Agenda and minutes

Agreed.

Appendix 3 - Spend Profile will be circulated separately.

Withdrawn.

Withdrawn.

Received a report seeking approval for attendance at conferences in accordance with the Council’s Conference, Visits and Hospitality Rules.

Agreed:

1.  The Director of Housing and Health and two other officers to attend the Chartered Institute of Housing Conference;

2.  Three delegates to attend the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Conference and Exhibition 2003; and

3.  Three delegates to attend the Local Government Association Housing Conference 2003.

Received a report setting out the findings of the Best Value Review of School Attendance. 

Agreed to recommend the Assembly to agree the recommendations outlined in the Action Plan which will lead to significant improvements in the Access and Attendance Service, in line with the principles of best value over the next five years.

Received a report presenting the Youth Support and Development Service Strategic Plan for 2003/06 and Delivery Plan for 2003/04 produced in response to the new Government requirements for Local Authority Youth Services.

Agreed, in order to meet the requirements of the Department for Education and Skills’ (DfES) ‘Transforming Youth Work’ agenda, to submit the plans to the Government Office for London.

Further to Minute 288 (28 January 2003), received a report proposing an appeal system for permanent offers of accommodation.  The 2002 Homeless Act granted a further right of review for homeless applicants.  This now includes appeals against the suitability of offers of accommodation.

Agreed, in order to allow officers to make decisions with the appropriate delegated authority, to:

1.  The Rehousing Team Leaders for each Community Housing Partnership deciding appeals made against offers of accommodation for transfer and waiting list applicants;

2.  The authority to deal with appeals against permanent offers of accommodation to homeless applicants being delegated to the existing section 202 Review Panel; and

3.  The Principal Advice Manager chairing the section 202 Review Panel to decide upon the suitability of permanent offers made to homeless applicants. 

A copy of the draft response to the Audit requirement will be circulated separately.

Following the Laming Report into the death of Victoria Climbie, Local Authorities are required to submit to the Department of Health a self-audit of their services. 

Agreed, in order to comply with the requirements of the Laming Report, to submit the self audit and action plan to the Department of Health.

The Chief Executive, the Executive Director for Health and Social Care and the Director of Education, Arts and Libraries are planning an audit, during the late summer, of how children are protected in support of the Area Child Protection Committee.

Received a report proposing a ‘Spend to Save’ initiative to improve the Council’s procurement over the next three years.  The initiative proposes increased resources to provide additional operational support, training and guidance for procurement by the Council.

Agreed, in order to produce substantial savings through improving the Council’s procurement, to:

1.  Fund the proposals as set out in the report from reserves at a cost of £173,000 over three years; and

2.  Receive 6 monthly reports on the savings made through this initiative.

Agreed to exclude the public and press for the remainder of the meeting, as the business was confidential.

Agreed following comprehensive evaluation, to accept the tenders which offered the most economically advantageous solution for the Council from:

1.  Glenny for the Commercial Estate Management Contract, to run for the period 1 June 2003 to 31 May 2006 with an option, subject to mutual agreement and adequate performance, to extend for a further two years.

2.  Kemsley, Whiteley & Ferris for the Professional Services Contract, to run for the period 1 June 2003 to 31 May 2006 with an option, subject to mutual agreement and adequate performance, to extend for a further two years.

* Item considered as a matter of urgency with the consent of the Chair under section 100(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972