Calendar of meetings

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Ross and Smith.

Members are asked to declare any interests in matters for consideration at the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the Minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2002 (previously circulated).

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 November 2002 be received and approved and the Chairman authorised to sign them.

The Cabinet heard representations from Jack Betteridge, Clive Chapman, Ron Chappell and John Reekie in respect of Agenda Item 9.

No matters were raised by Executive Members.

No matters were raised by non-Executive Members.

No matters were referred to the Executive for reconsideration.

There were no reports from Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

This is a report advising Cabinet of options for the redevelopment of Twickenham Riverside.  The report provides an overview of the relevant policy context, analysis of the debate concerning Twickenham Riverside, principles which Cabinet will need to consider in reaching a decision and an appraisal of potential options which could be pursued. On the information and evidence provided, Cabinet is requested to identify a preferred option.

Report of the Chief Executive attached.

(1)               A long-term scheme which will be lower in scale, designed to satisfy the Council's wider obligations and which will seek to address the pertinent planning difficulties of previous schemes proposed for the Twickenham Pool Site be pursued.  (This is an adaptation of recommendation 2 c in the report).

(2)        The fundamental parameters for the long-term scheme be those set by the relevant UDP and other planning policies.  The long-term scheme will:

(a)   provide commercial enabling development and public open space - with land clearance and landscaping of the site paid for by enabling development; and

(b)   consider the potential/necessity for the implementation of further aspects of the UDP policy T1.

(3)        Option B as identified in section 4.25 of the report submitted be pursued in the short term, and the funding of the estimated costs of approximately £505,000 be considered as part of the 2003/4 budget setting exercise, with further details (including any clarifications of revenue costs) being reported to the next appropriate meeting of Cabinet in the context of the overall capital programme.

(4)        In order to implement resolutions (1), (2) and (3) above, the Council's existing development brief for Twickenham Riverside (Final Revised B agreed February 2001) will no longer apply.

(5)        In accordance with section 3.6 of the report submitted, a further report on taking forward the short and long term schemes including:

(a)      detailed design for the short term scheme;

(b)      (for the long-term scheme) consideration of mass, scale, uses, risk, procurement method, Council costs, timetable, viability and deliverability, public assets and the points in resolution (2)(b) above; and

(c)      responses from third parties to the Twickenham Challenge concept

be submitted to Cabinet no later than 25 February 2003.  To note that in-house project management and external consultant costs will be incurred in the production of the report and this will need to be reflected in appropriate budget provision.

(6)        To note that for the avoidance of doubt, and to prevent any potentially wasted costs being incurred by third parties, the Cabinet is not seeking further design or scheme proposals for the Twickenham Pool Site (either modifications of previous designs/schemes or new suggestions).

(7)               A streamlined approach to consultation be adopted and, henceforth, where matters fall within the town planning process, this will be the forum for public feedback.  On other matters, as appropriate, Cabinet will identify a time-limited period for comments by interested parties on a particular Cabinet decision.

(8)        A Twickenham Challenge for the potential provision of a public asset within the longer term scheme be pursued.  This would be a competitive process to identify and prioritise between the various public asset uses proposed for the site.

(9)        Any third party comments on any aspect of the above resolutions be submitted in writing to the Joint Development Manager (PFI & PPP) no later than Friday 17 January 2003.  Any comments received will be notified to the next available Cabinet meeting following the closing date.

[The Cabinet heard representations from Jack Betteridge, Clive Chapman, Ron  ...  view the full minutes text for item 195.

See Item 32.

See Minute 218 below.

This report details the impact of the provisional Local Government Finance Settlement for 2003/04 announced on 5 December 2002.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance circulated separately.

Also required for Strategy and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, 11 December 2002.

(1)               The main impact of the Settlement on the Council's funding and the key issues to be explored in more detail and included in the Council's response to the provisional Settlement be noted.

(2)        In view of the detrimental impact of the Settlement on Richmond upon Thames' finances, the Chief Executive and the Director of Finance and Corporate Services seek to arrange a meeting with the Minister for Local Government.

[The reason for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

Further to the report made in July 2001 and the approvals granted by Cabinet at that time, this report outlines the Council's additional needs, relating to post-16 provision and the possible establishment of a new Voluntary Aided RC Secondary School, in respect of secondary and special schools infrastructure.  It  describes how these needs could be addressed through a second PFI project for Education (PFI Phase 2).  Other benefits to the Council could be improved community facilities and improved value for money where these facilities are delivered in conjunction with redeveloped and enhanced school facilities.  The report outlines the contents of a preliminary bid to the DfES for PFI Credits which would have to be made by 3 January 2003.  Delegated authority is sought to finalise and submit the expression of interest.

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

Authority be delegated to the Director of Education and Leisure Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Schools and the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance, to modify the overall specification in the Council's preliminary bid to the DfES for PFI credits to be submitted on 3 January 2003.

[The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This report provides monitoring information on the Education Planned Maintenance budget, recommends budget transfers to meet changing needs, and provides information about the DfES Targeted Capital Fund.

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

(1)        The reallocation of funding within the Education Planned Maintenance budget for 2002-03 as set out in paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 of the report submitted be approved.

