Agenda, decisions and minutes
Venue: Committee Rooms 1, 2 and 3, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, HA9 9HD. View directions
Contact: Anne Reid, Principal Democratic Services Officer, 020 8937 1359, Email: anne.reid@brent.gov.uk
No. | Item | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 Detre declared a personal interest in the item relating to commissioning of the specialist Child and Mental Health Service as a member of the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Minutes of the previous meeting PDF 168 KB Minutes: RESOLVED:-
that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 15 February 2010 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Matters arising Minutes: South Kilburn Regeneration - disposal of sites known as Albert Road and Carlton Vale roundabout
The Executive were pleased to note that the Homes and Communities Agency had awarded the full grant for the Albert Road development to allow the South Kilburn housing development to proceed. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Order of business Minutes: The Executive agreed to change the order of business to take early in the meeting those items for which non Executive members were specifically present. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Climate change task group PDF 87 KB This report sets out the findings and recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny task group investigation into climate change in Brent, focussing on a review of the council’s Carbon Management Strategy and Implementation Plan (CMS&IP). Additional documents: Decision: (i) that the recommendations in the task group report and the service department response be noted;
(ii) that the members of the task group be thanked for their work. Minutes: The Executive had before them the findings and recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny task group investigation into climate change in Brent, focusing on a review of the council’s Carbon Management Strategy and Implementation Plan. Councillor HB Patel, chair of the task group, introduced the report and drew attention to the key message arising from the report namely to ‘think globally and act locally’. He felt that the council was making progress and efforts were being made to support the climate change agenda. Councillor Patel emphasised the need for more information to be available to residents and recommended the appointment of a climate champion. He was pleased that the council was using existing resources to target efforts and urged the council to set an example through school rebuilding programmes and council offices. Councillor Patel concluded by thanking his task group colleagues for their contributions and council staff for their support.
The Executive welcomed the report, thanked the task group for their work noting that specific reports would be presented on how to take forward the recommendations. Councillor Van Colle (Lead Member, Environment, Planning and Culture) was pleased to endorse the report.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the recommendations in the task group report and the service department response be noted;
(ii) that the members of the task group be thanked for their work. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Pupil safety on the journey to and from school PDF 116 KB This report sets out the findings and recommendations of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny task group investigation into how to improve pupil safety as they travel to and from school. This work will contribute to the administration’s priority to improve services for youth in the borough. Additional documents: Decision: (i) that the recommendations in the task group report and the service department response be noted;
(ii) that members of the task group be thanked for their work. Minutes: Councillor Mistry (Task Group Chair), introduced the report which set out the findings and recommendations of the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny task group investigation into how to improve pupil safety as they travel to and from school. A number of young people had expressed concerns for their personal safety on their journeys and data had revealed incidence of anti social behaviour and bullying at locations such as bus stops and particular bus routes. Councillor Mistry drew attention to the recommendations which sought to bring about greater understanding between young and older people and adopting best practice. Councillor Mistry felt that the issue should be incorporated into schools’ existing agenda accepting that curricula were already full and drew attention to where the council was being proactive, working with partner agencies such as Transport for London and the police. She drew attention to the 2006 neighbourhood working project initiative on travelling with pupils which was particularly successful. Councillor Mistry concluded by thanking colleagues on the task group for their contributions and council staff for their support.
Councillor Wharton (Lead Member, Children and Families) endorsed the report and assured that the recommendations would be taken on board. Councillor Brown added that action had already been taken on one of the recommendations to increase the 245 bus service at peak times. The Executive noted that safer transport teams continued travel on buses as part of a TfL initiative, engaging with children and improving relations with adults. The Executive approved the report.
RESOLVED:
(i) that the recommendations in the task group report and the service department response be noted;
(ii) that members of the task group be thanked for their work. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Environment and Culture Capital Spend 2010/11: Highways Major Works programme PDF 152 KB This report makes recommendations to members detailing the prioritised programme for major footway upgrade projects, carriageway resurfacing schemes, improvements to grass verge areas and accessibility, renewal of marginal highway land, public realm improvements on primary routes, new street signage, gulley maintenance, concrete roads, carriageway resurfacing – short sections, footway upgrades – short sections, the maintenance of road channels and footway boundaries to facilitate street cleaning, and highway improvements in the Park Royal area. The Executive are asked to approve the expenditure for the 2010/11capital works programme
Appendices 6, 6a and 7 are available for inspection the Council’s website. Additional documents: Decision: (i) that approval be given to utilise the main highways capital programme of £4,000k as follows:
Footways % budget amount (£ 000’s)
(ii) that approval be given to the schemes and reserve schemes, as listed in Appendices 1 – 3 of the report from the Director of Environment and Culture. Minutes: The report from the Director of Environment and Culture made recommendations to members detailing the prioritised programme for major footway upgrade projects, carriageway resurfacing schemes, improvements to grass verge areas and accessibility, renewal of marginal highway land, public realm improvements on primary routes, new street signage, gulley maintenance, concrete roads, carriageway resurfacing – short sections, footway upgrades – short sections, the maintenance of road channels and footway boundaries to facilitate street cleaning, and highway improvements in the Park Royal area. The Executive were asked to approve the expenditure of the £4,000k capital budget allocation for the 2010/11 capital works programme, which has been included in the Budget Setting report submitted to the meeting of the Executive on 15th February 2010. The report also detailed for information, the Principal (A) Road programme for 2010/11, which utilise the £622k maintenance element of funding allocated by Transport for London (TfL), for improvements on the basis of the results of a London wide condition survey.
