There were no apologies for absence at this meeting.

There were no apologies for absence at this meeting.

The following declarations of interest were made:

(a) Cllr Burton – Agenda Item 11 (SEND Strategy) – works at a local school;

(b) Cllr George – Agenda Items 21 and 22 (Minutes of the Shareholder Board held 12^th October and 8^th November relating to Porters Place LLP) – brother-in-law serves on the Board of Sanctuary Housing Association;

(c) Cllr Mitchell – Agenda Item 9 (Options for the procurement of the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure Contract) – Chair of Hamlet Court Road in Harmony which is in receipt of community investment board funds;

(d) Cllr Wakefield –Agenda Items 21 and 22 (Minutes of the Shareholder Board held 12^th October and 8^th November relating to Porters Place LLP and South Essex Homes) – Sanctuary Housing is one of his customers and a sub-contractor for South Essex Homes;

(e) A Richards – Agenda Items 21 and 22 (Minutes of the Shareholder Board held on 12^th October and 8^th November 2022 relating to Porters Place LLP) - Council appointed representative on the Porters Place LLP Board.

The following declarations of interest were made:

(a) Cllr Burton – Minute 458 (SEND Strategy) – works at a local school;

(b) Cllr George – Minutes 468 and 469 (Minutes of the Shareholder Board held 12^th October and 8^th November relating to Porters Place LLP) – brother-in-law serves on the Board of Sanctuary Housing Association;

(c) Cllr Mitchell – Minute 456 (Options for the procurement of the Voluntary Sector Infrastructure Contract) – Chair of Hamlet Court Road in Harmony which is in receipt of community investment board funds;

(d) Cllr Wakefield – Minutes 468 and 469 (Minutes of the Shareholder Board held 12^th October and 8^th November relating to Porters Place LLP and South Essex Homes) – Sanctuary Housing is one of his customers and a sub-contractor for South Essex Homes;

(e) A Richards – Minutes 468 and 469 (Minutes of the Shareholder Board held on 12^th October and 8^th November 2022 relating to Porters Place LLP) - Council appointed representative on the Porters Place LLP Board.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 26 July 2022 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 26 July 2022 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 24 August 2022 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 24 August 2022 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 29 September 2022 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Resolved:

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Thursday, 29 September 2022, be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) reviewing the Council’s financial performance.

Recommended:

Reasons for recommendations:

1. The regular reporting of Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring information provides detailed financial information to Councillors, senior officers and other interested parties on the financial performance of the Council.  It sets out the key variances being reported by budget holders and the associated management action being implemented to address any identified issues.  It also informs decision making to ensure that the Council’s priorities are delivered within the approved budget provision.

2. It is important that any adverse variances are addressed in order for the Council to remain within the approved budget provision or where this cannot be achieved by individual service management action, alternative proposals are developed and solutions proposed which will address the financial impact. Councillors will have a key role in approving any actions if the alternative proposals represent significant changes to the service delivery arrangements originally approved by them.

3. The challenge of delivering a balanced financial outturn for 2022/23 is significant. Some positive improvement has been achieved from Period 4 to 6, but further urgent action is needed to try to reduce all non-essential expenditure and/or generate extra income.  This priority must be achieved whilst ensuring that our most vulnerable residents are looked after appropriately, and our statutory responsibilities are effectively discharged.

Other options:

The Council could choose to monitor its budgetary performance against an alternative timeframe, but it is considered that the current reporting schedule provides the appropriate balance to allow strategic oversight of the budget by Councillors and to also formally manage the Council’s exposure to financial risk. More frequent monitoring is undertaken by officers and considered by individual service Directors and the Council’s Corporate Management Team (CMT) including the implementation of any necessary remedial actions.

Note: This is a Council Function

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

Cabinet Members: Cllr George and Cllr Collins

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) reviewing the Council’s financial performance.

Recommended:

Reasons for recommendations:

1. The regular reporting of Revenue and Capital Budget Monitoring information provides detailed financial information to Councillors, senior officers and other interested parties on the financial performance of the Council.  It sets out the key variances being reported by budget holders and the associated management action being implemented to address any identified issues.  It also informs decision making to ensure that the Council’s priorities are delivered within the approved budget provision.

2. It is important that any adverse variances are addressed in order for the Council to remain within the approved budget provision or where this cannot be achieved by individual service management action, alternative proposals are developed and solutions proposed which will address the financial impact. Councillors will have a key role in approving any actions if the alternative proposals represent significant changes to the service delivery arrangements originally approved by them.

3. The challenge of delivering a balanced financial outturn for 2022/23 is significant. Some positive improvement has been achieved from Period 4 to 6, but further urgent action is needed to try to reduce all non-essential expenditure and/or generate extra income.  This priority must be achieved whilst ensuring that our most vulnerable residents are looked after appropriately, and our statutory responsibilities are effectively discharged.

Other options:

The Council could choose to monitor its budgetary performance against an alternative timeframe, but it is considered that the current reporting schedule provides the appropriate balance to allow strategic oversight of the budget by Councillors and to also formally manage the Council’s exposure to financial risk. More frequent monitoring is undertaken by officers and considered by individual service Directors and the Council’s Corporate Management Team (CMT) including the implementation of any necessary remedial actions.

