Apologies were received from Councillor Knight.

In accordance with the Members’ Code of Conduct, Members are requested to declare any interests orally at the start of the meeting and again immediately before consideration of the matter. Members are reminded to specify the agenda item number to which it refers and whether the interest is of a personal or prejudicial nature.

Members are also reminded of the requirements of Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 that they should declare and not vote on specified matters if they are two months or more in arrears with their Council Tax payments.

Councillor Eady declared a prejudicial interest in Item 11 by virtue of his being a member of the Parochial Church Council of the church of St Mary and St Alban, Teddington.

To consider and approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 22 February 2010.

The minutes of the meeting held on 22 February 2010 be received and approved and the Chair be authorised to sign them.

There were none.

There were none.

There were none.

There were none.

This report sets out the recommendations of the Home Based /Self Employed Business Task Group and response to these. 

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

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The recommendations of the Home Based / Self Employed Business Task Group be noted and agreed.

This report provides a response to the report from the Parental Engagement in their Children's Education Scrutiny Task Group, presented at the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Panel Meeting on 24 November 2009.

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

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The response (outlined in Appendix 1) to the recommendations of the Parental Engagement in their Children’s Education Task Group be noted and agreed.

This report requests Cabinet, in its role as ‘local decision-maker’, to consider the proposal to close Shene School and replace it with an academy sponsored by Greensward Charitable Trust and managed by the Academies Enterprise Trust. 

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

Key decision

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education introduced the report and highlighted that there was strong parental and local support for the proposal as 84% had responded positively to the AET consultation as shown on page 84 of the agenda.  Officers were thanked for their effort, as in spite of the initial setback, these proposals had been developed with AET to allow the Academy to open on target in September 2010.

The Cabinet heard representations from Councillor Nicholson, Chair of the Children’s Services and Culture Overview and Scrutiny Committee, who stated that the committee had given full consideration to the proposals and allowed the public the opportunity to make representations although none had been made at the meeting.  She noted that AET had a record of bringing about school improvement and that she and the Vice-chair of the committee had visited a school in Essex to see practice in action.  The committee noted that local parents wanted a nearby school which built on the good work of the primary schools and wanted confidence in improved teaching standards.  Some committee members had raised questions about sixth form provision but were informed that results had first to be improved in the lower age groups, and  at present there were insufficient numbers to support a sixth form.  The Overview and Scrutiny Committee voted to accept the proposals for this Academy by eight votes to nil, with four abstentions.  Members who voted in favour commended the joint approach and considered that if this opportunity was not taken Shene School was at risk of closure.

Cabinet first examined Appendix 4, Proposed Academy at Shene School – Building and Construction Project Affordability and Risks.

Cabinet RESOLVED that the following decisions be taken on an urgent basis, not subject to call-in procedures, so that statutory deadlines are met;

(1)   It be acknowledged that the Partnerships for Schools (PfS) framework is the process by which the Council is obliged to procure the contractor in relation to the redevelopment of the proposed Academy at Shene School. In addition that Shene Academy will be secured in the same procurement as the ‘batch’ of projects including Hampton and Twickenham academies;

(2)   Authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council under the new executive arrangements, to approve the detail of the Outline Business Case documentation, the overview of which is referenced in this report;

(3)   The further development of the scheme be sanctioned and so long as the scheme remains affordable within the PfS FAM and that no significant VAT implications arise for the Council, it be confirmed that the schemes can proceed to Full Business Case (FBC); and

(4)   It be noted that a further report will be presented to Cabinet for approval at the point of FBC in April/May 2011. At this point the Council will then obtain final approval from PfS / DCSF, and will enter into the Development Agreement with the Academy Trust and award the Design and Build contract so that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 200.

This report provides details of the Government’s Personal Care at Home Bill due to come into force on 1 October 2010, subject to its passage through Parliament and it sets out the Council’s response to the Government consultation.  It also provides details of the financial implications for the Council of the Bill.

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

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The Council’s response to the Government consultation on the Personal Care at Home Bill and potential financial implications for the Council be noted.

This report considers a notice served on the Council on behalf of the Parochial Church Council of the church of St Mary with St Alban Teddington under section 215(2) of the Local Government Act 1972 to take over the future maintenance of the churchyard of the church.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment attached.

Having declared a prejudicial interest Councillor Eady withdrew from the meeting during consideration of this item. 

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   Receipt of the notice be acknowledged and that the maintenance of the churchyard shall be taken over by the Council from 11^th May 2010 be agreed.

This report refers to the Cabinet the process and timetable for tendering the communications services for the council.

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

Key Decision.

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The restricted procedure for procurement of the Communications services tender be agreed.

(2)   Authority be delegated to award the contract following the tender process to the Director of Adult and Community Services in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Partnerships.

This report presents the Mental Health Joint Commissioning Strategy for Working Age Adults, 2010-2015 to Cabinet. Agreement is sought from Cabinet that this strategy is adopted by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and NHS Richmond and that its implementation is overseen by the Mental Health Joint Commissioning Group and scrutiny is provided by the Health, Housing and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

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

Key decision

The Strategy may be found on the Cabinet webpage via www.richmond.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing introduced the reports for both strategies (see also item 14) and stated that they were rooted in the personalisation agenda.  In discussion, Cabinet noted the concerns raised on financial implications and the challenges faced by NHS Richmond which could have an impact on the strategies.  It was also noted that a joint programme board would oversee delivery of the strategies.

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The implementation of the Mental Health Joint Commissioning Strategy for Working Age Adults, 2010-2015 over the next five years be agreed.