Councillor D Brown (Lead Member, Highways and Transportation) was pleased that the council was to improve the infrastructure. Reference was made to the current road surface problems and potholes caused by the cold weather conditions, the estimated cost of repair being in the region of £½M. Members noted that companies causing damage to pavements would be fined and noted that monitoring would continue to ensure that contractors were recalled to make good poor work.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that approval be given to utilise the main highways capital programme of £4,000k as follows:
Footways % budget amount (£ 000’s)
(ii) that approval be given to the schemes and reserve schemes, as listed in Appendices 1 – 3 of the report from the Director of Environment and Culture. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
This report seeks the Executive’s determination of the statutory proposals (published on 31 December 2009) to discontinue Grove Park Special School and alter Hay Lane Special School (see Appendix A). The representation period ended on 12 February 2010. The net effect of determining these proposals as recommended is to discontinue Grove Park Special School and to expand Hay Lane Special School so that all the children registered at Grove Park Special School can move to Hay Lane Special School. Additional documents: Decision: (i) that approval be given to the statutory proposal published on 31 December 2009 to discontinue Grove Park Special School with effect from 31 August 2010;
(ii) that approval be given to the statutory proposal published on 31 December 2009 to alter to Hay Lane Special School so that it:
(i) provides 210 places from 1 September 2010; (ii) meets the range of needs set out in paragraph 3.2.11; (iii) can admit all pupils who would, but for these proposals, have continued their education at Grove Park Special School on and after 1 September 2010; and (iv) provides 235 places dependent on the completion of the rebuilding of the school, which is expected to be completed by the Summer of 2013. A decision on the rebuilding of the resultant expanded Hay Lane School is anticipated in April 2010. Minutes: The Lead Member, Children and Families introduced the report which sought the Executive’s determination of the statutory proposals (published on 31 December 2009) to discontinue Grove Park Special School and alter Hay Lane Special School. The representation period ended on 12 February 2010. The net effect of determining these proposals as recommended was to discontinue Grove Park Special School and to expand Hay Lane Special School so that all the children registered at Grove Park Special School can move to Hay Lane Special School. Councillor Wharton referred to joint working arrangements between the two schools that had increased over the recent past and that single management would prove more cost effective.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that approval be given to the statutory proposal published on 31 December 2009 to discontinue Grove Park Special School with effect from 31 August 2010;
(ii) that approval be given to the statutory proposal published on 31 December 2009 to alter to Hay Lane Special School so that it:
a) provides 210 places from 1 September 2010; b) meets the range of needs set out in paragraph 3.2.11 c) can admit all pupils who would, but for these proposals, have continued their education at Grove Park Special School on and after 1 September 2010: and d) provides 235 places dependent on the completion of the rebuilding of the school, which is expected to be completed by the Summer of 2013. A decision on the rebuilding of the resultant expanded Hay Lane School is anticipated in April 2010. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
This report concerns the procurement process for the new build Kingsbury Intergenerational Children’s Centre. This report requests approval to continue the procurement process and to invite tenders in respect of the works as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 Decision: (i) that approval be given the pre - tender considerations and the criteria to be used to evaluate tenders as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report from the Director of Children and Families;
(ii) that approval be given to the invite of tenders and their evaluation in accordance with the approved evaluation criteria referred to in (i) above. Minutes: The report from the Director of Children and Families concerned the procurement process for the new build Kingsbury Intergenerational Children’s Centre. The report requested approval to continue the procurement process and to invite tenders in respect of the works as required by Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89. The initial estimated cost of the work was below £1 million and procurement was addressed as a medium value contract. A revised estimate prior to inviting tenders estimated the cost of the work at above £1 million; therefore a high value contract. Authority to tender was therefore requested post pre-qualification stage.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that approval be given the pre - tender considerations and the criteria to be used to evaluate tenders as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report from the Director of Children and Families;
(ii) that approval be given to the invite of tenders and their evaluation in accordance with the approved evaluation criteria referred to in (i) above. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Children and Families department are seeking exemption from the full tender requirements and seeking approval from the Executive to commission CNWL to deliver this service on a one year contract from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. By recommissioning the existing provider, it is hoped that there will be minimal disruption to delivery for 2010-11. Decision: (i) that approval be given to an exemption from the usual tendering requirements of Contract Standing Orders in relation to the joint Council and NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, on the basis that there are good operational reasons for doing so as set out in section 3 of the report from the Director of Children and Families;
(ii) that approval be given to award a contract jointly with Brent Primary Care Trust for the joint Council and NHS Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service to the current provider, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. Minutes: The Director of Children and Families in his report sought an exemption from the full tender requirements and approval from the Executive to commission Central and North West LondonNHS Foundation Trust to deliver The Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service this service on a one year contract from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011. By re-commissioning the existing provider, it was hoped that there will be minimal disruption to delivery for 2010-11.
