council Tax payable in accordance with section 13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 be delegated to the Chief Finance Officer.
(x) note the Medium Term Financial Outlook in Section 5.
(xi) agree the School’s Budget set out in Appendix H.
(xii) agree the Housing Revenue Account budget set out ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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Market Position Statement (MPS) PDF 79 KB Appendix 1 to this report is Brent’s first Market Position Statement (MPS) for providers of Accommodation based care and support services. The purpose of developing this MPS is to signal our intention to share better, more transparent information with the market about our commissioning intentions; for the benefit of both current and potential providers of Accommodation based care and support services. The MPS is therefore written for current providers of Accommodation based care and support services (ABCSS) who operate locally and for potential providers considering entering the market in Brent in an attempt to grow diversity in available service provision locally. It will support better relationships between Commissioners and service providers, acting as a foundation for better engagement and partnership working. It encapsulates the ‘Brent picture’: Additional documents: Decision: (i) that approval be given to the MPS for publication; (ii) that approval be given to the development of a Market Development Plan, which will set out how we will deliver the aspirations of the MPS. It is proposed that this will be brought to Executive for approval in June 2014. Minutes: Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults and Health) drew attention to the requirement under the Care and Support Bill for local authorities to promote and support local care and support services. The Market Position Statement, appended to the report from the Strategic Director Adult Social Services, had as its key theme building a diverse accommodation based care market and promoting independence. Councillor Hirani assured that wherever possible, needs would be met at home and regularly reviewed and the council would work proactively with the market and those in need to get personalised care.
RESOLVED:
(i) that approval be given to the MPS for publication;
(ii) that approval be given to the development of a Market Development Plan, which will set out how to will deliver the aspirations of the MPS. It is proposed that this would be brought to Executive for approval in June 2014. |
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Mental Health Improvement Phase 2 PDF 131 KB This report sets out a summary of the phase 1 Mental Health Improvement Project and options for taking forward phase 2. Decision: (i) that the results of phase 1 of the Mental Health Improvement Project be noted; (ii) that the Council continues to deliver its adult mental health social care responsibilities in partnership with Central and North-West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) in 2014/15; (iii) that officers not implement the decision taken in April 2013, to progress with the procurement of mental health services by way of a competitive dialogue process; (iv) that it be noted that any proposed future procurement or partnership arrangement for the provision of mental health services for adults will return to the Executive for approval; (v) that approval be given a continuation of the transformation work in 2014-15, building on integrated commissioning by working in collaboration with the Brent Clinical Commission Group (CCG), with the aim of moving to a whole person approach to mental health services in 2015/16 in partnership with Brent CCG and CNWL; (vi) that approval be given to enter into a short term section 75 agreement with CNWL, to cover the 12 month period from 1st April 2014 to end of March 2015, while work takes place on developing integrated commissioning arrangements with the CCG; (vii) that approval be given to an exemption from the usual requirements of Contract Standing Orders to carry out a tendering process in relation to High Value contracts, to allow the award of the section 75 agreement referred to in paragraph 2.6, for the good operational reasons set out in paragraph 3.17 and 3.26 of the report. Minutes: The report set out a summary of phase 1 of the Mental Health Improvement Project and options for taking forward phase 2. Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults and Health) confirmed that there had been a reversal of the decision taken in April 2013 to progress with a procurement of mental health services by way of a competitive dialogue process for the re-provision of local adult social care mental health. An improvement project which ran from August 2013 to January 2014 had brought about a significant improvement in the working relationship between the council and Central and North-West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) and also in performance. Councillor Hirani stated that the transformation work would continue building on the collaboration with the Brent Clinical Commissioning Group. There was a need to extend the current arrangements and a commitment to enter into a new Section 75 agreement between the council and CNWL.
Councillor R Moher welcomed the new arrangements which she hoped would lead to a more proactive service.
