Decisions

Cabinet considered the draft terms of reference for the Assets Programme Board published in the supplementary agenda.

Resolved to establish the Assets Programme Board (Investment and Development) as a Sub-Committee of Cabinet and agreed the terms of reference.

Cabinet considered the Management of Incubator report and noted the amendment to the recommendation that the contract term be for 3 years at a nominal rent noting that it is a concessions contract that can be terminated at any time with 1 months’ notice and a possible extension after 3 years.

Cabinet noted that there were 28 businesses that opened the Request For Quote (RFQ) but only one tender for the contract was made from a company who already successfully manage two other incubators of a similar size in Surrey. Cabinet further noted that the lack of tenders was more than likely due to this being a niche market, and as a result not many businesses were equipped with the experience and skill set required to bid.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Cabinet:

Not to enter into the contract and instead recruit a manager for the premises as a paid employee of the Council to run the incubator on behalf of the Council. 

Not to enter into the contract and instead use existing staff from the Economic Development Team to run and manage the incubator.

Resolved to agree to enter into a contract to manage the Business Incubator with the tender specified in Appendix B to include the grant of a lease of the premises at the Summit Centre 33 Hanworth Road Sunbury on Thames for a term of 3 years at a nominal rent noting that it is a concessions contract that can be terminated at any time with 1 months’ notice and a possible extension after 3 years.

Reason for Decision:

Under contract standing orders the appointment of a contractor for a contract of this value sits with Cabinet.

The tender achieved a very high score, so, although only one application was received, it was of a very high standard and strongly recommended for this contract.

Councillor Buttar introduced the report and advised Cabinet that a record was missing from the list of charges and that this missing record (1243) was the Street Trading pre application Fee of £86.50.

Cabinet noted that the Council must perform a balancing act between maximising additional income that can be generated through fees and charges and setting fee levels which are sustainable whilst being mindful of the impact on residents and the local business community from any increases in fees and charges.

Resolved to approve the proposed fees and charges for 2021/22 as set out in Appendix A of the report.

Reason for Decision:

Fees and Charges are an important source of income for the authority each year and are a key importance in balancing the budget.

Cabinet considered the Annual Grant Awards 2021/22 report and noted that the Council had maintained its funding for voluntary organisations this year, making £209,600 available for allocation along with a carry forward of £34,650 from last year meaning a total of £244,250 was available to be allocated.

The Grants Panel met in December 2020 and January 2021 to assess the applications received and £228,200 was allocated and will be paid in April 2021. The surplus of £16,050 has been ring-fenced for projects which may arise during the year.

Alternative options considered and rejected by the Cabinet:

Not to award grants as recommended.

Resolved that:

1.    the grants awards for 2021/22 be approved,

2.    all other support to the voluntary/charity sector be noted,

3.    £3k to be donated to the Mayor’s charities from the grant fund, and

4.    any unallocated Councillor’s Better Neighbourhood Grant monies be transferred to the Grants Panel for allocation.

Reasons for decision:

1.    Agreement of the award grants for 2021/22 will enable existing charities and voluntary organisations to continue to provide support, assistance and other essential service for Borough residents and new organisations to begin to provide such services.

2.    Cabinet would like to support the Mayor’s charities in a year when fundraising has been made difficult due to COVID-19.

3.    Transferring unallocated Councillor’s Better Neighbourhood Grants will allow this funding to be allocated to local organisations.