Council decisions

Councillor Ross Houston Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:

1.    Noted the contents of the report and the exempt report and its appendices and;

2.    Delegated authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration to finalise and agree updates to the BXS Business Plan in accordance with paragraphs 1.23-1.26 of this report and accompanying exempt report.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet approved increasing the value of the JCT contract by £1.1m so that total contract value is £10.1m (previously estimated in the Annual Procurement Forward Plan (APFP) presented to Policy and Resources Committee on 22 Feb 2023 as a £9m). This is to include additional PSDS3 project costs and decarbonisation works at Martin school caretaker’s house.

2.    That Cabinet approved signing JCT contract with Larkfleet/ Asset Plus, at a value of £10.1m, to complete energy efficiency works to Barnet-owned buildings, managed as part of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 3 (PSDS3). And to install a heat pump, low surface temperature radiators, hot water cylinder heat pump and solar PV at Martin School caretaker’s home.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet approved the Draft School Streets Permit and Exemption Policy to move forward to public consultation.

2.    That Cabinet delegated the finalisation of the School Streets Permit and Exemption Policy to the (Cabinet Member) Portfolio Lead for Environment and Climate Change.

3.    That Cabinet approved, subject to public consultation, the implementation of permits to School Staff permanently based at the school on an 18 month trial basis.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Ross Houston Cabinet Member for Homes & Regeneration introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet approved the revised draft Housing Strategy attached at Appendix A.

2.    That Cabinet approved the revised draft Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy attached at Appendix B.

3.    That Cabinet approved the revised draft Tenancy Strategy attached at Appendix C.

4.    That Cabinet approved the revised draft Housing Allocation Scheme attached at Appendix D.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Barry Rawlings Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources & Effective Council introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:

In respect of Business Planning for 2024-30:

1.    Noted the refreshed Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) shown in Appendix A. The MTFS sets out likely budget changes over the period 2024-30, including assumptions around inflation, pressures, savings and government funding. It is the model around which the council’s financial strategy is based;

2.    Noted the delivery timetable and the process in section 2.12 - 2.21 which will take place for 2024/25 and future years in order to achieve a balanced budget.

3.    Approved that officers start to develop budget proposals for 2024/25 and, if required, delegates authority to the Section 151 Officer to issue targets to officers to support the achievement of a balanced budget; and

4.    Noted the proposed approach to the Financial Strategy in section 2.11.

5.    Note the approach to delivering the Transformation Strategy outlined in section 3.

6.    Agreed the allocation of £1.6m for individual workstreams, as set out in sections 3.12 to 3.22.

7.    Noted the arrangements for individual spending decisions set out in section 3.6.

In respect of routine financial matters for 2023/24:

8.    Noted the Contingency Budget and allocations from it in section 4.1-4.4;

9.    Noted the revenue budget virements for 2023/24 as detailed in sections 4.5-4.6;

10. Approved the writes-offs for Sundry Debt as detailed in sections 4.7-4.10; and

11.Approved the changes to the existing Capital Programme in relation to additions as set out in section 5 in accordance with the virement rules.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration, Councillor Ross Houston introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet approved the Stories (Bunns Lane) Ltd & Aviva Capital Partners ltd joint venture as the preferred developer for the delivery of the sale and leaseback arrangement on the Bunns Lane Car Park site.

2.    That Cabinet delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive of the Council and in consultation with the Cabinet member for Homes and Regeneration to:
a. agree the final terms for the proposed transaction.
b. approve and conclude the exchange of an Agreement for Lease and Leaseback to be entered into with the Stories & ACP joint venture.
c. to negotiate, approve, finalise, and complete such other documents as may be required to effect implement fund deliver and/or manage the scheme.

3.    That Cabinet agreed to the creation of a management company (ManCo) by the Council for the ongoing management of the completed units at the Site and to enter into the proposed sub underlease with the Council as outlined at paragraph 1.30.

4.    That Cabinet:
(i) approved the advertising as required to appropriate to the required use or to appropriate to planning purposes any part of the Site deemed or designated as Public Open Space in accordance with S122(2A) of the Local Government Act 1972; and
(ii) delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive the consideration of any objections received following the conclusion of the above advertising process.

5.    That Cabinet approved the advertising as required to dispose of any part of the Site deemed or designated as Public Open Space in accordance with Section 123 of the Local Government Act 1972 or section 233 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 as appropriate and delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive the consideration of any objections received following the conclusion of such advertising process.

6.    That Cabinet delegated to the Deputy Chief Executive if appropriate following the conclusion of the consideration of any objections to the advertising required pursuant to S123(2A) of the LGA 1972, or S233 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 authority to dispose of any land referred to at (Recommendations) 4 and 5 above which is to be comprised as part of the Site.