RESOLVED:
(i) that the results of phase 1 of the Mental Health Improvement Project be noted;
(ii) that the council continue to deliver its adult mental health social care responsibilities in partnership with Central and North-West London NHS Foundation Trust (CNWL) in 2014/15;
(iii) that officers not implement the decision taken in April 2013, to progress with the procurement of mental health services by way of a competitive dialogue process;
(iv) that it be noted that any proposed future procurement or partnership arrangement for the provision of mental health services for adults would return to the Executive for approval;
(v) that approval be given a continuation of the transformation work in 2014-15, building on integrated commissioning by working in collaboration with the Brent Clinical Commission Group (CCG), with the aim of moving to a whole person approach to mental health services in 2015/16 in partnership with Brent CCG and CNWL;
(vi) that approval be given to enter into a short term section 75 agreement with CNWL, to cover the 12 month period from 1 April 2014 to end of March 2015, while work takes place on developing integrated commissioning arrangements with the CCG;
(vii) that approval be given to an exemption from the usual requirements of Contract Standing Orders to carry out a tendering process in relation to High Value contracts, to allow the award of the section 75 agreement referred to in paragraph 2.6 of the report from the Strategic Director, Adult Social Services for the good operational reasons set out in paragraph 3.17 and 3.26 of the report. |
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Accommodation Services for People with Learning Disabilities PDF 117 KB There are 3 properties within the Borough that are leased to 2 providers under 5 year lease arrangements (Appendix A sets out the detail). Two of the leases end on 22/02/16 and the other ends 03/03/2016. The leaseholders, are also the providers of the residential care service for 10 service users. In July 2013 the Corporate Assets Board agreed that all 3 leases be terminated and new leases be negotiated. This decision was made on the basis that the rental rate originally agreed by the PCT of a peppercorn is not a current fair market rental value. This report therefore requests approval to invite tenders in respect of care and support services and also in respect of tenancy management arrangements with associated leases as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89. Additional documents:
Decision: (i) that approval be given to to the pre - tender considerations and the criteria to be used to evaluate tenders in respect of tenancy management arrangements with associated leases for the 3 properties located in Beechcroft Gardens, Kinch Grove and Manor Drive as set out in paragraph 6.1 of the report; (ii) that approval be given to the invite of tenders in respect of tenancy management arrangements with associated leases and evaluate them in accordance with the approved evaluation criteria referred to in (i) above. (iii)
that approval be given the pre - tender considerations and
the criteria to be used to evaluate tenders for on
site care and support services at the 3 properties located in
Beechcroft Gardens, Kinch Grove and Manor Drive as set out in
paragraph 6.1 of the report; Minutes: Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults and Health) introduced the report which requested approval to invite tenders in respect of care and support services and also in respect of tenancy management arrangements with associated leases as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 for three properties within the borough that were leased to two providers under five year lease arrangements detailed in Appendix A to the report from Strategic Director, Adult Social Services.Two of the leases would end on 22 February 2016 and the other on 3 March 2016. The leaseholders were also the providers of the residential care service for 10 service users.
Councillor Hirani assured that the needs of the service users involved would be well supported under the new model which had received positive responses. Clients would be cared for off-site in the interim period.
Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Housing) reported that she had met with the team manager for supported living and had been impressed with the scheme and reiterated the need for more provision.
The Executive also had before them and appendix to the report which was not for publication as it related to the following category of information specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972:
Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority).
RESOLVED:
(i) that approval be given to the pre-tender considerations and the criteria to be used to evaluate tenders in respect of tenancy management arrangements with associated leases for the three properties located in Beechcroft Gardens, Kinch Grove and Manor Drive as set out in paragraph 6.1 of the report from the Strategic Director, Adult Social Services;
(ii) that approval be given to the invite of tenders in respect of tenancy management arrangements with associated leases and their evaluation in accordance with the approved evaluation criteria referred to in (i) above;
(iii) that approval be given the pre-tender considerations and the criteria to be used to evaluate tenders for on site care and support services at the three properties located in Beechcroft Gardens, Kinch Grove and Manor Drive as set out in paragraph 6.1 of the report;
(iv) that approval be given to the invite of tenders in respect of on site care and support services at the three properties located in Beechcroft Gardens, Kinch Grove and Manor Drive and evaluate them in accordance with the approved evaluation criteria referred to in (ii) above. |
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Authority to invite tenders for semi-independent living accommodation and support PDF 102 KB This report concerns the procurement of a block contract for supported accommodation for 16+ Looked After Children and Care Leavers aged 18+ for semi-independent living. This report requests approval to invite tenders in respect of a contract for Semi Independent Living as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 and requests approval to delegate authority to the Acting Director of Children and Families in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement and the Chief Finance Officer to award the contract. Additional documents: Decision: (i) that tenders be invited for a contract for Semi - Independent Living on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.9 of the report. (ii) that officers be authorised to evaluate the tenders referred to in 2.1 above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.9 of the report. (iii) that authority to award the contract for Semi – Independent Living be delegated to the Acting Director of Children and Families in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement and the Chief Finance Officer for the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.8. Minutes: The report from the Acting Director of Children and Families concerned the procurement of a block contract for supported accommodation for 16+ Looked After Children and Care Leavers aged 18+ for semi-independent living. The report requested approval to invite tenders in respect of a contract for Semi Independent Living as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 and requested approval to delegate authority to the Acting Director of Children and Families in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement and the Chief Finance Officer to award the contract.
