Items
No. |
Item |
11. |
Minutes PDF 229 KB
To approve as a correct record
the minutes of Cabinet held on 17 June 2020.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The minutes of the Cabinet
meeting held on 17 June 2020 were approved as a correct
record.
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12. |
Items of Urgent Business
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.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
There were no items of urgent
business.
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13. |
Declaration of Interests
Additional documents:
Minutes:
There were no interests
declared.
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14. |
Statements by the Leader
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Leader began his statement
by explaining that Thurrock had recently received independent
verification from Keep Britain Tidy (KBT) that the borough was now
cleaner than ever before. He stated that only 3.67% of sites that
KBT visited had any evidence of litter, graffiti, dog fouling,
fly-posting or fly-tipping. He described how this may have partly
been due to COVID-19, but KBT had confirmed that they had not seen
such a reduction in litter in other areas also affected by the
pandemic. He outlined the percentages of the borough which had seen
no evidence of issues, such as 96.33% of the borough had no
littering, 94% had no graffiti, 99.8% of the borough had no
fly-posting, 96.7% had no fly-tips, and 99.67% of the borough had
no dog fouling. He added that there were still areas in which these
problems occurred, but thanked the street cleaning teams for their
hard work, particularly during such a difficult time, in keeping
parks and other areas open and tidy. He also thanked residents for
their participation in keeping the borough tidy, by taking rubbish
home with them.
The Leader moved onto discuss the developments made in COVID-19
since the last Cabinet meeting, as pubs and restaurants had now
been opened, and a new track and trace system had been launched. He
stated that locally, Thurrock had produced their Outbreak Control
Plan, which would help prevent and monitor the spread of COVID-19
in the borough. He stated that contact tracing had also been
established, which was particularly important for people in care
homes and other vulnerable residents, to ensure their safety. The
Leader felt proud of Thurrock as residents had risen to the
challenge to prevent the spread of the virus, and asked them to
continue to enjoy the new freedoms responsibly. The Leader outlined
the current government guidance including staying 2m apart from
other people, 1m apart from other people when wearing a mask,
staying alert for symptoms, staying indoors when necessary, and
visiting shops and other local establishments safely.
The Leader also commented on the new Highways England (HE) design
refinement consultation, and asked residents to get involved to
make sure Thurrock voices were heard. He stated that this would
likely be the third and final consultation, so would potentially be
the last chance for residents to change the scheme. The Leader felt
that the scheme did not go far enough to mitigate the harm that the
proposed route would cause, and urged residents to make their
feelings known. He stated that the consultation would run until 12
August 2020, and due to COVID-19 would be mostly online. The Leader
confirmed that he had asked HE to delay the consultation due to its
limited online nature, but HE had continued with their scheduled
dates. He added that the previous consultations had received more
responses than any HE consultations before, and thanked residents
for taking part in those. He again urged residents to take part and
make their voices heard.
The Leader finished ...
view the full minutes text for item 14.
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15. |
Briefings on Policy, Budget and Other Issues
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Watkins thanked
officers for their hard work regarding the KBT scores, and stated
that he was proud of the team for their efforts. He also apologised
to residents who had been affected by problems with the waste
management and bin collection service. He thanked residents for
their patience, and crews and the NHS for their hard work during
the difficult time. He stated that although the borough was
entering a period of ‘new normal’, the pandemic had not
yet gone away, and could still cause disruption. He stated that the
level of demand and level of waste had increased during lockdown,
and this had recently been compounded by staff not being able to
attend work. He confirmed that the Council were working with unions
and central government to increase the team’s capacity.
Councillor Watkins added that the collection of brown bins would
remain bi-weekly, but would now be on the date of normal
collections, and specific information relating to this could be
found on the Council’s website. He stated that this was due
to resident’s feedback and wish for continuity regarding
their bin collection. He mentioned that food waste could go into
both the grey and green bins, and the communications team would be
highlighting this on social media, online, and would be sending out
letters. Councillor Watkins summarised and stated that the Waste
Management Working Group were currently finalising their plans
regarding the Waste Strategy, which would go to the Cleaner,
Greener and Safer Overview and Scrutiny Committee in October,
before being signed off by Cabinet.
The Leader added that as more people were now working from home,
and schools had been closed during the lockdown, more people were
generating rubbish at home, rather than their places of work or
education. He stated that the waste collection teams were now
having to visit the depot in East London two or three times during
their shift to dispose of waste. He stated that the bin collection
teams were also having a problem accessing some areas due to poor
parking, and asked residents to park responsibly to ensure that bin
lorries could get through.
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16. |
Petitions submitted by Members of the Public
Additional documents:
Minutes:
No petitions had been submitted
by members of the public.