RESOLVED:
(i) that approval be given to an exemption from the usual tendering requirements of Contract Standing Orders in relation to the joint Council and NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, on the basis that there are good operational reasons for doing so as set out in section 3 of the report from the Director of Children and Families;
(ii) that approval be given to award a contract jointly with Brent Primary Care Trust for the joint Council and NHS Children and Adolescent Mental Health Service to the current provider, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011.
Councillor Detre declared a personal interested as a member of the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Building Schools for the Future - procurement of a Joint Local Education Partnership with Barnet and Enfield councils This report asks the Executive to endorse the commitment made by the Chief Executive and Leader to enter into a joint procurement with Enfield and Barnet Councils. It is important to note that the inclusion of the right to withdraw in the MOU protects Brent’s interests. Regular reviews will be carried to ensure Brent’s position is protected and all requirements are being fully met. NB This report is to follow and will be circulated separately in advance of the meeting. Decision: that the verbal report from the Director of Children and Families be noted together with officers’ advice that following detailed discussions with potential partners, it was considered to not be in the Council’s interest to proceed with the Joint Local Education Partnership with the Barnet and Enfield councils. Minutes: Councillor Wharton (Lead Member, Children and Families) advised that following discussions representatives from the London boroughs of Enfield and Barnet, officers had not been able to reach agreement on the proposed joint Local Education Partnership and it was no longer considered to be in the council’s interest to proceed. It was noted that options to enter into LEP arrangements with other boroughs remained.
RESOLVED:-
that the verbal report from the Director of Children and Families be noted together with officers’ advice that following detailed discussions with potential partners, it was considered to not be in the Council’s interest to proceed with the Joint Local Education Partnership with the Barnet and Enfield councils. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Supply and Demand and Temporary Accommodation PDF 407 KB This report seeks Members’ approval of the lettings projections for 20010/11, and provides Members with an updated supply and demand analysis for housing, including lettings performance in 2009/10 and progress against Temporary Accommodation reduction targets. Decision: (i) that the updated supply and demand analysis for housing, including lettings performance in 2009/10, as given in Appendix A to the report from the Director of Housing and Community Care, be noted;
(ii) that approval be given to the lettings projections for 2010/11, as detailed in paragraph 3.11 and in Appendix E of the Director’s report. Minutes: Councillor Allie (Lead Member, Housing and Customer Services) introduced the report which sought approval to the lettings projections for 20010/11, and provided members with an updated supply and demand analysis for housing, including lettings performance in 2009/10 and progress against temporary accommodation reduction targets. He referred to the reduction in the number of homeless and in the number of households on the Housing Register. Councillor Allie also drew attention work taking place with Children and Families to progress the delivery of a co-located service for 16 and 17 year olds in housing need.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the updated supply and demand analysis for housing, including lettings performance in 2009/10, in Appendix A to the report from the Director of Housing and Community Care, be noted;
(ii) that approval be given to the lettings projections for 2010/11, as detailed in paragraph 3.11 and in Appendix E of the Director’s report. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Authority to proceed with refurbishment of 8 St Gabriel's Road and 170 Walm Lane NW2 PDF 91 KB This report asks the Executive for authority to proceed with the refurbishment and modernisation of two Council owned properties at 8 St Gabriel’s Road NW2 and 170A Walm Lane NW2. This project is one of the work streams contained in Adult Social Care’s Transformation Golden Project. Decision: (i) that approval be given to the refurbishment and modernisation of two Council owned properties at 8 St Gabriel’s Road NW2 and 170 Walm Lane NW2 for the delivery of services and accommodation to service users with mental health needs;
(ii) that approval be given to the use of the Adult Social Care Single Capital Pot for 2009/10 and 2010/11 for the works and professional fees required to refurbish the properties described in paragraph 2.1 of the report from the Director of Housing and Community Care. Minutes: The report from the Director of Housing and Community Care sought authority to proceed with the refurbishment and modernisation of two Council owned properties at 8 St Gabriel’s Road NW2 and 170A Walm Lane NW2. This project was one of the work streams contained in Adult Social Care’s Transformation Gold Project.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that approval be given to the refurbishment and modernisation of two council owned properties at 8 St Gabriel’s Road NW2 and 170 Walm Lane NW2 for the delivery of services and accommodation to service users with mental health needs;
(ii) that approval be given to the use of the Adult Social Care Single Capital Pot for 2009/10 and 2010/11 for the works and professional fees required to refurbish the properties referred to in (i) above. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
This report addresses those freehold buildings owned by the Council where the long-leasehold interest for individual dwellings that comprise the freehold has been sold, in the main through Right to Buy. The Council’s managing agent, Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) has concerns that the risks to the Council and the net costs of managing these properties far outweigh the benefits of ownership through the ground rent. BHP is recommending to the Council that they should consider freehold disposals Additional documents: Decision: (i) that approval be given to the disposal of the freehold of buildings that are accounted for in the Council’s statutory Housing Revenue Account (HRA) where 100% of the long-leasehold interest of the flats in those buildings have been disposed of, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report from the Director of Housing and Community Care;