Councillor Pavey (Lead Member, Children and Families) referred to the importance of this service, the savings to be achieved through tendering for a block contract and confirmed that the contract would be closely monitored and that the young people would be part of the consultation process.
RESOLVED:
(i) that tenders be invited for a contract for Semi-Independent Living on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.9 of the report from the Acting Director of Children and Families;
(ii) that officers be authorised to evaluate the tenders referred to in 2.1 above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.9 of the Director’s report;
(iii) that authority to award the contract for Semi–Independent Living be delegated to the Acting Director of Children and Families in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement and the Chief Finance Officer for the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.8 of the Director’s report. |
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Highways Asset Management Plan and Capital Schemes Programme 2014-16 PDF 225 KB This report sets out recommendations for how Brent’s £3.55 million capital budget should be allocated during 2014/15 and 2015/16 through a prioritised programme of: Major and minor pavement upgrades; major road resurfacing; £preventative maintenance; and improvements to the public realm. Additional documents:
Decision: (i) that approval be give to investment of £3.55 million of Brent capital funding as summarised in Section 6.0;. (ii) that approval be give to approves the proposed highways maintenance programme for 2014-15 and the provisional programme for 2015-16 as detailed in Appendix B; (iii) that approval be give to the highways asset management strategy for Brent as described in Section 4.0 and appended as background papers to this report; (iv) that approval be give to the proposed division of maintenance investment for carriageway resurfacing of 70% for major resurfacing and 30% for preventative maintenance; (v) that approval be give to the proposed prioritisation process and criteria for programme development described in Section 4.9.
Minutes: Councillor J Moher introduced the report from the Strategic Director, Environment and Neighbourhoods which set out recommendations for how Brent’s £3.55 million capital budget should be allocated during 2014/15 and 2015/16 through a prioritised programme of: major and minor pavement upgrades; major road resurfacing; preventative maintenance; and improvements to the public realm. The programme involved £4m of investment with some schemes funded by Transport for London. He referred members to the list of wards that would be affected.
Jenny Isaac (Operational Director, Neighbourhoods) advised that in future the council would be adopting a more proactive approach to highway maintenance and referred to the Highway Asset Management Plan (HAMP), appended to the report, which involved prioritising roads for repair at an earlier stage. Work by utility companies would be built in and traffic flow and ward councilor nominations still taken into account.
In answer, to an enquiry from Councillor Mashari about flood defenses, Councillor Moher confirmed that guidance from the Environment Agency considered Brent to be low risk however the gulleys would be maintained in the usual way in accordance with the programme. Councillor Mashari drew attention to the drainage scheme and Councilllor Moher acknowledged the increased number of potholes that had appeared recently due to the increased rainfall and assured that the HAMP would alleviate the problem in the future.