(2)            Authority be delegated to the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Schools, in consultation with the Director of Education and Leisure Services, to agree bids to be submitted to the DfES for allocations from the Targeted Capital Fund, as set out in paragraph 3.8 of the report submitted.

[The reason for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This report is provided for information and outlines arrangements made to award the contract for the construction of three classrooms developed and funded through the Department for Education and Skills classrooms of the future initiative.  The report also summarises the steps taken to manage the risks associated with the project.

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

The report be noted.

[The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This report seeks authority to extend the contract for the meal service to secondary schools.

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

The contract with Scolarest be extended until 31 December 2003 as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report submitted.

[The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

Authority is sought to extend the contract for the provision of primary and special school meals so as to finance capital investment within the schools.

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

The contract with Scolarest be extended until 31 December 2012 so as to provide capital investment within the schools, as detailed in the report submitted.

[The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

The report explains the recent history of No 8 King Street as a Building at Risk, and the powers available to the Council to take action for its repair.  The implications of issuing a Repairs Notice are explained, together with possible partnership and funding arrangements to allow a compulsory purchase to proceed if the Repairs Notice is not complied with by the owner.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning attached.

(1)        A Repairs Notice, under Section 48 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, be served upon the owner of No. 8, King Street, Richmond.

(2)        The option of a subsequent compulsory purchase under Section 47-51 of the Act available to the Council if the owner does not comply with the terms of the Notice be noted, and it be agreed in principle that this should proceed, subject to a further report before a compulsory purchase order is formally made.

[The reason for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

The report summarises the progress in relation to the bid, in particular the revisions to the financial elements to meet Heritage Lottery Fund requirements.  It seeks approval of the Memorandum of Agreement between partners.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning attached.

(1)            Progress in relation to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) bid and the changes to the financial elements as a result of HLF requirements in respect of contingency and inflation be noted.

(2)        The terms of the draft Memorandum of Agreement with English Heritage and the National Trust be agreed.

[The reason for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This report considers three options for the future management of the corporate grants programme:  to enter into a contractual arrangement with an outside body; to devolve elements of the management of the programme to Departments; or to make no change in the current arrangements.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Community and Business attached.

(1)        The Council consult with the voluntary sector on the relative merits of the proposals.

(2)        A report on the consultation be received by the Cabinet on 25 March 2003 in order to make a final decision.

(3)            Strategic and Development grants be extended for the next financial year 2003-2004.

[The reason for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

To consider the ALG Grants Committee's recommended level of overall expenditure for 2003/04 and agree the Council's response.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Community and Business attached.

The overall level of expenditure for 2003/04 of £28,923,370 and borough contribution of £662,875 be agreed.

[The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

The purpose of this report is to outline generally the Council's obligations under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 ( FOIA ), explain the Council's obligation to produce and maintain a Publication Scheme ( PS ) and summarise the Council's approach to the Publication Scheme.

Report of the Head of Legal Services attached.

(1)        The Council's obligations under the Freedom of Information Act, including the production of a Publication Scheme be noted.

(2)        The approach suggested by the Freedom of Information Act Working Group to prepare the Council's Publication Scheme, as outlined in the report submitted and in the draft Introduction to the Publication Scheme at Appendix A, be endorsed.

(3)        The submission of the Publication Scheme (and any required approval documentation) to the Information Commissioner by 31 December 2002 and the publication of the Publication Scheme by 28 February 2003 be approved.

(4)            Authority to submit the Publication Scheme to approve any future amendments to the Scheme be delegated to the Head of Legal Services.

[The reason for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This report sets out the amended Service Improvement Plan (SIP) for consideration by Members.

Report of the Joint Acting Head of Housing attached.

The Housing Services Best Value Service Improvement Plan attached at Appendix A to the report submitted be adopted.

[The Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing reported that Housing Services had received a 2* with promising prospects rating from the Housing Inspectorate.  The Cabinet placed on record their congratulations to the Housing Servicesteam and thanked staff for their hard work.

The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

The report sets out proposals to bolster the Council's procurement strategy for homeless households, thus continuing to make year on year savings.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing attached.

The staffing establishment be increased by one extra Property Officer, one Administrative Assistant and one Supervisory Property Officer, and the Property Officer post currently funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister be made permanent.

[The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

The Council currently provides Freedom Passes to all residents at and above the state retirement age, and also to people with disabilities defined as eligible in the Transport Act 2000.  We further exercise our discretion to provide Freedom Passes to some clients with mental health needs.  This report outlines the current approach to the allocation of Freedom Passes and makes recommendations to Cabinet with regard to these arrangements.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing attached.

(1)        The Council's discretion to provide Freedom Passes to service users with severe mental health needs whose travel is integral to ensuring delivery of their therapeutic plan be maintained, and officers be instructed to ensure a more consistent application of existing criteria so that passes are allocated on a fair basis.

(2)        This position be reviewed in late 2003 in good time to ensure that any decision to revise criteria allows the implementation of such changes prior to the end of March 2004, when the current two year issue period concludes.

