Decisions

Approval to implement subject to statutory consultation

1.  That the implementation of a new parking zone in the North Peckham area, operating Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6.30pm, be approved subject to the outcome of any necessary statutory procedures.

2.  That it be noted that a further report will be brought should there be any statutory objections to the traffic order required to implement the new parking zone.

3.  That the position and type of parking bays and restrictions for the new parking zone and surrounding streets as shown in the outline design save for any amendments which may be required at the implementation stage which may be determined by officers (Appendix 2 of the report) be approved.

4.  That the proposed junction changes on Wells Way, St George’s Way and Commercial Way to facilitate safer walking and cycling be approved, subject to the necessary statutory procedures and minor changes resulting from the detailed design process (Appendix 2 of the report). It should be noted that St George’s Way closure would be under an experimental traffic management order.

5.  That it be noted that a further report will be brought should there be any statutory objections to the traffic order required to implement the cycling and walking interventions.

1.  To authorise the write off of £289,159.29 of debt.

2.  To advise any further action required on any write-offs not agreed within the report.

That the authorisation for the write off of £289,159.29 of debt be given.

Approval of Gateway 2: Contract Award Report

1.  That the cabinet member for children, schools and adult care, in consultation with the cabinet member for housing management and modenisation, approve the award of two contracts for the 16+ support and resettlement services to Oasis Aquila Housing and the Salvation Army for a period of 4 years from 1 July 2019 with an option to extend for a further 2 years (1+1). The total estimated maximum value of both contracts for 4 years is £5.6m as further detailed in paragraph 32 with an estimated maximum contract value of £8.6m should the contract extensions be used for both contracts.

-  Contract A (North) Oasis Aquila Housing – Total estimated maximum contract value £2.8m (4 years).

-  Contract B (South) The Salvation Army – Total estimated maximum contract value £2.8m (4 years).

2. That it be noted that the third lot for specialist ‘high needs‘ unit that was approved in the gateway 1 report will not be procured at this time and the business case is being explored with a timescale of June 2019 for considering options.

Southwark’s Council for the Voluntary Sector (CVS), infrastructure and volunteering services and the Emergency Support Scheme 2019-24

That the award of the Council for the Voluntary Sector (CVS), infrastructure and volunteering service and Southwark Emergency Support Scheme (SESS) contract to Community Southwark for a total  annual sum of £783,000 over a period of up to five years (4 + 1 years for both service areas), from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2024, making a total maximum contract sum of £3,915,000 be approved.

To agree the procurement strategy to undertake an EU restricted procurement exercise for two asbestos removal contracts

That the procurement strategy outlined in this report to undertake an EU restricted procurement exercise for two (2) asbestos removal contracts – Contract A – north of the borough at an estimated cost of £1.1m per annum and Contract B – south of the borough at an estimated cost of £1.1m per annum, for a period of four (4) years from 15 December 2020 with the option to extend by up to a further 2 years (in yearly increments) making an estimated total value of £13.2m for the 2 contracts be approved.

To allocate £35,000 of grant funding from The High Street Challenge for Round 7 of this funding. The projects recommended for award are set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

That £35,000 of grant funding from The High Street Challenge for Round 7 of this funding be allocated to the projects recommended for award in Appendix 1 of the report.

(See pages 187-217 of the agenda)

Councillor Vicky Mills, cabinet member for finance, performance and Brexit, introduced the report.

After debate (Councillor Richard Livingstone), the recommendations contained within the report and updated in the programme motion were put to the vote and declared to be carried.

RESOLVED:

That council assembly:

1.  Agree the recommendations of the 5 February 2019 cabinet for a refreshed general fund capital programme for the period 2018-19 to 2027-28 of £792m, as detailed in the cabinet report attached as Appendix 1 of the report;

2.  Agree the addition to the general fund capital programme of £3m funding contribution to the Cycle Super-Highway 4 project in the borough (paragraph 10 of the report);

3.  Agree the recommendations of the 5 February 2019 cabinet for a refreshed housing investment programme (HIP) for the period 2018-19 to 2027-28 of £1,305m, as detailed in the cabinet report attached as Appendix 1 of the report.

