Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Georgia Gould.

There were none.

Deputations were received and noted in respect of item 16 “West End Project Public Realm Improvements (CENV/2014/20)” from

1. Vincent Stops, London TravelWatch, as attached at APPENDIX A;

2. Jack Skippen, Living Streets, as attached at APPENDIX B

3. David Kaner, Covent Garden Community Association (CGCA), as attached at APPENDIX C

4. Jessica Skippon, Camden resident, as attached at APPENDIX D

5. John Chamberlain, Camden Cycling Campaign (CCC), as attached at APPENDIX E

6. Rosie Downes, London Cycling Campaign (LCC), as attached at APPENDIX F

7. Clive Henderson, Chair, Gordon Mansions Residents Association (GMRA), as attached at APPENDIX G

Written submissions were also received and noted from

(a)  Max Neufeld, Charlotte Street Association, as attached at APPENDIX H;

(b)  Mark Ames, Editor, ibikelondon, as attached at APPENDIX I;

(c)  Adam Gibson, as attached at APPENDIX J

(d)  Baroness Jo Valentine, London First, as attached at APPENDIX K

(e)  Dominic Leggett, as attached at APPENDIX L

Councillor Jones responded to the points raised by the deputations at the item.

Webcasting of the Meeting

The Chair to announce the following: “In addition to the rights by law that the public and press have to record and film public meetings, I would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be broadcast live by the Council to the Internet and will be capable of repeated viewing and copies of the recording could be made available to those that request them.

If you are seated in the chamber it is likely that the Council’s cameras will capture your image and you are deemed to be consenting to being filmed and to the use of those images and sound recordings for webcasting and/or training purposes.  If you are addressing the Committee your contribution will be recorded and broadcast unless you have already indicated that you do not wish this to happen.

If you wish to avoid appearing on the Council’s webcast you should move to one of the galleries.”

Any Other Announcements

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 in one of the galleries.

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.

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

There was no urgent business.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 17^th December 2014.

RESOLVED –

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on Wednesday, 17^th December 2014 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.

No matters were referred from a Council Scrutiny Committee.

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 Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology Policy

This report recommends a Council Tax Reduction Scheme for working age people for the year 2015/16 to help people on low incomes pay their Council Tax in line with the Camden Plan objectives to reduce inequality and eliminate child poverty in the borough.

It also looks at how the Council Tax Reduction Scheme operated in 2014/15 and the results of the consultation that has taken place on the proposed scheme for 2015/16.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology Policy.

RESOLVED –

THAT it be agreed and recommended to Full Council that no change is made to the Council Tax Reduction Scheme at Appendix C and that the scheme continues from 1 April 2015.

              ACTION BY: Director of Finance

                                      Borough Solicitor (Committee Services)

REASONS

For the reasons contained in the report

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology Policy

The council tax base shows how much council tax could be raised across the Borough for each £1 of council tax charged at band D. This enables Camden, the Greater London Authority and the Garden Square Committees to calculate the council tax needed to pay for the services  each provides. This report is coming to Cabinet and then to Full Council because the regulations require the Council to approve the council tax base every year.

Working out the right amount of council tax to charge and then collecting it effectively and efficiently, is important to ensure money is available to maintain the high standard of services required to support the Camden Plan.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology Policy.

RESOLVED –

(i)        THAT the report, for the calculation of the Council's tax base for the year 2015/2016, be approved;

(ii)       THAT pursuant to the report and in accordance with Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax Base) (England) Regulations 2012, the amount calculated by the London Borough of Camden as its council tax base for the year 2015/2016 shall be 85,170.00 as shown in appendix 2;

(iii)      THAT the tax base for the three Garden Squares as shown in appendix 3 shall be as follows:

              Gordon Square              26.73

              Fitzroy Square               55.85    

              Mecklenburgh Square   84.78  

(iv)    THAT (i) to (iii) above be recommended to the Council for agreement.

