Agenda, decisions and minutes

RESOLVED:

that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 20 January 2016 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

None.

Councillor McLennan declared an interest in the item relating to the Northwick Park Pavilion as ward councillor.

1.1.       Agree an overall 3.99% increase in the Council’s element of council tax for 2016/17 with 2% as a precept for Adult Social Care and a 1.99% general increase.

1.2.       Agree that if the 2% adult social care precept in the Council’s element of council tax is rejected, Adult Social Care expenditure will be cut by £1.9m in 2016/17 from the levels proposed in this paper.

1.3.       Agree the General Fund revenue budget for 2016/17, as summarised in Appendix B.

1.4.       Agree the cost pressures and savings detailed in Appendix D and dedicated schools’ grant as set out in section six.

1.5.       Agree the revisions set out in paragraphs 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 to the savings originally proposed in the budget set in the 2015/16 budget.

1.6.       Agree the revision set out in paragraphs 6.6 to remove saving MGF02 from the 2017/18 and 2018/19 budget proposals.

1.7.       Note the Chief Finance Officer's assessment of risks as set out in Appendix E.

1.8.       Note the report from the Budget Scrutiny Panel in Appendix F

1.9.       Note the results of consultation as set out in section 9

1.10.    Agree the budgets for central items as detailed in Appendix G.

1.11.    Agree the capital programme as set out in Appendix J.

1.12.    Agree the Treasury Management Strategy and the Annual Investment Strategy for 2016/17 set out in Appendix K.

1.13.    Agree the Prudential Indicators measuring affordability, capital spending, external debt and treasury management set out in Appendix L

1.14.    Note the advice of the Chief Legal Officer as set out in Appendix M

1.15.    Agree the categorisation of Earmarked Reserves and Provisions set out in Appendix N

1.16.    Agree the schedules of fees and charges set out at Appendix Q

For Council

These recommendations only include a provisional Council Tax level for the GLA as its final budget was not agreed when this report was dispatched.  This means that the statutory calculation of the total amount of Council Tax under Section 30(2) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 may be amended by the final Greater London Authority precept.

1.17.    In relation to the council tax for 2016/17 we resolve:

            That the following amounts be now calculated by the Council for the year 2016/17 in accordance with Sections 31 to 36 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 as amended:

(a) £1,025,870,075   being the aggregate of the amount that the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(2) of the Act.

(b) £927,580,000      being the aggregate of the amounts that the Council estimates for the items set out in Section 31A(3) of the Act.

(c)  £98,290,075       being the amount by which the aggregate at (a) above exceeds the aggregate at (b) above, calculated by the Council, in accordance with Section 31A(4) of the Act, as its Council Tax requirement for the year.

 (d)  £1,101.24           being the amount at (c) above, divided by the amount for the taxbase of 89,254, agreed by  ...  view the full decision text for item 4.

Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader) in introducing proposals for the 2016/17 budget, referred to the extensive budget consultation exercise including meetings of Brent Connects and thanked all who had taken part. He stressed the efforts that the council had made to listen and respond to residents’ concerns, for example in removing plans to reduce the Highways maintenance budget, and felt that the community broadly accepted the proposals. The council was required to make a further £45m of budget cuts, a total of 70% between 2010 and 2018. Councillor Pavey set out key messages which including achieving savings through improved procurement, generating additional income, offering high quality support through children’s centres and home care. Councillor Pavey stated that the council had no option but to increase council tax levels to continue help protect the most vulnerable.  A four per cent increase was proposed, half of which would be ring fenced to protect the most vulnerable. He also referred to the assistance available under the Council Tax Support Scheme. Councillor Pavey advised that a meeting with the Minister for Local Government had not offered any comfort and acknowledged that it was a difficult time for residents.

The Chief Finance Officer, Conrad Hall, advised that the final settlement had been debated by Parliament earlier in the day and transitional funding would be made available. He would advise members of any required change to the figures.

Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) reminded the Cabinet that the budget proposals had been in the public domain since the end of the previous year and had been thoroughly debated. He referred to central government proposals such as pay to stay and the bedroom tax which would have a significant adverse impact and the council’s aim to help the vulnerable and needy.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to an overall 3.99% increase in the council’s element of council tax for 2016/17 with 2% as a precept for Adult Social Care and a 1.99% general increase;

(ii)        that if the 2% adult social care precept in the Council’s element of council tax was rejected, Adult Social Care expenditure be cut by £1.9m in 2016/17 from the levels proposed in the report from the Chief Finance Officer;

(iii)       that agreement be given to the General Fund revenue budget for 2016/17, as summarised in Appendix B;

(iv)       that agreement be given to the cost pressures and savings detailed in Appendix D and dedicated schools’ grant as set out in section six;

(v)        that the revisions set out in paragraphs 6.3, 6.4 and 6.5 of the report from the Chief Finance Officer to the savings originally proposed in the budget set in the 2015/16 budget be agreed;

(vi)       that the revision set out in paragraphs 6.6 to remove saving MGF02 from the 2017/18 and 2018/19 budget proposals be agreed;

(vii)      that the Chief Finance Officer's assessment of risks as set out in Appendix E be noted;

(viii)     that the report from the Budget Scrutiny Panel in Appendix F be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

This report seeks approval for LB Brent to join a Procurement Shared Service (PSS) that will be led by LB Harrow as set out in the Business Case at Appendix A.   The principal aim of joining the PSS will be to ensure that the Council continues to receive Procurement services whilst being in a strong position to deliver the required savings of £272k from procurement in 2016/17. 

(i)         that the provision of its procurement service be delegated to the London Borough of Harrow with effect from 1st April 2016 or such other date as may reasonably be agreed with the London Borough of Harrow;

(ii)        that approval be given to enter into an Inter Authority Agreement confirming the terms of the delegation of the provision of its procurement service to the London Borough of Harrow;

(iii)       that authority be delegated to the Director Performance, Policy and Partnerships in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Chief Legal Officer to negotiate the precise terms of the Inter Authority Agreement for a Procurement Shared Service between the London Borough of Brent, the London Borough of Harrow and Buckinghamshire County Council as set out in the Business Case at Appendix A.

(iv)       that the proposed staffing arrangements including the transfer of procurement staff currently employed by the London Borough of Brent to the London Borough of Harrow as set out at paragraphs 3.6 and 3.7 be noted.

The report from the Director of Performance, Policy and Partnership sought approval for LB Brent to join a Procurement Shared Service (PSS) that would be led by LB Harrow as set out in the Business Case at Appendix A of the Director’s report.   The principal aim of joining the PSS was be to ensure that the Council continued to receive Procurement services whilst being in a strong position to deliver the required savings of £272k from procurement in 2016/17.  Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader of the Council) in introducing the report, stated that the proposals would allow the council to share expertise and achieve economies of scale. A joint member level procurement committee would meet annually and Brent would still have its own procurement policy.

Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) referred to the major benefit in joining the PSS arrangement namely that the borough would be in a strong position to obtain far greater benefit from Social Value in its contracts to benefit the community.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the provision of its procurement service be delegated to the London Borough of Harrow with effect from 1st April 2016 or such other date as may reasonably be agreed with the London Borough of Harrow;

(ii)        that approval be given to enter into an Inter Authority Agreement confirming the terms of the delegation of the provision of its procurement service to the London Borough of Harrow;

(iii)       that authority be delegated to the Director of Performance, Policy and Partnerships in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer and Chief Legal Officer to negotiate the precise terms of the Inter Authority Agreement for a Procurement Shared Service between the London Borough of Brent, the London Borough of Harrow and Buckinghamshire County Council as set out in the Business Case at Appendix A;

(iv)       that the proposed staffing arrangements including the transfer of procurement staff currently employed by the London Borough of Brent to the London Borough of Harrow as set out at paragraphs 3.6 and 3.7 of the Director’s report be noted.

In accordance with the Council’s Contract Standing Order No 88 this report seeks  Cabinet approval to award two separate contracts (Contract 1: Generalist and Specialist Legal Advice and Contract 2: Brent Advice Partnership) for the delivery of Advice and Guidance Services in Brent. Both contracts are for a period of three years with options to extend for two single years. This report provides details of the services, the procurement process undertaken and, following the completion of the evaluation of the tenders, recommendation for award of the contracts

(i)         that approval be given to the award of the contract for the delivery of Advice and Guidance Services in Brent: Generalist and Specialist Legal Advice to Brent Citizens Advice Bureau, effective from 1 April 2016, for an initial period of three (3) years with an option to extend the contracts for a further two (2) successive one (1) year periods;

(ii)        that approval be given to the award of the contract for the delivery of Advice and Guidance Services in Brent: Brent Advice Partnership to Brent Citizens Advice Bureau, effective from 1 April 2016, for an initial period of three (3) years with an option to extend the contracts for a further two (2) successive one (1) year periods.

