Meeting documents

Cabinet
Tuesday, 20th January, 2015 2.00 pm

Place:
Civic Suite, Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea
 

Attendance Details

ItemDescriptionResolution
Part I
561 Apologies for absence.
 There were no apologies for absence.
562 Declarations of interest.
 The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(a) Councillor Assenheim - Draft Housing Revenue Account Budget 2015/16 and Rent Setting - Member of South Essex Homes Board - non-pecuniary interest

(b) Councillor Gilbert - Draft General Fund Revenue Budget 2015/16 - Member of GMB - non-pecuniary interest

(c) Councillor Gilbert - Minutes of Grants Strategy Working Party - 17th December 2015 - Non-voting Board Member of SAVS - non-pecuniary interest
563 Outcome of the Review of the Decision to Close Priory House and Redevelop Delaware House
Business for item 563
Resolved:-

1. That the decision made in November 2013 to close Priory House is not endorsed and implementation stopped with immediate effect.

2. That the decision made in November 2013 to establish a dedicated dementia facility be supported in principle, subject to the revised approach set out below and further consultation where required.

3. That residents, relatives & carers, and staff at Delaware House and Priory House be informed of the position.

Short-term arrangements

4. That the progress on making a revenue saving of £540k in 2014/15 in respect of Priory House and Delaware House be noted, and that £167k from the Business Transformation Reserve be used to finance revenue expenditure in 2015/16, whilst details of a medium-term solution are finalised.

5. That capital works to Priory House to address issues identified in a recent condition survey be undertaken and that a sum of £225k be earmarked from the Council's Capital Reserve.

6. That, subject to the outcome of consultation with users, their carers and affected staff, the Priory Day Service be closed from July 2015.

Delivery of medium-term solution

7. That the establishment of a Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) or Charitable Trust be approved in principle. This LATC or Charitable Trust will be designed to deliver dementia care facilities (and other Council services), subject to necessary consultation and such model being demonstrated to be viable through an independent assessment of a detailed feasibility study and business case.

8. That a detailed and costed feasibility study be undertaken in respect of establishing a new dementia facility to replace both Priory House and Delaware House, such facility to be located on a site comprising Priory House and the adjoining school site.

9. That the sum of £100k be earmarked in the Business Transformation Reserve to fund the consultation, investigations and studies referred to in 7 and 8 above.

Reason for Decision

To provide an opportunity to develop a new, modern, integrated care home facility whilst at the same time allowing for the potential development of a Local Authority Trading Company that could, over time, take on responsibility for other adult social care provider services.

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Referred direct to People Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor:- Norman
*Referred to:- People Scrutiny Committee
564 Future Development for Viking Day Opportunities
Business for item 564
Resolved:-

1. That Option 1, namely the construction of a new Learning Disabilities Day Centre and a new dementia, frail and elderly care home on the Priory House/School site, be the preferred option, thereby releasing the Avro and Delaware House sites to the surplus assets pool for redevelopment/sale.

2. That a detailed feasibility study, including design and cost information, be commissioned and funded from the Business Transformation Reserve.

3. That the preferred option be worked up in detail and submitted for planning approval and if permission is granted then, subject to the cost plan demonstrating that the project (including site preparation) can be fully delivered within the agreed budget, it can be implemented.

4. That the information set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to the submitted report be noted.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Referred direct to People Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor:- Norman MBE
*Referred to:- People Scrutiny Committee
565 Council Tax Base and National Non Domestic Rating Base 2015/16
Business for item 565
Resolved:-

1. That in accordance with the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) Regulations 1992 (as amended by the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2003) and Local Government Finance Act 2012 (Calculation of billing authority's council tax base Section 15):-

(a) That the Local Council Tax Support Scheme for 2015/16 approved by Council on 11th December 2014, be incorporated into the Council Tax base setting as outlined in Appendices A and B to the submitted report.

