Agenda and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday 9 May 2017 4.00 pm

Venue: Ground Floor Meeting Room G02A - 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH. View directions

Contact: Paula Thornton  Phone: 020 7525 4395 Email:  paula.thornton@southwark.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

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    To receive any apologies for absence.

    Minutes:

    Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Maisie Anderson who was on maternity leave.

2.

Notification of any items of Business which the Chair Deems Urgent

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    In special circumstances, an item of business may be added to an agenda within five clear working days of the meeting.

    Minutes:

    The chair gave notice of the following late item:

     

    ·  Item 7: Deputation requests

     

    Reasons for urgency and lateness will be specified in the relevant minute.

3.

Notice of Intention to conduct business in a closed meeting, and any representations received

4.

Disclosure of Interests and Dispensations

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    Members to declare any interests and dispensations in respect of any item of business to be considered at this meeting.

    Minutes:

    Councillor Mark Williams declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 11: Aylesbury Regeneration Programme Delivery as a trustee of Creation Trust. This report does not deal with funding arrangements for the Trust and the non-pecuniary interest is declared for transparency purposes.

5.

Public Question Time (15 Minutes)

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    To receive any questions from members of the public which have been submitted in advance of the meeting in accordance with the cabinet procedure rules. The deadline for the receipt of public questions is midnight Wednesday 3 May 2017.

    Minutes:

    1.  Public Question from Beverley Robinson

     

    Aylesbury item 11 

     

    Paragraph 35 -  Notting Hill Housing Trust (NHHT's) commits to assist the rehousing of tenants, and tenants are referred to in paragraph 36:

     

    Why is there no mention of leaseholders in these paragraphs?

     

    Response

     

    The paragraph notes the renewed commitments set out within the Delivery Agreement with Notting Hill Housing Trust (NHHT) in relation to delivery dates, rehousing of tenants and other performance indicators.  See Appendix 2 of the report.

     

    The pre-existing commitments within the principal Development Partnership Agreement regarding the provision of shared equity homes for leasehold residents continue to apply.  They are not repeated within the Delivery Agreement.

     

    2.  Public Question from Toby Eckersley

     

    Noting the likely strain on the council's finances (report: paragraphs 37, 38 and 47) and the council's refurbishment scheme for the high-rise Maydew House (adding five more storeys), why is there not a review of the refurbishment case for all or part of the remaining buildings on the Aylesbury?

     

    Response

     

    The council has previously considered options for the refurbishment of the estate but found them to be unviable or unfeasible and took the decision to redevelop the estate. 

     

    The council has an existing contractual agreement with a development partner for the redevelopment of the estate.  Planning consent for the demolition and redevelopment of the estate has been granted and this position was tested at public inquiry and the planning inspector and secretary of state accepted this position. 

     

    The demolition of vacant buildings within the estate has now commenced, in accordance with the report to cabinet of September 2016.  The resource implications referenced in this report refer to that previous cabinet decision in relation to the cost of demolition of existing blocks.  The report notes that there are no additional resource implications resulting from this report.

     

    Supplemental question

     

    Toby Eckersley asked a supplemental question relating to ‘previous consideration’ and suggested would it be sensible to give it some reconsideration as the decision was taken by the 2005 meeting of the executive.

     

    3.  Public Question from Eltayeb Hassan

     

    Why wasn't I told that the council will only accept applications for assistance in rehousing from homeowners who purchased their property on or before the 27 of September 2005? And why should we be excluded now since we never knew about this decision until 26 of January 2015?

     

    Response

     

    The council’s rehousing policy for the Aylesbury regeneration was agreed by council executive in September 2006, and reaffirmed by cabinet in December 2010.  This set that rehousing assistance through the council should be provided to leaseholders who met the following criteria:

     

    ·  Had acquired their property either by Right to Buy or on open market prior to 27 September 2005

    ·  Had submitted an application to commence the process of the Right to Buy prior to 27 September 2005

    ·  And that the leaseholder must be in actual occupation of the property for at least 1 year prior to the acquisition of the property.

     

    Since September 2005 the council has very widely publicised  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Minutes

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    To approve as a correct record the minutes of the open section of the meeting held on 21 March 2017.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

7.

Deputation Requests

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    To consider any deputation requests. The deadline for the receipt of deputation requests is midnight Wednesday 3 May 2017.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The deputation report had not been circulated five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept as urgent as the requests were received in line with the constitutional deadline for the receipt of deputation requests.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the deputation requests be received.

     

    Rotherhithe Area Housing Forum

     

    The deputation spokesperson for Rotherhithe Area Housing Forum addressed the cabinet regarding the following:

     

    ·  Expressed thanks for taking the Mayflower Tenants Hall off the list and the need to start the refurbishment of the hall straight away

    ·  Requested that it be made clear that the Canada Estate Tenants Hall is now off the list

    ·  Albion Primary School playground housing; concern about the playground

    ·  Civic Centre Albion Street; feels it can provide more housing

    ·  Tissington Silverlock estate underground garages request to be taken off the list.

