Councillor Nicola Urquhart and Christine Percival submitted their apologies.

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.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider and approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2010 attached.

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 October 2010 be received and approved and the Chairman be authorised to sign them.

There were no representations by members of the public.

There were no matters raised by executive members.

There were no matters raised by non-executive members.

There were no matters referred to the executive for reconsideration.

There were no reports from overview and scrutiny committees.

To seek Members’ agreement to a new strategic direction for the Council, to describe

the associated role and functions for the council and to outline a programme of

activity to deliver it.

Cabinet received a report which sought Members’ agreement to a new strategic direction for the Council to sustain and develop key local community services.

It was RESOVLED that:

1. The Council’s new strategic direction which shall comprise of three roles be agreed, namely:

(a)   through its community leadership role, the Council will transform local public services through partnership and collaboration;

(b)   the Council will build community capacity to enable residents and communities to take greater control over their lives and to shape and where appropriate deliver local services;

(c)   the Council will act primarily as a strategic commissioning body with a reduced role in service delivery.

2. further work be undertaken by Cabinet Members and officers to develop the programme to deliver this model led by the newly established Strategy Panel.

3.  the new direction is expressed in the corporate plan for 2011 – 2014 to be agreed by Council in March 2011, building on the interim corporate plan endorsed by Council in October 2010.

This report is being presented to Cabinet to enable scrutiny of the Council’s revenue

and capital budget management.

Cabinet received a report to enable scrutiny of the Council’s revenue and capital budget management.

It was RESOLVED that:

The latest budget monitoring projections as detailed in the report be noted.

This report considers the procurement route and process of acceptance of a tender

for over £500,000 to appoint the contractor to undertake building works for the

delivery of the regeneration and redevelopment of the Barn Elms site.

Cabinet received a report which considered the procurement route and process of acceptance of a tender for over £500,000 to appoint the contractor to undertake building works for the delivery of the regeneration and development of the Barn Elms site.

It was RESOLVED that:

1. the use of the Council’s select list of contractors as the procurement method for the single stage design and build construction works contract be approved.

2. delegated authority to award the building contract to the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, provided that the recommended contract value is within 10% of the pre-tender estimate be agreed.

3. the current status in relation to the funding of this scheme and the implications this may have on the procurement of the construction works contract be noted.

The report seeks approval to award two contracts for the London Borough of

Richmond upon Thames for street cleaning and related services.

Cabinet received a report which sought approval to award two contracts for the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames for street and related services.

The Leader of the Council thanked all parties concerned with this project and praised officers for presenting contracts which had not only been negotiated in accordance with value for money principles but also addressed important issues such as removal of graffiti from Council owned property and private premises.

It was RESOVLED that:

1. subject to the outcome of the value for money review process, that is described in paragraphs 5.3 – 5.4 of the report, the tender submitted by Continental Landscapes in respect of street cleaning be accepted and that company be awarded a new street cleaning contract on a five year basis with provision for an extension(s) for up to five further years after the fifth year.

2. subject to the outcome of the value for money review process that is described in paragraphs 5.3 – 5.4 of the report, the tender submitted by MPM Graffiti Solutions in respect of graffiti clearance be accepted and that company be awarded a new graffiti cleaning contract on a five year basis with provision for an extension(s) for up to five further years after the fifth year.

3. once the value for money review process is complete, the decision on whether or not the conditionality at recommendations (1) and (2) above, can be released is delegated to the Director of Environment and Director of Finance and Corporate Services in consultation with the Head of Legal Services, Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, Cabinet Member for Efficiency and Leader of the Council be agreed.

4. final decisions on the detailed terms of the new contract (within the constraints of compliance with the Public Procurement Regulations) be delegated to the Director of Environment in consultation with the Head of Legal Services, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning  and Leader of the Council.

5. the creation of a post – Contract Partnership Officer to manage the transition to the new contractors and monitor ongoing performance which shall be 50% funded by the incoming street cleaning contractor be approved.

