Agenda and minutes

Venue: Committee Room 1 - Wallasey Town Hall. View directions

Contact: Andrea Grant  Democratic Services Manager

Items
No. Item

387.

Minutes

The minutes of the last meeting have been printed and published.  Any matters called in will be reported at the meeting.

 

RECOMMENDATION:  That the minutes be approved and adopted.

Minutes:

The minutes of the last meeting had been printed and published. 

 

Resolved:  That the minutes be approved and adopted.

388.

Declarations of Interest

The members of the Cabinet are invited to consider whether they have a personal or prejudicial interest in connection with any of the items on this agenda and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest.

Minutes:

The members of the Cabinet were invited to consider whether they had a personal or prejudicial interest in connection with any of the items on the agenda and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of such interest.  The following declarations were made:

 

All Members of the Cabinet declared a personal interest in Minute 407 (Asset Management Update) due to membership of Joint Management Committee(s) and/or a user of services;

 

Councillor Stuart Kelly – a personal interest in Minute 403 (Raising Expectations:  Enabling the system to deliver machinery of Government changes) due to his employment;

 

Councillor Simon Holbrook – a personal interest in Minute 416 (Carbon Reduction Commitment) due to his employment;

 

Councillor Steve Foulkes – a prejudicial interest in Minute 392 (Interim Planning Policy for New Housing Development) due to his employment;

 

Councillor Phil Davies – a personal interest in Minute 393 (Working Wirral – Working Neighbourhoods Fund) due to his membership of Wirral Metropolitan College Governing Body and as a non-executive director of Wirral PCT, a personal interest in Minute 401 (Area Youth Forum Awards – Recommendations for funding 2008/9) due to his membership of Charing Cross Youth and Community Centre Joint Management Committee, and a personal interest in Minute 402 (Delivering Improved outcomes for vulnerable children, informed by the Children’s Social Care review) due to his membership of the Board of Tranmere Together;

 

Councillor George Davies – a personal interest in Minute 391 (Secondary School Review:  amended consultation options for Phase 1 schools and school status update) due to his membership of governing bodies of schools mentioned within the report and a personal interest in Minute 393 (Working Wirral – Working Neighbourhoods Fund) due to his membership of Wirral Society for the Blind and partially sighted;

 

Councillor Jean Stapleton – a personal interest in Minute 401 (Area Youth Forum Awards – Recommendations for funding 2008/9) due to her membership of Charing Cross Youth and Community Centre Joint Management Committee; and

 

Steve Maddox, Chief Executive – a personal interest in Minute 393 (Working Wirral – Working Neighbourhoods Fund) due to his membership of Wirral Metropolitan College Governing Body and Minute 405 (Connexions Transition) due to his membership of the Board of Connexions (Greater Merseyside) Limited.

389.

PROGRESS TOWARDS THE TRANSFORMATION OF ADULT SOCIAL SERVICES - FINANCIAL ISSUES pdf icon PDF 136 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Adult Services highlighted to members a number of proposed actions regarding financial issues affecting the Department of Adult Social Services.  They included Fair Access to Care; fees payable to Residential & Nursing homes, Supported Living Providers and Domiciliary Care Providers and the transfer to the Local Authority of NHS – Wirral  (Primary Care Trust) Funding for Learning Disability Services. 

 

The Leader of the Council indicated that he was minded to recommend deferral of part of the recommendation.  The Cabinet Member for Social Care and Inclusion indicated that she had requested further information on a number of matters relating to residential and nursing homes and felt it was appropriate that the matter be brought back to the next meeting of the Cabinet.

 

Councillor McLaughlin moved an amendment, duly seconded and it was -

 

Resolved: That

 

(1)  with regards to Fair Access to Care Services, the decision to continue to provide social care services to individuals in Wirral who have critical and substantial needs be endorsed;

 

(2)  with regards to Supported Living, to pay £13.18 per hour rate to all providers who have indicated they would accept the proposal and give 3 months notice to terminate contracts with providers who have refused. Work to be undertaken to establish if there is a business case to implement a detailed banded model of needs and fees during 2009/2010.  This work to be carried out in consultation with providers and if proven further proposals be brought to Cabinet in order for the model developed to be introduced on 1 April 2010.

 

(3)  with regards to Domiciliary Care, to maintain existing contract business at £12 per hour pro rata (i.e. 20 pence per minute) with a new contract to be developed during 2009/2010 to commence 1 April 2010 with a standard ceiling rate appropriate inflation clause and health standards.  No new business will be placed with companies that refuse to accept the proposal and these contracts will be terminated (with 3 months’ notice).

 

(4)  with regards to Residential and Nursing Homes, having considered the representations made on behalf of the residential and nursing home providers, this aspect of the report be deferred.  The Director of Adult Social Services is instructed to report to the next meeting of the Cabinet on 9th April 2009 with further details addressing in more detail the matters raised during the consultation process;

 

(5)  with regards to the transfer to the Local Authority of Primary Care Trust Funding for Learning Disability Services:

 

(a)  the proposed transfer of funding of £6,354,296 that the Council will receive for taking responsibility for the care of a number of people with disabilities currently funded by NHS Wirral, be approved; 

 

(b)  the Employment and Appointments Committee be recommended to approve the establishment of the following posts to support the transfer and to respond to the additional demands made upon the Department.

 

390.

WEST KIRBY REGENERATION - THE SAIL PROJECT pdf icon PDF 82 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Serviced informed Cabinet of the details of Carpenter Investments’ revised design proposals for the Sail Project. Members were requested to consider the design proposals in the context of the Council’s aspirations for the regeneration of Hoylake and West Kirby as well as the wider ambitions of the Council’s Investment Strategy. The Director sought a decision from Cabinet on whether to continue their support for the revised proposal based on the designs submitted. If Members were supportive of the revised scheme design, a further report would be brought to Cabinet on 9th April on the associated financial package for the project, including the details of an independent valuation assessment to determine whether the scheme represented value for money to Wirral Council.

 

With the permission of the Chair, Mr Daglish on behalf of West Kirby Working Group, Councillor John Hale and Mr Brewitt on behalf of the developers addressed the Cabinet.

 

Councillor Gill Gardiner referred to the reduced size of the development and the loss of car parking provision.  Councillor Gardiner felt that the design of the Sail School was good but that the hotel was not the iconic building she had hoped for.  Councillor Gardiner moved a motion which was duly seconded.

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy supported the motion.