7.    That Cabinet delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive to authorise that the whole or any part of the Site as may be required be appropriated for planning purposes pursuant to S122 of the LGA 1972 and to commence negotiations and settle any lawful claims asserted by third parties pursuant to SS 203 and SS 204 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

8.    That Cabinet delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive to make any applications to the Secretary of State for consent that may be required to enable the lawful disposal of the Site.

9.    That Cabinet delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Cabinet member for Regeneration and Growth to make minor alterations to the extent of the Site as appropriate provided with the above recommendations to apply to the Site as altered.

10.That Cabinet delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive to take all and any such actions as may be required to give effect to the recommendations to secure the sale of the Site including the termination of any extant parking arrangements.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

It was RESOLVED that:

1.    Cabinet noted the current activities undertaken by the Highways Service team to tackle incidents of damage to highway caused by development works.

2.    Cabinet approved extending borough wide, the approach noted in this report to deal with damage to highways.

3.    Cabinet noted that the Head of Paid Service (through delegated powers) will increase staffing resource for the relevant team, if the extended approach above is approved.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Barry Rawlings Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Resources & Effective Council introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

It was RESOLVED that Cabinet:

1.    Approved the creation of a new ‘Connected Places Transformation Programme’, as set out in Figure 2, and the allocation of the required budget as set out in the exempt appendix.

2.    Agreed that the Chief Finance Officer approves allocation of £2.35m of prudential borrowing towards the creation of a new ‘Connected Places Transformation Programme’ in line with the 2023/24 Treasury Management Strategy Statement.

3.    Delegated authority to the Executive Director for Assurance to revise or vary the proposed CCTV fibre network contract with BT to include the deployment of a boroughwide Public Wi-Fi network, provided that the cost of such deployment to the council is broadly in line with the terms as set out in the exempt report.

4.    Approved the development of an outline business case for consideration by Cabinet, relating to deployment of an Internet of Things (IoT) Network across the borough, including exploration of potential commercial and service innovation opportunities by public sector and commercial partners.

5.    Delegated authority to the Director of Highways, or any Director/Assistant Director with responsibility for the relevant asset, to:
(a) define the corporate requirements for, and
(b) to grant any subsequent required permission/authorisation to, attach connectivity-related equipment orinfrastructure onto council assets such as street furniture and buildings.

6.    Delegated authority to the Assistant Director for Resident Experience and Digital to develop and consult with partners and residents on draft proposals for a data ethics framework that will support and inform data  protection compliance and provide oversight arrangements for new and emerging uses of data, including how emerging sources of data can be used and/or shared within the council and partners, to enable a more data informed and holistic approach to service transformation, that will support resident needs. The framework proposals will to be brought back to Cabinet for approval.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change introduced the report. The Chair also welcomed Ian Edser, Director of Highways and Transportation to summarise the item.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

It was RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet approved an additional two-year capital allocation of £8m for the delivery of additional carriageway resurfacing schemes (the additional programme) commencing 2023/24 as a short-term measure whist the Highway Investment Strategy is developed.

2.    That the additional programme be the subject of engagement with Ward Councillors prior to implementation.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Director of Highways and Transportation, in consultation with the (Cabinet Member) Portfolio Lead for Environment and Climate Change, to sign off the additional programme ofschemes for implementation on the highway network, commencing with the programme for the 2023/24 financial year.

4.    That authority be delegated to the Director of Highways and Transportation, in consultation with the (Cabinet Member) Portfolio Lead for Environment and Climate Change, to alter the programme as necessary to ensure the efficient delivery of schemes across the network.

5.    Noted that Overview and Scrutiny Committee will undertake a review to support the improvement to the Highway Network.

6.    Noted that future reports in relation to the delivery of this additional programme and the emerging Highway Investment Strategy will be presented to Cabinet.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Effective Council introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet approved the sale of the Council’s premises of 233 and 241 West Hendon Broadway and land adjoining 239 West Hendon Broadway to the Purchaser, or associated party, on terms as detailed in the Confidential Annexes, but subject to recommendation 2(a).

2.     That Cabinet delegated authority to the Chief Officer, Deputy Chief Executive, to:

(a) subject to compliance with S123 of the Local Government Act 1972, agree any amendments to the Heads of Terms as reasonably required as part of any final negotiations.

(b) finalise the contractual arrangements and instruct the Council’s legal advisors to negotiate and finalise the necessary documentation including the granting of a lease to regulate occupation prior to completion.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Effective Council introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

Decision:

REsolved:

That Cabinet approved this land exchange with Church Farm Barnet Ltd and the provision of a workshop building for Oak Hill School; and approved the Council entering into an Agreement for sale, Land Transfer and any other relevant documentation on this transaction.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Zahra Beg, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Voluntary and Community Sector introduced the report.

