Decisions

To agree the award of common purpose 2 year grants

That the funding recommendations for voluntary sector organisations delivering services under the 2 year ‘community engagement’ Common Purpose grants programme 2021-23, be approved subject to Council Assembly approval of the council’s budget. The recommendations are set out in Appendix 1 of the report.

To approve the Heritage SPD

That the Heritage Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) be approved for consultation.

Award of Quality Homes Investment Programme works

1.  That the award of the Silverlock Estate QHIP 19/20 call-off contract via a mini-competition from the major works constructor framework to A&E Elkins Ltd for a period of 45 weeks be approved.

To agree the Council Plan Performance Schedules

It be agreed to agree to publish the performance schedules for the 2020-2022 Borough Plan (Council Plan refresh).

Authority to award contract to deliver new council homes on the Flaxyard and Peckham Library Square sites

That the award of the design and build contract through the Notting Hill Contractors framework for the Bouygues (UK) Limited in the sum of £46,421,079.71 for a period of 116 weeks commencing on 7 January 2021 be approved.

To agree to launch a second round of the additional restrictions grant

1.  That it be agreed that a Second Round of the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme be launched immediately in response to Southwark entering into ‘very high’ local restrictions (Tier 3) on 16 December 2020. 

2.  That it be agreed that future decisions on recommended grant awards made through the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme will be delegated to the Chief Executive, on recommendation of the assessment panel.

3.  That it be agreed that additional rounds of the Additional Restrictions Grant scheme be launched as appropriate under the same conditions in the event that there are further periods where Southwark enters into ‘very high’ local restrictions, or remains in Tier 3 for a sustained period (longer than 4 weeks). 

To procure a back office planning service

1.   That the award of the contract outlined in this report for a Single Supplier Negotiation (SSN) to deliver the agile development of Back Office Planning Service (BOPS) using the continuous funding model from Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to Unboxed Consulting Limited for up to £1,800,000 for a maximum period from 31 December 2020 to 31 December 2021 be approved.

2.   That it be noted that this project is part of funding secured from the MHCLG that is released in a phased model of continuous funding and no commitment to work beyond funds received will be entered into.

To approve an estate parking scheme for North Peckham and Commerical Way (North).

That the following local traffic and parking amendments be approved for implementation subject to the outcome of any necessary statutory procedures:

•  To implement estate parking scheme to the North Peckham and Commercial Way (North) Estate. The scheme is to cover the estate from 7am -7pm, 7 days a week, with enforcement not being suspended over the weekend.

•  Upon approval, the next process will be to draft a Traffic Management Order, prepare the relevant TMO schedule, drawings and design to aid implementation of scheme, advertise the Traffic Management Order in line with statutory consultation procedure and carry out the estate markings and signs. 

•  It is anticipated that the scheme will go live around April 2020.

To approve the experimental road closure

That the Dante Road experimental closure be approved for making as a permanent traffic order subject to the outcome of statutory consultation.

To agree a 1 year extension to the contract

1.  That formal prior approval be agreed for the variation of carrying out of communal repairs in the north of the borough by its own direct labour organisation, Southwark Building Services (SBS) in accordance with the tender documentation to extend the term for a period of 8 months from 1 October 2020 (as further detailed in paragraph 15) at an estimated additional cost of £560,000 making a total estimated contract value of £2.71m.

2.  That formal prior approval be agreed for the variation of Contract B (south of the borough) Communal Repairs Chargeable contract to BuildTrust Ltd (BuildTrust) to extend the term of the contract for a period of 8 months from 1 October 2020 (as further detailed in paragraph 15) at an estimated additional cost of £880,000 making a total estimated contract value of £3.67m.

3.  That the shortening of the notice period provision to be given to SBS and BuildTrust from 6 months to 2 months for this variation be noted.

Approval of the procurement strategy.

1.  That the procurement strategy outlined in this report for multiple minor works contracts through the South East Consortium (SEC) internal and external building works framework and fire remedial works framework for various major building works and fire remedial works schemes for a maximum estimated total value of £14.5 million commencing January 2021 for a period of 2 years be approved.