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17. |
Questions from Non-Executive Members
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Leader informed Members
that one question had been received from Councillor Shane Ralph in
relation to Item 11 of the agenda, but this would be heard during
that item.
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18. |
Matters Referred to the Cabinet for Consideration by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Additional documents:
Minutes:
No matters had been referred to
Cabinet for consideration by an overview and scrutiny
committee.
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19. |
Thurrock Council Home to School Transport and Travel Policy Update PDF 390 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Jefferies introduced
the report and stated that it proposed a change to the home to
school transport and travel policy, which was usually the
responsibility of parents, but was also a statutory duty of the
Council for children that were eligible. He stated that this
proposal needed Cabinet approval as it affected people across the
borough, and stakeholders and overview and scrutiny had been
consulted on it. He stated that one of the proposals was to
implement a charging regime for transport to post-16 facilities for
pupils with SEND aged 16-25, but this could improve physical
health, open up opportunities for jobs, and ensure that they could
access school clubs and activities. Councillor Jefferies explained
that the new policy would not mean that free transport for all
children would stop, and confirmed that each child would be
assessed under the new policy, and would continue to receive
support if they were suitable. He added that many children with
SEND needs received PIP support, as well as a family mobility car
which would help with their transport needs, but the new policy
would also include an independent travel course to increase
independence. Councillor Jefferies stated that due to the comments
from overview and scrutiny, he was proposing the removal of
recommendation 1.1.
Councillor Halden welcomed the report, and highlighted that
discretion would still be applied to all applications, but felt it
was healthy to encourage young adults to be independent, which
included through transport. He commented that the new policy would
be on a means-tested basis, but parents could still currently apply
based on the existing policy. He concluded and hoped that he would
see a reasonable response from the opposition. Councillor Coxshall
added that it was good to see overview and scrutiny comments being
taken into account, and changes being made based on their input. He
stated that Cabinet listened to overview and scrutiny, and felt it
was good to see the collaborative work between the two functions.
The Leader stated that the role of overview and scrutiny should be
that of a critical friend, and the majority of policies brought
before Cabinet had been through the scrutiny process for their
comment. He felt that the removal of recommendation was a good
example, as he would have raised the recommendation as an issue if
it had not been mentioned previously at scrutiny.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
Considered the proposed policy refresh to the 2016 policy and
agreed to adopt the proposed refresh of the policy, with specific
reference to the two areas listed below:
1. The implementation of a charging regime in respect of transport
to post-16 facilities for pupils aged 16-25 with SEND. Pupils will
be required to pay the full cost of make a contribution towards the
cost of transport. This service is discretionary and the Council
may charge for the delivery of such transport.
2. That transport be delivered, in accordance with legislation,
only when there is no suitable school with a place available within
the maximum ...
view the full minutes text for item 19.
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20. |
Hospital Discharge Bridging Service PDF 304 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Leader stated that one
question had been received from Councillor Shane Ralph on this
item, which was: with the recent media publicity in
regards to patients being released back into care homes without
being tested; what procedures and risk assessments have been
carried out by Thurrock Council to ensure the safety of returning
residents back to care homes? The Leader stated that the
Portfolio Holder would reply to the question as part of his
statement, and a written response would also be sent to Councillor
Ralph.
Councillor Halden introduced his report and thanked Councillor
Ralph for his question as the new Chair of Health Overview and
Scrutiny Committee. He stated that the report looked to extend the
current contract, whilst the care market was in such a stressed
position due to COVID-19, and whilst the Council looked for a more
permanent option. He stated that the current arrangement was
successful as even during the height of the pandemic, 95% of all
hospital discharges to care homes had been achieved within target
time. He commented that lots of work had already been done
regarding the future of the care home market and domiciliary care,
with the aim of closing the gap between what was being charged and
what was being paid. He commented that Oak House had been
recommissioned during the lockdown as a ‘step up-step
down’ facility, to provide care to those people who were
discharged from hospital, but not quite ready to return to their
own homes, and for those that were due to go hospitals, but could
not because of COVID-19.
