Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence have been received from Councillors L Green and G Haley.

The minutes of the Cabinet meetings held on 6 September and 13 September 2016 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Consideration has been given to an update on the activity and direction of travel of the Change Programme since July 2016.

RESOLVED -

That the progress being made across the Change Programme be noted.

The above decision has been made to ensure Cabinet is able to monitor progress of the Change Programme and give direction in a timely manner.

Consideration has been given to recent consultations.

RESOLVED -

That the responses to the following consultations be endorsed:

·         Local Government Finance Settlement 2017/18 - Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG)

·         Self-sufficient local government: 100% Business Rates Retention and Business Rates Reform Fair Funding Review: Call for evidence on Needs and Redistribution – DCLG

·         Early Years National Funding Formula -  Department for Education

·         Draft Development Frameworks for East Pilgrim Street and Science Central West – Newcastle City Council

·         Publication Draft International Advanced Manufacturing Park Area Action Plan – South Tyneside and Sunderland City Councils

The above decision has been made to enable the Council to contribute responses to consultations.

Consideration has been given to the disposal of land at Winlaton Mill, by way of 99 year ground lease at less than best consideration, to Groundwork North East and Cumbria (‘Groundwork’), for a development of a Visitor Centre for the Land of Oak and Iron Project.

RESOLVED -

That the disposal of the land identified in the plan attached to the report and on the terms set out in the report be approved.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To manage resources and rationalise the Council’s assets in line with the Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan.

(B)

To deliver meaningful long term benefits to rural Gateshead and raise the profile of the area to potential visitors.

Consideration has been given to the latest update on petitions submitted to the Council and the action taken on them.

RESOLVED -

That the petitions received and the action taken on them be noted.

The above decision has been made to inform Cabinet of the progress of petitions.

RESOLVED -

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the remaining business in accordance with the indicated paragraphs of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Consideration has been given to progressing a preferred development scheme for the Gateshead Quays site with development partners Ask Real Estate Ltd and PATRIZIA UK.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Council continuing to progress work with partners Ask Real Estate Ltd and Patrizia UK on the preferred development of Scheme 2 be approved.

(ii)

That the Council entering into a Development Agreement with a new joint venture company formed by its appointed developers, Ask Real Estate Ltd and Patrizia UK Limited be approved.

The above decisions have been made to allow both parties to invest further time and resource in working together to create a viable scheme of development that meets the Council’s objectives for the Gateshead Quays site.

Consideration has been given to the provision of capital funds to proceed with development of the Northern Centre for Emerging Technologies (NCET) at Baltic Business Quarter, and to the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance having delegated authority to accept match funding for the scheme from European Structural Investment Funding (ESIF), and if applicable, North East Growth Infrastructure Funding (NEGIF).

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance be given delegated authority to accept the DCLG Funding Agreement Letter for ESIF to deliver the Northern Centre for Emerging Technologies project, subject to review and agreement of the associated terms and conditions of funding.

(ii)

That provision of additional capital funds of up to £1.066m to allow the Council to proceed with developing the Northern Centre for Emerging Technologies project, should the Council bid for Local Growth Fund be unsuccessful be approved.

(iii)

That the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance be given delegated authority to accept a NELEP Funding Agreement Letter for NEGIF, to proceed with developing the Northern Centre for Emerging Technologies project, subject to review and agreement of the associated terms and conditions of funding.

(iv)

That acceptance an offer of funding from SCAPE Reinvest to support costs associated with the project be approved.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To allow the Council to draw down European Structural Investment Funding and if applicable North East Growth and Investment Funds to support development of the Northern Centre for Emerging Technologies.

(B)

To bring the whole Baltic Business Quarter into Council ownership.

(C)

To support digital technology SMEs and the wider SME business community within Gateshead.

(D)

To support the delivery of Vision 2030 in particular the strong economy element of the Sustainable Gateshead big idea.

(E)

To maximise opportunities, and to build on the mounting recognition on a national level that Gateshead is receiving, for this smart specialism.

(F)

To facilitate further development in one of Gateshead’s primary employment areas – Baltic Business Quarter.

Consideration has been given to the acquisition of the leasehold interest in a mixed retail and residential property at St Marys Green, Whickham (‘the Property’) for investment purposes and for the amount set out in the report.

RESOLVED -

That the acquisition of Hanro Limited’s leasehold interest in St Marys Green for the amount set out in the report be approved.

The above decision has been made for the following reasons:

(A)

For investment purposes in order to generate additional income to support the Council’s policy priorities.

(B)

To facilitate any future redevelopment of Whickham centre.

Item withdrawn

Consideration has been given to formal consultation with staff and the trade unions ona review of the Leisure Service to ensure the service can operate effectively and implement the changes needed to deliver the service vision and to implementing a GO membership with a reduced membership fee for Go Gateshead Sport and Leisure employees.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the integration of Sport, Physical Activity and Health and Leisure teams to GO Gateshead, Sport and Leisure be approved subject to resolution (ii) below.

(ii)

That the commencement of a 45 day consultation period with employees and trade unions regarding the Leisure Service Review be approved and the outcome of this consultation be reported back to Cabinet for approval of the new structure of Go Gateshead Sport and Leisure.

(iii)

That the implementation of a reduced GO Gateshead Sport and Leisure employee GO membership with effect from 1 November 2016 be approved.

The above decisions have been made to support the delivery of the service vision approved by Cabinet at its meeting on 19 April 2016 (Minute No C226).