Agenda and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday 12 December 2017 4.00 pm

Venue: Ground Floor Meeting Room G02A - 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 Mark Williams.

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 28:  Policy and Resources Strategy 2018-19

     

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

3.

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

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    There are no closed items scheduled for consideration at this meeting.

    Minutes:

    There were no closed items considered at this meeting.

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:

    None were declared.

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 6 December 2017.

    Minutes:

    No public questions 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 31 October 2017.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

7.

Deputation Requests

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    To consider any deputation requests.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

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

     

    It was confirmed that traders at the Elephant and Castle shopping centre had withdrawn their deputation request for this meeting.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the deputation be received.

     

    The deputation addressed cabinet on the following two items:

     

    Item 14: Housing Revenue Account - Indicative Rent Setting and Budget Report 2018-19

     

    The deputation asked cabinet to write to the Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Communities & Local Government, about the 1% rent reduction causing an estimated loss of at least £62M by 2020 and asking  Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP, Minister of State for Housing and Planning, to provide Government grants to carry out the necessary fire safety works.

     

    It was requested that the tenants and residents committee members were kept fully involved in helping to plan fire safety works to estates and were consulted about fire safety decisions.

     

    Councillor Stephanie Cryan confirmed that she would write the letters as requested above,  and would continue to consult tenants and residents associations in respect of fire safety works.

     

    Item 24: Land at Bush Road, Rotherhithe

     

    The deputation requested that cabinet withdraw this item and the recommendation to issue a compulsory purchase order for a large part of the Haddonfield Estate communal grounds and garden. The deputation requested that additional consultation be carried out before this project is taken any further.

     

    A council officer responded to the issues raised by the deputation to explain the process and to address their concerns. He also agreed to confirm his advice in writing to them.

8.

Southwark School Standards Report 2017

9.

Response to Southwark GP Practices - Quality of Provision and Local Support Arrangements - A Report from the Healthy Communities Scrutiny Sub-Committee

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    To agree the proposed response to the healthy communities scrutiny sub-committee report on Southwark GP Practices and note the progress in taking forward the recommendations.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the proposed response to the healthy communities scrutiny sub-committee report on Southwark GP Practices be agreed, and the progress in taking forward the recommendations be noted.

10.

Decisions from Call-in: The Outcome of the Consultation Exercise on Changes to Day Centre Provision at Queens Road and Riverside and the Development of a Disability Hub

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    To consider the recommendations from the overview and scrutiny committee.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the council policy on how buildings are declared surplus or their use is changed be reviewed and that the revised policy be highlighted with officers at the earliest opportunity, and it be confirmed whether the existing policy was followed in this case.

     

    2.  That the policy on responding to information requests be refreshed and highlighted to all officers to ensure compliance with freedom of information and environmental information requests.

     

    3.  That it be ensured that all families and service users have clear information about how to make a complaint if unhappy with their initial assessment.

     

    4.  That the cabinet should be mindful of and follow Department for Communities and Local Government best practice on consultation, and in that work be sensitive to the needs of vulnerable and disabled people.

     

    5.  That cabinet responds to these recommendations within 8 weeks.

11.

Southwark Skills Strategy

12.

Aylesbury Phase 3 Rehousing Update

    To note the outcome of the consultation exercise carried out with residents in Phase 3 and activate Phase 3 for immediate housing in line with the outcomes. To also approve the acquisition of leasehold interests on land known as Phase 3.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the outcome of the consultation exercise carried out with residents in Phase 3 (1-56 Northchurch, Taplow, 184 and 218 East Street) of the Aylesbury Regeneration programme be noted.

     

    2.  That in line with the outcomes of the consultation, Phase 3 be activated for immediate rehousing.

     

    3.  That the acquisition of leasehold interests on land known as Phase 3 of the Aylesbury Estate Regeneration Programme via negotiation be approved and that the approval of compensation packages be delegated to the director of regeneration.

13.

Old Kent Road Area Action Plan: Further Preferred Option

14.

