Agenda and minutes

Please note that this meeting may be filmed or recorded by the Council for live or subsequent broadcast via the Council’s internet site or by anyone attending the meeting using any communication method. Although we ask members of the public recording, filming or reporting on the meeting not to include the public seating areas, members of the public attending the meeting should be aware that we cannot guarantee that they will not be filmed or recorded by others attending the meeting. Members of the public participating in the meeting (e.g. making deputations, asking questions, making oral protests) should be aware that they are likely to be filmed, recorded or reported on. 

By entering the meeting room and using the public seating area, you are consenting to being filmed and to the possible use of those images and sound recordings.

The chair of the meeting has the discretion to terminate or suspend filming or recording, if in his or her opinion continuation of the filming, recording or reporting would disrupt or prejudice the proceedings, infringe the rights of any individual or may lead to the breach of a legal obligation by the Council.

The Leader referred to agenda item 1, as shown on the agenda in respect of filming at the meeting and Members noted this information.

There were apologies for lateness from Cllr Mark Blake.

The Chair will consider the admission of any late items of Urgent Business. (Late items of Urgent Business will be considered under the agenda item where they appear. New items of Urgent Business will be dealt with under Item 20 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 27 below).

There were no items of urgent business.

A Member with a disclosable pecuniary interest or a prejudicial interest in a matter who attends a meeting of the authority at which the matter is considered:

(i) must disclose the interest at the start of the meeting or when the interest becomes apparent, and

(ii) may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must withdraw from the meeting room.

A Member who discloses at a meeting a disclosable pecuniary interest which is not registered in the Register of Members’ Interests or the subject of a pending notification must notify the Monitoring Officer of the interest within 28 days of the disclosure.

Disclosable pecuniary interests, personal interests and prejudicial interests are defined at Paragraphs 5-7 and Appendix A of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

There were no declarations of interest put forward.

On occasions part of the Cabinet meeting will be held in private and will not be open to the public if an item is being considered that is likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 (the “Regulations”), members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

This agenda contains exempt items as set out at Item [21] : Exclusion of the Press and Public.  No representations with regard to these have been received.

This is the formal 5 clear day notice under the Regulations to confirm that this Cabinet meeting will be partly held in private for the reasons set out in this Agenda.

There were no Overview and Scrutiny matters for consideration by Cabinet.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 11^th September 2018  as a correct record.

The Cabinet Member for Finance raised the following minor discrepancies:

• Item 73 - Budget Monitoring - bullet point 2 - £235m should read £250m.
• Item 73 – Budget Monitoring - final bullet point - last sentence - should be amended to read that the Council should distinguish between a saving made by ‘cutting a service’ and a saving made through improving efficiencies.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on the 11^th of September were agreed as an accurate record, subject to the above amendments being made.

None

There were no Overview and Scrutiny matters for consideration by Cabinet.

The Leader advised the meeting that a deputation had been received from Chris Mohr, in relation to agenda item 9, Borough Plan consultation.

The Leader invited Ms Mohr to address the Cabinet.

Ms Mohr referred to the Borough Plan regarding the priorities for children and was seeking agreement from the Council to taking in at least three additional unaccompanied refugee children a year over the next ten years, in turn providing a legal route to safety for just a few of the most vulnerable young people that were stranded in Europe and the Middle East.

Ms Mohr outlined that the deputation was part of a national campaign, launched by Alf Dubs with the charity ‘Safe Passage’, to mark the 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport in 1938-9, when Britain took in 10,000 children and young people, including Alf Dubs and as well as the mother of a member of the deputation party attending this Cabinet meeting, to save them from the Nazis.  It was noted that the national campaign was called ‘It’s our turn’, and similar deputations were taking place across the UK asking local authorities to each make the same commitment. It was noted that Hammersmith and Fulham had already promised to take 100 places and Islington Council had also recently made this same commitment.

