Agenda and minutes
PDF 88 KBVenue: Ground Floor Meeting Room GO2A, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH
Contact: Paula Thornton or Virginia Wynn-Jones Phone: 020 7525 4395/7055 Email: paula.thornton@southwark.gov.uk; virginia.wynn-jones@southwark.gov.uk
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Apologies
To receive any apologies for absence. Minutes: There were none. |
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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 items of business would be considered for reasons of urgency to be specified in the relevant minutes:
Item 7: Deputation requests
Item 18: Policy and Resources Strategy 2016/17 – 2018/19: Update for Spending Review and Initial Savings Proposals. |
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Notice of Intention to conduct business in a closed meeting, and any representations received
There are no closed items scheduled for consideration at this meeting. Minutes: No closed items were considered at this meeting. |
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Disclosure of Interests and Dispensations
Members to declare any interests and dispensations in respect of any item of business to be considered at this meeting. Minutes: There were none. |
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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. The deadline for public questions is midnight 2 December 2015. Minutes: Public question from Toby Eckersley
To Councillor Peter John, Leader of the Council
With regard to public questions at community council meetings, does cabinet agree there is a case for making changes (if necessary, to the constitution) to ensure that questions which have been submitted in writing in advance of a particular meeting are answered at that meeting?
Response
Community councils give local people a say about what goes on in their area. The community councils hold public meetings, five times a year, where local people can meet with each other and with the ward councillors, to discuss key issues of concern, and influence decisions on matters of local interest. Residents can ask a question or take part in the open discussion during the meeting. At community council meetings, the point of a public question is that it is raised in public at the meeting about a local issue. Where a detailed or technical question cannot be answered at the meeting, the relevant departmental officer would be asked to provide a reply for the next meeting. Many questions can be answered at the meetings. When public questions are received prior to a meeting, the questions are tabled at the next meeting and treated as though they are raised at that next meeting. Since their inception community council have never had a system of preparing a written answer; the resources do not exist to introduce one in the current financial climate.
Supplemental question
Toby Eckersley asked a supplemental question and asked that the matter be kept under review to ensure that responses are received in advance or an oral response given, if possible. |
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Minutes
To approve as a correct record the minutes of the open section of the meeting held on 17 November 2015. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair. |
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Deputation Requests
To consider any deputation requests. 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 because the requests were received in line with the constitutional deadline for the receipt of deputation requests.
Aylesbury Leaseholders Action Group
The deputation spoke in respect of their written representation set out in paragraph 4 and Appendix 1 of the report. Councillor Mark Williams confirmed that he would respond in writing to the deputation in respect of all the points raised in this representation and would meet with the deputation following receipt of this response, if required.
Friends of Damilola Taylor Centre
The deputation made representations in relation to the concerns of the youth organisations in Peckham in respect to proposals of the council to cut the youth service budget by 75% and in particular the proposal to move the Damilola Taylor Centre from the youth service across to the environment and leisure department. The deputation spokesperson provided evidence of how the centre had provided a positive and enabling impact on her life and the many opportunities arising. The centre submitted a constructive counter-proposal to cabinet to ensure the long term sustainability of the centre.
Southwark Youth Council
Southwark Youth Council deputation expressed their shock at the proposed level of cuts to the youth service and the loss of full time and part time workers. It was felt that the council were making a “huge mistake” with these proposals. The youth service provides a valuable learning tool for young people in their transition to adulthood, also creating many happy memories and positive experiences. It was felt that such a drastic cut, while solving some of the financial shortfall, would have a negative impact on youth crime and gang related activity. The youth council reminded cabinet that they represent the voice of young people, having been elected by 6,000 young people within the borough. The youth council asked that the council reconsider the proposed cuts.
Rotherhithe and Bermondsey Youth Community Council Members/Odessa Youth Club Members
The deputation made representations to the meeting on the impact of the youth service cuts to young people and how this would affect the community, referring to the London riots and disorder/crime. The current service provides vital life skills for young people helping with the transition to education and employment. The deputation referred to the many key people who have benefitted from the current youth service provision and its direct contribution to their success.
Further, reference was made to the training and development opportunities that the youth service promotes and supports (for example, the Duke of Edinburgh award). The deputation spoke about the long term benefits for young people in having a safe place to go and having support from a professional youth worker that they can trust and develop a positive relationship with.
