Agenda and minutes

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, Members are asked to declare any interest they may have in any matter which is to be considered at this meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meetings held on 25 September and 7 October 2014 were confirmed as correct.

The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report on the Council’s capital and revenue position for the 2014/15 financial year, as at 31 August 2014.

The General Fund showed a projected end of year spend of £169.6m against the total approved budget of £165.32m, which represented a further £0.8m overspend on the position as at the end of July.  The Cabinet Member for Finance advised that the Children’s Services budget was continuing to show considerable in-year pressures totalling £4.652m and a detailed report on the reasons for the forecast overspend, together with the options for substantially reducing or eliminating the overspend, would be presented to the next meeting of the Cabinet.  To assist in dealing with the overspend position in the meantime, it was proposed that the budget savings agreed by Cabinet under Minute 31(ii) of the last meeting should be implemented as soon as possible wherever it was practical to do so.

The Cabinet Member also referred to the proposal to release £500,000 from the Adult and Community Services revenue reserve to fund future implementation costs in relation to the Council’s duties under the Care Act 2014, as well as plans to include a new £709,000 scheme in the Capital Programme to acquire and demolish the former Remploy site in Creek Road, Barking.

It was further noted that the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) continued to show a projected break-even position for the year while the Capital Programme showed a projected spend of £145.076m against the total revised budget of £155.981m. 

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Note the projected outturn position for 2014/15 of the Council’s General Fund revenue budget at 31 August 2014, as detailed in paragraphs 2.4 to 2.9 and Appendix A of the report;

(ii)  Agree to the implementation of any savings proposal agreed by Minute 31 (7 October 2014) in the current financial year where it is possible to do so;

(iii)  Agree to the use of £500,000 from the Adult and Community Services reserve to fund work on the implementation of the Care Act 2014, as detailed in paragraph 2.4 of the report;

(iv)  Note the progress against the agreed 2014/15 savings at 31 August 2014, as detailed in paragraph 2.10 and Appendix B of the report;

(v)  Note progress against the agreed 2014/15 HRA savings as detailed in paragraph 2.11 and Appendix B of the report;

(vi)  Note the overall position for the HRA at 31 August 2014, as detailed in paragraph 2.11 and Appendix C of the report;

(vii)  Note the projected outturn position for 2014/15 of the Council’s capital budget as at 31 August 2014, as detailed in paragraph 2.12 and Appendix D of the report and

(viii)  Approve the new capital budget of £709,000 for a Regeneration scheme to acquire and demolish the former Remploy site on Creek Road as detailed in paragraph 2.12 of the report.

Further to Minute 47 (22 October 2013), the Cabinet Member for Regeneration presented a report on the progress of the transport projects that had previously been identified as integral to unlocking regeneration opportunities in the Borough, together with additional projects that had been identified in the light of the Council’s new vision and priorities.

The Cabinet Member spoke on each of the 10 projects and outlined some of the benefits that those who lived, worked and travelled through the Borough could expect from their delivery.  He explained that while the projects were not listed in any particular order of priority, investment in and improvements to the A13 underpinned many of the other projects in view of its status as the main road network through the Borough and into central London.  Key aspects of that project were to improve traffic flow between Lodge Avenue and Gale Street, potentially through the creation of an underpass, as well as improvements to the Renwick Road junction and the replacement of the Lodge Avenue flyover.  One of the new projects in the listing related to the re-categorising of Barking Station from Zone 4 to Zone 4/3 and the renaming of the Hammersmith and City line to the Hammersmith to Barking line, which the Cabinet Member commented would be far more reflective of the route and serve to highlight Barking’s prominence in the rail network.