2.  That an exemption from contract standing orders 6.5.2(h) requiring consideration of approval reports by the relevant DCRB for works being instructed through these SEC frameworks be approved.

3.  That it be noted that the Strategic Director of Housing and Modernisation will take the decisions for the major building and fire remedial works being instructed through the SEC frameworks in line with his scheme of delegation as further detailed in paragraphs 12 and 13 of the report.

4.  That it be noted that the council became a member of the SEC Group on 16 December 2019 for an annual fee of £10,000.

Sarah Newman, Business Unit Manger Environmental Health & Trading Standards Air quality, and Paul Newman, Team Leader, Environmental Protection Team, presented the report circulated.

The following points were made in the subsequent discussion:  

·  Is the dominance of the car the underlying driver of transport emissions? Southwark is promoting car free development. Car ownership is particularly low in north of the borough, where the majority of people do not have access to a car.  There is publically available information on car ownership.

·  Low Emissions Neighbourhoods are taking place on Walworth Road and having a positive effect on air quality.

·  Promoting schemes such as Peddle Me and Electric Vehicle (EV) cargo bike charging are useful ways of reducing emissions from transport freight.

·  EV cars still produce emissions and perpetuate the dominance of the car and are not the solution, whereas the 15 minute city, being pursued by Paris, does offer a viable solution by localising services. An intermediated step is EV car clubs.

·  A recent report indicated that increased working from home because of Covid 19 has positively impacted on emissions.

·  The briefing on CPZ permits doses not fully address the information  requested by the Commission previously on  parking provision by Ward , on both roads and estates.

·  A central resource setting out emissions, parking, transport schemes e.t.c would be helpful, and this is something that is being addressed by the Climate Emergency strategy, information and governance work.

·  The Transport .Policy team do make use of car flow data from monitors, which are currently used in cases of emergency, and there is a digital future work stream planned.

Simon Bevan, Director of Planning and Councillor Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Growth, Development and Planning presented the report. Juliet Seymour, Planning Policy Manager contributed to the discussion, where the following points were made.

·  There is an emphasis on encouraging carbon to be dealt with ‘on site’. Where this is not possible a Carbon Offset fee is paid by developers.

·  A review is underway to see if a ton of carbon can be saved for the offset price of £60; which is likely to be increased to at least £90.

·  The Carbon Offset policy will be linked to the Climate Emergency Strategy.

·  Social justice is at the heart of this,  with funding being used to address fuel poverty, for example LED lights in estates.

·  The council has been collecting Carbon Offsets for several years, with 1.5 million already received and more expected.

·  Modern homes are much more efficient. Retrofitting homes will be important and the Carbon Offset funds could be used for this.

·  Planning is working to improve energy statements and working with a consultancy to do this.

·  The district heating system is not online yet for Old Kent Road developments to connect to, but this is anticipated.

·  Members emphasised the importance and urgency of this work given the Climate Emergency. 

RESOLVED:

1.  That the corporate customer access strategy contained within Appendix 1 of the report be noted and endorsed.

2.  That the equality and health analysis as per Appendix 2 of the report be noted.

3.  That it be noted that the progress and delivery of the corporate customer access strategy will be reported through action plan based on the commitments set out in the strategy and at regular annual reporting on the council plan itself.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report that is currently held for housing purposes be confirmed as 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 following completion of the appropriation at paragraph 1 above the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report be confirmed as 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.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report that is currently held for housing purposes be confirmed as 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 following completion of the appropriation at paragraph 1 above the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report be confirmed as no longer 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.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report that is currently held for housing purposes be confirmed as 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 following completion of the appropriation at paragraph 1 above the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report be confirmed as no longer 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.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report that is currently held for housing purposes be confirmed as 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 following completion of the appropriation at paragraph 1 above the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report be confirmed as no longer 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.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report that is currently held for housing purposes be confirmed as 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 following completion of the appropriation at paragraph 1 above the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A be confirmed as no longer 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.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report that is currently held for social care purposes be confirmed 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 following completion of the appropriation at paragraph 1 above the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report be confirmed as no longer 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.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the workforce report attached as Appendix 1 to the report and the covering report be noted.