Note: This is a Council Function

Called-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Members: Cllr George and Cllr Collins

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) presenting the mid-year Treasury Management Report covering the treasury management activity for both quarter two and the period from April to September 2022.

Resolved:

1. That the Treasury Management Mid-Year Position report for 2022/23, 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 September 2022.

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 £1.393m of interest and income distributions for all investments were earned during this six-month period at an average rate of 1.62%.  This is 0.40% over the average SONIA rate (Sterling Overnight Index Average) and 0.34% over the average bank rate.  Also, the value of the externally managed funds decreased by a net of £1.687m due to changes in the unit price, giving a combined overall return of -0.34%.

5. 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 £347.3m (Housing Revenue Account (HRA): £74.2m, General Fund: £273.1m) during the period from April to September 2022 at an average rate of 3.46%.

6. That it be noted that the level of financing for ‘invest to save’ schemes decreased from £8.39m to £8.30m during the period from April to September 2022.

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 2022/23 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 and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) presenting the mid-year Treasury Management Report covering the treasury management activity for both quarter two and the period from April to September 2022.

Resolved:

1. That the Treasury Management Mid-Year Position report for 2022/23, 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 September 2022.

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 £1.393m of interest and income distributions for all investments were earned during this six-month period at an average rate of 1.62%.  This is 0.40% over the average SONIA rate (Sterling Overnight Index Average) and 0.34% over the average bank rate.  Also, the value of the externally managed funds decreased by a net of £1.687m due to changes in the unit price, giving a combined overall return of -0.34%.

5. 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 £347.3m (Housing Revenue Account (HRA): £74.2m, General Fund: £273.1m) during the period from April to September 2022 at an average rate of 3.46%.

6. That it be noted that the level of financing for ‘invest to save’ schemes decreased from £8.39m to £8.30m during the period from April to September 2022.

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 2022/23 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 and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

Report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Transport East Transport Strategy which was referred back to Cabinet by the Place Scrutiny Committee held on Monday 10^th October 2022 (Minute 338 refers).

On consideration of the report, the Cabinet noted the comments from the Place Scrutiny Committee concerning the need for a new major east-west corridor from Shoeburyness to be included in the strategy.

Resolved:

That the Transport East Transport Strategy, set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be endorsed.

Reasons for decision:

1. To endorse the Strategy, not adopt it.  The Strategy fully aligns and supports our current Local Transport Plan 3, will inform and support the emerging Local Plan and Local Transport Plan 4.  The Strategy supports Southend’s 2050 ambitions, Southend’s Green City Action Plan, our Net Zero ambitions and levelling up agenda through improved access to jobs, skills, training and services. 

2. The Strategy supports the work of Opportunity South Essex and the Association of South Essex Local Authorities vision to deliver a decarbonised, integrated public transport system.  Rebalance modal priorities in favour of active and sustainable modes and reducing carbon emissions with the aim for South Essex to become carbon neutral ahead of national targets.

3. Department for Transport tasked Transport East to develop a Transport Strategy to set a single voice for the future strategic transport investment in the East Region.  Endorsing the Strategy will strengthen Southend’s and the Region’s strategic case to government in future bids for funding.

Other Options

None.  If the Council does not endorse the Strategy it could undermine the strategy (and the one voice of the region) and may make it even more difficult for Southend, and possibly the whole of the region, to attract DfT funding.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Not eligible for call-in pursuant to Scrutiny Procedure Rule 15(e)(ii)

Cabinet Member: Cllr Wakefield

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Transport East Transport Strategy which was referred back to Cabinet by the Place Scrutiny Committee held Monday 10^th October 2022 (Minute 338 refers).

On consideration of the report, the Cabinet noted the comments from the Place Scrutiny Committee concerning the need for a new major east-west corridor from Shoeburyness to be included in the strategy.

Resolved:

That the Transport East Transport Strategy, set out at Appendix 1 to the Submitted report, be endorsed.

Reasons for decision:

1. To endorse the Strategy, not adopt it.  The Strategy fully aligns and supports our current Local Transport Plan 3, will inform and support the emerging Local Plan and Local Transport Plan 4.  The Strategy supports Southend’s 2050 ambitions, Southend’s Green City Action Plan, our Net Zero ambitions and levelling up agenda through improved access to jobs, skills, training and services. 

2. The Strategy supports the work of Opportunity South Essex and the Association of South Essex Local Authorities vision to deliver a decarbonised, integrated public transport system.  Rebalance modal priorities in favour of active and sustainable modes and reducing carbon emissions with the aim for South Essex to become carbon neutral ahead of national targets.

3. Department for Transport tasked Transport East to develop a Transport Strategy to set a single voice for the future strategic transport investment in the East Region.  Endorsing the Strategy will strengthen Southend’s and the Region’s strategic case to government in future bids for funding.

Other Options

None.  If the Council does not endorse the Strategy it could undermine the strategy (and the one voice of the region) and may make it even more difficult for Southend, and possibly the whole of the region, to attract DfT funding.

Note: This is an Executive Function

This matter was referred back and is not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Wakefield

Report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) presenting the options for the re-procurement of Voluntary Sector Infrastructure Contract which had been referred back by the People Scrutiny Committee held on Wednesday, 11^th October 2022 (Minute 351 refers).

