To approve as a correct record the minutes of Cabinet held on 10 February 2016.

The Minutes of Cabinet, held on 10 February 2016, were approved as a correct record.

To receive additional items that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no interests declared.

There were no statements made by the Leader

Councillor Holloway, Cabinet Member for Central Services, introduced the report and made an amendment to the end of month 9, namely that 88% of indicators were either meeting or in within an acceptable tolerance of the target.

Councillor B.Rice commented that the percentage of older people still at home 91 days after discharge from hospital was at 87% in December 2015.  She further commented that although this fell below the Council’s target it was still above the national average.

Councillor Okunade stated that there had been a rise in the number of children subject to a Child Protection Plan.

RESOLVED:

1.         Cabinet comments and notes the performance at this stage in the year and identifies, where it feels necessary, any further areas of concern on which to focus

2.         Cabinet recommends the report to Corporate Overview & Scrutiny Committee

3.         Cabinet recommends the areas In Focus to be circulated as appropriate to relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee Chairs. 

There were no petitions submitted.

The Leader of the Council advised that no questions had been submitted from Non-Executive Members.

The Leader of the Council informed Members that there were no matters which had been referred to the Cabinet by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Kent, Leader of the Council, presented the report to Cabinet and in doing so he explained the Council was in a difficult position, as detailed in recommendation 2, namely that the Council had to find a further £18.5 million in savings on top of the budget savings that had already been accomplished.

He continued by thanking Council Officers and portfolio holders for making the savings which assisted in protecting frontline services. The Leader stated that it was time for the Council to use its Treasury Management scheme and schemes such as Gloriana to continue to provide services.

Councillor Kent notified Cabinet that the Council was still awaiting a reimbursement from the government for the financial year 2014/2015 in relation to Unaccompanied Asylum Seekers within the borough, as well as an outstanding liability relating to pension costs from the Serco termination, which Essex County Council should have now been able to provide to Thurrock, but was being held up as Serco had not provided the relevant information.

Councillor B.Rice commented that within Public Health a further reduction of £924k had been made to the Public Health Grant, a report on how this reduction will impact on services will be going to both the Health and Well-Being Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Health and Well-Being Board.

Councillor G.Rice stated in relation to Environment, Highways England should be keeping Thurrock’s roads clean, such as the A1089 and the A13.

The Leader advised that having spoken to Highways England regarding the clean-up of roads in the Borough they informed him that they would need to close a lane to undertake works. Councillor Kent further advised Members that Thurrock Council staff would be undertaking a clean-up of the Council’s stretch of the A13 next week.

RESOLVED:

1.         That Cabinet note the financial pressures still being faced in Children’s Services;

2.         That Cabinet note the need to identify £18.5m through a combination of additional income and cost reduction over the period 2017/18 to 2019/20; and

3.         That Cabinet note the assumptions set out in the Medium Term Financial Strategy forecasts as set out in paragraph 4.2.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health addressed Members by informing them Thurrock’s first Health and Wellbeing Strategy had been introduced in 2013 and was due to expire at the end of March 2016.

Councillor B Rice continued by saying the Strategy focused on prevention and early intervention to ensure that Thurrock residents could add years to life and life to years. She advised Members the report asked Cabinet to recommend the approval of the updated Strategy at Full Council in March 2016.

Councillor Kent expressed that the Health and Wellbeing Board was unique with Members and Officers sitting as one. He further commented that the benefit represented a good level of saving following the Strategy.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Care congratulated Councillor B.Rice on her report and highlighted that two key priority areas for the strategy were improving access to GPs and tackling Air Quality.

Councillor B.Rice responded to Councillor Okunade that the Health and Wellbeing Board was unique in that Officers from the CCG and every area of the Council were working together to benefit Thurrock residents.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet endorse the draft Thurrock Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Outcomes Framework and recommend its approval by Council at its meeting on the 23 March 2016.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

Councillor Gerrish, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation, introduced the report to the Cabinet and highlighted the following:

·         The Council had funding for a £12 million station and bus interchange improvement at Stanford-le-Hope;

·         The project works included rebuilding the station to be fully accessible with new passenger facilities, including toilets and a café. A new bus interchange to be created allowing improved bus access and interchange at the station;

·         This was to be a partnership project being delivered by the Council together with c2c, Network Rail and London Gateway;

·         The project was a vital factor for improved access to over 12,000 jobs at London Gateway and Thames Enterprise Park, as well as improving facilities for local people.

RESOLVED:

1.         Cabinet confirms support for the principle of the station improvements, bus interchange and associated works on the highway for implementation starting in early 2017.