Councillor Halden stated that no one had been discharged from
hospital into a care home without a COVID-19 test, barring those in
Oak House, which had been recommissioned for the purpose of
COVID-19. He stated that this process would be stress tested when
the infection control team met later this month, to discuss
processes and procedures. The Leader added that Thurrock tried not
to extend contracts, but this was necessary due to the current
pandemic. He added that a written response would also be submitted
to Councillor Ralph and thanked him for his question.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Agreed the extension of the Bridging Service until March
2021
2. Agreed the procurement for a rapid discharge service and
delegated the award of contract to the Corporate Director of
Adults, Housing and Health in consultation
Reason for decision: as outlined the
report
This decision is subject to call in
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21. |
Grays South Regeneration Area: Underpass and Public Realm Option Selection PDF 474 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Coxshall introduced
the report and stated that all three options presented in the
report would be a cost overrun of roughly £27m, but these
were only estimates and not exact figures. He commented that the
Council were already looking at ways to bridge this funding gap,
and had enough time to solve the problem. He described how the
project had changed, as it was now much bigger and was counted as a
major piece of infrastructure. He commented that this project would
benefit the wider Grays area, which was seeing lots of investment,
including £25m from the High Street fund; £25m from
Grays Town Board; £11m in central government funding for the
underpass and £2m for the shopping centre; £40m from
Thurrock Council; and £150m from the private sector. He
stated that lots of people were committed to improving Grays, and
felt that option three listed in the report would help the wider
regeneration plans to be delivered.
The Leader commented that lots of versions of the proposals had
been developed by numerous previous administrations, but that this
was the furthest the project had ever gotten. He commented that the
third option was the most positive as it allowed for a large plaza
area in Grays, and although the plans had been expanded and would
cost more, he agreed that there was plenty of time to find funding.
He asked Councillor Coxshall what would happen to the businesses
situated near to the proposed development area, and asked if a
compulsory purchase order could be avoided. Councillor Coxshall
responded that the plaza option offered a different alignment and a
better design, so would potentially change the need for the
purchase of nearby businesses. He stated that he wanted to get
businesses on board, and any shops that would have to be brought,
would be relocated.
Councillor Maney felt that this was an important step in
regeneration of Grays. He commented that the state of Grays town
centre was an important issue for local residents, and welcomed the
report both as a Cabinet Member and Ward Councillor for an area
near Grays. Councillor Coxshall highlighted that the money given to
the Grays Town Board from central government, had to be spent by
2025, and although this seemed like a long time, plans would have
to be drawn up this year to ensure that building could start in 2-3
years’ time and the money could be spent.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Approved option C as the selected concept to be designed in more
detail through the current Development Services Agreement contract
with Network Rail
Reason for decision: as outlined in the
report
This decision is subject to call-in
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22. |
Multi Functional Device Contract Conversion PDF 286 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Huelin introduced
the report and stated that the contract for printers was due to end
in March 2021, and although the current printers were only 4-5
years old, they were already out of date models that were reaching
end of life. She stated that the cheapest option would be to extend
the current contract, but this would leave the Council with out of
date equipment, which could be detrimental to different
departments. She added that the contract for library equipment and
council tax billing was currently with external companies, but was
also due to come to an end. She commented that currently the best
option was to amalgamate these three contracts, which would mean
that all three systems could work together and benefit residents.
She stated that this would increase flexibility, and introduce
technology such as barcoding, ticketing, mail-merge, large
documents being sent to the most efficient printer, paper folding
and enveloping, as well as a fully automated GDPR trail. She added
that if the three contracts were amalgamated residents would also
be able to visit a library or hub to scan and send documents
securely, rather than having to visit the Civic Offices. She added
that caseworkers would also be able to print and collect documents
securely from libraries and hubs, rather than travelling back to
the offices. She added that the new printers would also reduce the
carbon footprint of the offices, as they could produce ‘green
agendas’ through a fully automated, robotic process. She
stated that the current contract cost £190,000, and the new
contract would increase this figure by £35,000 to
£231,000. She stated that the contract for libraries and
council tax billing currently cost £41,000. She stated that
the new printers would also reduce ink costs, envelopes and paper
usage, although the cost of printing per page would be higher. She
stated that as the Council currently used nine million pages of
paper per year, the Council would have to reduce printing by at
least 10% over two years to come in on budget. She stated that a
review into paper usage would be completed, and she hoped to see
the paper reduction target changed to 35%.
Councillor Mayes commented that although he felt concerned over the
increased cost of printing per page, he could see the benefit that
the new printers would give to the Council. Councillor Huelin
commented that the procurement of the new contract would follow
Council rules, and she had also raised concerns with officers over
the cost of printing per page, but had been reassured that the
other printing savings would ensure a balanced budget. The Leader
added that this was an important report, as the Council needed to
bring control over council tax billing back in house, due to the
problems seen in this service during the height of the pandemic. He
agreed with Councillor Huelin that the paper reduction target
should be increased, and felt it was good to see that residents
could safely scan documents to ...
view the full minutes text for item 22.