The report from the Director of Performance, Policy and Partnerships, in accordance with the Council’s Contract Standing Order No 88, sought Cabinet approval to award two separate contracts (Contract 1: Generalist and Specialist Legal Advice and Contract 2: Brent Advice Partnership) for the delivery of Advice and Guidance Services in Brent. Both contracts were for a period of three years with options to extend for two single years. The report provided details of the services, the procurement process undertaken and, following the completion of the evaluation of the tenders, recommended the award of the contracts.

Members welcomed the report and the proposals which aimed to bring together services and target areas of need.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to the award of the contract for the delivery of Advice and Guidance Services in Brent: Generalist and Specialist Legal Advice to Brent Citizens Advice Bureau, effective from 1 April 2016, for an initial period of three years with an option to extend the contracts for a further two successive one year periods;

(ii)        that approval be given to the award of the contract for the delivery of Advice and Guidance Services in Brent: Brent Advice Partnership to Brent Citizens Advice Bureau, effective from 1 April 2016, for an initial period of three years with an option to extend the contracts for a further two successive one year periods.

This report seeks agreement on amendments to the Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund – Local Grants funding stream from April 2016. 

(i)      that agreement be given to the continuation of the Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund – Local Grants from 2016 with the following changes:

·         Alignment of the priorities of the grant programme to the priorities of The Borough Plan 2015 - 2019

·         A decrease of the total annual amount of funding available of £168K. 

·         A change of term of grant funding from 3 years to 2 years

·         To maintain the maximum grant available at £25K per year per project

·         An introduction of a grant condition of paying all staff funded through the grant the London Living Wage

(ii)      that agreement be given to £50K of the Local Grants funding being allocated to support the implementation of the Community Action Groups.

The Cabinet considered a report from the Director of Performance, Policy and Partnershipswhich sought agreement on amendments to the Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund – Local Grants funding stream from April 2016. 

RESOLVED:

(i)         that agreement be given to the continuation of the Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund – Local Grants from 2016 with the following changes:

·         Alignment of the priorities of the grant programme to the priorities of The Borough Plan 2015 - 2019

·         A decrease of the total annual amount of funding available of £168,000

·         A change of term of grant funding from 3 years to 2 years

·         To maintain the maximum grant available at £25,000 per year per project

·         An introduction of a grant condition of paying all staff funded through the grant the London Living Wage.

(ii)        that agreement be given to £50K of the Local Grants funding being allocated to support the implementation of the Community Action Groups.

Through the Council’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) policy, the Sports Club at the Gladstone Youth and Community Centre was the subject of an Expression of Interest (EOI) by Kilburn Cosmos, (KCRFC). This EOI has been evaluated and has passed the relevant tests as outlined in the CAT policy. The next step of the decision making process is for Cabinet to grant authority to market the asset as a CAT opportunity.

(i)         that approval be given to the marketing of the Sports Club at the Gladstone Youth and Community Centre as a CAT opportunity for a seven year lease, as per 3.9 of the report;

(ii)        that it be noted that, following marketing through a non binding informal tender process, the final decision to let the asset on the agreed terms will be placed before Cabinet for approval;

(iii)       that officers advertise in the local newspaper in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Sports Club as shown on the Site Plan Appendix II and in the event of objections they be considered by the Strategic Director of Resources unless in the opinion of the Strategic Director of Resources significant objections are received in which case this should be reported back to the Cabinet for it to consider.

The report from the Director of Performance, Policy and Partnerships advised that through the Council’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) policy, the Sports Club at the Gladstone Youth and Community Centre was the subject of an Expression of Interest (EOI) by Kilburn Cosmos, (KCRFC). This EOI has been evaluated and has passed the relevant tests as outlined in the CAT policy. Cabinet was now requested to authorise the marketing of the asset as a CAT opportunity.

The Mayor, Councillor Jones, was present to express her support for the work of Kilburn Cosmos and members welcomed the work that was taking place in the area.

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 marketing of the Sports Club at the Gladstone Youth and Community Centre as a CAT opportunity for a seven year lease, as per 3.9 of the report from Performance, Policy and Partnership;

(ii)        that it be noted that, following marketing through a non binding informal tender process, the final decision to let the asset on the agreed terms will be placed before Cabinet for approval;

(iii)       that officers advertise in the local newspaper in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, the Sports Club as shown on the Site Plan Appendix II and in the event of objections they be considered by the Strategic Director of Resources unless in the opinion of the Strategic Director of Resources significant objections are received in which case this should be reported back to the Cabinet for it to consider.

Through the Council’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) policy, the Northwick Park Sports Pavilion was the subject of an Expression of Interest (EOI) by a consortium led by Sudbury Court Residents Association. This EOI has been evaluated and revised to include just the main hall and ancillary areas of the asset; resulting in a successful nomination.  The next step of the decision making process is for Cabinet to grant authority to market the asset as a CAT opportunity.

