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 meetings  and Members noted this information.

There were no apologies for absence.

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 27 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 40 below).

There were no items of urgent business submitted.

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.

Councillor Chandwani declared a prejudicial interest in items 16 and 29 as she was an employee of the Selby Centre.

Councillor Mark Blake declared a personal interest in items 22 and 35 which were the reports on the Pupil Referral Unit contract extension.

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 [28] : 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 representations received.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th September 2019 as a correct record.

The minutes of the 10^th of September 2019 were agreed as an accurate record of the meeting.

There were no deputations, petitions or questions put forward.

The  Leader outlined that - Cabinet  would consider the Scrutiny Reviews on Day Care Opportunities and Care Home Commissioning and further consider the response to the Scrutiny recommendations.

At the start of items 9 and 10 the Scrutiny Reviews will be introduced by Cllr Pippa Connor - Chair of the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel.

The Cabinet response to the Scrutiny recommendations would be provided by Cllr Sarah James - Cabinet Member for Adults and Health.

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

This report provides a response to implementing the Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommendations on care home commissioning.

Councillor Connor introduced the scrutiny review, thanking all participants and setting out that the review had been undertaken not to look at any individual care setting but to gain a deeper understanding of the process and how, as a local authority, the Council best placed to instigate change and improvements. Participants in the review had appreciated that they were being listened to by the Council and there was an opportunity to discuss their ideas, hopes and aspirations for the service.

The aim of the review was to improve systems to directly enhance both the staffing offer and retention and the client experiencing the care alongside their Carer.

In identifying these key themes within each of the areas, it was hoped that the recommendations could assist not only in the development of a skilled and valued workforce within a recognised body encompassing pay, conditions and training, but also that the Providers would be supported both within their funding to remain a stable provision both within Haringey and surrounding boroughs.

Cllr Connor, felt that there had been a ground swell of opinion to establish a professional body to represent carers, ensuring better pay & rights, developing professional status and allowing professional qualifications with a regular pay review. This recommendation was above the curve but the Panel felt that this was an evitable progression arising from the recognition of the key role of carers.

Cllr Connor outlined that there were individual recommendations for clients and carers, which have been identified to support their choice and independence whilst ensuring they gain access to the best care. Cllr Connor spoke about establishing an information portal which was both accessible to both client and professionals. She outlined that providing accessible information was imperative at what could be a stressful time for clients and carers. Cllr Connor highlighted that this was essentially about knowing what to ask for which could be difficult when entitlements to services may not be known or understood. A hard copy of the care pathway guide was referred to as an excellent example of setting out what to ask for and when.

Cllr Connor concluded by stating the important role for Scrutiny in continuing to listen to residents in the social care settings.

In response to the recommendations, the Cabinet Member for Adults thanked the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel for considering the commissioning of care homes for Haringey residents. This was an important issue and any opportunity to learn from best practice elsewhere and to enhance practice in Haringey was much welcomed.

The Cabinet Member drew attention to the response to recommendations which makes clear that there is a lot of work going on in the Adults social care area and with fellow boroughs in the NCL region regarding examining the way in which commissioning is working. There was a recognition of the importance of care homes sector. The Council were further exploring local area co-ordinators, new reach and connect service and social prescribing and how all these things will work together in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 33.

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

This report provides a response to implementing the Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommendations on day opportunities and community provision in Haringey.

Councillor Connor introduced this item on the Adults and Health Scrutiny Panel’s in-depth piece of work regarding day care opportunities and community provision in Haringey. Following the review, a number of recommendations were made to Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This report provided a response to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommendations

Councillor Connor detailed the background to the scrutiny panel review and highlighted the following information:

• The review was undertaken at an important time during the Council’s refresh of the day care offer, with the Adult Social Care Redesign Group reviewing the day care opportunities in Haringey. The review was therefore able to be proactive and address a number of key stakeholders, such as service users, care users and relatives.
• Thanked those who contributed towards the findings of the review, including the staff who ran the day care opportunities, the volunteer groups who provided regular support events, and the relatives and carers for participating in the review.
• Praised the expansion of the services for those with learning disabilities and autism. The Councillor also praised the background staff who worked in out of borough services and highlighted ensuring the right people and organisations ran these services who had the skills and experience to enhance the lives of Haringey’s service users.
• The east of the Borough must also be provided with excellent day care services, such as those seen in the west of the Borough.
• Transport became a significant topic during the review with it being frequently discussed by services users.
• Communication and knowledge were identified as key areas of concern by services users, their carers and relatives with it not being widely known what loved ones were entitled to. The use of a guide was promoted by the Councillor to encourage wider distribution of the requisite knowledge for those with loved ones entitled to such services.
• Thanked the Haringey’s Over 50s Group for creating a number of useful leaflets. Those had been circulated to councillors.
• Welcomed the implementation of the accepted recommendations.

The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health provided a response to implementing the Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommendations.

The Cabinet Member welcomed the report and noted that most of the recommendations were accepted. The issues raised from the Scrutiny Panel Review would form part of the work of the Adult Social Care Redesign Group, in particular, the Day Care Opportunities Group. It was anticipated that two centres would open in April 2020 which would provide specialist care to those with autism and learning disabilities. The Council was also increasing the amount of supported living accommodation for specialist groups. The importance of co-design and collaboration was stressed as being integral to the success of these services, with Mulberry Centre used as an example of co-design used successfully.

Regarding access to information, the Cabinet Member noted the comments of the Scrutiny Review Panel and praised the Haringey Over 50s leaflets. The Bridge Renewal Trust’s website was also recommended as a valuable source of information.

RESOLVED

To agree the response to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 34.