Housing Revenue Account - Indicative Rent Setting and Budget Report 2018-19

15.

Office Accommodation Strategy - Queens Road 4

    To note the need to reprovide Sumner House for housing and confirm 133-137 Queens Road as the location for service users of the council’s targeted services currently based at Bournemouth Road, Sumner House, 47b East Dulwich Road, St. Mary’s Road, Curlew House and Talfourd Place and as an officer base for staff who provide these services. That capital provision is made for the development of Queens Road 4.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the need to reprovide Sumner House for housing in line with the council’s housing policy priorities and as agreed at main planning committee on 28 March 2017 be noted.

     

    2.  That 133-137 Queens Road, SE15 2ND Queens Road 4 (QR4) be confirmed as the location for service users of our targeted services currently based at Bournemouth Road, Sumner House, 47b East Dulwich Road, St Mary’s Road, Curlew House and Talfourd Place, and as an office base for the staff who provide these services.

     

    3.  That officers be authorised to undertake the development of the QR4, subject to the council’s governance processes for expenditure, procurement and statutory processes such as demolition, planning and consultation.

     

    4.  That following agreement of decisions 2 and 3 above, capital provision be made for the development of QR4 and that this allocation be incorporated into the council’s capital programme refresh report in February 2018.

16.

Southwark Council's Buy-back Offer for Ledbury Towers Leaseholders

    To note the proposed policy to allow the buy-back of leaseholder properties in Ledbury Towers, which are currently the subject of structural investigations.  

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the proposed policy to allow the buy-back of leaseholder properties in Ledbury Towers (Bromyard House, Peterschurch House, Skenfrith House and Sarnsfield House), which are currently the subject of structural investigations be noted.

     

    2.  That a detailed financial assessment of the Ledbury buy-back offer is undertaken, funding is identified and delegated authority for individual buy backs be given to the director of regeneration.

17.

Ledbury Estate - Arup Structural Survey Report

18.

Consultation on Introducing an Intermediate Housing List

19.

Gateway 0 - Strategic Options Assessment for Responsive Repairs and Maintenance Works

Announcement by the Leader

Councillor Peter John, leader of the council, offered his thanks to Gerri Scott, the outgoing strategic director of housing and modernisation, for  her service and support for the council.

20.

Sceaux Gardens New Homes Delivery Programme

    To agree the rationale and proposal to develop the properties 1-15 Florian, 1-18 Racine and the garage site adjacent to the Colbert block and allocation issues  in respect of the Sceaux Gardens New Homes delivery programme.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the rationale and proposal to redevelop the properties 1-15 Florian, 1-18 Racine and the garage site adjacent to the Colbert block; “The development site” as outlined in the report be agreed.

     

    2.  That the rehousing options and local lettings policy for council tenants of Florian and Racine displaced by the redevelopment outlined in paragraphs 61-64 of the report be agreed and that the detailed commitment to support affected vulnerable council tenants throughout the project be noted.

     

    3.  That the acquisition of freehold interests in accordance with statutory guidance and established council policy as outlined in paragraphs 65-73 of the report be agreed, including specified discretionary home loss, basic loss and disturbance payments.

     

    4.  That the package of options to be offered to qualifying residents of Sceaux Gardens Estate council homeowners displaced by the redevelopment as set out in paragraphs 65 – 73 of the report be agreed.

     

    5.  That the creation of the Sceaux Gardens development programme as an approved scheme for the purposes of delegation in relation to freehold acquisitions as outlined in paragraph 73 of the report be agreed.

     

    6.  That the authority be agreed to serve demolition notices in accordance with Schedule 5A of the Housing Act 1985 (as amended) referenced in paragraph 74 of the report.

     

    7.  That the allocation of funds to undertake freehold acquisition, home and basic loss payments and disturbance payments be confirmed and that the cost of decommissioning the development site  be met through the council’s Affordable Housing Fund as outlined in paragraphs 80-82 of the report.

     

    8.  That that the formal consultation undertaken with affected tenants, homeowners and the wider estate community throughout the process in accordance with Section 105 of the Housing Act 1985 and the council’s Charter of Principles as outlined in paragraphs 28-50 of the report be noted.