On consideration of the report, the Cabinet noted the concerns of the People Scrutiny Committee concerning the possible impact of the proposed financial envelope for the Southend Infrastructure Service on the local community and voluntary sector.

Resolved:

1. That the outcomes set out in the submitted report, the financial envelope of £100,000 and the recommended procurement option to go to tender for a Southend infrastructure service, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

To go out to the market for a new voluntary sector infrastructure service for Southend so that it may attract different providers with new ideas and the City can benefit from economies of scale. It will also allow Southend City Council to clearly specify what they want from the new contract.

Other options:

1. To cease funding an infrastructure contract.

2. To go out to tender with Essex County Council as part of a larger contract.

Note: This is an Executive Function

This matter was referred back and is not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mitchell

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) presenting the options for the re-procurement of Voluntary Sector Infrastructure Contract which had been referred back by the People Scrutiny Committee held Wednesday, 11^th October 2022 (Minute 351 refers).

On consideration of the report the Cabinet noted the concerns of the People Scrutiny Committee concerning the possible impact of the proposed financial envelope for the Southend Infrastructure Service on the local community and voluntary sector.

Resolved:

1. That the outcomes set out in the submitted report, the financial envelope of £100,000 and the recommended procurement option to go to tender for a Southend infrastructure service, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

To go out to the market for a new voluntary sector infrastructure service for Southend so that it may attract different providers with new ideas and the City can benefit from economies of scale. It will also allow Southend City Council to clearly specify what they want from the new contract.

Other options:

1. To cease funding an infrastructure contract.

2. To go out to tender with Essex County Council as part of a larger contract;

Note: This is an Executive Function

This matter was referred back and is not eligible for call-in

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mitchell

Report of Executive Director (Growth & Housing)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) setting out the work underway and proposals to support the resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers in Southend-on-Sea.

Resolved:

1. That the progress on the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) programmes, be noted.

2. That the renewed pledge for accommodating families under the United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), be endorsed.

3. That the progress on the Homes for Ukraine (H4U) scheme, be noted.

4. That the subsidising of housing costs from the wrap around / support funds received, to meet the pledge levels identified in resolution 2 above and effectively respond to other housing pressures, be approved.

5. That the Director of Housing, in conjunction with the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) and the Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery, Regeneration and Housing, be authorised to:

·       Reach agreement with the East of England Local Government Association Strategic Migration Partnership (SMP) and the Home Office regarding resettlement targets, asylum dispersal arrangements and local responses to national policy.

·       To review the internal structures and external services to deliver this, to be fit for legacy, current and future challenges, including service commissioning as required.

6. That the intentions to support partners across the City to pursue City of Sanctuary status, be noted.

Reasons for decision:

1. To make a significant pledge, as part of the Council’s commitment for accommodating families under the United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme.

2. The current requirements for resettlement properties to be sourced at LHA rates is impracticable and that without adoption or alternative local practice or revised national policy, the Council is unlikely to be successful in finding suitable property for refugees.  Deployment of a proportion of the support grant for some families will assist in securing houses for them.  This would be undertaken on a case-by-case basis and would take account of future affordability by the family to avoid placing them in unsuitable housing.

3. It is important to continuously monitor system capacity to be able to respond effectively to the fluctuating demands of such a programme of work.  This applies both to the service directly provided by the Council, as well as support, education and other services which are supplied by other organisations.  It is therefore important to establish dynamic service configurations and commissioning approaches to enable this.

4. The Council is a key contributor to the success on the work undertaken to support Afghan and Ukranians forcefully displaced by the political and military situations in their home states.  The benefits of becoming a City of Sanctuary includes access to a considerable network of other leading cities across the country and the many organisations active in those communities who provide inclusive and welcoming environments for refugees and asylum seekers.  This will be of significant benefit to the Council, as well as community groups and organisations.

Other options:

1. Not to pledge to support any further families to resettle in the city and continue to work only with those  ...  view the full decision text for item 457.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) setting out the work underway and proposals to support the resettlement of refugees and asylum seekers in Southend-on-Sea.

Resolved:

1. That the progress on the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) and the Afghan Citizens Resettlement Scheme (ACRS) programmes, be noted.

2. That the renewed pledge for accommodating families under the United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme (UKRS), be endorsed.

3. That the progress on the Homes for Ukraine (H4U) scheme, be noted.

4. That the subsidising of housing costs from the wrap around / support funds received, to meet the pledge levels identified in resolution 2 above and effectively respond to other housing pressures, be approved.

5. That the Director of Housing, in conjunction with the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) and the Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery, Regeneration and Housing, be authorised to:

·       Reach agreement with the East of England Local Government Association Strategic Migration Partnership (SMP) and the Home Office regarding resettlement targets, asylum dispersal arrangements and local responses to national policy.

·       To review the internal structures and external services to deliver this, to be fit for legacy, current and future challenges, including service commissioning as required.

6. That the intentions to support partners across the City to pursue City of Sanctuary status, be noted.

Reasons for decision:

1. To make a significant pledge, as part of the Council’s commitment for accommodating families under the United Kingdom Resettlement Scheme.