The deputation were clear that such a commitment was dependent on the Council getting increased government funding to meet  the costs of supporting the refugee children in full. The deputation recognised that the Council welcomed refugees and took care of a high number of unaccompanied minors whilst existing government funding was inadequate to meet these costs. However, the charity ‘Safe Passage’ felt that if enough Councils make this pledge, the numbers making the offer will help persuade the government increase funding levels. Therefore the deputation needed the Council to offer as many places as it could.

The deputation outlined that locally, in Haringey, there was a strong community support for this initiative from the three main faith communities, service providers, and from individuals represented in the deputation. The deputation represented a group of about twenty Haringey residents, some of whom were already involved in supporting refugees locally in various ways. The deputation and group were all committed to assisting this process and helping the young arrivals in whatever way they could.

The 80th anniversary of the Kindertransport was due to be celebrated on November 15th, when Alf Dubs and ‘Safe Passage’ charity hope to announce the pledges from Councils and lobby the government for adequate funding.

In conclusion, the deputation asked the Cabinet to commit the Council to a pledge to resettle at least three additional child refugees a year over the next ten years, provided the costs were met in full by central government. The deputation further requested the Cabinet respond to the deputation party representatives by the end of October with some idea of numbers of refugee children it would take.

The Leader thanked the deputation for their presentation and invited Cabinet Members  ...  view the full minutes text for item 95.

[Report of the Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.]

Agreement  is being sought to consult on the new Borough Plan.

The Leader of the Council introduced this report which summarised the process and content of the Council’s new Borough Plan, and would set the strategic vision for the borough over the next four years.

The Leader continued to outline that the Council were ambitious for Haringey’s future as a whole and for the people who called the borough home. The Borough Plan would set the framework for the Council and its partners to deliver on this ambitious agenda.

The administration wanted to run a collaborative Council that genuinely engaged people in shaping the borough’s future and the Leader encouraged people to respond to the consultation.

The impact that 8 years of austerity upon Council’s finances was recognised. The Council, had had to deal with the mix of these direct cuts to income alongside unfunded budget pressures

The Leader advised that over the next four years the Council expected to see a reduction in the Council’s budget and a continued increasing demand for services. It was therefore even more important that to have clear priorities that set out how the borough, can come together to deliver on its ambitions. This was to ensure that resources were focused to have the greatest impact where there was the greatest need.

The Leader expressed that changing how the Council did things was important. The default position of the administration was to deliver services directly where this was prudent to do so, in order to maximise accountability, quality and other benefits to the community, as well as improving value for money where possible. The administration believed that public services needed to be responsive to change and more democratically accountable.

The Leader drew attention to the 5 specific priorities of the Borough Plan:

1.    Housing – A safe, secure and affordable home for everyone, whatever their circumstances;

2.    People – Strong families, strong networks and strong communities nurture all residents to live well and achieve their potential;

3.    Place – Stronger, connected communities where together we improve our environment by making it safer, cleaner and greener;

4.    Economy – A growing economy which provides opportunities for all our residents and supports our businesses to thrive

5.    Your Council – The way the Council works.

The Cabinet would be focussing on key issues highlighted in the Borough Plan such as Haringey having the third highest numbers of people in temporary accommodation in London and the population outnumbering available housing by around 12000 people. The rates of violent crime with injury and domestic violence with injury were also both the second highest in London and required partnership focus.

There were also achievements and successes to be proud of as a borough, with 86% of residents satisfied with their area, all Haringey schools and early year’s settings rated as outstanding or good, over 120 venues where cultural activity takes place, and 25 Green Flag Parks.

The Leader concluded that every local authority has to have a plan that translates the administration’s priorities for the next four years into a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 96.

[Report of the Director for  Housing  and Growth. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and  Estate Renewal.]

Report on making discretionary Home Loss Payments to secure tenants of Tangmere who are required to move following the discovery of structural problems with the block and the anticipated consequent withdrawal of gas supply.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced the report, which sought approval to making Discretionary Home Loss payments to secure tenants of Tangemere Block in Broadwater Farm who have moved since 26^th of June 2018.