 

The Deputy Leader of the Council referred to the different perceptions of the consultation process that had been expressed and requested clarification on these matters.

 

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet.

 

Resolved: -That

 

(1)  Cabinet recognises that ease of parking for residents and local businesses in West Kirby as well as the town’s visitors is an important consideration both in terms of the proposed investment and regeneration actions under consideration and the future prosperity of the town;

 

(2)  Cabinet notes this report and notes that it will receive a further report at a future meeting; and

 

(3)  Cabinet acknowledges that if it decides to proceed with the Sail project in the future there will be detailed consideration of the proposals through the planning process which will include the issues around car parking.

391.

SECONDARY SCHOOL REVIEW: AMENDED CONSULTATION OPTION FOR PHASE 1 SCHOOLS AND SCHOOL STATUS UPDATE pdf icon PDF 128 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services advised the Cabinet of progress on the Phase 1 Area Review of secondary school places which comprised of schools in the Birkenhead and Bebington areas. Following additional consultations with stakeholders, and preliminary discussions with potential sponsors for an Academy, the report put forward further recommendations for consultation options in the Birkenhead area. It also provided an update on recent changes to school status, including the Secretary of State’s decision on Birkenhead High School for Girls.

 

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning referred to the context of the review in the light of falling school rolls and that the priority of the review was to raise the bar in terms of standards.  Councillor Phil Davies also stressed that the Cabinet would be open to consider any further options that arose as a result of the consultation process.

 

The Leader of the Council referred to the creation of an Academy for Girls in Birkenhead and queried whether, in the Director’s view, this was the best way of meeting the Council’s corporate objectives in terms of reducing inequalities.  The Director of Children’s Services indicated that the range of measures proposed would transform the education experience in Birkenhead.  The Leader of the Council expressed concern about the future of Ridgeway High School and the concerns of the residents in the area.

 

Resolved - That

 

(1)  the option for consultation on secondary school re-organisation in Birkenhead to comprise of the establishment of two 5 form of entry 11 to 16 Academies – one a single sex Academy for boys on a site to be confirmed, and the other a mixed sex Academy on the site of Park High School;

 

(2)  it be noted that the Cabinet will be open to consider any further options that arise as a result of the consultation process;

 

(3)  discussions take place with Shaftesbury Youth Club regarding possible use of the Shaftesbury Playing Field site and their collaboration with the project;

 

(4)  the Director be given all necessary authority to formalise agreements with potential sponsors, and to co-operate with OSC and DSCF appointed consultants in relation to the Statement of Intent and Expression of Interest phases of Academy development;

 

(5)  the Director be authorised to take all necessary steps to ensure the prescribed procedures are followed, including consultations on the closure of predecessor schools, in furtherance of the two Academy option;

 

(6)  a report including the Expression of Interest be brought to Cabinet in Summer 2009;

 

(7)  the recent changes of school status be noted; and

 

(8)  a report on the implications of the establishment of the Birkenhead High Academy for Girls from September 2009 be brought to Cabinet in Summer 2009.

COUNCILLOR SIMON HOLBROOK IN THE CHAIR

392.

Interim Planning Policy for New Housing Development pdf icon PDF 106 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Members were reminded that the Council had adopted an Interim Planning Policy for New Housing Development in October 2005 to focus new housing development within a number of identified regeneration priority areas including the Newheartlands Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder (Cabinet, 20 October 2005, Minute  278 refers).

 

Cabinet on 6 November 2008 then resolved that the Interim Planning Policy be reviewed in response to the publication of the North West of England Plan Regional Spatial Strategy to 2021, following the outcome of a forthcoming planning appeal at Rockybank Road, Prenton (Minute 257 refers).

 

Planning Inspectors in two recent appeal decisions, at Rockybank Road, Prenton and at Beresford Road, Oxton, had concluded that the Interim Planning Policy would assist in meeting the objectives of in the new RSS, which set out priorities for development across the Region.  The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services therefore recommended that the Interim Planning Policy for New Housing Development be retained unaltered.

 

Resolved: - That the Interim Planning Policy for New Housing Development (October 2005) be retained unaltered for use in determining planning applications.

COUNCILLOR STEVE FOULKES IN THE CHAIR

393.

WORKING WIRRAL - WORKING NEIGHBOURHOODS FUND pdf icon PDF 109 KB

Minutes:

Cabinet was requested to approve the financial recommendations of the Wirral Economic Development and Skills Partnership (WEDS) and the Investment Board in relation to Working Wirral funding and note that the Government had now confirmed the Working Neighbourhoods Fund allocation for 2009/10 at £9,879,402.

 

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning Strategy welcomed the report.

 

Resolved - That

 

(1)  Cabinet as accountable body for the Working Neighbourhoods Fund agrees the recommendations of the WEDS Partnership and Investment Board, subject to detailed contracting Working Wirral expenditure for:

 

  • Advocacy in Wirral – Wirral Bridges project up to a maximum of £49,246 for the period 2009 – 2011;
  • Wirral Learning Consortium – Supporting Wirral project up to a maximum of £1,104,998 for the period 2009 – 2011;
  • Wirral Mind ABC Together Project to a maximum of £752,783 for the period of 2009-2011
  • Remploy- Linking people to Employment project to a maximum of £806,308 for the period 2009-2011
  • Cheshire & Wirral NHS Foundation Trust – Improving Health project to maximum of 163,140 for the period 2009-2011
  • Wirral Society of the Blind and Partially Sighted – Training and Development project to a maximum of £37,253 for the period 2009-2011
  • Wirral Metropolitan College – First Steps to Employment project to a maximum of £130,000 for the period 2009-2011
  • Enterprise Solutions - 3 month extension to the WirralBiz programme up to a maximum of £262,500 for the period 1 April to 30 June 2009;
  • International Links Project up to a maximum of £360,000 for the period 2009-2011
  • Support for Small Medium Sized Enterprises project up to a maximum of £1,600,000 for the period 2009-2011
  • Infrastructure studies up to a maximum of £50,000 for the period 2009-2011.

 

(2)  if any advance funding for cashflow reasons is required, it is only done for voluntary and community sector groups on the maximum of a quarterly basis at a time and that it is subject to:

 

i)  the organisation clearly evidencing a need for advance funding, and

 

ii)  that the quarterly performance report submitted at the end of each quarter demonstrates that the project is performing to target and timescales before any further advance of funding is made.

394.

