Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no apologies for absence.

Members are invited to declare at this stage of the meeting, any relevant personal and prejudicial interests and discloseable pecuniary interests in any matter to be considered at this meeting.

There were no interests declared by Cabinet Members.

Peter Gadsdon (the Council’s Director of Performance, Policy and Partnerships) and Phil Porter (the Council’s Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing declared interests as current registered Directors of i4B Holdings Ltd. Gail Tolley (the Council’s Strategic Director of Children and Young People) also declared an interest as she was due to take Phil Porter’s place as i4B Director, subject to Cabinet approval to the recommendations of agenda item 16.  

There were no interests declared by Cabinet Members.

Peter Gadsdon (the Council’s Director of Performance, Policy and Partnerships) and Phil Porter (the Council’s Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing declared interests as current registered Directors of i4B Holdings Ltd. Gail Tolley (the Council’s Strategic Director of Children and Young People) also declared an interest as she was due to take Phil Porter’s place as i4B Director, subject to Cabinet approval to the recommendations of agenda item 16.  

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting on 15 January 2018 as a correct record.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting on 15 January 2018 be approved as an accurate record.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the previous meeting on 15 January 2018 be approved as an accurate record.

To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

There were no matters arising.

There were no matters arising.

To discuss any petitions from members of the public, in accordance with Standing Order 66.

There were no petitions submitted to be considered by Cabinet.

There were no petitions submitted to be considered by Cabinet.

To consider reference reports from any of the Council’s three Scrutiny Committees.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations from the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee be noted.

It was RESOLVED that the recommendations from the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee be noted.

The Chair invited Councillor Warren (Leader of the Brent Conservative Group) to address Cabinet. Councillor Warren outlined that he wished to speak on two substantive items on the agenda, namely: item 16, i4B Business Plan 2018/19, and item 17, Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund Grants. The Chair outlined that Councillor Warren’s points would be addressed under the relevant items later on the agenda.

(i)        i4B Business Plan 2018/19

Councillor Warren stated that the establishment of i4B Holdings had been a financial risk to the Council and its residents. He referenced the numbers of purchased properties outside of the borough and said that these properties were more likely to be void (empty) because Brent residents did not want to relocate to areas such as the Home Counties. He also questioned when all of the Company’s purchased properties were expected to be registered at Companies House and how many of the units currently in conveyancing were Brent-based.

(ii)        Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund Grants

Councillor Warren continued and raised concerns about whether Brent CVS warranted the proposed grant extension. He said that no performance review of the organisation had been undertaken for 2016-2017 and questioned the impact of personnel changes which had been referenced within the report. He also stated he was seeking further information from the Council on issues which related to the organisation’s accounting and its trustees.

The purpose of this report is to set out the Council’s budget proposals for 2018/19 and to update the medium-term budget outlook.  It also sets out the results of the consultation and scrutiny processes.  Subject to discussion at the Cabinet meeting these will form the basis of the budget to be agreed at the Full Council meeting of 26 February 2018.

It was RESOLVED:

7.1       That an overall 4.99% increase in the Council’s element of council tax for 2018/19, with 2% as a precept for Adult Social Care, and a 2.99% general increase be recommended to Full Council for approval;

7.2       That the General Fund revenue budget for 2018/19, as summarised in Appendix A, be recommended to Full Council for approval;

7.3       That the cost pressures, technical adjustments and savings detailed in Appendix B, be noted;

7.4       That the Dedicated Schools Grant as set out in section 9 of the report, be noted;

7.5       That the report from the Budget Scrutiny Panel in Appendix C, be noted;

7.6       That the capital programme as set out in Appendix D be recommended to Full Council for approval;

7.7       That the Treasury Management Strategy and the Annual Investment Strategy for 2018/19 set out in Appendix E, be recommended to Full Council for approval;

7.8       That the Prudential Indicators measuring affordability, capital spending, external debt and treasury management set out in Appendix F, be noted;

7.9       That the advice of the Director of Legal and HR as set out in Appendix G, be  noted;

7.10    That the schedules of fees and charges set out at in Appendix H, and the proposed new fees and charges policy, including the officer delegated powers to which it refers be agreed, and where relevant, be recommended to Full Council for approval;

7.11    That the results of the consultation, as set out in section 7, and detailed in Appendix I, be noted; and

As per the Chief Finance Officer’s briefing on the final local government finance settlement which was provided verbally at the meeting:

7.11A              It be noted that the final local government settlement contained changes from the draft settlement on which the report was based and the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to do the following:

(i)            amend the figures at 2.24(a) and 2.24(b) of the report to reflect this, subject to these changes being equal and therefore not affecting the calculation of the council tax, which is presented at 2.24(c) and 2.24(d); and

(ii)          to make consequential (but no other) changes to other numbers and statutory calculations in the report, and such minor factual changes to the narrative reporting as may be required.

Councillor McLennan (Deputy Leader of the Council) introduced the report which set out the Council’s key budget proposals for 2018/2019 before being presented to Full Council on 26 February for formal approval. She noted that the Council was to be asked to re-confirm the proposed savings agreed at the budget setting meeting in February 2017, plus agree an additional one percent Council Tax increase. Members’ heard that the subsequent increase in Council Tax had arisen from the government having recently raised the Council Tax ‘referendum limit’ for Councils from two to three percent, and that Brent had adjusted its budget proposals accordingly to incorporate this.