[Report of the Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.]

This report sets out the rationale, purpose, and scope of an Insourcing Policy for the Council.

The Leader of the Council introduced this report which set out the rationale, purpose, and scope of an Insourcing Policy for the Council. The new Insourcing Policy marked a significant shift away from the Council’s previous approach, and identified a new policy where insourcing was the default preference.

The Leader highlighted that the Council’s commitment to insourcing was grounded in a belief that all public spending should firstly deliver a public benefit, and that every council’s plan for the delivery of services on behalf of their residents should seek to maximise every pound spent on the delivery of the service itself. Consequently, this Insourcing Policy signalled a significant change of direction for Haringey Council. The Council should no longer be perceived as a Commissioning Council, but a municipality committed to finding ways to directly deliver services to residents.

The Leader emphasised that the administration was moving to reverse at a local level the almost forty year national trend towards outsourcing, which had resulted from not just the ‘opening up’ of public services to the market, but also a legislative regime that had made in-house provision of local services more difficult. This policy had caused a range of harms: it had unfairly meant that local councils lost control over some local services whilst retaining ultimate responsibility for their quality and delivery; it had eroded worker protections and the power and mutual support of organised labour; and the artificially low costing of outsourced projects had meant that the public sector and society more widely have been left footing the bill.

The Leader noted that introducing a preference for insourcing supported the administration’s goals to improve local services for local people, maximise the community benefit it achieved with its budget, increase quality job opportunities and good working conditions for residents, and secured democratic accountability of public services. In Haringey, there was a strong starting point: the Council had retained in-house many services which had been outsourced elsewhere and had already made good progress in bringing more services in-house. The introduction of this policy signalled the Council’s commitment to build on this work.

The Leader welcomed the policy as committing the Council to a strategic review of all externally commissioned services as their contracts come up for renewal. This would assess the efficient management and workings of all externally commissioned services and anticipate opportunities to bring services back in-house, in a way that focussed on what was most important to the administration, and sustainably increases the capacity of the Council.

In response to questions from Cllr Connor, the following information was provided:

• Every contract had a different aspect and the Council would examine every individual case and look at the savings and improved services that residents could expect to be achieved when considering the insourcing of services.
• The Leader reflected that following nearly 10 years of austerity, these circumstances had led local authorities to seek support from the private sector. This had inevitably led to a high number of resources and expertise leaving local  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

[Report of the Director for Environment and Neighbourhoods. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Local Investments and Economic Growth.]

This report sets out a refreshed Procurement Strategy for the Council which covers the period 2020 – 2025.

The Cabinet Member for Local Investment and Economic Growth introduced this report which set out an up-to-date Procurement Strategy for the Council.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the following:

• Paragraph 1.4 of the report was not in order of importance.
• There was specific weighting within the procurement strategy for the promotion of social values and also community wealth building.
• The Council was looking to increase its contract expenditure with local businesses from circa 25% to 30% per annum.
• London Living Wage was a key feature of the Procurement Strategy.
• Encouraging that suppliers be based in the Borough, wherever possible.

In response to questions from Councillor Conner, the following information was provided:

• Officers confirmed there was an insourcing sub group and a number of governance boards that reviewed proposals and so there was no potential for conflict of interest between procurement interacting with insourcing decisions. A decision to insource would be made prior to a decision to go out to market.
• Officers informed there were requirements within Council contracts to comply with the Freedom of Information Act and any other statutory obligations. The Council would encourage suppliers to be as transparent as possible, insofar as commercial confidentiality allowed.
• Regarding quality weightings to be introduced, Officers noted this would be done on a case by case basis and was dependent on what the Council was looking for.

RESOLVED

1. To approve the 2020 – 2025 Procurement Strategy, as set out in Appendix 1;

2. To note the progress made to date in relation to Strategic Procurement and its achievements in supporting Community Wealth Building, small businesses and promoting social value;

3. To note the links with the Council’s Commissioning framework, Insourcing Policy and Community Wealth Building approach;

4. To note compliance with the Social Value Act, Public Contract Regulations and National Procurement Strategy.

Reasons for decision

The Council’s current outdated Procurement Strategy was established in 2010. Since then, the Public Contract Regulations have changed, we have seen the introduction of the Social Value Act, both of which have significantly altered the way in which we are able to procure works, goods and services. The emergence of the Borough Plan and the changes to the Council’s priorities have meant we need to adopt a new Procurement Strategy that reflects these changes.

A revised Procurement Strategy is a deliverable of the Borough Plan (outcome 13) and supports many of the priorities within the Borough Plan.

In 2018 a new National Procurement Strategy was released; the Strategy presented to Cabinet (Appendix 1) is aligned to the National Procurement Strategy, which the Council is required to submit returns to central government.

The Strategy provides a Delivery Framework and key considerations in how we structure our procurement activity. Applying this structure and consistency across our commissioning and procurement activity will assist deliver the Council’s priorities?

This strategy sets out the ambition for the Council’s use of Procurement to positively impact on our economy and communities in recognising the commercial, social, economic and environmental benefits to be gained from taking a sophisticated intelligent  ...  view the full minutes text for item 36.

[Report of the Director for Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Local Investments and Economic Growth.]

This report sets out Haringey’s Community Wealth Building approach (CWB), including: What CWB means in Haringey and why it is relevant; and key actions to implement CWB over the next year.

The Cabinet Member for Local Investment and Economic Growth introduced this report which set out Haringey’s Community Wealth Building approach (CWB), which included:

•           What CWB means in Haringey and why it is relevant; and

•           Key actions to implement CWB over the next year.