2. The current requirements for resettlement properties to be sourced at LHA rates is impracticable and that without adoption or alternative local practice or revised national policy, the Council is unlikely to be successful in finding suitable property for refugees.  Deployment of a proportion of the support grant for some families will assist in securing houses for them.  This would be undertaken on a case-by-case basis and would take account of future affordability by the family to avoid placing them in unsuitable housing.

3. It is important to continuously monitor system capacity to be able to respond effectively to the fluctuating demands of such a programme of work.  This applies both to service directly provided by the Council, as well as support, education and other services which are supplied by other organisations.  It is therefore important to establish dynamic service configurations and commissioning approaches to enable this.

4. The Council is a key contributor to the success on the work undertaken to support Afghan and Ukranians forcefully displaced by the political and military situations in their home states.  The benefits of becoming a City of Sanctuary includes access to a considerable network of other leading cities across the country and the many organisations active in those communities who provide inclusive and welcoming environments for refugees and asylum seekers.  This will be of significant benefit to the Council, as well as community groups and organisations.

Other options:

1. Not to pledge to support any further families to resettle in the city and continue to work only with those families  ...  view the full minutes text for item 457.

Report of Executive Director (Children and Public Health)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting the Southend SEND Strategy 2022-2025.

Resolved:

1. That the Southend SEND Strategy 2022-25, set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

2. That the strategy be produced in an accessible document, which can be shared in a variety of formats in order to engage a range of audiences.

Reasons for decision:

It is widely acknowledged that SEND is a joint area responsibility encompassing partners from Education, Health and Care and the children, young people and families they support and therefore a specific coproduced SEND Strategy outlining priorities for the next 3 years is recommended.

Other options:

The SEND Partnership could continue to operate without a formal published strategy or subsume the SEND Strategy into a wider Council Strategy.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting the Southend SEND Strategy 2022-2025.

Resolved:

1. That the Southend SEND Strategy 2022-25, set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

2. That the strategy be produced in an accessible document, which can be shared in a variety of formats in order to engage a range of audiences.

Reasons for decision:

It is widely acknowledged that SEND is a joint area responsibility encompassing partners from Education, Health and Care and the children, young people and families they support and therefore a specific coproduced SEND Strategy outlining priorities for the next 3 years is recommended.

Other options:

The SEND Partnership could continue to operate without a formal published strategy or subsume the SEND Strategy into a wider Council Strategy.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Burton

Report of Executive Director (Growth & Housing)

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) and the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) setting out the range of opportunities the Victoria Centre presents in the context of the City Centre, the centre itself and other parts of the Council’s operational estate including the Civic Campus and the Tickfield Centre.

Resolved:

1. That the following guiding principles to develop plans for the work to proceed, be approved:

(a) The Victoria Centre provides a thriving mix of uses right in the heart of the City Centre with opportunities for businesses to thrive, and residents and visitors to shop, play, live and work.

(b) That the Council will seek to move administrative (and where appropriate other) functions into the Civic Centre, to establish the optimum volume and type(s) of space required for its future operations and then, subject to detailed feasibility, relocate the Council to the Victoria Centre.  This will in turn release the Civic Campus for regeneration and provide opportunities to redeploy, sell, develop or lease other buildings with the Council’s estate vacated as part of the rationalisation and to exit leased-in premises.

2. That a feasibility budget of £250,000 to support the next stages of work and enable the propositions to be developed and progressed, be approved.  This will be funded by £75k from existing Civic Centre efficiencies capital budget with the balance of £175k met from the Business Transformation Reserve initially.  This budget will be paid back through estate efficiencies and capital receipts as the project progresses.

3. That the procurement options be developed.

4. That the officers actively seek out external funding sources which may support this work.

Reasons for decision:

1. To provide officers with a clear set of principles to plan and work towards.

2. To enable the Council to ensure its administrative estate is right-sized, efficient, centrally located for easy access and to optimise the opportunities for increased footfall and linked spend in the City Centre.

3. To support the diversification and evolution of the Victoria Centre and make a clear, long-term statement of commitment to the City Centre.

4. To release brownfield land for development to help to meet the growing housing delivery challenge while also reducing its carbon footprint and occupational costs through rationalisation of the operational estate.

5. To enable planning, feasibility and strategy development and preliminary stages of delivery to move ahead.

Other options:

Not to agree the principle of relocation of the main administrative centre to the Victoria Centre and remain in the existing Civic Campus, acknowledging that it is far too large, inefficient, and expensive for the level of current and anticipated use and declining the regeneration opportunity presented.  This would leave the spaces in the Victoria Centre available for leasing to generate further income.

2. To lease out floors of the Civic Centre again with a view to staying longer-term.

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Executive Director (Growth and Housing) and the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) setting out the range of opportunities the Victoria Centre presents in the context of the City Centre, the centre itself and other parts of the Council’s operational estate including the Civic Campus and the Tickfield Centre.

Resolved:

1. That the following guiding principles to develop plans for the work to proceed, be approved:

(a) The Victoria Centre provides a thriving mix of uses right in the heart of the City Centre with opportunities for businesses to thrive, and residents and visitors to shop, play, live and work.