The Cabinet Member referred to the 26 June Cabinet decision on rehousing Tangmere residents before the end of October when the gas supply by Cadent was due to cease following structural issues with the block. However, it was important to note that the June Cabinet meeting did not make any decision on the future of Tangmere, as it wanted to seek the opinions of Tangmere residents before making this decision in November.

The Cabinet Member emphasised that moving home was stressful and particularly where someone was losing their home permanently. She explained that for this reason, the law set out that these secure tenants were eligible for Statutory Home Loss payments where their home was to be demolished. However, the law did not recognise the similar disruption caused when a property was being repaired/strengthened and where the households may be away from their original home for up to a year.

Taking into consideration the discussion with residents, the urgency of the Tangmere moves to allow residents to be re-housed by the 31^st of October, together with the potential length of time tenants would be away from their home if the decision on structural repair was taken, Tangmere was felt to be an exceptional case. The report proposed to further recognise this by offering Discretionary Home Loss payments to all Tangmere’s secure tenants regardless of the eventual decision around Tangmere’s future.

This would be a single payment that would be paid and there would be no subsequent payment, should a decision be made to demolish the block.

The Cabinet Member expressed that the section 105 consultation on the future of Tangmere block and Northolt block was going well and there were good response levels given that residents were also moving at the same time. The consultation period ended on the 10^th of October and remaining residents at Tangmere and Northolt Block that had yet to respond to the consultation were encouraged to do so.

In response to questions from Cllr Cawley- Harrison, the following information was noted.

·         Going forward the Cabinet Member could examine the potential for making home loss payments for residents living in temporary accommodation for a prolonged period to allow for required structural works on properties. However, it was further clarified that where residents were living in long term temporary accommodation in a block or property that required structural works and were then subsequently moved to allow for these works, they would not automatically be eligible for a home loss payment. The Council and Homes for Haringey would likely need to assess these circumstances and consider how long the resident had been in temporary accommodation. This situation would not apply to Tangmere.

·         The consultation closed on the 10^th of October and it was not  ...  view the full minutes text for item 97.

[Report of the Director for  Housing  and Growth. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and  Estate Renewal.]

Report on  joining  a pan-London scheme to procure temporary accommodation.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced this report which set out a proposal to join the pan-London ‘Capital Letters’ scheme which will collaboratively procure new properties to rent on behalf of London boroughs, supported by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).

The Cabinet Member reiterated that there was a desperate shortage for housing in Haringey. With limited supply and properties often required at short notice, this also incurred significant costs to the Council.

Capital Letters was a pan-London scheme, which sought to increase the supply of temporary accommodation, reduce the cost of this accommodation, and reduce the need for households to be accommodated out of the borough. This scheme would also combat the competition between boroughs to secure emergency and temporary accommodation, which was also driving up the costs. The pan-London approach would impact on this high cost and would enable boroughs to work together on common housing issues.

It was therefore proposed to enter into partnership with other boroughs to enable a significant impact on reducing those costs.

In response to questions from Cllr Cawley- Harrison, the following information was noted:

• It was considered unlikely that MHCLG would not be funding the scheme beyond the first year. This funding could not yet be confirmed until the spending review was announced.

• If the scheme were not funded in second year, it would not mean that the scheme collapsed. It would only mean that additional funding was not available to acquire additional properties in future years. However, the funding from the first year would have been utilised to secure properties that could be used over a longer period. In the event that the scheme collapsed, this would not lead to a financial risk for the Council as set out at paragraph 6.27. Also any Assured Short Hold Tenancies would have been acquired in the first year, which would have already been paid for.

• It was clarified that the 50% of Council-secured property lets proposed to be added to the capital letters scheme part of our proposed commitment to the scheme. There was an expectation that the capital letters scheme would acquire 4500 homes in addition to what the boroughs acquired independently. It was the ultimate intention for all Council property lets to be put into the capital letters scheme but the Council would firstly consider how this arrangement works in the next three years before such a commitment was considered and any staff transferred to the scheme.