(ii) that the net capital receipt from the disposal be allocated within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to fund Health and Safety works for dwellings in the HRA;
(iii) that the Head of Property and Asset Management and the Director of Housing and Community Care, be delegated authority to approve future disposals of the freehold interest of buildings accounted for in the HRA, once the leasehold interest of 100% of those particular blocks has been disposed of;
(iv) that the Head of Property and Asset Management and the Director of Housing and Community Care (in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing) be authorised to initially offer the freehold interest of the properties set out in Appendix 1 of the Director’s report to the existing leaseholders who are occupying housing accommodation in those properties and such disposals are dependent upon the best price that can be reasonably obtained;
(v) that If no disposal was made to existing leaseholders as set out in paragraph (iv) above, then authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Asset Management and the Director of Housing to make arrangements for the disposal of such properties and to obtain the best price that can be reasonably obtained, subject to consent from the Secretary of State for those disposals;
(vi) that authority be delegated to the Director of Housing and Community Care to apply to the Secretary of State under section 32 of the Housing Act 1985 to dispose of the freehold interest of the properties set out in Appendix 1 of the Director’s report when it is necessary to do so. Minutes: The report from the Director of Housing and Community Care addressed those freehold buildings owned by the Council where the long-leasehold interest for individual dwellings that comprise the freehold has been sold, in the main through Right to Buy. The Council’s managing agent, Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) had concerns that the risks to the Council and the net costs of managing these properties far outweighed the benefits of ownership through the ground rent and so recommended that the Council should consider freehold disposals.
RESOLVED: -
(i) that approval be given to the disposal of the freehold of buildings that are accounted for in the Council’s statutory Housing Revenue Account (HRA) where 100% of the long-leasehold interest of the flats in those buildings have been disposed of, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report from the Director of Housing and Community Care;
(ii) that the net capital receipt from the disposal be allocated within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) to fund Health and Safety works for dwellings in the HRA;
(iii) that the Head of Property and Asset Management and the Director of Housing and Community Care, be delegated authority to approve future disposals of the freehold interest of buildings accounted for in the HRA, once the leasehold interest of 100% of those particular blocks has been disposed of;
(iv) that the Head of Property and Asset Management and the Director of Housing and Community Care (in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing) be authorised to initially offer the freehold interest of the properties set out in Appendix 1 of the Director’s report to the existing leaseholders who are occupying housing accommodation in those properties and such disposals are dependent upon the best price that can be reasonably obtained;
(v) that If no disposal was made to existing leaseholders as set out in paragraph (iv) above, then authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Asset Management and the Director of Housing to make arrangements for the disposal of such properties and to obtain the best price that can be reasonably obtained, subject to consent from the Secretary of State for those disposals;
(vi) that authority be delegated to the Director of Housing and Community Care to apply to the Secretary of State under section 32 of the Housing Act 1985 to dispose of the freehold interest of the properties set out in Appendix 1 of the Director’s report when it is necessary to do so. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
This report asks the Executive to agree that a proposed contract for supported housing services at Livingstone House 105 Melville Road NW10 8UB be exempted from the tendering requirements ordinarily required by the Council’s Contract Standing Orders, for good operational and financial reasons as set out in the report. Decision: (i) that approval be given for a contract for a housing support service for single homeless people at Livingstone House 105 Melville Road NW10 be exempt from the tendering requirements ordinarily required by Contract Standing Orders for good operational and financial reasons as set out in section 3 of the report from the Director of Housing and Community Care;
(ii) that approval be given for three year contract for housing support services for hostel residents at Livingstone House 105 Melville Road NW10 be awarded to the existing provider English Churches Housing Group from 1 June 2010, with the option of a further two year extension, on the basis that the Council receives 100% referral and nomination rights to the service and accommodation units at the hostel. Minutes: The Director of Housing and Community Care’s report asked for agreement to a proposed contract for supported housing services at Livingstone House, 105 Melville Road NW10 8UB to be exempted from the tendering requirements ordinarily required by the Council’s Contract Standing Orders, for the good operational and financial reasons as set out in the report.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that approval be given for a contract for a housing support service for single homeless people at Livingstone House 105 Melville Road NW10 be exempt from the tendering requirements ordinarily required by Contract Standing Orders for good operational and financial reasons as set out in section 3 of the report from the Director of Housing and Community Care;
(ii) that approval be given for three year contract for housing support services for hostel residents at Livingstone House 105 Melville Road NW10 be awarded to the existing provider English Churches Housing Group from 1 June 2010, with the option of a further two year extension, on the basis that the Council receives 100% referral and nomination rights to the service and accommodation units at the hostel. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Local authorities new building programme PDF 129 KB Brent Council has received a funding allocation of £2.047 million to develop 21 new affordable homes on the St. Raphael’s Estate under the Homes and Communities Agency Local Authority New Build programme. This report advises Members of steps being taken to progress the programme and specifically requests the Executive to grant delegated authority to the Director of Housing & Community Care to sign a Grant Agreement with the Homes and Community Agency and to grant delegated authority to the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources to prudentially borrow £1.689 million to be serviced by the rental income from the properties. Additional documents:
Decision: (i) that authority be delegated to the Director of Housing and Community Care, in consultation with the Borough Solicitor and the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, to enter into to a Grant Agreement with the Homes and Communities Agency in respect of the funding allocation of £2.047 million for the development of 21 new affordable homes on the St. Raphael’s Estate under the Homes and Communities Agency Local Authority New Build programme;
(ii) that the appointment of architects, quantity surveyor and project managers to progress the planning phase of the programme be noted;
(iii) that officers’ intention to procure building contract to develop the sites under a permissible framework agreement and to report back to the Executive seeking approval to award such contract be noted;
(iv) that authority be given to the Director of Housing and Community Care, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing, to submit further bids to the Homes and Communities Agency for schemes to be developed under the Local Authority New Build programme without prior Executive approval provided that Executive approval will be required before completing each scheme and/or entering into any Grant Agreement or other agreement for any such schemes;
(v) that authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources to prudentially borrow £1.689 million to be serviced by the rental income from the properties referred to in paragraph 2.1 over a 30?35 year period, with the discretion to increase this sum by 10% to cover build cost and other contingencies. Minutes: Councillor Allie (Lead Member, Housing and Customer Services) introduced the report which advised members of steps being taken to progress the programme to develop 21 new affordable homes on the St Raphael’s Estate under the Homes and Communities Agency Local Authority New Build for which a funding allocation of £2.047 million had been received. This project aimed to improve the physical environment for residents on the St Raphael’s Estate through access to quality and appropriately sized family housing, and estate layout, play space, landscaping and environmental improvements. The report requested the grant of delegated authority to the Director of Housing and Community Care to sign a Grant Agreement with the Homes and Community Agency and to grant delegated authority to the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources to prudentially borrow £1.689 million to be serviced by the rental income from the properties.
The Executive also had before them appendices to the report which were not for publication as they 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 authority be delegated to the Director of Housing and Community Care, in consultation with the Borough Solicitor and the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources, to enter into to a Grant Agreement with the Homes and Communities Agency in respect of the funding allocation of £2.047 million for the development of 21 new affordable homes on the St. Raphael’s Estate under the Homes and Communities Agency Local Authority New Build programme;
(ii) that the appointment of architects, quantity surveyor and project managers to progress the planning phase of the programme be noted;
(iii) that officers’ intention to procure building contract to develop the sites under a permissible framework agreement and to report back to the Executive seeking approval to award such contract be noted;
(iv) that authority be given to the Director of Housing and Community Care, in consultation with the Lead Member for Housing, to submit further bids to the Homes and Communities Agency for schemes to be developed under the Local Authority New Build programme without prior Executive approval provided that Executive approval will be required before completing each scheme and/or entering into any Grant Agreement or other agreement for any such schemes;
(v) that authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources to prudentially borrow £1.689 million to be serviced by the rental income from the properties referred to in paragraph 2.1 over a 30?35 year period, with the discretion to increase this sum by 10% to cover build cost and other contingencies. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Housing and social care non HRA PFI authority to award phase 2 of contract PDF 191 KB The Housing and Social Care PFI was developed to provide social housing and replacement residential facilities for people with learning disabilities with the aid of a government grant. Approval is now sought for the next phase of the contract. Additional documents:
Decision: (i) that the progress on delivery of Phase 1 of the scheme in paragraphs 3.3 to 3.5 of the report from the Director of Housing and Community Care be noted;
(ii) that approval be given to the revised total of 165 units at Phase 2 of the scheme – taking total units for Phase 1 and Phase 2 to 384 – as set out in paragraph 4.6 of the Director’s report;
(iii) that authority be delegated to the Director of Housing and Community Care, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources and the Borough Solicitor, to agree the variation to the PFI Project Agreement and all other related documents including those which shall be entered into by the Council with any of Brent Co-Efficient's funders or subcontractors, in order to enable financial close on Phase 2 of the project;
(iv) that the Borough Solicitor, or a delegate on her behalf, be authorised, to execute all of the legal agreements, contracts and other documents on behalf of the Council in relation to Phase 2 of this project (and such other legal agreements and documentation which may be necessary to give full effect to the variation to the PFI Contract), subject to her receiving confirmation of credit approval from the Department for Communities and Local Government or, executing such contracts and other documentation with a pre-condition that they shall only come into full effect upon the issuing of such PFI credit approval by the CLG;
(v) that the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources can issue, on behalf of the Council, such certificate or certificates under the Local Government (Contracts) Act 1997 in respect of: a. the Deed of Amendment to give effect to the variations to the PFI Project Agreement; b. the Direct Agreement Amendment Deed to give effect to the variations to the Direct Agreement entered into between the Council, the funders and Brent Co-Efficient; and c. the Residual Value Amendment Deed to give effect to the revised Residual Value Deed to be entered into between the Council, Hyde Housing Association and the funders;