RESOLVED:
(i) that approval be given to investment of £3.55 million of Brent capital funding as summarised in Section 6.0 of the report from the Strategic Director, Environment and Neighbourhoods;
(ii) that approval be given to the proposed highways maintenance programme for 2014-15 and the provisional programme for 2015-16 as detailed in Appendix B to the report;
(iii) that approval be given to the highways asset management strategy for Brent as described in Section 4.0 and appended to the report;
(iv) that approval be given to the proposed division of maintenance investment for carriageway resurfacing of 70% for major resurfacing and 30% for preventative maintenance;
(v) that approval be given to the proposed prioritisation process and criteria for programme development described in Section 4.9 of the Director’s report. |
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This report presents to Members the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast outturn for 2013/14 and the draft HRA budget for 2014/15 as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Members are required to consider these budget estimates and the associated options, taking account of the requirement to set an HRA budget that does not show a debit balance at year end, and in particular Members need to consider and agree the level of HRA dwelling rents and service charges for 2014/15. Additional documents: Decision: (i) that the HRA forecast outturn 2013/14 (Appendix 1 Table 1) be noted; (ii) that the savings/budget reductions for 2014/15 as set out in paragraph 3.48.3 be approved; (iii) that the HRA budget growth for 2014-15 of £3.740m as set out in paragraph 3.48.4 be approved; (iv) that approval be given to an average overall rent increase (excluding service charges) from April 2014 of £4.67 per week, which is an average overall increase of 4.39%, as set out in further detail in paragraphs 3.23 to 3.29; (v) that approval be given to to increase HRA Council Dwelling service charges from April 2014 by 3.2%, which is an average increase of £0.21 per dwelling per week; (vi) that approval be give to the proposals for the HRA budget for 2014/15 as set out in Table 1 on Appendix 1 of this report and agree that they be included in the overall Budget for 2014-15 for approval by Full Council on 3 March 2014; (vii) that approval be given to an average overall rent increase from April 2014 of £4.53 per dwelling per week on the Brent Stonebridge Dwellings, which is an average overall rent increase of 3.7% as set out in paragraph 3.62; (viii) that approval be given to decrease the service charges on the Brent Stonebridge Dwellings from April 2014 by an average of 11.4% or an average of £1.01 per dwelling per week as set out in paragraph 3.64. Minutes: The report from the Director of Regeneration and Growth presented to members the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast outturn for 2013/14 and the draft HRA budget for 2014/15 as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. Members were required to consider these budget estimates and the associated options, taking account of the requirement to set an HRA budget that did not show a debit balance at year end. In introducing the report, Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Housing) reminded the Executive that a draft HRA had been presented in November 2013 for approval. The rent and service charge increases were in accordance with national formula and were in line with other boroughs. On service charges, Councillor McLennan drew attention to the proposal to reduce service charges in 2014/15 for Brent Stonebridge dwellings by an average of 11.4% and advised that the rent increases would help support stock improvement.
RESOLVED:
(i) that the HRA forecast outturn 2013/14 (Appendix 1 Table 1) be noted;
(ii) that the savings/budget reductions for 2014/15 as set out in paragraph 3.48.3 of the report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth be approved;
(iii) that the HRA budget growth for 2014-15 of £3.740m as set out in paragraph 3.48.4 of the Director’s report be approved;
(iv) that approval be given to an average overall rent increase (excluding service charges) from April 2014 of £4.67 per week, which is an average overall increase of 4.39%, as set out in further detail in paragraphs 3.23 to 3.29 of the report;
(v) that approval be given to increase HRA Council Dwelling service charges from April 2014 by 3.2%, which is an average increase of £0.21 per dwelling per week;
(vi) that approval be given to the proposals for the HRA budget for 2014/15 as set out in Table 1 on Appendix 1 of the report and agree that they be included in the overall Budget for 2014-15 for approval by Full Council on 3 March 2014;
(vii) that approval be given to an average overall rent increase from April 2014 of £4.53 per dwelling per week on the Brent Stonebridge Dwellings, which is an average overall rent increase of 3.7% as set out in paragraph 3.62 of the report;
(viii) that approval be given to decrease the service charges on the Brent Stonebridge Dwellings from April 2014 by an average of 11.4% or an average of £1.01 per dwelling per week as set out in paragraph 3.64 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth. |
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School Expansion Programme – portfolio update PDF 202 KB This report seeks approval for the approach and criteria for meeting the temporary school place need and seeks outline approval for a programme of projects to deliver the school places required for September 2014. Approval to start the procurement of a works contractor/s in line with the requirements of the programme is also requested. This report is presented to the Executive ahead of a revised strategy for school place planning which will be presented to the March meeting of Executive. This report therefore deals with immediate plans for meeting need in September 2014 rather than the overall strategy for school expansion. Additional documents:
Decision: (i) that the current and future school place demand and projected shortfall of primary school places for 2014-15, as described in paragraphs 3.1-3.25 be noted; (ii) that approval be given to the approach and criteria for the provision of temporary school places outlined in this report, as described in paragraphs 3.26-3.33; (iii) that approval be given to the potential programme of projects to provide temporary school places to meet projected demand for September 2014 including capital allocation (as described in paragraphs 3.34-3.43 and appendix 4) and note that officers will further define the programme (in consultation with the Lead Members for Regeneration and Growth and Children & Families) without returning to the Executive except where required by the Constitution; (iv) that the use of delegated authority to use council building/s identified in the temporary school expansion programme be noted; (v) that approval be given to the grant of an exemption from the requirements of Contract Standing Orders for the Executive to approve the pre-tender considerations for a High Value procurement before a procurement starts, to allow officers to place an advert and invite expressions of interest before the Executive approves the pre-tender considerations at its meeting in March; (vi) that it be noted that a revised strategy for the permanent primary school expansion programme will be presented to the March 2014 Executive meeting. Minutes: Councillor Pavey (Lead Member, Children and Families) introduced the report which sought approval for the approach and criteria for meeting the temporary school place needs and sought outline approval for a programme of projects to deliver the school places required for September 2014. Approval to start the procurement of a works contractor/s in line with the requirements of the programme was also requested. Councillor Pavey was pleased to report that all late applicants for reception places had now been offered school places, however, the challenge of providing places was relentless and increasing. The problem was borough wide and the strategy had to be reviewed.