RESOLVED

1. To note the £39 million over three years potentially being made available by MHCLG for pan-London collaboration on the procurement of accommodation for homeless households.

2. To note the draft Articles of Association at Appendix A

3. To note the draft Members Agreement at Appendix B

4. To approve, in principle, for the Council to join Capital Letters London Ltd, a Company Limited by Guarantee that will be established by the London boroughs, as an ‘A member’.

5. To delegate to the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning, after consultation with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 98.

[Report of the Director for Housing &Growth . To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal.]

To carry out the conversion of the now vacant Adult Day Care Centre and Kurdish Community Centre at Birkbeck Lodge into temporary accommodation units.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced the report, which sought approval for the Council to carry out the conversion of the now vacant Adult Day Care Centre and Kurdish Community Centre at Birkbeck Lodge into emergency accommodation units.

In introducing the report, the Cabinet Member highlighted the following issues:

·         The Council had a duty to house homeless families where they found themselves in situations where they required emergency accommodation.

·         Emergency accommodation was the most expensive form of temporary accommodation provided by the Council and often-involved expensive nightly rates being paid by the Council.

·         Historically, there had been a heavy reliance on use of B&B accommodation, which was often of poor quality.

·         The Council was seeking to provide all emergency accommodation within the borough in-house. There already existed two converted properties for use as emergency accommodation (Broadwater lodge, Whitehall lodge).

·         This would be the third conversion of premises to provide emergency accommodation to families in the borough and an important new design feature was that all bedrooms would have an en -suite bathroom. There would be no shared bathroom facilities at the premises. All forms of future emergency accommodation would take into account this new requirement. There would still be communal areas, such as the kitchens to allow as many units of accommodation as possible.

• Homeless families should only be in emergency accommodation for up to 12 weeks but the Cabinet Member recognised in certain circumstances, this was longer. This period allowed the Council to assess whether it had an obligation to provide housing duty for them.
• A lot of emergency accommodation providers were not to a high standard and could continue in this low quality model due a demand in their services.

The Cabinet Member closed her introduction by stating the impact on children who found themselves in emergency accommodation could be immensely damaging and Cabinet should do all it can to improve the quality of emergency accommodation.

Following questions from Cllr Brabazon, Cllr Hearn, Cllr Mark Blake and Cllr Cawley-Harrison, it was noted that:

• There would be a member of staff on site 24/7. This was important as homeless families might be vulnerable and support was necessary.

• The purpose of the report was for a decision to be made to approve the capital investment required for work on the conversion of Birkbeck Lodge into emergency accommodation, not to release the revenue budget for managing it. The running cost budget would be met from the housing benefit income of families at the emergency accommodation and, because of the 24/7 support, extra cover to the costs might be provided from some of the larger lodges that have a better economy of scale. Savings on emergency accommodation were highlighted at point 8.4 of the report.
• Regarding accessibility, all rooms were on the ground floor and would be step free and wheelchair accessible.
• The creation of Birkbeck Lodge will increase the Haringey’s capacity to keep households within the borough during the critical first few weeks.
• It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 99.

[Report of the Interim Director for Public Health. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health]

The purpose of the report is to recommend award of contract(s) for Integrated Haringey Adult Substance Misuse Treatment and Recovery Services following a competitive procurement process.

The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health introduced this report which sought approval to award the contracts for provision of adult substance misuse services to Haringey residents experiencing drug and alcohol problems, their families and friends, in accordance with Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.1 (d). Cabinet was informed that problems with alcohol and drugs remained an issue for many residents within the borough but it was often those from the most economically deprived areas who needed help the most. The Cabinet Member thanked the officers and their team for the work they had done with regard to this issue and noted that service users had been involved in the tender process. Cabinet noted that this report would be further considered in the exempt part of the meeting.

