Agenda and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday 22 January 2019 4.00 pm

Venue: Ground Floor Meeting Room G02C - 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH

Contact: Paula Thornton  Phone: 020 7525 4395 Email:  paula.thornton@southwark.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

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    To receive any apologies for absence.

    Minutes:

    All members were present.

2.

Notification of any items of Business which the Chair Deems Urgent

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    In special circumstances, an item of business may be added to an agenda within five clear working days of the meeting.

    Minutes:

    The chair gave notice of the following late item:

     

    Item 7:  Deputation requests

     

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

3.

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

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    To note the items specified which will be considered in a closed meeting.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    No representations were received in respect of the items listed as closed business for the meeting.

4.

Disclosure of Interests and Dispensations

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    Members to declare any interests and dispensations in respect of any item of business to be considered at this meeting.

    Minutes:

    Councillor Richard Livingston declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of item 15: Livesey Exchange; he is as a trust member for the Livesey Exchange project and confirmed his intention to withdraw from the meeting while this item was being discussed.

5.

Public Question Time (15 Minutes)

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    To receive any questions from members of the public which have been submitted in advance of the meeting in accordance with the cabinet procedure rules. The deadline for the receipt of a public question is midnight Wednesday 16 January 2019.

    Minutes:

    Public question from Toby O’ Connor

     

    To ensure 'Regeneration that works for all (SP2)', will Councillor Johnson Situ reaffirm his statements last week that:

    ·  no individual planning application will be determined before the St Thomas Street East Framework (STSEF) engagement process is completed and the result has been approved.

    ·  Environmental statements will be required to address cumulative impacts.

     

    Response from Councillor Johnson Situ, Cabinet Member for Growth, Development and Planning

     

    I provided the comment about the engagement process in a letter to developers on 18 July 2018 and therefore can reaffirm that we would expect the results of the engagement to be considered before determining planning applications on St Thomas Street.

     

    We are keen that genuine consultation is carried out on the joint pre-app design once planners are satisfied that key issues and aspects have been agreed, and that a coordinated scheme can be discussed with the public which is deliverable. Early engagement is obviously important when the public can genuinely inform the development of plans and this is encouraged. We would envisage that a joint consultation on the emerging design would be organised once a pre-app letter has been issued and would ask that arrangements for planning the joint consultation are discussed with the council in advance.

     

    We have already asked for environmental statements to address cumulative impacts as part of the planning process. This would regularly be requested on all strategic planning applications particularly where a number of applications are coming forward in one place.

     

    Supplemental question

     

    Toby O’ Connor asked a supplemental question seeking clarification on cumulative impact.

     

    It was confirmed that environmental statements take account of cumulative effects.  Substantial engagement on the four sites and events are planned. Assurances were given that full and open engagement will take place.

6.

Minutes

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    To approve as a correct record the minutes of the open section of the meeting held on 11 December 2018.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 December 2018 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

7.

Deputation Requests

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    To consider any deputation requests.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

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

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the deputation be received.

     

    Old Bermondsey Neighbourhood Forum

     

    The Old Bermondsey Neighbourhood Forum (OBNF) addressed cabinet regarding what they felt to be significant outstanding deficiencies in the “New Southwark Plan Proposed Submission Version Amended Policies”. They felt that the immediate negative impact of these deficiencies upon the local environment would be illustrated by specific reference to current planning activity on St Thomas Street which the council is currently shaping with developers through the St Thomas Street East Framework (STSEF).

     

    The deputation highlighted the fact that consultation on the framework was problematic as well as issues in respect of site allocation policies and tall buildings (they felt that these were deliberately vague and poorly evidenced). The deputation also referred to concerns relating to local lists.

     

    Full details of the deputation’s written submission are set out in the report for this item.

     

    Councillor Johnson Situ confirmed that he was happy to meet separately with the deputation and clarify the points raised.

8.

Housing Revenue Account - Final Rent-Setting and Budget Report 2019-20

9.

Admission Arrangements for Community Primary Schools for September 2020 and amendment (at short notice) of Primary Published Admission Numbers (PANs) for September 2019

10.

Southwark Coordinated Admission Schemes for Primary, Junior and Secondary Admissions 2020

11.

Libraries and Heritage Strategy 2019 - 2022

12.

New Library and Heritage Centre for Walworth

    To confirm pursuant to s120 of Local Government Act and s7 Public Libraries and Museum Act 1964 and subject to planning, the council takes a lease of ground floor accommodation on the land shown in the report.  

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That it be confirmed that pursuant to s120 Local Government Act 1972 and s7 Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 and subject to planning matters set out in paragraphs 18 and 19 of the report being resolved, the council takes a lease of ground floor accommodation on the land shown edged red on the plan at Appendix A of the report.