To agree revised grant awards for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012 and 1

April 2012 to 30 September 2012.

Cabinet received a report which sought agreement to revise grant awards for the period 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012.

The Strategic Cabinet Member for Community Development advised Cabinet that after discussions with the Chief Executive of Richmond Council for Voluntary Services, David Sidonio, she wished to propose an amendment to paragraph 3.6 of the report (as this amendment would give further clarity to the Council’s strategy) and advised that the following paragraph was acceptable to both the Council and Richmond Council for Voluntary Services.

“The Cabinet is asked to agree the amended grant awards for 2011/12 as shown in Appendix A. All grant recipients have been asked to agree a funding level agreement with the Council setting out the services to be provided and the finance agreements. Where a grant is amended the Council will seek to give organisations an opportunity to review the Funding Level Agreement to reflect the changes and ensure that performance indicators are achievable and continue to meet local priorities”.

Cabinet heard representations from Sarah Simpson Chair of Richmond Council for Voluntary Service which included the following points:

-          that Richmond Council for Voluntary Service was delighted with Councillor Fleming’s proposed amendment as outlined (above) and confirmed that the said amendment had been agreed by David Sidonio.

-          that Richmond Council for Voluntary Service was concerned about the reduction in voluntary sector funding as the Government’s ‘Big Society’ is to be delivered by voluntary services providers.

-          that voluntary service providers would find it extremely difficult to run services where they had experienced a reduction in their funding levels.

-          urged Cabinet members to reconsider the Council’s position with regards reductions in voluntary services funding.

The Strategic Cabinet Member for Community Development stated that the Council would review the infrastructure and capacity of voluntary sector organisations to ensure that there was strategic advice and support in place for the entire sector. Moreover, Councillor Fleming advised that there would be an additional assessment process within the project and had invited David Sidonio to confirm, before December 2010, whether he shall be requesting an “assessment” of this project.

The Leader of the Council advised that the Council would continue the ongoing dialogue with voluntary sector service providers and that the report was integral to  this process. Furthermore, Councillor Fleming would be in active dialogue with voluntary services organisations outside the Cabinet meeting forum.  

The Leader of the Council stated that the Council was being asked to cut its budget by 28% over the next couple of years and it was, therefore inevitable that a number of areas would experience a reduction in funding levels.

It was RESOLVED that:

1.                  the grant awards listed in Appendix A of the report be agreed.

2.                  authority be delegated to the Strategic Cabinet Member for Community Development to make any changes to the awards as a result of any final comments received from organisations as set out in paragraph 3.7 of the report.

This report considers the procurement route and process of acceptance of a tender

for over £500,000 to appoint the contractor to undertake building works for the

delivery of the expansion project at Lowther Primary School.

Cabinet received a report which considered the procurement route and process of acceptance of a tender for over £500,000 to appoint the contractor to undertake

building works for the delivery of the expansion project at Lowther Primary School.

It was RESOLVED that:

1. the use of the Council’s select list of contractors via a single stage design and build tendering method for the procurement of the construction works contract be approved.

2. authority be delegated to award the building contract to the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, provided that the recommended contract value is within 10% of the pre-tender estimate.

This report seeks approval to use the St John’s site for the expansion of St

Mary’s Church of England Primary School and to explore the potential

delivery route of the building project.

Cabinet heard representations from Councillor Scott Naylor which included the following points:

-          that he was delighted with the works that had thus far been completed on the site.

-          that he and Cllr Chappell had been working closely with Councillor Hodgins on this much need community project.

-          that this project addressed the issue of children having to travel greater distances to schools.

-          that the Council should be mindful of the issues of architecture, preservation, conservation, enhancement of new buildings, environmental matters and congestion solutions such as mini roundabouts.

The Cabinet Member for Schools thanked Councillor Naylor and the ward Councillors for their contribution to discussions associated with this project and confirmed that the proposals would allow for the expansion of classrooms within the area.