2.         Cabinet Delegates to the Head of Transportation & Highways authority to commission the detailed design and business case needed to draw down funding to the Council.

3.         Cabinet Agrees that progress on this project should be reported to Planning, Transport and Regeneration Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

Councillor Kent addressed Members notifying them in 2013, following an extensive consultation exercise; Cabinet exercised its discretion and decided to continue denominational transport but introduced a charging scheme.

He continued by explaining although some savings had been made, the service was still heavily subsidised by the Council. With this in mind it left the Council with little option than to offer only a statutory service.

RESOLVED:

1.         Cabinet note the financial pressures on the education transport budget outlined in this report and accept the proposal to deliver denominational transport within the statutory minimum by discontinuing all denominational transport services outside of Thurrock Council’s legal duty at the end of the 2015/16 academic year.

2.         That Thurrock Council will continue to transport pupils in receipt of benefit who meet the criteria stipulated within the Education Act. An Exceptional Circumstances policy is also in place to support families whose income level is low, yet above the benefits threshold.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

The Cabinet Member for Housing presented her report to Members advising them of the following:

·         A review of the Housing Allocations Scheme was undertaken in 2014- and a further review has been undertaken in 2015 following which additional amendments were recommended along with more detail to reflect recent additional legislative requirements;

·         A pilot scheme for older owner occupiers- whereby sheltered housing could be offered to older Thurrock residents on the basis that the resident leases their own property to the Council for the lifetime of their Council tenancy. The Council could then place homeless applicants into the property on short term leases;

·         Only 1% of applicants were solely using the newspaper to view adverts. In future advertising could be carried out through the website, mobile devices and mobile applications.

Councillor B.Rice enquired what would happen if a resident involved within the scheme wished to have their house back. Councillor Worrall confirmed that residents would have a contract of 5 years and should they wish to move back to their home, the Council would return the property back to them in the same condition when they entered the scheme.

The Leader of the Council queried whether a couple who gave up their home to enter the scheme, which was to be piloted in the coming month, would have to pay for the sheltered housing accommodation.

Councillor Worrall confirmed that was correct as they wouldn’t qualify for the accommodation, however the cost would be covered as the Council would be paying them for the use of their house.

RESOLVED:

1.         That Cabinet approve the recommended changes to the Housing Allocations Scheme in this report;

2.         That the changes be implemented from 1 April 2016.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

Councillor Gerrish introduced the report stating that in July 2014 the Government announced a funding allocation of £5million for A13 widening plus up to £75 million for the delivery as part of the Growth Deal for the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation further informed Members that in addition to the Government’s funding, DP World would be contributing £10million to the widening scheme, which was from the Orsett Cock Roundabout to the Manor way.

Councillor G.Rice welcomed the report and the promptness of an implementation date for the works to begin.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.         Acknowledge the progress on the A13 widening project;

2.         Confirm the approach to scheme development; 

3.         Agree to continue the works towards obtaining the main funding for the construction of the project and any actions required to allow contractors to start constructions in early spring 2017;

4.         Agree that progress on the project should be reported to Planning Transport and Regeneration Overview & Scrutiny on regular basis.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

Councillor Worrall, Cabinet Member for Housing, addressed Members and in doing so informed them the first affordable housing schemes had been completed and had delivered 78 new homes.  The first Gloriana led project was now on site and was set to complete the first of 128 new homes in 2017.

The Cabinet Member for Housing continued to advise that the 1% rent reduction would have a significant impact on the financial strength of the Housing Revenue Account and as a consequence the scale of work that the Council would be able to deliver would be reduced.

It was commented that the second wave of affordable housing projects, including those at Claudian Way in Chadwell St Mary, were underway with planning permission through the Planning Committee to be sought in the next few weeks for 82 affordable homes.

Councillor G.Rice welcomed the report as it gave young people the opportunity to move away from home and start living independently.

Councillor Kent expressed that he was pleased with recommendation 2 and congratulated Gemma and the team of Community House for raising over £800,000. He further commented that with the pressure on public services whether it would be possible to look into a scheme which housed key workers such as qualified teachers, social workers and GPs.

Councillor Worrall welcomed the additional recommendation and moved the recommendations.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.         Approve the procurement of contractors to complete the development of the Claudian Way, Chadwell St Marys and former Topps Club site, Grays and delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to commence the competitive tender process through to the award of any contracts within the anticipated budget envelope and to execute any other legal agreements and/or documents necessary for the delivery of the two projects.