(See pages 175-186 of the agenda)

At this juncture the clerk explained that the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2014, which had come into force on 25 February 2014, required a recorded vote on key budget decisions by local authorities. The regulations required a recorded vote on decisions only.  Therefore in accordance with council assembly procedure rule 1.16(4) (a roll call recorded vote), the bell was rung at the beginning and end of one minute, after which the doors to the room were closed.

The substantive motion was put to the vote, and the votes having been recorded, the Mayor declared the result as follows:

In favour of the substantive motion (62):

Councillors Evelyn Akoto, Humaira Ali, Jasmine Ali, Anood Al-Samerai, Peter Babudu, Maggie Browning, Jack Buck, Radha Burgess, Victor Chamberlain, Sunil Chopra, James Coldwell, Stephanie Cryan, Helen Dennis, Dora Dixon-Fyle, Nick Dolezal, Karl Eastham, Gavin Edwards, Paul Fleming, Tom Flynn, Renata Hamvas, Barrie Hargrove, Jon Hartley, William Houngbo, Sirajul Islam, Peter John, Nick Johnson, Eleanor Kerslake, Sarah King, Sunny Lambe, Lorraine Lauder, Maria Linforth-Hall, Richard Leeming, Richard Livingstone, Rebecca Lury, Alice Macdonald, Eliza Mann, James McAsh, Hamish McCallum, Darren Merrill, Vicky Mills, Adele Morris, Graham Neale, Margy Newens, David Noakes, Damian O'Brien, Jason Ochere, Victoria Olisa, Leo Pollak, Sandra Rhule, Catherine Rose, Jane Salmon, Martin Seaton, Andy Simmons, Johnson Situ, Michael Situ, Charlie Smith, Cleo Soanes, Leanne Werner, Dan Whitehead, Kath Whittam, Kieron Williams and Ian Wingfield.

Absent (1)

Councillor Bill Williams

The Mayor declared that the substantive motion was carried.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the 2019-20 Southwark element of the council tax for band D properties in Southwark, including an increase of 2.99% be set at £1,066.27.

2.  That the formal resolution for Southwark council taxes in 2019-20 (shown in Appendix A of the report) be approved.

3.  That no discount be applied to properties in the former parish of St Mary Newington for 2019-20.

4.  That no discount be applied to properties in the former parish of St Saviour’s for 2019-20.

5.  That council assembly notes the Greater London Authority (GLA) proposal to set a precept level of £320.51 at Band D, which the GLA considered on 25 February 2019.

6.  That the existing local war disability and war widow/ers’ schemes for housing benefit be continued in 2019-20.

Note: As contained within the programme motion, Appendix A to the report be amended as below:

3 a) to read "£988,781,353" instead of "£988,521,353"

3 b) to read "-£878,249,672" instead of "-£877,989,672".

Amendments are set out in supplemental agenda no. 1.

(See pages 143-174 of the agenda)

Councillor Vicky Mills, cabinet member for finance, performance and Brexit, introduced the report and thanked the finance officers who had prepared the budget reports.

The recommendations contained within the report were put to the vote and declared to be carried.

RESOLVED:

That council assembly approved:

1.  The proposed Capital Strategy 2019-20 as Appendix A of the report

2.  The Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2019-20 as Appendix B of the report

3.  The Investment Management Strategy 2019-20 as Appendix C of the report

4.  The Minimum Revenue Provision Statement 2019-20 as Appendix D of the report

5.  The Prudential Indicators for 2019-2021 as Appendix E of the report.

The Mayor offered her congratulations to Councillor Bill Williams on his marriage, to Councillor James Coldwell on his engagement, and to Duncan Whitfield, the strategic director of finance and governance, on a significant birthday.

To approve statutory consultation on proposals to charge for car parking in car parks in parks

1.  That the recommendation set out in paragraph 1 of the report be agreed.  This decision is to consult on the proposed introduction and amendment of existing parking control measures.

2.  That the consultation period as outlined in paragraph 34 (f) of the report be extended to a period of six weeks, from 1^st April to 13^th May.

  The consultation will include the following:

-  Engagement with specific user groups to gain an understanding of impact of proposed measures on those with disability and on regular users i.e. dog walkers to ensure these users have an opportunity to engage and provide their views. 