BUSINESS SUPPORT - RESPONSE TO THE CURRENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE pdf icon PDF 107 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services presented a report outlining the impact of the current recession on Wirral’s economy and identifying the steps taken by the Council to assist businesses affected by the current economic challenges, and build upon the budget proposals identified at Cabinet on 23rd February 2009.

 

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services to meetings that had been held with local employers and the package of measures agreed by the Council at its meeting on 2nd March 2009.  He suggested that Cabinet consider a monthly report on this matter.

 

Resolved:  - That

 

(1)  the contents of the report be noted;

 

(2)  the proposals for the support mechanisms and programme interventions that are set out in the report be agreed, specifically:

 

  • The changes proposed for the Think Big Investment Fund
  • A programme of Support for Small Businesses (£50k budget resolution and £800k Working Wirral)

 

(3)  the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services presents a monthly update report to Cabinet on the state of the local economy.

395.

Merseyside Rural Economy Strategy pdf icon PDF 67 KB

Minutes:

Cabinet were advised that the Merseyside Rural Economy Steering Group had recently been established, bringing together the 6 Greater Merseyside Local Authorities, with St Helens as the lead. The aim of the group was to establish a clear evidence base of rural economic opportunities and challenges; to agree a common understanding of rural economic programmes and funding opportunities; and to understand the specific issues of each individual local authority.

 

Members were requested to approve a one-off contribution of £10,000 from Wirral towards developing the Merseyside Rural Economy evidence base, strategy and action plan implementation.

 

Resolved - That a one-off contribution of £10,000 from Wirral towards developing the Merseyside Rural Economy evidence base, Strategy and action plan implementation be approved.

396.

LDF Evidence base - Strategy for Town Centres, Retail and Commercial Leisure in Wirral - Extension of Contract pdf icon PDF 66 KB

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services reported that a series of consultancy studies had been commissioned as part of the process of assembling an evidence base for Wirral’s Local Development Framework.

 

He presented a report advising of an extension to the contract for the Retail, Town Centres and Commercial Leisure study currently being prepared by Roger Tym & Partners to carry out additional survey work to assess the impact of the Liverpool One development on the Borough.  Roger Tym and Partners had submitted a fee proposal of an additional £10,885 exclusive of VAT to undertake this work, plus survey fees of £11,590 plus VAT (total of £22,475 plus VAT).  The Council’s Contract Procedure Rules (5.1.2) required Cabinet approval for the extension of an existing contract.  However, in view of the need to commission this additional work as soon as possible, advice was taken from the Council’s Procurement Section and the proposed extension of the contract was authorised by the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services under delegated powers, in consultation with the Leader of the Council on the understanding the matter be reported to Cabinet. 

 

Resolved – That the action of the Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services under delegated powers to agree the extension of the contract with Roger Tym & Partners to undertake an additional household survey and associated analysis for a fee of £22,475 be noted.

397.

Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West – Partial Review – Consultation on Interim Draft Policies pdf icon PDF 168 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cabinet were advised that the Regional Leaders Forum (4NW) had published Draft Interim Policies as the next stage in the Partial Review of the Regional Spatial Strategy for the North West.  Following discussions with the Government, the scope of the Review had been amended and would now only cover policies for gypsies and travellers, travelling showpeople and parking standards.  The remaining issues would be reviewed as part of the emerging single Regional Strategy which was to be the subject of a separate consultation process.

 

The deadline for comments on the Draft Interim Policies for gypsies and travellers, travelling showpeople and parking standards was 27 March 2009.  It was recommended that the Directors Comments set out within the body of the report form the basis of the Council’s response to 4NW.

 

Resolved - That the Directors Comments and Recommendations 1 to 3 set out in this report form the basis of the Council’s response to the Regional Leaders Forum.

398.

Community Initiatives Fund and Participatory Budgeting pilots in area forums - evaluation and recommendations pdf icon PDF 86 KB

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services presented a review of the pilot process for allocating Community Initiatives Funds (CIF) via participatory budgeting. The pilots took place for Oxton Prenton and Bidston Claughton area forums. Findings indicated that this process was a viable way of allocating funding and it was recommended that, with some modifications and improvements, the pilot be extended and this method rolled out to other forum areas, with the option for forums to adopt different models of operation appropriate to the area.

 

The Cabinet Member for Community and Customer Engagement moved a recommendation, duly seconded, and it was –

 

Resolved - That

 

(1)  Cabinet recommends all Area Forums to adopt the participatory budgeting model for the purposes of allocating community initiatives fund;

 

(2)  Cabinet suggests Area Forums adopt the participatory model they believe best suits the circumstances within their localty;

 

(3)  the Area Forum Chairs Group be charged with co-ordinating and monitoring the models used for purposes of the identification and spreading of good practice; and

 

(4)  the participatory budgeting method of allocating CIF be branded as ‘Funds For You’

399.

You Decide pilot evaluation and recommendations pdf icon PDF 104 KB

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services presented a review of the pilot process for allocating You Decide funds via a form of participatory budgeting. The pilots took place across all the area forums. Findings indicated that this process benefited the community by enabling additional services to be delivered in local communities, by involving residents in decision making and by enabling residents to have a greater understanding of the costs of services and associated choices. It had also provided departments with an additional intelligence source to help understand local needs and deliver services accordingly.

 

At Council on 2nd March 2009 it had been agreed for the funding to be maintained at £260,000 which was £20,000 per Area Forum, with the continuation of an additional £20,000 each for the Youth Parliament and the Older Peoples Parliament.

 

Resolved – That

 

(1)  Departments identify services that can be offered 'for sale' based on what is possible each year.

 

- Use quantitative questionnaire as in 2008 to include locations and postcodes of where services are requested.

- Decide location of chosen services using information from questionnaire by liaising with departments to deliver selected services in each forum

 

(2)  The Area Forum Chairs Group consider best practice for the operation for You Decide participatory budgeting.  There are a number of different models that could be adopted. The evaluation process has shown that participants want a greater level of involvement in the decision making process so this should be considered when developing the process for operation.

400.