              ACTION BY: Director of Finance

                                       Borough Solicitor (Committee Services)

REASONS

For the reasons contained in the report

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology Policy

Since 1 April 2013, Councils have been allowed to retain a proportion of the business rates collected, the purpose being that this encourages Councils to promote economic growth, which in Camden’s case can be reinvested back into the Camden Plan objectives. Much has already been achieved in supporting and encouraging the growth of business in Camden and retaining a proportion of business rates will enable Camden to maintain and build on this success.

This report asks the Cabinet to approve the estimate of business rates yield for 2015-2016 and is coming to Cabinet and then Full Council because the yield forms an important part of the budget and tax setting report before Cabinet on 25 February 2015.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology Policy.

RESOLVED –

(i)        THAT the approach and assumptions for the calculation of the Council’s business rates yield as set out in appendices 1-5, be approved.

(ii)       THAT, in accordance with the Non-Domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013, the amount calculated by the London Borough of Camden as its business rates yield for the year 2015-2016 shall be £529,881,292.79 as shown in line 18 of appendix 1.

(iii)      THAT delegated authority be given to the Director of Finance, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology Policy, to make any adjustments to the calculation of the estimated business rates yield for year 2015-16. This is to reflect any amendments made as a result of the Autumn statement, or the 2015/16 Local Government Finance Settlement, for which details are awaited.

(iv)      THAT authority be delegated to the Director of Finance to submit the notification of the calculation of the estimated Non-Domestic Rates income to the Secretary of State and the Greater London Authority.

(v)     THAT (i) to (iv) above be recommended to the Council for agreement.

              ACTION BY: Director of Finance

                                        Borough Solicitor (Committee Services)

REASONS

For the reasons contained in the report

Report of the Cabinet Member for Housing

The draft budget and rent setting policy continue to support the strategy of fully funding the better homes investment backlog over 5 years and establishing a cyclical maintenance programme for the council housing stock. Good quality housing is a key contributor to a number of objectives included in the Camden Plan including providing sustainable neighbourhoods, reducing health inequalities and supporting complex families.

The report is coming to the Cabinet because decisions are required regarding the draft budget and in order to set the levels of rent and service charges for 2015/16.

[NOTE: There was a typographical error in the report to Housing Scrutiny Committee in the table at section 7. The weekly charge for communal lighting should have been 99p per week not 94p.

Dates have also been added to Part II of the EIA at Appendix F.]

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Housing, together with an appendix setting out a summary of the views of the Joint District Management Committee (DMC) Housing Summit held on 12^th January 2015, as attached at Appendix M. This appendix had been circulated to Cabinet Members separately after the agenda despatch.

Councillor Fulbrook advised the Cabinet that with regard to garages, the DMCs had expressed strong views about the proposed £15 flat fee, given charges were current £7-£14 based on vehicle emissions (average £9.80).  He remained convinced that a flat fee was fairer because many garages were actually used for storage rather than parking.  As a consequence he proposed to reduce the proposal to an £11 flat fee and therefore changed the wording of recommendation (ix ) to “agree to revised charges for garages for private users from 5^th April 2015 (paragraph 9.2)  and following feedback from the DMC meetings revise future garages charges for council tenants and leaseholders to £11 per week”.

Also as a consequence of the reduced revenue to the HRA, the figure in recommendation (ii) was amended to “£2.2m”.

Councillor Fulbrook explainedthat overall with this package of measures a further contribution of £2.2m per annum would be made to the better homes programme and Camden would remain on target to fully fund the programme by 20171/8.  

