Meeting documents

Cabinet
Tuesday, 7th January, 2014 2.00 pm

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

Attendance Details

ItemDescriptionResolution
Part I
633 Apologies for absence.
 There were no apologies for absence.
634 Declarations of interest.
 Councillor Woodley - Provision of Primary School Places/School Admission Arrangements/Early Years, School Standards and Inspection Outcomes (Agenda items 9, 10, 13) - non-pecuniary interest - School Governor at Thorpe Greenways.
635 Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 5th November, 2013
 Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 5th November 2013 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.
636 Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 19th November, 2013
 Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 19th November 2013 be confirmed as a correct record and signed.
637 New Year Honours
 The Leader of the Council informed Members that Carol Compton, the Council's Manager of the Integrated Youth Service, had been awarded an MBE for services to children and families. Councillor David Norman had also been awarded an MBE for his services to adult education. Members of the Cabinet congratulated Carol and David for receiving such well-deserved recognition.
638 Pre-Cabinet Scrutiny Items
 The following items had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny:

- Airport Business Park
- Provision of Primary School Places
- Southend-on-Sea Vulnerable Adults Board Annual Report
- Southend Streetscape Manual Supplementary Planning Document
639 Notice of Motion - Community Pubs
Scrutiny Comment for item 639
Business for item 639
Resolved:-

That the motion is not accepted as important pubs could be more effectively protected through the use of the relevant provisions of the Localism Act 2011, which allows local groups a right to identify and nominate individual pubs to be listed as an asset of community value.

Reason 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:- J Garston
*Called in to:- Place Scrutiny Committee
640 Airport Business Park
Scrutiny Comment for item 640
Business for item 640
Resolved:-

1. That subject to the adoption of the Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP) as referred to in the submitted report, the land north of Aviation Way identified in the JAAP for development as a business park be actively marketed and brought forward for development as the Airport Business Park, including a MedTech Campus.

2. That a sum of £10 million be put forward for consideration as part of the Capital Programme review profiled over 2015 to 2018 to support the development of the Airport Business Park, particularly to fund any up-front infrastructure, enabling works and renewable energy and to address any existing tenancies.

3. That subject to the final decisions on overall funding of the scheme in the development arrangement, the capital outlay be recovered through the sale of some parts of the land and from on-going revenue generation through ground rents and other income-generating opportunities (including from renewables if achievable).

4. That the progress made in bringing forward the MedTech Campus be noted, particularly the award of European Regional Development Fund money to develop and deliver a £5.24 million package of support to medical technology businesses and supply chains. In addition, the progression of an Assisted Living workstream by the partnership which is investigating assisted living technology, be noted.

5. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Corporate Services, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Corporate Services, to engage appropriate professional advice and support up to financial close with a development partner.

6. That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to select the preferred development partner following the outcome of the OJEU procurement process.

7. That the possibility of locating a solar farm in the area north of the proposed development be explored.

Reason for Decision

To ensure that the Council can bring forward the development of the Airport Business Park and can present it as part of a package which includes Council land and pump-priming funding alongside other investment from alternative funding sources including the private sector, SELEP, HM Treasury and Essex County Council.

Other Options

Not to bring forward development at this time. However, this would mean that Harlow and Chelmsford would gain commercial advantage in harnessing the marketing power of the MedTech campus and better place themselves to support the cluster of high tech business it is hoped that the development will bring. Delaying development would not support the proposed economic and employment growth on the back of the JAAP and the success of London Southend Airport.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
Executive Councillor:- Moring
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny.
*Called in to:- Place Scrutiny Committee
641 Council Debt Position 2013/14 - April to November
Scrutiny Comment for item 641
Business for item 641
Resolved:-

1. That the current outstanding debt position as of 30th November 2013 and the position of debts written off to date in 2013/14, as set out in Appendices A and B to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That the individual write-offs greater than £25,000 as set out in Appendix B to the submitted report, be approved.

Reason for Decision

To inform Members of the position on outstanding debts.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call in to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor: Moring
*Called in to:- Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee
642 Southend on Sea Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Board Annual Report 2012/13
Business for item 642
Resolved:-

That the report and priorities for 2013/14, be noted.