The Cabinet Member noted that community wealth building was fundamentally about equality and fairness. It was about using the Council’s direct powers and working with partner organisations to promote resilience and wealth – both financial and social – in our families and communities. Haringey had a high proportion of residents living below the poverty line (34%). This was evidence that the Borough’s economy was not working - especially for our poorest families and communities. Community Wealth Building offered an alternative approach which directly sought to address the fairness in the Borough’s economic system and wider society.

 To engage with external health organisations ref to 6.3.1 - Preston model held up and learn a lot form this. Closer to home work with neighbours - Islington and Camden. Ref 103 and 104 manage expectation and key foundations in place to build the strategy and raise aspirations.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that the Community Wealth Building Approach:

• Firstly, put a greater emphasis on the levers the Council had within its own control. Procurement spend was the obvious starting place for this work. The Council was already leading the way in getting small and Medium Sized Enterprises into its procurements. The Council would continue to build on this and emphasise Social Value within its procurements. This was about maximising the public good from every pound the Council spent.
• Secondly, it reinforced and brought into sharper focus the question of who was benefiting from changes. For example, when looking at jobs in the borough, CWB focussed on the quality of those jobs and who was getting them above and beyond the number of new jobs created.
• Thirdly, it emphasised the need for partnership working with other anchor organisations who were invested in Haringey and its residents. Working together we can have a more significant impact. As Lead Member for Local Investment and Economic Growth, the Cabinet Member would drive forward this work with partners and look forward to having early conversations on how we can work together.

The Cabinet Member closed by emphasising that Community Wealth Building was an approach. Preston, the area in the UK which had fully embraced this approach, had seen tangible benefits over the previous 10 years. Many of the Council’s neighbouring boroughs were actively developing their CWB approaches, which offered the Council a clear opportunity to work in partnership to improve the economic and social wealth of residents. Instilling community wealth building in what we do – haven reopened next year encouraging users to work on this.

In response to questions the following was noted:

• Paragraph 6.11 set out the time scale for measuring success of the KPI’s and the implementation plan would be compiled following  a decision at this meeting.
• The Council’s current spend  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37.

[Report of the Director for Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Local Investments and Economic Growth.]

This report seeks approval for the proposed Opportunity Investment Fund expansion to cover the Wood Green regeneration area and industrial estates in the east of the borough.

The Cabinet Member for Local Investment and Economic Growth introduced this report which sought approval for the proposed Opportunity Investment Fund expansion to cover the Wood Green regeneration area and industrial estates in the east of the Borough.

The Cabinet Member highlighted page 127 of the report and noted that the Council was aware not all Small Businesses Loan Fund beneficiaries might succeed but this had been factored into the budget. However, that should not be used as an inhibitor to the Council seeking to assist small businesses through the small loan funds.

The Cabinet Member emphasised the need to support small businesses to grow and discussed the businesses along hermitage Road, such as Albion Knit, which had received a loan from the Council. It was noted that the Council would only support businesses it deemed to have a workable business plan that demonstrated how it would grow.

In response to questions from Councillor Connor, the following information was provided:

• Officers informed that the body which administered over the Small Loan Funds was primarily the Council’s Regeneration and Economic Department, however, finance and legal also provided input given this was a corporate decision-making process. External advisors were also used to assess the business plans.
• Regarding the size of the team involved directly, Officers confirmed there were two support officers, each responsible for either the Opportunity Investment Fund and the new Productive Valley Fund. The support officers engaged frequently with the businesses in receipt of loans to ensure they were functioning as they informed the Council they would be and also to ensure the health of the business.

Officers would confirm to Councillor Connor in writing how many of the number of apprenticeships referenced at ‘Objective 17b)’ on page 125 had started.

RESOLVED

1. To agree that the Opportunity Investment Fund is expanded to cover the Wood Green regeneration area and industrial estates in the east of the borough in addition to the existing coverage of the Tottenham regeneration area for the reasons outlined in sections 4-5, so that the balance of Opportunity Investment Fund (£1.26M to date) and future repayments will also be eligible to cover businesses in this expanded area going forward.

2. To note the achievements of the Opportunity Investment Fund to date and the soon to launch Upper Lee Valley Productive Valley Fund, as well as the management arrangements of both funds.

Reasons for decision

A recent business survey in Wood Green found that almost three-quarters of them had plans for expansion, although not all of these will need public sector support to realise those plans. By expanding, OIF would support businesses to remain and expand in Wood Green and Tottenham and reduce the number of those needing to relocate outside of the borough.

Wood Green is also the borough’s metropolitan town centre and a prime employment area with well-advanced Council and partner plans to enhance and improve the commercial space offer through a jobs-led programme of change which will bring forward a pipeline of commercial space  ...  view the full minutes text for item 38.

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

This report relates to the ongoing works to install a new modern District Heating system on Broadwater Farm. This report seeks to extend the existing contract to allow for additional works to be completed

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced this report which sought approval for additional funding for variations to the Broadwater Farm District Heating contract which was approved by Cabinet on 14 August 2018.

The Cabinet Member noted that since the health and safety issues at Broadwater Farm became known, the Council had taken action to manage the risks and ensure the safety of residents. This included the replacement of all gas cookers, estate wide door knocking and engagement, the fitting of gas interrupter valves and the decant of two blocks. This report related to the ongoing works to install a new modern District Heating system on the estate. Since the inception of the project, officers had identified a number of enhancements to the programme to improve outcomes for residents and the quality of the upgraded heating system. These are detailed at paragraph 6.7. This report sought to extend the existing contract to allow for these additional works to be completed.

