Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no apologies.

There were no apologies.

There were no declarations.

In relation to the items regarding High Speed 2, Councillor Ali declared for the purposes of transparency that he had family who were resident in one of the properties that would be affected if HS2 went ahead.

Deputations were received and noted as follows:-

Item 9 – Euston Area Plan Publication

-        Peter Jones, Pan Camden HS2 Alliance

-        Helia Evans, Ossulston Tenants’ and Residents’ Association

Item 10 – Community Investment Programme and Accommodation Strategy

-        Sarah Elie, Somers Town Neighbourhood Planning Forum

-        Michelle Rispin, representing local residents

Item 17 – Governance Arrangements for Managing the HS2 Programme in Camden

-        Fran Heron, representing local residents

The following deputations were received and noted:-

In respect of Item 9 ‘Euston Area Plan Publication’

-        Peter Jones, Pan Camden HS2 Alliance, as attached at Appendix A

-        Helia Evans, Ossulston Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, as attached at Appendix B

In respect of Item 10 ‘Community Investment Programme and Accommodation Strategy’

-        Sarah Elie, Somers Town Neighbourhood Planning Forum, as attached at Appendix C

-        Michelle Rispin, representing local residents, as attached at Appendix D

In respect of Item 17 ‘Governance Arrangements for Managing the HS2 Programme in Camden’

-        Fran Heron, representing local residents, as attached at Appendix E

The appropriate Cabinet Members responded to the points raised by the deputations at the respective items.

Webcasting of the meeting

At the beginning of the meeting Councillor Hayward reminded everyone present that the meeting was being broadcast to the internet and that anyone who did not wish to appear on the webcast should take a seat on one of the galleries.

There were no other announcements.

Webcasting of the meeting

At the beginning of the meeting the Chair reminded everyone present that the meeting was being broadcast to the internet and that anyone who did not wish to appear on the webcast should take a seat in one of the galleries.

Order of business

The Chair proposed, and it was agreed, that Item 17 ‘Governance Arrangements for Managing the HS2 Programme in Camden’ should be taken after Item 9 in order for the deputations to hear the discussion and decisions in respect of those items.  The remaining items were considered in the order in which they appeared on the agenda.

There were no other announcements.

On occasions part of a Cabinet meeting will be held in private and not open to the public, if an item is being considered which is likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information. In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

No such representations were received in respect of items on this agenda.

It was noted that on occasion part of a Cabinet meeting would be held in private and would not be open to the public if an item was being considered which was likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information.  In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, members of the public can make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

It was noted that no such representations had been received.

It was noted that on occasion part of a Cabinet meeting would be held in private and would not be open to the public if an item was being considered which was likely to lead to the disclosure of exempt or confidential information.  In accordance with the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012, members of the public could make representations about why that part of the meeting should be open to the public.

It was noted that no such representations had been received.

There was none.

There was no notification.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23^rd October 2013.

RESOLVED –

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 23^rd October 2013 be approved and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED –

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday 23^rd October 2013 be approved and signed as a correct record.

At this point in the meeting items referred from a Council Scrutiny Committee requiring urgent consideration will be taken.

There were no matters referred.

Please note that there were no alternative options considered or rejected by the Cabinet for the following items, unless indicated, although Cabinet Members duly considered, where applicable, options listed within the reports.

No references were received from any of the Scrutiny Committees.

Please note that there were no alternative options considered or rejected by the Cabinet for the following items, unless indicated, although Cabinet Members duly considered, where applicable, options listed within the reports.

Report of the Director of Culture and Environment

When Camden Council resolved unanimously to oppose High Speed Two (HS2) in July 2011 it was also agreed that it should work on the production of a plan for the Euston area to guide future decisions on planning applications and to secure the best outcomes for Camden.  The Euston Area Plan (EAP) seeks to reflect aspirations of local people and businesses in pursuing this objective, and is a framework which can be applied to any future redevelopment of the station, involving HS2 or others.  The plan will address a range of strategic objectives in the Camden Plan, including working with partners to address inequalities through regeneration; supporting and developing sustainable communities, and harnessing the benefits of economic growth.

The Euston Area Plan is a planning document to be adopted as part of Camden’s Local Development Framework and Supplementary Planning Guidance to the London Plan.  It is being jointly produced by the London Borough of Camden, the Greater London Authority and Transport for London in response to the potential of a HS2 terminus at Euston.  In producing the plan, Camden in no way accepts that the current HS2 proposition for Euston is acceptable and will continue to work to oppose it.