SGTO Youth Forum
The forum highlighted the impact youth service cuts would have upon the youth in Southwark and addressed cabinet on the views of young people concerning council ... view the full minutes text for item 7. |
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Personalisation and Personal Budgets: A Report from the Healthy Communities Scrutiny Sub-Committee
To note the recommendations of the scrutiny sub-committee report and to request that the cabinet member report back to cabinet within eight weeks in order to respond to the overview and scrutiny committee. Supporting documents: Minutes: Councillor Rebecca Lury, chair of the healthy communities scrutiny sub-committee presented the report to cabinet.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted and that the cabinet member brings back a report to cabinet within eight weeks, in order to respond to the overview and scrutiny committee. |
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Annual Home Care Contract Performance Report 2014-15
To note that the delivery of the contracts over the fourth year has met with the council’s requirements. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
That it be noted that the delivery of the contracts over the fourth year has met the council’s requirements and that service users have expressed their satisfaction with the service, both via the provider feedback mechanisms and through one to one interviews conducted with council staff. |
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Agreement of a New All Age Joint Autism Strategy
To agree the draft all age joint autism strategy. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the draft Southwark All Age Joint Autism Strategy as set out in Appendix 1 of the report be agreed.
2. That it be noted that the actions from the strategy will be implemented through the new 0-25 years disabilities care pathway.
3. That it be noted that for those over 25 years, development work will follow on from the changes implemented through the 0-25 years care pathway, to ensure consistent and cohesive transition and support to adults. |
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Southwark Mental Health Social Care Review
To note the findings of the Southwark mental health social care review report and approve the drafting, engagement and delivery of a joint Southwark mental health strategy. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the findings of the Southwark Mental Health Social Care Review report be noted.
2. That the drafting, engagement and delivery of a Joint Southwark Mental Health Strategy, led by Southwark Council and NHS Southwark CCG and incorporating consultation with key stakeholders, including mental health users, carers and family members, the Mental Health Trust (South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust), the local mental health voluntary sector, and children’s social care and education be approved.
3. That the reform of integrated service arrangements with South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust be supported. |
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Gateway 1 - Procurement Strategy Approval: Southwark Sexual Health Transformation Programme - Sexual Health Services
To approve the procurement strategy for a collaborative pan-London procurement of a contracted online/electronic service for the provision of sexual health signposting, booking, self-sampling and partner notification services with the London Borough of Camden as the lead contracting borough across 22 London Boroughs. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the procurement strategy for a collaborative pan-London procurement of a contracted online/electronic service for the provision of sexual health signposting, booking, self-sampling and partner notification services, with the London Borough of Camden as the lead contracting borough across 22 London Boroughs, as set out in paragraph 43 of the report be approved.
2. That the procurement strategy for a negotiated procurement of genitourinary medicine and reproductive sexual health services, with a framework established by Lambeth Council, with the chosen suppliers, which Southwark Council will access, as set out in the report at paragraph 45 of the report be approved.
3. That it be noted the two procurement strategies will have a combined maximum estimated annual value of up to £6,210,000, and that they will have a proposed contract term of 6 years with 2 break clauses at each twenty-four month point. The contracts terms would start in February and April 2017.
4. That the approval of the final detail of the procurement process as noted at paragraph 48 of the report be delegated to the strategic director of children’s and adults’ services. |
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Housing Revenue Account - Indicative Rent Setting and Budget Report 2016/17
To note issues associated with the housing revenue account.
To instruct officers to provide a final report to cabinet January 2016 on rent setting after consultation with residents. Supporting documents: Minutes:
1. That a rent decrease of 1.0% for all housing revenue account (HRA) dwellings (including estate voids and hostels) with effect from 4 April 2016 be noted on a provisional basis. This is in accordance with the provisions of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill currently passing through Parliament, and is contrary to previous council policy regarding rents. The average dwelling rent in 2016/17 under such a reduction would be £100.24 per week (a fall of £1.01 per week on average).
2. That it be noted that the rental base will reduce by c. £28 million over the next four years from that previously predicated in the HRA business plan. The compound effect of the rent reduction and loss of resources over the same period is c. £62 million, which has necessitated changes to the business plan model going forward.
3. That with regard to other HRA-wide charges, no change to tenant service charges, comprising the estate cleaning, grounds maintenance, communal lighting and door entry maintenance charges as set out in paragraphs 50 – 51 of the report with effect from 4 April 2016 be noted on a provisional basis.
4. That no increase to sheltered housing service charges as set out in paragraph 52 with effect from 4 April 2016 be noted on a provisional basis.
5. That no increase in direct charges for garages, store sheds and parking bays be noted on a provisional basis, and the proposals of the garages working party regarding the introduction of fixed service charges for qualifying units as set out in paragraphs 53 – 54 of the report and that any decision regarding the introduction of these charges be delegated by the leader of the council to the cabinet member for housing.
6. That no increase to district heating and hot water charges as set out in paragraphs 55 – 56 of the report with effect from 4 April 2016 be noted on a provisional basis.
7. That water and sewerage charges levied by Thames Water are liable to an inflationary uplift as set out at paragraph 57 of the report be noted, but as yet the council has not been informed by Thames Water of what that increase will be.
8. That a commitment to ensure that savings proposals are primarily based on efficiencies be reaffirmed, and where staffing reductions form part of any savings proposal, that due consultation and process is followed with trade unions, as paragraph 42 of the report notes.
