Agenda and minutes

Venue: Hendon Town Hall, The Burroughs, London NW4 4BQ. View directions

Contact: Maria Lugangira 020 8359 2761 Email: maria.lugangira@barnet.gov.uk 

Note: Public questions or a request to make a public comment must be submitted by 10am on Thursday, 6th December 2018 

Items
No. Item

1.

Minutes of last meeting pdf icon PDF 84 KB

Minutes:

RESOLVED  that the minutes of the meeting held on 23 October 2018 be agreed as a correct record.

 

2.

Absence of Members

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Councillor Kath McGuirk. Councillor Alan Schneiderman was substituting.

3.

Declaration of Members' Disclosable Pecuniary interests and Non Pecuniary interests (If any)

Minutes:

Member

Item

Interest Declared

Councillor Dean Cohen

 

10 - Proposed Submission North London

Waste Plan (Regulation 19)

Non-Pecuniary interest by virtue of the fact that Councillor Dean Cohen is a Council appointed representative on the North London Waste Authority.

Councillor Peter Zinkin

10 - Proposed Submission North London

Waste Plan (Regulation 19)

Non-Pecuniary interest by virtue of the fact that Councillor Peter Zinkin is a Council appointed representative on the North London Waste Authority.

 

4.

Report of the Monitoring Officer (if any)

Minutes:

None.

5.

Public Questions and Comments (if any) pdf icon PDF 659 KB

Minutes:

Details of the questions asked and the answers provided were published and circulated at the meeting. Verbal responses were given to supplementary questions at the meeting.

 

With regards to Mr Tichborne supplementary question this was asked on his behalf by Mr John Dix.

 

Public comments were made by the following:

·                     Ms Barbara Jacobson – Item 7, Review of Capita Contracts

·                     Ms Jasmin Parson – Item 7, Review of Capita Contracts

·                     Mr John Dix – Item 7, Review of Capita Contracts

·                     Ms Theresa Musgrove – Item 7, Review of Capita Contracts

·                     Mr Stephen Brice – Item 10, Review of Capita Contracts

·                     Mr Derek Dishman – Item 13, Saracens Loan Agreement

·                     Mr Derek Dishman – Item 14, Saracens Loan Agreement

 

 

6.

Members' Items (if any)

Minutes:

None.

7.

Review of Capita Contracts pdf icon PDF 475 KB

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report which provided an update on the work undertaken on developing the business case for realignment of the Capita contracts as agreed by the Committee on 19 July 2018. The report further set out the findings of the analysis of the three options identified in the July report, and concluded that further detailed analysis would be needed to form the basis of a sound recommendation to the Committee in relation to the totality of the Customer Support Group (CSG) and Development and Regulatory Services (DRS) contracts.

 

Councillor Barry Rawlings, duly seconded by Councillor Ross Houston proposed the following:

 

Delete recommendations 3, 4, ,5 6, 7 and add the following;

 

Recommendation 11.1 – Instruct officers to bring the Full Business Cases for Option 3 – ending the relationship with Capita CSG and Capita Re – to the next meeting of the Committee as previously decided;

 

Recommendation 11.2 – Instruct officers to procure external advice/capacity if needed to ensure the Option 3 Full Business Cases are done in time for the next meeting of the Committee.

 

Upon being put to the vote the additional recommendation proposed by Councillor Barry Rawlings was declared lost. The vote was recorded as follows: 

 

For

5

Against

7

Abstain

0

 

 

Upon being put the vote the recommendations as set out in the report were agreed. The vote was recorded as follows: 

 

For

7

Against

5

Abstain

0

 

 

RESOVELD – That the Committee:

 

1.    Notes the work undertaken in developing a business case for the realignment of the council’s contracts with Capita, and the findings of the analysis to date, as set out in paragraphs 2.2 to 2.38.

