Agenda, decisions and minutes

None.

RESOLVED:-

that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 26 January 2015 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

None.

Petitions on the following have been received in response to the budget exercise:

1.    Keep Stonebridge Adventure Playground open

2.    Keep Welsh Harp Environmental Study Centre open

3.    Save our youth service

4.    Save School Crossings Patrol

5.    Leopold Primary School - save our School Patrol Officer

6.    Keep Bridge Park Community Leisure Centre open

Details attached.

Keep Stonebridge Adventure Playground Open

Mr Doug Lee (Brent Play Association) addressed the Cabinet in support of the petition requesting that the proposed redevelopment of Stonebridge School and the new housing, include the retention of Stonebridge Adventure Playground. He put forward the view that there was sufficient space on then site for the school expansion and the retention of the existing playground.

Mr Lee referred to the campaign for the playground which he felt had received widespread support and consultation which was strongly in favour of retention and reminded the Cabinet that the Big Lottery Fund, which had funded the newer adventure play equipment with a grant of £200,000, would have to be reimbursed and the total close down costs would be £350,000. He referred to the services provided by the Brent Play Association Charity over the years and the work with other charities and voluntary groups which, he felt, would not be replaced by school provision. Doug Lee put that the adventure playground represented good value for money and was the only supervised play facility in one of the most deprived wards of the borough. Doug Lee questioned the motivation behind the decision reminding the meeting that the children had been led to believe that the playground would be kept open and urged the Cabinet to so do and not to destroy the charity which had been in existence for 42 years.

Councillor Ezeajughi (ward councillor) while acknowledging the need for a new school, paid tribute to the campaign to retain the Stonebridge Adventure playground which had been hard fought.

Keep Welsh Harp Environmental Study Centre open

Mr Martin Francis (Chair of Governors, Chalkhill Primary School) spoke in support of the retention of the Welsh Harp Environmental Study Centre. Mr Francis reminded the Cabinet that the centre was a natural environment of 17 acres, currently run jointly between the council and a local firm. He reiterated the concerns expressed by children of the need for a facility which was an opportunity for them to learn about bio-diversity, conservation and recycling and to have outdoor activities. The centre was used by Brent and neighbouring boroughs following the national curriculum and Martin Francis stressed the importance of children learning by experience so they grew to care about the environment.

Save our Youth Service

The Cabinet heard from Roisin Healy (Chair, Brent Youth Parliament) who expressed concern at the proposed budget cuts which could adversely affect Youth Service provision. She paid tribute to the work of the Youth Service which served a cross section of young people including those in care and with special needs and which helped the development of confidence, self-belief and also provided opportunities for life changing experiences. Ms Healy acknowledged that there may be other funding prospects but felt that the withdrawal of council funding would result in the loss of staff and the relationships that had built up. Ms Healy regretted the lack of consultation to date over the proposed new service model. She referred to past  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

On 15 December 2014 Cabinet considered the council’s overall financial position and a set of draft budget proposals.  Cabinet agreed that:

“…consultation be carried out with residents, the voluntary and community sector, local businesses and other groups as necessary on the draft savings proposals and their consequences.”

Cabinet is now required to recommend a budget for Full Council to consider at its meeting of 2 March 2015.  This report therefore presents a summary of the further work that has been undertaken in order to reach the budget now proposed, and the reasons for the proposals.  Where appropriate the financial information previously presented has been updated, and those remaining uncertainties (as at the date of despatch) are highlighted and addressed.

Subject to the final confirmation of the GLA precept, to approve the following recommendations for Full Council at its meeting on 2 March 2015, to: 

(i)        agree that there is no increase in the Council’s element of council tax for 2015/16.

(ii)       agree the General Fund revenue budget for 2015/16, and note the indicative budget for 2016/17, as summarised in appendix B.

(iii)      agree the Service Area budgets including the cost pressures and savings detailed in Appendices C and D and dedicated schools’ grant as set out in section 6.

(iv)       agree the budgets for central items as detailed in Appendix G.

(v)        agree the Housing Revenue Account budget set out in Appendix I(ii).

(vi)       agree the 2015/16 to 2016/17 capital programme as set out in Appendix J.

(vii)      agree the Treasury Management Strategy and the Annual Investment Strategy for 2015/16 set out in Appendix K.

(viii)     agree the Prudential Indicators measuring affordability, capital spending, external debt and treasury management set out in Appendix L.

(ix)       note the report from the Chief Finance Officer in Appendix E in respect of his statutory duty under Section 25 of 2003 Local Government Act.

(x)        note the advice of the Chief Legal Officer as set out in Appendix M.

