Agenda for Cabinet on Tuesday 5th February 2019, 7.30 pm

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Council Offices, The Campus, Welwyn Garden City, Herts, AL8 6AE

Contact: Graham Seal 

Items
No. Item

102.

MINUTES

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 8 January 2019 (previously circulated).

Minutes:

The Minutes of the meeting held on 8 January 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

103.

ACTIONS STATUS REPORT pdf icon PDF 47 KB

Report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) on the status of actions agreed at the last Cabinet meeting.

Minutes:

The status of actions agreed at the Cabinet meeting on 8 January 2019 in the report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) was noted.

104.

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM CABINET PANELS

To consider the following recommendations from Cabinet Panels:-

Minutes:

The following recommendations from Cabinet Panels were considered:-

104a

Introduction of Verge Protection Order in Various Roads, Handside Ward, Welwyn Garden City pdf icon PDF 38 KB

Consideration of objections Creation of a Verge Protection Order for various roads in the Handside Ward of Welwyn Garden City.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Having considered all the issues around the proposals, in particular equality and diversity including any proposed mitigating actions and the objections received, the Cabinet Panel’s unanimously agreed recommendations to proceed with the creation of a Verge Protection Order in various roads in Handside Ward, Welwyn Garden City, as amended in the light of the consultation was approved for the reasons set out.

Minutes:

Recommendation from the meeting of the Cabinet Planning and Parking Panel on 10 January 2019 on the introduction of a Verge Protection Order in various roads, Handside Ward, Welwyn Garden City.

 

The Council had consulted residents and County and Borough Councillors and the Cabinet Panel had considered the proposals which included the introduction of a Verge Protection Order to cover verges, footways and vehicle crossovers and the objections received.

 

The Council had received a number of requests to deal with people parking on the verge and pavements.

 

A total of 258 properties and businesses had been consulted.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That having considered all the issues around the proposals, in particular equality and diversity including any proposed mitigating actions and the objections received, the Cabinet Panel’s unanimously agreed recommendation to proceed with the creation of a Verge Protection Order in various roads in Handside Ward, Welwyn Garden City, as amended in the light of the consultation, be approved for the reasons set out.

104b

Salisbury Village (Double Yellow Lines) and Woods Avenue, Hatfield pdf icon PDF 37 KB

Addition of Salisbury Village and Woods Avenue, Hatfield to the 2019/20 Parking Services work programme.

Additional documents:

Decision:

(1)       Salisbury Village double yellow lines and school keep clear markings would be added to the Parking Services Work Programme 2019/20, as recommended by the Cabinet Panel and as outlined in Appendix A to the report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) to the Cabinet Planning and Parking Panel on 10 January 2019.

 

(2)       Woods Avenue, Hatfield would be added to the Parking Services Work Programme 2019/20, as recommended by the Cabinet Panel.

Minutes:

Recommendation from the meeting of the Cabinet Planning and Parking Panel on 10 January 2019 on double yellow lines in Salisbury Village and Woods Avenue, Hatfield.

 

Salisbury Village was currently unadopted but was likely to be adopted by Hertfordshire County Council in 2019/2020. Currently parking was managed by a private contractor and once the area was adopted and classed as public highway, the contractor would not be able to continue to manage the parking in the same way.

 

Following representations received, it was proposed that Woods Avenue be included in the Aldykes, Hatfield parking project.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)       That Salisbury Village double yellow lines and school keep clear markings be added to the Parking Services Work Programme 2019/20, as recommended by the Cabinet Panel and as outlined in Appendix A to the report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) to the Cabinet Planning and Parking Panel’s meeting on 10 January 2019.

 

(2)       That Woods Avenue, Hatfield be added to the Parking Services Work Programme 2019/20, as recommended by the Cabinet Panel.

 

104c

Temporary Accommodation Provision Update pdf icon PDF 33 KB

Interim Use of Minster House, Hatfield for temporary accommodation once the block is fully vacated.

Additional documents:

Decision:

The interim use of Minster House, Hatfield for temporary accommodation, once the block was fully vacated as recommended by the Cabinet Panel, was approved.

Minutes:

Recommendation from the meeting of the Cabinet Housing Panel on 16 January 2019 on the use of temporary accommodation for homeless families; the use of bed and breakfast accommodation in the Borough and the measures the Council was taking to address current and future demand.

 

There was an opportunity to make use of a decanted sheltered housing block (Minster House, Hatfield) for temporary accommodation during a time when the block would otherwise be empty and this should help alleviate the need for bed and breakfast accommodation.

 

Over the last eighteen months the Borough had experienced an increase in the demand for temporary accommodation and had seen a reduction in move-on options, which meant that both the occupancy levels and average length of stay had risen.