     

    Councillor Mark Williams expressed the challenges for the council and the need to look at all land confirming:

     

    ·  That the Canada Estate Tenants Hall was not on the list

    ·  That there were no plans to open a walking route through the Canada Estate

    ·  Albion Street Civic Centre; housing figures have been corrected in planning application

    ·  Tissington; will continue to talk to residents on the estate.

     

    Councillor Victoria Mills responded on the Albion Primary school playground;  it was felt that this would not result in a loss of play space, with the support of the school and governors.

     

    Councillor Stephanie Cryan confirmed that a full survey of the Mayflower Tenants hall was already underway to address work required.

     

    Traders from Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre

     

    The deputation spokesperson for traders from the Elephant and Castle shopping centre addressed the cabinet regarding support for the traders and businesses during the redevelopment of the shopping centre. The full content of this deputation made to cabinet is attached as Appendix 1 to these minutes.

     

    Aylesbury residents

     

    The deputation spokesperson for Aylesbury residents addressed the cabinet regarding item 11: Aylesbury Estate Regeneration Programme Delivery.

     

    The deputation raised a number of points relating to property valuations, the date of building on the first development site, improvements paid for by leaseholders and demolition and rebuild costs. Issue relating to refurbishment costs were also raised.

     

    Councillor Mark Williams explained that offers were made on the basis of the market value. If dissatisfied leaseholders can appoint a valuer or refer case to Lands Tribunal (which has happened in some cases). 

8.

Petition from Be Active Social Enterprise - Tennis in Southwark

    To consider a petition from Be Active Social Enterprise relating to tennis in Southwark.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the petition be received.

     

    The petition spokespeople addressed the meeting and outlined the successes of the tennis programme, with particular regard to juniors and the assistance provided in respect of coaching qualifications. It was confirmed that the petition had increased to 770 signatures and echoed concerns that the contract process might have on tennis. The petition spokesperson also  requested a coherent long term vision.

     

    Councillor Ian Wingfield accepted the petition and expressed his appreciation of the work and success of the programme. He confirmed the significant investment that has been made in tennis which will continue, and of  plans for an overall strategy. In respect of contract issues,  the council is happy to work to provide any assistance  to groups with regard submission of bids and the contract process.

9.

Gaining Independence: Transforming Support and Housing for Southwark Looked After Children/Care Leavers and Young People at risk of Homelessness aged over 16 Years

    To accept the findings of the young people aged 16+ project and approve recommendations.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Decisions of the Cabinet

     

    1.  That the findings of the young people aged 16+ support and housing project as set out in full in Appendix 1 of the report be accepted.

     

    2.  That the following recommendations be approved:

     

      (i)  to establish a joint leadership across the council for delivering the 16+ support and housing pathway, with a common purpose across care, health, housing and support.

     

      (ii)  to support young people wherever it is safe and in their best interests, to stay living at home with their family or foster carers.

     

      (iii)  to establish a single “front door” into 16+ support and housing pathway for all looked after children/care leavers and young people at risk of homelessness, underpinned by a unified approach across children’s social care and housing.

     

      (iv)  to establish new Southwark Young People’s 16+ Support and Resettlement Services with a small number of providers which will deliver support directly to young people that robustly prepares them for independent living. Some of these services will be located in Southwark with other services located within a reasonable travel distance of the borough.

     

      (v)  to establish a whole system approach to support young people to move on from services. This approach will be underpinned by a principle of helping young people to make their own choices around their housing needs.

     

      (vi)  to ensure young people can live independently in the community following preparatory support and training, so that young people do not experience a “cliff-edge” when leaving different support and housing schemes.

     

    3.  That the strategic director of children’s and adults’ services and the strategic director of housing and modernisation be instructed to undertake work to deliver these changes.

     

    4.  That it be noted that these changes may avoid costs that would be borne by the council of up to £2.5m over the coming two years.

     

    Decisions of the Leader of the Council

     

    5.  That authority be delegated to the cabinet member for children and schools, in consultation with the deputy leader and cabinet member for housing to approve procurement decisions for the new Southwark Young People’s 16+ support and resettlement services, including any award of contracts.

10.

Elephant and Castle Shopping Centre Equalities Analysis and Mitigation Projects

    To note the findings of the equalities analysis and agree recommendations.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the findings of the equalities analysis that was undertaken to inform the council of the equality implications of the shopping centre redevelopment project and to fulfil the council’s Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) in relation to any future decision to consider exercising CPO powers at the site be noted.

     

    2.  That a database of vacant premises will be established and maintained by the developer be noted.

     

    3.  That the developer be required to implement a package of measures to support relocation and mitigate the impact of the closure of the shopping centre on local traders and residents, details of which are set out in paragraphs 33 to 49 of the report. 

     

    4.  That a progress report be received in the next six months, which will have regard to the points raised by the deputation by the Elephant and Castle traders, as set out in Appendix 1 to the minutes.

11.

Aylesbury Regeneration Programme Delivery

12.