(xi)       note the levels of unsupported borrowing forecast for 2015/16, based on the borrowing levels agreed by the Council on 3 March 2014.

(xii)      agree the instalment dates for council tax and NNDR for 2015/16, and the recovery policy for council tax as set out in Appendix H(ii).

(xiii)     agree 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.

The report from the Chief Finance Officer reminded the Cabinet of the draft budget proposals put to the Cabinet meeting on 15 December 2014, the subsequent consultation exercise and the requirement to recommend a budget for consideration by Full Council at its meeting on 2 March 2015.  It presented a summary of the further work that had been undertaken in order present the final budget proposal. 

Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader of the Council) in introducing the report, responded to petitioners who had addressed the Cabinet earlier in the evening. He stressed that the need for budget cuts was as a direct result of central government financial restrictions and referred to the extensive consultation exercises on the budget and also the Borough Plan. Councillor Pavey stated that the council had listened and, in response to views expressed, had decided not to proceed with some proposals such as reductions in Civic Centre customer services opening hours, cutting the Connexions service, closing rough sleeper services and Children’s Centres, reducing home care visits to 15 minutes and the closure of the New Millennium Day Centre. Furthermore, a grant had been received that would allow Energy Solutions work to continue.

Councillor Pavey described the central government budget cuts as brutal and referred to reductions in senior management pay levels, bureaucracy and other efficiency savings that had already been introduced. He recognised the value of school crossing patrols, but felt these could be funded from schools’ balances which were more than council’s general reserve. On Stonebridge Adventure Playground, Councillor Pavey paid tribute to the passion and conviction of the support but a new school and homes were too strong an offer to refuse. The council had, as far as possible, safeguarded services used by the vulnerable. He referred to radical proposals to increase income (such as through shared services) and stated that the suggestion to increase the Council Tax levels which, being restricted to less than 2% without incurring financial penalty, would raise less than £1m and have a disproportionate affect on the working poor. Councillor Pavey cautioned against suggestions that the council should refuse to implement central government spending cuts as this would risk central government intervention which would be less sympathetic to residents, particularly the most vulnerable.

In conclusion, Councillor Pavey reiterated that responsibility for funding cuts rested with central government. The council had listened, had changed its proposals where possible and that efforts had been made to safeguard vulnerable members of the community.

Conrad Hall (Chief Finance Officer) commented on the reductions in local government funding which had led to the current financial pressures. Additionally, the financial squeeze was expected to continue and further savings would need to be found in future years. He stated that to set an illegal budget was not a viable option and to avoid the situation would only increase the problem.  The Chief Finance Officer outlined the structure of his report and confirmed that the Council Tax level for the GLA budget had now been finalised and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

This report seeks to determine the future of the contract with Brent Play Association for the provision of play activities at Stonebridge Adventure Playground (SAP).  The current contract runs until 31 March 2015. 

that the contract with Brent Play Association for the provision of play services delivered from Stonebridge Adventure Playground be allowed to expire on 31 March 2015 and that the council does not enter into a further contract for the delivery of play services from Stonebridge Adventure Playground.

The report from the Strategic Director, Children and Families sought to determine the future of the contract with Brent Play Association for the provision of play activities at Stonebridge Adventure Playground.  Councillor Moher (Lead Member, Children and Families) in introducing the report stated that the current contract would expire after 31 March 2015 and it was proposed that it be allowed to lapse as there was no budget provision for the £184M per annum required. She referred to the match funding the playground received and the range of activities provided and the average daily usage. Councillor Moher stated that in the current financial climate, there was a need for existing funds to go further and assured that the new Stonebridge school would have extensive play and out of hours provision. The requirement to pay a one-off grant payback £40,000 to the Lottery under the 10 year Deed of Dedication entered into in 2008 would be funded from the Early Years service.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Butt, reiterated that the decision to cease funding Brent Play Association which would impact on Youth Service provision had been a difficult one but the council had a wider responsibility to protect and provide services in the borough.

RESOLVED:

that the contract with Brent Play Association for the provision of play services delivered from Stonebridge Adventure Playground be allowed to expire on 31 March 2015 and that the council does not enter into a further contract for the delivery of play services from Stonebridge Adventure Playground.

This report details the initial outcome of ongoing consultation with staff and service users on the development of a sustainable model for the borough’s children’s centres to be implemented from September 2015. This report recommends a preferred option following consideration of the consultation and requests approval to invite tenders in respect of the management and operation of Children’s Centres as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89. 

