Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Flewitt (Substitute: Councillor Lamb).

The Cabinet Committee received a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) that appraised Members of a petition comprising 47 signatures from the residents of Brighton Avenue, requesting the introduction of parking controls to provide priority for residents.  Having considered the views of the Traffic & Parking Working Party it was:

Resolved:

1.  That the petitioner for be thanked for taking the time to compile the petition.

2.  That no further action at this time.

Reason for Decision

To reflect a previous decision by this Committee.

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report.

Note:- This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee:

Executive Councillor: Councillor Cox

The Cabinet Committee received a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) that sought Members' approval to authorise the advertisement of the amendments and/or new waiting restrictions at the locations indicated in Appendix 1 to the report, in accordance with the statutory processes and, subject to there being no objections received following statutory advertisement, to arrange for the relevant orders to be sealed and implement the proposals.  Having considered the views of the Traffic & Parking Working Party it was:

Resolved:

That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) be authorised to publish the relevant statutory notice and undertake the necessary consultation for a traffic regulation order(s) for the following requests and, subject to there being no objections following statutory advertisement, to arrange for the order to be sealed and the proposals implemented:

(i) Alexandra Street – relocation of the Ambulance Bay;

(ii) Strand Wharf – Introduce prohibition of driving except for authorised access; and

(iii) Whittingham Avenue – Extend junction protection by a further 5m in Poynings Avenue from its junction with Whittingham Avenue.

Reason for Decision

To mitigate for likelihood of traffic flows being impeded, to improve safety or increase parking availability.

Other Options

Each request needs to be considered on its individual merits and their impact on public safety, traffic flows or parking and wider impact on the surrounding network. Members may consider taking no further action if they feel it is appropriate.

Note:- This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee:

Executive Councillor: Councillor Cox

Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Monday 8^th January 2018 be received, confirmed as a correct record and signed.

The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(a)  Councillor Borton – Agenda Item No. 5 (Members Requests List – Ref No. 17/31 - Reduce speeds in roads surrounding Earls Hall School) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives in Rochester Drive);

(b)  Councillor Ware-Lane – Agenda Item No. 5 (Members Requests List – Ref No. 17/36 - Introduce permit parking controls – Area west of North Road) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives in the vicinity;

(c)  Councillor Woodley – Agenda Item No. 4 (Objections to Traffic Regulation Orders – Tyrone Road and Fermoy Road) – Non-pecuniary interest: Lives in Tyrone Road; and

(d)  Councillor Woodley – Agenda Item No. 5 (Members Requests List – Ref No. 17/43 - Eastwoodbury Lane – Waiting restrictions between Bristol Road and Vickers Road) – Non-pecuniary interest: Daughter is a pilot at London Southend Airport.

Resolved:

That the submitted report be noted.

Note: This is an Executive Function.

Eligible for call in to all three Scrutiny Committees

Executive Councillor: as appropriate to the item.

At the meeting of Council held on 22^nd February 2018, Members received a notice of motion calling on the Council to implement free parking provision for veterans in respect of Remembrance Day Services within the Borough.

Resolved:

That the existing arrangements in respect of Remembrance Sunday be formalised and continued and that similar car parking concessions be extended to Armistice Day.

Reasons for Decision:

To respond to the notice of motion.

Other Options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Cox

At the meeting of Council held on 22^nd February 2018, Members received a notice of motion calling on the Council to work in partnership to promote the availability of water refill points in Southend and to give consideration to ways that the public can access drinking water, in order to reduce the use and disposal of plastics in the town.

This had been proposed by Councillor Gilbert and seconded by Councillor McDonald.

Resolved:

1. That officers be requested to investigate the provision of a tap to the outside of the toilet block at City Beach, one of the Borough’s busiest areas, and to renew any taps that may need improvements.

2. That officers be requested to improve signposting for drinking water taps, as some are out of sight (the information can be added to the website, tourist information centre, and associated material on safety in the hot weather).