9. That officers are instructed to provide a final report on rent setting and the HRA Budget for 2016/17 after due consultation processes with residents have been followed for consideration at their meeting on 26 January 2016. |
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London Councils Grants Scheme 2016/17
To approve Southwark Council’s contribution to the London Councils Grants Scheme. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
That Southwark Council’s contribution to the London Councils Grants Scheme of £301,664 for 2016-17, subject to approval of the council budget by the council assembly in February 2016, be approved. |
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My Southwark, Homeowners Service
To agree to the creation of a new My Southwark Homeowners service, dedicated to meeting the needs and aspirations of the council’s homeowners. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the following be agreed:
· the creation of a new My Southwark Homeowners service, dedicated to meeting the needs and aspirations of the council’s homeowner group · the setting up of a My Southwark Homeowners board to oversee the work of the service, monitor performance, scrutinise service delivery and hold the council to account when poor performance or failures occur · the proposed initiatives that can be put in place immediately to give confidence to homeowners that the council is taking the new service forward. |
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Financial Appraisal Process for Home Owners Affected by Regeneration Schemes
To note the revised process of financial appraisal to determine the appropriate re-housing support options for individual leaseholders affected by regeneration schemes. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the revised process of financial appraisal to determine the appropriate re-housing support options for individual leaseholders affected by regeneration schemes be noted.
2. That individual applicants should determine the application of their own savings towards their rehousing options be confirmed.
3. That it be ensured that this approach is reflected in the delivery arrangements with development partners for new regeneration schemes, and that representations are made to existing development partners to seek their agreement to adopt the approach for current regeneration schemes. |
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The Charter School East Dulwich Development Strategy
To approve the council entering into an agreement with the Education Funding Agency for the council to oversee and manage the procurement and construction delivery of the new Charter School, East Dulwich. Supporting documents: Minutes: RESOLVED:
1. That the council enter into an agreement with the Education Funding Agency (EFA) for the council to oversee and manage the procurement and construction delivery of the new The Charter School East Dulwich (TCSED) which is to be developed on the site of the existing Dulwich Community Hospital (East Dulwich Grove, London SE22 8PT) on the terms described in paragraphs 13-19 of the report. The approval for procurement of services and works for TCSED project will take place under a separate gateway report.
2. That the use of £5,000,000 from within the council’s existing capital programme for the TCSED project as described in paragraph 35 of the report be approved.
3. That authority be delegated to the director of regeneration to formally approve the risk transfer agreement as described in paragraph 19 of the report. |
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Policy and Resources Strategy 2016/17 to 2018/19: Update for Spending Review and Initial Savings Proposals
To note the Spending Review presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as part of his Autumn Statement, and consider the initial and provisional savings options. 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 was committed to publishing budget proposal at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure the information was available to the public for comments and questions.
Additionally, the report was urgent because of the significant impact of the 2015 spending review announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 25 November 2015.
RESOLVED:
1. That the spending review presented by the Chancellor of the Exchequer as part of his Autumn Statement on 25 November 2015 be noted.
2. That it be noted that the provisional grant settlement is currently forecast to be available at some time later in December 2015 and will provide more detail with regard to the council’s funding position for 2016/17.
3. That it be noted that, at this time, it is unclear what indicative provisional settlements will be made beyond 2016/17 although total resources available to local government during this period are referred to in the Autumn Statement.
4. That it be noted that in year cuts to the public health grant have been confirmed at around £1.6m while the public health grant for 2016/17 is still to be announced.
5. That it be noted that the government is proposing a 2% precept on council tax to support adult social care and that there is no clear indication at this time as to how this arrangement will operate, not least in the context of council tax freeze grant and council tax referendum limits.
6. That it be noted that while the period to be covered by the provisional draft settlement is not known at this time, that the aspiration remains to set a three year budget for the council.
7. That the challenge to find further savings of around £96m over the next three years set out for the council at cabinet in September and the continuing commitment of the council to minimise the impact of these real term resource pressures on service delivery be noted.
8. The initial and provisional savings options of around £67m identified within the report be considered.
9. That assuming the savings options included within the report are approved, it be noted that there will be an estimated budget gap that remains over the three year period of around £29m and that the strategic director of finance and governance be instructed to submit a further report to cabinet in January 2016 to include a balanced budget proposal for 2016/17 and indicative budgets for the following two years together with an update of the medium term resourcing strategy.
10. That officers be instructed to complete equality assessments for all budget options to be proposed as part of the January report to cabinet.
11. That officers be instructed to complete the two phases of consultation with the community on the overall approach and on the specific proposals in the 2016/17 to 2018/19 budget and that this be fed ... view the full minutes text for item 18. |
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Exclusion of Press and Public That the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in category 3 of paragraph 10.4 of the access to information rules of the Southwark Constitution.
The following is a summary of the closed part of the meeting. |
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Minutes
To approve as a correct record the closed minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2015. Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the closed minutes of the meeting held on 17 November 2015 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair. |