HEYGARTH PRIMARY SCHOOL - NEW KITCHEN / IMPROVED DINING/ STORAGE FACILITIES - SCHEME AND ESTIMATE REPORT pdf icon PDF 72 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services described the work required at Heygarth Primary School for the removal of existing kitchen and dining arrangements and to provide a new kitchen facility, store area and seating store and the existing hall to double as a dining room. The report set out the scheme and estimate and Cabinet was asked to consider and approve the scheme.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the Scheme and Estimate as presented be accepted;

 

(2)  approval be given for Technical Services department to obtain tenders for the scheme and report back to Cabinet;

 

(3)  Technical Services be authorised to obtain all necessary statutory approvals for the scheme; and

 

(4)  scheme costs to include the consequential improvements to be made to the existing premises as a result of complying to Building Regulation Part L and the scope of the work to be agreed with Building Control.

401.

AREA YOUTH FORUM AWARDS - RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUNDING 2008/09 pdf icon PDF 84 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services informed Cabinet of the proposals received from youth projects for funding from the Area Youth Forums, informed Cabinet of the recommendations made by young people from the four Area Youth Forums in September/November 2007 regarding allocations to projects benefiting young people in their areas and requested that Cabinet agree the transfer of the £10,000 budget from Corporate Services to Children and Young People’s Department (CYPD) and that, in future, ratification for the awards be via the four CYPD District Boards.

 

Cabinet was further requested to consider the recommendations of the four Area Youth Forums and agree to fund applications at the levels identified within the appendix of the report. The budget of £2,500 per Area Youth Forum was within the Corporate Services Budget, but all support for the Youth Forums was provided by the CYPD. 

 

Resolved: -That:

 

(1)  the report and the proposed allocation of funding as detailed in Appendix 1 be agreed;

 

(2)  the transfer of the £10,000 budget from Corporate Services to CYPD be agreed; and

 

(3)  future ratification of these awards be via the four CYPD District Boards.

402.

DELIVERING IMPROVED OUTCOMES FOR VULNERABLE CHILDREN, INFORMED BY THE CHILDREN'S SOCIAL CARE REVIEW pdf icon PDF 155 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services outlined the strategy in place and the additional capacity required to deliver improved outcomes for children in need, at risk of significant harm or who had experienced significant harm. The major drivers were the findings of careful scrutiny of services following Baby P; the requirements set out in the Children and Young Person’s Act 2008, the Children and Young People’s Plan, Local Area Agreement and the Council’s Corporate Plan. Cabinet’s approval was sought to implement the following changes from agreed budget growth of £690,000.

 

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services and Lifelong Learning welcomed the report and the measures set out in the report which would strengthen the ability of social workers to spend time with children.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the strategy set out in the report be approved;

 

(2)  uncommitted 2008/09 ABG (up to £260,100) be carried forward in to 2009/10;

 

(3)  the report be referred to Employment & Appointments Committee; and

 

(4)  the Director of Children’s Services and the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management prepare a further report for Cabinet setting out proposed remodelling of legal support for children, in the light of changed circumstances.

403.

RAISING EXPECTATIONS: ENABLING THE SYSTEM TO DELIVER MACHINERY OF GOVERNMENT CHANGES pdf icon PDF 76 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services outlined the current stage in preparing for the transition of commissioning and funding of post-16 provision from the Learning and Skills Council to the Local Authority.  The full transfer of commissioning and funding of post-16 funding would take place in 2010.

 

Resolved: -That

 

(1)  the Stage 2 Application be approved for submission to Government Office North West; and

 

(2)  the Director of Children’s Services be requested to report back on staffing and financial implications of these changes as they arise.

404.

REVIEW OF PRIMARY SCHOOL PLACES - OUTCOME OF FURTHER CONSULTATIONS ON A JOINT CHURCH SCHOOL IN LEASOWE pdf icon PDF 100 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cabinet were advised of the outcome of the further consultation process which had taken place in the Leasowe and Wallasey areas in respect of the option to establish a Joint Church school in Leasowe. The option was previously consulted upon in Spring 2007 during Phase 3 of the Primary Places Review. The report described the option, the responses to it, and made recommendations with regard to statutory proposals in relation to the option.

 

Resolved – That

 

(1)  the two Diocesan bodies be given all necessary assistance in submitting an application to the Secretary of State in order to seek a waiver of the requirement to hold a competition;

 

(2)  the Director of Children’s Services be authorised to take all necessary steps to publish proposals, ensure the prescribed procedures are followed for the closure of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Primary School and the establishment of a Joint Church school at the Our Lady of Lourdes site, the exact procedure being dependent on the outcome of the application in (1) above;

 

(3)  the published admission number of the Joint Church school be maintained at 25 pupils for a period of three years from implementation, reviewed and amended if preference popularity is deemed to have increased; and

 

(4)  should the Joint Church school be approved and implemented as in (2), the Leasowe area be moved from Phase 6 of the Primary Places Review to Phase 8 accordingly.

405.

Connexions Transition pdf icon PDF 72 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services presented a report which provided the Cabinet with information on the arrangements for the future commissioning of Connexions Services.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the existing contract with Greater Merseyside Connexions Partnership be amended to cover the period to 30th September 2009, pending the completion of procurement processes;

 

(2)  the new contract for ‘connexions services’ cover the period 30th September   2009 to 31st March 2012 with an option of an extension to the contract for a further period of up to 3 years, but for the contract to accommodate an appropriate break clause in the event of poor performance or reduced financial capacity to commission the service to the level previously agreed;

 

(3)  Halton Borough Council be the lead Authority for procurement of the new arrangements on behalf of the 6 participating Merseyside Local Authorities;

 

(4)  Halton Borough Council becomes the contract holding Authority on behalf of the 6 participating Merseyside Local Authorities from the City Region for the new contract when awarded with the appropriate cross Authority commitments; and

 

(5)  Wirral Council enter into an agreement with Greater Merseyside Connexions Partnership Limited to extend the current contract to 30 September 2009 provided the other five Merseyside Local Authorities agree to the extension and to pay their previously agreed proportion of the payments due to the company under the extended contract.

406.

NOMINATION OF MAYOR AND DEPUTY MAYOR FOR MUNICIPAL YEAR 2009/10

The Cabinet is requested to make nominations for the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the municipal year 2009/10, which will be submitted to the Annual Meeting of the Council on 11th May 2009.

 

 

 

Minutes:

The Cabinet was requested to make nominations for the positions of Mayor and Deputy Mayor for the municipal year 2009/10, which would be submitted to the Annual Meeting of the Council on 11th May 2009.

 

Resolved - That the Council be recommended that

 

(1) Councillor Andrew Hodson be nominated for the position of Mayor for the municipal year 2009/10; and

 

(2) Councillor Alan Jennings be nominated for Deputy Mayor.