     

    9.  That the outcome of an equalities impact assessment attached as Appendix 2 and summarised within paragraph 77 of the report, that demonstrates the impact of the proposal and relevant mitigation in relation to the Equality Act 2010 and the council’s Public Sector Equality Duty be noted.

     

    10.  That the approach undertaken with regard to the construction phasing of the development proposal to maximise the local lettings offer and minimise disruption to existing residents, neighbouring businesses and organisations in paragraphs 51-52 of the report be noted.

     

    11.  That the two options for the massing and layout of the ground floor units of the Racine block as set out in paragraphs 53-58 and Appendix 3 of the report be noted and that option 2 be agreed.

     

    12.  That the next steps and indicative timeline for the programme as outlined in paragraphs 83-85 of the report be agreed.

21.

Land at Goschen Estate, Camberwell

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    To confirm that the land shown on the plan at Appendix A currently held for housing purposes is no longer required for those purposes and to approve the appropriation of the land to planning purposes in accordance with section 122(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 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.

    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 that 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 in resolution 1 the land shown hatched on the plan at Appendix A of the report, will no longer be required for planning purposes and that 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.

22.

Land at Ivy Church, Walworth

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    To confirm that the land shown on the plan at Appendix A currently held for housing purposes is no longer required for those purposes and to approve the appropriation of the land to planning purposes in accordance with section 122(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 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.

    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 that 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 in resolution 1 the land shown hatched on the plan at Appendix A of the report, will no longer be required for planning purposes and that 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.

23.

Land at Meeting House Lane, Peckham

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    To confirm that the land shown on the plan at Appendix A currently held for housing purposes is no longer required for those purposes and to approve the appropriation of the land to planning purposes in accordance with section 122(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 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.

    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 that 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 in resolution 1 the land shown hatched on the plan at Appendix A of the report, will no longer be required for planning purposes and that 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.

24.

Land at Bush Road, Rotherhithe

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    To confirm that the land shown on the plan at Appendix A currently held for housing purposes is no longer required for those purposes and to approve the appropriation of the land to planning purposes in accordance with section 122(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 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.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The council officer advised of a number of amendments to the report as follows:

     

    ·  Cabinet member foreword,  2nd paragraph:  number of new homes to be amended to 14

    ·  Paragraph 6, figure for one- bedroom flats should read 4.

     

    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 that 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 in resolution 1 of the report the land shown hatched on the plan at Appendix A of the report, will no longer be required for planning purposes and that 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.

25.

Land at Pelier Street, Walworth

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    To confirm that the land shown on the plan at Appendix A currently held for housing purposes is no longer required for those purposes and to approve the appropriation of the land to planning purposes in accordance with section 122(1) of the Local Government Act 1972 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.

    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 of the report 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.

26.

Increasing Nursing Home Provision in Southwark

    To note the commissioning intention and strategy to increase local nursing homes beds that the council can access.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the commissioning intention and strategy to increase local nursing homes beds that the council can access to over 300 beds by 2020 be noted.

     

    2.  That the granting of a Licence to Assign of the lease, held by Four Seasons at Picton Street and known as Burgess Park, to Country Court Care Homes 2 Ltd be noted.

     

    3.  That the intention of Country Court Care Homes 2 Ltd to rebuild the home at Picton Street so that the number of rooms is increased from 55 to 70 be noted.

     

    4.  That the negotiations taking place to reopen a nursing home at D'Eynsford Road be noted.

     

    5.  That the intention to undertake a procurement exercise in relation to securing a minimum number of beds and best value in relation to the re-modelled and/or newly constructed homes be noted.

27.

The Council Tax Base for 2018-19

    To approve the schedule of discounts and exemptions which remains unchanged from 2017-18 and to agree the council tax base for 2018-19.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the schedule of discounts and exemptions in paragraph 13 of the report, which remains unchanged from 2017-18 be approved.

