Apologies for absence were received from Councillor T Harp.

The following Councillors declared interests as indicated:

(a) Cllr Gilbert – Minute 73 (Town Centre Report) – non-pecuniary interest – place of work is near High Street;

(b) A Griffin – Minute 75 (Southend Town Centre & Seafront Public Spaces Protection Order) – non-pecuniary interest – lives in proposed PSPO area;

(c) Cllr Terry – Minute 75 (Southend Town Centre & Seafront Public Spaces Protection Order) – non-pecuniary interest – lives in proposed PSPO area;

(d) Cllr Robinson – Minute 77 and Minute 79 (Southend Safeguarding Partnership Report, Annual Public Health Report) – non-pecuniary interest – NHS employee in town;

(e) Cllr Mulroney – Minute 90 (Capital Outturn Report) – non-pecuniary interest – member of Leigh Town Council.

Resolved:

That the Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 12^th March 2019, be confirmed as a correct record and signed.

Report of Strategic Director (Transformation)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive setting out the content of the revised Southend 2050 Five Year Road Map timeline, following the formation of the Joint Administration at Council on 3 June 2019.

Recommended:

Reasons for Decision:

To not update the document.

Other Options:

Not adopting the recommended approach would mean that the Council’s administration policy objectives would not be fully reflected in the Southend 2050 Road Map.

Note: This is a Council Function

Referred direct to all three Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Scrutiny Report

The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director (Legal & Democratic Services) presenting the recommendations of the 2018/19 scrutiny project ‘In the context of the vision for Southend 2050, what is the vision of young people which improves their lives and what are the pathways to achieve this ambition’.

Cabinet members expressed their thanks and appreciation to the project team and the young people involved in the project for their contributions.

Resolved:

1.  That the report and conclusions from the in depth scrutiny project set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be endorsed.

2.  That it be noted that approval of any recommendations with budget implications will require consideration as part of future years’ budget processes prior to implementation.

Reasons for Decision:

As set out in the submitted report.

Other Options:

To note the report but not progress any of the recommendations.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Jones

Scrutiny Report – to follow

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) presenting the recommendations of the 2018/19 scrutiny project ‘Reimagining the Town Centre in the context of 2050’.

Cabinet members expressed their thanks and appreciation to the project team, officers, reference group, business community and external guests for their contributions and support.

Resolved:

1.  That the report and conclusions from the in depth scrutiny project set out at Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be endorsed.

2.  That a multi-organisation task and finish group be established in line with the principles set out in paragraphs 3.11-3.14 of the report and that the Director of Regeneration and Business Development be authorised, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Business, Tourism and Culture, to agree membership of the group.

Reasons for Decision:

As set out in the submitted report.

Other Options:

To note the report but not progress any of the recommendations.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Place and Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet Member: Cllr Robinson

Report of Strategic Director (Transformation)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive outlining a revised configuration and composition of Cabinet working parties to help drive the Southend 2050 programme.

A revised Appendix 2 to the report was circulated at the meeting.

Recommended:

Reason for Decision:

To revise the configuration and composition of Cabinet working parties to help drive the Southend 2050 programme.

Other Options:

The Council could retain the current configuration of Cabinet working parties, however, they would not provide the same extent of focus on 2050 outcomes or engage non-Cabinet councillors to the same extent in policy development work.

Note: This is a Council Function

Referred Direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Report of Strategic Director (Legal and Democratic Services) – to follow

Resolved:

That this matter be deferred to a special meeting of the Cabinet, to be held on Monday 8th July 2019, beginning at 10 am.

Report of Deputy Chief Executive (People)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) providing an update on two key elements of the Housing, Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy, namely housing supply and a proposed Acquisitions Programme for Council Housing.

Resolved:

1.     That the work to develop a regeneration framework and pipeline of housing and regeneration projects, including the potential to establish a revolving investment fund to deliver the pipeline, with a report coming forward to Cabinet in September 2019, be agreed.

2.     That the process for responding to third party approaches is agreed for implementation.

3.     To proceed with the Acquisitions Programme for Council Housing as agreed in the Council’s Housing, Homelessness & Rough Sleeping Strategy.

4.     That a capital budget of £4.3M be created within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital programme for 2019/20 to facilitate the Acquisitions Programme, funded 30% from retained Right to Buy Capital receipts and 70% from HRA Capital Investment Reserve.