The Chair invited Councillor Kelcher (Chair of the Resources and Public Realm Scrutiny Committee) to speak on the Budget Scrutiny Task Group Report. Councillor Kelcher asked Cabinet for an update on the task group’s recommendation to advocate a form of sub-regional investment within the proposed London-wide business rates retention pool, and also how the Council planned to spend any dividend which might arise from the savings identified. Conrad Hall (the Council’s Chief Finance Officer) provided further detail on how the investment strategy within the business rates retention pool was expected to work in practice and also outlined that he expected that the Council would consider how any additional income from savings would best be allocated over the coming year.

Conrad Hall also provided Members’ with additional information on the final Local Government Finance Settlement which had been announced after the Cabinet agenda pack had been published. He drew Members’ attention to some of the differences from the provisional settlement, which included: an additional £800,000 allocated to Brent via the Adult Social Care Support Grant; and that the Valuation Office Agency (VAO) had adjusted its recent errors to the figure for re-distributed non-domestic rates (business rates) which had resulted in a loss of income for Brent of £12,280.02. He tabled an additional recommendation to the report which delegated authority to him in order to enact some of the technical changes to the budget so that these recent updates could be reflected.

Cabinet Members Miller, Farah, Hirani and Tatler spoke respectively in support of the budget proposals. Members outlined that it was a prudent budget which reflected the values of the Labour Party despite continued funding cuts from central government, and that the Council Tax rise was necessary due to service pressures on the authority - particularly within both adult and children’s social care.

Councillor McLennan placed on record her thanks to the Council’s Finance Department for their work in preparing the budget. Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) thanked Cabinet Members, residents and the Scrutiny Task Group for their input into the process. He concluded by highlighting the growth pressures and financial risks facing Council services which made it necessary to deliver a balanced budget for its residents and endorsed the report’s recommendations to Members.

It was RESOLVED:

8.1       That an overall 4.99% increase in the Council’s element of council tax for 2018/19, with 2%  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

This report sets out the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast outturn for 2017-18 and the proposed HRA budget for 2018/19 as required by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989. This report also sets out, for information, rent-setting proposals for stock managed by Hillside (Hyde Group) and for the Residential Pitches portfolio. The report also summarises the key expenditure priorities and expectations for service delivery through the HRA budget and key policy developments likely to have an impact during the year, highlighting the principal risks.

It was RESOLVED:

8.1    HRA Business Plan Budget 2017-18 and 2018-19:

8.1.1               That the HRA forecast outturn for 2017/18 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be noted;

8.1.2               That the proposals be approved and that the savings and budget reductions for the HRA budget for 2018/19 as set out in Appendix 2 to the report be agreed, and these be agreed for inclusion  within the overall Budget for 2018/19 recommended for approval by Full Council on 26February 2018;

8.1.3               That the HRA budget growth for 2018/19 of £1.29m with the use of £2.5m of one-off available resources, be approved; and

8.1.4               That the HRA budget savings for 2018/19 of £1.32m, be approved.

8.2   HRA Rent Setting 2018/19:

8.2.1               That an average overall rent decrease (excluding service charges) from April 2018 of £1.15 per dwelling per week for HRA council dwellings, representing an average overall decrease of 1% as set out in section 3.4.2 and Table 1 of the report, be approved;

8.2.2               That an average overall rent decrease from April 2018 of £1.27 per dwelling per week for Hillside Dwellings, representing an average overall rent decrease of 1% as set out in section 3.5.1 and Table 2 of the report, be approved;

8.2.3               That a decrease (excluding service charges) from April 2018 of £96.05 per pitch, per week, for residential pitches on the council’s Traveller site at Lynton Close, which is an average overall licence decrease of 40% as set out in section 3.6 and Table 5 of the report, be approved.

8.3      HRA Service Charges 2017-18:

8.3.1               That an increase to the service charges for HRA dwellings from April 2018 byan average of £0.27 per dwelling per week, as set out in Appendix 3 of the report, be agreed;

8.3.2               That an increase in Garage Rents for Council renters of an average £0.55 and for Private Renters of £0.68, as set out in section 3.8 and Table 6 of the report, be agreed;

8.3.3               That it be noted that service charge levels for Hillside dwellings from April 2018 were under review as set out in section 3.5 and that details would be reported to Cabinet as soon as they were available;  

8.4      HRA Stock Investment Programmes 2018/19:

8.4.1               That an overall HRA stock investment programme of £27.65mfor 2018/19, as set out in Table 7, be approved;

8.5     HRA Development Programmes 2017-19:

8.5.1               That the continued delivery of Council New Build Development Programme with HRA budget of £24m for 2018/19 and £10.5 for 2019/20 to complete 117 new homes, be agreed; and

8.5.2               That a feasibility budget (Revenue Budget) of £0.125m for 2018/19 to work on the delivery of the additional Council New Build Development Sites, be agreed.

Councillor Farah (Lead Member for Housing and Welfare Reform) introduced the report which set out the Council’s Housing Revenue Account (HRA) forecast outturn and proposed budget for 2017-2018. He highlighted that the budget had taken into account the one percent rent reduction as required by the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2015. He noted that the report was also set within the context of housing management services being brought back ‘in-house’. He ran through the recommendations proposed and the rationale for these, the detail of which was contained within the report.

Cabinet Members Miller and Butt spoke respectively in support of the proposals.  