407.

ASSET MANAGEMENT UPDATE pdf icon PDF 66 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management updated Members on the implementation of the Office Accommodation Strategy; sought approval of new Policies relating to Disposals and Community Asset Transfer; and  authorised officers to progress Disposals and Community Transfers, in accordance with these policies.  An addendum was circulated containing further information about the Community Fund and recommends how it should be used to support the asset transfer process.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the progression of the Office Accommodation Strategy be endorsed;

 

(2)  the new Policies on Disposals and Community Asset Transfer (subject to transfers of community centres being offered first to established and viable Joint Management Committees) be approved and the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be instructed to progress their objectives;

 

(3)  recommendations (1) and (2) in the addendum to the report in relation to applications for use of the Community Fund to support asset transfer be approved as set out below:

 

(a)  The Community Fund be used to support community asset transfer by:

 

meeting costs of essential repairs to make buildings fit for purpose at the time of transfer. The nature and cost of such repairs will be determined by the Council’s Head of Asset Management as part of the transfer process; and/or contributing interim support towards running costs for up to two years where an organisation can demonstrate that at the end of that period it will have a sustainable business plan.

 

(b)  A joint application be made to the Fund by the Council and the community group to which an asset is being transferred as part of the second stage of the application process set out in the Community Asset Transfer Policy.

 

(4)  the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management be nominated as the new Council representative on the joint Working Group administering the Community Fund, to replace the departing Head of Legal and Member Services.

 

(5)  the Director of Finance works towards amalgamating the existing budgets for building complexes into one budget, to become the responsibility of the Director of Law, HR and Asset Management.

408.

PROPERTY PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT pdf icon PDF 89 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management reported that on the 5th February 2009, Cabinet had considered a report on Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) Use of Resources for 2008. This had indicated that a score of 3 had been achieved overall for “Use of Resources” which included Asset Management. His report updated members on a number of Asset Management issues relating to the Managing Resources assessment.

 

Resolved: - That the actions taken responding to the issues raised by the Use of Resources Assessment, in respect of Asset Management, be approved.

409.

TRANSITION FROM COMPREHENSIVE PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT TO COMPREHENSIVE AREA ASSESSMENT pdf icon PDF 384 KB

Minutes:

Cabinet were provided with an update on the changes to the Audit Commission’s approach to assessing the performance of partnerships and other public bodies, including local authorities. 

 

The Leader of the Council referred to the Council’s revised CPA rating – increasing to a 3 star authority – and congratulated all staff that had contributed to this achievement.  Councillor Foulkes requested that Cabinet members arrange to visit staff within their portfolios to congratulate them.

 

Resolved – That

 

(1)  the changes arising from the introduction of the CAA framework be noted;  and

 

(2)  an improvement plan be brought back to Cabinet that integrates the organisational and area assessments, use of resources and managing performance elements on the assessment, and that provides a diagnostic evaluation of strengths and areas for improvement.

410.

FINANCIAL AND PERFORMANCE MONITORING pdf icon PDF 239 KB

Minutes:

The Chief Executive advised Members that his report was one of a series of reports submitted throughout the year presenting an overview of the performance of the Council in delivering the Vision for Wirral as set out in the Corporate Plan and was for the quarter-ended 31 December 2008.

 

Resolved –

 

(1)  the performance report be noted; and

 

(2)  Cabinet recognises the need to present information in a concise and timely fashion in a manner easily accessible to members and therefore asks for a short and to the point report to be place in the electronic library within two weeks of the end of the quarter and a presentation made by the Director of Corporate Services to the next available Cabinet.

411.

Projected Budget 2010-11 pdf icon PDF 59 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Finance presented the projected budget for 2010-2011 which would be the final year of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2007 (CSR).

 

Resolved – That the projected budget for 2010-11 be updated and reported regularly to the Cabinet.

 

412.

TREASURY MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY 2009 TO 2012 pdf icon PDF 430 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Finance presented a report which set out the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy for 2009-2012 in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management in Public Services.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the Treasury Management and Investment Strategy for 2009 to 2012 be approved;

 

(2)  the Prudential Indicators be adopted; and

 

(3)  the Council Officers listed in Appendix D be authorised to approve payments from the bank accounts for all treasury management activities.

413.

PAYMENT OF SUPPLIERS WITHIN 10 DAYS pdf icon PDF 87 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Finance recommended changes to the payments processes to reduce the period of time taken to pay providers and suppliers from receipt of invoice.  The proposal was to achieve payment of SME suppliers and providers within 10 days of invoice receipt.  The current performance target was 32 days.

 

The report outlined the volume of transactions processed by the Council and identified a number of measures necessary to improve the payments cycle.

 

The Deputy Leader of the Council requested whether future reports could contain the value of invoices as well as number.

 

With the permission of the Chair, the Leader of the Conservative Group addressed the Cabinet.  Councillor Green queried when business would have confidence that they would be paid within 10 days and was informed that it was not possible to set a date for this.

 

Resolved: -That

 

(1)  the Authority targets the payment of SME invoices in ten days at a cost of £170,000.

 

(2)  the measures proposed in this report be agreed as the appropriate means of achieving improvements to the payments process.

 

(3)  the staffing arrangements required to deliver this Action Plan be implemented immediately.

414.

Calendar of Meetings 2009/10 pdf icon PDF 48 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management presented a report recommending dates for Council, Cabinet and committee meetings for the municipal year 2009/10. The proposed calendar was set out in Appendix A to the report.

 

The Cabinet Member for Corporate Resources moved a motion, duly seconded, and it was –

 

Resolved: - That the calendar of meetings for the municipal year 2009/10, attached as Appendix A, be approved – except that:-

 

(a)  in the event that the number of Overview and Scrutiny Committees is reduced from 10 to 6, the dates for O&S (1) to (6) be used; and

 

(b)  Cabinet be moved from 3rd June 2009 to 28th May 2009 and from 16th July 2009 to 23rd July 2009.

415.