This report is to enable Cabinet to:

- review the findings of the consultation on the Draft EAP;

- review suggested changes to the document; and

- seek approval of the resulting version of the EAP for publication and subsequent submission to the Government for public examination.

The Cabinet is also asked to refer this report to the Full Council meeting on 29th January which will be during the EAP publication consultation period (if Cabinet approve this).  The Council is asked for approval, subject to the conditions and changes set out in the recommendations, to submit the EAP and consultation responses to the Secretary of State for Examination following the closure of public consultation.  Full Council is required to approve documents for submission to the Secretary of State for Examination under the Local Government Act, 2000.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the comments and survey responses received by the Council during consultation on the Euston Area Plan be noted;

(ii)             THAT the Director of Culture and Environment, in consultation as appropriate with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth and the Borough Solicitor, be authorised to finalise the necessary documents for publication of the proposed Submission document and to make appropriate changes to the Euston Area Plan in the run up to, and during, the public examination into the document, in response to objectors’ submissions, requests from the Planning Inspector and any emerging evidence, guidance or legal advice;

(iii)            THAT the proposed Submission Euston Area Plan (Appendix 2 of the report) and Sustainability Appraisal (Appendix 3 of the report) be approved for publication;

(iv)           THAT this report be referred to Council with a recommendation that Council approves the submission of the Euston Area Plan to the Secretary of State for examination following closure of the publication period subject to appropriate amendments made under recommendation 2 above.

REASON

For the reason set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Culture and Environment.

As mentioned at Item 3 above, deputations were received and noted in respect of the report from

-        Peter Jones, Pan Camden HS2 Alliance

-        Helia Evans, Ossulston Tenants’ and Residents’ Association

In response to the deputations, Councillor Leach remarked that a change had been made on page 137 of the report with the addition of a development principle, and that the Council would be talking further to residents and there would be another chance to make any outstanding points.  She was happy that progress was being made with the double deck down option for Euston station and that the Council was assisting with this.  Any proposal that minimised land take and maximised regeneration around Euston would be welcome and she thanked those working on it for their efforts.

In response to concerns raised by some councillors, officers commented that the Euston Area Plan had always allowed for flexibility of station design and the possibility that HS2 might not happen.  On double deck down, it was recognised that proposals had moved on and officers would examine the financial issues again.  It should be noted that the Council would be held to a very high evidential standard if it were to put forward an alternative vision for HS2.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the comments and survey responses received by the Council during consultation on the Euston Area Plan be noted;

(ii)             THAT the Director of Culture and Environment, in consultation as appropriate with the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth and the Borough Solicitor, be authorised to finalise the necessary documents for publication of the proposed Submission document and to make appropriate changes to the Euston Area Plan in the run up to, and during, the public examination into the document, in response to objectors’ submissions, requests from the Planning Inspector and any emerging evidence, guidance or legal advice;

(iii)            THAT the proposed Submission Euston Area Plan (Appendix 2 of the report) and Sustainability Appraisal (Appendix 3 of the report) be approved for publication; and

(iv)           THAT this report be referred to Council with a recommendation that Council approves the submission of the Euston Area Plan to the Secretary of State for examination following closure of the publication period subject to appropriate amendments made under recommendation 2 above.

REASON

For the reason set out in the report.

Report of the Directors of Finance, Culture and Environment, Housing and Adult Social Care and Children, Schools and Families.

The Community Investment Programme (CIP) is a long-term programme bringing together a range of work focussed on ensuring best use of the Council’s assets to improve, shape and transform key places and services within Camden, whilst simultaneously addressing a critical capital funding gap. The programme is making and will continue to make an important contribution to the delivery of objectives within the Camden Plan, particularly harnessing the benefits of economic growth, tackling inequality, investing in our communities to ensure sustainable neighbourhoods and delivering value for money.

This particular report seeks approval of a number of key CIP schemes; three housing regeneration projects and three mixed-use developments including two school schemes and one project incorporating key community facilities.

The report also provides an update on the Council’s Accommodation Strategy.

This report is coming to the Cabinet because the Constitution requires the Cabinet to consider the proposals as set out for each of the CIP schemes.

This report has an appendix which contains information exempt within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and is not for publication. The appendix has therefore been circulated to Cabinet Members only.