Land at Commercial Way, Peckham

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    To approve the appropriation of land for development proposals in the area.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That it be confirmed that the land shown hatched on the plan at Appendix A of the report that is currently held for housing purposes is no longer required for those purposes and the appropriation of the land to planning purposes to facilitate the carrying out of the development proposals for the area in accordance with section 226 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and section 122(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 be approved.

     

    2.  That it be confirmed that following completion of the appropriation at paragraph 1 the land shown hatched on the plan at Appendix A of the report will no longer be required for planning purposes and the appropriation of the land to housing purposes in accordance with section 9 of the Housing Act 1985 and section 122(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 be approved.

13.

Proposed Acquisition of Freehold Interest in Land in the Old Kent Road Opportunity Area

    To agree recommendations in respect of the acquisition of the freehold interest in land in the Old Kent Road opportunity area.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the acquisition of the freehold interest in land in the Old Kent Road opportunity area be approved in principle, subject to completing due diligence and the agreement of Final Heads of Terms.

     

    2.  That authority be delegated to the chief executive, advised by and in consultation with the strategic director of finance and governance and head of property to:

     

    a)  Note the outcome of the due diligence process and proceed with the acquisition, provided that the findings do not undermine the purpose of the acquisition.

    b)  Negotiate terms and enter into binding contracts for the purchase of the freehold interest in the proposed acquisition land and thereafter to complete the purchase;

    c)  Agree the financing structure adopted to fund the acquisition of the asset.

14.

New Homes Delivery Programme

15.

Gateway 1: Procurement Strategy Approval - Leasehold and Ancillary Properties Buildings Insurance

16.

Gateway 1: Procurement Strategy Approval - Managed Service for Temporary Staff

17.

Motions Referred from Council Assembly

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    To consider motions on the following:

     

    ·  Age Friendly Borough

    ·  Don’t shaft Faraday

    ·  Tackling congestion in Jamaica Road

    ·  Save Southwark post office services

    ·  The Dubs’ Amendment

    ·  NHS sustainability and transformation plan.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Age Friendly Borough

     

    That the motion referred from council assembly as a recommendation to cabinet, set out below, be agreed.

     

    1.  Council assembly recognises and celebrates the significant contribution that older people in Southwark make to the life of our borough, whether it is at work, as carers or in the voluntary sector. Based on estimates produced by the Royal Voluntary Service, the contribution that over-65s in Southwark make to the borough as carers and volunteers alone is worth over £9 million every year.

     

    2.  Council assembly notes the administration’s commitment to supporting older people in the borough to live healthy, active, independent and fulfilling lives, in their own homes and communities, for as long as possible.

     

    3.  Council assembly welcomes Southwark’s accreditation from the World Health Organisation as the first Age Friendly Borough in London and the work that has been done to deliver the Age Friendly vision, including:

     

    ·  Implementing the Southwark Ethical Care Charter

    ·  Building new council homes specifically designed for older people

    ·  Introducing free swimming and gym use to help older people keep fit and well

    ·  Being recognised by the Alzheimer’s Society as a Dementia Friendly Borough and forming the new Southwark Dementia Action Alliance

    ·  Supporting older people to be digitally included with free 'silver surfer' IT sessions in our libraries

    ·  Providing targeted employment support for anyone over 50 facing barriers to getting jobs

    ·  Developing plans for the new centre of excellence for older people that will open in late 2018.

     

    4.  Council assembly recognises the importance of caring for vulnerable older people in our community and welcomes the work that the council has done including:

     

    ·  Implementing our Ethical Care Charter for all home care contracts, supporting older people to stay in their own homes by offering quality care at home

     

    ·  Providing good quality re-ablement support to help more vulnerable people stay in their homes and reduce hospital re-admissions. Despite the massive cuts faced by the council, Southwark has maintained significantly better hospital discharge performance than the London average

     

    ·  Building new extra care housing, such as Tayo Situ House, and working with others, such as the development at Southwark Park Road by the United St Saviour’s Charity, to help older people to maintain their independence in supported accommodation.

     

    5.  Council assembly recognises that the commitment to being an Age Friendly Borough spans all council services and welcomes the participation of residents in community conversations on ageing well in Southwark, which have helped to develop priorities and areas for further improvement, including:

     

    ·  Improving transport, open spaces and the public realm

    ·  Tackling isolation

    ·  Improving communication and information for older people

    ·  Working to break down generational barriers

    ·  Developing skills and employment and volunteering opportunities

    ·  Helping people to stay healthy and active

    ·  Addressing housing needs

    ·  Ensuring better customer service for older people.

     

    6.  Council assembly calls on the cabinet to continue working with residents and community and voluntary groups to further improve quality of life for people in Southwark, regardless of their age.

     

    Don’t Shaft Faraday

     

    That the motion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

RESOLVED:

 

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in category 3 of paragraph 10.4 of the access to information procedure rules of the Southwark Constitution.

 

The following is a summary of the decisions taken in the closed part of the meeting.

18.

Minutes

Minutes:

The minutes of the closed section of the meeting held on 21 March 2017 were approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

19.

Proposed acquisition of Freehold Interest in Land in the Old Kent Road Opportunity Area

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 13 for the decision.