Decisions

Cabinet considered a report on a proposal for a Staines-upon-Thames Masterplan.

Proceeding with a Masterplan brings a number of advantages, as set out in Paragraph 2.4 of the report, including setting out an ambitious and deliverable overall vision for the transformation and regeneration of the whole town.

Alternative options considered, and rejected, by Cabinet:

·           Do nothing and continue with ad-hoc decision making

·           Deliver masterplan using in-house resource

Resolved to:

1.    agree to go out to tender for a Staines-upon-Thames Masterplan; and

2.    agree that the Deputy Chief Executive (Finance), in consultation with the Leader, be given delegated authority to enter into a contract to appoint the external advisors.

Reasons for Decision

The production of a Masterplan for Staines-upon-Thames will help shape and develop the town alongside the new Local Plan which is being reviewed, and which will be adopted in 2021.

It will set a clear vision and strategy for the transformation and regeneration of the centre of the town, focusing on deliverable outcomes and policies in an holistic way.

It will set out our expectations of developers, investors and the local community and will be rooted in commercial reality. 

Cabinet considered a report on a proposal to provide a council tax exemption to care leavers living in independent accommodation from 18 up until the age of 25.

Alternative options considered, and rejected, by the Cabinet:

·         A variance on the scheme could be proposed i.e. a different level of discount, or for a shorter time.

·         Do nothing

Resolved:

1.    that Care Leavers living in independent accommodation be exempt from Council Tax until the age of 25 from April 2020; and

2.    to note that from January 2020 Everyone Active, who operate Spelthorne and Sunbury Leisure Centres, will provide free swimming for children in care and care leavers up to age of 25

Reason for Decision

Care leavers who are living independently for the first time find managing their own finances extremely challenging, due to issues such as limited family support.  This can mean that care leavers may fall into debt and financial difficulty.  

(Paragraph 2 – Information relating to any individual)

Cabinet considered an exempt report on the procurement of a provider of housing management and resident support services at Harper House.

Alternative options considered, and rejected, by the Cabinet:

·         Recruit internally to provide a housing management and resident support service in-house

·         do nothing and manage Harper House on existing resources available to Housing

Resolved to:

1.         note the benefits of procuring a managed service provider to provide a housing management and resident support service at the rebuild Harper House;

2.         authorise the Group Head for Community Wellbeing to determine the provider to be appointed, in consultation with the Corporate Procurement Manager, the Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing & Housing and the Chief Financial Officer; and

3.         authorise the Head of Corporate Governance to enter into any legal documentation necessary to appoint the new provider.

Reason for Decision

To allow sufficient time to appoint the provider up to six months prior to the anticipated practical completion of the rebuilds, so as to be party to key decisions to be made on the furniture, fixtures and fittings, as well as the operational logistics of running the accommodation.

(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 seeking approval of the costs for the redevelopment of Harper House.

A revised capital programme provision and an increased net financing cost was required as a result of the redesign of Harper House following feedback from Homes England.

Alternative options considered, and rejected, by the Cabinet:

·         Delay works

·         Do nothing

Resolved to:

1.            recommend to Council the approval of a supplementary estimate of increase in the existing capital programme provision of £400k for the demolition and rebuild of Harper House, for the reasons set out in the report, and in line with the Order of Costs Estimate in Appendix 1;

2.            authorise the Chief Financial Officer to make prudent financing arrangements for the project;

3.            authorise the Head of Corporate Governance to enter into any legal documentation necessary to implement this construction project, including any legal agreements required in order to receive grant funding from Homes England; and

4.            authorise the Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing and Group Head for Regeneration and Growth to authorise the appointment of a suitable contractor to undertake these works.

Reasons for Decision:

To take advantage of a time-limited grant funding programme.

To improve the quality and quantum of accommodation within the Borough for vulnerable homeless households.

To align Spelthorne Borough Council with the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act.

Cabinet considered a report on a proposal to set up a Property and Investment Committee as a Cabinet Sub-Committee.

The existing process of decision making has been appropriate and sufficient

for many years, but due to dramatic changes in the Council’s property portfolio over the last few years it is now apparent that it is no longer ‘fit for purpose’. Cabinet considered how decision making is structured in the future to ensure that the Council can make fully informed and transparent decisions but at a speed that is acceptable within a fast moving and commercial environment.

Alternative options considered, and rejected, by the Cabinet:

·         Leave arrangements as they are

Resolved to approve the set up and Terms of Reference of the Property and Investment Committee as a Cabinet Sub-Committee.

Reason for Decision

To update and streamline the decision making process for dealing with asset transactions whilst providing a clear audit trail for decisions