Constitutional amendments pdf icon PDF 139 KB

Minutes:

At its meeting on 9 July 2008, the Cabinet had considered a report on proposed constitutional amendments and resolved to review the structure of Overview and Scrutiny Committees.  The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management presented a report on this matter which also proposed a revised scheme of delegation to portfolio holders.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the scheme of delegation of executive functions to portfolio holders be amended to allow all non-key decisions to be made under delegation in line with paragraph 3.3 of the report;

 

(2)  the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee be re-titled ‘Sustainable Communities’ Overview and Scrutiny Committee;

 

(3)  Cabinet reaffirms its view that all non-executive members of the Council (other than the Mayor) should have the opportunity to serve on an Overview and Scrutiny Committee if they so choose and therefore believes that each Overview and Scrutiny Committee should have 10 members;

 

(4)  the proposal to move to five overview and scrutiny committees, based on the Council’s corporate priorities be forwarded to the three Party Leaders for their comments to be brought back to the Cabinet at its next meeting; and

 

(5)  Cabinet’s preference is that the Scrutiny Chairs Committee be a properly constituted committee and that its role be that of programme co-ordination and call-ins that involve two or more Overview and Scrutiny Committees.

416.

Carbon Reduction Commitment pdf icon PDF 177 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Technical Services updated Members on changes to the Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) made by the Government, since the previous report to this Committee on the 15 January 2008. The main changes included the inclusion of all State Schools, a change to the reporting period from the calendar year to the financial year, the rescheduling of a number of dates and a significant increase (of 50%) in the fixed cost of allowances in the first three years to £12\tonne. The report also suggested a way forward for the Council as current calculations now put the likely first year outlay to the Council at £510,000 in April 2011. At least 90% of the outlay would be recycled to the Council in October 2011 dependant on its position in the CRC league table.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  as a financial incentive the value of any bonus or penalty incurred collectively should be apportioned across all sites to encourage each site to actively participate.

 

(2)  to ensure that these costs are not absorbed into utility budgets, and due to its complexity, the CRC scheme be identified as a separate expenditure item.

 

(3)  the details and financial implications of the CRC scheme be included in the future financial planning for the Council.

 

(4)  the proposals detailed in sections 5.3, 5.4, 5.7, 5.9 and 5.10 be implemented; and

 

(5)  further reports be presented to Cabinet and the Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee as more detailed information on the question of the CRC scheme becomes available.

417.

GRAFFITI PREVENTION AND REMOVAL - SERVICE UPDATE pdf icon PDF 76 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Technical Services requested members to note the outcomes achieved through the re-launch of the Graffiti Prevention and Removal Services.  Members had chosen graffiti as a Policy Option for 2008/9 in order to expand the scope of graffiti removal across Wirral.  His report detailed how the additional £30K has been used in order to reduce occurrence of graffiti in the provision of an efficient and sustainable service. Members were requested to approve the procurement of a 3 year Graffiti Prevention and Removal Contract to commence April 1st 2010, in order to secure a longer-term sustainable arrangement for this service.

 

The Cabinet Member for the Environment announced that the Neighbourhood Environment Team was runner-up for the ENCAMS award for efficiencies through partnerships and congratulated staff on this award.

 

Resolved – That

 

(1)  the progress made by the Graffiti Steering Group and the success of the new graffiti removal service be noted;

 

(2)  the extension of the “Together” pilot for a further 12 months to the end of March 2010 be approved;

 

(3)  the procurement exercise for a 3-year graffiti removal and prevention contract be approved.

418.

MARKETING SUPPORT FOR WIRRAL'S TOURISM BUSINESSES DURING THE NATIONAL ECONOMIC DOWNTURN (1 APRIL 2009 TO 31 MARCH 2010) pdf icon PDF 59 KB

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive/Director of Corporate Services referred to the current national economic downturn and the more strategic approach needed to support Wirral’s tourism businesses in the immediate future. The approach would be  to market Wirral Peninsula’s tourism offer more effectively and help local businesses increase trade through partnership. With this in mind, the Destination Marketing Office (DMO) had been working closely with The Mersey Partnership (TMP) for the past year, as well as the other district councils, to develop a joint three year “Partners for Tourism Growth” project for European funds. The bid, for funds from the Northwest Development Agency’s (NWDA) operational programme, would directly help local tourism businesses market their services more effectively and efficiently.

This report highlighted the delay to release funds from the NWDA’s programme at a time of greatest need for Wirral’s tourism businesses, and the immediate interim measure recommended to support them through the economic crisis.

 

Resolved: - That an allocation of £60,000, from the Council’s Match Funding Budget and Reserve be approved, to deliver a 2009 spring marketing campaign to support Wirral’s tourism businesses during the current national economic downturn. This is on the understanding that the funds will be re-imbursed, from the Wirral element of the three year “Partners for Tourism Growth” ERDF bid, if approved.

419.

Museum Accreditation pdf icon PDF 51 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Regeneration advised members that Museums Accreditation had replaced Museums Registration and was the national standard for museums in Britain, administered by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council (MLA).  Wirral Museums Service needed to submit applications for the Accreditation of the Williamson Art Gallery & Museum and Birkenhead Priory before the end of March 2009.  Both sites were registered under the previous national scheme.  Part of the application process required Cabinet approval for the application for Accreditation, the Forward Plan and the Acquisitions and Disposal Policy.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the applications for Accreditation for Williamson Art Gallery and Museum and Birkenhead Priory be approved;

 

(2)  the Forward Plan for the Museums Service be approved; and

 

(3)  the Acquisitions and Disposals Policy for the Museums Service be approved.

420.

2009/10 Local Transport Capital Programme - Road Safety. pdf icon PDF 116 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Technical Services reported that further to his report on the Local Transport Capital Programme, which was considered and approved by Cabinet on 15th January 2009, his further report set out project details relating to proposed schemes within the Road Safety Block.

 

This has been identified as a Key Decision in the Forward Plan.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the Road Safety programme for 2009/10 be approved as set out in this report;

 

(2)  the Director of Technical Services be authorised to select a suitable alternative from the reserve list of schemes in consultation with party spokespersons, in the event that it proves impractical to proceed with an approved scheme or unallocated finance becomes available;

 

(3)  the receipt of petitions for traffic calming as identified in Section 7 be noted and the decision by Overview and Scrutiny Committee that as no benefit to the personal injury accident record can be achieved by actioning these requests, they are not prioritised for action at the present time.

421.

2009/10 Local Transport Capital Programme - Environment/Air Quality pdf icon PDF 167 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to his report on the Local Transport Capital Programme, which was considered and approved by Cabinet on 15th January 2009, the Director of Technical Services provided project details relating to proposed schemes within the Environment/Air Quality Block and requested Cabinet to approve this programme.

 

This had been identified as a Key Decision in the Forward Plan.