(i)         that the initial outcome of the consultation on the development of a sustainable model for the borough’s children’s centres as detailed in paragraphs 3.1- 3.2 of the report and Appendices 3 and 4 be noted;

(ii)        that the invitation of tenders for the management and operation of Children’s Centres on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 4.0 of the report be approved;

(iii)       that officers be authorised to evaluate the tenders referred to in 2.2 above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 4.7 (vi) of the report;

(iv)       that an exemption from Contract Standing Order 104 (b) be granted to permit evaluation of bids on the basis of quality criteria alone within a price envelope;

(v)        that approval be given to the inclusion in the invitation to tender documents of a draft form of lease(s) and/or licence, to be on terms agreed by the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement to be granted to the preferred partner of the Children Centres;

(vi)       that it be noted that organisations tendering will be expected to demonstrate that they will work with local voluntary organisations as service providers in children’s centres and that will be assessed as part of the tender evaluation;

(vii)      that the Strategic Director of Children and Young People, in consultation with the Lead Member, be authorised to approve the final service specification.

Councillor Moher (Lead Member, Children and Young People) introduced the report which detailed the initial outcome of ongoing consultation with staff and service users on the development of a sustainable model for the borough’s children’s centres to be implemented from September 2015. The report recommended a preferred option following consideration of the consultation and requested approval to invite tenders in respect of the management and operation of children’s centres as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89. 

Councillor Moher referred to the strong support for the centres evidenced from the consultation and concerns at proposals for change. It was noted that the staff and unions were not in favour of outsourcing. She stated that the intention was to identify a partner that would have the needs of families and children as its focus and would work closely with the voluntary sector.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Butt, was pleased to report that the children’s centres had been able to remain open and costs reduced which was testament to the service and department.  He hoped the new management arrangements would help continue the success.

Councillor Mashari (Lead Member, Employment and Skills) commended staff at the centres for their work and time. She advised that adult training services had committed to support Sure Start and questioned how the recommendations from Scrutiny Task Group on the Use of the Pupil Premium Grant in Brent schools would be incorporated. Councillor Moher advised that she had met with the Operational Director Social Care and task group members to consider the issues including ensuring protection of the quality of service.

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults, Health and Well-being) stressed the importance of increasing public health activity in children’s centres to help increase immunisation and improve long term health impacts. Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader) paid tribute to the work of children’s centres and welcomed the tender evaluation criteria in the report.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the initial outcome of the consultation on the development of a sustainable model for the borough’s children’s centres as detailed in paragraphs 3.1- 3.2 of the report from the Strategic Director, Children and Families and Appendices 3 and 4 be noted;

(ii)        that the invitation of tenders for the management and operation of Children’s Centres on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 4.0 of the report be approved;

(iii)       that officers be authorised to evaluate the tenders referred to in 2.2 above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 4.7 (vi) of the report;

(iv)       that an exemption from Contract Standing Order 104 (b) be granted to permit evaluation of bids on the basis of quality criteria alone within a price envelope;

(v)        that approval be given to the inclusion in the invitation to tender documents of a draft form of lease(s) and/or licence, to be on terms agreed by the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement to be granted to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Following public consultation, this report is an update to Members, detailing the development of site proposals for the Subject Lands, setting out the process of public consultation on the most up-to date plans and setting out the feedback received.  Based on this, Officers have made various recommendations with regard to the redevelopment.

(i)         that approval be given to the revised principles of redevelopment:

(i)     that the former Stonebridge Day Centre site - currently the Stonebridge Primary School Annex (a temporary use) and Milton Avenue be re-planned to provide new homes;

(ii)    that Stonebridge Primary School be expanded from 2 Forms of Entry to 3 Forms of Entry;

(iii)  that in respect of the Adventure Playground the land be re-planned to form part of the expanded Primary School;

(iv)  that the Open Space is re-planned to provide an equivalent area, of improved quality, running alongside the existing canal feeder;

(v)    that the existing open space at the frontage of the site be re-planned for housing;

(vi)  that the school building currently let to the Welsh School revert back to the Stonebridge Primary School; and

(vii) that an alternative proposal in respect of play provision be developed on site as appropriate.

