Agenda and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday 15 June 2021 11.00 am

Venue: Ground floor meeting rooms, 160 Tooley Street, London SE1 2QH

Contact: Paula Thornton and Virginia Wynn-Jones Email: paula.thornton@southwark.gov.uk; virginia.wynn-jones@southwark.gov.uk

Link: Livestream

Items

No.

Item

Apologies

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To receive any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Jasmine Ali (due to the need to self-isolate under Covid requirements).

An apology for absence was also received from Eleanor Kelly, chief executive.

Announcement

Councillor Kieron Williams congratulated Duncan Whitfield on the recent grant of his OBE, in recognition his work for Local Government. Cabinet extended their congratulations for this incredible achievement.

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:

None.

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:

Five day notice form for agenda , item 3. PDF 125 KB

Minutes:

There were none.

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.

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 9 June 2021.

Minutes:

Phil Addison

Will Southwark Council undertake an audit and a needs assessment of the play and informal recreation provision of Champion Hill Ward?

Response by Councillor Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education

An audit needs assessment and gap analysis of playground provision in the borough was completed in 2018 as part of the council plan commitment to “ensure a top quality playground in every local area”. The play audit considered the number and quality of open access playgrounds available in each ward against local demographic data. This audit has since been updated to take account of playground improvements delivered since 2018.

A further review of play provision in the borough is underway to inform capital investment in adventure playgrounds in the borough and involves local area analysis of the neighbourhoods surrounding our seven adventure playgrounds. This indeed includes an assessment of play demand and current youth and play provision in Champion Hill ward, which is the location for Dog Kennel Hill Adventure Playground. Our initial finding is that play provision in this ward falls below the borough level, relative to it’s under 18s population. On this basis, it is expected that consultation on a new capital scheme at Dog Kennel Hill Playground will take place over the summer, with the final design confirmed, and a planning application submitted in the autumn.

Supplemental question

Phil Addison asked that a more bespoke analysis of need be undertaken in relation to the astro-turf pitch, as it was felt that this was the choice being made by the community for recreation.

Announcement by the Cabinet Member for Jobs, Business and Town Centres

Councillor Jason Ochere, cabinet member for jobs, business and town centres announced that £300,000 will be allocated to a high street recovery fund to mitigate the impact of Covid. Community, business and voluntary groups can apply for funding that demonstrate a commitment to economic growth and improvement of digital connectivity within the community. Applicants will also be asked to demonstrate a commitment to the ambitions of Southwark Stands Together.

Minutes

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To approve as a correct record the minutes of the open section of the meeting held on 9 March 2021.

Supporting documents:

Minutes 9 March 2021 , item 6. PDF 335 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 March 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

Deputation Requests

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To consider any deputation requests. The deadline for the receipt of a deputation request is midnight Wednesday 9 June 2021.

Minutes:

There were none.

Policy and Resources Strategy: Financial Remit 2022-23 and Scene Setting, Fairer Futures Budget Principles update

To approve the updated ‘Fairer Future Budget Principles’ and note the continuing financial uncertainty as a result of a number of factors.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

1. That the progress made on updating the Fairer Future Budget Principles (see draft at Appendix 1 of the report) be noted and that a final version will be brought back to cabinet for approval later this year.

2. That the continuing financial uncertainty as a result of a number of factors be noted:

· A one year spending review in 2020 providing no indication of funding for 2022-23 and beyond

· The postponement of the planned reforms of local government finance (Fair Funding Review, Business Rate Retention arrangements) previously intended to be implemented from April 2021

· The ongoing deferment of the Business Rates reset

· A published white paper on Social Care but no clear indication of if, how or when proposals might be implemented

· The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on spending, income and savings plans and the pace of recovery

· The extent of government support to offset the financial cost to the council of the pandemic in 2021-22 and beyond

· Any local impact arising from the national and global economic environment following the pandemic

· Economic and financial impacts to the council of exiting the European Union

· The current absence of any certainty of funding streams to support climate emergency plans.