(i)         that approval be given to the marketing of the Northwick Park Pavilion (Main Hall and Ancillary Areas) as a CAT opportunity for a seven year lease, as per 3.10 of the report;

(ii)        that it be noted that following marketing through a non binding informal tender process, the final decision to let the asset on the agreed terms will be placed before Cabinet for approval;

(iii)       that officers advertise in the local newspaper in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, the land shown edged on the Site Plan Appendix III and in the event of objections they be considered by the Strategic Director of Resources, unless in the opinion of the Strategic Director of Resources significant objections are received, in which case this should be reported to Cabinet for it to consider.

Councillor McLennan introduced the report which sought authority to market, the Northwick Park Sports Pavilion asset as a Community Asset Transfer opportunity. Through the Council’s Community Asset Transfer (CAT) policy, the Northwick Park Sports Pavilion was the subject of an Expression of Interest (EOI) by a consortium led by Sudbury Court Residents Association. This EOI has been evaluated and revised to include just the main hall and ancillary areas of the asset; resulting in a successful nomination.  The proposals would result in a better use of premises.

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 marketing of the Northwick Park Pavilion (Main Hall and Ancillary Areas) as a CAT opportunity for a seven year lease, as per 3.10 of the report;

(ii)        that it be noted that following marketing through a non binding informal tender process, the final decision to let the asset on the agreed terms would be placed before Cabinet for approval;

(iii)       that officers advertise in the local newspaper in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972, the land shown edged on the Site Plan Appendix III and in the event of objections they be considered by the Strategic Director of Resources, unless in the opinion of the Strategic Director of Resources significant objections are received, in which case this should be reported to Cabinet for it to consider.

The purpose of this report is to provide Cabinet with a corporate overview of performance information linked to the current priorities for Brent, to support informed decision-making, and to manage performance effectively. 

(i)         that the performance information contained in this report be noted and agreement given to the remedial actions as necessary;

(ii)        that the current and future strategic risks associated with the information provided be noted and agreement given to the  remedial actions as appropriate.

The purpose of the report was to provide Cabinet with a corporate overview of performance information linked to the current priorities for Brent, to support informed decision-making, and to manage performance effectively.  Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) stated that the council was now focussing on the correct indicators with a more timely presentation of data. Cabinet members in turn referred to indicators in each service area and where the indicators were positive. Reference was made to improvement in illegal dumping, improvements to dwellings, the Living Room project and increasing employment of people with learning disabilities.

With the consent of the Chair, Councillor Warren raised questions on the improvement in fly tipping reporting target referred to in the report which he considered to be negligible and also questioned the amount of waste sent to landfill which was already over the target, asking about plans to reduce this. Councillor Southwood acknowledged that fly tipping was serious concern for and the council had a plan to reduce waste creation.  The nature of waste creation was constantly changing and this was heightened by the number to the number of new people arriving in the borough.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the performance information contained in this report be noted and agreement given to the remedial actions as necessary;

(ii)        that the current and future strategic risks associated with the information provided be noted and agreement given to the  remedial actions as appropriate.

In June 2015 Cabinet agreed to award the contract for managing 14 Brent Children’s Centres to Barnardo Services Limited. The contract commenced on October 5 2015. An essential part of successful Children’s Centre service delivery/ outcomes includes provision of crèche services on site, to allow parents/carers to attend courses and adult centred activities (eg parenting groups, money management courses) knowing their young children are well looked after nearby.  The current provider of crèche services is ceasing this provision and officers consider that varying the contract with Barnardo Services Limited to include such crèche services is an appropriate way of arranging future provision.

that approval be given to the variation of the contract for the operation and management of Brent’s Children’s Centres with Barnardo Services Limited commencing on 5 October 2015 to allow the inclusion of the management and provision of crèche services.

Councillor Moher (Lead Member, Children and Young People) introduced the report which sought to vary the contract with Barnado Services Limited, awarded in June 2015 for the management of 14 Children’s Centres. An essential part of successful Children’s Centre service delivery/outcomes included provision of crèche services on site, to allow parents/carers to attend courses and adult centred activities knowing their young children were well looked after nearby.  The current provider of crèche services was ceasing this provision and officers consider that varying the contract with Barnardo Services Limited to include such crèche services was an appropriate way of arranging future provision. This would allow Barnado Services to take on responsibility for Fawood and Curzon centres following staffing changes. Councillor Moher welcomed the opportunity for further collaborative working.