(b) That there are no changes to Council Tax discounts and exemptions with effect from 1st April 2015 to those that were originally approved by Council on 13th December 2012 and that these will be incorporated into the Council Tax Base:-

• Second homes (Classes A and B) as allowed by Section 11A of the Local Government Finance Act 2012 will be set at 0%.
• Long-term empty homes (Class C) as allowed by Section 11A of the Local Government Finance Act 2012, a surcharge of 50% will be set allowing a full charge of 150% where they have been unoccupied for more than 2 years.
• Properties requiring or undergoing structural alteration or major repairs (Class D) as allowed by Section 11A of the Local Government Finance Act 2012 be entitled to receive a discount of 25% for up to 12 months.
• Vacant and substantially unfurnished properties (Class C) as allowed by Section 11A of the Local Government Finance Act 2012 be entitled to receive a discount of 100% for up to 3 months. If Class D is applicable then there is no entitlement to Class C.
• That a continuous 6 week period of occupancy is required between empty periods before a further discount can be awarded.

2. That it be noted that the amount calculated by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council as its Council Tax Base for the year 2015/16 shall be 54,591.12.

3. That it be noted that the amount calculated by Southend-on-Sea Borough Council as the Council Tax Base in respect of Leigh-on-Sea Town Council for the year 2015/16 shall be 8,442.91.

4. That the NNDR1 form attached at Appendix C to the submitted report, be approved for submission to the DCLG.

Reason for Decision

To comply with the relevant statutory requirements.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor:- Woodley
*Referred to:- Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
566 Draft Housing Revenue Account Budget 2015/16 and Rent Setting
Business for item 566
Resolved:-

1. That an average rent increase of 4.45% effective from 6th April 2015, be endorsed.

2. That subject to 1 above, the HRA budget as set out in appendix 1 to the submitted report, be endorsed.

3. That the increases in other charges as set out in section 5 of the submitted report, be endorsed.

4. That the management fee proposed by South Essex Homes as set out in section 6 of the submitted report, be noted.

5. That the appropriations to the Repairs Contract Pensions earmarked reserve and the HRA Capital Investment earmarked reserve, as set out in section 7 of the submitted report, be noted.

6. That the proposal to declare the value of the Council's capital allowance for 2015/16 at £32.302m, as determined in accordance with regulation 16 of the Local Authorities (Capital Finance and Accounting) (England) Regulations, be endorsed.

Reason for Decision

Part of the process of maintaining a balanced budget for the HRA is to consider and set a rent rise (and associated increases in other income streams). Full Council needs to approve the HRA budget prior to the start of the financial year.

Other Options

As set out in the submitted report.

Note:- This is an Executive Function, save that approval of the final budget following Cabinet on 12th February 2015 is a Council Function.
Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor:- Norman MBE
*Referred to:- Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
567 Draft Capital Programme 2015/16 to 2018/19
Business for item 567
Resolved:-

1. That the current approved Programme for 2015/16 to 2017/18 of £100.1m, as set out in appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That the changes to the approved Programme, as set out in appendix 2 to the submitted report, be noted.

3. That the proposed new schemes and additions to the Capital Programme for the period 2015/16 to 2018/19 (and later years) totalling £49.0m of which £41.2m is for the General Fund and £7.8m for the Housing Revenue Account, as set out in appendices 6 and 7 to the submitted report, be endorsed.

4. That it be noted that the proposed new schemes and additions, as set out in appendices 6 and 7 to the submitted report, along with other adjustments as set out in appendix 2 to the report, will result in a proposed capital programme of £156.9m for 2015/16 to 2018/19 (and later years), as set out in appendix 8 to the report.

5. That it be noted that the level of external funding supporting the total programme of £156.9m for the period 2015/16 to 2018/19 (and later years) is £57.8m.

6. That it be noted that a final exercise is being undertaken on the 2014/15 projected outturn and that the results will be included in the report to Cabinet on 12th February 2015.

Note:- This is an Executive Function, save that approval of the final budget following Cabinet on 12th February 2015 is a Council Function.
Referred direct to all three Scrutiny Committees.
Executive Councillor:- Woodley
*Referred to:- People Scrutiny Committee
*Referred to:- Place Scrutiny Committee
*Referred to:- Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
568 Draft Fees & Charges 2015/16
Business for item 568
Resolved:-

That the proposed fees and charges for each Department as set out in the submitted report and appendices, be endorsed.