The Leader of the Council stated that the Cabinet would shortly be publishing a 10-year Primary School strategy to address longstanding failures to address the shortage of places

It was RESOLVED that:

1. use of the Amyand House site to provide for expansion to three form entry for St Mary’s Church of England Primary School be approved,  subject to subsequent approval of the statutory proposal to expand the school and delegated authority be given to the Cabinet Member for Schools.

2. the exploration of a delivery partner for the building project be approved and, subject to satisfactory compliance with selection process, authority be delegated for selection to the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources.

To advise Members of sales achieved under the approved sales / re-investment programme 2007/2010 and to agree a new sales / re-investment programme.

Cabinet heard representations from Councillor Scott Naylor, which included the following points:

-          that the anticipated sales receipts received from Registered Providers had not materialised.

-          that the Council should take into account the value of each site prior to a sale.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources stated that he had written to Councillor Naylor about the capital receipts which had been received from the sale of Council property.

It was RESOVLED that:

1. sales achieved under the 2007/10 disposals programme, as set out at paragraph 3.2.2 of the report and Appendix A, be noted.

2. a new programme of sales and reinvestment for 2010/2013 as set out at paragraph 3.3.2 of the report and in Appendix B (and estimate of receipts in confidential Appendix C ) be approved.

3. following competitive marketing or negotiation of terms as appropriate, authority be delegated to the Assistant Director Environment ( Property, Parks and Sustainability), in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources, to:

(i)                 approve the completion of sale of each property included in the 2010/13 programme at, or above, or not more than 10% below , the estimate of receipt for that particular property given in Appendix C of the confidential report and;

(ii)               approve the setting of a reserve price at not less than 10% of the estimate of receipt given for that particular property given in Appendix C of the confidential report, where the particular property included on the programme is to be sold by auction.

Cabinet heard representations from Councillor Scott Naylor, which included the following points:

-          he was pleased to see that the report conformed to the requirements contained within the London Plan especially increasing amounts of waste being moved from the area.

-          that the Council had a statutory obligation to reduce its carbon footprint.

-          confirmed that he had visited the Greenford Centre where   waste systems were being reconfigured.

The Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment & Planning advised that the report typified an excellent example of joined up thinking between 6 local authorities and thanked Councillor Naylor for his contributions to the project.

It was RESOLVED:

That the Council be RECOMMENDED to agree the Joint Waste Development Plan Document for public consultation (Appendix 1)

Following public consultation, the report proposes a revised extension of No.19 St

Margaret’s Estate Conservation Area and seeks approval for consultation on a

number of new Buildings of Townscape Merit and Article 4 (2) Directions.

The Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment & Planning advised that she had become aware that residents, in the associated area, had presumed that the conservation area project would proceed in the absence of individuals having to respond to Council consultation documents. Councillor Morris stated that of the 800 properties that were sent public consultation letters, 44 responses were received of which; 24 respondents were opposed to the proposed extension, 14 respondents were in favour of the proposed extension and 6 respondents had simply asked further questions and had not expressed an opinion. Ward Councillors had said that these views were not representative of local opinion. Therefore, The Strategic Cabinet Member for Environment & Planning proposed the following:

-          that recommendations 2.1 and 2.2. of the report be deferred so that a further public consultation exercise can take place (deferred to the Cabinet meeting scheduled for 17 January 2011).

-          an amendment to page 182 of the report which should read “air raid shelter” as opposed to “bomb shelter”.

-          that Cabinet agree recommendation 2.3 of the report.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the proposal that allowed residents another opportunity to take part in consultation programmes and, in relation to recommendation 2.3, congratulated Councillor Morris and officers in obtaining grade II listing for a number of buildings.  

It was RESOLVED that:

1.      the amendment to page 182 of the report which should read “air raid shelter” as opposed to “bomb shelter” be approved.