It was RESOLVED:

9.1    HRA Business Plan Budget 2017-18 and 2018-19:

9.1.1               That the HRA forecast outturn for 2017/18 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be noted;

9.1.2               That the proposals be approved and that the savings and budget reductions for the HRA budget for 2018/19 as set out in Appendix 2 to the report be agreed, and these be agreed for inclusion  within the overall Budget for 2018/19 recommended for approval by Full Council on 26February 2018;

9.1.3               That the HRA budget growth for 2018/19 of £1.29m with the use of £2.5m of one-off available resources, be approved; and

9.1.4               That the HRA budget savings for 2018/19 of £1.32m, be approved.

9.2   HRA Rent Setting 2018/19:

9.2.1               That an average overall rent decrease (excluding service charges) from April 2018 of £1.15 per dwelling per week for HRA council dwellings, representing an average overall decrease of 1% as set out in section 3.4.2 and Table 1 of the report, be approved;

9.2.2               That an average overall rent decrease from April 2018 of £1.27 per dwelling per week for Hillside Dwellings, representing an average overall rent decrease of 1% as set out in section 3.5.1 and Table 2 of the report, be approved;

9.2.3               That a decrease (excluding service charges) from April 2018 of £96.05 per pitch, per week, for residential pitches on the council’s Traveller site at Lynton Close, which is an average overall licence decrease of 40% as set out in section 3.6 and Table 5 of the report, be approved;

9.3      HRA Service Charges 2017-18:

9.3.1               That an increase to the service charges for HRA dwellings from April 2018 byan average of £0.27 per dwelling per week, as set out in Appendix 3 of the report, be agreed;

9.3.2               That an increase in Garage Rents for Council renters of an average £0.55 and for Private Renters of £0.68, as set out in section 3.8 and Table 6 of the report, be agreed;

9.3.3               That it be noted that service charge levels for Hillside dwellings from April 2018 were under review as set out in section 3.5 and that details would be reported to Cabinet as soon as they were available;  

9.4      HRA Stock Investment Programmes 2018/19:

9.4.1               That an overall HRA stock investment programme of £27.65mfor 2018/19, as set out in Table 7, be approved;

9.5     HRA Development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

The government announced in the 2017 March statement that it would make funding available to councils for 4 years from 2017/18 to enable them to introduce their own discretionary discount scheme. Cabinet agreed the discount scheme for revaluation support for 2017/18 at its meeting on 24 July 2017, however the amount of relief awarded to date is short of the allocation from central government for 2017/18 and any shortfalls in spending cannot be used in subsequent years. This report therefore seeks amendment of the 2017/18 scheme in order to ensure full take up of the allocation for 2017/18.  It also seeks approval of the proposed scheme for 2018/19 as detailed in this report and in Appendix 1.

It was RESOLVED:

               9.1       That the discretionary discount scheme (Revaluation Support) for 2017/18 be amended as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report and therefore be approved pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988;

               9.2       That the discretionary discount scheme (Revaluation Support) for 2018/19 as detailed in Appendix 1 of this report be approved pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act1988. It was noted that a further report would be presented to Cabinet in 2019 which detailed the proposed scheme for 2019/20 and 2020/21; 

               9.3       That the 2 schemes - Support for Pubs and Supporting Small Businesses- and as detailed in sections 3.16 and 3.17 of the report be approved for 2018/19 pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988; and

               9.4       That the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to implement the three schemes as detailed in Appendix 1 and sections 3.0 of the report so that the agreed discretionary discounts for business rates can be awarded in compliance with the scheme criteria.

Councillor McLennan (Deputy Leader of the Council) introduced the report and outlined that a revaluation of the rateable value of all non-domestic properties had taken place in 2017, which had seen an increase in bills for some business rates payers within the borough. She explained that the government had announced a transitional relief scheme which had been put in place so that the rate changes were phased in over five years and that the report detailed the funding level available for 2018-2019 (£532,000). She noted that the funding made available for the coming year was 50 percent less than 2017-2018 and that full details were contained within the report. She also drew Members’ attention to additional proposed support to pubs and small businesses after the government had announced specific relief schemes for these areas.

Cabinet Members Tatler and Butt raised points in support of the proposals.

It was RESOLVED:

               10.1    That the discretionary discount scheme (Revaluation Support) for 2017/18 be amended as detailed within Appendix 1 of the report and therefore be approved pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988;

               10.2    That the discretionary discount scheme (Revaluation Support) for 2018/19 as detailed in Appendix 1 of this report be approved pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988. It was noted that a further report would be presented to Cabinet in 2019 which detailed the proposed scheme for 2019/20 and 2020/21; 

               10.3    That the 2 schemes - Support for Pubs and Supporting Small Businesses- and as detailed in sections 3.16 and 3.17 of the report be approved for 2018/19 pursuant to the Council’s powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988; and

               10.4    That the Chief Finance Officer be authorised to implement the three schemes as detailed in Appendix 1 and sections 3.0 of the report so that the agreed discretionary discounts for business rates can be awarded in compliance with the scheme criteria.

This report sets out the forecasts, as at 31 December, of income and expenditure against the revenue and capital budget for 2017/18, and other key financial data. The actual spend information in the report is to 30 November 2017, and the forecasts were prepared and finalised as at 31 December.

It was RESOLVED:

10.1     That the overall financial position and the actions being taken to manage the issues arising be noted.

Councillor McLennan (Deputy Leader of the Council) introduced the report which provided Cabinet with key financial data for quarter three and a set of forecasts which were prepared and finalised as of 31 December 2017. She noted that Cabinet received quarterly financial performance reports which fed into ensuring that the Council set a balanced budget. She highlighted some of the headline data within the report which saw slight overspends in the Community Wellbeing and Children and Young People’s Departments being offset by an underspend in the Regeneration and Environment Department.

