Agenda and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday 19 January 2021 11.00 am

Venue: Online/Virtual: This meeting will be livestreamed on Southwark Council's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/user/southwarkcouncil

Contact: Paula Thornton and Virginia Wynn-Jones  Phone: 020 7525 4395/7055 Email:  paula.thornton@southwark.gov.uk;  virginia.wynn-jones@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 items:

     

    ·  Item 7: Deputation requests

    ·  Item 8:  Covid-19: Update on local infection and response

    ·  Item 10:  Impact of Brexit on Southwark – Progress report

    ·  Item 11:   Policy and Resources Strategy 2021-22 to 2023-24 update.

     

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

3.

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

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:

    There were none.

Announcement by the Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Planning and Transport

Councillor Johnson Situ, cabinet member for Climate Emergency, Planning and Transport was able to announce the council’s next step on Climate Emergency work. In addition to other commitments, the council would aim to ensure that by September next year all council buildings and housing blocks would be powered by 100% renewable energy with work to be undertaken with schools to also progress. Local residents and businesses would be similarly encouraged.

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 public questions is midnight Wednesday 13 January 2021.

    Minutes:

    1.  Richard Aldwinckle

     

    Why have Southwark stated in the Streetspace FAQ July 2020 that ‘people who […] cycle visit their high streets […] typically spend more money over time than people who come by car’ when the latter point is flatly contradicted by the referenced source, TFL 2013 (pages 54-55) and by the experience of Dulwich traders (see Phase 1 Objections)?

     

    Response by Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Environment and Roads

     

    Transport for London (TfL) have published research which shows that walking and cycling improvements boost high street and local town centres and can increase retail sales by up to 30%. TfL’s research found that on average, people who walk and cycle take more trips to the high street each month, and people who walk to the high street spend up to 40% more than people who drive. More information is available in this TfL report: ‘Walking & cycling: the economic benefits’ http://content.tfl.gov.uk/walking-cycling-economic-benefits-summary-pack.pdf

     

    In recent years many public realm schemes have been built to help high streets. More pavement space and two new pedestrian crossings have recently been built in Camberwell town centre. Railton Road was closed in Herne Hill and since then businesses have flourished, and there is now space for a popular farmer’s market which has become the busiest day for the shops here.

     

    2.  Caroline Connellan

     

    Dulwich Village Ward Councillors have repeatedly asserted that a permit scheme would in due course be implemented to allow access through the restrictions, why did Southwark state in the Streetspace FAQ that ‘Allowing a resident permit system does not support [this] commitment to reduce shorter car journeys.’

     

    Response by Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Environment and Roads

     

    The traffic measures now in place are designed to encourage alternate means of travel such as cycling or walking.

     

    Allowing local residents permits to access camera controlled traffic restrictions would not support our commitment to reducing shorter car journeys.

     

    However, we are actively working on a solution to support Blue Badge holders and other vulnerable residents, whose overall needs will also be given additional consideration as part of the imminent review of the Dulwich Village LTN measures.

     

    3.  Marianne Kavanagh (Question asked by Richard Aldwinckle on Marianne Kavanagh’s behalf)

     

    Please can Southwark say when (which month) the review of Dulwich Village Phase 1 & 2 ETOs will be and confirm that it will accept and implement the results of the review’s survey (and not mirror the actions of Croydon Council who have dismissed the results of their own consultation)?

     

    Response by Councillor Catherine Rose, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Environment and Roads

     

    The review of the Dulwich Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) schemes, including Dulwich Village, East Dulwich and Champion Hill, is anticipated to commence in the first half of February. Prior to this, all stakeholders will be provided with a clear timeline and summary of the scope of the review.

     

    The council will take full consideration of the results of the review on any recommendations concerning the future of the Low Traffic  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Minutes

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    To approve as a correct record the minutes of the open section of the meeting held on 8 December 2020.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

7.

Deputation Requests

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    To consider any deputation requests. The deadline for the receipt of a deputation request is midnight Wednesday 13 January 2021.

    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 (the requests had been received in line with the council’s constitutional deadline for the receipt of deputation requests).