 

2.    Agrees that further analysis is required to allow the Committee to make informed, robust decisions on the future delivery of the Customer Support Group and Development and Regulatory Services contracts, and the impact on the future of the RE Joint Venture.

 

3.    Notes the findings of the in-depth analysis of the Finance and Strategic Human Resources (HR) services, as set out in paragraphs 2.41 to 2.51.

 

4.    Authorises the Chief Executive to take all reasonable action to prepare to in-source Finance and Strategic HR services by 1April 2019.  Further authorises the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee, to consider the responses to the consultation (due in February 2019) and proceed with implementation of the proposal, if appropriate.

 

5.    Agrees a revised approach to completing the review, which considers groups of services on a phased basis, as set out in paragraphs 2.52 to 2.57.

 

6.    Agrees that consultation on the future approach to all services should take place, as set out in section 5.8.

 

7.    Agrees the draft service groupings and prioritisation set out in paragraphs 2.58 to 2.63 as the basis for consultation.   Following this consultation authorises the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Chairman of the Committee, to agree a programme for reviewing services; the programme to be updated from time to time by the Chief Executive in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

8.

Corporate Plan 2019-24, Business Planning - Medium Term Financial Strategy 2019/24 and Draft Budget for 2019/20 pdf icon PDF 501 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report which set out the council’s refreshed Corporate Plan, savings plans, MTFS, the priorities for each theme committee and Capital Programme. As part of the budget setting process for 2019/20 onwards the report also provided the key budget headlines on both local and national level.

 

Upon being put to the vote recommendations as set out in report were agreed. The vote was recorded as follows  

 

For

7

Against

5

Abstain

0

 

RESOVELD – That the Committee;

 

1.    Approve the draft Corporate Plan (Appendix A) and the outcomes, priority and approach that it sets out for referral to Council;

 

2.    Approves the additional priorities and approach to delivery for this Theme Committee, as set out in Appendix B;

 

3.    Notes the updated Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to 2024 as set out at Appendix C and the assumptions underpinning this in paragraph 1.5.9;

 

4.    Agrees to consult on the use of the Council’s flexibility to raise the level of General Council Tax by 2.99% in 2019/20;

 

5.    Agrees that the savings proposals as set out in Appendix D, subject to consultation and equalities impact assessment, come back to Policy and Resources Committee in February 2019 and Full Council in March 2019 for final approval of the 2019/20 budget including Council Tax;

 

6.    Approve the Fees and Charges as set out in Appendix H and outlined in paragraphs 1.4.9 to 1.4.12

 

7.    Agrees the changes to the existing Capital Programme as set out in section 1.5.52 to 1.5.79 and Appendix E;

 

8.    Notes the update on the London wide Business Rates Pool as set out in paragraphs 1.3.18 to 1.3.21;

 

9.    Agrees the process for consultation as set out in section 5.8;

 

10.Agrees the bad debt write offs as set out in section 1.6.13;

 

11.Notes the recommendation in relation to the motion submitted by the Adults and Safeguarding Committee outlined in paragraph 1.6.11;

12.Agrees the proposed reserves strategy outlined in paragraphs 1.4.38 to 1.4.42 of the report;

 

13.Notes the draft capital strategy in Appendix G; and

 

14.Note the Theme Committee priorities as set out in Appendix I.

 

9.

Brent Cross Cricklewood Funding and Delivery Strategy Report pdf icon PDF 324 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee considered the report which provided an update on the regeneration of Brent Cross Cricklewood (BXC). It sought approvals on (i) the allocation of most the £97m government grant funding within the capital programme and (ii) to enter into the Implementation Agreement with Network Rail to deliver the Sidings and Rail Systems works and to commission the first phase of works under that agreement. 

 

Upon being put to the vote recommendations as set out in the report were agreed. The vote was recorded as follows  

 

For

7

Against

0

Abstain

5

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee:

 

1.    Notes that on 27 November the Assets, Regeneration and Growth Committee received an update on progress with the Brent Cross Cricklewood (BXC) project and agrees the next steps in delivering the project, subject to confirmation of funding by this Committee.

