Apologies were received from Councillor Dodds, Cabinet Member for Performance.

Councillor Eady declared a prejudicial interest in Item 16 as he was a Foundation Governor of St Mary’s and St Peter’s Primary School.

Councillor Knight declared a prejudicial interest in Item 16 as he was the Chair of Governors of St Mary’s and St Peter’s Primary School.

To consider the Minutes of the meeting held on 27^th April 2009.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 27 April 2009 be received and approved and the Chair be authorised to sign them.

The Cabinet heard representations from John Bell on Item 8a.

None.

None.

None.

This report provides a response to the report of the Coordination, Finance and Performance Commission’s Task Group on Public Consultation.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities attached.

N.B.  The report of the Task Group has been published as “Supplementary Papers” on the Council’s website page for this meeting and may be viewed via www.richmond.gov.uk

(1)   That the Executive response to the recommendations of the Scrutiny Task Group on Public Consultation as set out in Appendix A be agreed.

Cabinet heard representations from John Bell, which included the following points,

Ø      The recommendations were sensible

Ø      The borough had a good record on consultation but this report should be considered a first step forward

Ø      The ladder of participation considers public participation but should also consider issues such as provision of information, listening and learning and decision making

Ø      A permanent group should be appointed to oversee the implementation of the recommendations, monitor the effects and review the outcome.

The Cabinet heard from Councillor Coombs, Chair of the Task Group on Consultation who commended the report to Cabinet.  He also thanked Scrutiny officer, Glenna McCulloch for the excellent support she had provided to the Task Group.  He stated that the Task Group had looked at issues such as over-consultation by the Council, less effective consultation, and the risks of public misunderstanding of the council’s objectives where it was landlord, applicant and user in planning matters.  He considered that it was important that the Council used the correct terminology for the type of consultation it was undertaking.  In response to questions from Cabinet he said that while regular review was appropriate, a permanent group might not be necessary, but that this was a matter for the Co-ordination, Finance and Performance Commission to consider.

The Cabinet Member for Communities stated that the recommendations of the Task Group had been accepted or partially accepted.  On the issue of misunderstanding in planning matters, he stated that the Council’s role was defined by Government and that it had to work within a strict planning framework.  Site briefs often conditioned what the Council could include in its planning applications.  He thanked the Task Group for its work which would inform a more strategic approach to consultation.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report asks for Cabinet approval for the proposed commitments and priorities in the new Children and Young People’s Plan 2009-13.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education attached.

Key Decision

N.B.  The Work plan has been published as “Supplementary Papers” on the Council’s website page for this meeting and may be viewed via www.richmond.gov.uk

(1)   That the themes and strategic priorities for children’s services set out in the Children and Young People’s Plan be noted and recommended to Council.

Cabinet expressed its appreciation of the work undertaken by officers to develop this plan and noted that young people considered that they had been consulted.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report asks for Cabinet approval for the Cultural Partnership Plan 2009 – 2013.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure attached.

Key Decision

(1)   That the themes and strategic priorities for cultural services set out in the Cultural Partnership Plan be noted and approved.

Cabinet noted reference to how culture could help at times of recession and the importance of ensuring that such services were also available to the vulnerable.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report presents the Council’s Climate Change Strategy (updated) and Corporate Energy Policy to Cabinet for approval.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment attached.

(1)   That the updated Climate Change Strategy be approved.

(2)   That the Corporate Energy Policy be approved.

(3)   That the unallocated balance of £450,000 remaining in the climate change fund be earmarked to fund invest-to-save energy projects.

(4)   That the operational ratings achieved by corporate and school buildings be noted.

Cabinet noted that some additional work was needed to align certain indicators with national requirements and that £1 million of potential energy projects had been identified.

Revised copies of the Cllimate Change Strategy and Appendix B were tabled at the meeting.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report asks Cabinet to approve the Alcohol Strategy. 

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing attached.

Key Decision

(1)   That the Borough Alcohol Strategy 2009-11 and Action Plan 2009-10 be agreed.

Cabinet noted that the work of Overview and Scrutiny had informed development of the strategy and that the strategy would be overseen by the Health and Well-being Partnership.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

It is a requirement of the Annual Governance Statement in the Statement of Accounts that there is an annual report to Cabinet on compliance with the Code. This report documents the current position and whilst there are no significant failings with adherence to the Code, highlights a few areas where actions are required.

Report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Partnerships attached.

N.B.  The Corporate Governance Annual Position Statement has been published as “Supplementary Papers” on the Council’s website page for this meeting and may be viewed via www.richmond.gov.uk

(1)   That the Corporate Governance Position Statement attached at Appendix A be noted.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report seeks approval for the Corporate Plan 2009-2012.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Performance attached.

Key Decision

(1)   That the draft Corporate Plan 2009-2012 attached at Appendix A.be considered.

(2)   That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council in consultation with the Chief Executive to finalise the Corporate Plan prior to it being reported to Council in July 2009.

In discussion, Cabinet considered that support during the period of recession was important, that Safeguarding for children was a priority as was the well-being of those aged over 50.  The Council needed to continue to provide value for money and efficient services.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report provides a summary of progress and achievements in Equality and Diversity in the last three years. The report also highlights work that needs to be undertaken in the following years.

Report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Partnerships attached.

Key Decision

N.B.  The Equality Management and Reporting Structures document has been published as “Supplementary Papers” on the Council’s website page for this meeting and may be viewed via www.richmond.gov.uk

(1)   That authority be delegated to the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Partnerships to make minor changes and that subject to these the Corporate Equality and Diversity report 2006-2009 be approved.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report seeks the approval of Cabinet, in its role as ‘local decision-maker’, to the proposals to expand both Holy Trinity and St Mary’s and St Peter’s Church of England Primary Schools in order to provide additional primary school places to meet forecast demand. 