     

    2.  That it be confirmed that the lease will be in accordance with the principal terms set out in full in paragraph 6 of the closed version of the report and substantially in paragraph 15 of the open report.

     

    3.  That authority be delegated to the director of regeneration to agree the details of the proposed lease.

     

    4.  That authority be delegated to the director of leisure to agree and commission the fit out specification and works to deliver a new library and heritage centre.

     

    5.  That a capital budget set out in the closed version of the report to fund the acquisition of the lease of the premises and its subsequently fit-out for library and heritage centre purposes be approved.

13.

Implementing Civil Penalties in the Private Rented Sector

14.

New Southwark Plan: Proposed Submission Version - Amended Policies

15.

Livesey Exchange

16.

Southwark Brexit Panel - Recommendations to Cabinet

    To consider recommendations from the Southwark Brexit Panel.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the work of the Southwark Brexit Panel (SBP) be welcomed, noting the report at Appendix 1 of the report.

     

    2.  That the recommendations from the Southwark Brexit Panel be accepted.

     

    3.  That in accepting the recommendations, it be noted that further work will be undertaken by officers in particular relation to:

     

    a.  Collating information and resources being provided by other organisations about support for EU citizens, the settled status application process and other relevant information, and signpost to voluntary and community sector organisations offering support;

    b.  Identifying vulnerable individuals and groups who may struggle with the settled status application process or be unaware of what they need to do, including older people (including in care homes or supported housing) and some people with disabilities, and work with voluntary and community groups to ensure those people are communicated with effectively;

    c.  Use the outcomes of the work from 3(a) and (b), to help establish the process for the one-off fund that will make grants to voluntary and community groups to support vulnerable people through Brexit;

    d.  Work with London First and other relevant pan-London groups to develop a plan for, protect and enhance our local tourist offer including undertaking work that seeks to promote the strong cultural offer in Southwark balanced against the potential pressures tourism can place on our residential communities.

     

    4.  That a progress report be brought to cabinet in March 2019.

     

    5.  That in respect of recommendation 6 of the panel, it was requested that engagement with housing stakeholders should also take place.

17.

Motions referred from Council Assembly

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    To consider the following motions referred from council assembly 28 November 2018:

     

    ·  The best possible start in life

    ·  A people's vote on Brexit

    ·  School cuts

    ·  Royal British Legion commemoration

    ·  End unfair evictions - abolish section 21 of 1988 Housing Act

    ·  Third runway at Heathrow

    ·  Opposing bus cuts

    ·  Overground ticket office closures

    ·  Solidarity with the Windrush generation

    ·  Sustainable public health funding.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    The best possible start in life

     

    That the motion referred from council assembly as a recommendation to cabinet, set out below be noted and agreed:

     

    1.  Council assembly notes:

     

    a.  Under this Labour administration, Southwark is delivering the best possible start in life for our children. Ofsted has rated our children’s services good and our adoption services are outstanding. Southwark’s Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Services are examples of excellence where other local authorities are turning to Southwark for guidance on their SEND services. Our Youth Offending Service (YOS) was praised by Ofsted as it carries out its essential work supporting young people who have or at risk of offending.  This Labour administration has protected funding for YOS and will continue to do so.

    b.  No child should be left behind, and so welcomes Southwark’s continued efforts to improve education at every stage.  From Early Years to Key Stage 5, Southwark exceeds national averages for results - including attainment of pupils with special educational needs. 

    c.  Nine out of 10 schools in Southwark are rated as Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, showing that our schools are great places for our young people to learn and develop. Council assembly further notes the huge progress our schools have made in the last eight years, when less than two thirds were Good or Outstanding.

    d.  That this administration has made it easier for children to go to the local school of their choice and get the best possible start in life. Council assembly further notes the enormous progress from the previous administration’s schools placement crisis where 500 children were not being offered a place at any of their preferred schools. Council assembly welcomes that there are now an additional 4,425 primary school places since 2009. This means almost 90% now get their first choice of primary school, and 64% get their first choice of secondary school.

    e.  The council’s commitment that children should lead happy, healthy and full lives.  It welcomes measures such as the introduction of Free Swim and Gyms and Free Healthy School Meals to help tackle childhood obesity and improve standards. Council assembly further welcomes the council’s programme of refurbishing and improving play areas across the borough, so that every child has access to a top quality place to play in their neighbourhood.

    f.  Southwark is a great place to grow up.

     

    2.  Council Assembly further notes:

     

    a.  After eight years of cuts and austerity from Conservative and Liberal Democrat governments, not all families are thriving. Council assembly recognises that cuts to council budgets, attacks on welfare and benefits, a national crisis in care, a housing crisis and spiralling youth violence have all impacted on young people in the borough. Investigations where a child is believed to be at risk of significant harm have more than doubled.

    b.  The commitment from this administration to stand alongside our communities in the face of government attacks and to do what it can to support children and young people. 