In response to questions from Cllr Connor, the following information was provided:

• The decant of Northolt block had started but completion would not be according to the same level of urgency as Tangmere.This was due to there being no piped gas in this block
• Disruption to residents was acknowledged by the Cabinet Member. This was further acknowledged to be a really challenging time for residents in Broadwater Farm with different works taking place at the same time. The Council were regularly exchanging information with residents and making sure information was available on the works and their impact. Ultimately, the Council had to ensure all the tenants were living in safe homes. There was a need to be realistic with residents about the scale and timing of the works. In particular the enhancing works being completed on the heating systems was to ensure that additional works were not needed in 10 years’ time.
• In relation to thedecant at Tangmere Block, the latest information indicated that there were 12 leaseholder remaining. Homes for Haringey had agreed terms for moving 6 of the leaseholders. It was expected to agree terms with the remaining 6 leaseholders.
• Thedecant of Northolt Block had a longer timescale .This had started with 53 of 83 tenants moved or moving. There were 14 leaseholders, and Homes for Haringey had agreed terms with 1 leaseholder .It was noted that Homes for Haringey staff would be referring to the experience of Tangmere leaseholder decant and were confident of making acceptable housing offers to the remaining 13 leaseholders.
• Officers outlined that the new heating supply also provided an opportune time to replace some needed bathrooms and kitchens in Broadwater Farm. It was noted that 260 out of 830 tenants would have brand new kitchens or bathrooms or both by February 2020. The other works concerning the district heating system were due to complete in November. A further piece of work being included with the heating works, were changes to the cold water supply so that there was a single cold-water  ...  view the full minutes text for item 39.

[Report of the Director of Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council.]

This report seeks approval to appoint the recommended contractor, Contractor B, to undertake a Masterplanning exercise and design development across RIBA Stage 0-3+.

[Councillor Chandwani – left the Chamber]

The Leader of the Council introduced this report which sought approval to appoint the recommended contractor, Contractor B, to undertake a Masterplanning exercise and design development across RIBA Stage 0-3+.

The Leader started by noting the Council and the Selby Trust had developed a high-level vision to create an integrated, inclusive, healthy, sustainable, diverse and connected urban village? on the sites of the Selby Centre and Bull Lane Playing Fields. The proposed mixed use development on the Selby Centre and Bull Lane sites had the potential to deliver up to 200 new homes, including council housing (appx 50%); re-provision of the Selby Centre in a new dedicated community hub; new retail, and sports and recreation facilities in the adjacent Bull Lane Playing Fields. 

The Leader noted the Selby Urban Village project was an ambitious development arising from a shared aspiration between Haringey Council and the Selby Trust to deliver a community focused, mixed-use scheme on the Selby Centre and Bull Lane Playing Field sites and would support the Council’s Priorities set out in the Borough Plan.

The Leader highlighted that this scheme was an example of the Council’s commitment to building new homes and in particular council homes and improving living standards for, and in partnership with, the local community, to ensure they could participate and benefit from the investment in their neighbourhood. For the Selby Centre this is a great opportunity to improve the existing provision for the community. By being part of the co-design and delivery of a centre and building, in which the Trust and its users really thrive and continue to be a valued asset to the community. The inclusion of Bull Lane (Playing field) as part of the re-development, could deliver significant improvements to the area, including state-of-the-art community sporting provisions – enabling local people to participate and enjoy recreational and sports activities within their neighbourhood.

In response to questions from Councillor Connor, the following information was provided:

• Regarding the £1.4mil budget for the Selby Urban Village Project, the Leader informed there was a joint project board with the Council working with Selby which would have an input into how that money was spent. However, the Council would make any final decision, following input by the Board.
• The Leader accepted traffic was an issue and noted there was to be a buses service review for the entirety of North London. The Council would be seeking to address areas where there could be an improvement to public transport, however, Selby was not, at present, an area marked for any prospective bus routes. Following the review, the Council would be looking at which areas could be better served by public transport. It was hoped the development would minimise the use of cars and the Leader noted there would be no through route across the site.
• Officers noted that, if the project was to be delivered by the Council Housing Programme, then it would be delivered by the Council and not Homes  ...  view the full minutes text for item 40.

[Report of the Director for Housing, Regeneration and Planning. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Sustainability.]

This report seeks approval to award contracts for: DEN technical advisory services to Contractor A for a period of 3 years from 1/11/19 to 31/10/22; and DEN legal advisory services to Contractor 1 for a period of 3 years from 1/11/19 to 31/10/22.

[Cllr Chandwani re-entered the chamber]

The Cabinet Member outlined that the DEN programme was the single largest contribution the Council could make to reducing carbon emissions in Haringey. This procurement of a team of technical, financial, and legal experts would enable the Council to deliver this ambition and would meet the Borough Plan commitment on exploring setting up an energy services company to deliver affordable, low carbon energy over the coming years and this paper makes recommendations for appointments and explains the procurement processes followed.

The Cabinet Member highlighted the scope of work considered here was therefore focussed on Wood Green, Tottenham Hale, Broadwater Farm and the Council’s other housing and regeneration projects many of which would involve decentralised energy networks. If the GLA’s budget expired in 2020, the Council had the option to either vary the new contracts to include the North Tottenham work or to novate the existing North Tottenham contracts from the GLA to the Council.

The Cabinet Member informed this report would allow the Council to agree an initial scope of work and then to instruct follow-on work through the same contract in due course. The scope (and therefore cost) of future work was likely to be determined by work over the next 12-18 months. Once the scope was clarified, a price for the work can be agreed with the consultants before being presented to the Council as part of the decision to proceed and release additional budget.