2.         Approve the granting of a lease for the newly created community building on the Echoes to Seabrooke Rise Community House and delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, to negotiate and complete all necessary agreements on terms substantially in line with those contained within this report.

3.         Ask Officers to investigate a potential scheme to house key workers within the community such as qualified teachers, social workers and GPs

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health presented her report to the Cabinet and informed them Shared Lives was the new term for Adult Fostering. This was any service delivered by individuals and families who provided care or support to people placed with them in their own home by a local authority who matched them for compatibility.

She further stated that Shared Lives could offer highly positive outcomes for individuals and recent feedback included people feeling settled, valued and part of their local community. Shared Lives also cost less than alternative forms of care. On average this could be around £26,000 less per year for people with learning disabilities who might be living in residential care.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and expressed that the scheme was brilliant. It was commented by Councillor Speight that Ward Members needed to talk about the scheme within their communities.

RESOLVED:

1.         Cabinet approve the implementation of a Shared Lives scheme in Thurrock:

·         with support from Community Catalysts and the Shared Lives Incubator and

·         by finding an external Provider to develop and grow the service over the 5 year contract period.

2.         Cabinet agree delegated authority to the Director, Adults Health and Commissioning working with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, to award the contract to the preferred Provider following the tender process.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

Councillor Kent invited Councillor B.Little the Chair of Planning, Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee to join the Cabinet in their discussions. 

Councillor B.Little addressed the Cabinet and in doing so touched on the following points:

·         The Planning, Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been gathering information on the Lower Thames Crossing Proposals since the announcement of the consultation period;

·         A witness day was held on the 9 February which allowed forums, representatives from outside bodies, businesses and local residents the opportunity to have their views included within the Council’s response;

·         At the Committee on 9 February Highways England presented their proposals and Councillors from all parties were given the chance to question Highways England directly;

·         Stephen Metcalfe MP had his statement read out by the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

He continued to state that all Group Leaders and himself as Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee wrote to the Secretary of State seeking an extension of the consultation period. Following the announcement that Option A could still be a possibility, a further letter was sent requesting that the consultation be stopped due to inadequate information.

Councillor B.Little informed the Cabinet that following an Item of Urgent Business at the Planning, Transport and Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 2 March, the Committee agreed the following recommendations:

·         That Cabinet agree that the final version of this Committee’s Evidence Gathering Report be incorporated as an appendix to the Council’s Formal Consultation Response to Highways England; and

·         That Cabinet pursue the establishment of a Congestion Task Force comprised of Highways England, Emergency Services and business partners on both sides of the existing Dartford Crossing to develop measures to alleviate the unacceptable levels of network disruption which result from incidents or closures on the Crossing

Councillor Gerrish thanked Councillor B.Little for all his hard work and that of his Committee. He welcomed the robust process which had taken place.

The Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation also welcomed the report and would be happy to accept the additional suggested recommendations.

Councillor G.Rice commended Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the work he accomplished on the witness day on 9 February when challenging Highways England. He further stated that he felt a crossing would be better suited at Pitsea where there would be access to the A130.

The Leader of the Council expressed that to complete the Lower Thames Crossing it would cost £6 billion, yet this would only reduce traffic by 14% with the prediction that in 10 years traffic would have reduced by 7%. He continued by agreeing that a Congestion Task Force should be endorsed.

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.         Receive a report from Planning, Transportation, Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee, following its meeting of 2 March (to be tabled at the meeting).

2.         Endorse the points set out in paragraphs 3.1 to 3.6 as the basis for the Council’s formal response to Highways England’s Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) Consultation, setting out the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 144.

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health informed Members of the Council’s responsibility for commissioning certain public health functions as part of the reforms contained within the Health and Social Care Act 2012. This was the third year the Council had taken on this responsibility.

Councillor B.Rice stated that since April 2014 the Council had entered into the standard NHS form of contract with all the providers with a formal commissioning agreement with the relevant CCGs across Essex.

RESOLVED:

1.         Agree for 2016/17, for those services listed in 2.1, enter into the standard NHS 2016/17 form of contract with the relevant provider, and a formal commissioning agreement with the relevant Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as follows:

·         Thurrock CCG for North East London Foundation Trust (NELFT) services.

·         Basildon and Brentwood CCG for Basildon and Thurrock University Hospital (BTUH) services.

2.   Agree to contract with GP practices and pharmacists in Thurrock for the delivery of sexual health services.

3.   Agree that the final budget for these agreements is agreed by the Director of Adults, Health and Commissioning in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health provided that the final budget is contained within the Public Health Grant allocation for 2016/17.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

Councillor Speight presented the report commenting that Cabinet had previously approved the development of an Enterprise Hubs Programme which sought to bring forward a mixture of revenue generating business units across the Borough.