Conrad Hall (the Council’s Chief Finance Officer) stated that the Council’s overall expenditure would be contained within budget and asked Members to consider Brent’s strong financial position when compared to some other Local Authorities.

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member for Community Wellbeing) highlighted the substantive adult social care pressures within the Community Wellbeing department which had contributed to its overspend and Councillor McLennan praised the work of the Children and Young People’s Department for managing its budget so closely despite the pressures on children’s social care.

Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) concluded and endorsed the Council’s ongoing due diligence work in managing its finances which meant that it could continue to deliver services and positive outcomes for its residents.

It was RESOLVED:

11.1     That the overall financial position and the actions being taken to manage the issues arising be noted.

The purpose of this report is to update Cabinet on Northwick Park One Public Estate initiative, and approve execution of a variation agreement to the existing Memorandum of Understanding, in order for the partners to deliver the vision.

It was RESOLVED:

11.1     That the execution of a variation agreement to Memorandum of Understanding be approved.

Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) introduced the report which provided Cabinet Members with an update on the proposed Northwick Park One Public Estate Initiative to be delivered with three other partners (London North West University Hospital, the University of Westminster and Network Home Ltd). He explained that the report was to approve the execution of a variation agreement to the Memorandum of Understanding and therefore create a framework for a formal legal agreement with partners going forward. He noted that Brent would receive an overall total of £470,500 of One Public Estate funding and that the project was aimed to deliver homes, jobs and leisure opportunities amongst others.

Cabinet Members McLennan, Hirani and Tatler spoke respectively in support of the proposals, with particular emphasis being placed on the potential for the scheme to deliver genuinely affordable homes for residents and key workers whilst protecting Northwick Park as a green space.

Councillor Butt also placed on record his thanks to Sarah Chaudhry (the Council’s Head of Strategic Property) for her contribution to the project as it was her last day at the Council.

It was RESOLVED:

12.1     That the execution of a variation agreement to Memorandum of Understanding be approved.

This report seeks the approval to lease the Former Nursery at 1A Douglas Avenue to a Charity known as Unlocking Potential.

It was RESOLVED:

12.1    That a 10 year lease be granted to a Charity known as Unlocking Potential on the terms set out in the report and the confidential appendix 2.

Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) provided a brief introduction to the report and outlined that it was recommended to grant a ten year lease to the charity Unlocking Potential following a competitive tender process. He explained that the lease would allow the building to help deliver support and educational services to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) pupils.

It was RESOLVED:

13.1    That a 10 year lease be granted to a Charity known as Unlocking Potential on the terms set out in the report and the confidential appendix 2.

The purpose of this report is to seek approval from Cabinet regarding Brent’s Local Offer for care leavers. The Children and Social Work Act (CSWA) 2017 aims to improve support for looked after children especially for those leaving care. This report outlines the main legislative changes in the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and how Brent aims to implement those changes locally to ensure that our care leavers have the brightest future.

It was RESOLVED:

13.1    That the draft Local Offer to Care Leavers as set out in appendix 1, be approved and for authority to be delegated to the Strategic Director, Children and Young People, to make any necessary revisions to the Local Offer and re-consult if required following publication of statutory guidance;

13.2.   That the Brent Care Leavers’ Charter as set out appendix 2, be approved;

13.3    That the work of the department would be supported in ensuring partner agencies commit to providing an offer to care leavers that will be included in the final version of the Local Offer document;

13.4    That as part of the Local Offer to Care Leavers who are looked after by Brent, it be agreed that:

·         the Council use its powers as a billing authority to reduce to nil, council tax payable by care leavers who live in the borough; and

·         that in cases where care leavers live outside the borough and are liable to pay council tax, the Council provide financial support to reimburse that cost; and

13.5   That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources and the Strategic Director, Children and Young People to take all appropriate steps to set up, implement and administer all the areas of support as set out in the Local Offer.

Councillor Mili Patel (Lead Member for Children and Young People) introduced the report which had reflected the main legislative changes to the Children and Social Work Act 2017 and how Brent planned to implement the changes through a ‘Local Offer’ to young people leaving care. She stated how pleasing it was that exempting care leavers from council tax had formed part of the local offer, and that the young people represented at the Council's Corporate Parenting meeting recently (7 February 2018) had been happy with the proposals.

Cabinet Members Tatler, McLennan, Miller and Butt spoke respectively in support of the Local Offer.

It was RESOLVED:

14.1    That the draft Local Offer to Care Leavers as set out in appendix 1, be approved and for authority to be delegated to the Strategic Director, Children and Young People, to make any necessary revisions to the Local Offer and re-consult if required following publication of statutory guidance;

14.2.   That the Brent Care Leavers’ Charter as set out appendix 2, be approved;

14.3    That the work of the department would be supported in ensuring partner agencies commit to providing an offer to care leavers that will be included in the final version of the Local Offer document;

14.4    That as part of the Local Offer to Care Leavers who are looked after by Brent, it be agreed that:

·         the Council use its powers as a billing authority to reduce to nil, council tax payable by care leavers who live in the borough; and

·         that in cases where care leavers live outside the borough and are liable to pay council tax, the Council provide financial support to reimburse that cost; and

14.5   That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources and the Strategic Director, Children and Young People to take all appropriate steps to set up, implement and administer all the areas of support as set out in the Local Offer.