3. That the campaign generally be supported (via the Media team), whilst acknowledging the Council’s current activities.

Reasons for Decision:

To respond to the notice of motion.

Other Options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Cox

Resolved:

That the minutes of the special meeting held on 13^th February 2018 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 13^th February 2018 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the special meeting held on 29^th January 2018 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 18^th January 2018 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive covering the treasury management activity and compliance with the treasury management strategy for both quarter three and the period from April to December 2017.

Resolved:

1. That the Quarter Three Treasury Management Report for 2017/18, be approved.

2. That it be noted that the treasury management activities were carried out in accordance with the CIPFA (The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy) Code of Practice for Treasury Management in the Public Sector during the period from April to December 2017.

3. That it be noted that the loan and investment portfolios were actively managed to minimise cost and maximise interest earned, whilst maintaining a low level of risk.

4. That it be noted that an average of £47.4m of investments were managed in-house.  These earned £0.157m of interest during this nine month period at an average rate of 0.44%.  This is 0.27% over the average 7 day LIBID and 0.14% over the average bank base rate.

5. That it be noted that an average of £5.0m was managed by an enhanced cash fund manager.  This earned £0.023m during this nine month period at an average rate of 0.62%.

6. That it be noted that an average of £15.2m was managed by two short dated bond fund managers.  This earned £0.176m during this nine month period from a combination of an increase in the value of the units and income distribution, giving a combined return of 1.54%.

7. That it be noted that an average of £16.3m was managed by two property fund managers.  This earned £1.353m during this nine month period from a combination of an increase in the value of the units and income distribution, giving a combined return of 11.01%.

8. That it be noted that the level of borrowing from the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) (excluding debt relating to services transferred from Essex County Council on 1^st April 1998) remained at the same level of £227.8m (Housing Revenue Account (HRA): £77.0m; GF: £150.8m) during the period from April to December 2017.

9. That it be noted that the level of financing for ‘invest to save’ capital schemes increased from £7.90m to £8.80m during the period from April to December 2017.

Reasons for Decision:

The CIPFA Code of Practice on Treasury Management recommends that Local Authorities should submit reports regularly.  The Treasury Management Policy Statement for 2017/18 set out that reports would be submitted to Cabinet quarterly on the activities of the treasury management operation.

Other options:

There are many options available for the operation of the Treasury Management function, with varying degrees of risk associated with them.  The Treasury Management Policy aims to effectively control risk to within a prudent level, whilst providing optimum performance consistent with that level of risk.

Note: This is an Executive Function.

Eligible for call-in to: Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Moring

Resolved:

That, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the item of business set out below, on the grounds that it would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on 9^th January 2018 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

The following Member declared an interest as indicated:

Councillor Byford – Agenda Item 9 (Notice of Motion: Parking Provision for Remembrance Day Services) – non-pecuniary interest – son is a Commanding Officer of 1312 Squadron.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Cox, Flewitt and Moring.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) presenting the guideline school term and holiday dates for the academic year 2019/20.

Resolved:

That the school term and holiday dates for 2019/20 as set out in Appendix 1 of the submitted report, as a guide to schools, be approved.

Reasons for Decision:

As set out in the report.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function.

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Courtenay

Resolved:

That the submitted report be noted.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to the relevant Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: as appropriate for the item

The Cabinet Committee received a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) that appraised Members of the requests received from Members of the Council, together with officers’ recommendations relating to those requests.  Having considered the views of the Traffic & Parking Working Party it was:-

Resolved:

1.  That no further action be taken in respect of the following requests and that they be removed from the list:

(i) Request Reference No. 17/32 – Provide pedestrian refuge at the junction of Southbourne Grove, Bridgwater Drive and Carlton Avenue;

(ii) Request Reference No. 17/33 – Provide measures to prevent reduced visibility at junction of Shakespeare Drive and West Road;

