Agenda for Cabinet on Wednesday, 10th December, 2014, 8.15 pm

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Conference Room, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XA

Contact: Jacqui Hurst Tel: 0208 379 4096. E-mail:  jacqui.hurst@enfield.gov.uk 

Items
No. Item

1.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Rohini Simbodyal (Cabinet Member for Culture, Sport, Youth and Public Health) and Councillor Ozzie Uzoanya (Associate Cabinet Member).

2.

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

Members of the Cabinet are invited to identify any disclosable pecuniary, other pecuniary or non pecuniary interests relevant to items on the agenda.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest in relation to any item listed on the agenda.

3.

URGENT ITEMS

The Chairman will consider the admission of any reports (listed on the agenda but circulated late) which have not been circulated in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information and Meetings) (England) Regulations 2012.

Note: The above requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear working days in advance of meetings.

Minutes:

NOTED, that the reports listed on the agenda had been circulated in accordance with the requirements of the Council’s Constitution and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Access to Information and Meetings) (England) Regulations 2012. These requirements state that agendas and reports should be circulated at least 5 clear working days in advance of meetings.

 

Councillor Doug Taylor (Leader of the Council) advised Members of an urgent decision that he had taken on behalf of the Cabinet under the Cabinet and Council Urgency Procedure Rules for a property that had been auctioned that morning. The reason for urgency was due to the fact that the Council had been informed of this sale on 28 November 2014 and the auction had been today. The property formed part of the “island site” and was part of the forthcoming Town Centre Master Plan. The value put on the property and the maximum bid that had been approved was for £2.465m. The Council was not in a position to pay over market value as this would have been the value if the Council were to CPO the site. At the auction the property had been sold for £2.75m, the Council had therefore been unsuccessful. (U190/KD 4051)

4.

DEPUTATIONS

To note that no requests for deputations have been received for presentation to this Cabinet meeting.

Minutes:

NOTED that no requests for deputations had been received for presentation to this Cabinet meeting.

5.

ITEMS TO BE REFERRED TO THE COUNCIL

To note that there are no reports to be referred to full Council.

 

 

 

Minutes:

NOTED, that there were no reports to be referred to full Council.

6.

Revenue Monitoring Report 2014/15: October 2014 pdf icon PDF 175 KB

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This sets out the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position based on information to the end of October 2014. (Key decision – reference number 3951)

(Report No.125)

(8.20 – 8.25 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.125) setting out the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position based on information to the end of October 2014.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the report forecast an outturn position of £2.57m overspend for 2014/15 subject to action plans to contain budget pressures. It was expected that there would be a balanced budget at year end; remedial action was being taken to address the overspend. The current overspend represented approximately 1% of the overall Council revenue budget spend.

 

2.               The departmental monitoring information as detailed in section 5 and Appendix A of the report.

 

3.               The key risks set out in section 13 of the report.

 

4.               The treasury management and cash flow analysis set out in section 6.1 and Appendix B of the report. The Council’s overall borrowing positon was stable.

 

5.               That a £330k pressure had arisen in relation to Broomfield House as the structure now required new scaffolding to secure the property and meet health and safety requirements. This one-off cost would be met from the Council’s Risk Reserve, as detailed in decision 2 below. Councillor Charalambous advised Members of the work currently being undertaken by the Broomfield House Partnership Board in considering the way forward. Members noted that the new scaffolding was necessary to keep the building safe and to comply with the Council’s responsibilities.

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

 

1.               Note the £2.57m overspend revenue outturn projection.

 

2.               The allocation of £330k from the Council’s Risk Reserve to fund work at Broomfield House (as detailed in section 5.3 of the report).

 

3.               Note the work Ernst and Young were undertaking within Schools and Children’s Services in relation to an opportunity assessment and savings strategy in order to find further efficiencies. The final report was scheduled for mid-January 2015.

 

4.               Note the in-house review of Property Services that would identify potential actions in order to achieve budget savings.

 

Reason: To ensure that Members were aware of the projected budgetary position for the Authority for the current and future years including all major budget pressures and underspends which had contributed to the present monthly position and that were likely to affect the Council’s finances over the period of the Medium Term Financial Plan.

(Key decision – reference number 3951)

7.

Capital Programme Monitor - Second Quarter September 2014 - Budget Year 2014-15 pdf icon PDF 520 KB

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This informs Members of the current position up to the end of September 2014 regarding the Council’s capital programme (2014-18). (Key decision – reference number 3955)

(Report No.126)

(8.25 – 8.30 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Andrew Stafford (Cabinet Member for Finance) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.126) informing Members of the current position up to the end of September 2014 regarding the Council’s Capital Programme (2014-18) taking into account the latest information for all capital schemes including the funding arrangements.