 

The plans which were underway to ensure the adequate provision of temporary accommodation including the acquisition of Inspira House, Welwyn Garden City, an office conversion to provide 54 units and the development of private sector leasing were noted.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the interim use of Minster House, Hatfield for temporary accommodation once the block was fully vacated, as recommended by the Cabinet Panel, be approved.

105.

REVENUE BUDGET QUARTER 3 MONITORING REPORT FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 2018/19 pdf icon PDF 99 KB

Report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) presenting the revenue budget position as at 31 December 2018.

Additional documents:

Decision:

(1)     The revenue forecast outturn position as at Quarter 3 was noted.

 

(2)     Virements, as detailed in the report, were approved.

 

(3)     The position on debts, as set out in the report, was noted.

 

(4)     The Cabinet noted that underspends in the current year would be contributed to the Budget Priority and Transformation Earmarked Reserve to support the Council to invest in services and drive efficiency improvements in future years.

Minutes:

Report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) summarising the Council’s revenue budget monitoring position for the third quarter of the 2018/19 financial year.

 

The General Fund showed a predicted positive variance of approximately £500,000 for the year primarily due to better than budgeted returns from the Council’s commercial estate, including Weltech. The 2019/20 budget reflected this improved performance in the predictions for rental income. As agreed previously all the underspend this year would be used to contribute to the Budget Priority and Transformation reserve.

 

Performance indicated that General Fund savings targets set at the time of the 2018/19 budget were being achieved.

 

The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) showed a £635,000 predicted adverse variance against budget for the year. However, this was accounted for by a higher than budgeted revenue contribution to capital, which was simply a relationship between the timing of the contribution to the Affordable Housing Programme and new borrowing. The operational result for the HRA showed a small positive variance indicating again that savings targets for 2018/19 were being met.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)     That the revenue forecast outturn position as at Quarter 3 be noted.

 

(2)     That virements, as detailed in the report, be approved.

 

(3)     That the position on debts, as set out in the report, be noted.

 

(4)     That the Cabinet notes underspends in the current year would be contributed to the Budget Priority and Transformation Earmarked Reserve to support the Council to invest in services and drive efficiency improvements in future years.

106.

CAPITAL BUDGET MONITORING AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2018 (QUARTER 3) pdf icon PDF 93 KB

Report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) on the capital budget position for Quarter 3 of 2018/19.

Additional documents:

Decision:

The Cabinet noted the capital re-phasing and adjustments of 2019/20 to the forecast position as at quarter 3 and the funding forecasts and reserve positions.

Minutes:

Report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) summarising the capital budget position for Quarter 3 of 2018/19.

 

At quarter 3 the current approved budget was £72.326M including roll forward budgets from 2017/18 of £19.663M. The current forecast outturn was £64.077M and showed the re-phasing of budgets into 2019/20 together with key variances.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Cabinet notes the capital re-phasing and adjustments to the forecast position as at quarter 3 and the funding forecasts and reserve positions.

107.

EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

The Cabinet is asked to resolve:

 

That under Section 100(A)(2) and (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be now excluded from the meeting for Items 12 and 13 on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of confidential or exempt information as defined in Section 100(A)(3) and Paragraph 3 (private financial or business information) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).

 

In resolving to exclude the public in respect of the exempt information, it is considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Minutes:

RESOLVED:

 

That under Section 100(A)(2) and (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be now excluded from the meeting for Agenda items 12 and 13 (Minutes 108 and 109 refer) on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of confidential or exempt information as defined in Section 100A(3) and paragraph 3 (private financial or business information) of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).

 

In resolving to exclude the public in respect of the exempt information, it was considered that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed the public interest in disclosing the information.

108.

ITEMS OF AN EXEMPT NATURE REQUIRING KEY DECISION

To consider the following items of an exempt nature for decision in the current Forward Plan:-

Minutes:

The following items of an exempt nature for decision in the current Forward Plan were considered:-

108a

Award of Contract for Emergency Unit Maintenance (Forward Plan Reference FP902)

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Housing and Communities) on the award of contract for this service.

Decision:

The award of a three year contract (commencing on 1 March 2019) with two optional one year extensions to Openview Security Solutions Limited was approved.

Minutes:

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Housing and Communities) on the award of contract for maintenance of the emergency lifeline equipment.

 

(1)        The Decision Taken

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the award of a three year contract (commencing on 1 March 2019) with two optional one year extensions to Openview Security Solutions Limited be approved.

 

(2)        Reasons for the Decision

 

The Council provided emergency equipment to vulnerable residents in sheltered housing schemes through an emergency lifeline pendant and pull cord facility.

 

A procurement process had been undertaken for the appointment of a contractor to provide this service.

108b

Award of Pest Control Contract (Forward Plan Reference FP903)

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) on the award of contract for this service.

Decision:

The General Procurement Board recommendation that a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to SDK Environmental Limited was approved.

Minutes:

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Public Protection, Planning and Governance) on the award of contract for this service.

