Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Strickland and Watson.

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 18 below. New items of exempt business will be dealt with at Item 23 below).

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no declarations of interest made.

There were no deputations, petitions and 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 19 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 9 July 2013 as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the point of clarification set out below, the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 9 July 2013 be confirmed as a correct record:

Minute CAB462 ‘Procurement of a Managed Service for the Council’s SAP System’

Point (iii) of the resolution referred to HCL Axon Ltd – to clarify the company that the contract was awarded to will be known as Axon Solutions Limited (trading as HCL Axon Ltd) and that an affiliate company, HCL Technologies Limited, will also be a party to the contract.

(Report of the Director of Children’s Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children). The report sets out the proposed response to Scrutiny Panel’s recommendations with respect to school place planning.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children, which set out the service’s response to recommendations made by the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel for improving the schools admissions process.

The Cabinet Member noted that report of the Scrutiny Panel had been useful and that changes were being implemented to improve the admission processes as a result of the recommendations made. It was also noted that a report would be received by Cabinet, later in the year, setting out proposals for the possible expansion of three schools in Muswell Hill.

In response to a question, Cabinet was advised that it was now possible for parents to submit supporting documents online and that the guidance had been updated to reflect this. In terms of the arrangements for in year changes and cross borough applications Cabinet was advised that the guidance to parents around the processes around for making these applications had been revised to make the rules more easily understood.

RESOLVED:

That the response to the Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel’s recommendations with respect to improving the delivery of the admissions process, as set out in paragraphs 5.6 to 5.44 of this report, be approved.  

Alternative options considered

In addressing the recommendations set out by the Scrutiny Panel a wide number of actions were considered and this report provides what is considered to be the most effective actions to secure outcomes for each and every recommendation.  Therefore, at the time of writing this report no alternative options have been considered.  These actions will be honed and refined as they are implemented where it is clear that the outcome can be improved if adjustments to any action are required. 

Reasons for decision

The recommended actions set out in the report support the work of the Admissions Service in its overarching aim to provide a service of the highest quality to all its users and to optimise the opportunities for all parents and carers to apply on time and secure one of their preferences for a school place for their child.

(Report of the Director of Corporate Resources. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction). The report provides a forecast for financial revenue and capital outturns for 2013/14 based on actual performance to 31 July 2013. It also sets out proposed management actions and seeks approval of budget adjustments (virements) in response to monthly budget management during the financial year to date. The report also sets out progress in delivering savings for 2013/14 and developing savings options for 2014/15.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance, Employment and Carbon Reduction, which set out proposed management actions and that also sought approval of budget adjustments (virements) in response to monthly budget management during the financial year to date. The report also sets out progress in delivering savings for 2013/14 and developing savings options for 2014/15.

In response to a series of questions Cabinet was advised that it was appropriate to re-profile the Accommodation Strategy and make adjustments in order to ensure that the wider impact on the local economy and staff were properly considered. With regard to the redevelopment of Hornsey Town Hall it was noted that it was important that the best possible deal was secured and that a decision would not be taken until this had been reached.

Cabinet was reminded that costs of redundancies made by schools were met by the Council and therefore the cost of these had to be met during the year and consequently the budget had to be adjusted accordingly.

It was noted that new regulations meant that Right to Buy Receipts (RBR) could not be used to fund the development of infill/small sites where GLA grant funding had been received for this.

RESOLVED:

        i.            That the progress being made against the Council’s 2013/14 budget in respect of revenue and capital expenditure be noted.

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

    iii.            That the comments relating to the retention of Right to Buy receipts, set out in section 7 of the report, be noted.

Alternative options considered

This report proposes that the Cabinet should consider the overall financial position for 2013/14 in line with existing procedures.

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

The Cabinet was asked to consider the forecast financial revenue and capital outturns for 2013/14 based on actual performance to 31 July 2013 to exercise oversight of the Council’s financial position. The Cabinet was also asked to consider the proposed management actions and to approve the budget adjustments (virements) in response to monthly budget management. Cabinet were also asked to consider progress against delivering agreed savings for 2013/14 and 2014/15 to ensure continued progress against savings targets set out in the Council’s Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).

(Report of the Director of Place and Sustainability. To be in introduced by the Cabinet Member for Environment). The report seeks approval for the submission of the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Annual Spending Submission for 2014/15, the Cycling Fund Submission for 2014-17 and the three year Delivery Plan 2014-17 to Transport for London (TfL).

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Environment, which sought approval of the Local Implementation Plan (LIP) Annual Spending Plan Submission for 2014/15, the Cycling Funding Submission for 2014 to 2017 and the Three Year Delivery Plan 2014 to 2017 to Transport for London (TfL).