If the Cabinet wishes to discuss the contents of a closed exempt appendix it may pass the proposed resolution identified at the end of the document to exclude members of the public and the press from the proceedings for that discussion.

RESOLVED –

THAT the recommendations set out within the body of report (immediately following sections 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 and 43) be approved as follows:-

Highgate Newtown Community Centre

(i)              THAT £200,000 be drawn from corporate capital resources in order to procure and engage a multi-disciplinary team up to the planning application submission;

(ii)             THAT officers will report to the Cabinet prior to planning submission with the business case for option/s and respective report on consultation;

Edith Neville School and Central Somers Town

(iii)            THAT the Somers Town priorities described in Appendix 6 of the report be noted;

(iv)           THAT the regeneration strategy for central Somers Town as set out in section 11 and in Appendix 5 of the report be agreed;

(v)            THAT authority be delegated to the Director of Children, Schools and Families, in consultation with the Director of Finance, the Borough Solicitor and the Director of Culture and Environment, to take all steps necessary to implement the scheme in accordance with the Somers Town priorities and the regeneration strategy, this to include the submission of a planning application and;

                      (a)          Agreement that the project be implemented in accordance with the specific delegations approved as part of the July 2012 CIP Cabinet report (CENV/2012/25), which are included at Appendix 1 of the report, to the relevant service director (as specified below) in consultation with the Director of Finance;

                      (b)          Agreement of the terms of and implementation and completion of disposals of property associated with this scheme in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, the Director of Children, Schools and Families, the Head of Property Services and the Borough Solicitor;

                      (c)          Agreement of terms for obtaining vacant possession of commercial property affected by this scheme, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, the Director of Children Schools and Families, the Head of Property Services and the Borough Solicitor;

                      (d)          Agreement of contract award strategies and contract awards for the implementation of this scheme, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, the Director of Children, Schools and Families, the Head of Property Services and the Borough Solicitor;

                      (e)          Appropriation of existing Council land under relevant powers as necessary to enable the implementation of the scheme, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Resources, the Head of Property Services, the Director of Children Schools and Families and the Borough Solicitor;

(vi)           THAT authority be delegated to the Director of Finance to exercise the option to undertake prudential borrowing to support the capital funding requirements of the scheme if required;

(vii)          THAT, in order to increase the benefits offered by the scheme or to comply with planning or other requirements, there may be minor amendments to the proposed scheme and expenditure budget and that authority be delegated to the Director of Finance to approve such amendments in consultation with the Director of Children, Schools and Families, the Director of Culture and Environment, the Director of Housing and Adult Social Care and the Borough Solicitor.

Kingsgate Primary School Expansion  ...  view the full decision text for item 10.

Consideration was given to a report of the Directors of Finance, Culture and Environment, Housing and Adult Social Care and Children, Schools and Families.

It was noted that there was a confidential appendix to the report, containing confidential information relating to the item, which Cabinet Members had read and would take into account when making the decision.

As mentioned at Item 3 above, deputations were received and noted in respect of the Somers Town element of the report from

-        Lisa Bean and Sarah Elie, Somers Town Neighbourhood Planning Forum

-        Michelle Rispin, representing local residents

Councillor Leach commented that Highgate Newtown Community Centre was desperately in need of renovation and these proposals would allow that to happen.  In addition, the Somers Town proposal would provide a new primary school and housing and the Kingsgate proposal would expand the school and provide additional employment space.  Agar Grove was the biggest housing regeneration scheme that the Council had and the Bourne Estate proposal would be amended slightly following the drawing up of the business case.  There was a great deal of work going on that was adding to the estate of Council property throughout the borough and she recommended the report to Members.

In response to concerns raised by some councillors and deputees, officers commented that the Council’s assessment of the Liddell Road Industrial Estate confirmed that there were around 80 people employed on the site.  There was no evidence to suggest that the number was as high as 250, as suggested by the local business association.  Businesses would be displaced by the proposals but there would be alternative space provided elsewhere and the Council would work with the businesses concerned to identify suitable alternative premises.  All consultation responses relating to the site had been considered.  In relation to Edith Neville School, there had been extensive consultation and residents had supported the re-investment priorities.  The school was in a poor state of repair and the rebuild could not be delayed.  In relation to Kingsgate School, the Council would have been required to provide the funding whether it had gone down the Academy route or the expansion of an existing school route and so it had been decided to expand a popular and successful school.  In relation to concerns about the loss of trees in Somers Town, the plan was to reprovide and enhance the public realm, replacing the trees and providing a new green space for the community to enjoy.