2.      consideration of a revised extension of the boundary of

      St Margaret’s Conservation Area (CA No. 19) to include the

      west side of St Margaret’s Road only be deferred to the

      Cabinet meeting 17 January 2011.

3.      consideration of a consultation on a number of proposed Article 4 (2) Directions within the revised boundary of the St Margaret’s Conservation Area be deferred to the Cabinet meeting 17 January 2011.

4.      consultation on a number of proposed Buildings of Townscape Merit both within the revised boundary of the St Margaret’s Conservation Area and the wider borough be agreed.

This report seeks approval for proposed arrangements for re-tendering the Council’s contract for the supply of agency workers, currently awarded to Comensura.  The existing contract ends on 26^th July 2011.

Cabinet received a report that sought approval for proposed arrangements for the re-tendering of the Council’s contract for the supply of agency workers, currently awarded to Comensura (the existing contract ends on 26 July 2011).

It was RESOLVED that:

1.      the decision to let the Council’s Agency Workers Contract by means of a Framework Agreement which is compliant with Public Contracts Procurement Regulations be approved.

2.      a recommendation on the award of the contract will be brought to a future Cabinet meeting for a decision.

To provide Cabinet with a final report detailing achievements and savings made from the Richmond Works programme.

To summarise key learnings and make recommendations to inform the organisation’s future accommodation strategy.

Cabinet received an update on the progress of the Richmond Works Programme. This was the final report with regards this project, save for the imminent completion of relatively minor works such as those in progress within the Civic Centre Atrium.

It was RESOLVED that:

The report and its attachments be noted.

To obtain authority for the compulsory purchase of derelict properties.

Cabinet received representations from Karyn Jepson Cotcher concerning 17 Chelwood Gardens, Richmond TW9 4JG which included the following points (pictures of 17 Chelwood Gardens were also submitted to Cabinet i.e. front of house, back garden etc):

-          that she had been a neighbour of the property for the last 18 years.

-          confirmed that the property was situated in a family orientated street.

-          that the property had for the last 22 years been problematic e.g., an empty property that was a fire risk, had attracted wildlife, squatters and people attempting to climb the property fences.

-          the back garden was unkempt and seriously overgrown.

-          that the property was an intimidating eyesore on the street.

-          stated that the owner of the property was not willing to address the issues.

-          advised that the owner of the property had declined all offers to purchase the property.

Cabinet received representations from Victor Dembo concerning 17 Chelwood Gardens, Richmond TW9 4JG which included the following points:

-          confirmed that he and his wife had live in their property for 50 years and were neighbours to the property.

-          confirmed that the property had been empty for the last 18 years.

-          advised that he had written to the owner of the property about his concerns with regards the house.

-          stated that the property was in a state of disrepair and was derelict and an eyesore on the street.

-          That the unkempt overgrown garden had resulted in weeds invading his property.

-          the property has been derelict for 20 years.

The Leader of the Council stated that Compulsory Purchase Orders were a serious matter (the threat of taking someone property from them) and that the Council did not use these powers lightly.

However, having heard representations from local residents and reports from officers of the failure of owners to respond to requests to ameliorate the properties, the Cabinet agreed that such powers should, if need be, be exercised in these cases.

No action would be taken on 85 Whitton Road, pending receipt of the report requested on discussions with the owner.  Such a Report should be brought to the Cabinet of 6 December 2010 with a view to final determination of this case.

It was RESOLVED that:

1. It be approved that the following properties of 17 Chelwood Gardens, Richmond TW9 4JG, 67 Manor Road, Richmond and 183 Castelnau Barnes would be subject to:

(a)   the making of compulsory purchase orders (“CPOs”) under Section 17 of the Housing Act 1985 (as amended) on the land and buildings described in paragraph 6 of the report and their submission to  Government Office for confirmation;

(b)   where CPOs are confirmed, that the Council proceed with acquisition of them by use of General Vesting Declarations;

(c)   where CPOs are confirmed, the Director of Environment be authorised to settle the compensation payable in acquiring the properties; and

(d)   the Director of Environment be authorised to dispose of the properties  ...  view the full minutes text for item 114.

