Agenda and minutes
Venue: Committee Room 4, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, HA9 9HD. View directions
Contact: Toby Howes, Senior Democratic Services Officer Email: toby.howes@brent.gov.uk, 020 8937 1307
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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: Councillor Kansagra declared an interest in item 4 (d), call-in of the decisions of the Executive on the 19th October 2009 with regard to the Brent Civic Centre - Concept Design Proposals and Authority to Tender Contract for a Design and Build Contractor as Chair of the Planning Committee. He did not take part in discussion or voting on this item and withdrew from the meeting. Councillor Kansagra also declared an interest in item 4 (a), call-in of the decisions of the Executive on the 19th October 2009 with regard to the Third Pool in Brent – Progress Report item as Chair of the Planning Committee and he did not take part in discussion or voting on this item.
Councillor Mistry declared an interest in item 4 (a), call-in of the decisions of the Executive on the 19th October 2009 with regard to the Third Pool in Brent – Progress Report item as ward councillor for the proposed location, however she did not regard the interest as prejudicial and took part in discussion and voting on this item. |
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Minutes of the Previous Meeting held on Thursday, 24th September 2009 PDF 96 KB The minutes are attached. Minutes: RESOLVED:-
that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 24th September 2009 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting. |
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Matters Arising (if any) Minutes: None. |
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Call-in of Executive Decisions from the Meeting of the Executive on Monday, 19th October 2009 None at the time of publication of the agenda. The deadline for call-ins is Monday, 26th October 2009. Minutes: Decisions made by the Executive on the 19th October 2009 in respect of the reports below were called-in for consideration by the Forward Plan Select Committee in accordance with Standing Order 18. |
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Third Pool in Brent - Progress Report PDF 132 KB The List of Decisions from the meeting of the Executive that took place on Monday, 19th October 2009 is attached. Minutes: The reasons for the call-in were:-
Previous attempts to provide a pool near this location have proposed large amounts of car parking but this report does not quantify the amount of car parking, making a feasibility study with financial implications, as proposed in recommendation 3, impossible to do.
Councillor Van Colle (Lead Member for Environment, Planning and Culture) introduced the report and responded to the reasons for call-in concerning parking provision. Councillor Van Colle advised that a site for the third pool had successfully been obtained, and the next stage would be to consider what would be on the site, including the extent of parking provision. Members heard that the report had mentioned that consultants had identified parking provision as a key risk and issue and that a detailed feasibility study would be undertaken to provide a full appraisal of options with regard to this.
During discussion by Members, Councillor Castle commented that the feasibility study would address the details of the scheme, including what parking provision was viable. Councillor Mistry also felt that details of parking provision could not be determined at this stage, however she suggested that parking spaces should be maximised to encourage wider use in the borough and for use at night as some potential visitors would be put off it they were unable to reach the site by car. She enquired whether the Roe Green Park site identified was a site specific allocation and whether other sites that had been considered also occupied green spaces.
Councillor Powney enquired whether one of the options which made mention of an assumption of 150 parking spaces was an indicative figure and whether a minimum-maximum range of parking spaces could be provided. He commented that the site had good public transport access and felt that a number of people would travel to the swimming pool by this way. Views were sought with regard to developing a site that was located on green space. Councillor Powney expressed surprise that no parameters or identified costs had been made, despite the site having been identified as a potential site for a third pool since 2006.
The Chair sought reasons as to why 150 parking spaces had been suggested and asked whether the proposals, which also included a gym and were larger in scale than previous proposals would impact upon the parking requirements. She also acknowledged that the site had good public transport links and a new bus route would soon be available to travel to this site. The Chair enquired how many spaces existed at other sports and leisure facilities in the borough and when the feasibility study would be carried out.
In reply to the issues raised, Councillor Van Colle stated that the study carried out had not sought to specify parking space numbers and therefore no figures could be provided at this stage, however this would be more closely examined in the feasibility study to follow. At this stage, the priority was to secure the necessary capital funds to develop ... view the full minutes text for item 4a |
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Authority to Participate in a West London Collaborative procurement for the Provision of Home Care, including Housing Related Support and "Integrated" Home Care for Adults Minutes: The reasons for the call-in were:-
The financial reasons given are not proven. There is no comparison of NW London with other boroughs to show that expenditure is higher than any other authority. Nor does the report mention the number of service users and anticipated demand.
Members agreed that this item and item 4 (c) below be considered simultaneously as both involved similar issues. Martin Cheeseman (Director of Housing and Community Care) responded to the call-ins, advising that the decision to be involved in a West London Collaboration Procurement was as a result of considerable analysis of Adult Social Care spending by the West London Authority (WLA) boroughs. Members heard that residential and domiciliary care represented the biggest spending for each of the WLA members. The Council currently procured such services individually, however in the context of changes taking place to the Social Care market and the emphasis on the individual and the personalisation of services, it was becoming increasingly difficult for boroughs to predict their budget requirements and there was an increased risk of overspending. The analysis undertaken by the WLA had concluded that significant savings could be made through undertaking a joint tender exercise as potential contractors would be able to offer better value by serving a larger market. The advice the Council had received had suggested that there would be both savings to the WLA and to the Council.
