None.

Councillor Trigg declared a personal interest in Item 11 as he owned a low rated CO₂ emission car.

A member of the public disrupted the meeting and was required to leave the meeting room.    

To consider the Minutes of the meeting held on 23 March 2009.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 March 2009 be received and approved and the chair be authorised to sign them.

The Cabinet heard representations from Mr Ron Chappell, Mr Rob Gray, Ms Angela Kidner, Ms Yvonne Hewett, Mr Peter Dolan, Mr John Perry, Mr Scott Naylor, Mrs Sue Hamilton-Miller, Professor Jeremy Hamilton-Miller and Mr John Bell on Item 9.

None.

None.

None.

None.

Report to follow.

(1)   That the previous policy decisions in respect of this site described at paragraphs 3.1 to 3.8 of this report be noted.

(2)   That with those previous decisions in mind, it be decided to proceed to the next stages of procurement with one of the three prospective developers and their schemes.

(3)   That the views of the tender Evaluation Panel as described at paragraphs 3.32 to 3.37 of the report (and within the relevant appendices) be supported and it be agreed to proceed to the next stage of procurement with Countryside Properties.

(4)   That the formal procurement decision, to award a contract via a Contract Award Notice to Countryside Properties, be delegated to the Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Partnerships, subject to a satisfactory report from officers in respect of final negotiation and clarification of their tender in line with the European regulations and to there being no major new concerns of officers about the River Centre Business Plan at that point.

(5)   That officers should commence the final negotiations, in respect of the detailed terms of the Development Agreement with Countryside Properties, in line with the broad heads of terms described at paragraphs 3.45 and 3.46 of this report, be agreed and the decision formally to complete this Development Agreement be delegated to the Assistant Director of Environment in liaison with the Head of Legal and Electoral Services and the Leader & Cabinet Member for Strategy and Partnerships.

(6)   That a further budget of up to £75,000 for consultant support and other costs associated with the next steps for the scheme through to commencement on site be approved.

(7)   That it be requested that officers produce a report on the detailed terms of the Agreement for Lease for the River Centre as outlined in paragraph 3.51 and an update report in respect of progress on the scheme at six monthly intervals.

Cabinet noted the written representations received from John Reekie, Ron McEwen, and Jack Garrett-Jones which raised objections on the grounds of the currency of financial information for Countryside Properties PLC (Countryside), potential traffic congestion, loss of public space, high-risk nature of proposed river centre, current recession and not reflecting the views of community.  Cabinet also noted the written representations of support received from the Twickenham Town Centre Management Board and Sir David Attenborough.  These highlighted the wider regeneration potential of the development for Twickenham, the potential support generated for local business, the sustainability and environmental improvement aspects, the elegance and appropriateness of the Countryside scheme and the commitment to ending the dereliction of the site.

Cabinet heard representations objecting to the proposals from Ron Chappell, John Perry, Scott Naylor, Sue Hamilton-Miller, Jeremy Hamilton-Miller and John Bell, which included the following points.

Ø      There was no valid business plan for the Environment Trust’s operation of the office, restaurant and education block

Ø      The fit out costs had risen to over £1 million while the Environment Trust had only £150,000

Ø      The site was traditionally public activity leisure  ...  view the full minutes text for item 243.

This report sets out the results of the consultation into an emission based charging structure for ’on’ and ‘off’ street parking.

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

(1)   That the results of the public consultation exercise undertaken and any comments from the Environment and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 23 April 2009 be considered.

(2)   That the introduction of a ‘smart card’ to pay for parking be approved.

(3)   That it be agreed, subject to the results of the statutory consultation in relation to the relevant traffic orders, to adopt the changes set out in the report that links the cost of parking to the CO₂ emission of the vehicle.

(4)   That it be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking to adopt as appropriate supplementary measures to assist small businesses as outlined in paragraphs 4.10 – 4.13.

(5)   That approval be given for the Council to apply for an amendment to the Definitive Map and Statement in order to make Cricket Lane, Hampton Hill a Byeway open to all traffic as set out in paragraph 4.15 – 4.19.