RESOLVED:

that approval be given to the variation of the contract for the operation and management of Brent’s Children’s Centres with Barnardo Services Limited commencing on 5 October 2015 to allow the inclusion of the management and provision of crèche services.

Cabinet is asked to agree the proposed Admission Arrangements and scheme of co-ordination for Brent Community Schools for 2017/18 and note changes to the arrangements as set out in the recommendations.

The results of the consultation undertaken on proposals to prioritise children of staff and children who attract pupil premium funding are provided

(i)         that the results of the consultation carried out from 23 November 2015 to 4 January 2016 be considered and noted;

(ii)        that the oversubscription criteria for community primary schools for 2017/18 be amended to include children of staff at criterion 5. The impact of the introduction of this criterion will be monitored in relation to the impact on vulnerable children;

(iii)       that children who attract pupil premium funding are not prioritised in the arrangements for admission in 2017/18, but the impact of not Introducing this criterion will be monitored in relation to the impact on vulnerable children;

(iv)       that further amendments be made to the admissions arrangements to include explanations of the processes for measuring the distance from home to school and for the admission of summer born children;

(v)        that the proposed Admission Arrangements for Brent schools and schemes of coordination for maintained schools in Brent for the 2017/2018 academic year are agreed (Appendix 1).

The report before the Cabinet requested agreement to the proposed Admission Arrangements and scheme of co-ordination for Brent Community Schools for 2017/18 and drew attention to changes to the arrangements as set out in the recommendations. The report also set out the results of the consultation undertaken on proposals to prioritise children of staff and children who attract pupil premium funding.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the results of the consultation carried out from 23 November 2015 to 4 January 2016 be considered and noted;

(ii)        that the oversubscription criteria for community primary schools for 2017/18 be amended to include children of staff at criterion 5. The impact of the introduction of this criterion would be monitored in relation to the impact on vulnerable children;

(iii)       that children who attract pupil premium funding be not prioritised in the arrangements for admission in 2017/18, but the impact of not introducing this criterion would be monitored in relation to the impact on vulnerable children;

(iv)       that further amendments be made to the admissions arrangements to include explanations of the processes for measuring the distance from home to school and for the admission of summer born children;

(v)        that the proposed Admission Arrangements for Brent schools and schemes of coordination for maintained schools in Brent for the 2017/2018 academic year be agreed.

This report informs the Cabinet of the outcome of the statutory consultation on the proposal to alter the Lyon Park Schools.

The representation period on the proposal ended on 24 December 2015. This report also informs the Cabinet of the responses to the informal and formal consultations.

that approval be given to the amalgamation of Lyon Park Infant and Lyon Park Junior Schools, which are community schools, from April 2016.  The new school will be known as Lyon Park Primary School.

The Cabinet noted that the alteration to permanently amalgamate Lyon Park Infant School and Lyon Park Junior School by April 2016 has been proposed by the Governing Body of Lyon Park Infant and Junior Schools. This was in line with the School Place Planning Strategy 2014 -18 which was approved by Cabinet in October 2014. The report from the Strategic Director Children and Young People informed the Cabinet of the outcome of the consultations on the proposal to alter the schools. Councillor Moher (Lead Member, Children and Young People) acknowledged that the response rate while low, was in favour of the amalgamation which would formalise the current arrangement.

RESOLVED:

that approval be given to the amalgamation of Lyon Park Infant and Lyon Park Junior Schools, which are community schools, from April 2016.  The new school will be known as Lyon Park Primary School.

This report seeks the approval of Cabinet for the proposed spatial and thematic allocation of Section 106 funds for expenditure in 2016-17 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 2016-17 allocation £3.8m of S106 funding in 2016-17 in the following thematic split: £0.3m for Education; £2.1m for Transport, £1.2m for Amenity and Recreation; £0.2m for Employment be noted; and that opportunities for allocating sums for Affordable Housing, Environment, and Social be pursued further;

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

(iv)       that the Director of Planning & Regeneration be authorised to approve and relevant Heads of Service to deliver projects in 2016-17 over and above the allocations and projects detailed herein where the exceptional circumstances criteria as set out in section 3.7, below, are met.

The report from the Strategic Director, Regeneration and Environment sought approval for the proposed spatial and thematic allocation of Section 106 funds for expenditure in 2016-17 and commissioning specific projects and budget amounts detailed in the report.

Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Housing and Development) drew attention the 50 projects with a combined budget of £3.8m to be funded in 2016-17.

