Agenda and minutes

Agreed.

Received a report providing an update on progress with the preparation for Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bids for Eastbury Manor House and the Valence House Museum site.

Agreed, in order to safeguard the historic fabric of both Eastbury Manor and Valence House and to provide the fullest opportunities for the public access and enjoyment of the Borough’s heritage, that the following two bids, as detailed in the report, be submitted to the Heritage Lottery Fund:

·  The Stage III renovation and interpretation works to Eastbury Manor House and gardens; and

·  The re-development of the Valence House site to create a vibrant local history centre, museum and archive.

Received a report advising of the intention to seek tenders for the installation of an audio entry system and new wooden screens and doors to the communal areas at Ibscott Close and Wyhill Walk.

Agreed that a further report be presented to the Executive on 16 December 2003, advising of the results of the tender evaluation process and to seek approval to appoint the successful contractor, in order to improve security and the aesthetic look of the Estate in conjunction with the ongoing improvements to this area and assist the Council in achieving its Community Priority of “Making Barking and Dagenham Cleaner, Greener and Safer”.

Received a report seeking approval to change the name of the ‘Neighbourhood Caretaking Service’ to ‘Neighbourhood Estate Services Team’.  The report also set out proposals for the procurement of uniforms and a revised rollout programme for the service.

Agreed, in order to allow the service to commence on 1 December 2003, that:

1. The Service be named in consultation with the Lead Member;

2. The Director of Housing and Health be authorised to procure the new uniforms and protective clothing for the workforce in accordance with the Corporate Branding Policy; and

3. The Director of Housing and Health implements the revised rollout programme for the new service.

Received a report outlining the progress made and resource implications to deliver the Tenancy Audit, which is being conducted to ensure the true identity of council tenants and to check whether they are keeping to the terms of the tenancy.  A pilot exercise has showed that unauthorised occupants occupied a number of properties.

Agreed, in order to ensure that legal tenants are occupying the allocated property and are complying with the conditions of the tenancy, that:

1. A rolling 10% Tenancy Audit be carried out at a cost of £67,768 per annum which can be met from existing budgets;

2. A Report be submitted to the Executive in April 2004 to evaluate the success and cost effectiveness of the project; and

3. A report be submitted to the Executive to explore the potential for other Council officers to carry out identity checks, during the normal course of their duties.

Received a report reviewing current arrangements against the framework for good Corporate Governance in local Government, produced by CIPFA and SOLACE.  The report also presented a draft local Code of Corporate Governance for adoption and publication.

Agreed to recommend the Assembly to adopt the draft Code of Corporate Governance and agree its inclusion in the Council’s Constitution in order to comply with the Corporate Governance Framework set by CIPFA and SOLACE and to respond positively to the advice of the Council’s external auditors.

Received a report outlining proposals for the development of a comprehensive community based services to provide mental health care and treatment for the residents of Barking and Dagenham.

Agreed, in order to draw together both local and national influences and achieve consensus on the way forward for the comprehensive development of mental health services for the residents of Barking and Dagenham, to:

1. Endorse the Mental Health Strategy for consultation over the next three months; and

2. Receive a further report following the consultation period, finalising proposals for the development of services.

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