(b) That the Council will seek to move administrative (and where appropriate other) functions into the Civic Centre, to establish the optimum volume and type(s) of space required for its future operations and then, subject to detailed feasibility, relocate the Council to the Victoria Centre.  This will in turn release the Civic Campus for regeneration and provide opportunities to redeploy, sell, develop or lease other buildings with the Council’s estate vacated as part of the rationalisation and to exit leased-in premises.

2. That a feasibility budget of £250,000 to support the next stages of work and enable the propositions to be developed and progressed, be approved.  This will be funded by £75k from existing Civic Centre efficiencies capital budget with the balance of £175k met from the Business Transformation Reserve initially.  This budget will be paid back through estate efficiencies and capital receipts as the project progresses.

3. That the procurement options be developed.

4. That the officers actively seek out external funding sources which may support this work.

Reasons for decision:

1. To provide officers with a clear set of principles to plan and work towards.

2. To enable the Council to ensure its administrative estate is right-sized, efficient, centrally located for easy access and to optimise the opportunities for increased footfall and linked spend in the City Centre.

3. To support the diversification and evolution of the Victoria Centre and make a clear, long-term statement of commitment to the City Centre.

4. To release brownfield land for development to help to meet the growing housing delivery challenge while also reducing its carbon footprint and occupational costs through rationalisation of the operational estate.

5. To enable planning, feasibility and strategy development and preliminary stages of delivery to move ahead.

Other options:

Not to agree the principle of relocation of the main administrative centre to the Victoria Centre and remain in the existing Civic Campus, acknowledging that it is far too large, inefficient, and expensive for the level of current and anticipated use and declining the regeneration opportunity presented.  This would leave the spaces in the Victoria Centre available for leasing to generate further income.

2. To lease out floors of the Civic Centre again with a view to staying longer-term.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called-in to: Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

Report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Southend Parking Strategy 2022-2032 and Southend Parking Implementation Plan 2022-2032 and action plan.

Resolved:

1. That the comments of the Transport, Asset Management and Inward Investment Working Party held on 6^th September 2022, be noted.

2. That the recommendation to adopt the policies where there was majority support from the public consultation for them, as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the submitted report, be noted.

3. That the Southend Vision for Parking, Southend Parking Strategy 2022-2032, Southend Parking Implementation Plan 2022-2032 and the Southend Parking Implementation Action Plan 2022-2032, set out at Appendix 3 to the report, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

To adopt the finalised versions of the Southend Vision for Parking, Southend Parking Strategy 2022-2032, Southend Parking Implementation Plan 2022-2032 and Southend Parking Implementation Plan 2022-2032 and Action Plan following comments from the Transport, Asset Management and Inward Investment Working Party and the results of the public consultation.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Wakefield

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) presenting the Southend Parking Strategy 2022-2032 and Southend Parking Implementation Plan 2022-2032 and action plan.

Resolved:

1. That the comments of the Transport, Asset Management and Inward Investment Working Party held on 6^th September 2022, be noted.

2. That the recommendation to adopt the policies where there was majority support from the public consultation for them, as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the submitted report, be noted.

3. That the Southend Vision for Parking, Southend Parking Strategy 2022-2032, Southend Parking Implementation Plan 2022-2032 and the Southend Parking Implementation Action Plan 2022-2032, set out at Appendix 3 to the report, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

To adopt the finalised versions of the Southend Vision for Parking, Southend Parking Strategy 2022-2032, Southend Parking Implementation Plan 2022-2032 and Southend Parking Implementation Plan 2022-2032 and Action Plan following comments from the Transport, Asset Management and Inward Investment Working Party and the results of the public consultation.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Wakefield

Report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) setting out the implications of a possible bid for the UK City of Culture competition.

Resolved:

That the potential benefits of developing a City of Culture bid in the future, be noted.  However, as a fledging City, which alongside the City’s residents and businesses, is faced with the cost of living crisis, inflation and significant pressures in adult and children’s social care, it is considered inappropriate to incur any expenditure in relation to a bid in the 2029 competition.

Reasons for decision:

The timing and an unpredictable economic future are major factors which mitigate against such major expenditure as would need to be incurred.

Other options:

To continue with a consultation before reaching a decision.  However, at this time of uncertainty this expenditure is considered to be inappropriate and the Council should concentrate all of its efforts in assisting and working with residents and businesses to ameliorate the effects of the current economic situation in anyway it can.

Other parties could take a lead and prepare for the 2029 bid.  However, advice from Government is that the Council’s resources and commitment are generally required to make the bids successful.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) setting out the implications of a possible bid for the UK City of Culture competition.

Resolved:

That the potential benefits of developing a City of Culture bid in the future, be noted.  However, as a fledging City, which alongside the City’s residents and businesses, is faced with the cost of living crisis, inflation and significant pressures in adult and children’s social care, it is considered inappropriate to incur any expenditure in relation to a bid in the 2029 competition.

Reasons for decision:

The timing and an unpredictable economic future are major factors which mitigate against such major expenditure as would need to be incurred.

Other options:

To continue with a consultation before reaching a decision.  However, at this time of uncertainty this expenditure is considered to be inappropriate and the Council should concentrate all of its efforts in assisting and working with residents and businesses to ameliorate the effects of the current economic situation in anyway it can.

