Agenda and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday 21 January 2020 4.00 pm

Venue: Ground floor meeting rooms GO2, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH

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 Jasmine Ali and apologies for lateness from Councillor Evelyn Akoto.

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 items:

     

    ·  Item 7:  Deputation requests

     

    ·  Item 17:   Policy and Resources Strategy 2020-21

     

    ·  Item 18:  Impact of Brexit on Southwark – Progress Report.

     

    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

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    To note the items specified which will be considered in a closed meeting.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    No representations were received in respect of the items listed as closed business for the meeting.

4.

Disclosure of Interests and Dispensations

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

    Minutes:

    Councillor Johnson Situ declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of Item 10: Walworth Community Development Support, as chair of the trustees of the Creation Trust.

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 a public question is midnight Wednesday 15 January 2020.

    Minutes:

    None were received.

6.

Minutes

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    To approve as a correct record the minutes of the open section of the meeting held on 17 December 2019.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Update on item 9: Kingswood QHIP external wall insulation proposals report from overview and scrutiny committee report considered by cabinet 17 December 2019

     

    Councillor Kieron Williams, cabinet member for housing management and modernisation, provided an update for cabinet on this item considered on 17 December 2019 by advising that an independent expert had been appointed to look at external wall insulation in particular. The expert would complete a report which would be provided to residents as soon as completed.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the minutes of the open section of the meeting held on 17 December 2019 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 a deputation request was midnight Wednesday 15 January 2020.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the deputation from the Be Active Social Enterprise be heard.

     

    The Be Active Social Enterprise expressed concern to cabinet about progress regarding a long-term tennis plan for the borough following their previous petition and deputation to cabinet.

     

    Councillor Rebecca Lury, deputy leader and cabinet member for culture, leisure, equalities and communities, confirmed that a number of outstanding issues needed to be resolved and agreed to meet with the deputation and relevant officer to discuss these matters.

8.

Faith Strategy Action Plan

    To adopt the faith strategy action plan.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Sis Sheeba Levi-Stewart, the Rastafari Movement UK; Siriol Davies, Interfaith Advisor; Violet Hinrichs, Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is; Archdeacon Dr Jane Steen, Diocese of Southwark; Hajia Saidat Oketunde, Muslim Association of Nigeria and Sis Stella Headley, Director of the Rastafari Movement UK were also in attendance to provide their input.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the faith strategy action plan be adopted.

     

    2.  That it be noted that the Southwark Way of Working shared values around ‘treating every resident as if they are a member of your own family’ are vital in building trust and removing barriers between faith communities and the council be noted. Closer and more collaborative working will ensure that we are on a journey towards more open and deeper conversations.

     

    3.  That it be noted that the new approach to engagement will be embedded in the delivery of the action plan through ‘putting people at the heart of the engagement processes’. This means that we will seek to understand the lived experience of faith communities and be open to their views and comments about the strengths and weaknesses of approaches and interventions contained within the action plan. https://d.adroll.com/consent/hod?_e=click_allow_all_btn&_s=13428137ce585a4f4f9338f615f9c40d&_b=2.1&_a=HZDB2DEWG5AAVPOS7N4PRQ  https://d.adroll.com/consent/hod?_e=view_banner&_s=13428137ce585a4f4f9338f615f9c40d&_b=2.1&_a=HZDB2DEWG5AAVPOS7N4PRQhttps://d.adroll.com/consent/hod?_e=click_allow_all_btn&_s=13428137ce585a4f4f9338f615f9c40d&_b=2.1&_a=HZDB2DEWG5AAVPOS7N4PRQ

     

    4.  That it be noted that the action plan will work through the relationships above to achieve its aspirations of building trust, releasing potential and greater collaboration through an asset based community development approach. In the first instance this will mean raising awareness of this approach and continuing to map the skills and resources of faith communities.

     

    5.  That it be noted that in celebrating our diversity and providing a space for the expression of faith leaders and their communities there is greater opportunity for them to realise their potential. This growth and confidence provides a strong foundation for the birth of ‘champions’ and ‘ambassadors’ that can work with the council and the voluntary and community sector.