Members welcomed the opportunity for local projects and infrastructure improvement noting that there would also be commissioning of CIL funds for 2016-17 to be reported separately and a further opportunity for residents, community groups and ward councillors to be involved.

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 2016-17 allocation £3.8m of S106 funding in 2016-17 in the following thematic split: £0.3m for Education; £2.1m for Transport, £1.2m for Amenity and Recreation; £0.2m for Employment be noted; and that opportunities for allocating sums for Affordable Housing, Environment, and Social be pursued further;

(iii)       that it be noted that any necessary statutory or non-statutory consultation and the consideration of any objections or representations shall 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 2016-17 over and above the allocations and projects detailed herein where the exceptional circumstances criteria as set out in section 3.7 of the report from the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment are met.

This report sets out the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast outturn for 2015/16 and the proposed HRA budget for 2016/17 as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.  The proposed annual budget takes account of the national rent reductions as required by Government. This will reduce rental income by £498,000 compared with 2015-16 with further reductions required each year to 2020.

(i)           HRA Business Plan Budget 2016-17:

a)    Note the HRA forecast outturn for 2015/16 as set out in section 3.1.1 (Table 1) – Budget Outturn Table 2015/16of this report and to:

b)    Approve the proposals and agree the savings and budget reductions for the HRA budget for 2016/17, as set out in Table 15 of this report and agree that they be included in the overall Budget for 2016/17 for approval by Full Council in February 2016.

c)    Approve the HRA budget growth for 2016/17 of £512k and the use of £3.504m of one-off available resources.

(ii)          HRA Rent Setting 2016-17:

a)    Approve an average overall rent decrease (excluding service charges) from April 2016 of £1.15 per dwelling per week, for HRA council dwellings, which is an average overall rent decrease of 1%.

b)    Agree an average overall rent decrease from April 2016 of £1.26 per dwelling per week for Hillside Dwellings, which is an average overall rent decrease of 1% as set out in section 3.2.2 (Table 6) of this report

c)    Approve an average overall licence decrease (excluding service charges) from April 2016 of £2.45 per pitch, per week, for residential council pitches, which is an average overall licence decrease of 1% as set out in section 3.2.3 (Table 7) of this report.

(iii)       HRA Service Charges 2016-17:

a)    Agree the following Service Charges from April 2016:

          i. Concierge Service Charge:An average increase from £7.76 to £9.04 per week, to meet the actual costs of providing this service.

         ii. Agree all other Service Charge amounts will remain the same in 2016/17 as in 2015/16.

        iii. A review of Helpline Service Charges, including service-user consultation, is carried out in 2016-17 to consider the service specification and costs.

b)    Agree an increase in Garage Rents, as set out in section 3.3.3 and in Table 11 of this report.

c)       Agree to increase the service charges for Hillside dwellings from April 2016 by an average of 0.6% (an average of £0.36 per dwelling per week) as set out in section 3.3.2 (Table 9) of this report.

(iv)         Management Services 2016-17:

a)    Agree a Management Fee for Brent Housing Partnership of £7.458m for 2016/17 which reflects an efficiency saving as set in section 3.1.3 (Table 3).

b)    Note that a review of BHP’s Operating Model is underway with a further report to be made to Cabinet in 2016-17 with recommendations for service improvement and cost savings.

c)    Agree the amendments to the Council’s Tenancy Terms and Conditions for Brent Council Introductory and Secure tenants as set out in section 3.4.1 of this report, taking account of responses to consultation that has been undertaken.

d)    Approve a programme of financial and service reviews to be carried out in 2016/17 to review the cost, quality and customer satisfaction of:

                      I.        Tenant Management Organisation – Watling Gardens

                    II.        Tenant Management Organisation – Kilburn Square

                   III.        Residential Site Pitch Managed Services

e)    Approve a review of the existing Helpline and Estate  ...  view the full decision text for item 15.

The report from the Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing set out the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast outturn for 2015/16 and the proposed HRA budget for 2016/17 as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.  The proposed annual budget took account of the national rent reductions as required by Government. Councillor McLennan (Lead Member, Housing and Development) drew attention to the resulting reduction in rental income by £498,000 compared with 2015-16 with further reductions required each year to 2020 which would need to be clawed back. Councillor McLennan emphasised the need for more affordable homes.

RESOLVED:

(i)        HRA Business Plan Budget 2016-17:

(a)       that the HRA forecast outturn for 2015/16 as set out in section 3.1.1 (Table 1) – Budget Outturn Table 2015/16 of the report Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing be noted;

(b)       that approval be given to the proposals and agreement to the savings and budget reductions for the HRA budget for 2016/17, as set out in Table 15 of the report and agree that they be included in the overall Budget for 2016/17 for approval by Full Council in February 2016;

(c)        that approval be given to the HRA budget growth for 2016/17 of £512k and the use of £3.504m of one-off available resources.