(3)        Such a review should take into account both overall expenditure on Freedom Passes during the current two year issue period and guidance from the Association for London Government regarding discretionary criteria which may be available for consideration at that time.

[The second criteria for eligibility for Freedom Passes (Mental Health) (Appendix 1, page 8) was amended as follows:

• Client's mental health problem will last at least twelve months.

The reason for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

The report outlines the basis of a strategy to control turnover of senior officers where this is in the Council's interest.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance attached.

The outline strategy to implement a retention scheme for key officers be approved.

[The Cabinet noted that the operation of such a scheme was delegated to officers and would be prepared/implemented by the Chief Executive and Head of Personnel.

The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

Authority is sought to waive Contract Standing Orders under section 3.3 of the Contract Procedure Rules for all interim contracts issued to providers of supported housing in Richmond upon Thames under the Supporting People scheme in accordance with requirements of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing attached.

In accordance with section 3.3 of the Contract Procedures Rules, Contract Procedure Rules 5 and 6 be waived for all interim contracts issued to providers of supported housing in Richmond upon Thames under the Supporting People scheme, for the reasons detailed in paragraph 3.3 of the report submitted.

[The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting 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 are likely to disclose exempt information by virtue of category 9, as defined in Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4.

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 categories 9 and 12 as defined in Access to Information Procedure Rule 10.4.

This report considers 1) the proposal to provide a new care home for people with learning disabilities which meets registration standards to replace the existing home at 40 Cambridge Park and 2) the disposal of 40 Cambridge Park.

Joint report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance and Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing attached for Members only.

The new Care Home be provided at 40 Cambridge Park with the remainder of the site sold for private residential development, subject to planning consent and the outcome of formal consultations with residents and their relatives.

[A statement from Councillor Carr in respect of accommodation for Richmond MENCAP was noted, and the Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing confirmed that the matter was receiving attention.

The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

The report sets out proposals to provide a 4-person hostel for single homeless young people aged 16 and 17 in response to the recent increases in the Council's homelessness responsibilities.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Social Services and Housing attached for Members only.

(1)        The project be approved.

(2)            Revenue funding be committed from core revenues to provide 50% of the cost of providing support for the young people, and the application for pipeline status for the project under Supporting People as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report submitted be endorsed.

(3)        The additional income to be generated by the project as outlined in paragraph 3.6 be noted.

(4)        Start-up costs of approximately £15,000 be provided from the 2003/2004 capital/revenue programme as outlined in paragraph 3.7 of the report submitted.

(5)        The implementation plan set out in paragraph 3.8 of the report submitted be agreed, subject to planning permission and landlord's consent.

(6)        In accordance with Contract Procedure Rule 6.4, the use of restricted tenders for the support service due to the specialist nature of the service required be approved.

[The reason for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This report seeks approval to dispose of the Council's freehold interest in the former depot site at North Lane, Teddington and the small Council-owned car park at the rear.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance attached for Members only.

The disposal of the former depot and car park be approved and the site be marketed for office or residential use with the benefit of planning guidance to maximise the potential receipt.

[The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This document provides confidential legal advice to Members in connection with Agenda Item 9 on the Twickenham Riverside Site.

Report of the Chief Executive attached for Members only.

The report be noted.

[The Cabinet took account of the legal advice as part of their consideration of Agenda Item 9.]

This report considers the proposal of the Richmond Council for Voluntary Services (RCVS) to enter into a partnering arrangement for the management of the corporate grants programme.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Community and Business attached for Members only.

The Council consult with the voluntary sector on the merits of the proposal of the Richmond Council for Voluntary Services, and a report on the consultation be submitted to Cabinet on 25 March 2003.

[See also Minute 205 above.

The reason for the decision and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]

This report provides an update on the procurement process and makes a provisional recommendation as to which bidder to appoint as preferred supplier, leading to appointment as the Council's ICT and E Government Partner.

Report of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance circulated separately for Members only.

Also required for Strategy and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee, 11 December 2002 and Council, 17 December 2002.

(1)        The provisional recommendation, outlined in paragraph 10.3 of the report submitted, to confirm ITNET as the Council's preferred supplier be agreed, subject to resolution of the issues in paragraph 9.1 of the report.

(2)        The subsequent appointment of ITNET as the Council's ICT and E Government Partner via the formal signing of the relevant contract be agreed.

(3)        The funding requirements outlined in paragraph 13.3 of the report submitted be included in the 2003/04 budget.

(4)            Authority to resolve the outstanding contractual issues be delegated to the Leader and Cabinet Member for Combating Crime and the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance, in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Head of Legal Services.

(5)        The IT Team be formally thanked for their continued delivery of services to the best of their ability in difficult circumstances.

[Councillor Williams spoke on this item, welcoming the proposals and thanking the Assistant Director of Finance (Revenues, Benefits and E Government) and his team.  The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Finance welcomed the cross-party support for the project and echoed Councillor Williams' thanks to staff.

It was noted that the expected implementation date for all the financial systems was 1 April 2004.

The reason for the decisions and any alternative options considered and rejected at the meeting are set out in the report.]