This report makes recommendations regarding the procurement of two contractsfor the provision of speech and language therapy to support Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

It was RESOLVED:

14.1    That an exemption pursuant to Contract Standing Order 84(a) of the requirement to tender a twelve month contract for Speech and Language Therapy in mainstream schools and a twelve month contract for Speech and Language Therapy in Children’s Centres for the operational and financial reasons set out in sections 3 and 4 of the report, be approved;

14.2    That a twelve month contract for Speech and Language Therapy in mainstream schools from 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019 be awarded to London North West NHS Healthcare Trust; and

14.3    That a twelve month contract for Speech and Language Therapy in Children’s Centres from 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019 to be awarded to Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.

Councillor Mili Patel (Lead Member for Children and Young People) introduced the report which sought to directly award two contracts for the provision of speech and language therapy to support Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). She noted that the Ofsted and Care Quality Commission (CQC) joint inspection of the local area on implementation of the SEND reforms had identified a fragmented approach to joint commissioning, which had been addressed through the subsequent Written Statement of Action in response. She explained that the proposed 12 month contract awards would allow the existing contracts to be retained with varied specifications to resolve any previous service gaps, plus allow sufficient time to progress the integration of the Council and Clinical Commissioning Group’s commissioning requirements.

It was RESOLVED:

15.1    That an exemption pursuant to Contract Standing Order 84(a) of the requirement to tender a twelve month contract for Speech and Language Therapy in mainstream schools and a twelve month contract for Speech and Language Therapy in Children’s Centres for the operational and financial reasons set out in sections 3 and 4 of the report, be approved;

15.2    That a twelve month contract for Speech and Language Therapy in mainstream schools from 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019 be awarded to London North West NHS Healthcare Trust; and

15.3    That a twelve month contract for Speech and Language Therapy in Children’s Centres from 1st April 2018 to 31st March 2019 to be awarded to Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.

This report seeks Cabinet agreement for a variation to the electronic tendering system proposed for the contracting of Independent and Non-maintained Special School placements for children with SEND. It also seeks Cabinet agreement to utilise the West London Alliance electronic tendering systems for the contracting of Children’s Home and Independent Fostering Agency placements for Looked After Children.

It was RESOLVED:

15.1    That the variation from a Dynamic Purchasing System to a Dynamic Purchasing Vehicle for the procurement of Independent and Non-maintained Special School (INMSS) placements for children with SEND, be approved;

15.2    That the Council’s entry into an Access Agreement with Barnet for Brent Council to call-off the West London Alliance (WLA) Dynamic Purchasing Vehicle for Independent Fostering Agency placements for Looked After Children, be approved;

15.3    That the Council’s entry into an Access Agreement with Ealing for Brent to call-off the West London Alliance’s (WLA) Dynamic Purchasing Vehicle for Children’s Home placements for Looked After Children, be approved.

Councillor Mili Patel (Lead Member for Children and Young People) introduced the report and explained that West London Alliance (WLA) authorities had developed the design and scope of the current ‘Dynamic Purchasing System’ and that the new approach developed had been re-labelled ‘Dynamic Purchasing Vehicle’. She directed Members to the detail of the changes and expected benefits which had been outlined within the report.  

It was RESOLVED:

16.1    That the variation from a Dynamic Purchasing System to a Dynamic Purchasing Vehicle for the procurement of Independent and Non-maintained Special School (INMSS) placements for children with SEND, be approved;

16.2    That the Council’s entry into an Access Agreement with Barnet for Brent Council to call-off the West London Alliance (WLA) Dynamic Purchasing Vehicle for Independent Fostering Agency placements for Looked After Children, be approved;

16.3    That the Council’s entry into an Access Agreement with Ealing for Brent to call-off the West London Alliance’s (WLA) Dynamic Purchasing Vehicle for Children’s Home placements for Looked After Children, be approved.

This paper presents the i4B Holdings Ltd Business Plan for 2018/19 to Cabinet for Shareholder approval in February 2018. It also includes a number of other matters which require Shareholder approval.

It was RESOLVED:

16.1    That the Business Plan for i4B Holdings Ltd, as set out in Appendix 2, be approved.

16.2    That the remaining properties of the initial PRS acquisition programme (PRS 1) be purchased within Brent, for an additional investment of £3.5m;

16.3    That the loan to fund the PRS 1 working capital requirement be increased from £1m to £2.5 million with the facility draw down an additional £1m if required;

16.4    That up to £116m be made available to fund the acquisition of 300 additional private rented sector properties (PRS 2) by i4B Holdings Ltd (subject to approval of the 2018/19 i4B Business Plan);

16.5    That £35m be made available to fund the acquisition of 100 intermediate rent sector properties by i4B Holdings Ltd (subject to approval of the 2018/19 i4B Business Plan);

16.6    That a further £4m be lent to i4B in order to fund the working capital requirements for PRS 2 (£3.2m) and the intermediate rent acquisitions programme (£0.8m).

16.7    That the appointment of the Strategic Director for Children and Young People (Gail Tolley) as a Director of i4B Holdings Ltd in place of the Strategic Director of Community Wellbeing (Phil Porter), be agreed; 

16.8    That the list of Shareholder Consent Matters which will be delegated to the Chief Executive, as detailed at Appendix 1, be agreed; and

16.9    That the remuneration package for the fifth 5^th Company Director, be agreed.

Councillor McLennan (Deputy Leader of the Council) introduced the report and the full 2018-19 Business Plan for the Council’s wholly owned investment Company i4B Holdings Ltd. She stated that the Company continued to support the Council’s objectives in reducing the number of families living in Temporary Accommodation (TA) within the borough. She noted the Company’s additional business plans moving forward, such as expanding the Private Rented Sector (PRS) Acquisition program and establishing an intermediate rent property portfolio, which had required additional funding to be requested from the Council. She also drew Members’ attention to the Company’s plans for a fifth Director to provide greater commercial expertise and also that Gail Tolley was due to replace Phil Porter on the Company’s Board.