(ii)        HRA Rent Setting 2016-17:

(a)       that approval be given to an average overall rent decrease (excluding service charges) from April 2016 of £1.15 per dwelling per week, for HRA council dwellings, which is an average overall rent decrease of 1%;

(b)       that agreement be given to an average overall rent decrease from April 2016 of £1.26 per dwelling per week for Hillside Dwellings, which is an average overall rent decrease of 1% as set out in section 3.2.2 (Table 6) of the report;

(c)        that approval to given to an average overall licence decrease (excluding service charges) from April 2016 of £2.45 per pitch, per week, for residential council pitches, which is an average overall licence decrease of 1% as set out in section 3.2.3 (Table 7) of the report.

(iii)       HRA Service Charges 2016-17:

a)    that agreement to given to the following Service Charges from April 2016:

(i)    concierge Service Charge: An average increase from £7.76 to £9.04 per week, to meet the actual costs of providing this service;

(ii)   agree all other Service Charge amounts will remain the same in 2016/17 as in 2015/16;

(iii)  a review of Helpline Service Charges, including service-user consultation, is carried out in 2016-17 to consider the service specification and costs.

b)    that agreement be given to an increase in Garage Rents, as set out in section 3.3.3 and in Table 11 of the report;

c)    that the service charges for Hillside dwellings be increased from April 2016 by an average of 0.6% (an average of £0.36 per dwelling per week) as set out in section 3.3.2 (Table 9) of the report.

(iv)       Management Services 2016-17:

a)    that agreement be given to a Management Fee for Brent Housing Partnership  ...  view the full minutes text for item 15.

This covering report introduces the final report of the Independent Healthcare Commission for Northwest London.  Following a year long investigation into health service changes across five London boroughs the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London reported its findings in December 2015.  The Commission was established to investigate the impact of the implementation of the Shaping a Healthier Future programme since 2013 across North West London.  The SaHF programme has seen the closure of A&E facilities at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith and Fulham Hospitals and proposals the consolidation of acute services into five Major Hospitals across North West London.  It also sets out plans to provide more services out of hospitals in community settings and through extended GP services.

(i)         that the findings of the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London detailed in the accompanying report be noted;

(ii)        to note that a copy of the Commission’s report and a letter from the five commissioning boroughs has been sent to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health and the Nation Audit Office;

(iii)       to note that the Council and members of the Health and Wellbeing Board are developing  joint approaches to local service models intended to improve healthcare services, make best use of shared resources and achieve better outcomes for patients.

(iv)       to note that the Council remains concerned that the population modelling used to forecast the investments in future health services in west London significantly underestimates the likely growth in population and the impact of regeneration programmes such as Old Oak Common..

The report from the Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing introduced the final report of the Independent Healthcare Commission for Northwest London.  Following a year long investigation into health service changes across five London boroughs, the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London reported its findings in December 2015.  The Commission was established to investigate the impact of the implementation of the Shaping a Healthier Future programme since 2013 across North West London.  The SaHF programme has resulted in the closure of Accident and Emergency facilities at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith and Fulham Hospitals and proposals to consolidate acute services into five major hospitals across north west London.  It also sets out plans to provide more services out of hospitals in community settings and through extended GP services.

Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) stated that the report highlighted the intense pressure and the need for services to be reshaped. Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults, Health and Wellbeing) referred to the concern of north west London boroughs at waiting times, in particular at Northwick Park which was the worst in the country since the closure of the Central Middlesex accident and emergency unit. Councillor Hirani drew attention to the increasing costs of the SaHF programme with costs now estimated at £1.3 billion and argued that there was a need for reconsideration and greater local involvement.

With the consent of the Chair, Councillor Warren questioned the independence of the Commission’s report given that it was chaired by Michael Mansfield QC and the length of time taken to produce the report. He also questioned whether a request for a judicial review would be put forward. Councillor Hirani responded that Michael Mansfield was well regarded with a track record of involvement in many high profile cases. A considerable amount of evidence had been considered and the right of reply had to be offered, all of which took time. In the absence of any improvement, a Judicial Review would be considered. Members expressed grave concern at the findings, the decline in A&E services with Northwick Park Hospital being overwhelmed. They considered that the SaHF programme was fundamentally flawed and noted that a letter to the Secretary of State had yet to receive a response.