3. That it be noted that the accumulated deficit on the Dedicated Schools Grant was £21m at 31 March 2021 with the prospect of achieving any meaningful reduction without additional funding from the Department for Education being remote.

4. That it be noted that financial planning is extremely challenging, with a range of potential scenarios suggesting a funding gap in 2022-23 of anywhere between £14m and £26.4m and that, subject to the inherent uncertainties, the central forecast indicates a potential budget gap of £19.4m in 2022-23.

5. The it be noted that the central budget forecast is based on the assumptions set out at paragraph 21 of the report, with the key assumptions being:

· Government funding rises in line with inflation, with the exception of:

o New Homes Bonus – expected reduction of circa £3.5m resulting from ending of current scheme

· The Fair Funding review and Business Rate Retention reset will be delayed again until 2023-24

· Additional costs arising from pay and prices (both 2%)

· Additional debt financing costs arising from additional capital projects (£2.5m)

· Council tax will increase by the maximum amount allowed (1.99%)

· No additional precept for adult social care

· Council Tax and Business Rate losses arising from the pandemic and associated economic circumstances will be neutralised by a combination of government compensation schemes, service efficiencies and savings and, where appropriate, contributions from earmarked reserves

· Existing budgeted council income streams will be achieved in 2022-23.

6. That it be noted that the strategic director of finance and governance, with the support of other strategic directors, will look to establish medium term budget plans, reviewing any decisions previously taken.

7. That it be noted that the strategic director of finance and governance, with the support of other strategic directors, will seek to prepare indicative savings options and commitments, ... view the full minutes text for item 8.

Policy and Resources Strategy: revenue monitoring report, including treasury management 2020-21

To note the balanced general fund outturn position for 2020-21 after the application of reserves and emergency Covid-19 funding and related recommendations.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

1. That the balanced general fund outturn position for 2020-21 after the application of reserves and emergency Covid-19 funding (Table 1 of the report) be noted.

2. That the application of £43.5m of general Covid-19 emergency grant funding be noted.

3. That the key adverse variations and budget pressures underlying the outturn position be noted:

(i) The Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) outturn position of an £20.5m deficit and the pressures on high needs budgets;

(ii) The growing pressures within children’s social care

(iii) the continuing budget pressures on temporary accommodation;

(iv) additional costs associated with protecting leisure services.

4. That the utilisation of £4m contingency to offset adverse variances be noted.

5. That the housing revenue account outturn for 2020-21 (table 2 of the report) be noted.

6. That the detailed movements of earmarked reserves as set out in Appendices B, C and D of the report be noted.

7. That the treasury management activity in 2020-21 be noted.

8. That cabinet approves the interdepartmental budget movements that exceed £250k, as shown in Appendix A of the report.

9. That the interdepartmental general fund budget movements that are less than £250k as shown in Appendix A of the report be noted.

10.

Policy and Resources Strategy: capital monitoring report outturn 2020-21

To note the outturn and resources for 2020-21 and future years for both the general fund and housing investment programmes.

To approve the virements and variations to the general fund and housing investment capital programme and the inclusion in the programme of the capital bids.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

1. That the outturn and resources for 2020-21 and future years for both the general fund and housing investment programmes as detailed in Appendices A, B and D of the report be noted.

2. That the virements and variations to the general fund and housing investment capital programme as detailed in Appendix C of the report be approved.

3. That the substantial funding requirement of £290m for future years which needs to be identified for the general fund programme in order for this to be fully delivered, as summarised in Appendix A of the report be noted.

4. That the borrowing requirement of over £900m required for future years for the housing investment programme to be fully delivered over the remaining term of the programme, as detailed in Appendix B of the report be noted.

11.

Acquisition of Catlin Street, SE16- Strategic Investment / site acquisition

To authorise pursuant to s227 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, that the council acquires the freehold interest in the property known as the Old Stables Catlin Street SE16.