(ii)        that formal statutory consultation on the proposed expansion of Stonebridge Primary School from 2 Forms of Entry to 3 Forms of Entry be undertaken, subject to approval of the school’s Governing Body to proceed to this stage on the basis of the proposals approved by the Cabinet as described in the report;

(iii)       that existing occupation arrangements (as per Confidential Appendix 3) with Brent Play Association be terminated and that the mitigation plan included within the Diversity Implications section of this report be implemented;

(iv)       that existing occupation arrangement (as per Confidential Appendix 3) with Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain, the Welsh School be terminated and that the relocation plan at paragraph 3.47 is progressed;

(v)        that the Operational Director Property and Projects in consultation with the Operational Director Children and Young People be delegated authority to agree the terms of the termination arrangement with Brent Play Association.  And that the Operational Director Property and Projects be delegated authority to agree the terms of the termination arrangement with Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain, the Welsh School;

(vi)       that subject to the decisions made on the revised principles of redevelopment a subsequent report be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet for approval providing details of final plans for the expansion of the Stonebridge Primary school and proposed redevelopment of the wider Stonebridge site and the associated forecast costs of the proposed redevelopment;

(vii)      that the Chief Finance Officer determine the precise financing arrangements for the scheme, once costs and likely receipts are more certain; 

(viii)     that the overall land receipts are expected to exceed the capital costs as per 4.5 be noted;

(ix)       that the findings of the Equality Analysis be noted.

Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Regeneration and Housing) introduced the report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth which provided an update on the development of site proposals for the “Subject Lands” namely the former Stonebridge Day Centre currently Stonebridge Primary School Annexe (a temporary use), Stonebridge Primary School including the Welsh School, the Adventure Playground, Stonebridge Open Space and Waste Land.  She outlined the proposals for the site which included the expansion of Stonebridge School, re-planning the existing adventure playground and re-siting the Welsh School and a residential development. Councillor McLennan emphasised that housing receipt would allow for affordable and mixed tenure provision and that it would be for the Planning Committee to decide on the best location for a play area. She assured that public consultation would involve local interested parties.

The Cabinet also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication as it contained the following category of exempt information as specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1972: 

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to the revised principles of redevelopment:

(i)              that the former Stonebridge Day Centre site - currently the Stonebridge Primary School Annex (a temporary use) and Milton Avenue be re-planned to provide new homes;

(ii)             that Stonebridge Primary School be expanded from 2 Forms of Entry to 3 Forms of Entry;

(iii)            that in respect of the Adventure Playground the land be re-planned to form part of the expanded Primary School;

(iv)            that the Open Space is re-planned to provide an equivalent area, of improved quality, running alongside the existing canal feeder;

(v)             that the existing open space at the frontage of the site be re-planned for housing;

(vi)            that the school building currently let to the Welsh School revert back to the Stonebridge Primary School; and

(vii)          that an alternative proposal in respect of play provision be developed on site as appropriate.

(ii)        that formal statutory consultation on the proposed expansion of Stonebridge Primary School from 2 Forms of Entry to 3 Forms of Entry be undertaken, subject to approval of the school’s Governing Body to proceed to this stage on the basis of the proposals approved by the Cabinet as described in the report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth;

(iii)       that existing occupation arrangements (as per Confidential Appendix 3) with Brent Play Association be terminated and that the mitigation plan included within the Diversity Implications section of this report be implemented;

(iv)       that existing occupation arrangement (as per Confidential Appendix 3) with Ysgol Gymraeg Llundain, the Welsh School be terminated and that the relocation plan at paragraph 3.47 be progressed;

(v)        that the Operational Director Property and Projects in consultation with the Operational Director Children and Young People be delegated authority to agree the terms of the termination arrangement with Brent Play Association.  And that the Operational Director Property  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report seeks the approval of Cabinet for the proposed spatial and thematic allocation of Section 106 funds for expenditure in 2015-16 and commissioning specific projects and budget amounts detailed herein.

(i)         that approval be given to the proposed 2015-16 programme of Development Funded projects and the relevant Heads of Service authorised to deliver this programme using the allocated budget and resources available;

(ii)        that the 2015-16 allocation of £10.43m of S106 funding in the following split: £4.8m for Education; £0.6m for Transportation, £0.5m for Parks and Sports; £0.1m for Landscaping; £0.2m for Employment & Enterprise; £1.5m for Affordable Housing; £2.3m for Environment & Sustainability; £0.05m for Healthcare; and £0.4m for specific projects in Growth Areas, be noted;

(iii)       that any necessary statutory or non-statutory consultation and the consideration of any objections or representations be undertaken by the relevant Heads of Service responsible for delivering the projects;

(iv)       that the Director of Planning and Regeneration be authorised to approve and relevant Heads of Service to deliver projects in 2015-16 over and above the allocations and projects detailed herein where the exceptional circumstances criteria as set out in section 3.7, in the report from Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth, are met.

The report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth sought the approval of Cabinet for the proposed spatial and thematic allocation of Section 106 funds for expenditure in 2015-16 and commissioning specific projects and budget amounts.