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the following deputation requests be heard:

     

    ·  Canada Estate Tenants and Residents Association

    ·  Tustin Community Association (the tenants and residents association for Tustin Estate)

    ·  Extinction Rebellion Southwark group.

     

    2.  A representative from each of the above deputations addressed cabinet for five minutes and questions were asked of each deputation for a period of five minutes.

8.

Covid-19: Update on local infection rate and response

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    To receive an update on the local infection rate and response to Covid-19.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    It was not possible to circulate this report five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept this item as urgent so that cabinet could take account of the latest health, social care and wider impact data following the move to a national lockdown on 6 January 2021.  In doing so and noting the report, cabinet could put in place any immediate, necessary next steps on policy and resource direction for the council, where required.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the latest position on Southwark’s COVID infection rate (Appendix 1 of the report) and overall local response following the move to national lockdown on 6 January 2021 be noted.

     

    2.  That all residents, staff, schools, partners, volunteers, providers, suppliers and all in our community be thanked for their continuing work and dedication in supporting our residents and businesses through the pandemic safely.

     

    3.  That condolence is expressed to all those who have lost loved ones at this time, noting that work continues as part of the local humanitarian response.

     

    4.  That the early progress on the vaccination programme roll out be welcomed and stands ready for the council to support future roll out to residents.

9.

Tustin Estate Low Rise Programme - Confirmation of undertaking a Tustin Estate Residents' Ballot

    To note the detailed resident engagement to date and to agree to proceed to a Resident Ballot for the final option.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Decisions of  the Cabinet

     

    1.  That the detailed resident engagement to date be noted and that the Tustin Community Association and the Resident Project Team be thanked for their work to date.

     

    2.  That it be agree to proceed to a Resident Ballot for the final option, on the basis of the proposals and commitments within the Landlord Offer Document, for the Tustin Estate Low Rise Programme in February 2021. The final option is as described below.

     

    Redevelopment of the low-rise homes with:

     

    ·  The demolition and replacement with new homes of Bowness House, Heversham House, Hilbeck Close, Kentmere House & Ullswater House

    ·  Retention of the houses in Manor Grove with improvements to the tenanted homes

    ·  New houses in between the houses on Manor Grove itself

    ·  A new park in the centre of the estate

    ·  A new Pilgrims’ Way School

    ·  New retail and business spaces on the Old Kent Road and Ilderton Road.

     

    3.  That the  proposals align with the Great Estates programme for redevelopment proposals and as such the below five tests will be achieved be noted.

     

    1.  a positive ballot on any new estate regeneration (as per the commitment in the Council Plan 2018-2022)

    2.  a net increase in social rent homes alongside increased density, to meet the acute need of families on our waiting list

    3.  a right to remain for all rehoused tenants and leaseholders, for keeping
    communities together

    4.  intensive co-design of redevelopment proposal, to become co-authors of a new estate plan

    5.  a clear rationale for any redevelopment proposal, including an explanation of how this would increase housing supply (based on comprehensive density modelling) and/or a transparent stock condition survey.

     

    4.  That authority be delegated to the director of housing in consultation with the cabinet member for housing to make any necessary amendments to the Landlord Offer document in advance of the Resident Ballot.

     

    5.  That a further report on the outcome of the ballot in March 2021 and a further report on the consequent delivery programme and financial implications be received in July 2021.

     

    6.  That a variation to the Housing Investment Programme, making provision for the estimated costs of developing the delivery programme and assessing financial implications in advance of the cabinet report in July be agreed.

     

    Decision of the Leader of the Council

     

    7.  That authority be delegated to the cabinet member for housing to confirm a dedicated Tustin Estate Local Lettings Policy subject to a majority vote in favour of the redevelopment option.

     

    (NOTE: The above decisions were subject to an urgent implementation request which was agreed by the chair of overview and scrutiny committee. These decisions are therefore not subject to call-in and can be implemented immediately).

10.

Impact of Brexit on Southwark - Progress Report

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    To note the current position in respect of Brexit.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    It was not possible to circulate this report five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept this item as urgent as cabinet had requested a further progress report on Brexit impact and preparedness ahead of a further cross-party Brexit panel, which is planned to take place on Thursday 28 January 2021.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    Decisions of Cabinet

     

    1.  That it be noted that the transition period came to end at 11pm GMT on 31 December 2020 and that a new Trade and Cooperation Agreement is now in place between the EU and the UK.