The following information was provided to Cllr Cawley- Harrison:

·         That the award of contract was in three parts (drugs, alcohol, and recovery) and the details on the specifications would be provided at a later date

·         In response to a question on whether the Adults and Health Overview Scrutiny Committee could be provided with oversight of the regular appraisals and performance statics of the three awarded providers, it was noted that this was not normal practise. However overarching strategic information on the provision of drugs, Alcohol and recovery services could be provided to the Scrutiny Committee.

·         A written response would be provided as to why the ‘Percentage of injecting drug users tested for Hep B and Vaccinated fully’ did not include those who dropped out before becoming completely vaccinated and whether this artificially inflated the success rates of the figures.

Further to considering exempt information at item 22,

RESOLVED

To approve the award of contracts to the successful providers in accordance with Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.1(d) for an initial term of 4 years commencing from 1^st January 2019 to December 2023 with an option to extend for a period or periods of up to a further 2 years and another 2 years at a total value of £14,671,695.53 for the initial 4 years and the total value of £29,508,286.21 over the 8 years as follows:

Table 1. Brief summary on the outcomes of the tender

Reasons for decision

The Council is responsible for ensuring that there are accessible effective substance misuse treatment services for the local residents. In 1 April 2013, the responsibility of commissioning of substance misuse services  ...  view the full minutes text for item 100.

[Report of the interim  Assistant Director for  Economic Development  and Growth. To be introduced by the Cabinet  Member for Adults and Health.]

The report requests approval for the acquisition of the freehold interest in the former Health Centre in Canning Crescent and contains proposals for its future use.

The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health introduced this report which sought approval for the acquisition of the freehold interest in the former Health Centre in Canning Crescent and contained proposals for its future use. The Canning Crescent Health Centre, 276-292 High Road (“Property”), was a former mental health centre located in Wood Green which had been advertised for disposal by Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health National Health Service Trust. This report set out a proposal to acquire the Property and repurpose the existing building for community use relating to adults with mental health issues. The Cabinet Member commented that a large number of individuals were affected by mental illness at some point in their lives and this was a rare chance for the Council, working in partnership with the NHS, to offer a mix of provision on a single site to enable local residents with poor mental health to enjoy better outcomes.

Further to considering exempt material pertaining to the report at agenda item 23,

RESOLVED:

1. To the acquisition of the property known as Canning Crescent Health Centre, 276-292 High Road, Wood Green (as shown edged in red on the plan in Appendix 1) from the Barnet Enfield and Haringey Mental Health National Health Service Trust for a sum of £2.4m and based on the Heads of Terms attached at Appendix 3 of this report. The property is to be acquired for general fund purposes; and

2. To give delegated authority to the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning after consultation with the Director of Finance and the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, to agree the final terms of the contract.

3. That the total cost of acquisition (£2.4m plus transaction costs as set out in 6.27) and the costs for the initial development of the project of c£0.3m are met from the Strategic Acquisitions budget within the approved capital programme.

4. To note that, subject to further due diligence and development planning, officers intend to return to Cabinet in 2019 for approval of the Detailed Design and Detailed Costs (capital and revenue) and approval to procure.

Reasons for decision

The acquisition will benefit the Council by enabling the delivery of supported housing units to serve the need of residents in the Borough and by providing a new improved facility for the Council’s Clarendon Recovery College. The proposal will deliver revenue savings for the Council and release land elsewhere in Wood Green for housing delivery.

The revenue savings will be achieved by stepping existing clients down from residential care and/or supported living with a care team into purpose built supported housing on a single site. There are also positive benefits for residents of a supported living scheme within the borough, rather than having to move out of borough to receive the support they need, especially given the proposal to co-locate other provision on the same site.

This is an opportunity for joint working and a fully joined up approach with the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for revenue costs and contribution  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101.

[Report of the Director for  Housing  and Growth. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and  Estate Renewal.]