This report seeks approval of the appropriate procurement route for refurbishment

works at the Old Court House, Mortlake, and considers the process for approval to

award the building contract in accordance with Clause 9.7 of Contract Standing

Orders.

Cabinet received a report which sought the approval of the

appropriate procurement route for refurbishment works at the Old

Court House, Mortlake, and considered the process for approval to

award the building contract in accordance with Clause 9.7 of

Contract Standing Orders.

The Leader invited the Cabinet to take specific note of the timescale of the first part of the Resolution, in view of the potential benefits of including the property in a scheme for wider regeneration in the Mortlake area.  The Cabinet took note with approval of that strategic consideration.

It was RESOLVED that:

1.            the removal of the Old Court House, Mortlake, from the

           Council’s property disposal list for an interim period of

           between 3 to 4 years to enable specialist educational

           provision within a multi-agency environment be

           approved. 

2.            the use of the Council’s select list of contractors as the

            tendering method for the procurement of the contract

            be approved.

3.            authority be delegated to award the building contract for the Old Court House refurbishment to the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources, provided that the recommended contract value is within 10% of the pre-tender estimate.

This report provides details of proposed changes to the London Local Authority Gold

Resolutions.

The Leader of the Council proposed the following additional recommendation:

“Recommend to Council the endorsement of the aforesaid Addendum to the Local Authority ‘Gold’ Resolution and adoption and participation in the arrangements of the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to Mutual Aid”.

Cabinet received a report which detailed proposed changes to the London Local Authority Gold Resolutions.

It was RESOLVED that:

1.      the attached Addendum to the Local Authority ‘Gold’ Resolution (Appendix B) be endorsed formally.  

2.      It be agreed to adopt and participate in the arrangements of the attached Memorandum of Understanding in relation to Mutual Aid (Appendix C).

3.      That the endorsement of the aforesaid Addendum to the Local Authority ‘Gold’ Resolution and adoption and participation in the arrangements of the Memorandum of Understanding in relation to Mutual Aid be RECOMMENDED to Council.

The report recommends the disposal of the Council’s freehold reversionary interest in

premises known as The Hobart Hall Hotel, 43-47 Petersham Road, Richmond.

Cabinet received a report that recommended disposal of the Council’s freehold reversionary interest in premises known as The Hobart Hall Hotel, 43-47 Petersham Road, Richmond.

It was RESOLVED that:

The Council’s freehold interest in 43-47 Petersham Road, Richmond be sold to the current lessee on terms set out in the confidential report, with finalisation of detailed terms to be delegated to the Assistant Director, Property, Parks &

Sustainability.

To report the outcome of the tender for Insurance Claims Handling and to report the award of the contract.

Cabinet received a report which illustrated the outcome of the tender for Insurance Claims Handling and reported upon the award of the contract.

It was RESOLVED that:

The delegated decision by the Director of Finance and Corporate Services to award the Insurance Claims Handling & Advice Contract, as detailed in paragraph 6.1 of the report, to Heath Lambert Ltd be noted.

The report gives an update of redundancy costs resulting from “Efficiency Challenge”

restructuring exercises.

Cabinet received a report which gave an update of redundancy costs resulting from “Efficiency Challenge” restructuring exercises.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources advised, despite work set in hand with PWC to save some £10 million of expenditure, there had previously not been a budget for this item, the estimated cost of which currently stood at £6 million. The Cabinet noted with concern that no prudential provision had previously been made.

It was RESOLVED that:

             1.  the redundancy costs incurred to date be noted.

 2.  the potential increase required in resources to be earmarked from reserves to fund additional redundancies from future restructures be noted.

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 Paragraph 3 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.

It was RESOLVED that:

The report be approved.

Confidential report attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

The report be noted.

Confidential report attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

The report be approved.

Confidential report attached.

It was RESOLVED that:

The report be noted.