RESOLVED –

THAT, having considered the views of the District Management Committees and the Scrutiny Committee the following be agreed:-

(i)        THAT an exemption from call in be agreed to facilitate the statutory notice of rent increases being given to tenants in accordance with the views of the Chair of Housing Scrutiny (paragraph 2.3);

(ii)       THAT an additional annual contribution of £2.2m be made by the HRA for 2015/16 to the capital programme for investment in better homes (section 3);

(iii)      THAT the 2015/16 budget (section 4) be approved;

(iv)      THAT to apply an average rent increase of 3.9% (£4.24 per week) from 5^th April 2015 (paragraphs 6.8) be agreed;

(v)       THAT to apply an extra £1 per week rent increase for properties with 4 bedrooms or more (paragraphs 6.9) be agreed;

(vi)      THAT to move rents for individual properties to target on re-let for new tenants from 5^th April 2015 (paragraph 6.10) be agreed;

(vii)    THAT  the revised charge of £1.70 per week for the grounds maintenance element of the service charge to tenants (paragraph 7.1) be agreed;

(viii)   THAT revised charges for Cupboards, Sheds and Storage units from 5th April 2015 (paragraph 9.1) be agreed;

(ix)      THAT revised charges for garages for private use from 5^th April 2015 (paragraph 9.2) and following feedback from the DMC meetings revise future garages charges for council tenants and leaseholders to £11 per week be agreed;

(x)       THAT the transfer of the sheltered housing service from the general fund to the HRA and the introduction of a charge for enhanced housing management (paragraph 10.2) and to introduce transitional protection for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture

This report seeks approval for the proposed budget for the London Councils  Grants Committee / London Boroughs Grants Scheme for 2015/16 and the London Borough of Camden’s contribution to it.

This report is brought to the Cabinet because decisions to award grants of over £100,000 in any one year are reserved for collective Cabinet decision making. 

The commissioning by London Councils aligns to the strategic objectives of the Camden Plan:

• Investing in our communities to ensure sustainable neighbourhoods
• Creating conditions for and harnessing the benefits of economic growth.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Customers, Communities and Culture.

RESOLVED –

THAT the 2015/16 budget for the London Councils’/London Boroughs’ Grants Scheme of £9,000,000 and Camden’s contribution to it for 2015/16 of £245,610 be approved.

            ACTION BY: Director of Culture and Environment

REASONS

For the reasons contained in the report

Report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning 

This report seeksapproval of the draftCamdenLocal Plan(set outin AppendixA) for consultationandengagement.The newLocal Planwill be a keydelivery mechanism fortheCamden Plan.Itwill ensure thatCamdencontinuesto have effective,up-to-dateplanning policiesthatwillallowtheCouncilto make planning decisionsthatdeliver economic growth andsustainablecommunities and contributetowards reducinginequalities,enablingthedeliveryofCamden Plan outcomes.

Camden's constitutionrequires allstrategic planning policydocumentsto be agreed byCabinet.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning.

RESOLVED –

THAT thedraftCamdenLocal Plan(setoutin Appendix A) be approved for public consultation,subjecttotheDirector of CultureandEnvironment makingfurtherminor changes inconsultationwith theCabinetMemberfor Regeneration, Transport and Planning.

            ACTION BY: Director of Culture and Environment

REASONS

For the reasons contained in the report

Report of the CabinetMemberfor Regeneration,TransportandPlanning

CamdenCouncilis opposed toHS2.WhenCamdenCouncilresolved unanimouslyto opposeHigh SpeedTwo(HS2) in July2011it was also agreedthatit shouldwork onthe production of a planfortheEustonareato guidefuturedecisions onplanning applications andto secure thebestoutcomesfor Camden.TheEuston Area Plan(EAP) seeksto reflectaspirationsoflocal peopleandbusinessesin pursuingthisobjective, and is a framework whichcanbe appliedtoanyfutureredevelopmentofthestation,with or withoutHS2 orothers.The planaddresses arangeofstrategic objectives in theCamden Plan,includingworkingwith partners to address inequalities throughregeneration; supportinganddevelopingsustainablecommunities,andharnessingthebenefitsof econom  ...  view the full agenda text for item 15.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning 

RESOLVED –

THAT the contentsofthereport recommendingthattheEuston Area Plan(as setoutin Appendix 3) be adoptedand changesmadetothePoliciesMapbe noted and that it be agreed to refer it tofullCouncilforformal resolutionto adopt.