Supporting documents:

Report: Acquisition of Catlin Street, SE16 , item 11. PDF 366 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

1. That pursuant to s227 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 the council be authorised to acquire the freehold interest in the property known as the Old Stables Catlin Street SE16 shown edged black on the plan at Appendix A of the report.

2. That the principal purchase terms set out in full in paragraph 20 of the closed version of this report be authorised.

3. That authority to agree the detailed terms of the acquisition be delegated to the director of planning and growth.

12.

Gateway 3 Variation Decision: Extension of contracts for the provision of genito-urinary medicine services at KCH and GST (Kings College and Guys & St Thomas' Hospitals)

To approve the extension of the use of the open access pan-London genito-urinary medicine (GUM) contracts that Lambeth Council have with King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KCH) and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Trust (GSTT).

Supporting documents:

Report: Gateway-3-GUMcontracts , item 12. PDF 291 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

1. That the extension of the use of the open access pan-London genito-urinary medicine (GUM) contracts that Lambeth Council have with King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KCH) and Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Trust (GSTT) for a maximum period of 12 months commencing on 1 April 2022, at an estimated total contract value of £4.304m (£1,404,489 for KCH and £2,900,000 for GSTT), inclusive of a six month break clause be approved.

2. That it be noted that the need for this variation has arisen as a direct consequence of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the procurement process and planned re-commissioning schedule for these contracts while the providers (local major acute trusts) are involved in responding to the ongoing emergency.

13.

Gateway 0: Strategic Options Assessment for the provision of genito-urinary medicine services

To approve the strategic options assessment and recommendation set out in for the delivery of genito-urinary medicine (GUM) services for Southwark Council, which is to undertake a joint procurement with Lambeth and Lewisham and negotiate with the existing providers.

Supporting documents:

Report: Gateway-0-template-GUMcontracts , item 13. PDF 346 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

1. That the strategic options assessment (paragraphs 34-46 of the report) for the delivery of genito-urinary medicine (GUM) services for Southwark Council be approved.

2. That recommendation (option five, paragraph 50) to undertake a joint procurement with Lambeth and Lewisham and negotiate with the existing providers be approved.

3. That the proposed service requirements and outcomes for the future GUM contracts (set out in paragraphs 25-33 of the report) be noted and that formal consultation on the future service model will be conducted with service users and residents as part of the planned engagement programme.

14.

Report of the Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission: Review of Approach to Equality and Adoption of the Equality Framework

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To consider recommendations from the education and local economy scrutiny commission in respect of equalities.

Supporting documents:

Report: Equality Framework - Recommendations of Ed and Loc SC , item 14. PDF 144 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

1. That the recommendations from the education and local economy scrutiny commission arising from the interview with the cabinet member for communities, equalities and neighbourhoods in respect of the council’s review of approach to equality and adoption of the Equality Framework, paragraph 7 of the report be noted.

2. That the relevant cabinet member reports back to cabinet on the recommendations within eight weeks.

15.

Report of the Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission: Education: Children's Experience and Education during the Covid-19 Pandemic

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To consider recommendations from the education and local economy scrutiny commission in respect of children’s experience and education during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

1. That the education and local economy scrutiny commission report on children’s experience and education during the Covid-19 pandemic, Appendix A of the report be noted.

2. That the recommendations from the education and local economy scrutiny commission be considered and that the relevant cabinet member reports back to cabinet within eight weeks.

16.

Report of the Education and Local Economy Scrutiny Commission: Local Economy: Revitalising Southwark's High Streets and Town Centres

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To consider recommendations from the education and local economy scrutiny commission in respect of revitalising Southwark’s high streets and town centres.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

1. That the education and local economy scrutiny commission report on revitalising Southwark’s high streets and town centres, Appendix A of the report be noted.

2. That the recommendations from the education and local economy scrutiny commission be considered and that the relevant cabinet member reports to cabinet within eight weeks.

17.

