Agenda and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday 20 September 2016 4.00 pm

Venue: Ground Floor Meeting Room, 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:

    All members were present.

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 that a supplemental report for the following item of business would be considered for reasons of urgency to be specified in the relevant minutes:

     

    ·  Item 12: Aylesbury Regeneration Delivery

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, as chair of Creation Trust declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of Item 12: Aylesbury Regeneration Delivery. He had sought advice in respect of this item and it had been determined that there was no conflict or pecuniary interest arising. 

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 14 September 2016.

    Minutes:

    Public Question from Beverley Robinson

     

    Where leaseholders in regeneration areas are still in lawful occupation what is the council's policy with regard to carrying out its obligations to ensure the continuing provision of vital services to such residents, and what role did the council play in the recent failure of electricity supply to Chiltern?

     

    Response from the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing

     

    The council takes its obligations and responsibilities to all of its residents very seriously, including of course to leaseholders in regeneration areas. However, vital services such as gas, water and electricity provision up to our blocks are the responsibility of the various utility companies and when these fail the council works closely with the providers to restore supplies as quickly as possible. If the failure is within the blocks then the council will always work to restore them as a priority.

     

    With regard electrical outages that have affected Chiltern House, there have been recent problems with the UK Power Networks (UKPN) supply arrangements.The most recent outage was due to a fault at the substation at Portland Street/Albany Road and UKPN attended site and rectified the problem later the same day.

     

    The lift was affected by the power outage but this was resolved as soon as electricity was restored.

     

    The council also updated its website and sent texts to any affected residents (whose phone numbers we have).

     

    Supplemental question

     

    Beverley Robinson asked why council officers did not take responsibility for the problems that have occurred. Councillor Stephanie Cryan agreed to respond to the problems raised.

     

    Public Question from Judi Bos

     

    Why have council officers failed to be aware of or failed to implement the cabinet decision of the 7 June 2016 where it agreed that a non-binding arbitration process be put in place for the Aylesbury Estate?

     

    Response from the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and New Homes

     

    A mediation process, described in the council’s cabinet report of 7 June 2016 as “a non-binding arbitration process”, is in place for residential Aylesbury leaseholders from Phase 2 onwards.  To date, 156 leaseholder interests in Phases 2-4 have been acquired by agreement; no leaseholders in Phases 2-4 have approached the council to commence a mediation process.  The council does not, therefore, hold any further information relating to costs and resourcing of mediation cases at this time. 

     

    Supplemental question

     

    Judi Bos referred to her request submitted some weeks ago to enter a non-binding arbitration process and the fact that she was still waiting for a decision. Councillor Mark Williams responded that efforts would be made to find a solution as soon as possible.

6.

Minutes

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    To approve as a correct record the minutes of the open section of the meeting held on 19 July 2016.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the open minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2016 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 deputations is midnight Wednesday 14 September 2016.

    Minutes:

    No deputation requests were received.

     

    However, further to a demonstration at the meeting, cabinet heard representations from South East London Sisters Uncut group relating to domestic violence and concerns about support and housing provision.  The deputy leader and cabinet member for housing talked to the group after the demonstration and agreed to meet them for further discussion.

8.

Response to Healthy Communities Scrutiny Sub-Committee Report "Time to Care: A Future Vision of Care in Southwark"

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    To note the current actions and additional actions that are being undertaken to address the key recommendations made by the healthy communities scrutiny sub-committee.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    Councillor Rebecca Lury, chair of the healthy communities scrutiny sub-committee, attended the meeting to provide feedback to the response to cabinet.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the current actions that are being taken to address the key recommendations made by the healthy communities scrutiny sub-committee in their report on care be noted.

     

    2.  That the additional actions to be taken to address a number of the key recommendations be noted.

9.

Scrutiny Review of Southwark's Non-residential Property

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    To agree recommendations in response to the overview and scrutiny report on the review of the management of the council’s non-residential property portfolio.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the actions that are being taken to address the key recommendations made by overview and scrutiny committee in their report to cabinet on 7 June 2016, regarding the review of the council’s non-residential property be noted.

     

    2.  That it be noted that the actions recommended in the report follow positive steps by overview and scrutiny committee, cabinet members, officers and internal audit towards a refreshed approach to the management of the commercial property estate. Full proposals will be reported in detail to cabinet in November, where approval will be sought to a new asset management plan dealing specifically with non-residential property.