 

NOTED

 

1.               The extensive capital programme for 2014-18 as set out in the report. Members’ noted the significant projects that were being undertaken as detailed in the report.

 

2.               That borrowing levels had not increased significantly, section 7 of the report referred.

 

Alternative Options Considered: Not applicable to this report.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed

 

1.               The additions to the General Fund Capital Programme totalling £731k in 2014/15 (Table 1 – to be primarily funded from grants, contributions and earmarked resources) and noted that this did not increase capital financing costs. Cabinet also agreed the additions to the HRA Programme totalling £203k.

 

2.               The updated four year programme including proposed reductions subject to indicative estimates included in later years (as detailed in section 5 of the report).

 

Reason: To ensure that Members were aware of the current position up to the end of September 2014 regarding the Council’s Capital Programme (2014-18), as set out in the report.

(Key decision – reference number 3955)

8.

ASSOCIATE CABINET MEMBERS - UPDATE pdf icon PDF 498 KB

A report from the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This provides an update on the progress made in establishing the new roles of the Associate Cabinet Members. (Non key)

(Report No.127)

(8.30 – 8.35 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader of the Council) introduced the report of the Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.127) setting out the progress made in establishing the new roles of Associate Cabinet Members and providing the first work programme updates from each of the three Associate Cabinet Members.

 

NOTED

 

1.               Councillor George Savva drew Members’ attention to his work programme, as circulated with the report. Councillor Savva highlighted the challenges of the role and the development of the role in working with Cabinet Members, the local community and other stakeholders. He felt that the Associate Cabinet Members were providing a valuable link with all interested parties within the geographical areas, as set out in the report.

 

2.               Councillor Bambos Charalambous advised Members of the number of projects which crossed ward boundaries in which the Associate Cabinet Members could play a valuable role. The Ward Forums had proved to be successful and had been well-attended. It was noted that issues of importance varied across the geographical areas, for example, Cycle Enfield, the provision of school places, Crossrail 2 and the North Circular Road Action Plan. He outlined his involvement in the Broomfield House Partnership board. The role that Associate Cabinet Members would have on the new Area Partnership Boards was also highlighted for Members’ information. Associate Cabinet Members worked closely with Cabinet colleagues across all portfolio areas. He felt that the role was an important one which would continue to develop.

 

3.               Members noted that the Opposition Members had been sceptical regarding the value of the role of the Associate Cabinet Members. The importance of working with shadow Opposition Associate Cabinet Members was highlighted for the benefits of the local communities. Associate Cabinet Members should attend the ward forums within their geographical areas. Details of all ward forums were advertised on the Council’s website.

 

4.               Councillor Taylor highlighted the role that the Associate Cabinet Members would have in the forthcoming consultation on Cycle Enfield.

 

Alternative Options Considered: The option to continue with the present arrangements were considered but discounted on the grounds that they would not meet the new democratic imperative being sought by the administration and would fail to prepare the Council for future challenges arising from significant future budgetary pressures and changes to wider Government policy.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet

 

1.               Noted the progress made in establishing the new roles of the Associate Cabinet Members and the updates provided through the work programme outcomes/summaries of activities up to November 2014.

 

2.               Agreed that further outcome updates be presented to Cabinet in April 2015 and November 2015 as specified in Council Report No.1 (June 2014) that established the roles.

 

3.               Agreed that a formal evaluation of the impact of the Associate Cabinet Member role be carried out in January 2016 and a report with recommendations be presented to Cabinet in April 2016.

 

Reason: To note the first work programme updates as presented. To agree that further updates come forward in April 2015 and November 2015 with a formal evaluation  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Quarterly Corporate Performance Report pdf icon PDF 219 KB

A report from the Chief Executive is attached. This notes the progress made towards delivering the identified key priority indicators for Enfield. (Key decision – reference number 3997)

(Report No.128)

(8.35 – 8.40 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Achilleas Georgiou (Deputy Leader) introduced the report of the Chief Executive (No.128) providing the latest available performance data at the end of the second quarter of 2014/15.

 

NOTED

 

1.               The progress made towards delivering the identified key priority indicators for Enfield.

 

2.               Councillor Georgiou drew Members’ attention to a number of the key priority indicators set out in the report. Pressure was continuing in meeting the number of households living in temporary accommodation, as set out in the report. Members noted that the finance indicators were performing well.