The Cabinet welcomed the report and the opportunity members had to have been involved in the setting of priorities at ward level and through forums. It was noted that figures were subject to planning consents and could fluctuate.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to the proposed 2015-16 programme of Development Funded projects and the relevant Heads of Service authorised to deliver this programme using the allocated budget and resources available;

(ii)        that the 2015-16 allocation of £10.43m of S106 funding in the following split: £4.8m for Education; £0.6m for Transportation, £0.5m for Parks and Sports; £0.1m for Landscaping; £0.2m for Employment and Enterprise; £1.5m for Affordable Housing; £2.3m for Environment and Sustainability; £0.05m for Healthcare; and £0.4m for specific projects in Growth Areas, be noted;

(iii)       that any necessary statutory or non-statutory consultation and the consideration of any objections or representations be undertaken by the relevant Heads of Service responsible for delivering the projects;

(iv)       that the Director of Planning and Regeneration be authorised to approve and relevant Heads of Service to deliver projects in 2015-16 over and above the allocations and projects detailed herein where the exceptional circumstances criteria as set out in section 3.7, in the report from Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth, are met.

This report presents to Members the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast outturn for 2014/15 and a proposed HRA Business Plan budget for 2015/16 as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The report sets out budget proposals for housing management services, stock investment and new council housing development, and rent-setting proposals for 2015/16.

HRA Business Plan Budget 2014/15:

(i)         that that the HRA forecast outturn 2014/15 (Table 1 –Budget Outturn Table 2014/15) be noted;

HRA Business Plan Budget 2015/16:

(ii)        that approval be given to the proposals and agreement to given to the savings/budget reductions for the HRA budget for 2015/16, as set out in Table 11 of this report and agree that they be included in the overall Budget for 2015/16 for approval by Full Council in March 2015;

(iii)       that approval be given to the HRA budget growth for 2015-16 of £1.434m and use of £778k of one off available resources;

Rent Setting 2015/16:

(iv)       that approval be given to an average overall rent increase (excluding service charges) from April 2015 of £3.14 per week, which is an average overall increase of 2.8%;

(v)        that the revised HRA Council Dwelling service charges from April 2015 which results in an average increase of 0.4% and £0.03 per week for the majority of households affected be agreed;

(vi)       that an average overall rent increase from April 2015 of £2.79 per dwelling per week on the Brent Stonebridge Dwellings, which is an average overall rent increase of 2.2% as set out in Appendix 1;

(vii)      that the service charges on the Brent Stonebridge Dwellings from April 2015 increase by an average of 2% or an average of £0.17 per dwelling per week as set out in Appendix 1;

(viii)     that approval be given to the rent increase for Residential Travellers Pitches from April 2015 of £2.45 per week, which is an average increase of 1% as set out in Appendix 2;

(ix)       that agreement be given to consult on proposals to de-pool charges for particular services, including CCTV and Door Entry and report the outcomes of this service charge review and consultation in 2015/16;

HRA Stock Investment 2015/16:

(x)        that the HRA stock investment capital programme of £41.7m for 2015/16 be approved;

HRA Council Housing Development 2015/16:

(xi)       that approval be given to the HRA Development Consultancy Fee of £1.045m and a capital new build programme of £5.447m for 2015/16 as set out in Table 10 to develop new council housing stock;

(xii)      that agreement be given to an exemption from the procurement requirements of Contract Standing Orders and delegates to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement, the negotiation and entry into a Development Services Agreement with Brent Housing Partnership (Arms Length Management Organisation) to deliver Development Services functions in relation to the development of new council homes;

(xiii)     that the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement be authorised, to negotiate and enter into a Funding Delivery Agreement with the Greater London Authority, securing Investment Partnering Housing Status for Brent and Social Housing Grant funding in 2015 – 2018 to enable the development of new council homes;

(xiv)     that approval be given to Phase 1 Council New Build Development Programme schemes  ...  view the full decision text for item 10.

The report before the Cabinet presented the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast outturn for 2014/15 and a proposed HRA Business Plan budget for 2015/16 as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. The report set out budget proposals for housing management services, stock investment and new council housing development, and rent-setting proposals for 2015/16. Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Regeneration and Housing) outlined the position on housing management services, stock investment and improvement, new development providing 100 new council homes, rent and service charge increases and HRA Business Plan Forecast,  2015/16 including borrowing.