     

    2.  That it be noted that the council tax reduction scheme (CTRS) for both working and pensionable age claimants shall remain unchanged in 2018-19.

     

    3.  That it be agreed that the council tax base for 2018-19 be set at 100,884 (95,941 in 2017-18) band D equivalent dwellings.

     

    4.  That it be agreed that the assumed council tax collection level should remain at 97.20% for 2018-19 (97.20% in 2017-18) noting the risks outlined in paragraphs  25 and 26 of the report.

     

    5.  That it be noted that the council tax base for 2018-19 for St. Mary Newington parish be set at 11,936 (11,602 in 2017-18) band D equivalent dwellings.

     

    6.  That it be noted that the council tax base for 2018-19 for St. Saviour’s parish be set at 1,267 (1,257 in 2017-18) band D equivalent dwellings.

     

    7.  It be noted that:

     

    ·  any minor and consequential amendments to the CTRS written policy are to remain delegated to the strategic director of finance and governance, in consultation with the monitoring officer.

    ·  no changes were made under the strategic director of finance and governance’s authority during 2017-18.

     

    8.  That it be noted that, as for 2017-18, the NNDR1 return showing the national non-domestic rates base will be signed off by the council’s section 151 officer (strategic director of finance and governance).

     

    9.  That the proposed extension of the current council tax section 13a policy covering discretionary relief (refer to paragraph 18 of the report) be noted:

     

    ·  to introduce council tax discretionary relief (0% to 100%) for young people leaving Southwark council's care aged 18 to 24 years, for the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. 

    ·  to continue foster carers discretionary relief (0% to 100%), for the period 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019. 

28.

Policy and Resources Strategy 2018-19

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

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    This 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 the report to cabinet on 12 December 2017,  enabled the opportunity for debate prior to presentation of budget figures to cabinet on 23 January 2017. 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 30 January 2018.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That it be noted that the government’s budget statement was presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 22 November, key headlines being set out in the report, including the government’s agreement for a London Wide Business Rate pool (paragraphs 105 to 112 of the report).

     

    2.  That it be noted, as reported to cabinet in July 2017 and recognising the continued uncertainty for local government funding, that the intention remains for the council to prepare a balanced one year 2018-19 budget for approval by cabinet in advance of council assembly in February 2018 (paragraph 21 of the report).

     

    3.  That the current budget options proposed to help achieve a balanced budget 2018-19 (Appendices C to F of the report) be noted.

     

    4.  That it be noted that this budget also proposes to use the flexibility offered by the government to support social care through an increase in the Adult Social Care precept, equivalent to 3% of council tax, on the basis that these additional funds will be used exclusively for adult social care (ASC) (Paragraph 48 to 49 of the report).

     

    5.  That it be noted that the current budget options proposed include an increase in the children’s and adults’ services budgets of £17.2m (funded in part by £12.584m Better Care Fund and £2.7m increase in the ASC precept) which is fully passported to adult social care.

     

    6.  That it be noted that the general fund budget proposals for 2018-19 contained within this report also include:

     

    ·  Estimated grant resources likely to be available arising from the provisional settlement expected in mid December (Appendix A of the report, a reduction of some £12.0m from 2017-18 (excluding Better Care Fund)

    ·  Improved Better CareFund resources totalling £12.584m (including the supplementary allocation of £4.497m announced in the  spring 2016 budget)

    ·  Further resources from the adult social care precept of £2.7m, again passported in full to adult social care for 2018-19

    ·  Retained business rates growth of £17.173m (paragraph 55 to 60), an increase of £8.473m over 2017-18 arising from proceeds generated by continued regeneration in the borough; plus an estimated surplus brought forward of £2.987m

    ·  Estimated council tax revenue of £101.5m (of which £2.7m is represented by the additional ASC precept); estimated collection fund surplus of £5.750m in part attributable to a review of the provision for bad debt

    ·  Planned contingency to be maintained at  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

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

29.

Minutes

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    To approve as a correct record the closed minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2017.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the closed minutes of the meeting held on 31 October 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.