     

    6.  That it be noted that the faith strategy action plan will deliver the recommendations of the faith strategy as follows:

     

    (i)  Celebrate faith and diversity of faith organisations in the borough through connecting faith communities both with each other and the council and the voluntary and community sector. We will help to promote the expression of faith through using existing opportunities within faith communities who are working together on cross cultural and faith celebrations including the boroughs participation in Inter-faith week and Peace Week.

     

    (ii)  Support faith organisations and their approaches to supporting individuals who are a part of their congregations by finding out how we can better support faith communities’ activities and projects. This could include the development of tailored learning programmes and raising awareness of council policies and procedures. The council can also work through an enabling role and increasing access to information, training and shared learning around safeguarding, equalities and funding avenues.

     

    (iii)  Improve the lives of Southwark residents through embedding a culture and practice of ‘faith navigators’ to improve the signposting and referral to services. In increasing the knowledge and awareness of faith communities  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

9.

Housing Revenue Account Budget - Final Rent-Setting and Budget Report 2020-21

10.

Walworth Community Development Support

    To note the success of Creation Trust and to approve the annual funding of £100,000 to the Creation Southwark Community Interest Company for housing advice.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Representatives from the Creation Trust were also in attendance to provide their input.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the successes of Creation Trust and the valued input of current and previous Board members be noted.

     

    2.  That annual funding of £100,000 to the Creation Southwark Community Interest Company for housing advice of the council tenants and those in temporary accommodation on the Aylesbury Estate from 2020-21 and throughout the remaining life of the rehousing programme be approved.

     

    3.  That the revised cash flow of council funding for Creation as set out in paragraph 5 of the report be approved.

     

    Councillor Evelyn Akoto arrived in the meeting at 4.55pm.

11.

Elephant and Castle Bakerloo Line Extension

12.

Old Kent Road Social Regeneration Charter

13.

Neighbourhood Planning - Plan to be made a material consideration in planning decisions relating to the designated neighbourhood area

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    To agree that the Southbank and Waterloo Neighbourhood Plan becomes part of the council’s development plan and is a significant consideration in all planning decisions relating to the neighbourhood area.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the Southbank and Waterloo Neighbourhood Plan be made so it becomes part of the council’s development plan and is a significant consideration in all planning decisions relating to the designated neighbourhood area.

14.

Public Space Protection Order Review - To Tackle Dog Related Anti-Social Behaviour

    To approve the recommendation that the Public Space Protection Orders should continue without variation until March 2021.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) be approved to continue without variation until March 2021.

     

    2.  That the findings of the review of the Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) to tackle dog related anti-social behaviour (ASB) be noted.

     

    3.  That it be noted that a further review of the PSPO to tackle dog related anti-social behaviour will be conducted in September 2020, with a view to extending or varying the PSPO by 31 March 2021.

15.

Gateway 2 - Contract Award Approval for Southwark Highways Works Contracts

    To approve the award of the Southwark Highways Works Contracts in two lots commencing 1 July 2020.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Note: In line with the Public Contract Regulations all tenderers need to be informed of the award decision at the same time.  A formal offer of contract can not be made until the scrutiny call-in period and Alcatel standstill period following the cabinet decision has expired.  Therefore, to prevent the possibility of a challenge, the names of all tenderers, the preferred tenderer and prices must remain confidential.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the award of the Southwark Highways Works Contracts in two lots commencing 1 July 2020 for an initial duration of five years and nine months, with an option for the council to extend for up to two further years be approved, as follows:

     

    ·  Lot A – Maintenance (for small scale reactive repairs) to Contractor A.

     

    ·  Lot B – Projects (for planned renewal / improvement projects) to Contractor A. 

16.

Gateway 2 - Contract Award Approval - Parking and Traffic Enforcement and associated services contract

17.