            ACTION BY: Director of Culture and Environment

                                    Borough Solicitor (Committee Services)

REASONS

For the reasons contained in the report

Report of the CabinetMemberfor Regeneration,TransportandPlanning

This report summarisestheresponsesto thepublicconsultation on thetraffic andpublic realmproposalsoftheWestEndProject. Thereportis being presentedtoCabinetfora decision ontheway forwardforthislarge-scale,strategically importantproject. Theproject deliverstheCamdenPlan objectiveCreatingconditionsforandharnessingthebenefits of economic growth, delivering majorinvestment inthe improvementofa significantresidential and commercialarea.   Italsocontributesto Investingin our communitiesto ensure sustainableneighbourhoodsbysignificantlyreducingtrafficimpacts,improvingconditions for walkingandcycling andproviding several newhighqualitypublic spaces.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning, together with an addendum, as attached at APPENDIX N. 

As mentioned at item 3 above, deputations were received and noted in respect of this item from:

1. Vincent Stops, London TravelWatch, as attached at APPENDIX A;

2. Jack Skippen, Living Streets, as attached at APPENDIX B

3. David Kaner, Covent Garden Community Association (CGCA), as attached at APPENDIX C

4. Jessica Skippon, Camden resident, as attached at APPENDIX D

5. John Chamberlain, Camden Cycling Campaign (CCC), as attached at APPENDIX E

6. Rosie Downes, London Cycling Campaign (LCC), as attached at APPENDIX F

7. Clive Henderson, Chair, Gordon Mansions Residents Association (GMRA), as attached at APPENDIX G

Written submissions were also received and noted from

(a)  Max Neufeld, Charlotte Street Association, as attached at APPENDIX H;

(b)  Mark Ames, Editor, ibikelondon, as attached at APPENDIX I;

(c)  Adam Gibson, as attached at APPENDIX J

(d)  Baroness Jo Valentine, London First, as attached at APPENDIX K

(e)  Dominic Leggett, as attached at APPENDIX L

It was noted that Cabinet Members had read these and would take them into account when making the decision.

Councillor Jones thanked the deputations for coming to the meeting and said that their comments had been considered. He also thanked people for the efforts they had made to get engaged in the consultation process and some proposals had been modified to take account of their comments. He recognised that he could not satisfy everyone on every point but he hoped that people recognised the effort that had been made. He was proud to present this project which represented £41m planned to spend on Tottenham Court Road and only 10% of which was being met by Camden with the rest being met by private sector and external funding. It would make it safer and more attractive to residents, boost business and create new public spaces ahead of the opening of the new Crossrail in 2018 which would make that area, in terms of the number of people passing through it, busier than Heathrow airport. He said that the status quo in terms of that area could not remain and it was important to respond now to that changing circumstance.

Councillor Jones made a number of general points and then responded to some of the specific issues raised by the deputations as follows:

-       The terrible air quality in London needed to be addressed, more people were cycling, which Camden supported due to the environmental benefits. However, there were still safety issues in London and a fear of cycling so those issues needed to be addressed too by providing new cycling facilities.

-       The most popular mode of transport in London was to travel by bus and this was one of the most significant schemes in recent years which would make journeys quicker.

-       Any project like this involved a balance between interacting and competing interestsand therefore  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

Report of the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Equality

This report provides a progress update on the implementation of the recommendations of the Equality Taskforce.  It sets out progress on the actions pursued in the first year (agreed by Cabinet in December 2013), and steps forward (paragraph 6.1 – onwards refers). The Council will continue to progress the Taskforce’s recommendations and where possible mainstream these into the Council’s existing work. Implementation of the Taskforce’s recommendations is contributing to the delivery of the Camden plan.