Other parties could take a lead and prepare for the 2029 bid.  However, advice from Government is that the Council’s resources and commitment are generally required to make the bids successful.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Mulroney

Report of Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) setting out the legal obligations on the Council, acting as the Licensing Authority, in respect of the Scrap Metal Licensing Policy.

Resolved:

1. That the revised Scrap Metal Dealers Licensing Policy, set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

2. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Protection, to make any future amendments to the Scrap Metal Licensing Policy.

Reasons for decision:

To update and improve the Policy.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) setting out the legal obligations on the Council, acting as the Licensing Authority, in respect of the Scrap Metal Licensing Policy.

Resolved:

1. That the revised Scrap Metal Dealers Licensing Policy, set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved.

2. That authority be delegated to the Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment), in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Protection, to make any future amendments to the Scrap Metal Licensing Policy.

Reasons for decision:

To update and improve the Policy.

Other options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

Joint report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities) and Executive Director (Children and Public Health)

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) and the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting the Southend Safeguarding Partnership Annual Report 2021/22.

Resolved:

That the Southend Strategic Safeguarding Partnership Annual Report 2021-2022, be noted.

Reasons for decision:

As one of the three strategic partners of the Southend Strategic Partnerships the Council needs to receive and note the Annual Report.

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Members: Cllr Mitchell and Cllr Burton

The Cabinet considered a joint report of the Executive Director (Adults and Communities) and the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) presenting the Southend Safeguarding Partnership Annual Report 2021/22.

Resolved:

That the Southend Strategic Safeguarding Partnership Annual Report 2021-2022, be noted.

Reasons for decision:

As one of the three strategic partners of the Southend Strategic Partnerships the Council needs to receive and note the Annual Report.

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called-in to: People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Members: Cllr Mitchell and Cllr Burton

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) setting out the justification for increasing heating charges during 2022/23 in line with actual costs being incurred.

Resolved:

That an increase to Heating Charges for Housing Tenants for 2022/23, in line with the proposals contained in the submitted report, with effect from 1^st January 2023, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

The residents of Sheltered Schemes and Hostels are currently paying below the actual cost for heating and hot water in their homes.  This adjustment means that residents will start to pay the true cost of these services into their homes and better prepare them for further increases in 2023/24 in line with the energy market.

Other options:

Not to increase heating charges, the implications of this are twofold.  Firstly, resident’s costs of heating and hot water in their homes will be subsidised by the funds of South Essex Homes and the HRA.  This is not a fair or appropriate use of HRA funds.  Secondly, the losses being incurred by South Essex Homes on delivering these services will continue to increase putting further pressure on the reserves position and viability of South Essex Homes to continue to deliver vital services to the tenants.

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) setting out the justification for increasing heating charges during 2022/23 in line with actual costs being incurred.

Resolved:

That an increase to Heating Charges for Housing Tenants for 2022/23, in line with the proposals contained in the submitted report, with effect from 1^st January 2023, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

The residents of Sheltered Schemes and Hostels are currently paying below the actual cost for heating and hot water in their homes.  This adjustment means that residents will start to pay the true cost of these services into their homes and better prepare them for further increases in 2023/24 in line with the energy market.

Other options:

Not to increase heating charges, the implications of this are twofold.  Firstly, resident’s costs of heating and hot water in their homes will be subsidised by the funds of South Essex Homes and the HRA.  This is not a fair or appropriate use of HRA funds.  Secondly, the losses being incurred by South Essex Homes on delivering these services will continue to increase putting further pressure on the reserves position and viability of South Essex Homes to continue to deliver vital services to the tenants.

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Report of Executive Director (Children and Public Health)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) setting out how the Council will improve the offer to prospective and existing foster carers with a new allowance and fee structure, additional benefits such as Council Tax relief and greater support and recognition for the valuable work foster carers do.

Recommended:

Reasons for recommendation:

1. Improving the offer to foster carers will make it more appealing and more competitive and will help attract new carers to join the Council and reduce the current reliance on the external IFA market, whilst also reducing expenditure pressure on external placements.  More importantly, it will ensure foster carers have the support they need to achieve the best outcomes for children in the Council’s care.

2. Demand for foster carers significantly outstrips the current supply so the Council needs to ensure that it has a robust offer to attract and retain sufficient local foster carers.  All local authorities find it a significant challenge to recruit and retain foster carers but other neighbouring local authorities currently perform better than the Council.

3. Increasing the number of in-house foster carers is more affordable.  The proposed new offer will have average cost of £26,000 per child per year.  The current average cost of an IFA is £50,000 per annum and the current cost of an average residential placement is £220,000 per annum (excluding the extremely high cost complex packages) and supported accommodation is £42,000 per annum.

4. It is anticipated that the new offer will increase the number of in-house foster carers, from an August 2022 baseline, by 69 additional foster carers by September 2025.

Other options:

1. Do nothing and maintain the current fees and allowances structure.  However, if there is no change to the current offer the Council will continue to lose more foster carers and recruitment will continue to be challenging resulting in further use of the private, voluntary and independent market.  This would mean the Council failing in its statutory sufficiency duty that requires local authorities to take steps to secure, so far as reasonably practicable, sufficient accommodation with the authority’s area to meet the needs of children that are in the Council’s care.

