Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the last meeting held on 21 February 2017 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Consideration has been given to the award of a construction contract to Wilmott Dixon Construction via the SCAPE Major Works Framework, for delivery of  fabric works to be undertaken alongside the High Rise Energy Infrastructure for Gateshead Housing Tenants(HEIGHTs) project comprising:

• Window replacement for all Harlow Green high rise blocks
• Façade replacement and replacement windows at Regent Court.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the entering into a delivery agreement with Wilmott Dixon Construction via the SCAPE Major Works Framework, for combined delivery of the HEIGHTs project and associated fabric measures be approved.

(ii)

That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment, following consultation with the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources, to agree the final terms, scope and costs of the contract awards.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To continue to deliver Council priorities around reducing fuel poverty, energy consumption and sustaining tenancies.

(B)

To maximise efficiencies through combining fabric improvements with ERDF grant funded works that will support capital investment as part of the Council’s Capital Programme.

(C)

To improve the Council’s assets and ensure that the Council’s Housing stock remains fit for purpose and deliver a sustainable HRA.

Consideration has been given to the implementation of a recruitment and retention allowance for Social Workers, Children’s and Families Social Work.

RESOLVED -

That the recruitment and retention allowance for Social Workers, Children’s and Families Social Work as set out in the report be approved.

The above decision has been made to achieve strong retention and recruitment and to support the employer practice endorsement.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to approve the policy on Charging and Financial Assessment for Adult Care and Support Services which follows consultation.

The alternative option to that being recommended, but which was discounted, included a cap on the weekly contribution rate at a level aligned to the residential care fee rate.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to approve the proposed policy for Charging and Financial Assessment for Adult Care and Support Services as set out in appendix 2 to the report.

The above decision has been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To meet the statutory requirements of the Care Act 2014 and the regulations made under it.

(B)

To provide a transparent, consistent and fair framework for the provision for charging and financial assessment for all adults receiving care and support services.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to approve the Treasury Policy Statement and Treasury Strategy for 2017/18 to 2019/20.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to approve the Treasury Policy Statement and the Treasury Strategy as set out in appendices 2 and 3 to the report.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To provide a framework for the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources to   exercise his delegated powers.

(B)

To ensure that the Council fully complies with the requirements of good financial practice in Treasury Management.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to approve a revised Discretionary Rate Relief policy which follows consultation.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to:

(i)

Approve the proposed Discretionary Rate Relief policy as set out in the report for implementation from 1 April 2017.

(ii)

Delegate powers to the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources to administer this policy.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To establish a Discretionary Rate Relief policy under the statutory provisions of Local Government Finance Act 1988 (S.47) and the Localism Act 2011 (S.69).

(B)

To provide a policy that supports the residents of Gateshead and is based upon ability to pay.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to approve a revised Appraisal and Development Framework.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to approve:

(i)

The revised Appraisal and Development Framework as set out in appendices 2 and 3 to the report.

(ii)

The framework becomes operational from 1 April 2017.

The above decisions have been made for the following reason:

To ensure the Council has a workforce which is fit for the future and can deliver the objectives of the Council Plan.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to approve a Pay Policy Statement for 2017/18.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to approve the Pay Policy Statement for 2017/18 as set out in appendix 2 to the report.

The above decision has been made to comply with the Localism Act 2011.

Consideration has been given to the biennial progress update in relation to the Home Energy Conservation Act (1995) Further Report approved by Cabinet on 24 March 2015 and to approving a revised Further Report to be implemented for 2017-2019.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Home Energy Conservation Act biennial update and revised Further Report as set out in appendices 2 and 3 be approved and submitted to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy prior to 31 March 2017.

(ii)

That both reports be published on the Council’s website.

(iii)

That the next update be submitted to Cabinet in March 2019.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To meet the Council’s statutory obligations under the Home Energy Conservation Act (1995).

(B)

To continue improving the energy efficiency of both social and private housing in Gateshead.

(C)

To continue reducing incidences of fuel poverty in Gateshead, in line with corporate priorities.

(D)

To reduce C0₂ emissions from the domestic sector.

Consideration has been given to the advice of Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group specifically in respect of:

·         Round 3 applications for capacity building funding

·         Sporting Grants to Individuals

·         The Research Project progress report designed to grow and develop the Gateshead Fund.

RESOLVED -

That the advice of the Capacity Building Fund Advisory Group from the meeting held on 16 February 2017 be endorsed and specifically:

(i)

The recommendations for Round 3 Capacity Building Fund as set out in appendix 2 paragraph 4and appendix 3 of the report.

(ii)

The recommendations for Sporting Grants to Individuals as set out in appendix 2 paragraph 4 of the report.

(iii)

The progress report, timeline and outcomes for the research project designed to grow and develop the Gateshead Fund as set out in appendix 2 paragraph 3 and appendix 4 of the report.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure that the Gateshead Fund is used to maximise benefits to local communities and is managed effectively.

(B)

To build capacity and sustainability in voluntary and community organisations in Gateshead.

Consideration has been given to the transfer out of the Council’s Accounts outstanding balances in excess of £500 from miscellaneous income accounts and also Housing Benefits overpayments, where all possible recovery action has been taken and the balances are now considered to be uncollectable.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the transfer of balances on 75 sundry debtor accounts, amounting to £187,132.47 and 176 Housing Benefits overpayments accounts, totalling £270,607.57 be approved.

(ii)

That the action taken under delegated powers to transfer out of the Council’s accounts 512 sundry debtor balances totalling £48,897.57 and 1017 Housing Benefit overpayment balances totalling £91,633.49 be noted.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure the effective management of the Council’s resources.

(B)

To ensure that the Council Accounts accurately reflect the correct financial position.

Consideration has been given to the Freedom of Information Annual Report 2016 which details the number of requests received by the Council between I January and 31 December 2016 and provides analysis of these and how the Council has complied with its statutory obligations under the Freedom of Information Act. 

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Freedom of Information Annual Report for 2016 as set out in appendix 1 to the report be approved.

(ii)

That the report be referred to the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 3 April 2017 for consideration.

The above decisions have been made to have an effective and timely system for dealing with requests for information which ensures the Council is compliant with the relevant legislation. 

Consideration has been given to the former depot and environs, Chase Park, Whickham being declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the property as detailed in the plan attached to the report be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.

(ii)

That the Service Director, Legal, Democratic and Property Services be authorised to dispose of the property on the open market.

The above decisions have been made to manage resources and rationalise the Council’s assets in line with the Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan.

Consideration has been given to the grant of a lease of 107/109 Coatsworth Road, Bensham.

RESOLVED -

That the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance be authorised to proceed with a 35 year lease to 19 Plus CIC, subject to the rental terms set out in the report, pursuant to the Councils Community Asset transfer policy.

The above decisions have been made to manage resources and rationalise the Council’s assets in line with the Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan.

Consideration has been given to an 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 the petitions received.