To vary the contract with Capita for resilience processing predominantly for housing benefit and council tax reduction scheme

That the extension of the revenues and benefits processing resilience contract with Capita Business Services Ltd for a period of two years from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2021 at an estimated cost of £750,000 bringing the total estimated contract value for the extension to £1.5m be approved.

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 progress report on Brexit impact and preparedness. Given the current date of the UK withdrawal from the EU is planned for 29 March 2019, the next available cabinet would have  been too late to consider a progress report ahead of Brexit itself.

RESOLVED:

1.  That progress on work following adoption of the recommendations from the Southwark Brexit Panel in January 2019 be noted.

2.  That a progress report be brought to the next cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the proposed approach for developing a targeted programme to deliver the council plan target to:

‘Ensure every primary child gets a free visit to the theatre every year’ be agreed.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the procurement strategy outlined in the report for a two stage design and build contract through the Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) framework, for the construction of the Albion new homes schemes (consisting of two sites - the former Albion Civic Centre and former Albion Primary School) for an anticipated period of 32 months commencing on 30 July 2019, at an estimated contract value of £22m, which includes the cost of the first stage tender process (pre-construction services agreement - PCSA) at an estimated value of £1.1m  be approved.

2.  That it be noted that that the award of the pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) will be approved as set out in paragraph 34 of the report by the relevant chief officer in accordance with contract standing orders and in consultation with the cabinet member for social regeneration, great estates and new council homes.

3.  That the delegation of the award decision in the gateway 2 reports for the main works contract to the strategic director of housing and modernisation in consultation with the cabinet member for social regeneration, great estates and new council homes for the reasons noted in paragraph 37 of the report be approved.

4.  That it be noted that the original procurement strategy agreed by cabinet on 5 October 2015 in relation to these sites, identified as part of lot A2 within the Southwark Regeneration in Partnership Programme (SRPP) did not proceed as further detailed in paragraphs 6 and 7 of the report. Therefore, the recommended procurement strategy outlined in the report will replace the original procurement.

To set out the option to develop a scheme for introducing new water fountains throughout Southwark

RESOLVED:

Decisions of the Cabinet

1.  That the target to increase the number of water fountains within Southwark to a total of 50 by 2021-22 and to ensure each ward has provision of at least one water fountain be approved.

2.  That the funding bid to Greater London Authority (GLA) and Thames Water Oneless scheme, which if successful will fund five of the new fountains be noted.

3.  That the approach to identifying water fountain locations in Southwark be approved.

4.  That the funding strategy set out the in report in respect of water fountains not delivered under GLA and Thames Water’s Oneless scheme be approved.

Decision of the Leader of the Council

5.  That authority be delegated to the cabinet member for environment, transport management and air quality to approve the final approach and strategy of introducing water fountains throughout Southwark.

To approve the acquisition of land and buildings at the Old Kent Road SE15

RESOLVED:

1.  That pursuant to s120 of the Local Government Act 1972 and s9 of the Housing Act 1985, that the council be authorised to acquire the freehold interest in the property shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report.

2.  That the principal purchase terms set out in full in paragraph 4 of the closed version of the report and substantially in paragraph 22 of the open report be authorised.

3.  That the acquisition through the housing revenue account (HRA) with the primary focus being the delivery of high quality council housing be authorised. Interim income derived from the acquisition will accrue to the HRA.

4.  That authority be delegated to the director of regeneration to agree the detailed terms of the acquisition.

Report seeking approval of the investment recommendation to secure the future of Walworth Town Hall

RESOLVED:

1.  That General Projects be approved as the preferred bidder for the Walworth Town Hall complex investment project.

2.  That the council enter into an Agreement for Lease with General Projects to facilitate the preparation of planning and listed building applications for the scheme based on the concept set out in paragraph 32 of the report and subsequently to carry out the approved works.

3.  That the director of regeneration (in consultation with the cabinet member for growth development and planning) be asked to confirm that the proposals satisfy the requirements of paragraph 32 of the report before the planning and listed building applications are submitted to the local planning authority for determination.

4.  That following satisfactory completion of the scheme in accordance with the Agreement for Lease a new lease be granted in accordance with the principal terms set out in paragraph 8 of the closed version of the report and substantially in paragraph 47 of the open report and authority be given to the director of regeneration to approve detailed terms.