Councillor Blackwell commented that this was a substantial series of projects to deliver more than 900 homes, a new school and an expanded school.  There had been a misrepresentation of the financial situation at Kingsgate School by the opposition but the position was in fact very clear.  Only 1% of current investment needs could be met by government grant and this programme was the only way to find the rest of the funding.  Extensive consultation was undertaken but at a certain point action had to be taken and any  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Report of the Director of Culture and Environment

The establishment of a cross party group to examine Camden’s response to speakers promoting messages of hate in venues in the borough was approved by Cabinet in December 2012.

This report is coming to Cabinet to present the work of the cross-party group and the subsequent framework developed which sets out how the Council will respond when alerted to speakers or groups promoting messages of hate and intolerance at venues in the borough.

The framework fulfils objectives within the Camden Plan as it seeks to provide democratic leadership fit for changing times and to ensure sustainable neighbourhoods together with promoting equality and tolerance in the Borough. In developing the framework, the Council is attempting to strike the right balance between addressing legitimate concerns caused by the promotion of extremist views with the rights of individuals to have freedom of speech.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the work carried out by the cross party group to examine the issue of speakers promoting hate and intolerance in the borough be noted; and

(ii)             THAT the framework at Appendix 1 of the report, developed through the work of the cross party group, which sets out how the Council responds to speakers promoting hate and intolerance in the borough, be approved.

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Culture and Environment.

Councillor Hayward thanked Councillors Moffitt, Marshall and Siddiq for their work on the Cross-Party Group.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the work carried out by the cross party group to examine the issue of speakers promoting hate and intolerance in the borough be noted; and

(ii)             THAT the framework at Appendix 1 of the report, developed through the work of the cross party group, which sets out how the Council responds to speakers promoting hate and intolerance in the borough, be approved.

ACTION BY:           Director of Culture and Environment

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Director of Finance

This report provides an overview of the Council’s financial position.  The report discusses the latest developments regarding the projected medium-term deficit, and updates Cabinet on the tenets of the new financial strategy being developed to allow the Council to achieve the aims of the Camden Plan while delivering the required efficiencies.  The report also provides an update on the Council’s Capital Strategy and the impact of the decisions being made in the Community Investment Programme report.

The report advises on the latest position on the 2014/15 budget and asks the Cabinet to agree the decisions that will bring the forecast position into balance. Cabinet is required to approve new fees and charges for 2014/15, and the report sets out the new and raised fees requiring approval.

The Council has undertaken a comprehensive assessment and validation exercise to review all its earmarked reserves, and the report presents the resulting available balances and makes recommendations for re-allocation.

The report is coming to the Cabinet because decisions are required regarding the new savings proposals to balance the 2014/15 budget; to agree the re-allocation of available reserve balances; and in order to set new fees and charges for 2014/15.

RESOLVED –

(i)               THAT the latest adverse developments in the Council’s medium-term deficit projections be noted;

(ii)              THAT the allocations for Unavoidable Pressures for the 2014/15 budget outlined in section 4.11-4.14 and appendix A of the report be noted;

(iii)       THAT the new savings proposals discussed in section 4.15-4.18 and presented in appendix C of the report be agreed;

(iv)            THAT the savings previously agreed by Cabinet be noted and that it be noted that should these savings be delivered the Council will be able to set a balanced budget for 2014/15, as outlined in section 4.10-4.17 of the report;

(v)        THAT the one-off 2013/14 budget savings of £3.447m and allocation towards HS2 and Workforce Re-modelling costs discussed in section 4.30-4.32 of the report be agreed;

(vi)       THAT the reallocation of surplus reserve balances discussed in section 4.24-4.29 and appendix G of the report be agreed;

(vii)      THAT discretion to agree an increase in fees and charges up to a maximum threshold of 5% for non-statutory fees and charges be delegated to Chief Officers. Fees and charges rising up to this level will not be separately identified to Cabinet;

(viii)     THAT the new fees and charges shown in appendix H of the report be agreed;

(ix)       THAT the fees and charges rises above 5% shown in appendix I of the report be agreed;

(x)        THAT the financial position for 2013/14 discussed in section 4.33 of the report be noted;

(xi)       THAT the capital expenditure and capital receipts projections for 2013/14, as set out in sections 4.46-4.52 of the report, be noted;