Recommended:

Reasons for Decision:

The Acquisitions Programme for additional council housing is recommended as there is an established need for affordable housing within the Borough as demonstrated by the local Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA), and by our own Homes Seeker’s Register data.

The formation of an Acquisitions Programme for council housing would result in an increase in the levels of affordable housing in the short term. This increase in the Borough’s affordable housing stock may assist in reducing reliance on more expensive temporary accommodation.

Other Options:

Do Nothing – This option considered not creating an Acquisitions Programme. This approach however would result in a repayment of Right to Buy funds to HM Treasury, would not increase council housing stock and would also not help the Council to meet its 2050 Vision or contribute to the 2050 road map.

Transfer the funds as grant to a Registered Provider (RP) – This option would see the Right to Buy funds given to RP’s as a grant to build affordable housing, with nomination rights given to the Council. This approach would not however be achievable in the given timescales.

Note: The decisions in 1-4 above constitute an Executive Function. The decision in 5 above constitutes a Council Function.

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Report of Deputy Chief Executive (People)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) which gave an overview of Southend Safeguarding Partners response to the changes in governance required by the “Working Together to Safeguard Children - A guide to inter-agency working to safeguard and promote the welfare of children – July 2018”.

Resolved:

That the report be noted and approved.

Reasons for Decision:

As set out in the submitted report.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Members: Cllr Harp and Cllr Jones

Report of Deputy Chief Executive (People)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) on the Council’s Social Housing Allocations Policy review and proposed policy positions. 

Resolved:

1. That a consultation upon the proposed policy changes, be approved.

2. That, following consultation, any minor changes to the draft policy be made under delegated authority by the Deputy Chief Executive (People), and the Director for Housing in consultation with the portfolio holder for housing, but that any major proposed changes be returned to Cabinet for decision.

Reason for Decision:

The proposed changes are based on targeted engagement, data insights, legislative requirements and strategic objectives outlined through Southend 2050 and the Housing, homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy, and are believed to represent an inclusive and balanced proposal for an updated and amended allocations policy.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Report of Deputy Chief Executive (People)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) which presented the 2018-19 Annual Report of the Director of Public Health.

Resolved:

That the content and recommendations of the 2018-19 Annual Report of the Director of Public Health, be noted.

Reason for Decision:

The Health and Social Care Act 2012 requires Directors of Public Health to prepare an annual report on the health of the local population.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to the People Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Harp

At the meeting of Council held on the 17^th April 2019, Councillor Ayling presented a petition opposing new parking charges. The petition was referred to Cabinet in accordance with Standing Order 15.7 (Minute 874 refers).

Resolved:

That no changes are made to the current pricing structure but consideration be given to parking charges as part of the 2020/21 budget process.

Reason for Decision:

To respond to the petition.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to the Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

At the meeting of Council held on 17^th April 2019, Councillor Ayling presented a petition relating to the high street and 2 hours free parking. The petition was referred to Cabinet in accordance with Standing Order 15.7 (Minute 875 refers).

Resolved:

That the 2 hour free parking in the town centre car parks is not implemented.

Reason for Decision:

To respond to the petition.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to the Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

Report of Deputy Chief Executive (Place) – to follow

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) that set out the legal obligations on the Council, acting as Licensing Authority, and the timetable for the review of the Licensing Policy. The report also set out a draft revised Policy Statement, as the basis for formal consultation.

Recommended:

Reason for Decision:

To enable the Council to comply with its statutory duty to publish a timely Statement of Policy in accordance with the provisions of Section 5 of The Licensing Act 2003.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is a Council Function

Referred direct to the Place Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

Report of Deputy Chief Executive (Place) – to follow

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) on the process to be undertaken to recruit 34 Special Constables to provide additional support and visibility across all Wards in Southend.

Resolved:

1.     That the process to be undertaken for the recruitment of Special Constables for Southend, be noted.

2.     That officers continue to liaise with Essex Police to develop a suitable model of recruitment of Special Constables for Southend.

Reason for Decision:

To progress the recruitment of Special Constables.

Other Options:

As set out in the submitted report.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to the Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

Report of Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) which outlined the Official Feed and Food Control Service Plan 2019-20 required by the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Recommended:

Reason for Decision:

To comply with the Food Standards Agency Framework Agreement.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is a Council Function

Referred direct to Place Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

At the meeting of the extraordinary Council held on the 13^th June 2019 a Notice of Motion was considered on traveller incursions in the Borough. The Council resolved to recommend to Cabinet that proposals 1 – 3 of the Motion be adopted, but that proposal 4 in relation to a Borough wide injunction not be pursued (Minute 25 refers).