Councillor Crane (Lead Member, Regeneration and Major Projects) referred to the Greater London Authority need based forecast and the council’s intention to match supply with projected demand for September 2014. He commended to members proposals for those temporary expansions which had the support of headteachers and school governors. Detailed discussions would continue. Councillor Moher commended the expansion work to date acknowledging that it would become increasingly difficult to get support for change. Councillor Crane drew attention to the provisions of the Education Act 2006 and the School Organisation Regulations which allowed local authorities to propose an enlargement without the prior consent of the school governing body.
RESOLVED:
(i) that the current and future school place demand and projected shortfall of primary school places for 2014-15, as described in paragraphs 3.1-3.25 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth, be noted;
(ii) that approval be given to the approach and criteria for the provision of temporary school places outlined in the report, as described in paragraphs 3.26-3.33 of the report;
(iii) that approval be given to the potential programme of projects to provide temporary school places to meet projected demand for September 2014 including capital allocation (as described in paragraphs 3.34-3.43 and appendix 4) and note that officers would further define the programme (in consultation with the Lead Members for Regeneration and Major Projects and Children and Families) without returning to the Executive except where required by the Constitution;
(iv) that the use of delegated authority to use council building/s identified in the temporary school expansion programme be noted;
(v) that approval be given to the grant of an exemption from the requirements of Contract Standing Orders for the Executive to approve the pre-tender considerations for a High Value procurement before a procurement starts, to allow officers to place an advert and invite expressions of interest before the Executive approves the pre-tender considerations at its meeting in March;
(vi) that it be noted that a revised strategy for the permanent primary school expansion programme will be presented to the March 2014 Executive. |
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This report provides information regarding progress on the redevelopment of the Unisys and Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre (BPCLC) sites. It provides detail on the outcome of the public consultation undertaken at the request of the Executive to gain the public’s preference on a number of facility options for the provision of a replacement leisure centre. The report also provides an update to Members on the current position on anticipated land receipt and Community Infrastructure Levy (“CIL”) contributions. The June Executive report indicated that any of the four facility options could be funded from the land receipt and varying proportions of CIL. This paper looks in more detail at the risks associated with a ‘subject to planning’ deal and sets out the most likely land receipt and associated CIL payment, and details which leisure centre options are likely to be affordable. Decision: (i) that agreement be given to the vision and objectives of the new leisure centre; (ii) that approval be given to the preferred leisure centre option as (Option 3), as set out at paragraph 3.18; (iii) that it be noted that the large majority of respondents, approximately 95%, selected as their first choice one or more of the four Options that involved change at Bridge Park, while approximately 5% of respondents selected as their first choice the option for leaving Bridge Park as it is and that at the appropriate time GMH will lead on further planning related public consultation; (iv) that the proposed appointment of project consultants be noted; (v) that the land value and CIL receipt risks and the implications on the affordability of the different leisure centre facility options be noted. Should the sale of land not elicit the necessary capital receipt and advanced CIL, officers will return to Members to agree an alternate way forward. (vi) that it be noted that a further report will be submitted to the Executive prior to the tender for a Design and Build Contractor. Minutes: Councillor Crane (Lead Member, Regeneration and Major Projects) introduced the report which provided information regarding progress on the redevelopment of the Unisys and Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre (BPCLC) sites. It provided detail on the outcome of the public consultation undertaken at the request of the Executive to gain the public’s preference on a number of facility options for the provision of a replacement leisure centre. The report also provided an update to members on the current position on anticipated land receipt and Community Infrastructure Levy (“CIL”) contributions.
Councillor Crane advised that following the decision to pursue a land sale to General Mediterranean Holdings (owners of the adjacent Unisys site) consultation on design options supported the provision of a new leisure centre with a swimming pool. He referred members to the capital costs of delivering the preferred leisure centre, £8.3m. The revenue costs of the new facility were anticipated to be lower than the current running costs and efforts were being made to obtain funding from Sport England.