     

    2.  That the beginning of the UK’s new relationship with the EU comes at a time of great uncertainty, with the UK still in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic and the borough under national lockdown restrictions be noted.

     

    3.  That progress on ongoing local work in preparing for, and adjusting to, the UK’s exit from the EU be noted, and it be agreed that the cross-party Brexit panel should continue to be convened through 2021 as necessary to continue this work.

     

    Decision by the Leader of the Council

     

    4.  That future decisions on the £300,000 Brexit fund to the be delegated to the cabinet member for jobs, culture and skills (in consultation with the strategic director of finance and governance).

11.

Policy and Resources Strategy 2021-22

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

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    It was not possible to circulate this report five clear days in advance of the meeting. The chair agreed to accept this item as urgent as the council were committed to publishing budget proposals at the earliest possible opportunity to ensure they were 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 and this is due to take place on 27 January 2021.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the provisional local government finance settlement published on 17 December 2020 (paragraphs 30 – 42 of the report) be noted.

     

    2.  That it be noted that, as reported to cabinet on 17 December 2020 and recognising the continued uncertainty for local government funding, the intention remains for the council to prepare a balanced one-year 2021-22 budget for approval by cabinet in advance of council assembly on 24 February 2021.

     

    3.  That the current budget options proposed to help achieve a balanced budget 2021-22 be noted (Appendices B to E of the report).

     

    4.  That the proposed increase in the adult social care precept in 2021-22 of 3% in line with the government flexibility be noted.

     

    5.  That it be noted that, in recognition of the spending pressures in services, particularly those that protect and support vulnerable people, the proposed increase of 1.99% to the Southwark element of the council tax, is in line with the government threshold.

     

    6.  That it be noted that the budget proposals for 2021-22 contained within the report include:

     

    ·  Estimated general grant resources of £152.519m, an increase of £0.202m from 2020-21

    ·  Hew homes bonus grant of £8.201m, a reduction of £6.157m from 2020-21

    ·  Social care grant of £13.199m, an increased of £3.184m from 2020-21

    ·  Estimated retained business rates growth of £18.961m, a decrease of £5.778m over 2020-21

    ·  Estimated council tax revenue of £123.024m, including £3.515m from the adult social care precept and £2.332m from the 1.99% council tax increase

    ·  A net contribution to the brought forward deficit on the collection fund chargeable to the 2021-22 budget of £1.505m

    ·  Provision for an increase in the pay bill and contractual inflation of £4.200m (excluding social care)

    ·  Retention of the contingency budget in the sum of £4m to mitigate underlying budget risks.

    ·  A one-off contribution from the adult social care resilience reserve to mitigate underlying budget risks in the service of £0.8m

    ·  A contribution from reserves of £5.0m.

     

    7.  That the current budget options to help achieve a balanced 2021-22 budget be noted that include:

     

    ·  Efficiency savings of £12.045m (Appendix B of the report)

    ·  Other savings impacting on services of £2.741m (Appendix D of the report).

     

    8.  That it be noted, in order to ensure that the base budget is on a secure financial footing a number of commitments are proposed for 2021-22 totalling £16.757m (Appendix E of the report) and a net reduction in income generation target of £0.446m (Appendix C of the report).

     

    9.  That it be noted that the current budget  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

12.

Housing Revenue Account - Final Rent-Setting and Budget Report 2021-22

13.

Community Investment Plans - Allocation of local CIL Southwark - Phase 2

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    To approve the community investment plans for Camberwell Green, Champion Hill, Dulwich Hill, Dulwich Village, Faraday, Goose Green Newington, Old Kent Road, Peckham, Rye Lane, South Bermondsey, and St Giles.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the community investment plans for Camberwell Green, Champion Hill, Dulwich Hill, Dulwich Village, Faraday, Goose Green Newington, Old Kent Road, Peckham, Rye Lane, South Bermondsey, and St Giles be approved.

     

    2.  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.

14.

Consultation on Proposals for the Private Rented Sector 2021 - 2026

15.

Acquisition of land for the purpose of building new council homes at Roberts Close, Canada Water

16.