(xii)      THAT the latest position regarding 2014/15 Schools funding discussed in section 4.19 of the report and the latest position regarding the timetable towards implementation of a national funding formula for schools discussed in section 4.20 and appendix D of the report be noted;

(xiii)     THAT the latest position in Housing Revenue Account budgets discussed in sections 4.21 and appendix E of the report be noted;

(xiv)     THAT changes are made to the alternative levy apportionment arrangements to the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) Levy, as discussed in section 4.38-4.39 and Appendix J of the report, to take effect for and from the apportionment of the NLWA’s 2014/15 levy, be agreed;

(xv)      THAT the Cabinet Member for Sustainability, Transport and Planning be authorised to agree minor changes to the proposed NLWA changes set out in Appendix K of the report, if such become necessary as a result of other boroughs’ consideration of the same;

(xvi)     THAT it be agreed, for the avoidance of doubt, that all other parts of the current locally agreed NLWA levy apportionment arrangements remain unchanged; and

(xvii)    THAT authority be delegated to the Borough Solicitor to take all necessary steps, including the appropriate restructuring of the workforce, to harness the benefits of the Accommodation Strategy through the creation of a new Business Support function for the Council, as discussed in sections 4.22-4.23 of the report.

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Finance.

It was noted that recommendation (o) should refer to the Cabinet Member for Sustainability, Transport and Planning rather than the Cabinet Member for Environment.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the latest adverse developments in the Council’s medium-term deficit projections be noted;

(ii)             THAT the allocations for Unavoidable Pressures for the 2014/15 budget outlined in section 4.11-4.14 and appendix A of the report be noted;

(iii)      THAT the new savings proposals discussed in section 4.15-4.18 and presented in appendix C of the report be agreed;

(iv)           THAT the savings previously agreed by Cabinet be noted and that it be noted that should these savings be delivered the Council will be able to set a balanced budget for 2014/15, as outlined in section 4.10-4.17 of the report;

(v)      THAT the one-off 2013/14 budget savings of £3.447m and allocation towards HS2 and Workforce Re-modelling costs discussed in section 4.30-4.32 of the report be agreed;

(vi)     THAT the reallocation of surplus reserve balances discussed in section 4.24-4.29 and appendix G of the report be agreed;

(vii)     THAT discretion to agree an increase in fees and charges up to a maximum threshold of 5% for non-statutory fees and charges be delegated to Chief Officers. Fees and charges rising up to this level will not be separately identified to Cabinet;

(viii)    THAT the new fees and charges shown in appendix H of the report be agreed;

(ix)     THAT the fees and charges rises above 5% shown in appendix I of the report be agreed;

(x)      THAT the financial position for 2013/14 discussed in section 4.33 of the report be noted;

(xi)     THAT the capital expenditure and capital receipts projections for 2013/14, as set out in sections 4.46-4.52 of the report, be noted;

(xii)     THAT the latest position regarding 2014/15 Schools funding discussed in section 4.19 of the report and the latest position regarding the timetable towards implementation of a national funding formula for schools discussed in section 4.20 and appendix D of the report be noted;

(xiii)    THAT the latest position in Housing Revenue Account budgets discussed in sections 4.21 and appendix E of the report be noted;

(xiv)    THAT changes are made to the alternative levy apportionment arrangements to the North London Waste Authority (NLWA) Levy, as discussed in section 4.38-4.39 and Appendix J of the report, to take effect for and from the apportionment of the NLWA’s 2014/15 levy, be agreed;

(xv)    THAT the Cabinet Member for Sustainability, Transport and Planning be authorised to agree minor changes to the proposed NLWA changes set out in Appendix K of the report, if such become necessary as a result of other boroughs’ consideration of the same;

(xvi)    THAT it be agreed, for the avoidance of doubt, that all other parts of the current locally agreed NLWA levy apportionment arrangements remain unchanged; and

(xvii)   THAT authority be delegated to the Borough Solicitor to take all necessary steps, including the appropriate restructuring of the workforce, to harness the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Report of the Director of Finance

The report reviews the existing policy for awarding discretionary reductions in council tax and recommends introducing a new exemption for foster parents who foster for Camden.  The council tax legislation requires changes to the policy to come before the Cabinet.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the revised policy set out in Appendix B of the report be adopted; and

(ii)             THAT decisions on individual applications for a reduction in the amount of council tax under Section 13A(1) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 be delegated to the Assistant Director of Finance (Revenues) with reviews of any decision of the Assistant Director of Finance (Revenues) being undertaken by the Director of Finance.