(iii) Request Reference No. 17/37 – Reposition of pedestrian refuge in Leigh Broadway at junction with Leigh Hill;

(iv) Request Reference No. 17/39 – Provision of ambulance bay at the Health Centre, London Road near junction of Marguerite Drive;

(v) Request Reference No. 17/42 – Introduce alternate month parking restrictions on the bend in North Crescent in the vicinity of No. 168;

(vi) Request Reference No. 17/43 – Introduce waiting restrictions in Eastwoodbury Lane between Bristol Road and Vickers Road (to be incorporated with Request Reference No. 16/01);

(vii) Request Reference No. 17.44 – Introduce waiting restrictions in Warner’s Gardens to prevent long term parking close to the entrance of the allotments (to be incorporated with Request Reference No. 16/01);

(viii) Request Reference No. 17/45 – Extension of existing waiting restrictions at the entrance of the allotments on the north side of Manchester Drive westwards;

(ix) Request Reference No. 16/04 – Harden verges in Silversea Drive;

(xi)  Request Reference No. 17/06 – Introduce waiting restrictions in Teigngrace to deter residents in neighbouring street parking.

2.  That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) be authorised to publish the statutory notices and undertake the necessary consultation for the relevant traffic regulation order(s) in respect of the following requests and, subject to there being no objections following statutory advertisement, to arrange for the order to be sealed and the proposals implemented:

(i) Request Reference No. 17/30 – Introduction of limited waiting restrictions in Southchurch Boulevard adjacent to the Church, the timing of which to be in consultation with the Ward Councillors;

(ii) Request Reference No. 17/40 – Introduce waiting restrictions for one hour on the newly created bays in Riviera Drive, the timing of which to be determined by officers, in consultation with the Ward Councillors;

(iii) Request Reference No. 17/41 – The reduction of the terminal hour of the operational time of the Queensway East PMS from 9.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.;

(iv) Request Reference No. 17/47 – Introduce waiting restrictions on the south-east kerbline of Hinguar Street outside Saxon Court;

(v) Request Reference No. 16/04 – Introduce a “clearway” restriction in Campfield Road; and

(vi) Request Reference No. 17/05 – Extend waiting restrictions in Elm Road, Shoeburyness at its junction with Wakering Road;

3.  That the update in respect of the following requests as set out in the report be noted:

(i) Request Reference No. 17/46 – Introduction of one hour waiting restrictions in Thames Close to deter commuter parking;

(ii) Request Reference No. 16/01 – Introduction of waiting restrictions to deter parking in Rochford Road Service Road; and

(iii) Request Reference No. 17/402 – Harden verges in Mansell Close.

4.  That, in respect of Request Reference No. 17/31, the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) be authorised to undertake the necessary consultation for the introduction of a 20mph zone in the area around Earls Hall School comprising Colemans Avenue, Midhurst Avenue and Henleys Crescent, with the exclusion of the use of speed cushions.

5.  That, in respect of Request Reference No. 17/34, regarding the introduction of measures to prevent accidents at the junction of Prince Avenue with Westbourne Grove, the performance of the recently installed skid resistant surfacing be monitored.

6.  That, in respect of Request Reference No. 17/36, the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) be authorised to commence the formal consultation process for the introduction of permit parking controls in the area west of North Road, Westcliff on Sea.

7.  That, in respect of Request Reference No. 17/36, the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) be requested to investigate the introduction of traffic calming measures in Marine Parade, Leigh on Sea.

8.  That consideration of Request Reference No. 17/35 for the introduction of accident prevent measures in Ness Road at its junction with Maya Close be deferred to enable further solutions to be investigated..

Reasons for Decision

To provide a rationalised and consistent management and decision-making process for all formal requests for highways and traffic management improvements by Ward Councillors via the Traffic & Parking Working Party and Cabinet Committee.

Other Options

Each request needs to be considered on its individual merits and their impact on public safety, traffic flows or parking and wider impact on the surrounding network. Members may consider taking no further action if they feel it is appropriate.