In response to a question Cabinet was advised that the allocations were based on an assessment of roads in the borough and this demonstrated that there was greatest need in the east of the borough; however, there was work planned for areas throughout the borough and these were detailed in the report.

RESOLVED:

That the Annual Spending Submission for 2014/15, Cycling Funding Submission for 2014 to 2017 and the Three Year Delivery Plan 2014 to 2017 to Transport for London (TfL) be approved.

Alternative options considered

The Annual Spending Submission and Delivery Plan support our approved LIP covering 2011 to 2031. It is, therefore, not considered necessary to consider other options.

Reasons for decision

Not applicable.

(Report of the Director of Place and Sustainability. To be in introduced by the Cabinet Member for Environment). The report seeks approval of changes to the Essential Service User and Business permit Schemes.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Environment, which set out the outcome of the review of the Essential Service Permit (ESP) and Business Permit Scheme. The report also sought approval to implement a number of improvements and highlighted changes needed firstly to the ESP scheme and secondly to the Business Permit Scheme.

In response to a question the Leader requested that officers looked at contacting businesses that made frequent local journeys, such as estate agents, and asked them to consider using electric cars and participating in car share schemes

RESOLVED:

1. That the qualifying criteria for the ESP scheme as set out in Appendix C, section 1.0, of the report be approved.

2. That it be agreed that the ESP charges for schools and ministers of religion be brought in line with current residential parking permit levels, as set out in Appendix C, section 2.1, of the report.

3. That the introduction of a new ‘Borough Wide’ and Utilities Business Parking Permit, as set out in Appendix C, section 3 of the report, be agreed in principle.

4. That the charges proposed for the ‘Standard Business’ permit and the ‘Borough Wide’ and Utilities Business Parking Permits, as set out in Appendix C, section 4 of the report, be agreed.

5. That officers be authorised to proceed to statutory notification on the proposals and that subject to any objections received during the notification period being addressed, approval be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Environment to proceed to implementation on 1 December 2013.

Alternative options considered

A number of alternative options were considered:

Essential Service Permits

Consideration was given to increasing the charge for schools and minister of religion to the same rate as other ESP users. While this option would result in uniformity with all ESPs being charged on one single basis with no concessions, it would increase the charge for schools and ministers of religion by up to 900%. It should be noted that schools only benefit from the permit during term time.

Business Permits

Consideration was given to limiting the business parking scheme to a zone specific arrangement only, however, this would not support the needs of a number of businesses that operate throughout the borough.

Reasons for decision

The Essential Service and Business Permits Schemes have not been reviewed in recent years. The changes recommended in this report will align them with current transport policy.

(Report of the Director of Children’s Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children). The report seeks approval of the creation of an outcomes focussed Strategy for Young People for 2014-2017.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance, Employment and Carbon Reduction, which sought approval of the creation of an outcomes focused strategy for young people for 2014 to 2017. The report also sought endorsement of proposals for the realignment of the current Youth Offer with the Haringey 54,000 transformation programme.

The Cabinet Member commended the report to Cabinet and noted that within the next six months proposals would be worked up and brought back to Cabinet for consideration.

RESOLVED:

1. That the creation of an outcomes focused Strategy for Young People for 2014 to 2017, based on local needs, be approved.

2. That the proposed realignment of the current Youth Offer with the Haringey 54,000 transformation programme be endorsed so that there was greater emphasis on providing a targeted universal offer.

3. That the progress made in strengthening the commissioning approach for young people and its alignment with the broader commissioning approach across the Children and Young People’s Service be noted and that this approach would underpin the strategy.

4. That Cabinet ask the Youth Council to review their own governance arrangements, including links to School Council’s, increasing the number of young people engaged in youth democracy and also to consider their own arrangements for election and representation and the alignment with broader democratic processes of the Council.

Alternative options considered

In order to ensure that our strategy for young people is consistent with the broader transformation programme and aspiration to have children and young people at the heart of our planning for this area these were the only recommendations Cabinet was asked to consider.

Reasons for decision

The proposals are intended to bring the Council further in line with best practice and national benchmarks and to support the promotion of improved outcomes for Haringey’s children and young people.

(Report of the Director of Place and Sustainability. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction). The report seeks approval for an award of contract for the Tottenham Green project.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Cabinet for Finance, Employment and Carbon Reduction, which sought approval for an award of contract for the Tottenham Green project.

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

RESOLVED:

1. That approval be given to an award of contract for the contract sum of £970,827.86 to T. Loughman and Co Ltd.

2. That, approval be given for a contingency sum (detailed in the exempt part of the report).

Alternative options considered

Do nothing - if nothing were to be done the regeneration aims for the area would not be achieved and GLA funding would be lost.