RESOLVED

HRA Business Plan Budget 2014/15:

(i)         that that the HRA forecast outturn 2014/15 (Table 1 –Budget Outturn Table 2014/15) be noted;

HRA Business Plan Budget 2015/16:

(ii)        that approval be given to the proposals and agreement to given to the savings/budget reductions for the HRA budget for 2015/16, as set out in Table 11 of this report and agree that they be included in the overall Budget for 2015/16 for approval by Full Council in March 2015;

(iii)       that approval be given to the HRA budget growth for 2015-16 of £1.434m and use of £778k of one off available resources;

Rent Setting 2015/16:

(iv)       that approval be given to an average overall rent increase (excluding service charges) from April 2015 of £3.14 per week, which is an average overall increase of 2.8%;

(v)        that the revised HRA Council Dwelling service charges from April 2015 which results in an average increase of 0.4% and £0.03 per week for the majority of households affected be agreed;

(vi)       that an average overall rent increase from April 2015 of £2.79 per dwelling per week on the Brent Stonebridge Dwellings, which is an average overall rent increase of 2.2% as set out in Appendix 1;

(vii)      that the service charges on the Brent Stonebridge Dwellings from April 2015 increase by an average of 2% or an average of £0.17 per dwelling per week as set out in Appendix 1;

(viii)     that approval be given to the rent increase for Residential Travellers Pitches from April 2015 of £2.45 per week, which is an average increase of 1% as set out in Appendix 2;

(ix)       that agreement be given to consult on proposals to de-pool charges for particular services, including CCTV and Door Entry and report the outcomes of this service charge review and consultation in 2015/16;

HRA Stock Investment 2015/16:

(x)        that the HRA stock investment capital programme of £41.7m for 2015/16 be approved;

HRA Council Housing Development 2015/16:

(xi)       that approval be given to the HRA Development Consultancy Fee of £1.045m and a capital new build programme of £5.447m for 2015/16 as set out in Table 10 to develop new council housing stock;

(xii)      that agreement be given to an exemption from the procurement requirements of Contract Standing Orders and delegates to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Director of Legal and Procurement, the negotiation and entry into a Development Services Agreement with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

At its meeting on the 16 June 2014, Cabinet approved proposals to invite tenders for the provision of the London Borough of Brent’s Rough Sleepers’ Outreach and Housing Advice and Resettlement Services. Subsequently the services were put out as two separate tenders namely: The Rough Sleeper’s Outreach Service; and The Rough Sleepers’ Housing Advice and Resettlement Service. This report now requests authority to award contracts as required by Contract Standing Order No 88. This report summarises the process undertaken in tendering this contract and, following the completion of the evaluation of the tenders, recommends to whom the contracts should be awarded.

(i)         that the contract for the Rough Sleepers’ Outreach services be awarded to St Mungo Community Housing Association; and

(ii)        that the contract for the Rough Sleepers’ Housing Advice & Resettlement services be awarded to St Mungo Community Housing Association.

Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Regeneration and Housing) reminded the Cabinet that at its meeting on the 16 June 2014, approval had been given to proposals to invite tenders for the provision of the London Borough of Brent’s Rough Sleepers’ Outreach and Housing Advice and Resettlement Services. Subsequently the services were put out as two separate tenders namely: The Rough Sleeper’s Outreach Service; and The Rough Sleepers’ Housing Advice and Resettlement Service. The report now requested authority to award contracts as required by Contract Standing Order No 88 and summarised the process undertaken in tendering the contract and, following the completion of the evaluation of the tenders, recommended to whom the contracts should be awarded.

Members made reference to the need for a partner that would help and support people who were sleeping outdoors and help resettle them in alternative accommodation.

The Cabinet also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication as it contained the following category of exempt information as specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1972: 

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the contract for the Rough Sleepers’ Outreach services be awarded to St Mungo Community Housing Association;

(ii)        that the contract for the Rough Sleepers’ Housing Advice and Resettlement services be awarded to St Mungo Community Housing Association.

The Council has the discretion to award rate relief to charities or non-profit making bodies. It also has the discretion to remit an individual National Non-Domestic Rate (NNDR) liability in whole or in part on the grounds of hardship.  The award of discretionary rate relief is based on policy and criteria agreed by the Executive in September 2013.  New applications for relief have to be approved by the Cabinet. The report details new applications for relief received since the Executive last considered such applications on 26 August 2014.

that the applications for discretionary rate relief detailed in Appendices 2 and 3 to the report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth be approved.

Councillor Mashari (Lead Member, Employment and Skills) detailed new applications for rate relief to charities or non-profit making bodies received since 26 August 2014 which the council had the discretion to award. The council also had the discretion to remit an individual National Non-Domestic Rate (NNDR) liability in whole or in part on the grounds of hardship.  The award of discretionary rate relief was based on policy and criteria agreed by the Executive in September 2013. 