Motions referred from Council Assembly

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To consider the following motions referred from council assembly on 24 March 2021:

· Southwark’s Economic Renewal: creating a fair, equal and inclusive local economy

· Bringing back Trams to Southwark

· International Women’s Day

· The Union Learning Fund

· Sustainable future funding for Local Welfare Assistance

· End Male Violence against Women and Girls

Supporting documents:

Report: Council Assembly motions , item 17. PDF 315 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

Southwark’s Economic Renewal: creating a fair, equal and inclusive local economy

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

1. Council Assembly notes:

a. That Covid-19 continues to have a significant impact on employment in the borough, with nearly 44,000 Southwark residents now unemployed or furloughed.

b. Southwark businesses - especially those in retail, hospitality and leisure - and their supply chains have been adversely impacted by lockdown and tier restrictions. Footfall across UK high streets fell 88% in 2020 compared to 2019, according to the High Streets Task Force.

c. The impact of Covid-19’s economic fallout has not been felt equally; according to the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Covid-19 has caused an unemployment rate amongst black, Asian and minority ethnic workers which is double that of white workers.

d. Young people have also been hit particularly hard, with those under 25 in the UK over twice as likely to have lost their job due to the pandemic as over 25s.

e. On top of this, adapting to Brexit – from new trade rules to a narrowing workforce - poses more issues and difficulties for Southwark businesses.

2. Council Assembly further notes:

a. Southwark Council has responded quickly and effectively to deliver a total of £94m grant funding to local businesses throughout the pandemic.

b. Southwark Council was the first local authority to set up a Discretionary Hardship Fund to support businesses who were not eligible for Government funding during the first lockdown, distributing £2.1m of council funding.

c. The creation and implementation of an Economic Renewal Plan by the council will ensure that businesses, high streets and town centres are able to recover from the pandemic and becoming thriving centres for our communities.

d. That the council has created a New Youth Deal to provide support and opportunities for young people in securing jobs, apprenticeships and internships.

e. That Southwark has committed to a Green New Deal to create 1,000 jobs in green and sustainable industries.

f. That the council’s work on Southwark Stands Together is being successfully integrated into our work supporting employment and businesses. For example, 84.5% of clients supported into work through Southwark Works are from black, Asian or minority ethnic backgrounds.

g. As part of our commitment to supporting the development of thriving town centres and high streets, detailed cross-council Town Centre Action Plans are being developed.

h. Southwark Council is the first local authority in London to be accredited as a Living Wage Place, expanding the amount of employers paying the real Living Wage across the borough.

3. Council Assembly further notes:

a. The government’s incompetence, and failure to act fast enough to support businesses who were not eligible for statutory grant funding, leading to an estimated 250,000 small businesses (with fewer than 50 staff) set to fold this year, according to the Federation of Small Businesses.

b. That the government has provided little or no support to 10% of the UK ... view the full minutes text for item 17.

18.

Appointments to Outside Bodies 2021-22

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To consider and agree appointments to the outside bodies for the 2021-22 municipal year.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

That appointments to the outside bodies listed in Appendix A of the report for the 2021-22 municipal year be agreed as follows:

Better Bankside Board

Councillor Jason Ochere

Blue Bermondsey Bid

Councillor Sunny Lambe

Board of Southwark College Corporation

Councillor Jason Ochere

Browning Estate Management Association

Councillor Martin Seaton

Canada Water Consultative Forum

Councillor Helen Dennis

Councillor Kath Whittam

Councillor Jane Salmon

Central London Forward

Councillor Kieron Williams

Centre for Literacy in Primary Education

Councillor Catherine Rose

Creation Trust

Councillor Jason Ochere

Councillor Lorraine Lauder MBE

Councillor Jack Buck

Cross River Board

Councillor Helen Dennis

Crystal Palace Community Development Trust

Councillor Catherine Rose

Groundwork London, Local Authority Strategic Input Board

Councillor Catherine Rose

Guys and St. Thomas NHS Foundation (Council of Governors)

Councillor Evelyn Akoto

Kings College Hospital NHS (Council of Governors)

Councillor Dora Dixon-Fyle MBE

London Road Safety Council (LRSC)