 

Resolved – That

 

(1)  the Environmental / Air Quality programme for 2009/10 be approved as set out in this report;

 

(2)  the Director of Technical Services be authorised to select a suitable alternative from the reserve list of schemes in consultation with party spokespersons, in the event that it proves impractical to proceed with an approved scheme or unallocated finance becomes available.

422.

TRANSPORT CAPITAL PROGRAMME INTEGRATED TRANSPORT BLOCK - AREA FORUM CONSULTATION pdf icon PDF 71 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Technical Services brought Cabinet’s attention to the results of Area Forum Consultation on the drawing up of the 2009/10 list of highway schemes under the LTP Integrated Transport Block.

 

His report summarised the decision of each Area Forum on the possible reallocation of this transport block from the centre to each Area Forum and, in conclusion, sought Cabinet approval to the Block Allocation becoming wholly decentralised and each Area Forum receiving an allocation of £18,200.

 

Resolved: - That

 

1)  the report be noted and that officers be thanked for their engagement with the Area Forums over this matter.

 

(2)  the Integrated Transport Block Allocation be decentralised with each Area Forum receiving a one-eleventh share amounting to approximately £18,200 in 2009/10 to carry out scheme(s) of a traffic management/road safety nature in the local area.

 

(3)  the Director of Technical Services provide assistance in each Forum area for this expenditure to aid decision making in drawing up future works programmes under the Integrated Transport Block Allocation.

423.

COMMUNITY SPEED INITIATIVE (ACCIDENTS 2zer0) pdf icon PDF 62 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Director of Technical Services informed Cabinet of the results of further consultation with Community Forums and Members over requests for the next round of areas within the Community Speed Initiative (Bring Accidents Down 2zer0) programme.

 

He sought approval from Cabinet to move the initial trial areas scheme to a further seven areas identified within the report.

 

Resolved: That -

 

(1)  the content of the report in respect of the consultation which has taken place so far be noted;

 

(2)  the Director of Technical Services investigate suitable additional areas as necessary adding to the programme as necessary;

 

(3)  a programme of rotation of areas for the Bring Accidents Down 2zer0 scheme as indicated in paragraph 4.2 of the report be endorsed; and

 

(4)  the selection of the next 7 areas for the signs to be moved to should be delegated to the Chief Officer in consultation with the portfolio holder and the areas be chosen from the 14 identified in the report to give a Wirral-wide spread while taking into account any petitions that have been received.

424.

HIGHWAY AND ENGINEERING SERVICES PROCUREMENT EXERCISE - CONTRACT MOBILISATION UPDATE pdf icon PDF 104 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Further to the decision by Cabinet on 16th October 2008 to award the new Highway and Engineering Services contract to Colas Limited, the Director of Technical Services provided an update on the contract mobilisation process on the run-up to the 1st April 2009 contract commencement and sought Cabinet endorsement for the commencement of the new contract following the recent Gateway 4 Readiness for Service Review.

 

His report also sought Cabinet approval for exemption from Contracts Procedure Rule 19 ‘Procurement valued at less than £50,000.00’, to facilitate the use of the Engineering Workshop, by other Council Departments, as set out in paragraphs 3.4.5 and 3.4.6.

 

Resolved: That

 

(1)  the progress made in relation to contract mobilisation and the positive outcome of the recent Gateway 4 Readiness for Service Review be noted and on this basis the commencement of the new contract be endorsed; and

 

(2)  the use of the Engineering Workshop by other Council Departments, as proposed in paragraphs 3.4.5 and 3.4.6, be approved and the exemption from Contracts Procedure Rule 19 ‘Procurement valued at less than £50,000’ for this process up to a value of £30,000 and subject to client Departments being satisfied that value for money is being achieved, be approved.

 

425.

Mersey Gateway Bridge Project Group Representation pdf icon PDF 53 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Technical Services informed Members of the proposal to refresh the partnership arrangements relating to the new Mersey crossing – known as the Mersey Gateway.

 

Cabinet was requested to approve the attendance of one officer and one elected Member to the reformed Mersey Gateway Bridge Project Group.

 

Resolved: That Council be recommended that the Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Transport Services and the Head of Streetscene and Waste be nominated to the reformed Mersey Gateway Bridge Project Group and the body be included in the schedule of approved bodies within the Constitution.

426.

RE-ENGAGEMENT OF CONSULTANTS FOR WIRRAL HOUSING NEEDS AND MARKET ASSESSMENT AND STRATEGIC ECONOMIC VIABILITY ASSESSMENT pdf icon PDF 67 KB

Minutes:

The Director of Regeneration sought approval of the appointment of Fordham consultants to carry out work in relation to an update of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) for the Borough and to undertake a Strategic Economic Viability Assessment to provide the evidence base for the preparation of the Local Development Framework without the need to obtain written quotes pursuant to Rule 5.2 of the Contract Procedure rules. 

 

Resolved: - That the appointment of Fordham consultants to carry out the work identified in the report without the need to obtain written quotes pursuant to Rule 5.2 of the Contract Procedure Rules be approved.

427.

Exempt Information - Exclusion of the press and public

The following items contain exempt information.

 

RECOMMENDATION:  That, under section 100 (A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by the relevant paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to that Act.

Minutes:

Resolved:  That, under section 100 (A) (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by the relevant paragraphs of Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to that Act.

 

428.

Motor and Engineering Insurance

Minutes:

Cabinet were advised on the procurement process for the Motor and Engineering Insurance contracts by the Director of Finance and he recommended the awarding of both contracts to Zurich Municipal for five years from 1 April 2009.

 

Resolved: That

 

(1)  the Motor Insurance contract be awarded to Zurich Municipal for a period of 3 years commencing from 1 April 2009 with an option to extend for a further 2 years;

 

(2)  the Engineering inspection and insurance contract be awarded to Zurich Municipal  for a period of 3 years commencing from 1 April 2009 with an option to extend for a further 2 years; and

 

(3)  the annual saving of £47,519 be noted.

429.

CONTRACT HIRE OF NEW MOTOR VEHICLES

Minutes:

Cabinet were advised that the Council had operated with a Car Leasing Scheme since 1987 to support staff recruitment and retention.  The scheme currently operated in partnership with Flintshire County Council as one of the last remaining contracts formulated under the Wirral and North Wales Partnership.  The current contract was a “User Chooser Scheme” which allowed officers access to an unrestricted list of vehicles.

