Agenda and minutes
PDF 99 KBVenue: Ground Floor Meeting Room GO1A, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH
Contact: Everton Roberts or Paula Thornton Phone: 020 7525 7221/4395 Email: everton.roberts@southwark.gov.uk; paula.thornton@southwark.gov.uk
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Apologies
To receive any apologies for absence. Minutes: All members were present. The Leader reported that Eleanor Kelly, Chief Executive had given her apologies. |
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Notification of any items of Business which the Chair Deems Urgent
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 the following late item would be considered for the reasons of urgency, to be specified in the relevant minute:
Item 22 – Policy and Resources Strategy 2013/14 – 2015/16: Revenue Budget |
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Disclosure of Interests and Dispensations
Members to declare any interests and dispensation in respect of any item of business to be considered at this meeting. Minutes: There were no disclosures of interests or dispensations. |
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Public Question Time (15 Minutes)
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. Minutes: There were no public questions. |
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Minutes
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the open section of the meeting held on 11 December 2012. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the open minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2012 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair. |
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Deputation Requests
To consider any deputation requests. Minutes: There were no deputation requests. |
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Notice of Intention to conduct business in a closed meeting, and any representations received
To note the items specified which will be considered in a closed meeting. Supporting documents: Minutes: No represensations were received in respect of the items listed as closed business for the meeting. |
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Fairer Future Interim Performance Report
To note the progress in the first half of 2012/13 against the ten fairer future promises and portfolio performance objectives in the council plan. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the progress in the first half of 2012/13 against the ten fairer future promises and portfolio performance objectives in the council plan be noted. |
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Housing Revenue Account - Final Rent-Setting and Budget Report 2013/14
To approve an average rent increase of 4.85% in accordance with the Government’s required formula rent guidance to be applied to all housing revenue account (HRA) dwellings. Supporting documents: Minutes: Feedback from consultation meetings including Tenants Council was circulated at the cabinet meeting.
RESOLVED:
1. That an average rent increase of 4.85% in accordance with the government’s required formula rent guidance be applied to all housing revenue account (HRA) dwellings as set out in paragraphs 25 to 28 of the report. This is equivalent to an increase of £4.46 per week on average for tenanted properties, with effect from 1 April 2013. This percentage increase is also to be applied to estate void and hostel properties from 1 April 2013. The average budgeted dwelling rent for 2013/14 will be £96.40 per week.
2. That the ongoing consultation regarding the council’s letting policy, and the options put forward regarding setting rents for new-build and new-let tenancies at formula rent levels, and the budget implications of this (paragraphs 31 to 33) be noted.
3. That tenant service charges be set at the same level as 2012/13 as laid out in paragraph 34 of the report with effect from 1 April 2013.
4. That the standard charge for non-residential property (garages etc.) be set at the same level as 2012/13, as laid out in paragraphs 35 and 36 of the report with effect from 1 April 2013.
5. That approval be given to a further standstill in heating and hot water charges for 2013/14 such that each charge remains at the rate determined for 2009/10 onward (as set out in paragraph 37 of the report).
6. That the revised HRA budget for 2013/14 be noted (paragraph 17 refers, with details set out in Appendices G and H of the report). |
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Response to Recommendations from the Housing and Community Safety Scrutiny Sub-Committee on the Review of Services relating to Domestic Violence and Abuse in Southwark
To note and agree the measures that the council has in place to respond to the scrutiny committee recommendations. Supporting documents: Minutes: The cabinet received comments from Councillor Gavin Edwards, chair of the housing, environment, transport and community safety scrutiny sub-committee in relation to the response to the scrutiny recommendations.
RESOLVED:
1. That the measures the council has in place to respond to the scrutiny recommendations be noted and agreed.
2. That the information contained in the report about the impact of alcohol in respect of domestic violence and abuse be noted. |
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The Southwark Local Biodiversity Action Plan
To approve the local biodiversity action plan (BAP) for the planning and management of biodiversity in the borough. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the Local Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) for the planning and management of biodiversity in the borough be approved. |
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Borough Wide Tree Management Strategy
To note the consultation process and subsequent revisions to the tree management strategy and approve the revised strategy and the approach for its adoption. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the consultation process and subsequent revisions to the Tree Management Strategy be noted.
2. That the revised Tree Management Strategy and the approach for adoption of the strategy be approved.
3. That officers explore options for communication of the strategy to the public, including placing an article in ‘Southwark Life’. |
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Southwark Open Space Strategy
To adopt the revised Open Space Strategy. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the revised open space strategy (Appendix A of the report) be adopted with the inclusion of the following amendment:
“Elephant & Castle sub-area strategy, map on page 29, OS76
Amend label to read
Recommended boundary change to the area of protected open space and potential site for biodiversity improvements at Nursery Row Park
Amend the map to show the extension to the north of the open space (which is consistent with the adopted Elephant & Castle SPD 2012)”.
