Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Claire Kober and the meeting was chaired by the Deputy Leader, Councillor Bernice Vanier, in her 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 17 below. New items of exempt urgent business will be dealt with at Item 23 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.

There were no deputations, petitions or questions.

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 [18] 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 12 February 2012 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on, 12 February 2013, be confirmed as a correct record.

(Report of the Director of Corporate Resources. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction). To consider the forecast financial revenue and capital outturns for 2012/13 based on actual performance up to the end of January 2013 (Period 10) and the proposed management actions and approve budget adjustments (virements) in accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction, which set out the forecast financial revenue and capital outturns for 2012/13, based on actual performance up to the end January 2013. The report also proposed management actions and approval of budget adjustments (virements) in accordance with the Council’s Financial Regulations.

In response to a question, it was noted that new regulations were coming into force from April 2013 to tighten the rules around the Scheme of Financing for Schools and these would enable the Local Authority to intervene at an earlier stage where a school’s budget was in deficit.

Cabinet was reminded that the report was for the third quarter of the current financial year and as such did not present the year-end financial information. Therefore the areas of under spend detailed in the report were likely to change by the end of the financial year.

RESOLVED:

1. That the projected outturn position against the Council’s 2012/13 revenue and capital budgets be noted.

2. That the proposed Transfers to Reserves set out in section 6 of the report be noted.

3. That the budget changes (virements) set out in Appendix 3 of the report be approved.

Alternative Options Considered

The regular reporting to Cabinet on the Council’s overall financial position is an important element of the overall Medium Term Financial Planning process. A risk based approach to budget monitoring has been developed in order to manage the Council’s finances in a time of economic and financial uncertainty.

Cabinet could choose to adopt a less rigorous regime and examine the financial position at a later stage. Projections could be marginally more accurate if a delayed approach was adopted, but there would be less time for robust development and consideration of management action.

Reasons for Decision

Financial regulations require proposed budget changes (virements) to be approved by Cabinet and these are shown in Appendix 3 of the report. 

(Report of the Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader).  To inform Cabinet of progress against the Council’s priorities and other major responsibilities in the third quarter of 2012/13.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Deputy Leader, which provided an update on performance against the Council’s priorities and other major responsibilities during the third quarter of 2012/13.

It was noted that reviewing the impact on levels of sickness amongst staff, following significant restructuring of the Council’s establishment, would be important and there was agreement that detailed sickness monitoring information should be supplied to Cabinet Members.   

Cabinet was advised that performance with respect to adoption was improving and that this improvement had been recognised by the Department for Education; however, it was recognised that there was still a significant degree of improvement to be made in this area. It was noted that performance data for the third quarter in relation to adoption was not included in the report and it was requested that this was circulated to Members following the meeting.

It was clarified that performance data in relation to the number of Haringey residents supported into sustained employment through the Jobs for Haringey Programme would not be available until the fourth quarter for 2012/13. This was because people participating in the programme had to be in work for six months before the jobs could be counted as sustainable.

RESOLVED:

That progress against the Council’s priorities and other major responsibilities during the third quarter of 2012/13 be noted.

Alternative Options Considered

Information report - not applicable.

Reasons for Decision

Information report - not applicable.

(Report of the Director of Place and Sustainability. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Social Inclusion). To note and approve the 2011/12 Annual Monitoring Report, which forms part of the Haringey Local Plan and is used to assess the performance of the Council’s planning policies.

Please note that due to its size Appendix 2 has not been included within the main agenda pack. This document is available online and has been circulated in hard copy to Cabinet Members. Hard copies are also available on request.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration and Social Inclusion, which sought approval of the Annual Monitoring Report (AMR). This formed part of the Haringey Local Plan and was used to assess the performance of the Council’s planning policies and plan for the borough.

There was discussion with regard to the role of the Council’s Design Panel and the measures in place to foster and monitor good design. It was noted that the Director of Place and Sustainability had commissioned a review of the Design Panel’s work. A report would be produced setting out the findings of the review, which would be put to Design Panel for discussion and agreement on any actions.

It was noted that a number of measures had been taken to accelerate the speed with which major applications were processed and these included a restructuring the service to create a dedicated team to deal with major applications. Although the measures had been effective and progress was being made in this area, it was recognised that further improvement was required.

RESOLVED:

That the Annual Monitoring Plan be noted and approved.

Alternative Options Considered

Local Planning Authorities can now decide the frequency and format of their monitoring reports. The current format of the annual monitoring process is the most effective way of presenting outcomes and achievements of the planning service in Haringey. As such, no other options were considered; however, consultation had been given to extending the reporting period from twelve to eighteen months to provide rolling monitoring information and a more complete picture. Hence this year’s AMR also contains information from the first six months of 2012/13 financial year.

Reasons for Decision

The Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) is part of the Haringey Local Plan and is used to assess the performance of the Council’s planning policies and plan for the borough. Monitoring is a key part of plan-making.

Councillor Strickland left the meeting at 7.10pm.

(Report of the Director of Children’s Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children). To determine the admission arrangements for Haringey schools for the academic year 2014/15 and Haringey’s In-Year Fair Access Protocol.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children, which set out admission arrangements for entry to schools for the academic year 2014/15.

RESOLVED:

1. That the proposed admission arrangements for entry to school in the academic year 2014/15 for Haringey community and voluntary controlled nursery classes, primary, infant, junior, secondary schools and sixth form, be approved.

2. That the admission arrangements for in-year applications to schools and Academies in Haringey for 2014/15 be approved.