During discussion, Councillor Castle enquired whether the Council could withdraw from the collaborative procurement if it proved to be more costly than the present arrangements. Councillor Powney enquired whether the potential savings from a collaborative procurement may in any way compromise quality of service. The Chair sought views as to whether decisions concerning service providers would depend on the majority view of the WLA members and what the implications for the Council would be if its view was in the minority. She also enquired about service provision eligibility criteria comparisons between the WLA members.
In reply, Martin Cheeseman stated that it would be unlikely that the Council would continue to be involved in the collaborative procurement if it was shown that its costs would actually increase. The purpose of the collaboration was not just to make savings, but also to ensure and improve standards and providers who had obtained at least a 2 or 3 star rating from the Quality Care Commission would be sought. Members noted that all WLA members were committed to raising standards and Martin Cheeseman added that the Council hoped that the collaboration would provide the opportunity for it to close the gap in quality service to those WLA members whose standards were presently higher. The Select Committee heard that although each borough had their own eligibility criteria with regard to service provision, they all had similar requirements. Martin Cheeseman advised that ultimately it was up to each borough whether they accepted the decision of the WLA. He commented further that collaborative procurement was made even more necessary by the need to purchase services ... view the full minutes text for item 4b |
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Authority to Participate in a West London Collaborative Procurement for Residential and Nursing Care for Adults Minutes: The reasons for the call-in were:-
The financial reasons are not proven. There is no comparison of NW London with other boroughs to show that expenditure is higher than any other authority. Nor does the report mention the number of service users and anticipated demand.
RESOLVED:-
that upon considering the report from the Director of Housing and Community Care, the decisions made by the Executive be noted.
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Brent Civic Centre - Concept Design Proposals and Authority to Tender Contract for a Design and Build Contractor Minutes: The reasons for the call-in were:-
· To increase the number of car parking spaces at the new Civic Centre to the maximum allowance under current and future planning guidelines. · The economic case for increasing the amount of car parking spaces · Consideration of the total car parking capacity required at the Civic Centre particularly for community or private events when the stadium and/or arena are in operation.
Councillor Lorber, in response to the reasons for call-in, began by explaining the objectives of the Civic Centre. The Civic Centre would be in accordance with the Council’s objective of providing best service to residents and meeting their needs and that it would provide for the majority of the Council’s services on one site. Overall, the costs would be neutral and the Civic Centre would be ideally located within the Wembley Regeneration area. Members heard that the Civic Centre would be designed to accommodate 2,000 staff and key partners of the Council. There would be flexible use of space, including a substantial office accommodation, a hall and a library.
Addressing the specific reasons for call-in, Councillor Lorber confirmed that the provision for up to 158 parking spaces had been agreed at the Executive. The maximum that could be achieved from the concept design under the Council’s present Unitary Development Plan standards was 174 spaces, however Councillor Lorber stressed that the Council needed to take a lead in the community in addressing environmental targets and in encouraging alternative methods of transport. The proposals afforded the Council the opportunity to make arrangements with other parking providers when necessary, such as on major event days. Overall, Councillor Lorber felt that parking provision would be adequate, adding that event day visitors made more use of public transport than when Wembley Stadium was previously open. However, efforts would be made to increase both public transport provision and use of it in the area as possible.
With the Chair’s approval, Councillor Detre addressed the Select Committee. He stated that overall he supported the Civic Centre proposals which would accommodate approximately 2,000 staff and councillors, 500 to 600 library visitors daily, 63 councillors and host approximately 600 events a year. On event days and major shopping days, he commented that on-street parking was not available and that the Civic Centre’s requirements could not be compared to the Town Hall’s. Councillor Detre felt that in order to attract visitors to the Civic Centre, providing appropriate parking spaces would be necessary and in his view up to 60 additional spaces could be provided. He suggested that a daily charge of £5 would be sufficient to recoup the costs of providing additional spaces and that the car park would be full on most days. Councillor Detre also stated that travelling late at night without a car was problematic which provided another reason why additional parking spaces were necessary.
With the Chair’s approval, Councillor Blackman also addressed the Select Committee. Councillor Blackman stated that considering that the Civic Centre would be in existence for ... view the full minutes text for item 4d |
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The Executive List of Decisions for the Meeting that took place on Monday, 19th October 2009 Minutes: RESOLVED:-
that the Executive List of Decisions for the meeting that took place on Monday, 19th October 2009 be noted. |
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Briefing Notes/Information Updates requested by the Select Committee following consideration of Version 6 (2009/10) of the Forward Plan |
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Proposed Disposal of 38 Craven Park Road, Harlesden, NW10 PDF 33 KB The Select Committee requested a briefing note on this item providing information as to whether this building had been considered as a Children’s Centre instead of Challenge House.
The Executive report is also attached for information. Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:-
that the briefing note on the Proposed Disposal of 38 Craven Park Road, Harlesden, NW10 be noted.