The Cabinet Member explained that the timing of a number of the projects were dependent on the progression of wider initiatives and, to that end, it was noted that a number of other London Boroughs, including those that formed the proposed new Growth Boroughs group, were also planning to lobby the Government and the Mayor of London for major investment in the capital’s transport infrastructure.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree to support and lobby for the following key transport projects to assist in delivering the five growth hubs:

1.  A13 as a priority transport corridor for investment to relieve congestion and facilitate movement

2.  Barking to Stratford direct rail link with ultimately an eastern spur of Crossrail

3.  New C2C stop at Dagenham East underground station

4.  Moving Barking Station from zone 4 to zone 4/3 and renaming Hammersmith and City line, Hammersmith to Barking line.

5.  Direct rail access from Stratford to Stansted

6.  London Overground extension to Barking Riverside (zone 3/4) and Abbey Wood Crossrail Station and  continued safeguarding of the DLR extension to Dagenham Dock.

7.  Barking Station Improvements

8.  New road river crossing from South Hornchurch to Belvedere followed by Gallions Reach to Woolwich.

9.  Barking Riverside to Gallions Reach river crossing.

10.Improved links to Royal Docks, Barking Riverside, South Dagenham, Chadwell Heath and Romford

(ii)  Agree the actions listed in paragraph 2.41 of the report to support the delivery of the above transport projects.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration reported on Transport for London’s public consultation on options for new road-based river crossings between east and south east London.

The four proposals related to an enhanced Woolwich ferry service, a new ferry service between Gallions Reach and Thamesmead, a new bridge between Gallions Reach and Thamesmead and a new bridge between Rainham and Bexley.  The Cabinet Member referred to the benefits associated with each scheme and the links to many of the transport projects referred to in Minute 37 above, particularly the need for improvements to the A13.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree the Council’s response to the river crossings consultation as follows:

1.  Supports both fixed-link road crossings in east London; Belvedere should be built first and be pursued as a top priority by Transport for London so that it is built by 2025 to support growth in Barking and Dagenham.

2.  Requires improvements to the A13, including a replacement flyover at Lodge Avenue and Renwick Road Junction Improvements be completed by 2021 irrespective of which option is pursued;

3.  States that if the Belvedere option proceeds then the impacts on boroughs roads to the north and A13 must be assessed in more detail and the appropriate improvements made in advance.

4.  States that if the Gallions Reach option proceeds that it must accommodate East London Transit.

5.  States that a new road link across the River Roding to Barking Riverside must be provided for local traffic and public transport.

6.  Reiterates support for the London Overground extension from Barking Riverside to Abbey Wood, but that this should not be seen as an alternative to the proposed river crossings.

(ii)  Agree that the Council works with neighbouring North East London Strategic Alliance and Growth Boroughs to press the case for a fixed crossing as soon as possible.

Further to Minute 84 (22 January 2013), the Cabinet Member for Regeneration reported on the latest phase of the process to implement a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), which would largely take over from Section 106 planning agreements as the primary means of obtaining a contribution from developers towards new infrastructure requirements.

The Cabinet Member referred to the areas that would be funded by CIL contributions in the future and those that would continue to be funded via Section 106 monies.  He also advised that the Planning Inspector responsible for examining the Council’s proposals had recommended that the charging schedule was appropriate and should be approved in its published form.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Recommend the Assembly to adopt the LBBD Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule as set out at Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii)  Approve the introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy rates from 2 March 2015;

(iii)  Approve that how residents and businesses are consulted on the neighbourhood CIL allocation be agreed on a case by case basis, in agreement with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration;

(iv)  Agree to allow the payment in kind of CIL by land or infrastructure payments;

(v)  Approve the S106 / Planning Obligations Planning Advice Note; and

(vi)  Delegate authority to the Divisional Director for Regeneration, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, to make any final amendments permitted by the Examiner’s Report

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration reported on the proposed renaming of the Northern Relief Road, Barking.

A number of options had been considered and the Cabinet Member advised that the preferred option was Gurdwara Way, in recognition of the prominent location of the Sikh temple on the non-residential road as well as the contribution of the Sikh community to the local area and the nation as a whole.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Approve the proposed renaming of the Northern Relief Road to Gurdwara Way; and

(ii)  Authorise officers to carry out the necessary statutory procedures to confirm the change of name.