 

3.               Councillor Oykener reiterated the pressures being faced by the Council in meeting the demand for temporary accommodation. He highlighted the detrimental effects of Government policies and the negative impact on the number of households presenting themselves as homeless in Enfield. The Council was taking innovative measures to meet pressures, including the work of Housing Gateway. Councillor Oykener outlined the work which was being undertaken with London Councils; it was hoped that Councils would work together in developing an agreed pricing strategy for the provision of temporary accommodation across London.

 

4.               Councillor Sitkin drew Members’ attention to the indicators in relation to employment and worklessness. Work was continuing to improve the number of 16 to 19 year olds who were not in education, employment or training (NEET). The employment rate in Enfield had improved in the short term, significant efforts continued to be made to address this area of concern.

 

5.               Councillor Orhan highlighted the indicator relating to the percentage of persistent absence in state funded primary schools. The Council had identified the 10 worst performing primary schools in the Borough and was working closely with them on effective preventative measures. A lot of work was being done in this area to support schools and review current guidance and recording practices. Councillor Orhan was optimistic that the figures would improve for the next quarter.

 

6.               Councillor Orhan drew attention to the indicator for the achievement of 5 or more A* - C grades at GCSE or equivalent including English and Maths. It was noted that there had been a change arising from a Government review and the way in which data was collected which had had a huge impact on Enfield. Practices had changes. The results of the academies in Enfield had an impact on the overall results figures for Enfield. The Council was working closely with Schools.

 

7.               Members noted the exceptional work which was being undertaken with regard to safeguarding children – 100% of child protection cases had been reviewed within the required timescales. Members were advised that this was a high growth area with increasing demand being experienced. The service in Enfield was coping well. It was further noted that Enfield had good recruitment and retention rates for social workers compared to London as a whole.

 

8.               Councillor McGowan highlighted the indicator in relation to delayed transfers of care and the challenges being faced. It was noted that the figures were not unique to Enfield and were  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

10.

CHANGING THE OPERATION OF ENFIELD'S AREA PARTNERSHIP BOARDS pdf icon PDF 262 KB

A report from the Director of Regeneration and Environment is attached. This recommends the expansion of the Area Partnership Boards to cover the whole borough. (Non key)

(Report No.129)

(8.40 – 8.45 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Alan Sitkin (Cabinet Member for Economic Development) introduced the report of the Director of Regeneration and Environment (No.129) recommending the expansion of the Area Partnership Boards to cover the whole borough.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That the current structure of Area Partnership Boards meant that they only covered 12 of Enfield’s 21 wards. The Boards currently excluded major areas of redevelopment in the borough including Enfield Town.

 

2.               That the meetings would be held three times a year and would focus on five main priorities as set out in section 3.3 of the report.

 

3.               The Associate Cabinet Members would have a cross departmental, geographical approach.

 

Alternative Options Considered: Two alternative options had been considered as detailed in section 4 of the report: To continue with each Area Partnership Board covering the same area; and, not to explore the reduction in support for other area-based meetings.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to adopt the proposals set out below:

 

1.               That each Area Partnership Board should align with the three Associate Cabinet Member responsibility areas.

 

2.               That meetings would be held three times a year for each Area Partnership Board to focus on more in-depth and hands-on work being undertaken during meetings.

 

3.               That each meeting should primarily focus on one of the five Area Partnership Board objectives, with a core membership and other partners being invited to attend based on the area of work being undertaken.

 

4.               That a mapping exercise be undertaken to establish all other area-based meetings currently being facilitated by the Council, in order to link these to the Area Partnerships, providing a single and strong area-based platform to deliver key strategic messages to the Enfield Strategic Partnership and the local authority, and to undertake targeted work in the respective areas.

 

Reason: To focus on the most effective way to engage with the Council’s strategic partners on a number of key priorities and with a specific area focus. With three meetings of each partnership a year, substantial work could take place between meetings, meaning that the SMART objectives agreed upon could be partly met and reported on by the next meeting, ensuring momentum was maintained. There were a number of area-specific meetings in the borough that would best be grouped under the APSs to ensure that resourcing the meeting, from a council perspective, was kept to a minimum. By establishing the APBs as the main link between all area-based meetings and the Enfield Strategic Partnership/other strategic partners, the need for the Council to resource other meetings should fall.

(Non key)

11.

Alma Estate Regeneration Compulsory Purchase Order and Additional Land pdf icon PDF 233 KB

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This seeks approval to progress the Alma Estate Regeneration as set out in the report. (Report No.132, agenda part two also refers). (Key decision – reference number 4003)

(Report No.130)

(8.45 – 8.50 pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.130) detailing the proposed Alma Estate Regeneration compulsory purchase order and additional land.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Report No.132 also referred, as detailed in Minute No.20 below.