Partial works - the current scheme is already of a scaled down value engineered scheme. Reducing its scope further would endanger it from failing to meet its objectives set by the GLA.

Reasons for decision

The current Tottenham Green landscaping layout has resulted in worn grass, an under used green and local organisations without a green that it is fit for events or attractive enough to bring visitors to the area. The re-designed green addressed these problems.

(Report of the Director of Adult and Housing Services. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Housing). The report seeks approval of an award of contract for the door entry and CCTV improvement works at 1 to 85 Finsbury House and 1 to 85 Newbury House, Wood Green.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Leader of the Council, which sought approval for an award of contract to the successful tenderer, for door entry and CCTV improvement works at 1 to 85 Finsbury House and 1 to 85 Newbury House, Wood Green.

Exempt information pertaining to the report was considered under agenda Item 21.

RESOLVED:

1. That the award of contract for door and CCTV improvement works to SCCI Alphatrack Ltd be approved in the ward of Bounds Green for the tender sum of £337,923.23 (and client side provisional sum set out in paragraph 3.4 of the exempt part of the report) in accordance with Contract Standing Order (CSO) 9.07.1 (b) and 9.07.1 (d).

2. That professional fees for the contract for the sum of £33,792, be approved.

Alternative options considered

Although consideration was given to the option of maintaining the existing door entry and CCTV equipment, this option was rejected because the systems are likely to fail and replacement parts are becoming more difficult to source.

Recurrent problems with the systems result in a loss of service and reduced security for the residents affected.

Reasons for decision

The door entry and CCTV systems that currently serve 1 to 85 Finsbury House and 1 to 85 Newbury House require replacement because they have reached the end of their expected life, break down frequently and are becoming increasingly difficult and expensive to maintain.

The award of this contract will enable the systems to be replaced with modern door entry and CCTV systems that are more efficient and will provide residents with enhanced security.

(Report of the Director of Corporate Resources. To be introduced by the Cabinet Member for Finance and Carbon Reduction). The report seeks approval of the amended RIPA policy and procedures as detailed in the report.

Cabinet considered a report, introduced by the Leader of the Council, which set out changes to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000 and that presented an updated policy with respect to this for approval.

RESOLVED:

1. That the use of RIPA by the Council during 2012/13 be noted.

2. That the amended RIPA policy and procedures, set out in Appendix 1 of the report be approved and that it be agreed that officers listed in the appendix to Appendix 1 of the report be permitted to authorise directed surveillance and the use of covert intelligence under section 28 and section 29 of RIPA prior to prejudicial approval.

3. That it be noted that the Director of Corporate Resources is the senior Responsible Officer for oversight of RIPA in accordance with Home Office guidance.

Alternative options considered

Not applicable.

Reasons for decision

Not applicable.

To note the minutes of the following:

Ø  Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee – 27 June 2013

Ø  Children’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Advisory Committee Minutes – 2 July 2013

Ø  Decision by the Leader – 16 July 2013

Ø  Decision by the Leader – 30 July 2013

Ø  Cabinet Member Signing – 6 August 2013

Ø  Cabinet Member Signing – 21 August 2013

Ø  Cabinet Member Signing – 27 August 2013

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the following bodies be noted:

Ø  Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee – 27 June 2013

Ø  Children’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Advisory Committee Minutes – 2 July 2013

Ø  Decision by the Leader – 16 July 2013

Ø  Decision by the Leader – 30 July 2013

Ø  Cabinet Member Signing – 6 August 2013

Ø  Cabinet Member Signing – 21 August 2013

Ø  Cabinet Member Signing – 27 August 2013

(Report of the Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council). To note significant and delegated actions taken by Directors since the previous Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the significant and delegated actions taken Directors since the previous Cabinet meeting, as detailed in the report, be noted.

(Report of the Chief Executive. To be introduced by the Leader of the Council). To note decisions taken under urgency since the previous Cabinet meeting.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

There were no new items of urgent business.

Note from the Head of Local Democracy and Member Services

Items 20, 21, 22 and 23 allow for the consideration of exempt information in relation to Items 12, 13, 15 and 2 respectively.

RESOLVED:

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

To consider exempt information pertaining to Item 12 above.

Exempt information pertaining to the report was considered.

To consider exempt information pertaining to Item 13 above.

Exempt information pertaining to the report was considered.

To note the exempt minutes of the following meeting:

Ø  Children’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Advisory Committee Minutes - 2 July 2013

RESOLVED:

That the exempt minutes of the following be noted:

Ø  Children’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Advisory Committee Minutes - 2 July 2013

There were no new items of exempt urgent business.