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Cultural Strategy for Brent 2010 - 2015 PDF 40 KB The Select Committee requested a briefing note providing information as to what consultation had and would be taking place. Minutes: With the permission of the Chair, Dilwyn Chambers, a resident, addressed the Select Committee. Dilywn Chambers commented that the 2005 Cultural Strategy had involved consultation with a number of organisations that undertook cultural activities. However, he stated that no cultural organisations he was involved had been consulted in respect of the 2010-2015 Strategy. He emphasised the importance of inclusion of the various cultural organisations, especially as the Strategy was a Brent one, as opposed to a Council one. Members heard that the public meetings referred to in the briefing note between 10th July 2009 and 9th October 2009 had only attracted a very small number of members of the public, whilst the Chair of Brent Arts Council also had no knowledge of the consultation taking place. Dilwyn Chambers remarked that he was awaiting a response from Brent Association for Voluntary Action to a request to provide information on organisations in the voluntary sector that had been involved in the consultation.
Councillor Mistry stated that she had spoken to several organisations who had felt that their views had not been valued. She enquired to what extent children had been consulted, including through schools, and what organisations had been involved in the consultation. Councillor V Brown felt that a number of responses should have been received if the consultation had appeared in the Brent Magazine.
Members then agreed to the Chair’s suggestion that a briefing note be provided at the next meeting detailing who of the 400 local organisations contacted had responded to the consultation, what involvement was there with organisations from the voluntary sector and from schools and were there any changes made to the proposals following the responses to the consultation.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the briefing note on the Cultural Strategy for Brent 2010-2015 be noted; and
(ii) that a further briefing note be provided at the meeting of the Select Committee on 2nd December 2009, detailing who of the 400 local organisations contacted responded to the consultation, what involvement was there with organisations from the voluntary sector and from schools and were there any changes made to the proposals following the responses to the consultation.
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The Select Committee requested a briefing note providing information as to what gains, aside from savings, would there be for service users and whether residential and nursing care would stay in the Borough.
The Executive reports are attached for information. Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:-
that the briefing note on the Authority to Participate in a West London Collaboration Procurement for Residential and Nursing Care and Adults and Authority to Participate in a West London Collaboration Procurement for Domiciliary Care be noted.
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The Select Committee requested a briefing note providing an explanation as to what the reasons for a delay in issuing a new contract were and when this would occur and also information providing confirmation that tendering had taken place.
The Executive report is attached for information. Additional documents:
Minutes: RESOLVED:-
that the briefing note on Extensions of the Direct Payments Support and Advice Service Contract with Penderals Trust and Proposals to Review the Current Arrangements for the Service be noted.
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Future Acquisition Strategy for the Brent Transport Fleet PDF 50 KB The Select Committee requested a briefing note providing information as to what the results of the consultation with users on their preferred type of vehicles were. Minutes: RESOLVED:-
that the briefing note on Future Acquisition Strategy for the Brent Transport Fleet be noted.
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Printing Review Tender Results PDF 131 KB The Select Committee requested a briefing note providing information as to what type of printing would be covered, whether the tender covered all buildings and what budget savings would be aimed for. Information as to whether it would be subject to a corporate print standard which takes into account those with sight problems was also requested. Minutes: RESOLVED:-
that the briefing note on Printing Review Tender Results be noted.
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Council Contracts Database detailing Current and Future Contracts
The Select Committee requested a briefing note listing by service area the contracts due for renewal over the next 18 months and their monetary value. Minutes: Council Contracts Database detailing Current and Future Contracts
RESOLVED:-
that the briefing note on Council Contracts Database detailing Current and Future Contracts be noted. |
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The Forward Plan - Issue 7 PDF 165 KB Issue 7 (09/11.09 to 07/03/10) of the Forward Plan will be published on Monday, 26th October 2009 and will be circulated separately. Issue 6 of the Forward Plan (05/10/09 to 08/02/10 is attached for information. Minutes: Issue 7 of the Forward Plan (09.11.09 to 07.03.10) was before members of the Select Committee. Following consideration of Issue 7 of the Forward Plan, the Select Committee made the following requests:-
Termination of Middlesex House and Lancelot Housing Scheme
The Select Committee requested a briefing note on this item providing the background details to the decision due to be considered. The request was made by the Chair. |
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Item from Earlier Versions of the Forward Plan Minutes: Petition for Changes to Consultation Process
The Select Committee requested a briefing note on this itemproviding information as to whether the decision by the Executive on 16th October 2009 that consultation documents make it clear that consultations are open to all residents within a single household represents a change in policy of consultation undertaken by the Transportation Unit. Clarification of whether the consultation documents returned must be originals or whether a photocopy is acceptable was also requested. The request was made by the Chair. |
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Items considered by the Executive that were not included in the Forward Plan (if any) None. Minutes: None. |
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Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Forward Plan Select Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, 2nd December 2009 at 7.30 pm. Minutes: It was noted that the next meeting of the Forward Plan Select Committee was scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 2nd December 2009 at 7.30 pm. |
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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. |