Councillor Mashari (Lead Member, Environment and Neighbourhoods) emphasised the need for additional fitness facilities in the south of the borough and referred to the finding that approximately 50% of Brent’s adult population undertook no sporting or moderately intensive physical activity. The current facility was under used and in need of repair and there were alternative function facilities for hire for example at The Hub, Unity Centre and the Children’s Centre. Councillor McLennan referred to new facilities at Vale Farm Sports Centre, welcoming the transformation.
RESOLVED:
(i) that agreement be given to the vision and objectives of the new leisure centre;
(ii) that approval be given to the preferred leisure centre option as (Option 3), as set out at paragraph 3.18 of the report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth;
(iii) that it be noted that the large majority of respondents, approximately 95%, selected as their first choice one or more of the four options that involved change at Bridge Park, while approximately 5% of respondents selected as their first choice the option for leaving Bridge Park as it is and that at the appropriate time GMH will lead on further planning related public consultation;
(iv) that the proposed appointment of project consultants be noted;
(v) that the land value and CIL receipt risks and the implications on the affordability of the different leisure centre facility options be noted. Should the sale of land not elicit the necessary capital receipt and advanced CIL, officers would return to members to agree an alternate way forward;
(vi) that it be noted that a further report would be submitted to the Executive prior to the tender for a Design and Build Contractor. |
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Bio-fuel supplies for the Civic Centre CCHP plant PDF 85 KB This report concerns the procurement of bio-fuel supplies for the Civic Centre combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) plant and requests approval to invite tenders in respect of bio-fuel supplies as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 and approval of the selection and award criteria. Decision: (i) that approval be given to the invite of tenders for 2nd generation bio-fuel supplies (or a higher compatible category) for the Civic Centre CCHP plant on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.8 of the report; (ii) that officers evaluate the tenders referred to in 2.1 above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.8 of the report. Minutes: The report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth) concerned the procurement of bio-fuel supplies for the Civic Centre combined cooling, heat and power (CCHP) plant and requested approval to invite tenders in respect of bio-fuel supplies as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 and approval of the selection and award criteria. Councillor Crane (Lead Member, Regeneration and Major Projects) referred to the need to have in place a permanent arrangement which was financially beneficial in the long term and was pleased to report that the annual budget for power in the new Civic Centre building was projected to be less than that for the formerly occupied council buildings.
RESOLVED:
(i) that approval be given to the invite of tenders for second generation bio-fuel supplies (or a higher compatible category) for the Civic Centre CCHP plant on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.8 of the report from the Strategic Director Regeneration and Growth;
(ii) that officers evaluate the tenders referred to in (i) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.8 of the report. |
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The leasehold disposal of 395 Chapter Road PDF 2 MB This report details the marketing exercise undertaken for 395 Chapter Road and makes recommendations to the Executive in respect of the disposal. Additional documents:
Decision: (i) that approval be given to the leasehold disposal of the Brent Housing Partnership interest at 395 Chapter Road to Iridium Assets Ltd to operate a medical practice from the property, by creating serviced clinics from the commercial premises; (ii) that if the proposed disposal to Iridium Assets Ltd does not proceed, then approval be given to a disposal to Forest & Ray Ltd for the purposes of a dental surgery; (iii) that authority be delegated to the Operational Director Property and Projects to agree the final terms and to complete the disposal to either party. Minutes: Councillor Crane (Lead Member, Regeneration and Major Projects) introduced the report which detailed the marketing exercise undertaken for 395 Chapter Road and made recommendations to the Executive in respect of the disposal.
The Executive also had before them and appendix to the report which was not for publication as it related to the following category of information specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972:
Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority).
RESOLVED:
(i) that approval be given to the leasehold disposal of the Brent Housing Partnership interest at 395 Chapter Road to Iridium Assets Ltd to operate a medical practice from the property, by creating serviced clinics from the commercial premises;
(ii) that if the proposed disposal to Iridium Assets Ltd does not proceed, then approval be given to a disposal to Forest and Ray Ltd for the purposes of a dental surgery;
(iii) that authority be delegated to the Operational Director Property and Projects to agree the final terms and to complete the disposal to either party. |
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Any other urgent business Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Democratic Services Manager or his representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order 64. Minutes: None. |