(vi) that the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources will be fully indemnified by the Council in the event of any claim against him arising from the provision of any Certificate he may issue in accordance with recommendations/decisions in (v) above;
(vii) that the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources can issue, on behalf of the Council, a Certificate under the Local Government (Contracts) Act 1997 in respect of the Procurement Deed to be entered into between the Council, Brent Co-Efficient and Hyde Housing Associaton;
(viii) that the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources will be fully indemnified by the Council in the event of any claim against him arising from the provision of any certificate he may issue in accordance with recommendation/decision in (vii) above. Minutes: The report from the Director of Housing and Community Care reminded the Executive that financial close on Phase 1 of the Housing and Social Care PFI project was reached in December 2008. This included the provision of 195 housing units and 20 units for people with learning disabilities. The project was developed to provide social housing and replacement residential facilities for people with learning disabilities with the aid of a government grant. Since December 2008, there have been negotiations on the provision of further housing units as part of Phase 2 of the scheme. Changes to interest rates and bank margins since December 2008 have required measures to be taken, as part of these negotiations, to ensure Phase 2 of the scheme remains affordable. One of these measures was a reduction in the number of planned units for Phase 2 from 185 reported previously to 169, reducing total units for both phases of the scheme from 400 to 384. Financial close on Phase 2 was scheduled for 31 March 2010.
Circulated in advance of the meeting was a supplementary report advising that the funders have requested that an additional Contract Act Certificate be given in respect of the proposed Procurement Deed and the Executive was therefore also asked to agree additional recommendations. The Executive 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:
i) Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information);
ii) Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings;
and the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the progress on delivery of Phase 1 of the scheme in paragraphs 3.3 to 3.5 of the report from the Director of Housing and Community Care be noted;
(ii) that approval be given to the revised total of 165 units at Phase 2 of the scheme – taking total units for Phase 1 and Phase 2 to 384 – as set out in paragraph 4.6 of the Director’s report;
(iii) that authority be delegated to the Director of Housing and Community Care, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources and the Borough Solicitor, to agree the variation to the PFI Project Agreement and all other related documents including those which shall be entered into by the Council with any of Brent Co-Efficient's funders or subcontractors, in order to enable financial close on Phase 2 of the project;
(iv) that the Borough Solicitor, or a delegate on her behalf, be authorised, to execute all of the legal agreements, contracts and other documents on behalf of the Council in relation to Phase 2 of this project (and such other legal agreements and documentation which may be necessary to ... view the full minutes text for item 17. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
This report recommends an extension to the Council’s existing partnership agreement with Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust for up to 9 months from 1 April 2010. Decision: (i) that approval be given to the temporary extension of the existing partnership agreement with the Central and North West London Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust for a period of up to 9 months from 1 April 2010;
(ii) that authority be delegated to the Director of Housing and Community Care, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources to resolve any outstanding issues with Central and North West London Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust prior to entering into the extension period detailed in paragraph (i) above;
(iii) that progress in the fundamental review of the partnership arrangements with Central and North West London Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust and the intention of the Director of Housing and Community Care to report on the proposed replacement partnership agreement by 31 September 2010 be noted. Minutes: The report from the Director of Housing and Community Care recommended an extension to the Council’s existing partnership agreement with Central and North West London Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust for up to nine months from 1 April 2010. The report also set out the work in progress to put in place a new agreement within the next year for the services involved under recent legislation in line with the previous Executive decision 18 March 2008. A dedicated project was in place to deliver the recommendations for a new long term agreement within the next six months for consideration by the Trust Board and the Council Executive.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that approval be given to the temporary extension of the existing partnership agreement with the Central and North West London Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust for a period of up to 9 months from 1 April 2010;
(ii) that authority be delegated to the Director of Housing and Community Care, in consultation with the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources to resolve any outstanding issues with Central and North West London Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust prior to entering into the extension period detailed in paragraph (i) above;
(iii) that progress in the fundamental review of the partnership arrangements with Central and North West London Mental Health Foundation NHS Trust and the intention of the Director of Housing and Community Care to report on the proposed replacement partnership agreement by 31 September 2010 be noted. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Performance and Finance Review Quarter 3 PDF 215 KB This report summarises Brent Council’s spending, activity and performance in Quarter 3, 2009/10 and highlights key issues and solutions to them. It takes a corporate overview of financial and service performance and provides an analysis of high risk areas. The report is accompanied by appendices providing budget, activity and performance data for each service area, the Local Area Agreement, ring fenced budgets and the capital programme. Vital Signs trend data and graphs are also provided along with the council’s overall budget summary. Additional documents: Decision: (i) that the council’s spending, activity and performance in the third quarter of 2009/10 be noted;