Conrad Hall (the Council’s Chief Finance Officer) addressed Councillor Warren’s comments earlier in the meeting. He stated that, whilst it was impossible to totally remove elements of risk from an operating investment Company, the Company’s business case and financial modelling had been tested and continued to be scrutinised by internal and external auditors and the Audit Advisory Committee itself. He made the point that the Company was beneficial to the Council as it reduced the costs paid on families in TA and also provided these families with a much higher standard of accommodation.

Carolyn Downs (the Council’s Chief Executive) also addressed Councillor Warren’s points and stated that the Company was planning to purchase the majority of its properties in Brent moving forward. She noted that the properties which had been purchased outside the borough were often larger properties in order to house larger families who may not be able to afford the rents from sufficiently sized accommodation in Brent. She also said she did not know why the Company’s purchased properties were not all registered at Companies House, but that the Council, as shareholder, would be happy to provide any further information if requested.

Cabinet Members Hirani, Tatler, Miller, Farah, McLennan and Butt spoke respectively in support of the work of the Company. It was emphasised that the Company had delivered in providing good quality housing with a responsible landlord to families in TA and provided more secure tenancies than many other private sector organisations .

It was RESOLVED:

17.1    That the Business Plan for i4B Holdings Ltd, as set out in Appendix 2, be approved.

17.2    That the remaining properties of the initial PRS acquisition programme (PRS 1) be purchased within Brent, for an additional investment of £3.5m;

17.3    That the loan to fund the PRS 1 working capital requirement be increased from £1m to £2.5 million with the facility draw down an additional £1m if required;

17.4    That up to £116m be made available to fund the acquisition of 300 additional private rented sector properties (PRS 2) by i4B Holdings Ltd (subject to approval of the 2018/19 i4B Business Plan);

17.5    That £35m be made available to fund the acquisition of 100 intermediate rent sector properties by i4B Holdings Ltd (subject to approval of the 2018/19  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

This report seeks agreement on the approval of a one-year extension to the Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund Infrastructure Grant for CVS Brent from 1 April 2018-31 March 2019. The proposed grant will total £160K per annum. The report also seeks an increase to the financial level delegated to relevant Officers for the award of grants under the Brent Advice Fund.

It was RESOLVED:

17.1    That a one-year year extension to the Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund (VSIF) Infrastructure Grant to CVS Brent in the sum of £160K for 2018-19 commencing 1 April 2018, be approved; and

17.2    That an increase to the financial level delegated to relevant Officers for the award of grants under the Brent Advice Fund to a maximum grant of £20k per annum, be approved.

Councillor McLennan (Deputy Leader of the Council) began by stating that the Council robustly supported the voluntary sector in its work within the borough. She provided an overview of the report which sought Cabinet approval for a one-year extension to the Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund Infrastructure Grant (totalling £160,000 per annum) for CVS Brent for 2018-2019, and also requested an increase to the financial delegation level to officers for the award of grants under the Brent Advice Fund.

Councillor McLennan addressed some of the points raised by Councillor Warren at the start of the meeting and outlined that CVS Brent had recently undergone several personnel changes, which included the appointment of a new Chief Executive, but it was expected that the proposed grant extension would allow the new staffing team to deliver on the grant condition targets and priorities. She also noted that there was lot of resident interest in the partnerships and engagement between the Council and voluntary and community sector. Members also noted the condition that all posts funded through the grant would need to be paid at least the London Living Wage. 

Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) also noted Councillor Warren’s points and added that Brent CVS reported to the Charity Commission, with accounting and other details viewable on its website. He continued and drew Members’ attention to the grant being aligned to the 2019 budget cycle and the proposals to expand the community hub model as had been piloted in Harlesden.

It was RESOLVED:

18.1    That a one-year year extension to the Voluntary Sector Initiative Fund (VSIF) Infrastructure Grant to CVS Brent in the sum of £160K for 2018-19 commencing 1 April 2018, be approved; and

18.2    That an increase to the financial level delegated to relevant Officers for the award of grants under the Brent Advice Fund to a maximum grant of £20k per annum, be approved.

In accordance with Contract Standing Orders 88, this report seeks Cabinet authority to award a care and support contract for the Sensory Impairment scheme at Clement Close.  This service has been developed to meet the needs of people who have a Sensory Impaired such as deafblind.
This report summarises the rational for this request and the impact on the wider community as well as the financial implication on the London Borough of Brent.  The report also outlines the tendering process which was conducted through the Accommodation Plus 2017 Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS).

It was RESOLVED:

18.1    A contract to deliver care and support at Clement Close be awarded to Sense for a period of 4 years with an option to extend by up to two further years.

Councillor Hirani (Lead Member for Community Wellbeing) introduced the report which sought Cabinet approval to award a four year contract for the delivery of specialist care and support for service users with sensory impairment and learning disability or mental health support needs at Clement Close in Brondesbury Park.

He provided Members with an overview of the service requirements for the scheme and explained that Clement Close was the first new build scheme under the Council’s New Accommodation Independent Living (NAIL) project. He noted that the contract was expected to save the Council £110,000 per annum and that it was also London Living Wage Compliant. Councillor Butt also spoke in support of the proposed contract award.