3. That Haringey’s in-year Fair Access Protocol be approved and adopted with immediate effect.

Alternative Options Considered

Not applicable.

Reasons for Decision

Determining school admission arrangements was a statutory requirement.

(Report of the Director of Children’s Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children). To approve the new Permanency Policy, which provides a framework to improve the planning for children in need of substitute family placements.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children, which sought approval of a new Permanency Policy. The policy had been drawn together in order support social work staff in their work to assist families and safeguard children effectively and its primary aim was to ensure high quality, timely, permanence planning for all children in Care.

It was noted that recruiting adoptive and foster parents from a range of backgrounds, including people whose first language was not English, was important and the Cabinet Member noted that she would look at the measures in place to address this.

RESOLVED:

That the Permanency Policy be approved.

Alternative Options Considered

This was not relevant as this is policy document to improve practice. 

Reasons for Decision

To prioritise the planning for secure permanent placements for a high number of Looked After Children, thereby allowing them to experience family life outside of Local Authority care.

(Report of the Director of Adult and Housing Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services). The report seeks approval to enter into an Access Agreement with the Lead Council for the provision of an Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Services, which sought approval of contractual arrangements for the provision of an Independent NHS Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS).

RESOLVED:

1. That approval be given to entering into an Access Agreement with the Lead Council in order to access the Framework Agreement.

2. That approval be given to the award of contract under Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.1 d) to Voiceability for a period of two years from 1 April 2013, with an option to extend for two further periods each of one year.

Alternative Options Considered

The option of tendering a single contract for Haringey was considered and discounted on the grounds that tendering for this contract in isolation would have been unlikely to provide better value for money for the Council, taking all factors into consideration.

The Council has worked with the London Healthwatch Commissioners Group in developing the option set out in the report. In October 2012 it was agreed that it was in the best interests of the Council to join a pan London tendering process, rather than tendering for a solely Haringey service. This was because it was considered that the joint procurement exercise had taken into account the existing contract and market structure and offered the best value for money for the Council in the procurement process and contract management. It is considered that economies of scale will be achieved through the pan London approach; given the anticipated performance of the service in terms of Haringey residents.

Reasons for Decision

Cabinet was asked to make this decision so that the Council is able to meet its statutory obligation to have an independent NHS complaints and advocacy service contract in place on 1 April 2013. 

(Report of the Director of Corporate Resources. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction). To approve the award of the contract for the provision of banking services for a period of five years from 1 July 2013 with an option to extend for a maximum of a further five years.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction, which sought approval to award a contract for the provision of banking services.

Exempt information pertaining to the report was considered under agenda Item 19.

RESOLVED:

That the award of contract for the provision of banking services to Barclays Bank, for a period of five years, from 1 July 2013 with an option to extend for periods totalling a maximum of a further five years be approved.

Alternative Options Considered

Four banks (identified in paragraph 1.1 of the exempt appendix of the report) responded to the OJEU advertisement for this tender and they were evaluated before making this recommendation.

Reasons for Decision

The contract for the provision of banking services expires on 30 June 2013 and as this is a service the Council requires, it is necessary to make a decision to award a new contract. Due to the value of the contract, this is required to be a Cabinet decision. The recommendation to award this contract to the selected supplier had been made on the basis they submitted the most economically advantageous tender. 

(Report of the Director of Corporate Resources. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction). The report seeks approval from Cabinet to enter into a contract for the provision of Security Guarding services.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction, which sought approval to enter into a contract for the provision of Security Guarding Services for a period of four years.

Exempt information pertaining to the report was considered under agenda Item 20.

RESOLVED:

That the award of contract for the provision of Security Guarding Services be awarded for a period of two years with the option to extend for up to a further two years with an estimated total maximum value of £1.4m.

Alternative Options Considered

An existing public sector framework agreement was identified, which was accessible to the Council but that contained companies that were based outside of London and that did not have a strong presence in North London. This would have presented difficulties in being able to resource ad-hoc work required at short notice.

The option of procuring a multiple-supplier framework agreement was also considered. However, by appointing multiple suppliers and given the annual value to be circa £350k maximum, the potential for economies of scale through the aggregation of work would have reduced.

It was therefore decided to procure a single supplier arrangement using CompeteFor to advertise the opportunity.

Reasons for Decision

To award a contract for the provision of Security Guarding Services.

To note the minutes of other bodies listed below:

Ø  Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee – 4 December 2012

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee meeting, held on 4 December 2012, be noted.

To note significant and delegated actions taken by Directors since the previous meeting.

RESOLVED:

That significant and delegated actions taken by Directors since the previous Cabinet meeting be noted.

There were no new items of urgent business.

Note from the Head of Local Democracy and Member Services

Items 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 allow for the consideration of exempt information in relation to Items 13, 14, 6, 15 and 17 respectively, which appear earlier in the agenda. 

RESOLVED:

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, Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:

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

To consider exempt information pertaining to Item 13 above, as defined under paragraph 3, Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Exempt information pertaining to Item 13 was considered.

To consider exempt information pertaining to Item 15 above, as defined under paragraph 3, Part 1, schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972:

Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

Exempt information pertaining Item 14 was considered. 

To confirm the exempt minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 12 February 2013 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the exempt minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 12 February 2013, be confirmed as a correct record.

To note the following exempt minutes:

Ø  Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee – 4 December 2012

RESOLVED:

That the exempt minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 12 February 2013, be confirmed as a correct record.

There were no items of exempt urgent business.