Cabinet agreed to include an additional recommendation (nr. 4) to note the addendum to this report which sets out the comments from the Overview & Scrutiny Committee in relation to this agenda item.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet recommends to Council that the following equalities objectives be approved:
a. People: Understand the whole person
b. Place: Understand and tackle local causes of inequality
c. Planet: Support a just transition to net zero

2.    That the Towards a Fair Barnet Roadmap 2024-2030 (attached as Appendix 1) be approved, subject to the Council's approval of the equalities objectives.

3.    That the Executive Director for Children and Families, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Equalities, Voluntary and Community Sector, be authorised to make minor amendments to the Roadmap to facilitate publication.

4.    That Cabinet noted the comments of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee contained in the addendum.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

Decision:

REsolved:

1.    Noted the contents of the report.

2.    Delegated authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council to finalise and approve the Third Phase Proposal on behalf of the Council, in line with the details set out in paragraphs 1.19 to 1.30.

3.     Delegated authority to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader of the Council for agreement of legal documentation relating to the sales of Plots 23 and 43b as set out in paragraphs 1.31 to 1.34 and the exempt appendix to this report.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Ammar Naqvi – Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts & Sports introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Cabinet approved the Culture Strategy 2024-2029 as set out in Appendix A.

2.     That the Executive Director for Transformation, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure, Arts & Sports be authorised to make minor amendments to the Cabinet report to facilitate publication.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources & Effective Council introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

Approved the changes to the existing Capital Programme in relation to additions, deletions and funding transfers as set out in section 2 in accordance with the virement rules and appendix A.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Ross Houston Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet noted and approved the Barnet Homes 2024/25 Delivery Plan.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Ross Houston, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

Decision:

REsolved:

That Cabinet approved The Barnet Group (and subsidiaries) 5-year business plan.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Ross Houston Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet noted the contents of this report and the Schedule of Main Modifications (Appendix A) and the Schedule of Additional Modifications (Appendix B).

2.    That Cabinet considered and agreed in terms of any further changes to the Schedule of Main Modifications (Appendix A) the recommendations of Overview andScrutiny Committee on March 5 2024. Any recommendations from Overview and Scrutiny are reported in the addendum.

3.    That Cabinet approved the Schedule of Main Modifications (Appendix A) for public consultation for a six week period commencing on 6^th May 2024 in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement and Section 20 (7C) of the Planning andCompulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended).

4.    That Cabinet delegated authority to Deputy Chief Executive to:

i. Agree any necessary amendments to supporting documentation for consultation and any other typographical, presentational, and consequential wording changes to the Local Plan prior to publication, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration.

ii. Following public consultation on the Proposed Main Modifications, consider and summarise the responses received and forward to the Inspectors for their consideration in producing their Report.

5. That following the receipt of the Report from the Inspector recommending adoption of the Local Plan, that the Plan be brought back to Cabinet and Full Council for adoption.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

RESOLVED:

1.    That Cabinet noted the outcome of the Highways Investment Strategy aligned to the commitment set out in Our Plan for Barnet (2023 to 2026).

2.    That Cabinet approves, as Full Council has agreed the final 2024/25 capital programme, the capital expenditure of £19.4 million for the delivery of the 2024/25 Work programme as set out in Appendix B consisting of carriageway resurfacing, carriageway patching, footway resurfacing, footway patching, carriageway reconstruction, structures, drainage, and other highway assets (including heritage assets).

3.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, in consultation with the Director of Highways and Transportation, to sign off the additional programme of schemes utilising the funding of £0.618m as set out in Section 1.15 of this report.

4.    That authority be delegated to the Director of Highways and Transportation, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Climate Change, to alter the programme as necessary to ensure the efficient delivery of schemes across the network.

5.    Noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee are currently undertaking a review to support the improvement to the Highway Network.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Ross Houston Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Homes and Regeneration introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

RESOLVED that Cabinet:

1.      Noted and approved the report and the proposed approach to remediation of the affected properties.

2.      Noted that a budget of £3.6 million in the Housing Revenue Account capital programme has been allocated for remediation of council owned properties.

3.      Approved the principle of providing a Loan and Repayment Plan to affected Freehold homeowners and delegated authority to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the Director of Finance, to agree the eligibility criteria, amounts and the policy to make the loans and agree the repayment terms.

4.      Noted the allocation of £13.072 million capital approved by Cabinet in February 2024 and by Full Council on 27 February 2024 to cover the upfront cost of works to freehold properties, where freeholder homeowners opt for a loan and repayment option.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Paul Edwards, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

DECISION:

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet approved Our Plan for Adult Social Care 2024-2029 and delegated authority for implementation to Executive Director – Communities, Adults and Health.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader and Cabinet Member for Resources and Effective Council introduced the report.

Following discussion, the Chair moved to vote on the recommendations.

Decision:

REsolved:

That Cabinet noted the contents of Our Plan for Barnet – Delivery and Outcomes Framework, Q3 2023-24 Report.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendations and the decision.