Land at Canada Water

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    To approve the appropriation of the land to facilitate the carrying out of the development proposals for the area.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.  That the council freehold land at Canada Water shown outlined and cross hatched on the plan at Appendix 1 of the report  be appropriated for planning purposes (to the extent that it is not already held for those purposes) in accordance with section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 (“the LGA 1972”) to facilitate the carrying out of the development proposals for the area.

     

    2.  That the significant recent progress with the Canada Water project with the grant of full planning permission for the Masterplan; the entering into of the 500 year head lease; and confirmation of the start of enabling works that will see the relocation of the petrol filling station and the building a new electrical substation to serve the project and the wider area be noted.

     

    3.  That the announcement of the first pre-let for the project and that TEDI-London has chosen Canada Water as the location for their new engineering higher education campus be welcomed.

17.

Volunteer Policy

    To agree the draft volunteer policy.

    Supporting documents:

    Minutes:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Decisions of the Cabinet

     

    1.  That the draft volunteer policy set out in the report be agreed.

     

    2.  That the council adopts the following key commitments:

     

    ·  Our recruitment will be open, transparent and fair so that all residents have equal access to the opportunities available

    ·  All volunteers will be provided with a volunteer agreement which will set out the purpose of the role, describe the tasks and hours and days of volunteering role and any learning and development goals for the volunteer

    ·  The volunteer will have a named supervisor and be supported to deliver their role and provided with an induction to the organisation and a volunteers handbook

    ·  The volunteer will be reimbursed for travel and provided with expenses for lunch where they are required to work more than four hours.

    3.  That it be noted that volunteering is not a substitute for paid work and volunteers are never a substitute for a paid member of staff. The process of involving volunteers in our work should be mutually beneficial and the systems set out in the handbooks should support us to achieve this.

     

    4.  That it be noted that the criteria for volunteering includes work that is a short term project or initiative to carry out a specific task or time limited exercise, a new idea being tested, some additional research for a team, or additional service that staff are unable to deliver,  or bringing an additional skill to the service. Volunteers can also act as independent advocates or support individual members of the community.

     

    5.  It is important to note the key role volunteering has in supporting people build their confidence and grow their wellbeing and Southwark can play a key role in this for residents though they way in which we construct and develop our volunteering opportunities.

     

    6.  That the guidance for managers which guides services in how to deliver best practice for volunteer roles and the volunteer handbook which sets out the rights and responsibilities for the volunteer be noted.

     

    7.  That it be agreed next steps should be to:

     

    ·  Sign the volunteer best practice charter with a civic ceremony

    ·  Include in the engagement annual report a section on volunteering in the council which also captures the equalities monitoring information about our volunteers

    ·  Use the annual review to ensure that our work on volunteers with the council is aligned with the Volunteer Strategy Action Plan.

    ·  Highlight to teams Southwark Stars awards and Civic awards which enable us to publically celebrate the commitment volunteers make

    ·  Draft a chapter in the manager’s guidance on safeguarding when young people are volunteers

    ·  Work with colleagues and external organisations such as Community Southwark and Thomas Carlton Centre to develop an accreditation process for our volunteers.

    8.  That the measures outlined in the report and the handbook and guidance addresses the actions required because of the BDO audit of volunteering at the council be noted. 

     

    9.  That it be noted that the policy and handbook underpin the principles in the volunteering strategy  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

Update on Fairer Future Procurement Framework

19.

Corporate Asset Management Plan 2021

20.

Response to Care Home Quality Assurance Recommendations

21.

Response to Housing Scrutiny Commission report into District Heating

22.

Authorisation of Debt Write-offs over £50,000 for National Non Domestic Rates - Exchequer

Exclusion of the Press and Public

That the press and public be excluded form 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.

23.

Minutes

    To approve as a correct record the closed minutes of the meeting held on 8 December 2020.

Minutes:

The minutes of the closed section of the meeting held on 8 December 2020 were approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

24.

Acquisition of land for the purpose of building new council homes at Roberts Close, Canada Water

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 15 for the decision.

25.

Authorisation of Debt Write-offs over £50,000 for National Non Domestic Rates - Exchequer

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 22 for the decision.