10.

Policy and Resources Strategy 2016-17 to 2019-20: Scene Setting Report (including Fairer Future Medium Term Financial Strategy and Integrated Efficiency Plan)

    To approve the updated Fairer Future Medium Term Financial Strategy (FFMTFS) and Integrated Efficiency Plan. To agree a four year finance settlement in line with the Local Finance Final Settlement in February 2016 for 2016/17 and for the next three years.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Decisions of the Cabinet

     

    1.  That the updated fairer future medium term financial strategy (FFMTFS) and integrated efficiency plan set out within the report (Appendix A) be approved, noting the importance of the relationship to the council plan and the new theme to be fit for the future.

     

    2.  That it be noted the government has stated that those councils that chose not to accept the offer will be subject to the existing yearly process for determining the local government finance settlement and that allocations could be subject to additional reductions dependant on the fiscal climate and the need for the government to make further savings to reduce the deficit.

     

    3.  That it be agreed to accept the certainty offered by a four-year finance settlement in line with the Local Government Finance Final Settlement in February 2016 for 2016-17 and for the next three years.

     

    4.  That the continued uncertainty with regard to elements of government funding, price and demand pressures and the need to ensure that budgets set each year are sustainable during the settlement period to 2019-20 and beyond be noted.

     

    5.  That the update to the policy and resources strategy 2017-18 - 2019-20, the risks associated and next steps to be taken to balance the council’s budget over that period be noted.

     

    Decision of the Leader of the Council

     

    6.  That the details of the final submission and publication of the integrated efficiency plan to government by 14 October 2016 be delegated to the cabinet member for finance, modernisation and performance.

11.

Refresh of Council Plan 2014-18

12.

Aylesbury Regeneration Delivery

    To approve a series of actions to bring forward the delivery of the Aylesbury regeneration programme.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    A supplemental report was circulated for this item. The chair agreed to consider this for reasons of urgency, in light of the recent compulsory purchase order (CPO) decision of the Secretary of State and the need for the council to lodge a claim for judicial review within a specified period and to direct the contractual negotiations with the demolition contractor.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That a series of actions as set out in paragraphs 10, 11, 13 and 14 of the substantive report to bring forward the delivery of the Aylesbury regeneration programme be approved, namely:

     

    a)  The council funding directly the demolition of Plot 18

    b)  The council underwriting design fees on Plot 18 and Phase 2 in order to progress planning applications and

    c)  The council bringing forward funding and delivery of the approved premises facility.

     

    2.  That in the light of the recent Secretary of State decision on the compulsory purchase order (CPO) for the first development site, it is also further agreed that:

     

    a)  The council should proceed with funding the partial demolition of the first development site on land where there are no outstanding third party interests. The agreement to the scope of the contract and the revised cost to be delegated to the chief executive for approval

    b)  That it be noted that due to the CPO decision that any additional costs arising from the delay of the demolition of the first development site will need to be identified and will be subject to future approval by cabinet

    c)  The council should review the development proposals for the first development site to take account of the phased demolition; and

    d)  The council should make an application to the High Court for the Secretary of State decision to be reviewed.

     

    3.  That approval of the final terms of the agreed actions, as set out on paragraphs 10, 11, 13 and 14 of the substantive report be delegated to the director of regeneration.

     

    4.  That those remaining leaseholders in phase 1, that are not subject to land valuation tribunals, be allowed to enter non-binding arbitration, subject to legal advice.

13.

Approval of the Council's Local Implementation Delivery Plan, Annual Spending Submission for 2017/18

    To agree the content of the council’s proposed submission to Transport for London and to note the progress of the Southwark Cycling Strategy.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Decisions of the Cabinet

     

    1.  That the content of the council’s proposed submission to Transport for London (TfL) identifying transport projects to be delivered with TfL LIP funding in 2017/18 Appendix A be agreed.

     

    2.  That the identified programme be agreed for submission to Transport for London (TfL) by 28 October 2016.

     

    3.  That the implementation of the programmes as set out in Appendix A of the report be agreed.

     

    4.  That the progress of the Southwark Cycling Strategy as set out in Appendix B of the report be noted.

     

    Decisions of the Leader of the Council

     

    5.  That authority be delegated to the cabinet member for environment and the public realm to amend the programme for 2017/18 should any variations to the proposed programme be required. The cabinet member shall consult community council chairs regarding scheme changes in their area.