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Finance.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the revised policy set out in Appendix B of the report be adopted; and

(ii)             THAT decisions on individual applications for a reduction in the amount of council tax under Section 13A(1) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 be delegated to the Assistant Director of Finance (Revenues) with reviews of any decision of the Assistant Director of Finance (Revenues) being undertaken by the Director of Finance.

ACTION BY:           Director of Finance

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive

Camden’s local welfare assistance has been in place since 1 April 2013.  It replaces the Social Fund previously administered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).  It is designed to meet a range of one-off needs that are not met by regular benefit or tax credit payments.

Cabinet approval to provide an interim scheme for one year was granted in October 2012.  This report proposes an extension of the current arrangements for a further year, whereby the contract with the current provider is extended for a further year from April 2014 as set out in paragraph 4.16.

The Camden Plan explicitly states our commitment to tackling inequality and puts it at the centre of the Council’s aims and priorities.  In delivering the Camden Plan the Council is working to reduce inequality while preserving the social mix.  It is important that arrangements that are put in place for the localisation of the Social Fund make a positive contribution towards achieving the Council’s aim of tackling inequality.  It is anticipated that the course of action set out here will, through mitigating the potential impacts of welfare benefit changes and supporting people in times of crisis, impact on the nature and number of children living in poverty in the borough.

This report is coming to Cabinet because the 2012 report stated that future proposals will be presented for Cabinet decision prior to implementation.

RESOLVED –

THAT the strategy of providing local welfare assistance as an interim replacement for the Social Fund be continued until 31^st March 2015 and that the current contract with Northgate be extended for a further 12 months.

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED –

THAT the strategy of providing local welfare assistance as an interim replacement for the Social Fund be continued until 31^st March 2015 and that the current contract with Northgate be extended for a further 12 months.

                    ACTION BY:           Assistant Chief Executive

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Director of Children, Schools and Families

This report outlines the progress to date of the required stages for a statutory proposal for a change in provision for children with special educational needs in Camden.

The proposed model will strengthen Camden’s current provision for children with special educational needs that ranges from support delivered by mainstream schools, enhanced mainstream provision for those children and young people with additional and complex needs requiring support from multiple agencies such as Speech and Language Therapy (SALT), Education Psychology Service (EPS) and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) support, specialist resource bases attached to mainstream schools, through to special school provision which caters for pupils with enduring complex and profound multiple needs.  The proposals reflect the conclusions of a review carried out in 2011 and initial consultation in 2012.  The review was commissioned by SEN Resources Working Group, a sub-group of Schools Forum.  The review identified a model of resource base provision that no longer matches the trend of need in Camden.  The resulting proposals are to close some resource base provision, as described in this report, and to increase the level of specialist outreach services that will improve the offer for children with complex and additional needs.

The aim of these proposals are to ensure that resources are deployed in the most effective and equitable way possible, and are a key part of the Camden Plan and its strategic objectives of ‘developing new solutions with partners to reduce inequality’ and ‘delivering value for money services by getting it right first time.’  The initial proposals have been amended following the first stages of consultation and will make changes in resource base provision for primary age pupils only.

The next stage in the statutory procedure is for the Cabinet to agree to the publication of the statutory proposals regarding the proposed changes to the schools.

Cabinet are also requested to agree to delegate responsibility to the Director of Children, Schools, and Families in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children to consider the representations received in respect of the statutory proposals and to make the decision to approve, reject or agree conditional approval of these proposals.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the proposed changes set out in paragraph 3.7 and appendix 5 of the report be approved subject to the statutory consultation procedure;

(ii)             THAT statutory notices be published regarding the proposed changes, as stated in paragraph 6.1 of the report; and

(iii)            THAT responsibility be delegated to the Director of Children, Schools and Families in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children in order that representations received in respect of the statutory proposals can be considered and the proposals reviewed prior to making the decision to approve, reject or agree conditional approval of these proposals.

REASON

For the reason set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Children, Schools and Families.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the proposed changes set out in paragraph 3.7 and appendix 5 of the report be approved subject to the statutory consultation procedure;

(ii)             THAT statutory notices be published regarding the proposed changes, as stated in paragraph 6.1 of the report; and

(iii)            THAT responsibility be delegated to the Director of Children, Schools and Families in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children in order that representations received in respect of the statutory proposals can be considered and the proposals reviewed prior to making the decision to approve, reject or agree conditional approval of these proposals.