RESOLVED:

that the applications for discretionary rate relief detailed in Appendices 2 and 3 to the report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Growth be approved.

This report sets out the process for re-tendering of the stock contract for the Library Service. The current framework agreement with the Central Buying Consortium ends in March 2016. There are two potential new frameworks that Brent could join. This report addresses that and also suggests a contingency arrangement, should the setting up of the frameworks be delayed.

(i)         that the council express an interest in joining both the new Central Buying Consortium and London Libraries Consortium frameworks, while reserving the right to tender independently should the new frameworks not meet requirements;

(ii)        that, while the new frameworks are being renegotiated, the council enter into an agreement with a stock supplier for six months from April 2016 to September 2016.

The report from the Strategic Director, Environment and Neighbourhoods set out the process for re-tendering of the stock contract for the Library Service. The current framework agreement with the Central Buying Consortium would end in March 2016. There were two potential new frameworks that Brent could join and the report also suggested a contingency arrangement, should the setting up of the frameworks be delayed.

The Cabinet paid tribute to the Wembley Library at the Civic Centre which was seen to be the fourth busiest in London.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the council express an interest in joining both the new Central Buying Consortium and London Libraries Consortium frameworks, while reserving the right to tender independently should the new frameworks not meet requirements;

(ii)        that, while the new frameworks are being renegotiated, the council enter into an agreement with a stock supplier for six months from April 2016 to September 2016.

The report identifies the need to begin a statutory consultation period on the future delivery model for day opportunities currently delivered from the New Millennium Day Centre and Kingsbury Resource Centre. The report additionally identifies the need to carry out a co-production exercise and options appraisal process in parallel to the statutory consultation to ensure we make best use of existing resources, support the re-modelling of day opportunities services within the community and ensure the current service users eligible needs continue to be met.

(i)         that agreement be given to a 90 day statutory consultation on the future of New Millennium Day Centre and Kingsbury Resource Centre;

(ii)        that a co-production process be carried out alongside the statutory consultation.   Co-production will involve working collaboratively with the people who use, deliver or are most affected by proposed changes to day services provision to redesign opportunities within the borough to better support local need, to be more personalised and innovative and to be more cost effective;

(iii)       that an options appraisal be undertaken to establish potential future use of the Kingsbury Resource Centre and New Millennium Day Centre buildings in conjunction with stakeholders based on input from the consultation and the co-production;

(iv)       that it be noted that the individual needs of current service users will be thoroughly reviewed following any decision to change the way day services are delivered to ensure that their needs continue to be met and to reduce any negative impact on their wellbeing;

(v)        that it be noted that consultation with affected staff would be carried out with a view to minimising or avoiding compulsory redundancies following any decision to change the way services are delivered.

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults, Health and Well-being) introduced the report which identified the need to begin a statutory consultation period on the future delivery model for day opportunities currently delivered from the New Millennium Day Centre and Kingsbury Resource Centre. The report additionally identified the need to carry out a co-production exercise and options appraisal process in parallel to the statutory consultation to ensure the best use of existing resources, support the re-modelling of day opportunities services within the community and ensure the current service users eligible needs continued to be met.

Councillor Hirani expressed the wish to future-proof services for those assessed to be in need and welcomed the co-production exercise which would provide the opportunity to work with both users and organisations that currently provided alternative forms of day opportunities to identify where there were gaps in current market provision. The aim was to develop a service, in conjunction with key stakeholders, which was both sustainable and commercially viable in an increasingly competitive marketplace. Councillor Hirani advised that a social enterprise model would be considered and assured that carers would be consulted as part of the process.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that agreement be given to a 90 day statutory consultation on the future of New Millennium Day Centre and Kingsbury Resource Centre;

(ii)        that a co-production process be carried out alongside the statutory consultation.   Co-production will involve working collaboratively with the people who use, deliver or are most affected by proposed changes to day services provision to redesign opportunities within the borough to better support local need, to be more personalised and innovative and to be more cost effective;

(iii)       that an options appraisal be undertaken to establish potential future use of the Kingsbury Resource Centre and New Millennium Day Centre buildings in conjunction with stakeholders based on input from the consultation and the co-production;

(iv)       that it be noted that the individual needs of current service users would be thoroughly reviewed following any decision to change the way day services are delivered to ensure that their needs continue to be met and to reduce any negative impact on their wellbeing;

(v)        that it be noted that consultation with affected staff would be carried out with a view to minimising or avoiding compulsory redundancies following any decision to change the way services are delivered.