 

2.    Notes that given the strategic importance of BXC and the scale of the investment proposed in delivery of the new Thameslink station at Brent Cross West (BXT), confirmation will be sought from Council on 18 December 2018 of the council’s continuing commitment to the delivery of BXT and other elements of the critical infrastructure needed to support BXC.

 

3.    Subject to that confirmation by Council, authorises the Deputy Chief Executive to enter into the Implementation Agreement with Network Rail and to commission the Schedule 1A (site set up) works set out in that agreement.

 

4.    Notes that Council will be further asked to delegate to this Committee the decision to commission the Schedule 1B (rail systems and sidings) works provided: (a) a Revised Funding Agreement (RFA) has been agreed with HM Government (HMG); and (b) that the RFA does not expose the council to unacceptable risk.

 

5.    Notes progress on agreeing the RFA with HMG as set out in paragraphs 1.14-1.21.

 

6.    Notes the update on the financial tests set by the Committee in July 2014 and approves the proposed revisions to these tests for the council to assure itself that the prudential code can be satisfied, before making any capital commitment that borrowing can be undertaken to deliver the Thameslink Station (paragraphs 1.22-1.39).

 

7.    Approves the revised capital budgets for FY2018/19 as detailed in paragraphs 1.13 and 5.2.4 of this report.

 

8.    Notes that the final RFA and any consequential capital budget approvals required are expected to be reported to the Committee on 20 February 2019.

 

9.    Approves that the council commence an OJEU procurement for the station platforms and station access / pedestrian bridge elements of the programme as set out in paragraphs 1.43-1.52 of this report and that the evaluation process and contract award decision will be reported to the Assets, Regeneration and Growth Committee for approval prior to entering into the contract.

 

10.

Proposed Submission North London Waste Plan (Regulation 19) pdf icon PDF 202 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report which set out the two-main purposes of the NLWP (i) ensuring adequate provision of suitable land to accommodate appropriate waste management facilities up to 2035 and (ii) to provide policies against which planning applications for waste development will be assessed.

 

The Proposed Submission NLWP (Regulation 19) prepared by seven North London Borough required the approval of all seven boroughs prior to public consultation (scheduled for early 2019) and submission for examination in public by an Inspector appointed by the Planning Inspectorate.

 

The Chairman gave an undertaking to the write to the NLWP expressing the Committee concerns regarding the location of Pinkham way site and Donoghue site [ACTION]

 

Upon being put to the vote recommendations as set out in the report were agreed. The vote was recorded as follows  

 

For

7

Against

5

Abstain

0

 

 

RESOLVED –  that the Committee:

 

 

1.    Consider the responses to consultation at Regulation 18 (Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012) Stage (as set out in Annex 2);

 

2.    Approve the Regulation 19 (Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012) Proposed Submission North London Waste Plan (NLWP), as set out in Annex 1, for public consultation and subsequent submission to the Secretary of State for public examination;

 

3.    Recommend that Full Council approve the Regulation 19 Proposed Submission North London Waste Plan (NLWP), as set out in Annex 1; and

 

4.    Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive, in consultation with the Service Director Planning and Building Control, to make any further minor changes to the NLWP prior to consultation and submission, and during or after examination.

 

11.

Q2 2018/19 Strategic Performance Report pdf icon PDF 640 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report which provided a strategic overview of performance for Quarter 2 (Q2) 2018/19 focusing on financial (budget forecasts and savings) and staffing (sickness absence) information, as well as performance (progress on activities and performance of key indicators) and risk information related to the corporate priorities in the Corporate Plan 2018/19 Addendum.