(ii) that all directors ensure that spending is kept within budget and underperformance tackled, and that measures be taken, in consultation with relevant portfolio holders, to achieve this. Minutes: Councillor Lorber (Chair, Lead Member, Corporate Strategy and Policy Coordination) introduced the report which summarised Brent Council’s spending, activity and performance in Quarter 3, 2009/10 and highlighted key issues and solutions to them. It took a corporate overview of financial and service performance and provided an analysis of high risk areas. The report was accompanied by appendices providing budget, activity and performance data for each service area, the Local Area Agreement, ring fenced budgets and the capital programme. Vital Signs trend data and graphs were also provided along with the council’s overall budget summary. Councillor Lorber reminded members of the need to look at areas of current under performance and take measures to bring them back on target.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the council’s spending, activity and performance in the third quarter of 2009/10 be noted;
(ii) that all directors ensure that spending is kept within budget and underperformance tackled, and that measures be taken, in consultation with relevant portfolio holders, to achieve this. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Authority to tender contract for insurance of leaseholder 'right to buy' properties PDF 112 KB This report seeks authority under Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 to invite tenders for a single provider framework agreement for the provision of building insurance for private dwellings sold by the Council to tenants under the Right to Buy scheme. The framework agreement will commence on 1 August 2010 and will be for a period of 3 years. Decision: (i) that approval be given to the pre-tender considerations and the criteria to be used to evaluate tenders for a framework for the provision of insurance for private dwellings sold by the Council to tenants pursuant to the Right to Buy scheme as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report from the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources;
(ii) that approval be given to the invite of tenders and their evaluation in accordance with the approved evaluation criteria referred to in (i) above. Minutes: The report from the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources sought authority under Contract Standing Orders 88 and 89 for the invite of tenders for a single provider framework agreement for the provision of building insurance for private dwellings sold by the Council to tenants under the Right to Buy scheme. The framework agreement would commence on 1 August 2010 and would be for a period of 3 years.
RESOLVED:
(i) that approval be given to the pre-tender considerations and the criteria to be used to evaluate tenders for a framework for the provision of insurance for private dwellings sold by the Council to tenants pursuant to the Right to Buy scheme as set out in paragraph 3.4 of the report from the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources;
(ii) that approval be given to the invite of tenders and their evaluation in accordance with the approved evaluation criteria referred to in (i) above. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Disposal of 79a and 79b Tubbs Road PDF 244 KB This report seeks Executive’s consent to the disposal of the above property on the terms detailed in this report. Additional documents:
Decision: (i) that the Head of Property and Asset Management be authorised to acquire and then dispose of the property at 79a and 79b Tubbs Road in line with the following options:
a) to a Housing Association that has been nominated by the Director of Housing and Community Care b) to Brent Housing Partnership as part of the ALMO Settled Homes Initiative c) or in the event that disposal under options (i) or (ii) cannot be achieved; by way of public auction
(ii) that authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Asset Management to determine the final terms of the disposal, provided that the consideration obtained should be the best that can, in his opinion, reasonably be obtained and the other terms shall be such as he considers to be in the best interests of the Council. Minutes: Councillor Blackman (Lead Member, Resources) introduced the report which sought consent to the disposal of the property at 79a and 79b Tubbs Road on the terms detailed in the report from the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources. Councillor Blackman welcomed the opportunity for additional capital receipt that could be invested in housing.
The Executive 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 and business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information):
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the Head of Property and Asset Management be authorised to acquire and then dispose of the property at 79a and 79b Tubbs Road in line with the following options:
a) to a Housing Association that has been nominated by the Director of Housing and Community Care b) to Brent Housing Partnership as part of the ALMO Settled Homes Initiative c) or in the event that disposal under options (i) or (ii) cannot be achieved; by way of public auction
(ii) that authority be delegated to the Head of Property and Asset Management to determine the final terms of the disposal, provided that the consideration obtained should be the best that can, in his opinion, reasonably be obtained and the other terms shall be such as he considers to be in the best interests of the Council. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Authority to agree a extension to the Council's existing contracts for office supplies PDF 76 KB This report requests authority to agree a further three month extension to the Council’s existing contracts with Office Depot (UK) Ltd and The Paper Company for the provision of office supplies. This report details briefly the procedure followed the London Contracts and Supply Group in procuring a framework agreement for the provision of office supplies and explains why a three month extension of existing arrangements is sought. Additional documents:
Decision: Minutes: The report from the Director of Business Transformation requested authority to agree a further three month extension to the Council’s existing contracts with Office Depot (UK) Ltd and The Paper Company for the provision of office supplies.