Note: (Visual representation of this amendment is available on the council website alongside Appendix A of the report).
2. That the consultation report (Appendix B), equalities analysis (Appendix C) and the sustainability appraisal (Appendix D) be noted. |
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Consultation Responses (Key Themes) on a Draft Vision for Southwark Day Opportunities for Adults with Learning Disabilities
To note the key themes, issues and concerns raised by users and carers in the consultation on the draft vision for adult learning disability day opportunities and to agree that council officers will develop the final vision on the basis of the consultation feedback and work with users and carers, providers and community services to transform the way day opportunities are provided for adults with learning disabilities. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
Decisions of the cabinet
1. That the key themes, issues and concerns raised by users and carers in the consultation on the draft vision for adult learning disability day opportunities be noted.
2. That council officers develop the final vision on the basis of the consultation feedback and work with users and carers, providers and community services to transform the way day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities are provided.
3. That officers work across all departments to ensure the final vision is reflected in departmental priorities and corporate strategies.
Decision of the leader of the council
4. That approval of the final vision be delegated to the cabinet member for health and adult social care. |
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Request for Door Entry at Kinglake Estate
To note that the installation of door entry systems on the Kinglake Estate will be considered along with other priorities within the potential housing revenue account funding increase and that pre-emptive resident consultation will be required due to the high initial costs and the ongoing maintenance commitment. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That it be noted that the installation of door entry systems on the Kinglake Estate will be considered along with other priorities within the potential housing revenue account (HRA) funding increase.
2. That the officers’ recommendation for Option C (installation of full specification door entry systems to blocks with particular anti-social behaviour problems) as set out in paragraph 14 of the report be noted.
3. The it be noted that officers will engage all residents in an estate-wide pre-emptive consultation process relating to Option C, and will carefully consider all comments and suggestions put forward. |
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Voluntary and Community Sector: Proposal for Setting Up An Approved List
To approve the setting up of a Southwark approved list for the voluntary and community sector. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
That agreement be given for the setting up of a Southwark Approved List for the Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS). |
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New Conditions of Grant Funding (Formerly the Conditions of Grant Aid)
To approve the new conditions of grant funding (COGF), formerly conditions of grant Aid (COGA). Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the new conditions of grant funding (COGF), formerly conditions of grant aid (COGA) attached as Appendix 1 to the report be approved.
2. That periodic reviews of the conditions of grant funding (COGF), delegated to the chief officer, be undertaken to take account of changes in legislation and to reflect corporate changes. |
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Relocation of Crossway Church: New Kent Road to Hampton Street
To agree to meet the cost in full of constructing a replacement church at the former Castle Day Centre Hampton Street and transferring the completed property to the United Reformed Church as compensation for the council’s acquisition of the Crossway Church at New Kent Road in accordance with the statutory provisions of the Land Compensation Act 1961. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
Cabinet agrees:
1. To meet the cost in full for constructing a replacement church at the former Castle Day Centre, Hampton Street and transferring the completed property to the United Reformed Church as compensation for the council’s acquisition of the Crossway Church at New Kent Road in accordance with the statutory provisions of the Land Compensation Act 1961.
2. To fund the construction of four affordable council house units from the Affordable Housing Fund.
3. To delegate to the director of regeneration authority to enter into appropriate contracts to implement the recommendations. |
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Disposal of Car Pound at Mandela Way, London SE1
To approve the disposal of the 250 year leasehold interest in the car pound at Mandela Way, London SE1. Supporting documents: Minutes: This item was withdrawn. |
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Disposal of 161 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8EF
To approve the disposal of the council’s freehold interest in 161 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8EF. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the disposal of the council’s freehold interest in 161 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8EF(“the Property”), as shown on the plan attached to the report, to the bidder identified and on terms set out in the accompanying closed agenda report, subject to any further negotiations considered necessary by the head of property be approved.
2. That should the sale not proceed to completion within a reasonable time as determined by the head of property, the Property be offered to the under-bidder or re-offered for sale on the open market and then sold on terms to be approved by the head of property for a consideration not less than market value. |
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Motions referred from Council Assembly
To consider motions referred from council assembly on 28 November 2012:
Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
Supporting cycling in Southwark
That the motion referred from council assembly as a recommendation to cabinet, set out below be noted and agreed.
1. That council assembly believes a lot more should be done to encourage cycling throughout Southwark, including making bicycles more accessible to residents, encouraging the take up of cycling and improving road safety for cyclists.