Reason for Decision

To ensure the Council is informed of the position in respect of safeguarding vulnerable adults in Southend.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call in to People Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor: Salter
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny.
643 Provision of Primary School Places
Scrutiny Comment for item 643
Business for item 643
Resolved:-

1. That subject to 4 below, the permanent expansion of the Federated Thorpe Greenways Infant and Junior Schools to provide one additional form of entry from September 2015, be approved.

2. That subject to 4 below, the permanent expansion of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School to provide one additional form of entry from September 2015, be approved.

3. That subject to 4 below, the permanent expansion of Hamstel Infant and Junior Schools to provide one additional form of entry from September 2015, be approved.

4. That a statutory joint consultation be undertaken with the Diocese of Brentwood concerning the provision of primary places in central Southend, that being the significant enlargement of: Hamstel Infant and Junior Schools, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, St. Helen's Catholic Primary School and The Federated Thorpe Greenways Infant and Junior School.

5. That the decision to proceed to the statutory stage be delegated to the Corporate Director for People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, if there are no strong objections.

6. That the permanent expansion of Darlinghurst Primary School to provide one additional form of entry from September 2015, be approved.

Reason for Decision

To address the demand for school places in future years.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call in to People Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor: Courtenay
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny.
*Called in to:- People Scrutiny Committee
644 School Admission Arrangements for 2015/16
Business for item 644
Resolved:-

1. That the community schools admission arrangements for the 2015/16 academic year as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

2. That the 2015/16 Coordinated Admissions Scheme as set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved.

Reason for Decision

The determination of the admission arrangements for community schools and the Coordinated Admission Scheme for all schools is a legislative requirement.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call in to People Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor: Courtenay
645 Adoption Service Annual Report
Scrutiny Comment for item 645
Business for item 645
Resolved:-

1. That the Adoption Service Annual Report, be noted.

2. That the updated Statement of Purpose as set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved.

Reason for Decision

To approve the updated Statement of Purpose and to receive the Annual Report in accordance with the statutory requirements.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call in to People Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor: Courtenay
*Called in to:- People Scrutiny Committee
646 Fostering Service Annual Report
Business for item 646
Resolved:-

1. That the Fostering Service Annual Report, be noted.

2. That the updated Statement of Purpose as set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved.

Reason for Decision

To approve the updated Statement of Purpose and to receive the Annual Report in accordance with the statutory requirements.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call in to People Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor: Courtenay
647 Report on Early Years, School Standards and Inspection Outcomes
Scrutiny Comment for item 647
Business for item 647
Resolved:-

1. That the school performance and inspection outcomes, be noted.

2. That the approach to schools causing concern, be noted.

3. That the implementation of the Southend Challenge (the strategy for the third and final year of Improving Learning Together), together with its aspiration of increasing the level of challenge within and between schools, be noted.

Reason for Decision

To advise Members of school performance and inspection outcomes.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function
Eligible for call in to People Scrutiny Committee
Executive Councillor: Courtenay
*Called in to:- People Scrutiny Committee
648 Annual Report on Safeguarding Children
Scrutiny Comment for item 648
Business for item 648
Resolved:-

That the report and 2014/15 priority areas, be noted.

Reason for Decision

To ensure the Council is informed of the position in respect of safeguarding children in Southend and to agree areas for further development.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call in to People Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor: Courtenay
*Called in to:- People Scrutiny Committee
649 Southend Streetscape Manual Supplementary Planning Document 3 (SPD3)
Business for item 649
Recommended:-

That the proposed amendments to the Streetscape Manual SPD, be approved.

Reason for Decision

To ensure that a consistent and managed approach to the design and maintenance of the Borough's streets and public realm is adopted.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is a Council Function.
Eligible for call in to Place Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor: J Garston
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny.
650 A127/B1013 Tesco Junction Improvement Local Pinch Point scheme
Business for item 650
Resolved:-

1. That subject to the formalities of the grant agreement being signed off by the S151 Officer, the grant funding be accepted.

2. That the preliminary design proposals and the preliminary programme for design and construction, including the advertisement of any necessary traffic regulation orders, be approved.