Cabinet noted the written representation received from Brian Holder which requested the abolition of the half hour minimum parking charge as the new technology would allow drivers to pay for exactly the time they needed.

The Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking introduced the report which would place parking charges on a CO₂ emission basis in line with Controlled Parking Zone charges.  Consultation had been undertaken and comments received from the Environment and Sustainability Overview and Scrutiny Committee.  The report made reference to the benefits of a smartcard, reduced tariffs on Bank Holidays and introduced short term parking for shopping parades.  Mobile phone payments had made payment easier and scratchcards would be kept for now.

In response to Mr Holder’s concern, the Cabinet Member agreed that the technology provided flexibility but it had to be borne in mind that the smallest coin which the machines would accept was the 5 pence piece.  Payment by the minute could therefore result in a £3 per hour charge.

In discussion Cabinet considered that most people need not pay more if they used smartcards and small cars would receive a reduction.  The smartcard would also prove valuable to residents if combined with other service cards.  Contrary to the suggestion that the new system was a tax on shopping, the smartcard and flexibility on metres made shopping in the borough more attractive.  Cabinet requested that the Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking give consideration to a charge of 20p for 20 minutes on ‘short stay’ tariff on all ‘on street’ parking bays (paragraph 4.10 refers) for convenience and ease of understanding.

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

This report updates Cabinet on recent actions taken to reduce the adverse effects of the economic downturn and to provide the Cabinet with an action plan for the short to medium term and proposals for developing a longer term strategy for how the Council and partners can continue to assist local business and residents during the continuing difficult times.

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

(1)   That the content of the report be noted, particularly the outcomes of previously agreed Council actions and the performance indicator data provided.

(2)   That agreement be given to complete and implement the 2009 Action Plan to assist the local economy and to minimise hardship.

(3)   That the £244k income to the Council, received in 2008/09 from the Local Authority Business Growth Incentive scheme, be applied to support the cost of producing the local economic assessment, which will be a statutory duty on the Council from April 2010, and other actions agreed by the Council in support of the local economy.

The Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy and Partnerships introduced the report which had been described in error as that of the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources.  He reported that he and Councillor Acton were working with the Local Strategic Partnership (LSP) on a strategy for recommendation in June 2009.

Cabinet heard from Councillor Acton who reported that efforts were being made in talking to local businesses, the chamber of commerce and investigating measures undertaken by other local authorities to assist their local economy. 

In discussion, Cabinet considered that any measures undertaken by the council would need to be monitored and that the whole local economy and factors affecting it should be examined.  The role of the voluntary sector in terms of meeting needs and in providing opportunities for people to be involved needed to be included in any examination.  Cabinet noted that recent Greater London authority (GLA) data showed that in the current climate, Twickenham’s local economy was problematic, while Richmond fared adequately and both Teddington and Sheen were doing well.

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

This report seeks the agreement of Cabinet for grants to voluntary organisations in excess of £100,000.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities attached.

(1)   That the grants listed in Appendix A be awarded.

The Cabinet Member for Communities introduced the report and highlighted that the particular grants being considered of those listed at Appendix A were those to Richmond Citizens Advice Bureau and Richmond Council for Voluntary Services.

In discussion, concerns were raised around funding for the strategic lead organisation for youth provision and Cabinet hoped that the issue could be re-visited.

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

This report informs Cabinet of work with Richmond and Twickenham Primary Care Trust (RTPCT) to strengthen and improve borough based commissioning of health and social care services, and seeks Cabinet approval for proposed next steps.

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

(1)   The work being undertaken be noted.

(2)   That the next steps outlined in paragraph 3.4 of the report be approved.

A paper was tabled at the meeting to replace the published Appendix A "Shaping Places" document. The replacement paper included minor amendments made at a recent meeting of the South West London Leaders and Primary Care Trust Chairs. 

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

This report sets out the context and the main findings of an exercise to review the council’s provision of accessible passenger transport to improve value for money. 

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

(1)   That the report be noted.

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

This report provides details of the proposed affordable housing development and Sponsored Moves programmes to be funded through the 2009/10 Housing Capital Programme.