The Leader of the Council introduced a report on proposals to procure contracts for the provision of children’s early intervention support services, the current contracts for which expired in April 2015.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree that the Council proceeds with procurement of a three year contract, with an extension option of two years, for Bespoke Early Intervention Support Packages Service for Children In Need, Children in Care and Children Subject to a Child Protection Plan in accordance with the strategy set out in the report; and

(ii)  Authorise the Corporate Director for Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care, the Chief Finance Officer and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to conduct the procurement and award the contract to the successful bidder in accordance with the strategy.

The Leader of the Council presented a report on the proposed procurement of translating and interpreting services.

The Leader advised that the current arrangements for the service, arranged via the East London Solutions partnership, were due to expire in March 2015 and the intention was for the Council to procure its own contract.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree that the Council proceeds with procurement of a three year contract, with an option to extend for up to two years, for translating and interpreting services in accordance with the strategy set out in the report; and

(ii)  Authorise the Corporate Director of Adult and Community Services and the Head of Strategy and Communications, in consultation with the Leader, the Chief Finance Officer and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to conduct the procurement and award the contract to the successful bidder in accordance with the strategy.

The Leader advised that he had accepted a question on the report from Councillor Young. 

Councillor Young asked why it was proposed not to require tenderers to apply the London Living Wage (LLW) to their bids when the Cabinet had established a policy last year that all staff would be paid a minimum of £9 per hour, which exceeded the LLW.  Councillor Young also asked for clarification as to whether tenderers who applied the LLW in their submissions would be favoured above those who did not.

The Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the report and explained that the decision taken by the Cabinet under Minute 91(i) (12 February 2013) related only to Council and agency staff and had not been applied to contractors.  The Cabinet Member advised that the additional cost of applying the LLW to the contract was estimated at £250,000 per year, which would not be appropriate in the current financial climate.  With regard to the assessment of tenders, the Cabinet Member referred to the proposed evaluation criteria of 60% price / 40% quality.

Cabinet resolved to:

(i)  Agree the procurement of a new four year term contract, with the possibility to extend for a further one year subject to satisfactory performance, for the supply of Security Industry Authority (SIA) licensed security personnel in accordance with the strategy set out in the report;

(ii)  Agree not to require the London Living Wage to be applied to services provided by the successful tenderer; and

(iii)  Authorise the Corporate Director for of Adult and Community Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Crime and Enforcement, the Chief Finance Officer and the Head of Legal and Democratic Services, to conduct the procurement and award the contract to the successful bidder in accordance with the strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health presented a report on domestic and sexual violence issues and the work being undertaken by the Council and partner agencies to reduce crime in those areas and to support victims and others affected.

It was noted that Barking and Dagenham appeared in the mid-range of London Boroughs for sexual violence offences per 1,000 population for the rolling 12 month period ending August 2014 but was considerably higher than all other London Boroughs in respect of domestic violence offences, having experienced a 25% increase over the past year.  The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health advised that although increased public awareness of referral processes may go some way to explain Barking and Dagenham’s position, a multi-partner group had been established to look in detail into the issue to ensure that all was being done to tackle the problem.

The Leader spoke in support of the work being undertaken, which was being overseen by the Health and Wellbeing Board, and also referred to the “Walk In Her Shoes” initiative taking place on 25 October 2014 and “Women Empowerment Month” in March 2015.

Cabinet resolved to note the report.

(The Chair agreed that this item could be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency under the provisions of Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 in order to ensure transparency and fairness in the appointment of temporary and agency workers and to introduce new measures to ensure value for money and tight budget control in the light of the Council’s financial position.)

The Cabinet Member for Central Services introduced a tabled report on proposed changes to the Council’s Temporary and Agency Worker policy.

The Cabinet Member advised that the main changes related to the processes for the recruitment and review of consultant and interim manager appointments, which in future would involve consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and relevant Portfolio Holder.  The main aims of the changes were to minimise costs, linked to the Council’s non-essential expenditure freeze, and to maximise career opportunities for permanent Council staff.

Cabinet resolved to agree the revised Temporary and Agency Worker Policy as attached at Appendix A to the report.