The Cabinet emphasised this approach would deliver value as it allows:

•        Better rates through aggregating work into a larger contract;

•        More interest from the market in a larger piece of work; and

•        Continuity in advice including lessons learned on one project being applied to another Work to be instructed more quickly with less risk of opportunities being missed due to delay and less internal resource spent re-procuring.

In response to a question from Cllr Connor on why five of the six bidders who engaged with the procurement process declined to bid, it was agreed to provide a written response.

Following consideration of exempt information,

RESOLVED

To approve the implementation of Contract Standing Order 9.07.1c. and award two contracts for:

a)   DEN technical advisory services to Bidder A ,set out in the exempt report for a period of 3 years from 1/11/19 to 31/10/22, with provision for extension for 12-months. The contract allows for work to be instructed incrementally with additional fees determined by the precise scope of work. The contract value over the life of the contract (contract period + extension) is estimated to be up to £1m. The first phase of work which will be instructed has a value of c£270k.

And

b)   DEN legal advisory services to Bidder 1, set out in the exempt report, for a period of 3 years from 1/11/19 to 31/10/22, with provision for extension for 12-months. The contract allows for work to be instructed incrementally with additional fees determined by the precise scope of work. The contract value  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41.

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

The existing contract allows provision for a further 12-month extension, and this report will seek cabinet approval to both extend the contract within existing terms and further extend the lifetime of the contract by 12 months. Extending the block for a further 2 years ensures that we achieve good value from culturally specific placements.

The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health introduced this report which sought an extension of the Autumn Gardens and Anastasia Lodge contracts. The existing contract allowed provision for a further 12-month extension, and this report would seek Cabinet approval to both extend the contract within existing terms and further extend the lifetime of the contract by 12 months. Extending the block for a further 2 years ensured that the Council achieved good value from culturally specific placements.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that continuing these block contracts would both secure capacity for nursing and residential care and most importantly enable specialist provision to be available locally to Haringey residents. Further, in the challenging financial environment, this proposal supported efficient market management and an ability to maintain costs in a planned way.

The Cabinet Member closed by noting that Anastasia lodge and Autumn Gardens were the only local homes which provided specialised care and support of Greek and Cypriot older people. In Haringey, there was a high demand for such housing support.

In response to questions from Councillor Connor, the following information was provided:

• Officers informed that, insofar as residents needing nursing care, it was envisaged that Osbourne Grove Nursing Home would assist in providing that care once it had been rebuilt.

RESOLVED

1. To approve, pursuant to Contract Standing Order 10.02.1(b), the variations to allow a further extension period of one year in order to execute a 2 year extension of the contract with Ourris Residential Homes Ltd for 18 residential beds at Anastasia Lodge and a 2 year extension of the contract with Ourris Properties Ltd for 21 nursing care beds at Autumn Gardens.

2. To approve the commencement of the extension period to start on 28^th November 2019 and run to 27^th November 2021.

3. To approve the value of the block contract with Ourris Residential Homes Ltd for the provision of care at Anastasia Lodge over the 2 year extension period at £1,400,272, bringing the total value of the contract to £2,695,430, over the four year period.

4. To approve the value of the block contract with Ourris Properties Ltd for the provision of nursing care at Autumn Gardens over the 2 year extension period at £2,244, 628, bringing the total value of the contract to £4,489,256 over the four year period.

Reasons for decision

The market for residential and nursing care is largely a sub-regional one and the Council commissions nursing and residential care for its residents across North Central London (Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington). As with neighbouring authorities, Haringey commissions across this area in order to meet demand and to respond to specialist needs

In order to ensure both capacity and flexibility, the Council is keen to have a mixed economy of spot and block purchase arrangements in place. Many placements are commissioned on a spot purchase basis, but the proposal set out here – to continue and expand two existing block contracts – reflects the need to maintain capacity for a particular cohort of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 42.

[Report of the Director for Customers, Transformation and Resources. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods.]

This report seeks Cabinet approval to award the contract for Front Office Back Office (FOBO) customer platform software by selecting one or more contractors from a framework to replace the current Agilisys Digital system (My Account).

The Cabinet Member outlined that the Council currently used ‘My Account’ to manage its main online (resident) accounts, dealing with over 110,000 registered users transacting on several services including revenues, benefits, libraries, environmental reporting and payments. The contract for provision of the Agilisys Digital system was due to end in March 2020.

The Cabinet Member further advised that the new Customer Platform procured under Crown Commercial Service’s (CCS) G-Cloud 11 Framework will provide Residents, Businesses, Landlords and other groups’ access to a range of Council services. It will deepen and broaden the digital services available, managing and tracking customer enquiries, service requests and ‘one and done’ transactions. This included the services already provided through ‘My Account’ and additional service areas including Parking and Housing.

In closing, the Cabinet Member informed that the Platform would deliver significant financial and non-financial benefits to the Council and customer groups including:

• Supporting identified annual savings in the FOBO Programme of circa £300,000 and a saving in the current annual platform license fee cost of £53,750;
• Potential for further savings in Corporate & Customer Services and other Council services;
• Improving the digital offer for customers, making more Council services accessible online, providing customers better access to services and updates at their convenience;
• Providing a simple, intuitive and personalised system to use which becomes the desired channel for accessing Council services. Improving the overall experience of using digital services;
• Managing and tracking customer enquiries, service requests and end to end transactions, regardless of if the customer is transacting through a customer account; and
• Generating easy to understand management information to support service development.