5.  That a grant of £2million be made to the preferred bidder on terms to be agreed in the agreement to lease. The principal purpose of these funds is to support the restoration of the designated community, arts and culture space.

6.  That officers prepare a further report for cabinet within 12 months on the dedicated community/arts/culture space in the ground floor of the former Newington Library which will address:

a)  a vision for the community, arts and culture space which meets the needs of the diverse Southwark population to be developed in consultation with stakeholders, community and General Projects

b)  options for an operational model which can deliver on the council’s commitment for community involvement in the management of the space.

7.  That it be noted that the community, arts and culture provision within the Walworth Town Hall and new Walworth Library and Southwark Heritage centre combine to deliver 939m2 of publically accessible space which exceeds the pre-fire figure of 650m2 (these figures are based on current available information). This equates to a 44% increase of publically accessible space.

To agree the principles of the Estate Improvement Plans, which are a part of the Great Estates Programme

RESOLVED:

Decisions of the Cabinet

1.  That the principles of the great estates programme - estate improvement plans be agreed.

2.  That the estate improvement plans be piloted in the north, south and centre of the borough.

3.  That it be agreed that council leaseholders will not be charged for any great estate pilot work (as set out in paragraph 20 of the report).

4.  That officers be instructed to bring back an evaluation of the pilots to cabinet approximately 12 months after their commencement with an action plan.

Decision of the Leader of the Council

5.  That authority be delegated to the cabinet member for social regeneration, great estates and new council homes in consultation with the strategic director of housing and modernisation to agree the final selection of pilot estates.

Report seeking approval of a council strategy for working with faith organisations

RESOLVED:

1.  That it be noted that many of the values and ethos that underpin our faith organisations are shared with Southwark’s values such as treating every resident as if they are a member of your own family, and working for everyone to realise their own potential. This shared ethos offers a positive foundation for working closely together on the issues that matter most to both the council and faith organisations.

2.  That the important role that many faith organisations play in shaping our neighbourhoods, promoting good community relations and supporting our residents be noted. In particular, Pecan provides a borough wide food bank, Robes project supports the homeless and Copplestone Centre which hosts the day centre for asylum seekers. In addition there are many smaller projects offering help and support to families, young people, and older people and quietly but steadily and consistently in times when many services have been forced to reduce the support they offer. We are thankful for the investment and commitment the variety of faith organisations make in our communities and the ways they already work together through a range of self supporting networks to achieve more.

3.  That the following vision for our future relationship with faith organisations working in the borough be adopted:

We see Southwark as a place where the involvement of faith groups in the delivery of services and social action on an equal basis with other groups is welcomed, encouraged and supported. The voice, participation and solutions that faith communities bring are important, and our engagement with faith communities should enable them to deliver these benefits for everyone in the borough. We will achieve this through:

·  Building relationships and trust with faith groups

·  Ensuring that our faith communities and organisations are targeted in our engagement activities and that the experiences of faith group members and the challenges they face are considered in the development of services and policy

·  Encouraging faith groups and their members to be involved in the reshaping and redesign of local services and places

·  Developing partnership working to deliver key policies and delivery of improved outcomes for residents

·  Supporting faith organisations to play an active role in the civic life of the borough through improved communication, and access to opportunities

·  Sharing training and learning opportunities between faith communities and the council

·  Providing equal treatment with non faith community and voluntary sector organisations in access to funding opportunities offered by the council.

4.  That it be noted that improved communication is a key facilitator of breaking down the barriers to engagement and relationship building, accessing services for congregation members and supporting faith organisations to develop their social action projects.  To address this, that it be agreed that the council hosts two conferences a year bringing together council staff, faith groups and community sector organisations to act together to deliver the vision.

5.  That the council will work in ways that are respectful, patient, transparent, empathetic and open so we are able to foster better understanding. Ways of working should facilitate networking and relationship building and as equal partners. We will develop and work on shared agendas and continue to talk and to grow the breadth and depth of our relationships with communities of faith so we continue to involve a wider network of faith organisations and diversity of faith groups.