The Cabinet agreed on the need to continue to call for accountability, additional funding and improved outcomes.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the findings of the Independent Healthcare Commission for North West London detailed in the accompanying report be noted;

(ii)        that it be noted that a copy of the Commission’s report and a letter from the five commissioning boroughs has been sent to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Health and the National Audit Office;

(iii)       that it be noted that the council and members of the Health and Wellbeing Board were developing joint approaches to local service models intended to improve healthcare services, make best use of shared resources and achieve better outcomes for patients;

(iv)       that it be noted that the council remained concerned that the population  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

The purpose of Brent’s Local Account is to communicate priorities and to provide Members, residents and service users with a key accountability mechanism by which self-regulation and improvement activities can be systematically monitored and reported.  The document attached at Appendix A is the full version of the report, but an executive summary and easy read version will be created to facilitate broader engagement.

(i)         that the performance and contextual information contained in this report be noted;

(ii)        that the current and future risks associated with the information provided and the strategic priorities identified be noted.

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults, Health and Wellbeing) introduced Brent’s Local Account. The purpose of the Local Account was to communicate priorities and to provide members, residents and service users with a key accountability mechanism for systematically monitoring and reporting self-regulation and improvement activities.  Councillor Hirani drew attention to the changing population particularly 0-5s and an increase in spend for over 85 years of age. He welcomed the NAIL project (New Accommodation for Independent Living), highlighted safeguarding as a priority and referred also to the contribution of early intervention and direct payments.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the performance and contextual information contained in this report be noted;

(ii)        that the current and future risks associated with the information provided and the strategic priorities identified be noted.

This report requests approval for Brent Adult Social Care to participate in a collaborative procurement with the West London Alliance (WLA) for the establishment of a dynamic purchasing system for provision of residential, nursing and supported living accommodation and care home placements. The proposed procurement is to be led by the London Borough of Ealing therefore approval is also sought for using Ealing’s contract standing orders and financial regulations as per Contract Standing Order 85.

(i)         that approval be given to the Council’s participation in WLA collaborative procurement led by the London Borough of Ealing to establish a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for residential, nursing and supported living care services led by London Borough of Ealing;

(ii)        that approval be given to the procurement detailed in 2.1 of the report being exempt from the normal requirement of Brent Council’s Contract Standing Order and Financial Regulations for good operational and/or financial reasons in accordance with the Contract Standing Order 84(a) and 85(c);

(iii)       that approval be given to the pre-tender considerations set out in 4.0 of the report that will be applied to select the DPS providers and used to award individual contracts.

The report from the Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing requested approval for Brent Adult Social Care to participate in a collaborative procurement with the West London Alliance (WLA) for the establishment of a dynamic purchasing system for provision of residential, nursing and supported living accommodation and care home placements. The proposed procurement was to be led by the London Borough of Ealing therefore approval is also sought for using Ealing’s contract standing orders and financial regulations as per Contract Standing Order 85.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that approval be given to the Council’s participation in WLA collaborative procurement led by the London Borough of Ealing to establish a dynamic purchasing system (DPS) for residential, nursing and supported living care services led by London Borough of Ealing;

(ii)        that approval be given to the procurement detailed in (i) above of the report from the Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing exempt from the normal requirement of Brent Council’s Contract Standing Order and Financial Regulations for good operational and/or financial reasons in accordance with the Contract Standing Order 84(a) and 85(c);

(iii)       that approval be given to the pre-tender considerations set out in 4.0 of the report that will be applied to select the DPS providers and used to award individual contracts.

This report seeks approval to the appointment of the providers listed in Appendix 1 of this report to the DPS for Accommodation Plus Services.

that approval be given to the appointment of the providers listed in Appendix 1 of the report to the DPS for Accommodation Plus Services.

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member, Adults, Health and Wellbeing) reminded the Cabinet that in September 2015, approval was given to the invitation of requests from potential providers to apply to join a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Accommodation Plus Services. Approval was now sought to appoint the first round of applicants to the DPS having passed specific evaluation criteria.  It was noted that the Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing already had delegated authority of Cabinet to make further appointments onto the DPS, subject to providers meeting the same selection criteria applied to the first round of applicants. Councillor Hirani stated that a range of providers were being considered as this was a huge project with a number of options.  Councillor Pavey (Deputy Leader of the Council) drew attention to the Equalities Assessment and the profile of the users.

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 approval be given to the appointment of the providers listed in Appendix 1 of the report from the Strategic Director Community Wellbeing to the DPS for Accommodation Plus Services.

None.

None.