ACTION BY:           Director of Children, Schools and Families

REASON

For the reason set out in the report.

Report of the Assistant Chief Executive

This report provides a progress update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Equality Taskforce.  It sets out the Council’s proposed approach to delivery in the context of the Camden plan, including immediate priorities and the financial resources allocated to support implementation.

The report is coming to the Cabinet because the response to the Equality Taskforce comes under its responsibility, set out in the Council constitution, for considering and promoting strategic and Council-wide initiatives to improve the quality, efficiency and effectiveness of the Council's services.

RESOLVED –

THAT the proposed approach to implementation of the Taskforce recommendations, and the specific actions that will be pursued in the first year, as set out in Section 6 of the report, be approved.

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Assistant Chief Executive.

RESOLVED –

THAT the proposed approach to implementation of the Taskforce recommendations, and the specific actions that will be pursued in the first year, as set out in Section 6 of the report, be approved.

                    ACTION BY:           Assistant Chief Executive

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Director of Housing and Adult Social Care

This report details the governance arrangements for the HS2 programme in Camden and advises Cabinet of the need to consider delegating decision making powers for the forthcoming parliamentary petitioning process.

The report also advises the Cabinet of budgetary arrangements for the HS2 programme.

This report is coming to Cabinet because over the next 18 months or so the Council will need to make a large number of binding decisions in respect of HS2 mitigation.  Many of these decisions have the potential to impact on Camden Plan objectives.  In making these decisions, it is important to achieve the optimum balance of agility against transparency, whilst maintaining an appropriate level of accountability.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the delegated decision making powers be approved as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report; and

(ii)             THAT the budgetary provision for the programme set out at Section 10 of the report and included in the Medium Term Financial Strategy report be agreed.

REASON

For the reason set out in the report.

As mentioned at Item 3 above, a deputation was received and noted in respect of this item from Fran Heron representing local residents.

In response to the deputation, Councillor Leach remarked that the website would be looked at with a view to making it more useful for residents.

The Assistant Director of Housing and Adult Social Care commented that the website issues had been flagged up with the webteam and would be looked at.  There had been extensive advertisement of the dates of public meetings regarding the HS2 proposals via advertisements in the local paper, a mailshot to all affected properties and messages to those on the email list.  Posters had also been prepared and he would check that they had been circulated.

The Leader asked Ms Heron to send the details of any affected homes that had not been contacted to her and the Assistant Director and she would look into it and respond to her directly.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the delegated decision making powers be approved as set out in paragraph 3.6 of the report; and

(ii)             THAT the budgetary provision for the programme set out at Section 10 of the report and included in the Medium Term Financial Strategy report be agreed.

REASON

For the reason set out in the report.

Report of the Director of Housing and Adult Social Care

This report details the outcome of a tender exercise for the mental health supported living pathway and seeks authority to award a contract for Lot 2 South.  For Lot 1 North, the contract award is delegated to the Authorised Officer as per Contract Standing Order (CSO) 7.2.

Mental health supported living services provide a settled home which is vital for good mental health.  Ensuring customers have a suitable and settled place to live can aid recovery from mental health problems and help reduce overall demand for health and social care services.  Supported living accommodation is an option for customers that have a severe and enduring mental illness such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder who find it difficult to manage in their own home and need further support to help them move towards independent living.

The new supported living pathway will improve on the existing function and purpose of current services by adding a new focus on health and social care outcomes reflective of national and local priorities.  This includes the introduction of personalisation through “individual service funds” (ISF).  Individual service funds are used nationally to help commissioners and providers rise to the personalisation challenge whilst enhancing recovery and achieving better customer outcomes.

This report is being submitted to Cabinet in accordance with the requirements of Contract Standing Order (CSO) 7.2, which provides that Cabinet must award all contracts where the contract value exceeds £5,000,000.

This report has an appendix which contains information exempt within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and is not for publication. The appendix has therefore been circulated to Cabinet Members only.

If the Cabinet wishes to discuss the contents of a closed exempt appendix it may pass the proposed resolution identified at the end of the document to exclude members of the public and the press from the proceedings for that discussion. 