     

    6.  That authority be delegated to the cabinet member for environment and the public realm to determine the most appropriate use of the £100,000 discretionary funding allocated by TfL for 2017/18.

14.

Age-Friendly Borough Community Conversation

    To approve outcomes and priorities to deliver an age friendly borough and to agree recommendations for establishing mechanisms for delivery.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the vision for an age-friendly Southwark as a place that has the following characteristics be agreed:

     

    a.  Is welcoming; accessible to all where older people feel safe, are safe and are respected.

    b.  Older people are able to access a broad range of affordable and accessible transport options to get about the borough easily.

    c.  No-one is lonely; there are a range of opportunities for people to live healthy, active and fulfilling lives in Southwark.

    d.  All older people, their friends’ family and support networks have easy access to information which makes their lives better.

    e.  Older people have an increased healthy life expectancy supported by integrated health and social care services.

    f.  Actively involves older people to deliver housing that meets the needs of an ageing population both in the private and public sector

    g.  Ageing is promoted positively and older people feel worthwhile and valued as citizens of Southwark

    h.  Older people actively participate in the borough through education, employment, training and volunteering.

     

    2.  That it be noted that the following have been identified through the ageing well conversation as the priorities for people of Southwark and that officers be tasked with developing action plans that address these concerns to support delivery of an age friendly borough:

     

    a.  Improvements to the experiences of older people getting out and about and using public transport, open spaces and public realm.

    b.  Tackling isolation and supporting opportunities to meet people and have fun especially through community based activity and the voluntary sector.

    c.  Improving communications and information and understanding that for many of the most isolated the best mechanism for information sharing may be through personal recommendation and referral.

    d.  Supporting intergenerational interactions to break down barriers and the seeming increased polarisation of communities based on age.

    e.  Developing more opportunities for skill sharing, volunteering and work for older people.

    f.  Supporting people to stay healthy and active through schemes such as free swim and gym and outdoor gyms, as well as targeted Public Health information.

    g.  Improving housing options and design through our planning and regeneration policies and decisions.

    h.  Improving the skills of the workforce to provide good customer service to vulnerable older people.

    i.  The strategic lead for this work will be the director of communities.

    j.  That the council establish a multi stakeholder reference group to map progress of delivery of an age friendly Borough.

    k.  The cabinet will receive an annual report on the progress of delivery of the action plan.

     

    3.  That the strategic lead for this work will be the director of communities.

     

    4.  That a multi-stakeholder reference group to map progress of delivery of an age friendly Borough be established.

     

    5.  That an annual report on the progress of delivery of the action plan be received by cabinet.

     

    6.  In addition the cabinet would like to thank the organisations that have contributed to the delivery of the community conversation and recognises that they played a key role in the success  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.

Southwark Prevent Partnership Delivery Plan

16.

Gateway 2: Contract Award Approval - Asbestos Consultancy Services Contract A - Surveying and Bulk Sampling and Contract B - Air Sampling and Monitoring

17.

Gateway 2: Contract Award Approval - Southwark Regeneration in Partnership Programme Development Partners

    To approve the award of the Southwark Regeneration in Partnership Programme.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Decisions of the Cabinet

     

    1.  That subject to securing the funding requirement noted in paragraph 4 of the recommendations, the award of the Southwark Regeneration in Partnership Programme (SRPP) Lot B to Affinity Sutton Homes Ltd to deliver 606 new homes (of which 284 will be council owned), 4,132m2 of commercial space/community facilities that will be retained by the council  and associated infrastructure through the Greater London Authority’s London Development Panel Development Agreement be approved. The contract shall be for a period of 10 years commencing on 31 October 2016 and completing on 30 October 2026, at a total development cost around £153m with a subsidy by the council of £11.507m along with land and ancillary costs detailed in the closed report.

     

    2.  That that the procurement for Lot A will be repackaged and re-procured as detailed in paragraphs 32-34 of the report which will be approved in separate gateway reports be noted.