He continued by stating the proposals for the new centres in Tilbury and Purfleet had been in development since September 2015 and both were expected to be submitted for planning consent in the coming months.

Councillor Speight informed Members of a new proposal which, if approved, would see the Council funding the development of a new building for the Royal Academy of Arts at the High House Production Park.

The Cabinet Member for Housing enquired whether a café had been considered as part of the further business units being development in Tilbury.

Councillor Speight confirmed he would speak to Officers regarding the development.

Councillor Kent welcomed the discussions to bring the Royal Academy of Arts to Purfleet and commented that this would be a phenomenal achievement for Thurrock to have world arts stored and preserved in the Borough.

RESOLVED:

1.         Note progress made on the Enterprise Units programme and the positive impact this will have on supporting business growth and job creation in the borough as well as supporting the Council’s savings programme.

2.         Delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, and Head of Legal and Democratic Services to finalise the terms of the development agreement and lease and to execute any other legal agreements and or documents necessary to secure the business accommodation within the National College building at High House Production Park.

3.         Grant formal approval to underwrite up to £150,000 of the funding  target needed for the National College project and delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Section 151 Officer and Head of Legal and Democratic Services to negotiate, finalise and execute the terms of the underwriting facility.

4.         Approve an allocation of up to £7m be added to the Council’s capital programme for investment in the Royal Academy of Arts project.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

The Leader of the Council introduced the report informing Members that it was sometimes difficult to explain to residents the difference between capital and revenue spending. He further explained that by supporting small and local businesses revenue was brought back into the Council.

He commented that the work being carried out on the Civic Offices had a £1.1million underspend with the next decision to be made being on how to develop the ground floor of the offices.  Discussions were taking place as to whether the Civic Offices should be opened up for commercial use and whether the Committee Rooms and Council Chamber should be improved.

RESOLVED:

1.            agree that the General Fund capital programme is projected to have available resources of £10.167m as at 31 March 2016.  This funding will be carried forward to 2016/17 to fund schemes currently under development;

2.         approve the virements within the Children’s service, totalling £0.252m, which will realign project budgets with expected spend;

3.         note that the Housing Revenue Account capital programme is projected to have no unused resources in 2015/16.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

Councillor B.Rice, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, introduced her report and in doing so explained the following:

·         The Better Care Fund requires Clinical Commissioning Groups and local authorities in every single area to pool budgets and to agree an integrated spending plan for how they will use their Better Care Fund allocation. 

·         Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006 gives powers to local authorities and clinical commissioning groups to establish and maintain pooled funds out of which payment may be made towards expenditure incurred in the exercise of prescribed local authority functions and prescribed NHS functions.

Cabinet Members were informed that the value of Thurrock’s Better Care Fund was £18 million, this was made of a contribution from the CCG and the Council. 

RESOLVED:

1.         That Cabinet agree to the Council entering in to the Better Care Fund Section 75 Agreement with NHS Thurrock Clinical Commissioning Group for 2016/17 based on the terms set out in the 2015/16 Agreement.

2.         That Cabinet agree to delegate agreement for changes to the Better Care Fund Section 75 Agreement to the Director of Adults, Housing and Health and Director of Finance and ICT in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration presented the report and explained to Cabinet that Tilbury was identified as one of the Council’s six Growth Hubs. 

He continued that unlike the other Hubs, Tilbury had not had as much publicity following Cabinet’s decision in December 2013 for the Vision of Tilbury, until recently when a consultation was held on the Civic Square, Health Hubs and other key links within the area.

Councillor Worrall commented that she welcomed the plans and hoped that comments made by residents were taken on board. She queried if the Cabinet Member was aware of the closure of the police station and would the building now be included into the plans.

She further commented that the ‘quick win’ scheme was welcomed and that it should be implemented as soon as possible.

Councillor Speight explained in relation to the police station that they would not want to see a building derelict however it would depend on who had ownership of the land as to whether the Council would be able to develop it.

Councillor Rice stated it was lovely to see healthy living being incorporated into communities by the development of the Health Hubs. She further stated that the Civic Square was unique to Tilbury and regeneration of the square was long overdue.

Councillor Okunade welcomed the report and commented that as a Ward Councillor she wanted people to want to visit Tilbury.

RESOLVED:

1.         Cabinet note the support for the Civic Square Masterplan achieved from the public consultation exercise and agree Option 1 as the preferred option to guide the Council’s ongoing approach to regeneration in this area.