It was RESOLVED:

19.1    A contract to deliver care and support at Clement Close be awarded to Sense for a period of 4 years with an option to extend by up to two further years.

This report provides Cabinet with an update on the On-Street Parking Management Review further to the approval by Cabinet on 24^th July 2017, for an initial programme of introducing new Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) and reviewing existing CPZs. It provides details of an analysis of feedback from the public to identify levels of demand for changes and whether these should be considered for inclusion in our Parking Management Review programme. It also considers anticipated future levels of demand and a continuing annual review programme.

It was RESOLVED:

19.1    That the responses to the online survey and requests for changes to parking management in the borough, further to the previous Cabinet report that considered requests between 25^th April 2017 and 6^th November 2017, be noted;

19.2    That the number of requests for new CPZs or changes to existing CPZ’s for this period did not demonstrate a high enough level of public support to be considered further at the present time;

19.3    That lead officers be authorised to contact lead petitioners to inform them of the decision in relation to their petition, as set out in paragraph 3.17 of the report;

19.4    That it be noted that the online information, guidance and application process for parking changes will remain in place, and that future requests be considered when developing future programmes;

19.5    That it be noted that future reports on the level of demand for new CPZs or changes to existing CPZs, will be considered by the Highways Committee.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood (Lead Member for Environment) provided Cabinet with an update on the ongoing review of on-street parking management within the borough. She stated that the report followed several similar reports which had previously been presented to Cabinet, and provided a proposed response to the public requests relating to Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) in the borough between 25 April 2017 and 6 November 2017. She explained that it was felt that the number of requests for new CPZs, or changes to existing CPZs, for this period had not demonstrated a high enough level of public support for any of these requests to be carried forward at this time. However, she asked Cabinet to note that the website was still open for residents to submit requests or petitions as part of the rolling consultation program. She also outlined that future update reports on this matter would be considered by the Highways Committee.

Cabinet Members Butt and Hirani spoke in support of the proposals.

It was RESOLVED:

20.1    That the responses to the online survey and requests for changes to parking management in the borough, further to the previous Cabinet report that considered requests between 25^th April 2017 and 6^th November 2017, be noted;

20.2    That the number of requests for new CPZs or changes to existing CPZ’s for this period did not demonstrate a high enough level of public support to be considered further at the present time;

20.3    That lead officers be authorised to contact lead petitioners to inform them of the decision in relation to their petition, as set out in paragraph 3.17 of the report;

20.4    That it be noted that the online information, guidance and application process for parking changes will remain in place, and that future requests be considered when developing future programmes;

20.5    That it be noted that future reports on the level of demand for new CPZs or changes to existing CPZs, will be considered by the Highways Committee.

The purpose of this report is to inform Cabinet of the results of the School Keep Clear re-mountable CCTV camera enforcement trial which commenced in September 2017.

It was RESOLVED:

20.1    That content of this report, the approach taken and progress to date, be noted; and

20.2    That the initiative be expanded through through capital investment by purchasing another re-mountable CCTV camera for enforcement of School Keep Clear restrictions.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood (Lead Member for Environment) introduced the report which informed Cabinet of the results of a trial to use a re-mountable CCTV camera in order to ensure that vehicles did not illegally park on ‘Keep Clear’ yellow zig-zag signs around schools in within Brent.

She outlined that the problem of parents parking dangerously on ‘keep clear’ markings existed outside of most schools within the borough and that the Council’s first re-mountable CCTV camera being trialled at Preston Park Primary School had led to a significant number of contraventions and subsequent Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) being issued. She explained that the Council’s Civic Enforcement Officers were thinly spread across the borough at school pick-up times and that these officers had explained how difficult it could be to issue a PCN as parents often drove away, or became abusive when approached. Members’ heard that this was hoped to be addressed through the Council purchasing a second re-mountable CCTV camera, for which approval was sought as part of the report.

Cabinet Members Tatler and Hirani spoke in support the proposals and provided anecdotal examples of the problems which existed at schools within their respective wards. Cabinet Members Butt and McLennan also spoke in favour of the proposals, and Councillor McLennan also suggested that Byron Court Primary School also be included as a future location for the camera in future.

It was RESOLVED:

21.1    That content of this report, the approach taken and progress to date, be noted; and

21.2    That the initiative be expanded through capital investment by purchasing another re-mountable CCTV camera for enforcement of School Keep Clear restrictions.

The design guides for both the Mapesbury and Roe Green Village Conservation Areas were identified for updating due to age and also potential development pressures that might otherwise dilute the special character of the Conservation Areas. If adopted by Cabinet, the documents will replace the existing design guides for the areas.  The consultation responses in relation to the Mapesbury guide also identified concerns that the boundary of the conservation area is not a reflection of the extent of area that should have this status.  The report also sets out how this issue can be addressed.

It was RESOLVED:

21.1    That the consultation responses and recommended revisions to the Design Guides, as set out in Appendix A, be considered;

21.2    That the adoption of the Mapesbury Conservation Area Design Guide in Appendix B be approved as a Supplementary Planning Document and that the existing guide be revoked; and

21.3    That the adoption of the Roe Green Village Conservation Area Design Guide in Appendix C be approved as a Supplementary Planning Document and that the existing guide be revoked.