In response to questions from Cllr Connor, the following information was provided:

• In relation to the total number of residents living in the borough, in comparison to the number of registered users transacting services with the Council through digital means, it was important to note that not every single resident would need to make payments to the Council and there will likely be one person in the household that would be responsible for making payments. In addition, it was important  to ensure that residents that can access and to use IT make full use of the digital means available for their transactions with the Council, to free up customer service resources to support people that are less able to access services.
• The Cabinet member acknowledged the important issue raised on residents that the Council were wanting to attract to access online portals .The Cabinet Member would provide this information to Cllr Connor.
• Migration issues were likely but due to the benefits of the new system these were accepted and would mitigate this as much as possible. When residents   access their account, they will go to onto the new system and re log on. This re-register also ensures customer data is updated.

Following consideration of exempt information,

RESOLVED

To approve, in accordance with Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.1(d), the award of a contract for the supply and support of Customer Platform software to supplier  ...  view the full minutes text for item 43.

[Report of the Director for Customers, Transformation and Resources. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Civic Services.]

This report seeks approval from Cabinet to award a contract, for a term of 2 years with an option to extend for 2 further 1-year periods, by way of a call-off from the Crown Commercial Service’s GCloud 11 framework to replace the current SAP managed service supplier. 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate and Civic Services introduced this report which sought approval to award a contract, for a term of 2 years with an option to extend for 2 further 1-year periods, by way of a call-off from the Crown Commercial Service’s GCloud 11 framework to replace the current SAP managed service supplier. The new contract would facilitate the continuation of critical SAP support and hosting for the Finance, Payroll, HR and Procurement systems.

The Cabinet Member noted the spend on SAP represented a significant revenue cost for the Council. However, the services from the proposed new supplier, which already provided licensing for SAP and provided hosting and support services that met the Council's requirements, represented a saving of over £1.2m over a maximum four-year contract term.

The Director of Customers, Transformation and Resources, added that the Council’s SAP system had different providers for the host system and the license to use the system. The new supplier would provide both the hosting of the system and the license to use it. The Council was confident the supplier would provide a quality service and the contract provided significant savings for the Council.

In response to questions from Cllr Adje, the following information was provided:

• Regarding the 2+1+1 year structure to the length of the contract, Officers noted the software the Council was running would be superseded in the next couple of years, at which point it would be looking to move to a new system. It generally took 2 years to specify and re-procure the system. The +1+1 would provide the Council with flexibility if it was not ready to launch that new system within 2 years. The Council had the option to go 2+2 but 2+1+1 gave the Council more flexibility.
• Officers were confident the savings proposed would be met and highlighted the supplier already worked with the Council. There would be no data migration involved, due to it being a service the Council already used.

RESOLVED

To approve, in accordance with Contract Standing Order 9.07.1d), the award to the supplier identified in the exempt report of a contract for SAP hosting and support services for an initial 2-year term valued at £533,816.00 with an option to extend for two further one-year periods valued together at £533,816.00 with a total contract value of £1,067,632 over the maximum term of 4 years.

Reasons for decision

The current SAP managed service contract with HCL Axon expires in March 2020 and so the Council needs to either extend the current contract or replace it with a new contract with an alternative supplier.

The incumbent supplier was only able to offer a minimal reduction of just £16k per year.

Haringey already have a satisfactory relationship with the proposed supplier.

The proposed supplier are able to provide an equivalent service to the current one at £330k per annum less than the incumbent supplier.

Alternative options considered

Request the incumbent supplier to review its pricing model to reduce the costs for the final 4  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

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

This report sets out an overview of the External Capital Investment Programme for Year 2 and seeks approval for the award of contracts for the Housing Asset Investment Plan for Year 2, 2019/20.

The Cabinet Member for Housing and Estate Renewal introduced this report which set out an overview of the External Capital Investment Programme for Year 2 and sought approval for the award of contracts for the Housing Asset Investment Plan for Year 2, 2019/20.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that this award of contract enabled Homes for Haringey to progress the external capital investment programme for year 2 (2019/20). This would enable external works such as the renewal of roofs, windows, external brickwork repairs and improvements to communal areas. It was noted that improving communal areas was a common request from residents to councillors and the far reaching impact of updating these areas in terms of tackling crime were also acknowledged. Additionally, by incorporating communal and environmental works within the programme, this will improve the lives of residents on our estates. 

At this point in the meeting, Cllr Chandwani declared a personal interest, as a Homes for Haringey leaseholder.

In response to a question from Cllr Connor, officers advised that the selected contractors were FENSA recommended.

RESOLVED

To approve, pursuant to the Council’s Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.1(d), the award of the contracts in respect of the External Major Works Year 2 Programme A, B and C.

• Programme A for renewal of roofs, windows, external brickwork repairs and improvements to communal and external areas at a total cost of £5,231,064.82.
• Programme B for renewal of roofs, windows, external brickwork repairs and improvements to and external communal areas at a total cost of £5,774,875.42.
• Programme C for renewal of roofs, windows, external brickwork repairs and improvements to and external communal areas at a total cost of £5,594,154.97.

Details of the successful tenderers are outlined in Part B (exempt information) of the report.

Reasons for decision

In line with the Council’s plans to invest in the Housing stock, Homes for Haringey intends to deliver the three packages outlined in the report through an external and communal works programme. The report recommends the appointment of two contractors to work with Homes for Haringey to deliver the capital investment programme for Year 2 (2019/20).

Homes for Haringey require approval for the award of contracts to deliver the year 2 external capital works programme. This is following a tender process in conjunction with Haringey Council Procurement, via the London Construction Programme (LCP) framework and processes.

The tender process was carried out in accordance with the framework requirements that incorporate price and quality. The successful bidders scored the highest points in relation to these criteria in each associated tender lot.