2. To only increase allowances by the recommended amount to support with the increased cost of living but remove any fees.  The Council is only required to pay foster carers minimum allowances  ...  view the full decision text for item 465.

The Cabinet considered a report of the Executive Director (Children and Public Health) setting out how the Council will improve the offer to prospective and existing foster carers with a new allowance and fee structure, additional benefits such as Council Tax relief and greater support and recognition for the valuable work foster carers do.

Recommended:

Reasons for recommendation:

1. Improving the offer to foster carers will make it more appealing and more competitive and will help attract new carers to join the Council and reduce the current reliance on the external IFA market, whilst also reducing expenditure pressure on external placements.  More importantly, it will ensure foster carers have the support they need to achieve the best outcomes for children in the Council’s care.

2. Demand for foster carers significantly outstrips the current supply so the Council needs to ensure that it has a robust offer to attract and retain sufficient local foster carers.  All local authorities find it a significant challenge to recruit and retain foster carers but other neighbouring local authorities currently perform better than the Council.

3. Increasing the number of in-house foster carers is more affordable.  The proposed new offer will have average cost of £26,000 per child per year.  The current average cost of an IFA is £50,000 per annum and the current cost of an average residential placement is £220,000 per annum (excluding the extremely high cost complex packages) and supported accommodation is £42,000 per annum.

4. It is anticipated that the new offer will increase the number of in-house foster carers, from an August 2022 baseline, by 69 additional foster carers by September 2025.

Other options:

1. Do nothing and maintain the current fees and allowances structure.  However, if there is no change to the current offer the Council will continue to lose more foster carers and recruitment will continue to be challenging resulting in further use of the private, voluntary and independent market.  This would mean the Council failing in its statutory sufficiency duty that requires local authorities to take steps to secure, so far as reasonably practicable, sufficient accommodation with the authority’s area to meet the needs of children that are in the Council’s care.

2. To only increase allowances by the recommended amount to support with the increased cost of living but remove any fees.  The Council is only required to pay foster carers minimum allowances  ...  view the full minutes text for item 465.

Report of Executive Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Finance and Resources) providing an update on the current position of outstanding debt to the Council, as at 30^th September 2022.

Resolved:

1. That the current outstanding debt position on 30^th September 2022 and the position of debts written off to 30^th September 2022, as set out in Appendices A and B to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That the five write-offs for debts that exceed £25,000, as shown in Appendix B to the report, be approved.

3. That the positive achievement in securing payment for historical rent and service charge debts inherited by the Council following the acquisition of the Victoria Centre in December 2020, be noted.

Reason for Decision:

All reasonable steps to recover the debt have been taken, and therefore where write off is recommended it is the only course of action that is left available.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive and Executive Director (Finance and Resources) providing an update on the current position of outstanding debt to the Council, as at 30^th September 2022.

Resolved:

1. That the current outstanding debt position on 30^th September 2022 and the position of debts written off to 30^th September 2022, as set out in Appendices A and B to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That the five write-offs for debts that exceed £25,000, as shown in Appendix B to the report, be approved.

3. That the positive achievement in securing payment for historical rent and service charge debts inherited by the Council following the acquisition of the Victoria Centre in December 2020, be noted.

Reason for Decision:

All reasonable steps to recover the debt have been taken, and therefore where write off is recommended it is the only course of action that is left available.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

Minutes attached

The Cabinet considered the recommendations from the Public Protection Working Party held Thursday, 6 October 2022.

1. That the Notice of Motion seeking the establishment of an online ‘Wall of

Shame’ to highlight incidences of flytipping and environmental crime across

Southend, be noted.

2. That the Interim Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) work with the Council’s current waste management contractor to identify opportunities for the enhancement of the current approach to the tackling of incidences of flytipping and environmental crime.

3. That a report be made to a future meeting of the Cabinet setting out fully costed and evaluated options for the enhancement of the Council’s current approach to the tackling of incidences of flytipping and environmental crime, including the potential establishment of a ‘Wall of Shame’ as proposed by the Notice of Motion and the possible expansion of the Council’s CCTV infrastructure.

4. That in the meantime:

(a) Officers continue to provide appropriate education for councillors and

the public on flytipping and mispresented waste and associated enforcement

action.

(b) Officers continue to provide councillors with the quarterly ‘Waste

Dashboard’ reporting levels of flytipping and mispresented waste across the

City.

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

The Cabinet considered the recommendations from the Public Protection Working Party held Thursday, 6 October 2022.

1. That the Notice of Motion seeking the establishment of an online ‘Wall of

Shame’ to highlight incidences of flytipping and environmental crime across

Southend, be noted.

2. That the Interim Executive Director (Neighbourhoods and Environment) work with the Council’s current waste management contractor to identify opportunities for the enhancement of the current approach to the tackling of incidences of flytipping and environmental crime.

3. That a report be made to a future meeting of the Cabinet setting out fully costed and evaluated options for the enhancement of the Council’s current approach to the tackling of incidences of flytipping and environmental crime, including the potential establishment of a ‘Wall of Shame’ as proposed by the Notice of Motion and the possible expansion of the Council’s CCTV infrastructure.

4. That in the meantime:

(a) Officers continue to provide appropriate education for councillors and

the public on flytipping and mispresented waste and associated enforcement

action.