2.         Cabinet give, in principle, approval to the Council for leading the development of Health Hubs in Tilbury and potentially Purfleet and note the potential for this model to be used to deliver Health Hubs elsewhere in the Borough.

3.         Cabinet note the work undertaken to date on the development of the wider programme of regeneration activity in Tilbury.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

Councillor Speight introduced the report and informed Members of the following:

·         Grays was one of six Growth Hubs identified by the Council as the focus for regeneration and the development of new homes and jobs within the Borough;

·         A vision for the regeneration of Grays was developed in July 2013 following an extensive public consultation exercise;

·         Since the adoption of the vision Grays has seen a number of significant developments including the opening of the South Essex College campus, new housing and a new community centre nearing completion on Seabrooke Rise, and the refurbishment of the former Magistrates Court to create small business accommodation.

Councillor G.Rice mentioned that Thurrock had 18 miles of river frontage and he welcomed the development of the river front and the regeneration of Grays.

Councillor Pothecary enquired as to what the Cabinet Member for Regeneration felt was Grays’s unique selling point.

Councillor Speight explained that Grays was to have further retail opportunities, a new restaurant development, a new theatre, not to mention culture along the river front and an expansion in leisure facilities.

He continued by commenting that the regeneration project team were looking at new funding streams and were continuously working with the SELEP and other parties.

RESOLVED:

1.         Cabinet note the consultation process and outcomes detailed in this report, in particular the strong levels of support for proposals contained in the Framework.

2.         Cabinet approve the Framework as a basis for the Council’s regeneration activities in Grays and delegate authority to the Assistant Chief Executive, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, to make appropriate minor amendments to the Framework to address issues raised during the consultation and summarised in paragraphs 3.7 and 3.8.

3.         Cabinet note that the Framework will inform the emerging Local Plan and that it will be subject to further statutory consultation required by the planning acts.

4.         Cabinet note that, based upon the strong public support, land acquisition in support of the provision of an underpass to replace the rail level crossing in High Street will commence under the delegated authority provided by Cabinet in July 2015.

5.         Cabinet approve the implementation of immediate priorities set out in paragraph 3.11;

a)    Design and viability testing of proposals for a residential led, mixed-use development at Hogg Lane which could conceivably come forward as a Gloriana scheme;

b)    Design, viability testing and financial modelling of proposals for a new theatre building; and

c)    Appointment of consultants to advise the Council on the phasing, design, viability, appropriate delivery models and financial modelling of development sites identified in the Framework.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration addressed the Cabinet informing Members that Thurrock had a strong track record in securing and utilising EU funds having previously led the ERDF funded Low Carbon Business Programme and supported the Culture Change programme, which between them secured €7.55m in EU funding.

Councillor Speight continued to mention the new European funded programmes were just becoming available and through the first rounds, Thurrock had secured a programme which succeeds the Low Carbon Business Programme.

RESOLVED:

1.         Cabinet Note the contents of the report and the important part that European Structural Investment Funds play in supporting the work of the Council; and

2.         Cabinet Approve the Council’s role in the delivery of the LOCASE project, in particular the provision of ‘in-kind’ match funding, to provide targeted support to small and medium enterprises across SELEP.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

The Leader of the Council presented the report which outlined the fees and charges of the Thameside Theatre.

He continued by stating the report allowed the Manager of the Thameside flexible discretion in the running of the Theatre within budgetary constraints, until such time as a full review could be carried out.

RESOLVED:

1.         Note that a full review of the charges will be carried out alongside production of a sales and marketing plan for the Thameside Theatre as part of the Commercial Transformation work in progress;

2.         Delegate authority to the Director of Finance and ICT to agree new charges for the Thameside Theatre which move to a two tier charging regime for community and for commercial use, that include charges for all services beyond auditorium hire and that normalise the costs against the rates for other local theatres;

3.         Note that VAT charges will be added to all hire charges in line with recent clarification from HMRC;

4.         Delegate authority to the Theatre Manager, in consultation with the Head of Regeneration and Assets and the Director of Finance and ICT, to vary the fees charged for hire of the venue and front of house staff with a view to increasing the number of performances and growing the audience, provided the theatre remains within its existing budget envelope.

Reason for Decision - as stated in the report

This decision is subject to call-in

Councillor Kent thanked all Officers for their hard work throughout the year and wished all Candidates for the upcoming election well. He continued to thank Councillor Speight for all of his work as a Cabinet Member over the last four years.