Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the ordinary meeting held on 17 July 2019 and the two Extraordinary meetings held on 11 September 2019 as correct records.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 17 July 2019 and the two extraordinary meetings held on 11 September 2019 were agreed as correct records.

To receive any disclosures of interest from councillors in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct for members.

There were none.

To receive any announcements from the Leader.

The following are the latest service updates from various Council departments:

The Council has submitted a detailed response to the Heathrow consultation making it clear that Spelthorne can only continue to support expansion if a) the 16 requirements outlined by the O&S Committee are adequately addressed b) impacted communities are properly compensated via the Wider Property Offer Zone and c) the Heathrow West proposal is explored further. 

The application to develop a hostel for single homeless people on the site previously occupied by the White House on Kingston Road in Ashford was approved by the Planning Committee on 18 September. The Committee also approved an application to create a patio area for the Greeno Centre in Shepperton. 

A planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of surplus land at Ashford Hospital. The project includes 115 residential homes, some of which will be reserved for key workers.

Preparations are underway for Living Well Week which aims to encourage older adults to take up exercise. The Community Centres and Leisure Centres will be running classes and activities, some of which will be free.

The Council has secured the conviction of Tracey Bulley from Ashford for fraudulently claiming housing benefits for almost nine months. She received a 12 month community order, must carry out 100 hours of un-paid work, complete 15 rehabilitation days and repay £8544.38, plus the Council’s costs of £3500.

The finalists for the Spelthorne Means Business Awards have been short-listed and a black tie dinner will be held on 17 October to announce the winners.

The 2019 Spelthorne Skills and Careers Fair was held on Thursday 19 September at Kempton Park Racecourse. Over 50 of Spelthorne’s leading employers and skills providers exhibited at the event. Free buses to the event were provided from Staines and Ashford.

The Housing Options team has sent a survey to 2000 clients to gain feedback on its housing advice services as part of the Homelessness Strategy review. All councillors have been invited to attend the Stakeholder events being held on 24 September and 14 October.

The Council has been running a consultation on plans to introduce a Public Space Protection Order for mooring along the Thames. It follows an increase in the number of boats overstaying or mooring in authorised areas. The consultation closes on 30 September.

Spelthorne Leisure Centre has been declared ‘outstanding’ by Quest – Sport England’s national quality scheme. Quest is the best-known improvement programme within the leisure industry and its rigorous assessments look at all aspects of a leisure centre’s performance.

The Council has been awarded a share of a £1.2 million grant to install energy efficient measures into homes. The money will be made available to the Council and four other local authorities. 

Over 1,000 year 6 pupils from 20 Spelthorne primary schools attended this year’s Junior Citizen programme at Walton Fire Station which aims to help children stay safe and learn important life skills. 

Sunbury Cemetery was declared the overall winner of Cemetery of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2632.

To receive and note the Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme for 2019-2020.

To suggest any topics that Cabinet wish to invite Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider for inclusion in its work programme.

Cabinet received and noted the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2019/20.

Councillor A.C. Harman

To consider the recommendation from the Audit Committee held on 25 July 2019 on the Corporate Risk Register.

Cabinet considered the recommendation of the Audit Committee and

Resolved to approve the revised Corporate Risk Register.

Councillor I.T.E. Harvey

To consider the recommendations from the Local Plan Working Party meeting  held on 16 September 2019.

Cabinet considered the recommendations from the Local Plan Working Party and noted there would be further opportunities to amend and adjust the documents as work on the Local Plan progressed.

Resolved to agree:

1.    the Consultation Strategy, with minor amendments to be delegated to the Strategic Planning Manager and changes of any significance to be referred to the Working Party for agreement;

2.    the general content and scope of the draft policies to be published for consultation, subject to the final wording of the draft policies to be agreed by the Working Party prior to consultation;

3.    the draft allocations to be published for consultation, subject to inclusion of the changes agreed to at the supplementary meeting and final wording to be agreed by the Working Party prior to consultation; and

4.    the evidence base documents be published to support the consultation.

Councillor A.C. Harman

To note the Capital spend for the period April to June 2019.

Cabinet considered a report on capital expenditure covering the period April to June 2019.

Resolved that Cabinet notes the current level of capital spend.

Councillor A.C. Harman

To note the Revenue spend for the period April to June 2019.

Cabinet considered a report on revenue expenditure covering the period April to June 2019.