Tudor Gardens is a registered residential care home that Brent Council, adult social care, directly provides for adults with learning disabilities.  This paper provides an overview of the service and the proposal to de-register the residential care home and re-provide it as supported living accommodation in line with the department’s objectives to support people to have increased choice and control to live as independently as possible.  The report also sets out the consultation process that will need to take place and highlights the potential issues that will need to be resolved as we go through that consultation process. 

(i)         that the contents of the report be noted;

(ii)        that approval be given to the consultation on de-registering Tudor Garden residential home, and

(iii)       that the process for consulting with Tudor Garden residents and their families and/or advocates and the potential implications for the directly provided care which would result from agreeing the move to Supported Living, be noted.

The Cabinet noted that Tudor Gardens was a registered residential care home that Brent Council, adult social care, directly provided for adults with learning disabilities.  The report from the Strategic Director Adults provided an overview of the service and the proposal to de-register the residential care home and re-provide it as supported living accommodation was in line with the department’s objectives to support people to have increased choice and control to live as independently as possible.   The report also set out the consultation process that would need to take place and highlighted the potential issues that would need to be resolved. 

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults,, Health and Well-being) stated that the new arrangements would be an improvement in that it would guarantee security of tenure. Councillor Moher raised questions on the criteria for assessing residents and the extent to which they would cope with new arrangements. Councillor Hirani assured that an assessment would be conducted to assess the hours of care required and care hours not used could be ‘banked’ for the future. The Leader of the Council drew attention to the equalities concerns and sought assurances that mitigating precautions would be taken. Councillor Hirani acknowledged that the change was potentially challenging.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the contents of the report be noted;

(ii)        that approval be given to the consultation on de-registering Tudor Garden residential home, and

(iii)       that the process for consulting with Tudor Garden residents and their families and/or advocates and the potential implications for the directly provided care which would result from agreeing the move to Supported Living, be noted.

This report requests authority to award a Floating and Accommodation Housing Related Support Services (FAHRS) contract as required by Contract Standing Order No 88. It also summarises the process undertaken in tendering this contract and, following the completion of the evaluation of the tenders, recommends to whom the contract should be awarded.

that the contract for Floating and Accommodation Housing Related Support Services for Physical Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health and Sensory Impairment be awarded to Look Ahead Care and Support Limited.

The report from the Strategic Director, Adults requested authority to award a Floating and Accommodation Housing Related Support Services contract as required by Contract Standing Order No 88. It also summarised the process undertaken in tendering the contract and, following the completion of the evaluation of the tenders, recommended to whom the contract should be awarded.

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults, Health and Well-Being) drew attention to the potential implications for existing full time staff who would be protected under TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment)) Regulations.

The Cabinet also had before them an appendix to the report which was not for publication as it contained the following category of exempt information as specified in Schedule 12 of the Local Government (Access to Information Act) 1972: 

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED:

that the contract for Floating and Accommodation Housing Related Support Services for Physical Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, Mental Health and Sensory Impairment be awarded to Look Ahead Care and Support Limited.

This report brings to the Cabinet a report which contains findings and recommendations of the scrutiny task group’s investigation into how to manage a successful transition to Individual Electoral Registration (IER). The IER system went live in July 2014 and is expected to fully supplant the current Household Electoral Registration system on 1^st December 2015 with the aim of making the process of registration more convenient and secure.

Consideration deferred to the next meeting.

RESOLVED:

that consideration of this item be deferred until the next Cabinet meeting when there would be time for a fuller discussion.

This report concerns the procurement of pre-paid financial services for clients (principally adult care clients and carers of children) who are allocated personal care budgets, in order to allow them more independence in the management of their financial affairs. This report requests approval, as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 to invite tenders for the renewal of this contract from 1^st October 2015.

(i)         that approval be given to invite tenders for the provision of pre-paid financial services on the basis of the pre - tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.3.  of the report.

(ii)        that approval be given to the evaluation of the tenders referred to in paragraph (i) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.3. (vi) of the report.

The Deputy Leader introduced the report from the Chief Finance Officer which concerned the procurement of pre-paid financial services for clients (principally adult care clients and carers of children) who were allocated personal care budgets, in order to allow them more independence in the management of their financial affairs. The report requested approval, as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 to invite tenders for the renewal of this contract from 1 October 2015.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to invite tenders for the provision of pre-paid financial services on the basis of the pre-tender considerations set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report from the Chief Finance Officer.

(ii)        that approval be given to the evaluation of the tenders referred to in paragraph (i) above on the basis of the evaluation criteria set out in paragraph 3.3. (vi) of the report.

None.

None.