Reason for Decision

Part of the process of maintaining a balanced budget includes a requirement to consider the contribution that fees and charges make towards that aim. This report is in fulfilment of that requirement.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function, save that approval of the final budget following Cabinet on 12th February 2015 is a Council Function.
Referred direct to all three Scrutiny Committees.
Executive Councillor:- Woodley
*Referred to:- People Scrutiny Committee
*Referred to:- Place Scrutiny Committee
*Referred to:- Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
569 Draft General Fund Revenue Budget 2015/16
Business for item 569
Resolved:-

1. That the 2015/16 draft revenue budget and any required commencement of consultation, statutory or otherwise, be endorsed.

2. That it be noted that the draft budget has been prepared on the basis of a Council Tax increase of 1.95% and the consequent rejection of the Government's Council Tax freeze grant offer for 2015/16.

3. That it be noted that the 2015/16 draft revenue budget has been prepared using the provisional local government finance settlement and that the outcome from the final settlement will need to be factored into the final budget proposals for the Cabinet and Council.

4. That it be noted that the 2015/16 draft revenue budget has been prepared on the basis of using £1.888m from earmarked reserves to allow for a smoothing of the budget gap across the next three financial years with a consequent replenishment of those reserves in 2016/17 and 2017/18.

5. That the 2015/16 draft revenue budget, as approved, be referred to the Scrutiny Committees to inform Cabinet, which will then recommend the Budget and Council Tax to Council.

6. That the Schools budget position and recommendations from the Schools Forum on 14th January 2015, as set out in Appendices 14 and 14(i) to the submitted report, be noted and referred to People Scrutiny Committee before going to Cabinet and Council.

7. That the direction of travel for 2016/17 and beyond, as set out in section 15 of the submitted report, be endorsed.

Reason for Decision

Budget setting is at the core of the Council's corporate planning framework. It is a complex process that is fully integrated with strategic and service planning. Annually, prior to the start of the financial year, the Council agrees its budget using a consistent, transparent and prudent approach.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function, save that approval of the final budget following Cabinet on 12th February 2015 is a Council Function.
Referred direct to all three Scrutiny Committees.
Executive Councillor:- Woodley
*Referred to:- People Scrutiny Committee
*Referred to:- Place Scrutiny Committee
*Referred to:- Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
570 Combined Authority / Economic Prosperity Board Consultation
Business for item 570
Resolved:-

1. That the suggested response, as set out in appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved for submission to the Government before 26th January 2015.

2. That the Council signals its intention to work with Thurrock Council to pursue a Combined Authority for South Essex.

Reason for Decision

To respond to the Government consultation.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Referred direct to Place Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor:- Woodley
*Referred to:- Place Scrutiny Committee
571 Minutes of the Meeting of Grants Strategy Working Party held on Monday, 8th December 2014

 Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Grants Strategy Working Party held on Monday 8th December 2014, be noted.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Referred direct to Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor:- Gilbert
*Referred to:- Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
572 Minutes of the Meeting of the Grants Strategy Working Party held on Tuesday, 9th December 2014

 Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Grants Strategy Working Party held on Tuesday 9th December 2014, be noted.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Referred direct to Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor:- Gilbert
*Referred to:- Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
573 Minutes of the Meeting of the Grants Strategy Working Party held on Monday, 15th December 2014

 Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the Grants Strategy Working Party held on Monday 15th December 2014, be noted.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Referred direct to Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor:- Gilbert
*Referred to:- Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
574 Minutes of the Meeting of the Grants Strategy Working Party held on Wednesday, 17th December 2014
Business for item 574
Resolved:-

1. That, subject to the approval of the budget, the following groups be commissioned for 3 year funding agreements to deliver the outcomes listed below for the amounts detailed from the main grants budget:

(a) Outcome 1 (to provide support to those who are homeless, long-term homeless or at risk of being homeless or in dire circumstances, that develops self-sufficiency and independence): HARP - £159,050

(b) Outcome 2 (to provide good quality, easily accessible and legally based advice and support services): CAB - £211,050

(c) Outcome 3 (to provide effective and robust positive opportunities for routes back into work for vulnerable and disadvantaged young people aged 16-25 years): SUCET - £21,420

(d) Outcome 4 (to provide over 60s with positive opportunities to stay independent and active): Age Concern - £37,080

(e) Outcome 5 (to provide effective and robust positive opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged people aged 25+ years to stay active in the community): Southend Mencap - £30,003

(f) Outcome 6 (to provide community-based support to those who are victims of domestic abuse and its effects): SOSDAP - £17,510

(g) Outcome 7 (centre supporting voluntary action; an independent support and development organisation set up to champion, support and strengthen local charities, voluntary and community groups): SAVS - £84,460

(h) Outcome 8 (to promote and encourage meaningful volunteering across the Borough): SAVS - £25,750

2. That, subject to the approval of the budget, an additional award be made in respect of Outcome 3 to the Southend YMCA in the sum of £20,000 for an initial period of 1 year.

3. That, subject to the approval of the budget, an additional award be made in respect of Outcome 4 to SUCET in the sum of £8,404 towards the Senior Shrimpers Fit for Life Café for an initial period of 1 year to enable discussions for partnership working with Age Concern.

4. That, subject to the approval of the budget, the remaining balance of the main grants budget be retained for in-year grants and any awards be delegated to the Chief Executive & Town Clerk in consultation with the Chairman of the Working Party.

Reason for Decision

To enable funding to be awarded to a number of local voluntary sector organisations from the main grants budget.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Referred direct to Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor:- Gilbert
*Referred to:- Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
14:00/14:45

Attendance Details

Present:
Councillor R A Woodley (Chairman)
Councillors M Assenheim, I D Gilbert, A P Jones, G E Longley, D A Norman MBE, M W Terry
In attendance:
R Tinlin, J K Williams, S Holland, S Leftley, A Lewis, A Atherton, J Chesterton, J Ruffle, J Williams, I Ambrose, C Fozzard, A Keating and C Gamble

Also present: Councillors T Callaghan, L Davies, N J Folkard, J L Lamb, J W Moyies, C A Mulroney and L P Salter

Business

ItemBusiness
563The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People detailing the outcome of the review of the decision to close Priory House and re-develop Delaware House, along with proposals for the future direction of both care homes and delivery of adult social care services.
564The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People updating Members on the preferred option for the future new build and location for Viking Day Opportunities.
565The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate Services concerning the calculation of the Council Tax Base for 2015/16 and the submission of the National Non Domestic Rates (NNDR1) form to the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) by 31st January 2015.
566The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Corporate Director for Corporate Services and Corporate Director for People setting out the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) budget for 2015/16 together with the information necessary to set a balanced budget as required by legislation.
567The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Management Team setting out a draft programme of capital projects for the period 2015/16 to 2018/19 and later years.
568The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Management Team detailing fees and charges for services included in the budget proposals for 2015/16.
569The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Management Team presenting the draft revenue budget for 2015/16.

It was noted that the description of the proposed budget saving PE34 (SEN Reform Grant - £20,000) set out in Appendix 12 to the submitted report should read as follows: "This saving will be achieved through the off-setting of a proportion of management costs within the SEN Service against the SEN Reform Grant. This grant is potentially time limited and therefore carries a potential risk which is mitigated by the size of the off-set which is small in proportion to the total salary budget for the team".

Members of the Cabinet acknowledged the sterling work undertaken in the preparation of the draft budget and asked that their thanks and appreciation to those involved be recorded.
570The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for Place setting out a suggested response to the Government's consultation on proposals to use a Legislative Reform Order to give local authorities greater flexibility in forming a Combined Authority or Economic Prosperity Board.
574The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Grants Strategy Working Party concerning the Community Commissioning Programme 2015.

 

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