Report of the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Partnerships attached.

Key Decision

(1)   That the proposal to expand Holy Trinity Church of England Primary School be approved.

(2)   That the proposal to expand St Mary’s and St Peter’s Church of England Primary School be approved.

Having declared a prejudicial interest Councillors Knight and Eady left the room for the duration of discussion on this item.

Cabinet noted that these proposals were an important component in the provision of primary school places.  There had been an unprecedented need for an increase in primary school places caused by a rise in the birth rate and the effect of the recession.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report seeks to gain the approval of Cabinet to award the contract for the re-tiling and the installation of a new filtration system at Richmond Pool.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure attached.

Key Decision

(1)   In accordance with Contract Standing Orders 9.8 b the acceptance of the tender submitted by H2O Servicing Limited be approved in relation to the re-tiling and the installation of a new filtration system at Richmond Pool.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources emphasised that this work was being undertaken to provide a quality swimming environment.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report considers the process of acceptance for a number of tenders over £500,000.00 for the appointment of a building contractor to undertake works to provide new outdoor sports facilities on Lincoln Field, Whitton School.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure attached.

Key Decision

(1)   That, subject to such delegation being required to maintain the project programme, authority to let the contract be delegated to the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education and the Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure, provided that in each case the recommended contract value is within 10% of the pre-tender estimate.

Cabinet noted that there was substantial investment by the Council into sporting facilities on the site as part of its continuing involvement in community sport.  It was agreed that this investment was being made as a contribution to the community facilities in the proposed new academy at Whitton.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report seeks Cabinet agreement to the tender process for the Banking Services contract.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources attached.

Key Decision

(1)   That it be agreed to a competitive tendering exercise, in accordance with EU Public Procurement Regulations, being undertaken for the provision of Banking Services, with a contract for a duration of 5 years with the option to extend a further 5.

(2)   That authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Corporate Services and Cabinet Member for Resources to award the tender, with a further report to Cabinet to inform Members of the outcome.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report seeks Cabinet agreement to the tender process for the Insurance Cover contract and the Insurance Claims Handling contract.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources attached.

Key Decision.

(1)   That it be agreed to a competitive dialogue tendering exercise, in accordance with EU Procurement Regulations, being undertaken for the provision of Insurance Cover, with a contract to be in place with effect from 1st April 2010 for a duration of 5 years with the option to extend a further 2.

(2)   That it be agreed to a competitive tendering exercise, in accordance with EU Procurement Regulations, being undertaken for the provision of Insurance Claims Handling services, with a contract to be in place with effect from 1st April 2010.

(3)   That authority be delegated to the Director of Finance and Corporate Services and Cabinet Member for Resources to award the tender, with a further report to Cabinet to inform Members of the outcome.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report seek authority to progress proposals and seek planning permission for refurbishment of Meadows Hall elderly persons’ social centre funded through disposal of part of the site for redevelopment.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources attached,

(1)   That authority be given to progress the proposals for Meadows Hall, Richmond set out at paragraph .3.7 and 3.8 of the report, and to submit a planning application in this connection.

The Cabinet heard from Councillor Bennett who welcomed the report.  However he raised issues over continued use of the facility for local meetings, its use as a polling station and the concerns from rear neighbours over the development and asked that these be considered.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report seeks authority to grant an easement to Lidl UK for the use of the Council’s car park to the rear of 38/48 High Street Whitton as a means of access for both vehicular servicing and pedestrians to a proposed new store.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources attached.

(1)   That it be agreed that the Council enters into an Agreement with TE Beteiligungs GmbH to take access over the Council’s land for servicing, customer and staff entrances to their proposed store on the terms set out in paragraph 3.3 of the report and in the confidential part of the Agenda.

(2)   That authority be delegated to the Interim Assistant Director Environment to finalise detailed terms and complete the Agreement.

The Cabinet heard from Councillor Warren who, although he considered that ward councillors had not been consulted, welcomed the report.  New business on the High Street was valued and this was also supported by Heathfield ward.  He asked that parents continue to be allowed to use the car park as a pick up and drop off point for the local school.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources welcomed the new store which also had the support of the local business community.  He emphasised that car parking spaces were not being sold and that Lidl would guarantee that forty spaces would be available in the car park.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report seeks Cabinet authority for the joint disposal (with Care UK) of the Old House at Laurel Dene in Hampton Hill.

Report of the deputy Leader and cabinet Member for resources attached.

Key Decision

(1)   That the joint disposal of the Old House on the broad terms identified in paragraph 3.5 be agreed with authority delegated to the Interim Assistant Director of Environment and the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources (in consultation with the Head of Legal & Electoral Services) to finalise the marketing process/sales particulars.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

This report seeks authority to agree a settlement figure for a long-standing dispute with the Council’s tenant over breach of user and sale of the Council’s freehold interest.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources attached.

(1)   That authority be given to complete a settlement of the outstanding dispute over breach of user clause, and to transfer the freehold interest to Marston Properties on the terms set out at paragraphs 3.7 and 3.8 of the report and in the confidential report.

The reasons for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report.

To decide having regard to the particular nature of the business to be transacted, whether or not to exclude the Press and Public during consideration of the following items on the grounds that they were likely to disclose exempt information by virtue of Paragraphs      of schedule 12 A (as amended) to the Local Government Act 1972.

Having regard to the particular nature of the business to be transacted, the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following items on the grounds that they were likely to disclose exempt information by virtue of paragraph 3 as defined in Access to Information Rule 10.4.

Confidential report attached.

(1)   That the report be noted.

Confidential report attached.

(1)   That the report be noted.

Confidential report attached.

(1)   That the report be noted.

Confidential report attached.

(1)   That the report be noted.

Confidential report attached.

(1)   That the report be noted.