 

2.               That this was an important step forward in the regeneration of the Alma Estate. The proposal to increase the boundary of the project by the inclusion of a number of adjoining sites, as set out in the report, would help to achieve greater regeneration benefits including additional housing. The provision of new homes would be 40% affordable housing.

 

3.               That the compulsory purchase order (CPO) would only be used as a last resort should negotiations not be successful. Vacant possession of the development area could not be guaranteed without a CPO in place.  

 

Alternative Options Considered: To seek CPO powers for individual phases of the development. This approach did not reflect the comprehensive development approach being adopted for the regeneration scheme. Negotiations to acquire land and property interests had been pursued and would continue to be pursued in tandem with the compulsory purchase process. To protect the Council’s position should negotiations become protracted and to ensure vacant possession, it was prudent for the Council to obtain CPO powers. If the Council decided not to seek CPO powers, the delivery of the whole regeneration would be significantly undermined as there would be a very high risk that vacant possession would not be achieved within the timescales as leaseholders might decide to not sell back, or hold out for unreasonable and unrealistic offers from the Council.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

 

1.               Approve the inclusion of five additional land parcels to form part of the Alma Estate development, as detailed in Appendix 3 to the report.

 

2.               Subject to 1 above, to approve the boundary of the CPO plan set out in Appendix 1 to the report to include these five additional parcels within the Order Land.

 

3.               Note the draft Statement of Reasons (detailed in Appendix 2 to the report) which set out the justification for making the London Borough of Enfield (Alma Estate Regeneration) Compulsory Purchase Order 2014 in relation to the Order Land.

 

4.               Resolve to use Compulsory Purchase Order powers under section 226 1 (a) of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) to make the London Borough of Enfield (Alma Estate Regeneration) Compulsory Purchase Order 2014 in respect of the land shown edged red on the Plan attached at Appendix 1 of the report to effect acquisition of land and new rights within the areas described in the report and shown edged red on the Plan (the proposed “Order Land”). The Council being of the view that the proposed acquisition of the Order Land would:

 

(a)  Facilitate the carrying out of the development/redevelopment or improvement on or in relation to the Order Land; and

(b)  Would contribute  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Housing Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Contracts pdf icon PDF 192 KB

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care is attached. (Report No.134, agenda part two also refers). (Key decision – reference number 3976)

 (Report No.131)

(8.50 – 8.55 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No.131) seeking approval to provisionally award the new Housing Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Contracts.

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Report No.134 also referred, as detailed in Minute No.21 below.

 

2.               The procurement exercise which had been undertaken, the results of which were detailed in Report No.134.  

 

3.               Members noted the requirements included within the contract specifications, as detailed in section 5 of the report. These would require the new contractors to provide additional value services, change processes and procedures to create efficiency, and to create cost savings. Members noted the proposals with regard to the provision of apprenticeships.

 

Alternative Options Considered: There were no alternative options considered.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to

 

1.               Note the impact of the award and delivery of these contracts.

 

2.               Authorise award of these contracts subject to leaseholder consultation, as detailed in Report No.134, Minute No.21 below refers.

 

3.               Delegate any changes brought about by the leaseholder consultation to the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Regeneration in consultation with the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care.

 

Reason: The detailed reasons for the recommendations were set out in section 5 of the report. The requirements included within the specification require the new contractors to provide additional value services, change processes and procedures to create efficiency, and to create cost savings.

(Key decision – reference number 3976)

13.

ISSUES ARISING FROM THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE

To note that no items have been received for consideration at this meeting.

Minutes:

There were no issues arising from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration at this meeting.

14.

CABINET AGENDA PLANNING - FUTURE ITEMS pdf icon PDF 145 KB

Attached for information is a provisional list of items scheduled for future Cabinet meetings.

Minutes:

NOTED the provisional list of items scheduled for future Cabinet meetings. Councillor Taylor drew Members’ attention to the number of reports listed for the January and February Cabinet meetings and asked that consideration be given to any items that could be brought forward to the January Cabinet meeting.

15.

MINUTES pdf icon PDF 170 KB

To confirm the minutes of the previous meetings of the Cabinet held on 30 October and 12 November 2014.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

AGREED that the minutes of the previous meetings of the Cabinet held on 30 October and 12 November 2014 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

16.