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23. |
2019/20 Financial Outturn Report PDF 705 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Hebb introduced the
report and stated that this was a ‘rear view’ look at
the Council’s finances in 2019/20, which was mostly in a
pre-COVID19 world. He stated that although the Council would be
placed under financial pressure because of COVID-19, the balanced
budget and reserves could help ease these pressures. He stated that
during 2019/20 reserves had been increased by 131%, and the Council
had received £4.7m in funding from central government to help
tackle COVID-19 pressures. He moved onto looking at the different
department’s budgets during 2019/20 and started by
congratulating the Adults, Housing and Health team for ensuring
their service balanced their budget with in-year mitigation. He
felt that this department experienced numerous pressures throughout
the year and thanked the team for their hard work in balancing the
budget. He stated that for the 2020/21 financial year, Adults,
Housing and Health would experience very significant pressures due
to COVID-19, particularly relating to the care market.
Councillor Hebb moved onto talk about the Housing General Fund,
which also covered the homelessness budget. He stated that although
the number of people presenting as homeless to the Council had
increased last year, the team had still managed to deliver all
aspects of the Homelessness Reduction Act, and had reviewed staff
structures to ensure the budget had been balanced, with a one-off
surplus injection.
Councillor Hebb congratulated the Children’s Services team
for also balancing their budget, as well as their
‘good’ OFSTED rating. He stated that cash from the
surplus had been invested in the team, and they had continued to
reform and make positive changes. He discussed the in-house foster
care arrangements, and mentioned that lots of work was ongoing to
bring the team back in-house. He felt that this would benefit
looked after children by offering stability, as well as reducing
the cost of the service. He stated that the team still had issues
surrounding attracting and retaining staff members, but the team
was working hard to find qualified people for vacant positions.
Councillor Hebb then thanked Councillors Maney and Watkins for
their hard work in balancing the budget for the Environment and
Highways team, as well as their recent success on the good KBT
scores. Councillor Hebb understood how variable the waste contracts
could be, but felt happy to see the balanced budget. He also
thanked the HR team for bringing their department in under budget,
and the Finance, Governance and Property team for balancing their
budget, even with significant spend on conditions surveys.
Councillor Hebb then discussed the Place directorate who had
balanced their budget with in-year mitigation. He stated that the
team had had to increase money spent on consultants due to the
Local Plan, as well as the lack of pantomime ticket sales at the
Thameside Theatre, which had meant they were unable to break even.
Councillor Hebb then discussed the Dedicated Schools Grant, which
had nationally been a problem regarding the High Needs Block, and
had also seen a spend increase in 2018/19. ...
view the full minutes text for item 23.
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24. |
Report from Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) PDF 228 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Leader introduced the
report and highlighted that even though he was the Chair of ASELA,
he was presenting the report in his capacity as Leader of Thurrock
Council. He explained that three years ago, local authorities
across South Essex had joined together to form ASELA to be able to
work together to provide better services and infrastructure for all
residents. He described how all participatory authorities had
signed a Memorandum of Understanding which set out their intentions
and highlighted that each Council maintained their own sovereignty,
particularly on issues such as planning and finances. He stated
that all decisions made at ASELA had to be unanimous and they had
already managed to bring forward good projects, such as the
£400m central government grant for Local Full Fibre Networks.
He commented that ASELA had also created an economic plan and
identified their strategic priorities.
The Leader moved onto describing the report and outlined how it was
a proposition to submit to central government, which would help
increase prosperity for residents and business owners across South
Essex, and would increase long term investment opportunities. He
stated that by working together, the local authorities could
complete projects that would benefit each other, such as three
lanes along the length of the A13, and improvements on the A127. He
stated that although the A127 did not run directly through
Thurrock, the improvement on this road would have a knock-on effect
for the A13 and local road networks. The Leader mentioned that
ASELA also helped deliver national projects and objectives, such as
the implementation of nationwide 5G. He stated that the growth and
recovery prospectus at Enclosure 2 outlined what ASELA wanted to
achieve, including 100,000 new jobs by 2050, COVID-19 recovery, a
carbon zero region by 2040, and 5000 new opportunities for 16-24
year olds. He stated that ASELA were not currently at the stage of
presenting a report on governance, and had not decided on a
particular model, but confirmed that each authority would maintain
its sovereignty. He stated that the report would be agreed by each
individual Council, before being presented to ministers and civil
servants in Whitehall. He explained that the government was
expected to announce the new devolution deal in autumn 2020, when
ASELA’s prospectus would also be announced, and the Leader
hoped this would bring new opportunities to the region.
Councillor Coxshall stated that this report was in its early
stages, but felt it was good to have a regional voice that central
government would listen to. He commented that he was a part of an
outside body tasked with looking at infrastructure across the East
of England, from the Thames to Norfolk, and felt that these types
of partnerships would mean they were taken seriously as
sub-regional consultees. Councillor Johnson felt this was a
positive report, but highlighted the five options that were being
put forward for exploration on page 132 of the agenda. He stated
that he did not like the option for a local development
...
view the full minutes text for item 24.
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