Note:- This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to Place Scrutiny Committee:

Executive Councillor: Councillor Cox

The Cabinet Committee received a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) that appraised Members of the representations that had been received in response to the statutory consultation for proposed Traffic Regulation Orders in respect of various proposals within the Borough.

The report sought the Cabinet Committee's approval on the way forward in respect of all of these proposals, after having considered the views of the Traffic & Parking Working Party following consideration of all the representations that had been received in writing and at the meeting.  Large scale plans of the proposals were displayed at the meeting.

With reference to the proposals for Tyrone Road and Fermoy Road, the Cabinet Committee noted the recommendations of the Traffic & Parking Working Party to proceed with the restrictions but felt that, in view of the comments from the doctor’s surgery, no further action should be taken in this regard.

Resolved:

1.  That no further action be taken in respect of the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council (Various Roads) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Permit Parking Zones)(Consolidation) Order 2016 (Amendment No. 1) Order 2017.

2.  That no further action be taken in respect of the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council (Various Roads) (Consolidation of Moving Traffic and Speed Limit) Order 2006 (as amended) (Amendment No 2) Order 2018.

3.  That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) be authorised to confirm the Southend-on-Sea Borough Council (Various Roads) (Stopping, Waiting, Loading and Unloading Prohibitions and Restrictions, Parking Places and Permit Parking Zones)(Consolidation) Order 2016 (Amendment No. 3) Order 2018 as advertised, subject to the following amendments so as to reduce the effect of the Order:

(a) Rayleigh Road – remove proposed waiting restrictions on the north side from its junction with Eastwood Park Drive westwards to approximately the western boundary of No. 274 Rayleigh Road; and

(b)  The Rodings – reduce the length of proposed waiting restrictions on the west side from its junction with Rayleigh Road to the entrance of the No 15 The Rodings

4.  That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) be authorised to confirm the Borough of Southend-on-Sea (Off-Street Parking Places) Consolidation Order 2005 (As amended) (Amendment No. 1) Order 2018 as advertised.

Reason for Decision

The proposals aim to improve the operation of the existing parking controls to contribute to highway safety and to reduce congestion.

Other Options

Each proposal needs to be considered on its individual merits and their impact on public safety, traffic flows or parking and wider impact on the surrounding network. Members may consider taking no further action if they feel it is appropriate.

Note:- This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Councillor Cox

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) providing an update on the current position regarding the future provision for Secondary School places across the Borough from 2018-2020 and beyond.

Resolved:

1. That the position regarding the provision of sufficient secondary school places, be noted.

2. That the decision to pursue a Free School option be reversed in favour of the expansion in existing secondary schools.

Reasons for Decision:

The decision to revert to an expansion as opposed to a free school has been taken for a number of reasons as set out in the submitted report.

Other options:

The decision previously taken by Cabinet was in effect the alternative option.

Note: This is an Executive Function.

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Courtenay

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) setting out the core accommodation requirements for the development of Forum 2, which the Council is taking forward in partnership with South Essex College and provided an update on the South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) funding bid to support the scheme.

Resolved:

1. That the content of the Design Brief for Forum 2, including the initial statement of the Council’s requirements in respect to gallery spaces and a digital workspace hub, be approved.

2. That the current budgetary position in relation to the development of Forum 2, including the partners’ progress in securing funding from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership Local Growth Fund, alongside the proposed completion date and programme for delivery, be noted.

3. That the proposed procurement route and the project governance arrangements, including the establishment of a joint Council/College Sponsoring Group and Project Board, be approved.

4. That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) be approved as the Project Executive and, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Culture, Tourism and the Economy, be given delegated authority to appoint the Main Design Team and Cost Consultant to progress the design from RIBA Stage 2 (Concept Design) through to RIBA Stage 7 (In Use).

Reasons for Decision:

To establish an agreed design brief position from which the Council, in partnership with the College, may progress the project alongside a formal project governance and management framework providing a solid foundation for the successful delivery of the project.