The Cabinet member for Public Protection confirmed that a stakeholder meeting, to include Council officers and the Police, would be held on 9^th July 2019 to determine the best way forward to gather evidence of future illegal traveller encampments on Council land.

Resolved:

1.     That the Council will take a proactive approach and take any additional measures that are required to secure our public open spaces in the Borough by working closely with the business community, councillors and local residents on cost effective, practical and innovative solutions that help prevent illegal encampments whilst maintaining access for residents where possible.

2.     That the Council will continue to adopt a strong stance in order to permanently prevent travellers from illegally occupying public spaces in the future.

3.     That the Council will take measures to improve communication with local residents when unauthorised encampments do occur, to ensure clear and regular communications that Councillors distribute to residents where such issues have arisen in their wards.

4.     That the Council will not pursue an injunction at the present time as the evidence to support such proceedings is insufficient. However, going forward evidence will be systematically gathered in respect of illegal traveller encampments on Council land and the harm caused. Such evidence could then be used to support an application for a borough-wide injunction if such proceedings can be justified.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Terry

Report of Strategic Director (Transformation)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director (Transformation) that outlined the end of year position of the Council’s corporate performance for 2018/19.

Resolved:

That the 2018/19 end of year position and accompanying analysis, be noted.

Reason for Decision:

To reflect on the corporate performance for 2018/19 and to now drive the delivery of the Southend 2050 ambition, through robust and strategic performance management arrangements which are mentioned in the Southend 2050 Performance Framework Report.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to all three Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet Member: Councillor Gilbert

Report of Strategic Director (Transformation)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director (Transformation) which outlined the new Southend 2050 Corporate Performance Framework for 2019/20 onwards.

Resolved:

That the proposed Corporate Performance Framework for 2019/20 onwards, as set out in appendix 1 to the submitted report, be adopted.

Reason for Decision:

To drive the delivery of the Southend 2050 ambition through robust and strategic performance management arrangements.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to all three Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Report of Strategic Director (Finance and Resources)

That Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director (Finance and Resources) setting out the 2018/19CorporateRisk Register year end update together with the proposed approach to refreshing the Corporate Risk Framework.

Resolved:

1. Thatthe 2018/19Corporate RiskRegister and the year end updates, set out in appendix 2 to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That the proposed approach to refreshing the Corporate Risk Management Framework, be endorsed.

Reason for Decision:

To refresh the risk management arrangements.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to all three Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

Report of Strategic Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director (Finance and Resources) on the revenue outturn for 2018/19 and the implications of the outturn for the opening budgetary position for 2019/20 budget and beyond.

Recommended:

Reason for Decision:

As part of the year end processes, Councillors need to approve any appropriations to or from earmarked reserves. This report fulfils that purpose.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is a Council Function

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Report of Strategic Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director (Finance and Resources) concerning the capital investment programme outturn for 2018/19, which sought approval of the relevant budget carry forwards and accelerated delivery requests and in year amendments for the current approved programme.

Recommended:

Report of Strategic Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director (Finance and Resources) that outlined the current position of outstanding debt to the Council, as at 31^st March 2019; and the debts that have been written off, or are recommended for write off, in the current financial year as at 31^st March 2019;

The report also sought approval to write off irrecoverable debts that are over £25,000 as set out in Appendix B to the submitted report.

Resolved:

1. That the current outstanding debt position as at 31^st March 2019 and the position of debts written off to 31^st March 2019 as set out in Appendices A & B to the report, be noted.

2. That the write offs greater than £25,000, be approved.

Reasons 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 available.

If the Council wishes to pursue debts for bankruptcy proceedings, it will follow the agreed and published recovery policy that covers this.

Other Options:

None.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Gilbert

Report of Strategic Director (Finance and Resources)

The Cabinet considered a report of the Strategic Director (Finance and Resources) presenting the Annual Treasury Management Report covering the treasury activity for the period from April 2018 to March 2019.

Recommended:

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 2018/19 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 a Council Function

Referred direct to Policy and Resources Scrutiny Committee

Cabinet Member: Cllr Woodley

Resolved:

That the submitted report be noted.

Note: This is an Executive Function

Referred direct to all three Scrutiny Committees

Cabinet Member: as appropriate to the item