2.  That it be noted that officers will develop the councils workforce equality plan following on from the recommendations of Southwark Stands Together – Workforce Workstream and continue to implement workforce strategy with areas requiring further consideration, for example career development and in-work progression with a particular focus on under-represented groups.

RESOLVED:

1.  That the Community Investment Plans for Borough and Bankside, Chaucer, Dulwich Wood, London Bridge and West Bermondsey, North Bermondsey, North Walworth, Nunhead and Queen’s Road, Peckham, Peckham Rye, Rotherhithe, St George’s, and Surrey Quays be approved.

2.  That it be noted that a follow up report with all remaining wards will be submitted to cabinet in January 2021 including Camberwell Green, Champion Hill, Dulwich Hill, Dulwich Village, Faraday, Goose Green Newington, Old Kent Road, Peckham, Rye Lane, South Bermondsey, and St Giles.

3.  That it be noted that a further report will be submitted to cabinet within 6 months to reflect on lessons learned from the process to develop Community Investment Plans with recommendations for the future.

4.  That the following amendment for the Rotherhithe priority for Albion Street be agreed:

·  Creating a new pedestrian route to/from Canada Watertown centre (Albatross Way) to/from Albion Street, with wayfinding interventions to strengthen and highlight the route.

RESOLVED:

Decisions of the Cabinet

1.  That the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan: December 2020 Draft (Appendix A of the report)  be agreed for consultation.

2.  That the Consultation Plan (Appendix B of the report), Consultation Report (Appendix C of the report), Integrated Impact Assessment (Appendix D of the report), Habitats Regulations Assessment (Appendix E of the report), Equalities Impact Assessment (Appendix F of the report) and Health Impact Assessment (Appendix G of the report) be noted.

Decision of the Leader of the Council

3.  That authority be delegated to the cabinet member for climate emergency, planning and transport to approve any final minor adjustments to the presentation of the Area Action Plan for consultation purposes.

Appropriation of Council owned land to planning purposes: 57-76 Northchurch (including ramp) with respect to the detailed consent for Aylesbury Plot 18; and Package B site (subplots 5 and 6,part), with respect to the detailed consent for First Development Site (FDS) 

RESOLVED:

1.  That the current position in relation to the delivery of the First Development Site (FDS) (Phase 1b/1c in the Aylesbury Area Action Plan (AAAP) of the Aylesbury regeneration programme be noted.

2.  That the current position in relation to the delivery of Plot 18 (Site 10 in the AAAP) of the Aylesbury regeneration programme be noted.

3.  That the area of council-owned land hatched black on the plan at Appendix 1 of the report, identified as the FDS Package B site area, be confirmed as no longer required for the purposes for which it is currently held and it be resolved to appropriate 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 (as amended).

4.  That following completion of the appropriation at paragraph 3 above, the area of council-owned land hatched black on the plan at Appendix 1 of the report identified as the FDS Package B site area be confirmed as no longer required for planning purposes and it be resolved to appropriate 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 (as amended).

5.  That it be noted that the intention would be to proceed on 2-step appropriation of the land hatched black on the plan at Appendix 1 of the report; this to take into account that Ellison House is currently still occupied until the forecast date of March 2021.

6.  That the area of council-owned land hatched black on the plan at Appendix 2 of the report, identified as 57-76 Northchurch and Taplow ramp site area, be confirmed as no longer required for the purposes for which it is currently held and (upon vacant possession of 57-76 Northchurch)  it be resolved to appropriate 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 (as amended).

7.  That it be confirmed that, following completion of the appropriation at paragraph 6 above, the area of council-owned land hatched black on the plan at Appendix 2 of the report identified as 57-76 Northchurch and Taplow ramp site area will no longer be required for planning purposes and it be resolved to appropriate 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 (as amended).