Request for approval of a  contract  for the Housing Reviews contract which delivers the statutory review function of decisions about homelessness made under Part VII Housing Act 1996.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced this report which sought approval for an extension of the contract with Housing Reviews Limited (HRL) to undertake reviews of allocation and homelessness decisions under Parts VI and VII of the house Act 1996. Cabinet was informed that the Council, in deciding what, if any, duty is owed to homeless applicants, had to make necessary enquiries to be sure that they were eligible for assistance. Such decisions were open to be reviewed if challenged and there was a set time within which applicants could seek a review. The Homelessness Reduction Act (HRA) now added additional points at which a review could happen. For the review process to be fully effective, there should be seamless delivery of this function. This ensured the quality of service to applicants, as well as minimising the risk of legal challenges, managing costs and protecting the reputation of the Council. This report recommended extending the current Housing Reviews Contract while officers monitor the impact of the Homelessness Reduction Act and explored other suitable options over the next year.

In response to questions from Cllr Cawley Harrison, it was noted that:

• The expected time scale to bring the contract back in house, or put it back out to tender as a full contract, was 1 year.

• The Council might have to recruit more reviewing officers in the future if there was an increase in the number of reviews by applicants. After reviewing the first 6 months of the impact of the Homelessness Reduction Act, the increase in reviews was not as much as was expected. However, it was considered that 6 months was too soon and a longer review period would be needed to assess the Act’s direct impact upon services.

• A shared service with other boroughs was also an option that could be considered for future delivery of review applications.

• The reviews being conducted externally to the Council had the added benefit of improving the perception of independence in the reviewing process and could assist in reducing the number of legal challenges.

RESOLVED

1. To approve, in accordance with Contract Standing Oder (CSO) 10.02, an extension to the Council’s current contract with Housing Reviews Limited for the reviews of allocation and homelessness decisions for a period of 12 months, from 1 December 2018, with a 6 months break clause. This will be at an estimated cost of £20,000, based on current contract rates, but subject to maximum costs of up to £50,000 being incurred if more reviews than currently estimated prove to be required during the contract extension.

2. To note that the requested extension will give officers time to track and fully review the impact of the Homelessness Reduction Act 2018 (HRA) on demand for Housing Reviews and develop a service delivery model that will achieve the best possible outcomes in terms of quality and value for money. During the extension period, officers will explore the option of Homes for Haringey or the Council delivering the function internally  ...  view the full minutes text for item 102.

[Report of the  Interim Director for Housing, Planning and Regeneration. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal.]

To seek approval for the appointment of the successful contractor to undertake the refurbishment of the communal extractor fans, cleaning of ducts and installation of intelligent vents to individual dwellings.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced the report which sought approval for the appointment of the successful contractor to undertake the refurbishment of the communal extractor fans, cleaning of ducts and installation of intelligent vents to individual dwellings to Northolt, Kenley, Stellar house and Kenneth Robbins House. The project formed part of the Council’s overall Council Housing Capital Programme, which in 2018 would see over £45m invested in the borough’s Council housing stock as part of its five year investment programme which exceeds £250m. The project would improve ventilation systems in flats and would reduce damp and condensation related issues, while also improving fire safety. A total of 339 homes would benefit from those works.

In response to questions from Cllr Cawley- Harrison, it was noted that

·         Ensuring the longevity of equipment so that it did not fall into disrepair and required replacement was factored in the long-term business plan which was essentially a finance model for the housing and revenue account. The plan provided for sufficient investment in stock to ensure works were completed in a timely manner. There was also a detailed plan completed 5 years in advance on asset management strategy.

·         Regarding the recovery by the Council of £55,000 from 38 leaseholders, it was noted that no comments or observations had been received. Leaseholders would be billed separately for the work as it was an additional service charge.

Further to considering the exempt information at item 24,

RESOLVED

1. To approve the award of a contract to H2O Nationwide Ltd for the refurbishment and upgrading of the centralised mechanical ventilation services at Stellar House, Kenneth Robbins House and Kenley over a contract period of 23 weeks for a maximum sum of £520,458 (rounded up) subject to reduction, in consultation with the contractor and in accordance with Paragraph 3.2 of this report, to omit the cost of the works to Northolt from the tendered sum before the award letter is issued and the signing of the contract.