 

(1)        The Decision Taken

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the General Procurement Board recommendation that a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to SDK Environmental Limited be approved.

 

(2)        Reasons for the Decision

 

The Council had a requirement for pest control services on its own land and property in communal areas of sheltered housing and to the residents of the Borough.

 

The procurement process and appointment of a contractor was overseen by the General Procurement Board.

108c

Award of Contract for Textile Consortium (Forward Plan Reference FP904)

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) on the award of contract for this service.

Decision:

The General Procurement Board recommendation that a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to Hotpursuit Enterprises Ltd (T/A Cookstown Textile Recyclers) was approved.

Minutes:

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) on the award of contract for the sale of textiles through a consortium of Hertfordshire Councils of which this authority was the lead Council.

 

(1)        The Decision Taken

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the General Procurement Board recommendation that a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to Hotpursuit Enterprises Ltd (T/A Cookstown Textile Recyclers) be approved.

 

(2)        Reasons for the Decision

 

The Council was the lead authority in a consortium of Hertfordshire Councils (known as the Hertfordshire Waste Partnership) for the sale of textiles which the public deposited in recycling banks.

 

A procurement process to appoint a contractor to provide the service was undertaken and overseen by the Council’s Member General Procurement Board.

108d

Award of Electrical Minor Works Contract (Forward Plan Reference FP905)

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) on the award of contract for this service.

Decision:

The General Procurement Board recommendation that a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to Baldwin and Bleakley Electrical Services Limited was approved.

Minutes:

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) on the award of contract for reactive and minor works to the Council’s corporate property portfolio.

 

(1)        The Decision Taken

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the General Procurement Board recommendation that a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to Baldwin and Bleakley Electrical Services Limited be approved.

 

(2)        Reasons for the Decision

 

A contractor was required to undertake reactive and minor electrical works to the Council’s corporate property portfolio.

 

A procurement process was undertaken to appoint a contractor to the service overseen by the General Procurement Board.

108e

Award of Garage Maintenance Contract (Forward Plan Reference FP906)

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) on the award of contract for this service.

Decision:

The General Procurement Board recommendation that a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to RPT Building Services Limited was approved.

Minutes:

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) on the award of contract to undertake responsive repairs and planned works to the stock of garages rented to tenants.

 

(1)        The Decision Taken

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the General Procurement Board recommendation that a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to RPT Building Services Limited be approved.

 

(2)        Reasons for the Decision

 

The Council required a contractor to undertake responsive repairs and planned works to the stock of garages rented to residents.

 

A procurement process was undertaken to appoint a contractor to provide the service overseen by the General Procurement Board.

108f

Award of Real Estate Professional Services Contract (Forward Plan Reference FP907)

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) on the award of contract for this service.

Decision:

The General Procurement Board recommendations that:

 

(a)     a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to Brasier Freeth LLP for Lot 1 – Estate Management Services.

 

and

 

(b)     a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to Rumball Sedgwick Limited for Lot 2 – Right to Buy Valuations

 

were approved.

Minutes:

Exempt report of the Corporate Director (Resources, Environment and Cultural Services) on the award of contract for professional services for estates management and right to buy valuations.

 

(1)        The Decision Taken

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the General Procurement Board recommendations that:

 

(a)       a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to Brasier Freeth LLP for Lot 1 – Estate Management Services

 

and

 

(b)       a three year contract (with an optional one year extension), commencing on 1 April 2019 be awarded to Rumball Sedgwick Limited for Lot 2 – Right to Buy Valuations

 

be approved.

 

(2)        Reasons for the Decision

 

The Council had a requirement for professional services for estate management services as well as Right to Buy valuations.

 

A procurement process had been undertaken to appoint a contractor to provide these services overseen by the General Procurement Board.

109.

EXEMPT RECOMMENDATION FROM CABINET PANEL

Minutes:

The following recommendation of an exempt nature was considered:-

109a

Campus West Cabinet Panel - 17 January 2019 - Review of the 2018 Pantomime and Proposal to Stage the Pantomime production in 2019.

Exempt Minutes of the meeting on the review of the 2018 Pantomime and Proposal to Stage the Pantomime production in 2019.

Decision:

(1)     The review of the successful delivery of the 2018 pantomime production of “Aladdin” was noted.

 

(2)     The arrangements for the proposed pantomime 2019 production, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and the schedule and ticket pricing, as recommended by the Cabinet Panel, was approved.

Minutes:

The Cabinet was pleased to note the successful delivery of the 2018 pantomime production of “Aladdin” and that “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was proposed for the 2019 pantomime production.

 

RESOLVED:

 

(1)     That the review of the successful delivery of the 2018 pantomime production of “Aladdin” be noted.

 

(2)     That the arrangements for the proposed pantomime 2019 production, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and the schedule and ticket pricing, as recommended by the Cabinet Panel be approved.