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.

Consideration was given to a report of the Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Equality.

RESOLVED –

THAT progress on the implementation of actions pursued over the first year be noted; and the Council continuing to progress these actions be agreed as detailed in Appendix A.

ACTION BY: Deputy Chief Executive (Transformation and Partnerships)

REASONS

For the reasons contained in the report

Report of the CabinetMemberforAdultSocialCare andHealth

Thisreport sets outa newstrategyfordeliveringthe Charlie Ratchfordextracare and daycare project.TheCouncilhasa long-standingplanto re-provide the Charlie RatchfordCentre, andnewextracarehomes,ona siteopposite the existingcentre.Thisplanformspart of theHomesforOlder PeopleStrategy.

The original deliverystrategyinvolved the Councilselectinga partnerto design,buildandoperate the new building with disposalofthenewcentre to a service provider ona 125year lease.A procurementexerciseidentifiedonepreferredbidder but theCouncilwas unable toagreecontracttermswith thisbidder andtheexercisewasterminated.

The Council, through the CommunityInvestment Programme,is nowtakinga leadingrole in newhousingdevelo  ...  view the full agenda text for item 18.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health.

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

RESOLVED –

(i)           THAT the revised procurement strategy and related land disposal detailed within the report be approved;

(ii)          THAT authority be delegated to the Director of Housing and Adult Social Care, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology, Director of Finance and Borough Solicitor to take all reasonable steps necessary to bring this project to fruition including but not limited to:

a.         Agree the terms of and thereafter complete any necessary acquisitions or disposals

b.         Agree the contract award strategies and thereafter enter into any necessary contracts

c.         Appropriate necessary land for the project

(iii)      THAT it be noted that a decision as to the operation of the new facilities will be made in due course.

ACTION BY: Director of Housing and Adult Social Care

REASONS

For the reasons contained in the report

Report of the Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Environment 

This report setsout details andimplications toCamden oftheInter Authority Agreement(IAA) betweentheNorthLondonWaste Authority(NLWA) andits sevenconstituentBoroughs.  TheIAA governs the arrangements betweenNLWA andtheboroughswithregardsto wastemanagementover thelife oftheNLWA’s currentand future wastemanagementcontracts.

Thereport alsoincludestheproposedchangein theNLWA’s charging

mechanism;from alevyapproachto amenupricingsystem.

BoththeNLWAIAA and thepotentialmove tomenupricingare inlinewith the CamdenPlan,byenablingCamden tofurtherdeliver valueformoneyrecycling and wasteservices.

Thereport is comingtotheCabinetbecauseas theIAA involvessignificant financialandstrategic implication  ...  view the full agenda text for item 19.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Sustainability and Environment 

RESOLVED –

(i)           THAT theCouncilshouldenter into theIAA in accordancewith the terms setoutin Section5 andAppendix1 ofthe report be agreed in principle;

(ii)          THAT authority be delegated totheDirector of CultureandEnvironmentto(a) negotiateandthereafter agree thedetailedterms of the IAA in consultationwith theCabinetMemberfor Sustainabilityand Environment,DirectorofFinanceandtheBorough Solicitor(b) authorise signature and executionoftheIAA;

(iii)         THAT the principle oftheNorth LondonWaste Authoritymovingto themenupricingmechanismin April 2016 (subjecttoapproval of other constituentboroughs) be approved and authority be delegatedto theDirectorofCulture andEnvironmenttoin consultationwiththeCabinetMemberfor SustainabilityandEnvironment,Director of Finance andtheBorough Sol  ...  view the full minutes text for item 19.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health

This report describes a strategy for commissioning advocacy services for adults with complex needs.  This involves bringing together a number of separate advocacy contracts (with a total annual cost of £480,000) into one integrated service with a single point of entry so that people can access services seamlessly.