Review of Void Disposal Strategy

RESOLVED:

1.  That the continuing requirement to raise capital receipts for the housing investment programme including the delivery of 11,000 new council homes, and the role of void disposals in providing a small proportion of those receipts be noted.

2.  That it be agreed to revise the criteria for disposals in the void disposal strategy from those agreed by cabinet in July 2014, to those set out in paragraph 39 of the report.

3.  That it be noted that  the sale of council housing will now only be considered where it benefits the overall capital programme and specifically the development of new build, conversions and roof top homes.  This will be assessed on a case by case basis.

4.  That it be noted that this will help ensure Southwark to be a place where everyone has a decent home and borough where families can afford to remain and choose to do so.

5.  That it be noted that the change in the voids disposal strategy is to address this and ensure that any disposals maximise the overall supply of council homes.

6.  That it be noted that an empty homes action plan is due in January 2021.

To approve the award of the highway Professional Services contract

RESOLVED:

1.  That the award of the Southwark Highways Professional Services Contracts in three lots commencing on 1 April 2021 for an initial duration of five years at an estimated cost of £8,750,000 with an option for the council to extend for up to two further years at a cost of £3,500,000 making the total contract value of £12,250,000 if the two years extension is exercised be approved: 

·  Lot A Structures to Tenderer H

·  Lot B Highways to Tenderer D

·  Lot C Drainage to Tenderer D.

2.  That the decision to exercise the option to extend the contracts, approval for which will be sought via a gateway 3 report be delegated to the strategic director of environment and leisure.

Yearly School Standards Report 2020

Cabinet placed on record their thanks for the hard work and commitment by schools and their staff in Southwark, in what has been an incredibly challenging and difficult year.

RESOLVED:

That the ‘Best start in life - Southwark school standards report 2019-20’ attached at Appendix 1 to the report be noted.

To commence a comprehensive consultation exercise for a proposed housing allocations scheme

RESOLVED:

1.  That the contents of the proposed draft new housing allocations scheme attached as Appendix 1 to the report be noted.

2.  That the proposed consultation arrangements proposed in the report be agreed.

3.  That a report comes to cabinet in the spring of 2021 on the outcomes of consultation.

4.  That the initiatives described in paragraphs in 10-13 of the report to promote lettings be agreed.

To agree the recommendations and proposed action plan following the strategic review of youth services

RESOLVED:

That the following be agreed:

1.  The new vision and set of objectives for the youth service as detailed in paragraphs 61 – 62 of the report. These aim to ensure that the voices of young people are at the heart of future decision-making, that young people are able to access the wealth of activities taking place across the borough, and that they can take part in new and exciting opportunities with a range of organisations created through our partnership work.

2.  The establishment of a new officer and member joint working group chaired by the deputy leader and cabinet member for children, young people and schools. The group will bring together officers from leisure and children’s services to oversee the establishment of a Sure Start for Teenagers.

3.  That officers should work with young people through a co-production approach to identify the need and opportunity for a new state of the art facility from which to deliver services and will bring proposals back to cabinet in 2021. A youth led review of facilities and public spaces on Brandon Estate is taking place in January 2021; the findings from this will support the implementation of this recommendation.

4.  The bringing together of the Youth and Play grants scheme with the Positive Future Fund, re-named ‘Positive Future for Young People Fund’, providing a fund of £600,000 in 2021-22 for activities for young people. 10% of this fund will be overseen directly by young people.

5.  That a youth parliament be established as the youth leadership forum to steer the future direction of the council’s youth offer consisting of a diverse and representative group of young people.

6.  That officers create a commissioning working group with young people including representatives from the current youth council, young advisers, youth offending service, young carers, youth club attendees and others to develop the specification for the new commissioning of activities programme. Officers will return to cabinet in March 2021 with the detailed commissioning plan.

7.  To the development of a digital information hub to provide comprehensive, up to date and accessible information about activities and services for young people and their families.

8.  The launch of the new “Positive Futures for young people” service in the spring 2021.

That  the following be noted:

9.  The details of the review, which included extensive and in depth engagement with colleagues from across the council, young people, parents/carers, and youth providers and has directly influenced and shaped the recommendations and action plan.