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the contract for Lot 2 South be awarded to Tenderer D from 1^st April 2014, at a total estimated value of £4,054,606 for five years with an option to extend for a further two one year periods; and

(ii)             THAT the award of the contract for Lot 1 North to Tenderer E by the Authorised Officer in accordance with delegated powers under contract standing order (CSO) 7.2 from 1^st April 2014, at a total estimated value of £2,720,727 for five years with an option to extend for a further two one year periods, be noted.

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Housing and Adult Social Care.

It was noted that there was a confidential appendix to the report containing confidential information relating to the item, which Cabinet Members had read and would take into account when making their decision.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the contract for Lot 2 South be awarded to Tenderer D from 1^st April 2014, at a total estimated value of £4,054,606 for five years with an option to extend for a further two one year periods; and

(ii)             THAT the award of the contract for Lot 1 North to Tenderer E by the Authorised Officer in accordance with delegated powers under contract standing order (CSO) 7.2 from 1^st April 2014, at a total estimated value of £2,720,727 for five years with an option to extend for a further two one year periods, be noted.

ACTION BY:           Director of Housing and Adult Social Care

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Report of the Director of Housing and Adult Social Care

The Camden Plan identifies the council’s aim to develop solutions with partners to reduce inequality.  Hostel pathway services are critical to preventing homelessness and the council’s successful approach to reducing rough sleeping in the borough. 

Over the last year, 361 people moved out of the pathwayto live independently in the community, with the average length of stay around the target of two years.  Pathway services play a key role in keeping the numbers of rough sleepers down in the borough, and rough sleeper numbers in the annual street count have been consistently low in the years since the pathway was introduced in 2007.

This report details the outcome of a tender exercise for three hostel pathway services and seeks authority to award a contract for the provision of a specialist hostel pathway service for people with substance misuse problems.  It is being submitted to Cabinet in accordance with the requirements of Contract Standing Order (CSO) 7.2, which provides that Cabinet must award all contracts where the contract value exceeds £5,000,000.

This report has an appendix which contains information exempt within the meaning of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 and is not for publication. The appendix has therefore been circulated to Cabinet Members only.

If the Cabinet wishes to discuss the contents of a closed exempt appendix it may pass the proposed resolution identified at the end of the document to exclude members of the public and the press from the proceedings for that discussion. 

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the contract for Lot 1, Specialist Substance Misuse, be awarded to Tenderer C from 1^st April 2014 for five years, with an option to extend for a further two one year periods;

(ii)             THAT an amended procurement strategy be agreed enabling a contract to be awarded to the sole bidder for Lot 3, Flexible Designation, following the successful outcome of a negotiation; and

(iii)           THAT the approval of the award of contract for Lot 2, 88 Arlington Road, to Tenderer C by the Authorised Officer in accordance with delegated powers under contract standing order (CSO) 7.2 from 1^st April 2014, for five years with an option to extend for a further two one year periods, be noted.

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Housing and Adult Social Care.

It was noted that there was a confidential appendix to the report containing confidential information relating to the item, which Cabinet Members had read and would take into account when making their decision.

RESOLVED –

(i)              THAT the contract for Lot 1, Specialist Substance Misuse, be awarded to Tenderer C from 1^st April 2014 for five years, with an option to extend for a further two one year periods;

(ii)             THAT an amended procurement strategy be agreed enabling a contract to be awarded to the sole bidder for Lot 3, Flexible Designation, following the successful outcome of a negotiation; and

(iii)           THAT the approval of the award of contract for Lot 2, 88 Arlington Road, to Tenderer C by the Authorised Officer in accordance with delegated powers under contract standing order (CSO) 7.2 from 1^st April 2014, for five years with an option to extend for a further two one year periods, be noted.

ACTION BY:           Director of Housing and Adult Social Care

REASONS

For the reasons set out in the report.

The next meeting of the Cabinet will be held on Wednesday 22^nd January 2014 at 7.00pm in the Council Chamber.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Cabinet will be held on Wednesday 22nd January 2014 at 7.00pm in the Council Chamber.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Cabinet will be held on Wednesday 22nd January 2014 at 7.00pm in the Council Chamber.

There was no urgent business.

There was no urgent business.

Proposed resolution:

THAT the press and public be excluded from the proceedings of the Cabinet on 4^th December 2013 during consideration of the respective item on the agenda on the grounds that it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that were members of the public to be present, there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Specifically -

Publicity in respect of Items 10, 18 and 19 would be likely to lead to the disclosure of information relating to financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and not required to be registered under various statutes by virtue of Category 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.