3. That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, Waste and Transport, to agree the detailed design following circulation of these details to all Members and discussions with the Leaders of the opposition parties.

4. That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive and Corporate Director for Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Public Protection, Waste and Transport, to approve the appointment of the successful contractor through the Framework Contract in place.

Reason for Decision

It has been identified that the proposed option is the best scheme to support the development of the Airport Business Park, employment and housing growth and will support delivery of the JAAP and is able to be delivered within Local Pinch Point Fund timescales.

Other Options

None.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Eligible for call in to Place Scrutiny Committee.
Executive Councillor: Cox
14:00/14:40

Attendance Details

Present:
Councillor N Holdcroft (Chairman)
Councillors J I Courtenay, T Cox, J M Garston, D J Jarvis, J L Lamb, A J Moring, L P Salter
In attendance:
R Tinlin, S Leftley, A Lewis, A Atherton, J Williams, J Chesterton, I Ambrose, J Roberts and Colin Gamble

Scrutiny Comment

ItemComment
639 Called in by Councillors M L Borton and I D Gilbert.
Final call on 14/01/2014 at 16:48
640 Called in by Councillors M L Borton and I D Gilbert.
Final call on 14/01/2014 at 16:48
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

"1. That subject to the adoption of the Joint Area Action Plan (JAAP) as referred to in the submitted report, the land north of Aviation Way identified in the JAAP for development as a business park be actively marketed and brought forward for development as the Airport Business Park, including a MedTech Campus.

2. That a sum of £10 million be put forward for consideration as part of the Capital Programme review profiled over 2015 to 2018 to support the development of the Airport Business Park, particularly to fund any up-front infrastructure, enabling works and renewable energy and to address any existing tenancies.

3. That subject to the final decisions on overall funding of the scheme in the development arrangement, the capital outlay be recovered through the sale of some parts of the land and from on-going revenue generation through ground rents and other income-generating opportunities (including from renewables if achievable).

4. That the progress made in bringing forward the MedTech Campus be noted, particularly the award of European Regional Development Fund money to develop and deliver a £5.24 million package of support to medical technology businesses and supply chains. In addition, the progression of an Assisted Living workstream by the partnership which is investigating assisted living technology, be noted.

5. That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director for Corporate Services, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Corporate Services, to engage appropriate professional advice and support up to financial close with a development partner.

6. That authority be delegated to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader, to select the preferred development partner following the outcome of the OJEU procurement process.

7. That the possibility of locating a solar farm in the area north of the proposed development be explored."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Moring
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny.
641 Called in by Councillors G Longley and P Collins.
Final call on 14/01/2014 at 17:27
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

"1. That the current outstanding debt position as of 30th November 2013 and the position of debts written off to date in 2013/14, as set out in Appendices A and B to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That the individual write-offs greater than £25,000 as set out in Appendix B to the submitted report, be approved."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor: Moring
643 Called in by Councillors G Longley and P Collins.
Final call on 15/01/2014 at 14:44
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

"1. That subject to 4 below, the permanent expansion of the Federated Thorpe Greenways Infant and Junior Schools to provide one additional form of entry from September 2015, be approved.

2. That subject to 4 below, the permanent expansion of Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School to provide one additional form of entry from September 2015, be approved.

3. That subject to 4 below, the permanent expansion of Hamstel Infant and Junior Schools to provide one additional form of entry from September 2015, be approved.

4. That a statutory joint consultation be undertaken with the Diocese of Brentwood concerning the provision of primary places in central Southend, that being the significant enlargement of: Hamstel Infant and Junior Schools, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, St. Helen's Catholic Primary School and The Federated Thorpe Greenways Infant and Junior School.

5. That the decision to proceed to the statutory stage be delegated to the Corporate Director for People, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Children and Learning, if there are no strong objections.

6. That the permanent expansion of Darlinghurst Primary School to provide one additional form of entry from September 2015, be approved."

Executive Councillor: Courtenay
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny on 26th November 2013 (Minute 541 refers).
645 Called in by Councillors G Longley and P Collins.
Final call on 15/01/2014 at 14:44
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

"1. That the Adoption Service Annual Report, be noted.