Other options:

As set out in the submitted report.

Note: This is an Executive Function.

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Holland

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) setting out the interim results of the Council’s Fire Safety Review, which was established following the Grenfell Tower fire on the 14^th June 2017.

Resolved:

1. That the work undertaken by the Council and South Essex Homes in respect to Fire Safety, be noted and endorsed.

2. That a further update be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet.

Reasons for Decision:

As a result of the Grenfell Tower Fire the Council undertook a fundamental review of its fire safety policies and procedures and put in place appropriate resources to ensure it maintains its buildings in a safe condition whilst upgrading them where this is appropriate and practicable.

Other Options:

The Council could decide to maintain all operational properties in their current condition with fire improvement works and, where practicable, to bring them up to the requirements of the latest Building Regulations when they next undergo major alterations and/or extension. All operational buildings would still meet statutory requirements although it could be argued that the Council would not be meeting the section of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that requires Employers to ‘put in place, and maintain, appropriate fire safety measures’. This option has, therefore been discounted.

The Council could commit to bringing all operational buildings up to current Building Regulation requirements.  However, this will not always be practicable due to the construction and/or age of the building; the building may be listed on the National Heritage List for England, which could limit what works could be undertaken; or changes could be financially unviable. This option has, therefore been discounted.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Flewitt

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) presenting the Annual Education Report (AER) on the retrospective performance of Southend Schools for the academic year 2016/17.

Resolved:

1. That the new format of the Annual Education Report be noted.

2. That the Annual Education Report, recognising the very positive outcomes for learners across all Key Stages, be approved.

Reasons for Decision:

Recognition of the very strong performance of Southend Schools should be celebrated and the new AER will allow more people to access their achievements.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Courtenay

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) presenting the Council’s Annual Procurement Plan for 2018/19.

Resolved:

That the Annual Procurement Plan 2018/19 set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

Reasons for Decision:

Approval of the Annual Procurement Plan is a requirement of the Council’s Constitution.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Moring

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) updating the standard conditions used to grant and renew the licences for persons carrying on establishments for massage or special treatments under the Essex Act 1987 and proposing the adoption of best practice Codes of Practice specific to the different treatments being offered.

Recommended:

Reasons for decisions:

To continue to maintain best practice and keep pace with the development of new treatments which are licensable under the Essex Act 1987 for massage or special treatment.

Other options:

To continue with the existing conditions in these establishments.

Note: This is a Council Function.

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Cox

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) presenting the draft Southend Shoreline Strategy.

Resolved:

1. That the Southend Shoreline Strategy document for managing the Borough’s coastal defences into the future, subject to approval by the Environment Agency, be adopted.

2. That the Deputy Chief Executive (Place), in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Transport, Waste and Regulatory Services, be authorised to approve the final strategy, following Environment Agency approval.

3. That it be noted that the total value of the Strategy at £410m (Present Value £134m) over a 100 year period, of which part will need to be funded from the Council’s Capital Programme whilst other funding may include Flood Defence Grant-in-Aid and other external sources.

4. That the Strategy will be supported by an appropriate governance process, as set out in Paragraph 6 of the submitted report.

5. That the submission of the Strategy to the EA Large Project Review Group (LPRG) in June 2018, be approved.

Reasons for Decision:

There is a need to develop sub-regional elements of the Shoreline Management Plan into a more in-depth strategy for the Borough. 

Adopting a comprehensive strategy and submitting it to the EA Large Project Review Group will enable the Council to maximise access to supporting funds.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Cox

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) setting out a Sex Establishments draft Statement of Licensing Policy as a basis for formal consultation.

Recommended:

Reasons for Decision:

To allow the Council to update the policy giving clearer guidance to applicants and objectors.

Other options:

Not to publish a revised policy and keep the existing one which is now outdated.

Note: This is a Council function.

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Executive Councillor: Cllr Cox