The Executive 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 there are good operational reasons for not tendering contracts for the provision of office supplies and approval be given to a three month extension of existing contracts with Office Depot (UK) Ltd and The Paper Company. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reference of item considered by Overview and Scrutiny Committee PDF 85 KB Forward Plan Select Committee – 9 February 2010 - Willesden Junction Station Councillor Call for Action request Decision: Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 9 February 2010 Willesden Junction Station – Councillor Call for Action request
Agreed. Minutes: Overview and Scrutiny Committee – 9 February 2010 Willesden Junction Station – Councillor Call for Action request
The Executive considered the request from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for support for initiatives to improve the condition of Willesden Junction Station and surrounding area in cooperation with the adjacent boroughs and Network Rail.
RESOLVED:-
that the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in response to the Councillor Call for Action request in respect of Willesden Junction Station be agreed. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Exclusion of Press and Public The following items (circulated separately) are not for publication as they relate to the following category of exempt information as specified in the Local Government Act 1972 namely:
“Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)" and “Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings.”
Appendices to reports referred to above:
Report from the Director of Housing and Community Care:
Termination of Middlesex House and Lancelot Road non HRA PFI authority to award phase 2 of contract Minutes: RESOLVED:
that the press and public be now excluded from the meeting as the following report contains the following category of exempt information as specified in the Local Government Act 1972 namely:
Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information). |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Termination of Middlesex House and Lancelot Road Housing Scheme This report provides details of a proposed settlement agreement to revise the arrangements the Council entered into with Network Housing Association, now Stadium. Additional documents:
Decision: (i) that approval be given to the negotiated settlement comprising full and final financial settlement between the Council and Stadium (including the financial payments from the Council to Stadium as set out in paragraph 3.40 and 3.41 of the report from the Directors of Finance and Corporate Resources and Housing and Community Care);
(ii) that the Director of Housing and Community Care be authorised to enter into an agreement with Stadium and THFC to effect such a settlement and release the Council from any further financial obligations under the scheme (a draft settlement agreement is attached at Appendix 6 and draft Deed of Release is attached at Appendix 7 of the Directors’ report) pursuant to the Council’s powers under Section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972, section 24 of the Local Government Act 1988, section 22 of the Housing Act 1996 and section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 as set out in paragraphs 5.16 to 5.23 of the report;
(iii) that approval be given for the Director of Housing and Community Care to seek consent from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government under section 25 of the Local Government Act 1988 for the payment of any agreed sum to Stadium as part of the financial settlement;
(iv) that the correction to the balances total in para 3.41 of the Directors’ report referred to by the Borough Solicitor at the meeting, be noted. Minutes: The Director of Housing and Community Care introduced this report which provided details of a proposed settlement agreement in order to allow the revised arrangements the Council entered into with Network Housing Association, now Stadium, in 2000 to be terminated. The report requested the Executive’s approval for the Director of Housing and Community Care in consultation with the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources and the Borough Solicitor to enter in an agreement with Stadium to effect the proposed settlement subject to the Council obtaining the Secretary of State’s consent. The Borough Solicitor drew members’ attention to the balances figure within the report at paragraph 3.41 which had been incorrectly stated and advised of the correct figure which was agreed.
In answer to a question, the Director of Finance and Corporate Resources explained the financial details of the settlement and how it would be funded. It would reduce financial risk to the council. The Director of Housing and Community Care confirmed that the agreement once in place would end the council’s direct involvement in Middlesex House and Lancelot Road.
RESOLVED:
(i) that approval be given to the negotiated settlement comprising full and final financial settlement between the Council and Stadium (including the financial payments from the Council to Stadium as set out in paragraph 3.40 and 3.41 of the report from the Directors of Finance and Corporate Resources and Housing and Community Care);
(ii) that the Director of Housing and Community Care be authorised to enter into an agreement with Stadium and THFC to effect such a settlement and release the Council from any further financial obligations under the scheme (a draft settlement agreement is attached at Appendix 6 and draft Deed of Release is attached at Appendix 7 of the Directors’ report) pursuant to the Council’s powers under Section 111 of the Local Government Act 1972, section 24 of the Local Government Act 1988, section 22 of the Housing Act 1996 and section 2 of the Local Government Act 2000 as set out in paragraphs 5.16 to 5.23 of the report;
(iii) that approval be given for the Director of Housing and Community Care to seek consent from the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government under section 25 of the Local Government Act 1988 for the payment of any agreed sum to Stadium as part of the financial settlement;
(iv) that the correction to the balances total in para 3.41 of the Directors’ report referred to by the Borough Solicitor at the meeting, be noted. |