     

    3.  That the allocation of £7.84m of Housing Zone grant to the SRPP sites within the Old Kent Road/Peckham and the Canada Water housing zones be approved.

     

    4.  That it be noted that the SRPP will be seeking additional funding of £11.507m from the S106 affordable housing fund to meet the contract investment requirement.

     

    5.  That subject to securing the funding requirement noted in paragraph 4 of the recommendations and subject to any further negotiations considered necessary by the director of regeneration, the disposal of the council’s land as listed in Table 2 in the report (Lot B sites) on the terms of the development agreement to be entered into pursuant to the contract being awarded be approved.

     

    Decision of the Leader of the Council

     

    6.  That authority be delegated to the cabinet member for regeneration and new homes to identify sites with appropriate use and tenure requirements for the re-packaging and the re-procurement of Lot A from the Southwark Regeneration in Partnership Programme [Gateway 1 - Procurement Strategy]; with the exception of the South Dock Marina Boatyard site.

18.

Motions referred from Council Assembly

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    To consider motions on the following:

     

    ·  Tackling the housing crisis

    ·  Motor neurone disease charter

    ·  School funding in Southwark

    ·  Tax compliance and procurement

    ·  A Cinderella line

    ·  Condemning hate crime

    ·  Rights of EU citizens.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Tackling the housing crisis

     

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

     

    1.  Council assembly recognises the role of local authorities in tackling the housing crisis, to ensure that there are enough decent affordable homes for all of our residents.

     

    2.  Council assembly welcomes the steps that this administration is taking to ensure Southwark plays its role in solving the housing crisis, including:

     

    ·  Building 11,000 new council homes, with the first 1,500 delivered by 2018

    ·  Ensuring that local residents benefit directly by reserving half of all the new council homes for residents on the housing waiting list who live in the local area

    ·  Ensuring the delivery of truly affordable homes by securing over 35% affordable homes in new developments last year, with over 50% of these for social rent

    ·  Improving the quality of 15,000 council homes, spending £480m to make every council home warm, dry and safe and ensuring every council tenant has a quality kitchen and bathroom

    ·  Introducing a private-rented sector licensing scheme to raise standards in private rented housing and protect the 1 in 4 families in Southwark who rent privately.

     

    3.  Council assembly recognises that at a time when the Conservative government has slashed funding for new affordable homes, it is more important than ever to hold developers to account and secure as many affordable homes as possible, and therefore welcomes the new rules introduced by this administration to make viability assessments public for all new developments.

     

    4.  Council assembly welcomes the new Mayor of London’s bold plan to deliver the homes that Londoners need, including supporting councils to enforce clear, new rules to maximise the affordable housing in new developments and the option to set local affordable housing targets.

     

    5.  Council assembly condemns the Government for pushing through its disastrous Housing and Planning Act despite fierce opposition by local councils including Southwark and for refusing to accept concessions to limit the impact of ‘pay to stay’ on council tenants and to ensure that any high value council homes sold are replaced in the same area.

     

    6.  Council assembly recognises that the government’s ‘Starter Homes’ contained in this act will not be affordable for most Southwark residents, and calls on the cabinet to work with the Mayor of London to explore alternatives for low cost home ownership, to support residents who are struggling to buy their own home.

     

    7.  Council assembly recognises that the lack of detail in the legislation about the implementation of the act seriously limits the information and advice that the council can provide to residents, but calls on the cabinet to do everything it can to minimise the impact of this disastrous legislation on Southwark residents and particularly council tenants.

     

    8.  Council assembly calls on all councillors to continue to fight the Conservatives’ attack on social housing.

     

    Motor neurone disease charter

     

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

     

    1.  Council assembly  ...  view the full minutes text for item 18.

Exclusion of the 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 categories 3 and 5 of paragraph 10.4 of the access to information procedure rules of the Southwark Constitution.

19.

Minutes

Minutes:

The closed minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2016 were approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

20.

Aylesbury Regeneration Delivery

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 12 for decision.

21.

Gateway 2: Contract Award Approval - Asbestos Consultancy Services Contract A - Surveying and Bulk Sampling and Contract B - Air Sampling and Monitoring

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 21 for decision

22.

Gateway 2: Contract Award Approval - Southwark Regeneration in Partnership Programme Development Partners

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 22 for decision.