(b) Officers continue to provide councillors with the quarterly ‘Waste

Dashboard’ reporting levels of flytipping and mispresented waste across the

City.

Reasons for decision:

To respond to the Notice of Motion.

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Called-in to: Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Shareholder Board held on Wednesday, 12 October 2022 concerning the proposed establishment of two subsidiary companies of South Essex Homes (SEH).

On consideration of the matter, it was noted that the report to the Shareholder Board was confidential and was dealt with under Part 2.

Resolved:

1. That the proposal of the SEH Board to establish an additional commercial subsidiary company, in parallel with the existing subsidiary SEPS, for the reasons set out in the confidential report to the Shareholder Board, and in line with the recommendation of Trowers and Hamlins, be approved.

2. That the proposal of the SEH Board to establish an additional subsidiary company, in anticipation of a partnership being entered into with Southend-on-Sea City Council and others, for the management and/or maintenance of properties on the Roots Hall and Fossetts Farm developments and/or the potential joint venture partner with the developer, be approved.

Reasons for Decision:

As set out in the confidential report to the Shareholder Board.

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Shareholder Board held on Wednesday, 12 October 2022 concerning the proposed establishment of two subsidiary companies of South Essex Homes (SEH).

On consideration of the matter, it was noted that the report to the Shareholder Board was confidential and was dealt with under Part 2.

Resolved:

1. That the proposal of the SEH Board to establish an additional commercial subsidiary company, in parallel with the existing subsidiary SEPS, for the reasons set out in the confidential report to the Shareholder Board, and in line with the recommendation of Trowers and Hamlins, be approved.

2. That the proposal of the SEH Board to establish an additional subsidiary company, in anticipation of a partnership being entered into with Southend-on-Sea City Council and others, for the management and/or maintenance of properties on the Roots Hall and Fossetts Farm developments and/or the potential joint venture partner with the developer, be approved.

Reasons for Decision:

As set out in the confidential report to the Shareholder Board.

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

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

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

To follow

The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Shareholder Board held on Tuesday, 8^th November 2022:

(a) Porters Place LLP – Change of Control

Resolved:

1. That consent, under the Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP Agreement, to a change of control of Swan BQ Limited to reflect the proposed acquisition of Swan Housing Association, together with its subsidiaries, by Sanctuary Housing Association, be approved.

2. That the Executive Director of Finance & Resources be authorised to finalise and authorise the execution of any legal documentation (if required) with Sanctuary, and any relevant other party, to comply with the terms of the legal suite and to effect the approval of the change of control.

3. That as per the recommendations of Shareholder Board on 23 August 2022 and the subsequent decision at Cabinet 24 August 2022 (minute 227), that the deadline for receipt of the revised Business Plan remains the end of December 2023.

Reasons for decision

As set out in the report to the Shareholder Board.

Options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

(b) London Hire Community Services (LHCS) and Southend Travel Partnership (Vecteo) Share ownership update

On consideration of the matter it was noted that the report to the Shareholder Board concerning London Hire Community Services (LHCS) and Southend Travel Partnership (Vecteo) was confidential and was dealt with under Part 2.

Resolved:

That the recommendations set out in the submitted confidential report pertaining to the share ownership of London Hire Community Services (LHCS) and Southend Travel Partnership, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

As set out in the confidential report to the Shareholder Board.

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Collins

The Cabinet considered the recommendations of the Shareholder Board held on Tuesday, 8^th November 2022:

(a) Porters Place LLP – Change of Control

Resolved:

1. That consent, under the Porters Place Southend-on-Sea LLP Agreement, to a change of control of Swan BQ Limited to reflect the proposed acquisition of Swan Housing Association, together with its subsidiaries, by Sanctuary Housing Association, be approved.

2. That the Executive Director of Finance & Resources be authorised to finalise and authorise the execution of any legal documentation (if required) with Sanctuary, and any relevant other party, to comply with the terms of the legal suite and to effect the approval of the change of control.

3. That as per the recommendations of Shareholder Board on 23 August 2022 and the subsequent decision at Cabinet 24 August 2022 (minute 227), that the deadline for receipt of the revised Business Plan remains the end of December 2023.

Reasons for decision

As set out in the report to the Shareholder Board.

Options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Special Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

(b) London Hire Community Services (LHCS) and Southend Travel Partnership (Vecteo) Share ownership update

On consideration of the matter it was noted that the report to the Shareholder Board concerning London Hire Community Services (LHCS) and Southend Travel Partnership (Vecteo) was confidential and was dealt with under Part 2.

Resolved:

That the recommendations set out in the submitted confidential report pertaining to the share ownership of London Hire Community Services (LHCS) and Southend Travel Partnership, be approved.

Reasons for decision:

As set out in the confidential report to the Shareholder Board.

Other options:

None

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Special Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Members: Cllr Collins

Report attached

Resolved:

That the submitted report, be noted.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: as appropriate to the item

Cabinet Member: as appropriate to the item

Resolved:

That the submitted report, be noted.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Eligible for call-in to: as appropriate to the item

Cabinet Member: as appropriate to the item

Confidential report of Executive Director (Adults and Communities) to follow

This matter was withdrawn.

This matter was withdrawn.