2. To delegate the approval of the revised contract value to the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning once the cost of Northolt has been removed from the contract.

3. To approve the total professional fees of £58,114 which represents 11.166% of the contract sum and notes the total project cost of £578,572.

4. To authorise, under the Council’s Contract Standing Orders (CSO) 9.07.3, the issue of a letter of intent for an amount of up to but not exceeding £52,045, being 10% of the contract sum.

Reasons for decision

A competitive tender scheme was carried out for Phase two of ventilation works to high rise blocks in the borough and approval of the outcome of the tender is required to allow the contract to be awarded and the planned refurbishment and upgrading of the centralised mechanical ventilation services work to be ordered.

The new system will protect residents within their properties in the event of a fire, as smoke will be detected as it is drawn into the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 103.

[Report of the interim Assistant Director for Economic Development and Growth. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources and Insourcing.]

Proposal  to lease the ground floor of 54 Muswell Hill for use as a health Centre.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Insourcing introduced this report which concerned the relocation of 3 current GP practices in the Muswell Hill area to a single new site, 54 Muswell Hill for use as a Health Centre.

This site was owned by the Council and the details of this ownership were contained in the report. Essentially, the 3 GPs wanted to relocate and to set up at this site and the Council were supporting this objective as it met the overall Council view of providing better integrated care in the borough.

Cabinet noted that there existed some access issues with the proposed location, due to it being on a hill. However, these access issues also existed with the current location of the 3 GP practices and the Council were seeking to identify and address these issues.

Instead of sub-contracting the site to an international property company who would likely further sublet this site for a profit, the report proposed the Council retaining the site in ownership and leasing this to the GPs whilst also fitting out the site. This was considered value for money and met the objective of considering direct delivery of services where possible and feasible and prudent. The Council would use capital funding to complete the fit out of the Centre and would be able to obtain a rental stream when leasing the site to the GP’s

In response to Councillor Hearn’s question the following information was provided.

• It was confirmed that the location was felt suitable by the GP’s as it was better than their existing locations. Noted that this centre would be accessible and step free. The issue was with its location on a hill and the Council would take a view on this from the access officer report. Noted that there would be three parking spaces at the site and one would be allocated to patients with a blue badge. Assurance was provided that officers would review the assessment and make sure that the steepness of the hill was not the barrier to the GP’s locating there.

RESOLVED

a)    To agree to the grant of a lease of the whole of the ground floor (outlined red in the plan in Appendix A) of the 54 Muswell Hill to the GPs (The Muswell Hill Practice with and on behalf of Rutland House Surgery, The Queens Avenue Surgery) or such other entity as shall be agreed between GPs and the Council subject to draft terms set out in Appendix B (in draft) and subject to confirmation by the District Valuer of rent to be paid by the GPs.

b)    That the Council should allocate a sum as set out in Part B of this report the approved Capital Programme contingency for the fit out of the ground floor of 54 Muswell Hill as a GP hub to a specification set out in Appendix C, with authority to procure contractors and a facilities management operator to be procured or drawn from available framework panels.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 104.

None.

None

To note significant and delegated actions taken by directors  in September.

RESOLVED

To note the  delegated and significant actions taken by directors in September.

To consider any items admitted at Item 3 above.

None

Note from the Acting Democratic Services & Scrutiny Manager

Item 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 allow for consideration of exempt information in relation to items 13,14,16, and 17.

TO RESOLVE

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the items below contain exempt information, as defined under paragraph 3 and 5, Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act.

RESOLVED

That the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting as the following items  contained exempt information as defined under paragraph 3 and 5, Part 1 schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

As per item 13.

As per the exempt minutes and  item 100.

As per item 14.

As per item 101.

As per item 16.

As per item 103.

As per item 17.

As per  the exempt minutes and item 104.

To agree the exempt minutes of the meeting held on the 11^th of September 2018.

RESOLVED

To agree the exempt  minutes of the meeting held on the 11^th of September 2018.

None.