 

Upon being put to the vote the recommendations as set out in the report were agreed.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee;

 

1.    The Committee is asked to note the Period 6 (Q2 2018/19) revenue and capital forecasts.

 

2.    The Committee is asked to note the savings delivered in Period 6 (Q2 2018/19).

 

3.    The Committee is asked to scrutinise the performance and risk information related to the corporate priorities in the Corporate Plan 2018/19 Addendum, including the strategic and high level service/joint risks that form the corporate risk register at Appendix A.

12.

Annual Equalities Report 2017/18 pdf icon PDF 348 KB

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report which set out the council’s Annual Equalities Report for the financial year 2017-18 which demonstrates how the Council complies with the Public Sector Equality Duty. The publication of the Annual Equalities Report (AER) forms part of that process. 

 

Upon being put to the vote the recommendations as set out in the report were agreed.

 

RESOLVED - That the Committee approve the Annual Equalities Report 2017/18 for publication on the council website.

13.

Annual Procurement Forward Plan [APFP] 2019-2020 pdf icon PDF 165 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee considered the report which set out the detail of procurement activity for 2019/2020 and where known for 2020/21.

 

Upon being put to the vote the recommendations as set out in the report were agreed. The vote was recorded as follows;

 

For

7

Against

0

Abstain

5

 

 

RESOLVED - That approval be given to officers to proceed with procurement activity as presented in the Annual Procurement Forward Plan [APFP] 2019/2020 and where known for 2020/21

14.

The Home Group - Deed of Settlement pdf icon PDF 173 KB

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report which sought authority to agree a Deed of Settlement with The Home Group regarding Dollis Valley in relation an Underwriting Agreement signed between the Council and The Home Group on 25 August 2005. The report summarised the Agreement that the Council has reached with the Home Group and seeks permission to make the payment requested.

 

Upon being put to the vote recommendations as set out in the report were agreed.

 

RESOLVED - That the Committee:

 

1.    Authorises the Deputy Chief Executive to sign the Deed of Settlement agreed between the Council and The Home Group and to make a payment in accordance with the Deed of Settlement to The Home Group as last and full and final settlement in relation to the Underwriting Agreement signed on 25 August 2005.

 

2.    Delegates authority to the Deputy Chief Executive to approve subsequent amendments to the Deed of Settlement.

 

15.

Council Tax Support 201920 – Revision to Council Tax Reduction Scheme pdf icon PDF 256 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report which set out details of the proposed new Council Tax Support (CTS) scheme to be introduced in April 2019 and included analysis from the public consultation carried out between 18th October 2018 and 29th November 2018. The report further detailed the proposed Discretionary Council Tax Hardship and Discretionary Housing Payment (DCTH/DHP) Policy to be introduced alongside the CTS scheme in April 2019.

 

Councillor Rawlings requested that a separate vote is taken on the recommendations.

 

Upon being put to the vote recommendation 1 as set out in the report was agreed. The vote was recorded as follows  

 

For

7

Against

5

Abstain

0

 

Upon being put to the vote recommendation 2 as set out in the report was unanimously agreed.

 

RESOLVED – that the Committee;

 

1.    Agree that the proposed Barnet Council Tax Support Scheme as set out in Appendix A should be referred to Full Council for approval.

 

2.    Approve the proposed Discretionary Council Tax Hardship and Discretionary Housing Payment Policy as set out in Appendix F.

 

16.

Committee Forward Work Programme pdf icon PDF 200 KB

Minutes:

The Committee noted the Forward Work Programme.

 

17.

Any item(s) the Chairman decides are urgent

Minutes:

None.

18.

Motion to Exclude the Press and Public

Minutes:

RESOLVED that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 2 and 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act (as amended).

 

19.

Review of Capita Contracts: Appendix C - Financial Analysis [EXEMPT]

Minutes:

RESOLVED - that the information contained in the exempt report be noted.

 

20.

The Home Group – Deed of Settlement [EXEMPT]

Additional documents:

Minutes:

RESOLVED - that the information contained in the exempt report be noted.

 

21.

Any other exempt item(s) the Chairman decides are urgent

Minutes:

There were none.