 

The Director of Finance sought approval to adopt the Office of Government Commerce Car Leasing Contract with effect from 1 April 2009 and set out in a report the potential savings and environmental issues arising from the use of the contract.

 

Resolved: - That the adoption of the Office of Government Commence Car Leasing Contract with effect from the 1 April 2009 at a saving of £10,000 in 2009-10 be approved.

430.

RATING OF FORMER DOCK PROPERTIES

Minutes:

On 27 November 2008 Cabinet had considered the change to the valuation for rating purposes of what were previously described as Dock Undertakings.  Cabinet had requested a further report when Government proposals were known. The Director of Finance gave an update on the current position, detailed the way forward for Member approval and highlighted issues that would continue to face the businesses involved in the future.

 

The Leader of the Council referred to recent discussions in the House of Lords.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  subject to (3) below, the Director of Finance writes to each port occupier with the National Non Domestic Rates Bills for 2009-10 setting out the position with arrears due and invites each occupier to consider requesting spread or scheduled payments over an extended period; and

 

(2)  Officers continue to monitor valuation appeals and encourage meetings with the port owner with regard to rates already paid to the owner.

 

(3)  Officers investigate the implications of the House of Lords discussions, and if they have any impact on the decision above, a further report be brought back to the Cabinet prior to the decision being implemented.

431.

POSTAL SERVICES

Minutes:

The Director of Finance advised members that the deregulation of the Postal Services market In January 2005 had presented an opportunity for the Council to examine possible financial and efficiency savings within the current postal service.

 

His report outlined the work carried out in the light of market changes, made recommendations for change, and outlined the potential efficiency savings that could be achieved.

 

Resolved: That

 

(1)  the Council continue to contract with Royal Mail for postal services at an annual cost of approximately £664,000.

 

(2)  the adoption of the efficiencies identified in the report to achieve financial savings of £82,000 per annum be approved.

432.

CULTURAL SERVICES VAT RECOVERY

Minutes:

The Director of Finance informed Members of work undertaken by PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in respect of a backdated Value Added Tax (VAT) return in accordance with the Contract Procedure Rules paragraph 5.1.1 'Exceptions to Procurement procedure’.

 

Resolved: That the work carried out in respect of the retrospective VAT claims undertaken by PwC on a “no win, no fee” basis under the Contract Procedure Rules paragraph 5.1.1 'Exceptions to Procurement procedure’, be acknowledged.

433.

Voluntary First Registration of Title

Minutes:

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management sought Members’ approval to engage the Land Registry to register title to all the unregistered land in the Council’s ownership throughout the Borough with funding from the Efficiency Investment Budget.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the Voluntary Registration of all land and property assets in the Council’s ownership be authorised; and

 

(2)  the Land Registry fees be met from the Efficiency Investment Budget.

434.

Land at Woodhall Avenue/Royston Avenue, Wallasey - Sale

Minutes:

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management sought Cabinet’s approval to a further revision of terms for the sale of the site located at Royston Avenue/ Woodhall Avenue, Egremont, to a Registered Social Landlord (RSL) and to waive the call-in period in this report in view of the urgency of implementing the decision to meet the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) funding deadline of 31st March 2009 and avoid £2,232,000 of grant funding being lost.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the revision to the terms for sale of the site identified in this report be approved; and

 

(2)  the call-in period for this matter be waived in view of the urgency of implementing the decision to meet the HCA funding deadlines and avoid £2,232,000 of funding being lost, and the Council be advised accordingly.

435.

PAYROLL AND HUMAN RESOURCES SYSTEM

Minutes:

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management recommended a revised procurement process for a payroll and human resource (HR) system to replace the Council’s current systems when the licences expired at the end of May 2011. The current licences were an extension of a contract which expired in May 2008.

 

A revised, integrated payroll and HR system was expected to generate significant savings and service improvements across the council.

 

Resolved: - That the Director of Law HR and Asset Management, in consultation with the Director of Finance, be authorised to procure and implement the most appropriate payroll and HR system, taking in to account the issues raised in this report.

436.

PARENTING AND PREVENTION COMMISSIONING

Minutes:

The Director of Children’s Services made recommendations to Cabinet for approval to procure parenting and preventative services for 2009/11. The proposed services to be commissioned would support the delivery of several Departmental and Corporate priorities and respond to developments in joint working (e.g. use of the Team around the Child Model and development of Area Teams).  The commissioning and procurement process resulting in these recommendations had been robust, multi-agency (including voluntary and community sector involvement) and inclusive of parents, children and young people.

 

Resolved: That

 

(1)  the procurement of services in appendix 1 to the report be approved and contract negotiation with the identified services be provided from 03/07/09; and

 

(2)  the extension of the existing contract for Racial Minority Ethnic Contract to 30th September 2009 be approved to allow for the timeline.

437.

HMRI - APPOINTMENT OF LOVELL AS THE COUNCIL'S PREFERRED DEVELOPER PARTNER FOR TRANMERE

Minutes:

The Director of Law, HR and Asset Management sought Cabinet’s approval to formally appoint Lovell as the Council’s preferred private developer partner for delivering housing market renewal in Tranmere.

 

Resolved: - That

 

(1)  the inclusion of land in Tranmere within the Church Road Development Programme as set out in Appendix I be agreed;

 

(2)  a Development Agreement be entered into with Lovell to redevelop the Church Road area of Tranmere;

 

(3)  the current Global Development Appraisal and Preliminary Development Appraisal for Phase 1 of Church Road as set out in Appendix II be noted;

 

(4)  the likelihood that the Council will be required to provide gap funding for Phase 1 of the Church Road scheme – the retail element – to ensure it is viable and proceeds in 2009/10 be noted;

 

(5)  a further report be received in the near future regarding the development programme, notably the level of gap funding required for Phase 1 and the requirement to enter into a building lease for Phase 1;

 

(6)  make available the sites at Church Road for development and subsequent private freehold ownership as set out in this report; and

 

(7)  the continued engagement of Tweeds as cost consultant advisers be approved to finalise and monitor the development programme on the same terms as reported to the Housing and Community Safety Overview & Scrutiny Committee on 26th September 2007 (minute 16).

438.

Any other business

To consider any other business that the Chair accepts as being urgent.

Minutes:

The Chair referred to this being Andrea Grant’s last Cabinet meeting at Wirral Council and thanked her for her work at Wirral.  Councillors Holbrook and Green endorsed the Leader’s comments.