Policy and Resources Strategy 2020-21

    To note issues associated with the policy and resources strategy and agree recommendations.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The report had not been circulated five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept the report as urgent as the council were committed to publishing budget proposals at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure they were available to the public for comments and questions. Presenting this report to cabinet on 21 January gives the opportunity for debate prior to presentation of budget figures to cabinet on 4 February 2020. Under the council’s constitution, there is a requirement for the overview and scrutiny committee to review and challenge budget proposals and this is due to take place on 27 and 29 January 2020.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That it be noted that the provisional local government finance settlement published on 20 December 2019  was unchanged from that forecast in the report to cabinet on 17 December 2019 (paragraphs 25-28 of the report).

     

    2.  That it be noted, as reported to cabinet on 17 December 2019 and recognising the continued uncertainty for local government funding, the intention remains for the council to prepare a balanced one-year 2020-21 budget for approval by cabinet in advance of council assembly on 26 February 2020 (paragraph 24 of the report).

     

    3.  That the current budget options proposed to help achieve a balanced budget 2020-21 (Appendices B to E of the report) be noted.

     

    4.  That the proposed increase in the adult social care precept of 2% in line with the government flexibility be noted.

     

    5.  That the proposed increase to the Southwark element of the council tax in line with the government threshold by 1.99% in recognition of the spending pressures in services, particularly those that protect and support vulnerable people (paragraph 56 – 57 of the report), be noted.

     

    6.  That the budget proposals for 2020-21 contained within the report be noted that include:

     

    ·  Estimated general grant resources of £152.317m, an increase of £2.442m from 2019-20

    ·  Additional grant income of £11.095m, including increased social care grant of £7.332m

    ·  Estimated retained business rates growth of £24.739m (paragraph 59 of the report), a decrease of £1.261m over 2019-20 (paragraph 63 of the report)

    ·  Estimated council tax revenue of £117.849m, including growth in the tax base of £2.795m and additional income of £4.522m generated from increasing council tax by 3.99% (including 2% adult social care precept)

    ·  A net brought forward deficit on the collection fund, after application of the 2019-20 Pooling Benefit, chargeable to the 2020-21 budget of £0.612m

    ·  Pay award and contractual inflation of £3.919m (excluding children’s and adult services)

    ·  Retention of the contingency budget in the sum of £4m to mitigate underlying budget risks (paragraph 78 of the report).

     

    7.  That the current budget options proposed to help achieve a balanced 2020-21 budget (Appendices B to D of the report) be noted including:

     

    ·  Efficiency savings of £5.964m

    ·  Income generation of £2.376m

    ·  Savings impacting on services of £0.420m.

     

    8.  That it be noted that in order to ensure that the base budget is on a secure financial footing a number of commitments are proposed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

Impact of Brexit on Southwark - Progress Report

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    To note progress on ongoing local work in preparing for EU exit.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The report had not been circulated five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept the report as urgent as cabinet had requested a further progress report on Brexit impact and preparedness ahead of a further cross-party Brexit panel which is planned to take place on the 4 February 2020.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    Decisions of the Cabinet

     

    1.  That the passage of the EU Withdrawal Bill be noted and that it also be noted that the UK will leave the EU on 31 January 2020 and commence the 11-month transition period.

     

    2.  That progress on ongoing local work in preparing for EU exit be noted and that the latest Brexit Risk Register be agreed for publication as set out in Appendix 1 of the report and officers be instructed to continue to keep the register under monthly review.

     

    3.  That the cross-party Brexit panel be reconvened for 4 February 2020, in the light of latest information available on EU exit.

     

    Decision of the Leader of the Council

     

    4.  That future decisions on the £300,000 Brexit fund be delegated to the cabinet member for finance, performance and Brexit in consultation with the strategic director of finance and governance.

Exclusion of Press and Public

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 Constitution.

 

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

19.

Minutes

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    To approve as a correct record the closed minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2019.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The minutes of the closed section of the meeting held on 17 December 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

20.

Gateway 2 - Contract Award Approval for Southwark Highways Works Contracts

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 15 for the decision.

21.

Gateway 2 - Contract Award Approval - Parking and Traffic Enforcement and associated services contract

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 16 for the decision.