     

    3.  Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

1 Ann Moss Way, Rotherhithe and flexibility to acquire sites for council housing development

    To authorise pursuant to s120 of the Local Government Act 1972 and s9 of the Housing Act 1985 that the council acquires the freehold interest in the property, 1 Ann Moss Road, Rotherhithe SE16.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Decisions of the Cabinet

     

    1.  That pursuant to s120 of the Local Government Act 1972 and s9 of the Housing Act 1985, 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 5 of the closed version of this report and substantially in paragraph 18 of the open report, be authorised.

     

    3.  That authority be delegated to the director of regeneration authority to agree the details of the acquisition.

     

    Decisions of  the Leader of the Council

     

    4.  That authority be delegated to the director of regeneration in consultation with the strategic director of housing and modernisation, the strategic director of finance and governance and the cabinet member for social regeneration, great estates and new council homesto acquire sites in furtherance of the delivery of the council’s housing delivery programme.

     

    5.  That in light of the amendment to recommendation 4 and for clarity, the report title for both open and closed reports be changed to:

     

    1 Ann Moss Way Rotherhithe and flexibility to acquire sites for council housing development.

19.

Policy and Resources Strategy 2019-20

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

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the provisional local government finance settlement announced on 13 December 2018, key headlines being set out in this report (paragraphs 29 – 42 of the report) be noted.

     

    2.  That as reported to cabinet in September 2018 and recognising the continued uncertainty for local government funding, it be noted that the intention remains for the council to prepare a balanced one-year 2019-20 budget for approval by cabinet in advance of council assembly in February 2019 (paragraph 21 of the report).

     

    3.  That the current budget options proposed to help achieve a balanced budget 2019-20 (Appendices C to F of the report) be noted.

     

    4.  That the proposed increase to the Southwark element of the council tax in line with the government threshold by 2.99% in recognition of the spending pressures in services, particularly those that protect and support vulnerable people (paragraph 51 – 59 of the report) be noted.

     

    5.  That it be noted that the budget proposals for 2019-20 contained within the report include:

     

    ·  Estimated general grant resources likely to be available arising from the provisional settlement (Appendix A), a reduction of £8.565m from 2018-19

    ·  Improved Better Care Fund resources totalling £15.752m, an increase of £3.168m from 2018-19

    ·  Additional one-off social care grants of circa £4.254m announced in the Autumn 2018 budget

    ·  Retained business rates growth of £25.0m (paragraph 62 to 65), an increase of £3.250m over 2018-19 arising from proceeds generated by continued regeneration in the borough; plus an estimated surplus brought forward of £1.158m

    ·  Estimated council tax revenue of £110.532m, including £2.476m additional income arising from growth in the tax base; £0.4m from increased premium on long-term empty properties; £3.209m additional income generated from increasing council tax by 2.99%; an estimated collection fund surplus of £3.860m

    ·  No change to the council tax reduction scheme for 2019-20 for our pension age and vulnerable and least well off households

    ·  Planned contingency to be maintained at £4m to mitigate underlying budget risks. (paragraph 99 of the report).

     

    6.  That it be noted that the following savings, commitments and pay and price pressures have been proposed to help ensure the delivery of a balanced budget in 2019-20 (Appendices C – F of the report):

     

    ·  Efficiency savings of £13.905m

    ·  Income generation of £4.810m

    ·  Savings impacting on services of £0.900m

    ·  Commitments and growth of £16.206m

    ·  Pay Award and contractual inflation of £8.450m

    ·  Debt financing costs of £3.809m.

     

    7.  That it be noted that in order to ensure that the base budget is on a secure financial footing a number of commitments are proposed for 2019-20 totalling £16.206m, including:

     

    ·  £8.072m for children’s and adult’s services funded principally from the growth in the Improved Better Care Fund (£3.168m) and additional social care funding (4.254m)

    ·  A net increase of £3.2m to further support spending pressures on temporary accommodation and £0.7m no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

     

    8.  That it be noted that the current budget proposed for 2019-20 is balanced, after the incorporation of updated proposals and 2.99% council tax increase.

     

    9.  That  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

20.

Gateway 1: Procurement Strategy Approval - Contractor Services for the Delivery of Sceaux Gardens

21.

Regeneration that Works for All Framework and Social Regeneration Indicators

Exclusion of the 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 procedure rules of the Southwark Constitution.

 

The following is a summary of the decisions taken in the closed part of the meeting.

22.

Minutes

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    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    The minutes of the closed meeting held on 11 December 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

23.

New Library and Heritage Centre for Walworth

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 12 for the decision.

24.

1 Ann Moss Way, Rotherhithe and flexibility to acquire sites for council housing development

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 18 for the decision.