(2)   The implementation of this strategy be overseen by the Mental Health Joint Commissioning Group.

This report presents the Mental Health Joint Commissioning Strategy for Older People, 2010-2015 to Cabinet. Agreement is sought from Cabinet that this strategy is adopted by the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and NHS Richmond and its implementation is overseen by the Mental Health Joint Commissioning Group and scrutiny is provided by the Health, Housing and Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

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

Key decision

The Strategy may be found on the Cabinet webpage via www.richmond.gov.uk

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The implementation of the Mental Health Joint Commissioning Strategy for Older People, 2010-2015 over the next five years be agreed.

(2)   The implementation of this strategy be overseen by the Mental Health Joint Commissioning Group.

This report describes the work undertaken since the Cabinet’s last meeting in co-designing an outline structure for borough based commissioning and to seek agreement on the next steps.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing and the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Education attached.

Key decision

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The Guiding Principles for joint working attached at Appendix A be agreed.

(2)   The jointly funded appointments with NHS Richmond at a total cost to the Council of up to £90,000 per annum, be agreed and be recommended for endorsement by full Council.

(3)   The re-designation of Directors of the Council as “Executive Directors” with effect from 1 April 2010 be agreed, and be recommended for endorsement by full Council.

(4)   The establishment of a Joint Cabinet and PCT Board as a sub-committee of the Cabinet be agreed in principle.

This report seeks approval for the development of a Voluntary Sector Commissioning Framework, this will enable the move to commissioning services rather than grant funding organisations, as set out in the Voluntary Sector Funding Strategy. 

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities attached.

Key decision

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The principles contained within the report that underpin the development of a Voluntary Sector Commissioning Framework be agreed.

This report seeks cabinet approval for the tendering processes for a specialist Home Care Reablement Provider within Richmond upon Thames.

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

Key decision.

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The restricted procedure tender for a specialist Home Care Reablement Service within Richmond be agreed.

(2)   Authority to award the contracts following the tender process be delegated to the Director of Adult and Community Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing and the Head of Legal & Electoral Services.

This report seeks Cabinet approval for the procurement process to secure a provider/s for Independent Personalisation Support Services within Richmond upon Thames.

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

Key Decision

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The tendering process for the provision of independent personalisation support be agreed.

(2)   Powers to award the contract/s following the tender process be delegated to the Director of Adult and Community Services in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing.

This report seeks agreement to grants in excess of £100,000 to voluntary organisations for the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011.

Report of the Cabinet Member for communities attached.

Key decision

Cabinet noted that Richmond Council for Voluntary Services was awarded funding for 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2011 on 27 April 2009 as follows:

            Cash Grant                 £189,343

            Rent Subsidy              £126,000

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   An award £15,170 to Richmond Council for Voluntary Services be agreed.

This report outlines the proposed admissions arrangements for community schools and the co-ordinated schemes for admission to primary and secondary schools within the borough. 

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

Key decision

Cabinet was advised that the report should be corrected to revise the dates given in paragraph 3.1 as “15 April 2010” and “2011 entry” and that the reference to Hampton Academy on page 229 should show an admission number of 210.

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The Authority’s admission arrangements for 2011/2012, as per the recommendations of Richmond upon Thames Admissions Forum, outlined in Appendix B, be determined.

This report advises on the current position regarding the re-tendering exercise for the term contract for Civil Engineering Works and seeks approval to extend the current contract up to 31 October 2010 or until the tender process is complete.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking attached.

Key decision

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The existing term contract for Civil Engineering Works with VolkerHighways be extended up to 31 October 2010.

(2)   Delegated powers to appoint a contractor on completion of tender process be given to the Director of Environment, in consultation with Cabinet Member for Traffic Transport and Parking.

This report sets out the rationale behind the proposal to enter into a Service Level Agreement with Welcare to provide Children’s Centre provision in the St Margarets, Twickenham and Teddington Quindrat.  It establishes the context in which permission is being sought to forego normal local authority procurement procedures and seek waiver of the Contract Standing Orders.

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

Key Decision published in accordance with Access to Information Rule 15.

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The procurement of Children’s Centre provision in the St. Margarets, Twickenham and Teddington Quindrat to the value of £130,000 for 2010/11, by negotiating with Welcare Centre for providing this service, be agreed.

(2)   Waiver of the Contract Standing Orders from undergoing competitive bidding given the urgency to designate a Children Centre by 31^st March 2010 and the special requirements for the Children’s Centre be agreed.

(3)   Authority be delegated to the Director of Children’s Services and Culture in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services to agree the detailed specification within the defined budgetary range set out in paragraph 5.

This report provides Cabinet with an update on progress of a project to merge Operational Human Resources, Payroll and Pensions, in order to streamline processes and reduce costs.   The report includes a request for investment in HR/ Payroll Systems in order to realise the efficiency savings identified through the project.

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

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   A one-off investment of £267,170 over a period of eight months to upgrade the current HR/ Payroll System, in order to achieve projected net savings of £948,167 over a period of 5 years be agreed. 

This report informs Cabinet of the Council’s performance in relation to achieving its priorities as set out in the Corporate and Community Plans and against the national indicators for October to December inclusive, quarter 3, of 2009-2010.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Performance attached.

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

RESOLVED that:

(1)   The progress in relation to key priorities, including actions and targets within the Corporate and Community Plans and performance against national indicators as summarised in the performance report at Appendix A be noted, and the actions being taken where performance is identified as amber or red be considered.

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.

RESOLVED that 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 5 as defined in Access to Information Rule 10.4.

Confidential report attached.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.