MINUTES OF ENFIELD RESIDENTS' PRIORITY FUND CABINET SUB-COMMITTEE - 21 OCTOBER 2014 pdf icon PDF 143 KB

To receive, for information, the minutes of a meeting of the Enfield Residents’ Priority Fund Cabinet Sub-Committee held on 21 October 2014.

Minutes:

NOTED the minutes of the Enfield Residents’ Priority Fund Cabinet Sub-Committee held on 21 October 2014.

17.

ENFIELD STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP UPDATE pdf icon PDF 120 KB

To receive an update at the Cabinet meeting following the Enfield Strategic Partnership (ESP) Board meeting scheduled to take place on 2 December 2014.

(9.00 – 9.05pm)

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members received an update, circulated at the meeting, following the Enfield Strategic Partnership Board meeting held on 2 December 2014 providing a summary of the minutes of the meeting.

 

Councillor Sitkin outlined the main areas of discussion at the meeting covering: a review of the Enfield Strategic Partnership; the future of the Area Partnership Boards; and the Youth Engagement Panel.

 

NOTED that the Enfield Strategic Partnership had agreed to make a contribution of £25,000 towards the Youth Engagement Panel. The YEP was looking to develop alternative funding streams, as detailed in the minutes.

18.

DATE OF NEXT MEETING

To note that the next meeting of the Cabinet is scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21 January 2015 at 8.15pm.  

Minutes:

NOTED that the next meeting of the Cabinet was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 21 January 2015 at 8.15pm.

19.

EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the press and public from the meeting for any items of business listed on part 2 of the agenda on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in those paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act (as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

(Members are asked to refer to the part 2 agenda)

Minutes:

RESOLVED in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 to exclude the press and public from the meeting for the items of business listed on part 2 of the agenda on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act (as amended by the Local Government (Access for Information) (Variation) Order 2006).

20.

ALMA ESTATE REGENERATION COMPULSORY PURCHASE ORDER AND ADDITIONAL LAND

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services is attached. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.129, agenda part one refers. (Key decision – reference number 4003)

(Report No.132)

(9.10 – 9.15 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Director of Finance, Resources and Customer Services (No.132).

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Report No.129 also referred, as detailed in Minute No.11 above.

 

2.               The procurement advice and additional exempt information in support of Report No.129.

 

3.               The key risks highlighted in the report. It was felt that the potential benefits for the Council were greater than the risks identified. Members discussed the level of identified risks in detail and sought reassurances from officers present on the proposed way forward. Members noted the mitigating actions available to the Council if required. There was a degree of flexibility for the Council as set out in the report. 

 

Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in Minute No.11 above.

 

DECISION: The Cabinet agreed to delegate to the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care and Assistant Director – Legal and Governance, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Regeneration, any further decisions that were necessary to implement appropriate mitigating actions to address any identified risks to the Council.

 

Reason: As detailed in Minute No.11 above.

(Key decision – reference number 4003)

21.

HOUSING RESPONSIVE REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS

A report from the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care is attached. This should be read in conjunction with Report No.131, agenda part one refers. (Key decision – reference number 3976)

(Report No.134)

(9.15 – 9.20 pm)

Minutes:

Councillor Ahmet Oykener (Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Regeneration) introduced the report of the Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care (No.134).

 

NOTED

 

1.               That Report No.131 also referred as detailed in Minute No.12 above.

 

2.               The tender evaluation details of the recent procurement of repairs and maintenance contracts.

 

3.               In response to a question raised, Ray James (Director of Health, Housing and Adult Social Care) reassured Members of the companies’ evidence of equalities compliance. The Council would undertake proportionate monitoring to check the companies’ consistency with their stated policies.

 

4.               Councillor Charalambous drew attention to section 7.3 within the legal implications. Reassurance was provided to Members that the procurement process followed had been sound and robust.

 

5.               A discussion took place in which assurances were provided to Members on the contractual commitments for local bases to be established in the Borough and the intention to encourage the employment of locally based staff. The provision for apprenticeships was considered further.

 

6.               In conclusion of their consideration, Members requested that a fuller discussion on the Council’s procurement processes and sustainable procurement policies be scheduled to take place at a future meeting of the Strategic Leadership Forum. It was noted that pending this discussion, the proposed report to the January Cabinet meeting on the Council’s Sustainable Procurement Policy would be deferred to a future meeting of the Cabinet.

 

Alternative Options Considered: As detailed in Report No.131, Minute No.12 above refers.

 

DECISION: Cabinet agreed to authorise award of the contracts, as set out in section 3 of the report, subject to leaseholder consultation.

 

Reason: As detailed in Report No.131, Minute No.12 above refers.

(Key decision – reference number 3976)