Alternative options considered

An alternative option would be for Homes for Haringey either to use third Party industry frameworks or an OJEU compliant tender process to deliver the capital programme. Homes for Haringey sought support and advice from Haringey Strategic Procurement and determined the LCP framework as being the optimum route to the market. This was due to the speed of access to quality-checked contractors and focus on companies that focus their resources in the local area.

A  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45.

[Report of the Director of Children’s Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families.]

This report seeks authorisation for a direct contract award without prior publication of an advertisement to TBAP Trust (TBAP)  for the delivery of Haringey’s Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) for one academic year.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Families introduced this report which sought authorisation for a direct one year contract award without prior publication of an advertisement to TBAP Trust (TBAP) for the delivery of Haringey’s Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) for one academic year.

The Cabinet Member advised that this proposal sits within the context of an on-going strategic review of Alternative Provision, in its widest sense, and a real drive to transform the outcomes for children and young people who had been excluded or were at risk of exclusion from school.

The Cabinet Member highlighted this extensive and strategic review was due to report by the end of this calendar year. It would provide recommendations for alternative commissioning arrangements for children and young people who need to access alternative provision. These would be brought to Cabinet in due course. In the meantime ensuring a one year contract for this academic year would enable the Council to meet its statutory duties in relation to children and young people who were in need of alternative provision, whilst doing the necessary parallel planning for the new arrangements to be introduced from September 2020.

In response to questions from Councillor Tucker, Councillor Connor and Councillor Ibrahim, the following information was provided:

• The Cabinet Member noted it was the intention of the on-going strategic review of Alternative Provision that this return inhouse. The preference from the review was that Alternative Provision would be provided in an entirely different way by the Council itself.
• With regard to TBAP Trust and its financial situation, the Cabinet Member confirmed that Officers had been requested to ensure a Plan B be established, should this company be unable to fulfil the terms of the contract.
• The Cabinet Member noted the length of the contract was for one year, which would allow for the completion of the strategic review of Alternative Provision.
• Regarding due diligence, Officers confirmed they had been working with the Department for Education (DfE) and the Trust to ensure that the Alternative Provision was provided to the standard it expected. Discussions were ongoing across the Council with its Finance and Legal teams to ensure contingency measures were in place, should they be required.
• Regarding the central government’s contribution towards The High Needs Block, the Cabinet Member informed this was expected to be around £4m. In discussing the deficit of Haringey’s High Needs Block, it was noted this was not unique to the Council and many other local authorities operated this with a deficit. The Council was continuing to campaign for more money from central government.
• Regarding how the success of the contract would be measured, Officers noted it would be measured against the educational performance of those attending the PRU. The Council would also look at how productive the PRU was in promoting reintegration for children into mainstream settings.
• The Cabinet Member noted discussions had been held between herself and the Monitoring Officer regarding the safeguards in place, should TBAP Trust’s financial position worsen and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.

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

This report seeks approval to award a block contract to Priscilla Wakefield House (the Home) for 61 nursing beds from 1st November 2019 to 30th October 2022, with the option to extend for a further 2 years in 12-month intervals at the rate of £950 per week.

The Cabinet Member noted this report sought to secure nursing home provision for local resident’s in-borough for the next three years at a sustainable rate. This block contract would ensure the Council had high quality local provision, offering local employment and opportunities for career progression ensuring older people can remain in their local communities as far as is possible and if they need residential care.

In response to questions from Cllr Connor, on the use of Block contracts to provide care, it was noted that there were incentives in place to providers to provide good care as these arrangements gave them a guaranteed income. Certainty in the market was important and providers knowing they have an arrangement to fund the periods where there is lower demand. Therefore, this was an important mechanism for providers. This was also a negotiated position and arrived at from considering the fair cost of care. The Council were working with colleagues across the NCL boroughs to ensure each were paying reasonable rates with a focus on quality and outcomes achieved. This was also a teaching care home, which was positive for Haringey.

Following consideration of exempt information,

RESOLVED

To approve, pursuant to Contract Standing Order 10.02.1b, the award of contract to Magicare Limited for 61 nursing beds from 1^st November 2019 to 30^th October 2022, with the option to extend for a further 2 years in 12-month intervals, at the rate of £950 per week. The total cost of the contract over 5 years would be £15,412,751.

Reasons for decision

The market for residential and nursing care is very tight at the moment and demand in the sub-region (Barnet, Camden, Enfield, Haringey and Islington) outstrips the supply of nursing beds. Priscilla Wakefield House is one of only two nursing homes in Haringey and the only one, which is currently rated at Good or above. The home is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and was recently named as one of the prestigious and innovative new cohort of ‘teaching care homes’ by the Foundation of Nursing Studies: https://www.fons.org/resources/documents/Teaching-Care-Homes/TCH-Yr-3-Teams-Announced.pdf The selection of Priscilla Wakefield House as a teaching care home, is a mark of the confidence placed by the Foundation of Nursing Studies in the quality of leadership and management at the Home.

Councils have a duty to shape their local marketplace and offer choice to local residents. Establishing a block contract with Magicare Limited is an important means of securing local beds for Haringey residents. The only other nursing home in Haringey is currently under a temporary embargo because of concerns notified by the CQC. There is no other home in the sub-region able to provide this number of beds to Haringey Council.

In order to ensure both capacity and flexibility, the Council is keen to have a mixed economy of spot and block purchase arrangements in place. Many placements are commissioned on a spot purchase basis, but the proposal set out here – to continue and expand a block contract –  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

[Report of the Director for Environment and Neighbourhoods. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods.]

To consider procurement outcomes for Nuisance Vehicles in Haringey.

The Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods introduced this report which sought approval, pursuant to Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.1(d), for the award to Supplier A of a nuisance vehicle contract for a period of four years with optional extensions for a total contract value of £8.73m over a maximum contract term of 8 years including all extensions. 

The Cabinet Member highlighted that Local Authorities had a statutory duty to remove Abandoned Vehicles from the public highway and any other land in the open air, such as car parks. To do this the Council needed to have a mechanism of removing vehicles and have a place to hold those vehicles to be claimed by their owners.

The Cabinet Member noted that in September 2015, Cabinet approved a 3-year contract with a 2-year extension to NSL. That contract would draw to an end in November 2019. The Council had explored if it could provide this service differently. However, the Council’s assessment concluded that it was not financially viable for it to have a different delivery model, either in house or as a hybrid model with a contractor.

Whilst there was a desire to deliver services in-house, the Cabinet Member emphasised that the cost to do so for this particular product was not financially viable and therefore it was necessary to outsource this contract.

In response to questions from Councillor Rice, the following information was provided:

·         The Cabinet Member would raise with IT that the Haringey App used to report dumped items did not have the option to report dumped vehicles and seek to rectify this.

RESOLVED

To approve, pursuant to CSO 9.07.1(d) the award to Supplier A of a nuisance vehicle contract for four (4) years with options to extend for an additional period of two (2) years plus two further periods of one (1) year, exercisable at the sole discretion of the Council, at a cost of £1.1m per annum or a total cost of £8.73m if all extension options are taken up. Details of Supplier A is outlined in Part B (exempt information) of the report.

Reasons for decision

The existing nuisance vehicle contract was awarded by Cabinet to NSL on 25th September 2014 for an initial period of three years with an option to extend for a further two years.

The existing contract was extended in November 2017 and will expire at the end of November 2019.

A new contract is required in order to support the wider transformation of the Parking service, which includes the roll out of further Controlled Parking Zones. The proposed contract includes a re-written specification and a requirement for the successful provider to deploy more removal vehicles and operate the vehicle pound for longer hours. The significant changes to the specification can be summarised as follows:

-      An extra removal truck deployed throughout the day.

-      Longer opening hours at the pound: 7am to 10pm Mon-Sat (but to midnight including on Sundays for event day operations) and Sundays 8am to 8pm.

-      Additional vehicle storage  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

[Report of the Director for Customers, Transformation and Resources. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Corporate and Civic Services.]

This report seeks approval for Haringey’s Risk Based Verification Policy as the means by which the Council processes claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.

The Cabinet Member for Corporate and Civic Services introduced this report, which sought approval for Haringey’s Risk Based Verification Policy as the means by which the Council processes claims for Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction.

The Cabinet Member noted the FOBO programme was initiated in September 2018 to modernise the Council’s services, reduce the number of unnecessary contacts and simplify the experience for residents and businesses when using our services. Introducing Risk Based Verification (RBV) into the Benefits service would allow the Council to deliver on all the programme’s objectives.

The Cabinet Member highlighted that RBV would mean that over 30% of our residents in receipt of Housing Benefit would need to provide less evidence to support their claim than they are currently required to do. This would result in the process to claim Benefits being significantly quicker and easier for them. For Council staff, it would mean sending significantly fewer requests for further information before a claim can be assessed. This would allow staff to spend more time making assessments and checking more high-risk cases rather than asking all our customers for more information.

The Cabinet Member noted the intelligence-based software used to apply RBV meant that only those claims, which were more likely to result in fraud, or error would be subject to the additional checks, which were currently applied to everyone. The result was a better service and experience for our customers and an improvement in our fraud and error detection rates. The RBV software was already being used successfully in 65 other local authorities and introducing it in Haringey would help bring our service in line with the service provided at other local authorities.

In response to questions from Cllr Bull and Cllr Connor, the following information was provided:

• It was too soon to forecast whether new applications and changes to circumstances would be processed in a quicker timescale, the service would be measuring impact on a monthly basis. Although, as risk approach was being taken forward for the verification of documents, those deemed less risk were expected to progress through the system at a faster pace. The impact would be neutral or improved depending on whether a claim was low or high risk Corporate Committee also had considered this issue and scrutinised the details.
• It was noted that the EQIA cannot indicate the particular demographic and protected characteristic group which will be impacted as this decision as claims  were on an individual basis. However, part of the service monitoring would be on a month by month basis and this will allow groups which are at high or low risk.
• It was noted that the DWP set the parameters for the software, an example of low risk will be someone on a pass-ported benefit. At the moment the Council would still ask for proof of benefit. However, going forward the Council would not need to ask for this, as DWP will give this a low risk score.

Further to considering the exempt information,

RESOLVED

To  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

To note significant and delegated actions taken by directors in August/ September 2019.

RESOLVED

To note the significant and delegated actions taken in September.

To consider any urgent business submitted at item 3.

There were no items of urgent business.

Note from the Acting Democratic Services and Scrutiny Manager

Items 29 to 40  allow for consideration of exempt information in relation to items 16 to 25  and 3.

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 remaining items  contained exempt information as defined under paragraph 3 and 5  of  Part 1 schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

As per item 16

As per item 40.

As per item 17

As per item 41.

As per item 18.

As per item 42.

As per item 19.

As per item 43.

As per item 20.

As per item 44.

As per item 21.

As per item 45 and the exempt minutes.

As per item 22

As per item 46.

As per item 23.

As per item 47.

As per item 24.

As per item 48.

As per item 25.

As per item 49.

To approve the exempt Cabinet Minutes for the 10^th September 2019 meeting.

RESOLVED

To approve the exempt  minutes for the meeting held on the 10^th of September 2019.

None