Councillor Catherine Rose

Councillor Radha Burgess

London Youth Games Limited

Councillor Alice Macdonald

Councillor Jasmine Ali (deputy)

Millwall for All

Councillor Sunny Lambe

Newable Limited (formerly Greater London Enterprise)

Councillor Jason Ochere

North Southwark Environment Trust

Councillor Kath Whittam

Old Vic Board of Trustees

Councillor Alice Macdonald

Potters Fields Park Management Trust

Councillor Alice Macdonald

Caroline Bruce

Plastic Free East Dulwich

Councillor Charlie Smith

Plastic Free Peckham

Councillor Cleo Soanes

Shared ICT Services Joint Committee

Councillor Rebecca Lury

Councillor Darren Merrill

Councillor Alice Macdonald (reserve)

Councillor Stephanie Cryan (reserve)

South Bank and Waterloo Partnership

Councillor Jason Ochere

Councillor Victor Chamberlain

Councillor Adele Morris

Councillor David Noakes

South Bank Business Improvement District Ltd

Councillor Jason Ochere

Councillor Adele Morris

South Bermondsey Big Local Partnership Steering Group

Councillor Richard Livingstone

Councillor Sunny Lambe

South London Gallery Trustee Limited

Councillor Jason Ochere

Councillor Cleo Soanes

Councillor Graham Neale

South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Trust Members Council

Councillor Evelyn Akoto

Southwark Construction Skills Centre

Councillor Jason Ochere

Southwark and Lambeth Archaeological Excavation Committee (SLAEC)

Councillor Richard Leeming

Mr. Bob Skelly (Deputy)

Safer Neighbourhood Board (Southwark)

Councillor Darren Merrill

WeAreWaterloo BID

Councillor Graham Neale.

19.

Appointments to Panels, Boards and Forums 2021-22

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To agree the allocation of places to the panels, boards and forums for 2021-22 municipal year.

Supporting documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

That the allocation of places to the panels, boards and forums set out in Appendix A of the report for the 2021-22 municipal year and member nominations be agreed as follows:

Joint Partnership Panel (Trade-union consultation)

Councillor Kieron Williams

Councillor Rebeca Lury

Homeowners Service Charge Arbitration Panel

Councillor Charlie Smith

Councillor Lorraine Lauder MBE

Councillor Renata Hamvas

Councillor Sunny Lambe

Councillor Sandra Rhule

Councillor Margy Newens

Councillor Kath Whittam

Councillor Dora Dixon-Fyle MBE

Councillor Maria Linforth-Hall

Councillor Jane Salmon

Councillor Eliza Mann

Councillor Anood Al-Samerai

Tenancy and Leasehold Arbitration Tribunals

Councillor Charlie Smith

Councillor Lorraine Lauder MBE

Councillor Renata Hamvas

Councillor Sunny Lambe

Councillor Sandra Rhule

Councillor Margy Newens

Councillor Kath Whittam

Councillor Dora Dixon-Fyle MBE

Councillor Maria Linforth-Hall

Councillor Jane Salmon

Councillor Eliza Mann

Councillor Anood Al-Samerai

Councillor Cllr William Houngbo

Southwark Safeguarding Adults Board

Councillor Evelyn Akoto

Councillor Darren Merrill

Southwark Safeguarding Children’s Board

Councillor Jasmine Ali

Councillor Darren Merrill

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education

Councillor Margy Newens

Councillor Maggie Browning

Councillor James McAsh

Councillor Graham Neale

Southwark Tenant Management Organisation Committee

Councillor Stephanie Cryan

Councillor Richard Livingstone

Councillor Martin Seaton

Councillor William Houngbo.

Motion to exclude 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.

20.

Minutes

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Minutes:

The minutes of the closed section of the meeting held on 9 March 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the chair.

21.

Acquisition of Catlin Street, SE16- Strategic Investment / site acquisition

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View the background to item 21.

Minutes:

The cabinet considered the closed information relating to this item. Please see item 11 for the decision.