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

(1)   That the projects described in paragraphs 5.6 to 5.14 and 5.16 to 5.22 of the report and summarised in paragraph 5.26 that it is proposed should be funded from the housing development programme be approved for inclusion in the 2009/10 Housing Capital Programme.

(2)   That the proposed commitment of Affordable Housing Fund resources on the first phase of the “Homes 4 Richmond” project described in paragraph 5.17 of the report be noted.

(3)   That the proposed Sponsored Moves programme as set out in paragraph 6.6 of the report be approved.

(4)   That the complete sale of the Council sites at 15 Barnlea Close, 16 Barnlea Close, and Fountains Avenue, Hanworth to Thames Valley Housing Association for nil receipt, on the basis that these developments are HCA granted funded be approved.

(5)   That completion of the sale of the Council sites to be sold to Paragon as listed at paragraph 5.9 of the report for nil receipt (in substitution of the receipts previously approved by Cabinet), on the basis that these developments are HCA granted funded be approved.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing highlighted that Local Area Agreement targets for the issue had been agreed.  Cabinet considered the success of the sponsored moves initiative described in paragraph 6.2 of the report.

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

This report asks Cabinet to consider and agree the Outcomes Framework for  developing an “Ageing Well in Richmond” Strategy which runs from 2009-2013.  The report detail sets out the rationale for the Framework, the basis on which the aims and the outcomes have been developed and the consultation carried out within the Council, voluntary sector and with people in the borough aged 50 and over.

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

(1)   That the Outcomes Framework for the Ageing Well in Richmond upon Thames Strategy (Appendix 1) be agreed.

(2)   That authority be delegated to the Director of Adult & Community Services to make any minor changes in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health & Housing, prior to publication.

(3)   That, following consultation, the Ageing Well Strategy is reported to Cabinet for agreement.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing stated that this report had arisen from the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment.

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

This report sets out the considerable efficiency challenges facing the Council over the next few years against a background of a very difficult economic climate.  It makes a recommendation to embark upon a new comprehensive review of services and processes across the organisation using external support, to ensure that the Council is well placed to continue to provide excellent services from a reduced cost base.

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

(1)   That use of PSA round two grant to fund a corporate efficiency programme be agreed.

(2)   That the procurement and appointment of consultants to support this programme as per paragraph 6.9 of the report be delegated to the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and the Director of Finance and Corporate Services.

(3)   That, if required, funding for the enhanced resources currently deployed in the Corporate Performance Team will be drawn from PSA funding for a further year through to 31.3.10 per paragraph 7.3 of the report be agreed.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources introduced the report and stated that while it was highly rated in terms of value for money, the council needed to examine issues of efficiency against a background of economic difficulty and central government funding pressures.

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

This report provides Cabinet members with an updated version of the Data Quality Strategy and ensures members are aware of the importance of data quality as a key part of the performance management framework. 

Report of the Cabinet Member for Performance attached.

(1)   That the Council’s approach to data quality as set out in Appendix A be noted.

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

This report details proposed amendments to the structure and layout of the Council’s Forward Plan, and to the definition of a Key Decision. 

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

(1)   That the amendments proposed to the Forward Plan be agreed.

(2)   That a de minimis level of £200,000 of significant expenditure or savings to the Local Authority be agreed as the financial criterion for a Key Decision, and that this be recommended to Council as an update to the Constitution.

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

This report highlights the shortcomings of the current email infrastructure at the Council and recommends the procurement, via the Serco partnership, of an archiving solution to address these.

Report of the Cabinet Member for Communities attached.

(1)   That the procurement of an email archiving solution as set out in paragraph 6.3 of the report be agreed.

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

This report requests agreement for the extension of the contract with Westminster City Council for the supply of Communications services by 12 months.

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

(1)   That the contract with Westminster City Council for the supply of Communications services be extended by 12 months on the current terms and conditions.

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

This report seeks the approval from Cabinet to waive Contract Standing Orders in order to appoint a building contractor to undertake the refurbishment works.

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

(1)   That the waiving of Contract Standing Orders for the award of the Contract to refurbish parts of 21 Kingston Lane be approved.

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 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.

(1)   That the contents of the report and its appendices be considered alongside the public report on this matter on the agenda.