Advocacy empowers people by giving them a voice and ensuring their views are considered when decisions are being made about their lives.  Advocacy also enables people to access information, understand rights and responsibilities and explore options for their care and support. Good quality advocacy delivered by voluntary sector partners supports the delivery of the Camden Plan aim of reducing inequality through this empowerment of residents with social care needs.

Councils and NHS Clinical Commissioning Groups have a statutory responsibility to provide certain types of advocacy.  Camden is also committed to providing non-statutory advocacy to people who need support to express their views. If people are enabled to make the right decision at the right time, they are more likely to remain independent and less likely to need ongoing adult social care services.  The business case for commissioning advocacy is therefore based on its impact in preventing dependency and reducing adult social care spend.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health 

RESOLVED –

THAT the contracting strategy for advocacy be approved as set out in this report, for a contract term of 4 years plus the option for 1 extension of 2 years and an option for an additional extension of 1 year, for an estimated aggregate value (including extensions) of £2.7m.

ACTION BY: Director of Housing and Adult Social Care

REASONS

For the reasons contained in the report

Report of the CabinetMemberfor Regeneration,TransportandPlanning

This reportoutlines thebackground,objectives andtimeframesfor tenderingthe streetlighting works intimefor 31st March2016start date andincludes reference to the previouslyagreedHighwayWorks Contract Strategy(CENV/2014/12).

Theresulting contracts will cover awiderangeofwork includingstreetlighting maintenanceandimprovements, as wellas thefullrangeof highwaysworks.

This report is requiredbecauseCabinetmust agree theaward strategyfor all capital contracts witha total valuein excess of £5million.The potential combined valueofthecontractsis approximately£22 millionp.a.

Thispaperseeksapproval to include thestreetlighting works (external andin- house provision)in thetenderexercise for theHighways  ...  view the full agenda text for item 21.

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Transport and Planning

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

RESOLVED –

(i)         THAT the procurementstrategyoutlinedin thereport be approved includingin particular:

a.  Thatthestreetlightingservicescontractbeincludedin thetender exercisefortheHighways maintenanceservicecontractsuchtobeginin spring2015.

b.  Subjecttodetailedbenchmarkingwork after thetender processtoeither award acontractfollowingthetenderforfouryears toa maximumof seven(on a70/30 price/qualitysplit) or instead toaward to theLoHAC framework provider (originallyselected70/30pricequality) beingColas Volker Highways URS for 5years with no extension(on a bestandfinal priceoffer basis)

(ii)       THAT theaward of anycontractfollowingtheabovebe delegatedtothe Director of CultureandEnvironmentin c  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology Policy

This report considers the acquisition of the freehold interest in 9 acres of land in Freight Lane and York Way N1. The land comprises the Council’s operational transport depot at 7 York Way N1, where the Council has a leasehold interest, the adjacent bus depot site let to Metroline and a cement batching site in Freight Lane let on a long lease to DB Shenker ltd. at a peppercorn rent. A Part 11 report in the Appendix provides confidential financial details which are not for distribution.

The acquisition will provide a saving in revenue costs on the York Way lease, an investment income to the Council from the Metroline lease as well as providing a long term strategic asset to the Council. 

A decision of the Cabinet is required for acquisitions of properties with a value over £2,500,000.

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. 

Consideration was given to a report of the Cabinet Member for Finance and Technology Policy.

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

RESOLVED –

(i)           THAT the contents of the report be noted as well as the information contained within the Part II Appendix and that the freehold land should be acquired be agreed; and

(ii)          THAT the property be acquired at market value at the best price reasonably obtainable, with the decision and completion of theacquisition being delegated to the Director of Finance.

ACTION BY: Director of Finance

REASONS

For the reasons contained in the report

The next meeting of the Cabinet will be held on Wednesday, 25^th February 2015 at 7.00pm in the Council Chamber.

It was noted that the next meeting of the Cabinet would be held on Wednesday 25^th February 2015 at 7.00pm.

There was no urgent business.