10.  The recommendations and detailed action plan arising from the youth review 2020 as detailed in paragraph 63 of the report, which will enable young people to experience vibrant and dynamic activities that will motivate and support them to have happy, healthy and positive futures.

To approve the acquisition of 13 Residential S106 Units in Crimscott St SE1

RESOLVED:

1.  That the council be authorised to acquire the long leasehold interest in the property known as 18-19 Crimscott Street shown edged black on the plan at Appendix A to the report pursuant to s120 of the Local Government Act 1972.

2.  That authority be delegated to the director of regeneration and the strategic director of housing and modernisation in consultation with the strategic director of finance and governance to agree the terms of the acquisition.

3.  That the acquisition be authorised to be made from the housing revenue account (HRA) investment programme with the primary focus being the delivery of high quality council housing.

To note the draft HRA budget and indicative rent increase

Information about the rent setting consultation webinar (to be held on the 15 December 2020), has been emailed to all those that have registered for the residents online panel and those registered to attend Local Housing Forum (LHF) meetings and who opted in for updates; a combined total of 863. It has also been sent to all Tenant and Resident Association (T&RA) chairs and Southwark Group of Tenants Organisation (SGTO). 

The North East LHF were informed about the webinar at their meeting on 3 December and encouraged to take part and the link to register in the chat has been posted (to date there have been 81 registrations). Other LHF’s taking place week commencing 7 December will be similarly advised. Where LHF meetings occur after the webinar, participants will be able to email the resident participation team and be sent a link to the recording and the consultation survey which runs until 31 December 2020.

RESOLVED:

1.  That a provisional basis a rent increase of 1.5% for all directly and tenant managed (TMO) housing stock within the housing revenue account (HRA) (including estate voids, sheltered and hostels), with effect from 5 April 2021 be noted. This is the maximum permitted under the Rent Standard 2020.

2.  That with regard to other HRA-wide charges, the changes to tenant service charges, comprising estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry system maintenance as set out in paragraphs 22 – 23 of the report with effect from 5 April 2021, be noted on a provisional basis.

3.  That the proposed changes to sheltered housing service charges as set out in paragraphs 24 – 26 of the report with effect from 5 April 2021 be noted on a provisional basis.

4.  That the changes to charges for garages and other non-residential facilities as set out in paragraphs 27 – 29 of the report, with effect from 5 April 2021 be noted on a provisional basis.

5.  That no increase to district heating and hot water charges as set out in paragraphs 30 – 33 of the report with effect from 5 April 2021 be noted on a provisional basis.

6.  That a commitment to ensure that savings proposals are primarily based on efficiencies, and where staffing reductions form part of any savings proposal, that due consultation and process is followed with trade unions be affirmed.

7.  That officers be instructed to provide a final report on rent setting and the HRA Budget for 2021-22 after due consultation processes with residents have been followed, for consideration at their meeting on 19 January 2021.

To agree to update the Southwark Housing Strategy to take account of changes since the previous strategy was agreed in January 2015

RESOLVED:

Decision of the Cabinet

1.  That the Southwark Housing Strategy 2020 (Appendix A of the report) be agreed.

Decision of the Leader of the Council

2.  That officers be instructed to develop a Southwark Housing Strategy Action Plan and authority be delegated to the cabinet member for housing to agree the action plan.

To approve the repurposing of the Democracy Fund for the current year to support the Connecting at Christmas Southwark Campaign.

1.  That the repurposing of the £20,000 Democracy Fund for the current year to support the Connecting at Christmas Southwark Campaign be approved.

2.  That the annual roll-on application period from 2021/22 round rather than fixed quarterly application window be agreed.

To approve the conditions of funding to the fund eight food hubs and one-food bank

That the conditions of funding to the fund eight food hubs and one-food bank as detailed in paragraph 16 and 17 of the reportfor the period October 2020 to March 2021 for a total sum of £199,732 be approved.