6.  That it be agreed that the focus of our relationship with faith communities will be to work together to:

·  Celebrate faith and diversity of faith organisations in the borough

·  Support faith organisations and their approaches to supporting individuals who are a part of their congregations 

·  Improve the lives of Southwark residents,

·  Support the council in delivery of key pieces of work,

·  Improve the way in which the council is able to reach significant numbers of its residents,

·  Ensure that the council is aware of the challenges that their worshippers face

·  Support social integration and community cohesion in our neighbourhoods.

7.  That paragraph 58 of the report be amended to request a report back in 6 months to cabinet. 

Agreement to sub-phases for rehousing purposes. Agreement to principle of local letting scheme for Plot 18. Approve draft Social Regeneration Charter for Walworth. Note update on programme delivery.

Cabinet heard representations from a local ward councillor, Councillor Jack Buck and from Jean Bartlett, Aylesbury Tenants and Residents Association who welcomed the progress.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the significant progress on implementing the Aylesbury regeneration programme be noted.

2.  That the sub-phasing of phase 4 be agreed.

3.  That phase 4a be activated for pre-allocation to new social rented homes on the first development site.

4.  That phase 4 be activated for pre-allocation to the new social rented over 55s housing on Plot 18.

5.  That local lettings policies be drafted for the social rented over 55s housing on plot 18 and the social rented housing on the first development site.

6.  That the proposed additional delivery of social rented homes in phase 2 which will accelerate the rehousing of secure tenants on the rest of the estate be noted.

7.  That it be noted that the resident consultation and equalities impact assessments will be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.

To approve appropriation of land for planning purposes and disposal of land to adjacent owner to facilitate a residential – led development, including re-provision of Hollington club

RESOLVED:

1.  That the land shown edged in black on the OS plan at Appendix 1 of the report that is currently held for housing purposes be confirmed as no longer required for those purposes and that the appropriation of the land to planning purposes following the grant of planning permission to facilitate the carrying out of the development proposals in accordance with section 226 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and sections 122(1) and 122 (2A) of the Local Government Act 1972 be approved.

2.  That the sale of the land amounting to approximately 200 sq. m shown edged in black on the OS plan at Appendix 1 of the report to the adjoining owner of 56-60 Comber Grove SE5 be approved and that the capital receipt that will be generated by it be noted.

3.  That  following completion of appropriation of the land described at paragraph 1 of the report, the land shown edged in black at Appendix 1 of the report be sold freehold to facilitate the carrying out of development proposals for the area in accordance with section 233 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

4.  That the director of regeneration be authorised to negotiate and agree terms for a successful sale of the land shown edged in black on the OS plan at Appendix 1 of the report with the adjoining land owner of 56-60 Comber Grove SE5 and its development partner.

5.  That the formal, extensive consultation that has been undertaken by the adjoining land owner of 56-60 Comber Grove SE5 and its development partner with key stakeholders, including residents and in consultation with ward members throughout the design development be noted and that the resident engagement carried out by the council to comply with its statutory requirements under section 105 of the Housing Act 1985 also be noted.

To approve the procurement strategy for the works in relation to Cator Street (2)

RESOLVED:

1.  That the procurement strategy outlined in the report for a two stage design and build contract for the construction of Cator Street 2, comprising of extra care (flexi-care) housing, a day centre and community information hub at an estimated contract value of £19.8m for an anticipated period of 22 months commencing in November 2019 be approved.

2.  That it be noted that the award of the pre-construction services agreement (PCSA), for an estimated £150,000, will be approved as set out in paragraph 28 of the report by the relevant chief officer in accordance with contract standing orders and in consultation with the relevant cabinet member.

3.  That the delegation of the award decision in the gateway 2 report for the main works contract to the strategic director of housing and modernisation in consultation with the cabinet member for social regeneration, great estates and new council homes for the reasons noted in paragraph 31 of the report be approved.

The renewal of the lease at Northcott House hostel, which provides temporary, supported accommodation for people in the borough.

1.  That the extension of the lease on Northcott House for a period of 5 years, subject to acceptable terms being agreed with the landlord, with a view to using and managing the buildings as ‘step down’ accommodation for vulnerable adults, deemed able to live independently, pending their move into either a social or private rented tenancy be agreed.   

2.  That authority be delegated to the head of property to agree detailed lease terms and to complete a lease of the premises on the terms (or better) as set out in the report.