2. That council assembly therefore welcomes the fact that:
· The current administration has spent or allocated £2.677 million on cycling in the last two years and plans to spend nearly another £4 million on cycling infrastructure. One third of the money allocated from TfL to Southwark gets spent on cycling. · Southwark has installed 174 cycle lockers on housing estates and created over 1500 new spaces for on street cycle parking. · Southwark is the first London borough to install life-saving Trixi mirrors at dangerous junctions throughout the borough and welcomes the news that a further eight mirrors will be installed by March 2013. · Proposals for 25 cut-throughs, shared use footways and contra-flow schemes across the borough are currently under consideration and that this will help to improve cycle permeability by improving access and reducing travel times. · The council’s transport plan also proposes: 20mph streets to help make Southwark roads safer for everyone by reducing speeds, developing 'green links' to encourage local cycle trips for less confident cyclists and families, school travel plan initiatives and cycle parking on and off street. · Southwark Council’s bike loan scheme allows employees to take out an interest free loan of up to £1,000 to buy a bike to use to cycle to work. · Despite the fact that Transport for London has reduced the overall budget for cycle training from £163,000 to £156,000, the council continues to offer free cyclist training to anyone that lives, works or is educated in the borough. Around 900 children and 600 adults receiving training each year.
3. That council assembly therefore calls on cabinet to:
· Continue to work with organisations such as Southwark Cyclists to explore how Southwark can realise its ambition of becoming the most cycle friendly London borough. · Continue to lobby Transport for London to extend the London cycle hire scheme throughout the borough. · Take a serious and sensible approach to increasing the number of people who cycle in the borough and make good on its commitment to review the target for people cycling in Southwark which is in line with the London target and based on key developments such as the introduction of cycle hire, and the existing and planned cycle superhighways. The current target translates into a 33% increase (from 3-4%) in current cycling levels or 4,700 new trips by bike every day.
Road Safety
That the motion referred from council assembly as a recommendation to cabinet, set out below be noted and agreed, and the comments of the strategic director of environment and leisure, contained in the report be noted.
1. That council assembly expresses condolences for the tragic deaths of Hichame Bouadimi, ... view the full minutes text for item 21. |
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Policy and Resources Strategy 2013/14 - 2015/16: Revenue Budget
Supporting documents: Minutes: This item had not been circulated five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept the item as urgent as the council is committed to publishing budget proposals at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure they are available to the public for comments and questions. Under the council’s constitution there is a requirement for the overview and scrutiny committee to review and challenge budget proposals. Presenting the report to this cabinet meeting gives the opportunity for debate prior to presentation of final budget figures at council assembly on 27 February 2013.
RESOLVED:
1. That it be noted that the Autumn Statement was published on 5 December 2012 with details of the provisional settlement for local government for 2013/14 and 2014/15 received on 20 December 2012.
2. That the initial analysis of the implications for the council of the Autumn Statement and the provisional settlement be noted.
3. That the new funding arrangements for local government be noted, particularly the arrangements for the localisation of business rates and the risks and opportunities that this creates.
4. That the response to the provisional statement made to the Department for Communities & Local Government (DCLG) by the cabinet member for finance, resources and community safety, including specific references to the timing of the settlement and related information be noted.
5. That the loss of Early Intervention Grant (EIG) of £6.1m in 2013/14 and a further provisional loss of £918k in 2014/15 be noted.
6. That the 2013/14 budget proposals contained within the report to achieve a balanced budget for consideration by cabinet with particular reference to the notional 2013/14 budget approved by council assembly in February 2011 be noted.
7. That the strategic director of finance and corporate services prepare a further report setting out a balanced budget for 2013/14 for approval by cabinet on 12 February 2013 for recommendation to council assembly on 27 February 2013, including:
· the intention to freeze Council Tax at current levels and to accept the government’s freeze grant arising from this decision.
· the commitment to new growth and commitments of £11.8m per annum, including new commitments to support welfare provision of approximately £3.5m, in addition to the creation of a welfare hardship fund (as in paragraph 8).
· the target to save approximately £24.9m per annum arising from efficiencies, income generation and other savings.
· the provision of contributions from council balances of £6.7m in consideration of the need to make best use of these balances during a period of significant reductions in government funding.
· the inclusion of ring fenced Public Health funding consistent with the announcement by DCLG for the council and note that this function will be included within the council budget statements moving forward.
· the transfer from the Department of Works and Pensions of Social Grant funding for small grants, crisis loans and administration and the intention to allocate this grant in full to support a council scheme that will be developed to support the most vulnerable residents in Southwark.
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Minutes
To approve as a correct record the closed minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2012. Minutes: The closed minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2012 were approved as a correct record and signed by the chair. |
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Relocation of Crossway Church: New Kent Road to Hampton Street
Minutes: The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. See item 18 for decision. |
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Disposal of Car Pound at Mandela Way, London SE1
Minutes: This item was withdrawn. |
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Disposal of 161 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8EF
Minutes: The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. See item 20 for decision. |