Resolved that Cabinet notes the current level of revenue spend.

Councillor I.T.E. Harvey

To consider a report on a proposed extension to the Fordbridge day centre, Ashford and make a recommendation to Council.

Cabinet considered a report on a proposed new extension to the Fordbridge Day Centre.

The extension would increase the capacity of the dining room to seat 101 visitors and provide a flexible area for other activities such as classes, games or exercise to take place.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Cabinet:

·         Do nothing

Resolved to

1.    Recommend to Council a supplementary capital estimate of £130,000 for the proposed extension at the Fordbridge Centre, and its inclusion in the 2019/20 capital programme;

2.    Approve the capital spend of £130,000 for the extension; and

3.    Agree to proceed with Option 3 as set out in Appendix 1

Reason for Decision

The Centre is operating at full capacity and cannot currently accommodate additional visitors. The Centre has requested a ground floor extension in order that it can accommodate more visitors for lunch and to access the Centre facilities/activities.

Councillor I.T.E. Harvey

To consider the appointment of a replacement member on the Independent Remuneration Panel and make a recommendation to Council.

Cabinet considered a report on the appointment of a member to the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Resolved to recommend that Council approves the appointment of Alison Osmond to the Independent Remuneration Panel.

Reason for decision

The Council is required to establish and maintain an Independent Remuneration Panel consisting of at least three members, none of whom is formally connected with the Council.

To note an urgent action undertaken by the Chief Executive.

On 3 September 2019 the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader, agreed one letting within the Thames Tower, Reading. This is not a Key Decision. The matter was considered as urgent action because the proposed tenant required completion of the letting before the Cabinet was next due to meet.

Cabinet noted the urgent action taken by the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader on 3 September 2019, to agree one letting within the Thames Tower, Reading. The matter, which was not a Key Decision, was considered as urgent action because the proposed tenant required completion of the letting before the Cabinet was next due to meet.

To consider any items which the Chairman considers as urgent.

There were none.

To move the exclusion of the Press/Public for the following item, in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

Resolved to move the exclusion of the Press and Public for the following item in view of the likely disclosure of exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

Councillor I.T.E. Harvey

To consider the acquisition of a site and make a recommendation to Council.

Reason for exemption

This report contains exempt information within the meaning of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, as amended by the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 and by the Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006 Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information because, disclosure to the public would prejudice the financial position of the authority in the bidding process for the site by allowing other bidders to know the position of the Council.  This in turn prejudices the Council by (i) distorting the bids process and (ii) prejudicing the opportunity for the Council to acquire a site in order to  enable regeneration in the Borough.

Paragraph 3 – Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

Cabinet considered an exempt report on an opportunity to acquire a site for strategic regeneration within the Borough.

The Asset Manager gave a presentation on the proposal setting out the rationale for acquisition, the costs involved, due diligence process and the business plan for the site.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Cabinet:

·         Not to submit a bid for the site.

Resolved to:

1.    Approve the acquisition of the site for strategic regeneration within the Borough;

2.    Agree the offer submitted for the acquisition, and authorise the Chief Executive in consultation with the Chief Finance Officer, the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Finance  to undertake any necessary subsequent negotiations (including a further bid if required) and complete the acquisition of the asset;

3.    Authorise the Chief Finance Officer to decide (i) the most financially advantageous funding arrangements for the purchase, (ii) the most tax efficient method of holding the asset, and overall to ensure the acquisition is prudentially affordable; 

4.    Authorise the Head of Corporate Governance to enter into any legal documentation necessary to acquire the asset;

5.    Agree to exempt Contract Standing Orders in respect of our Property Advisors;

6.    To delegate the selection of the external property manager, design team and the contractor for the Phase 1 enhancement works to the Group Head of Regeneration and Growth in consultation with the Portfolio Holder; and

7.    *To recommend to Council the approval of a supplementary Capital provision of £42m to provide sufficient headroom in the Capital Programme for the acquisition and for the appointment of the design team and the contractors for enhancement projects.

Reasons for Decision

This acquisition will enable the Council to directly address the longer term sustainability and regeneration of the Borough.  It is a strategic asset which has the potential to improve the environmental and economic well-being of the area.  The site is prone to be considered for numerous diversified uses all of which have the potential to help the Council achieve its strategic objectives outlined in the Corporate Plan.