Councillor Tatler (Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills) introduced the report which requested that Cabinet approved the adoption of new Conservation Area Design Guides for both Mapesbury and Roe Green respectively, following a public consultation period and engagement with resident associations. She explained that the technical detail was contained within the report and draft guides which had been attached as part of the agenda pack.

Councillor Butt (Leader of the Council) spoke in support of the proposals.

It was RESOLVED:

22.1    That the consultation responses and recommended revisions to the Design Guides, as set out in Appendix A, be considered;

22.2    That the adoption of the Mapesbury Conservation Area Design Guide in Appendix B be approved as a Supplementary Planning Document and that the existing guide be revoked; and

22.3    That the adoption of the Roe Green Village Conservation Area Design Guide in Appendix C be approved as a Supplementary Planning Document and that the existing guide be revoked.

The regeneration of South Kilburn is a fifteen year programme that is approximately half way through. It aims to transform the area into a sustainable and mixed neighbourhood and create a real sense of place and belonging. This report seeks various approvals from Cabinet in relation to the Peel Project site.

It was RESOLVED:

22.1    That the original approvals given in the resolutions made on 11 November 2013 authorising the making and implementation of a compulsory purchase order ("CPO") to further the redevelopment of the Peel Site (as previously documented under the headings 'Peel Recommendations' and 'CPO Recommendations' at paragraph 16 of the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 11 November 2013, be reaffirmed;

22.2    That the previous Executive and Cabinet decisions as detailed in paragraph 3.5 of the report to utilise Ground 10A of the Housing Act 1985 (if approval is given by the Secretary of State) and compulsory purchase powers under section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to secure the vacant possession of properties within the Peel, be reaffirmed; 

22.3    That the new red line boundary for the Peel site as shown on the plan at appendix 1, be approved;

22.4    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills to award a contract for a Delivery Partner for the Peel site for the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.8 of the report following the OJEU procurement process;

22.5    That the advertisement of the Council’s intention to appropriate the open space (shown at appendix 2) in accordance with its powers under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 and dispose of open space at the Site to a third party in accordance with the provisions of section 233 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, be approved;

22.6    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment, in consultation with the Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills, to consider the representations made by the public in response to the advertisement to appropriate and dispose of the open space and thereafter to decide whether to appropriate and dispose of the open space;

22.7    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills to Appropriate the open space at the Peel  Site, and appropriate and dispose of the whole Site including open space for planning purposes (shown at appendix 1) if the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills decides to do so following the consultation; and

22.8    That the application to the Secretary of State by the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment to seek the Secretary of State’s consent under section 19 Housing Act 1985 to appropriate any part of the Site including any part consisting of a house or part of a house so that the Site is no longer held for the purpose of part II of the Housing Act 1985, be approved.

Councillor Tatler (Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills) introduced the report, and highlighted its significance as part of the 15-year regeneration scheme in South Kilburn. She provided an overview of the plans for the Peel site, as detailed within the report, and how these were expected to positively impact the local area. She praised the work of officers in regeneration for their work thus far on the project.

It was RESOLVED:

23.1    That the original approvals given in the resolutions made on 11 November 2013 authorising the making and implementation of a compulsory purchase order ("CPO") to further the redevelopment of the Peel Site (as previously documented under the headings 'Peel Recommendations' and 'CPO Recommendations' at paragraph 16 of the Minutes of the Executive meeting held on 11 November 2013, be reaffirmed;

23.2    That the previous Executive and Cabinet decisions as detailed in paragraph 3.5 of the report to utilise Ground 10A of the Housing Act 1985 (if approval is given by the Secretary of State) and compulsory purchase powers under section 226(1)(a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 to secure the vacant possession of properties within the Peel, be reaffirmed; 

23.3    That the new red line boundary for the Peel site as shown on the plan at appendix 1, be approved;

23.4    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills to award a contract for a Delivery Partner for the Peel site for the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.8 of the report following the OJEU procurement process;

23.5    That the advertisement of the Council’s intention to appropriate the open space (shown at appendix 2) in accordance with its powers under section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 and dispose of open space at the Site to a third party in accordance with the provisions of section 233 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, be approved;

23.6    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment, in consultation with the Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills, to consider the representations made by the public in response to the advertisement to appropriate and dispose of the open space and thereafter to decide whether to appropriate and dispose of the open space;

23.7    That authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills to Appropriate the open space at the Peel  Site, and appropriate and dispose of the whole Site including open space for planning purposes (shown at appendix 1) if the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment in consultation with the Lead Member for Regeneration, Growth, Employment and Skills decides to do so following the consultation; and

23.8    That the application to the Secretary of State by the Strategic Director of Regeneration and Environment to seek the Secretary of State’s consent under section 19 Housing Act 1985  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

The following items are not for publication as they relate to the following category of exempt information as specified under Part 1, Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, namely Paragraph 3 “Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)”:

·         Agenda Item 12

o   Lease of Former Douglas Avenue Nursery, 1A Douglas Avenue, Wembley HA0 4DT – Appendix 2

·         Agenda Item 18

o   Authority to Award a Contract For Clement Close Sensory Impairment Supported Living Scheme – Appendix 1

·         Agenda Item 22

o   Decision to delegate authority for the award of contract for a delivery partner for Peel Project, and for approval to amend red line and for appropriation for the Peel Site – Appendix 5

None.

None.

Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Head of Executive and Member Services or his representative before the meeting. Any decisions taken urgently under this heading must comply with the provisions outlined in paragraph 39 of the Council’s Access to Information Rules (part 2 of the Constitution).

None.

There was no other urgent business to transact.