2. That the updated Statement of Purpose as set out in Appendix 2 to the submitted report, be approved."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor: Courtenay
647 Called in by Councillors M L Borton and I D Gilbert.
Final call on 15/01/2014 at 14:42
Supported by G Longley, P Collins
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

"1. That the school performance and inspection outcomes, be noted.

2. That the approach to schools causing concern, be noted.

3. That the implementation of the Southend Challenge (the strategy for the third and final year of Improving Learning Together), together with its aspiration of increasing the level of challenge within and between schools, be noted."

Note:- This is an Executive Function
Executive Councillor: Courtenay
648 Called in by Councillors M L Borton and I D Gilbert.
Final call on 14/01/2014 at 16:50
Resolved:-

That the following decision of Cabinet be noted:

"That the report and 2014/15 priority areas, be noted."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor: Courtenay

Business

ItemBusiness
639At the meeting of Council held on 12th December 2013, Members received the following Notice of Motion in relation to Community Pubs which was proposed by Councillor Ware-Lane and seconded by Councillor Crystall (this had been referred to Cabinet in accordance with Standing Order 8.4).

"Southend-on-Sea Borough Council notes the possibility of submitting the following proposal to the Government under the Sustainable Communities Act:

That the Secretary of State help protect community pubs in England by ensuring that planning permission and community consultation are required before community pubs are allowed to be converted to betting shops, supermarkets and pay-day loan stores or other uses, or are allowed to be demolished.

The Council notes that if this power was acquired it would allow the Council to determine if pubs should be demolished or converted into other uses and could save many valued community pubs.

The Council resolves to submit the proposal to the government under the Sustainable Communities Act and to work together with Local Works and the Campaign for Real Ale to gain support for the proposal from other Councils in the region and across the country".
640The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate Services updating Members on the progress of the Airport Business Park Development (including the MedTech Campus initiative), the procuring of a development partner and identified the need for Council funding for 2015-2018.
641The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for Corporate Services informing Members of the current outstanding debt to the Council as of 30th November 2013 as well as providing information on debts that had been written off or recommended for write off in the current financial year.

On consideration of the report, the Head of Finance and Resources advised that the figures in Appendix A to the report in relation to Penalty Charge Notices had been updated. In relation to the debt prior to 1st April 2013, the net collectable debt was £6,692k, the amount paid as of 30th November 2013 was £5,600k leaving the amount outstanding at £1,092k. In respect of the current year (2013/14) debt, the net collectable debt at 30th November was £1,287k, the amount paid by that date was £903k leaving the amount outstanding at £384k.
642The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People informing Members of the publication of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Board Annual Report 2012/13.
643The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People outlining proposals to secure sufficient reception school places across the Borough.

Members noted that the School Places Working Party had been established at the meeting of the Council held on 12th December 2013.
644The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People concerning future admission arrangements for community schools and the Coordinated Admission Arrangements Scheme.
645The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People on the activities of the Adoption Service in 2013 and set out the updated Statement of Purpose. The Adoption scorecard (Appendix 3) was circulated at the meeting.
646The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People on the activities of the Fostering Service in 2013 and set out the updated Statement of Purpose.

On consideration of the report, Members of the Cabinet acknowledged the excellent work undertaken by the Fostering Team and the positive outcomes that had been achieved.
647The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People advising Members of the educational standards achieved by Southend pupils at the end of the academic year 2012/13 and the rate of exclusions and school absence during the same period. The report also advised Members of the inspection outcomes for schools inspected under the new framework.
648The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for People providing an annual assurance assessment in respect of the Council's responsibilities for safeguarding children in Southend.
649The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for Place presenting the Southend Streetscape Manual Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) and informing Members of the amendments made following the conclusion of the statutory consultation period.
650The Cabinet considered a report of the Corporate Director for Place informing Members of the current position with regard to the A127/B1013 Tesco Junction Improvement Local Pinch Point scheme.

In referring to the funding of the scheme, the Corporate Director updated information in the report by confirming that there would be a balance left in the Capital Programme of £0.688m to progress the design of the Bell and Kent Elms Corner schemes.

Members of the Cabinet acknowledged the sterling work of the officers who had contributed to securing the grant for the scheme.

 

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