Apologies for absence were received from Councillors C Donovan, M Foy and M McNestry.

The minutes of the last meeting held on 20 March 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Consideration has been given to an update on progress with the Council’s programme of investment in the local transport network, including funding received through the Local Transport Plan (LTP) process; a review of implementing the 2017/18 programme and an outline of the 2018/19 programme.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the estimated final outturn relating to the transport capital programme for 2017/18 as set out in appendix 3 to the report be noted.

(ii)

That the proposed programme for 2018/19 as set out in appendices 4-6 be approved, noting that there may be a need to review scheme priorities during the course of the financial year in line with the available resources.

(iii)

That the Service Director, Development, Transport and Public Protection be authorised to award the relevant works to the Service Director, Street Scene under the terms of the Highways, Drainage & Street Lighting Maintenance Contract.

(iv)

That the Service Director, Development, Transport and Public Protection be authorised to make changes to the approved indicative programme, following consultation with Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, as and when the need arises.

The above decisions have been made to enable the design and implementation of transport schemes in support of the Tyne and Wear Local Transport Plan and the Council’s policy objectives.

Consideration has been given to tenders received for the contract for Network Technologies Support Services.

RESOLVED -

That the tender from Virgin Media Limited be accepted for all three lots within the contract for Network Technologies Support Services, for a 48 month period, with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods, commencing on 6 November 2018.

The above decision has been made because a comprehensive evaluation of the tenders received has been undertaken and the recommended tender is the most economically advantageous tender submitted for each lot.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to amend the Constitution by granting delegated authority to the Service Director, Economic Development to confirm Community Led Local Development (CLLD) grants awards following approval by the Local Action Group (LAG).

The alternative option to that being recommended, but which was discounted, included all applications being presented to Cabinet, following consideration by the LAG.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to amend the Constitution to include the delegation to the Service Director, Economic Development to approve CLLD grant awards, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Economy.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To support the successful implementation of the Gateshead Goes Local CLLD project.

(B)

To allow CLLD to be responsive to emerging opportunities and to not undermine the role of the LAG.

(C)

To support the Gateshead Thrive agenda and Vision 2030.

Consideration has been given to a response to a recent consultation.

RESOLVED -

That the response to the Transport for the North’s consultation on its Draft Strategic Plan be endorsed.

The above decision has been made to enable the Council to contribute a response to the consultation.

Consideration has been given to the transfer of outstanding balances from Council Tax and Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) accounts, where all possible recovery action has been taken and the balances are now considered to be uncollectable.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the action taken by the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources under delegated powers, to transfer 2,768 accounts totalling £232,922.46 in respect of Council Tax and 158 accounts totalling £22,186.72 in respect of NDR be noted.

(ii)

That the transfer of 1,349 accounts in respect of Council Tax balances totalling £194,346.25 be approved.

(iii)

That the transfer of 377 accounts of NDR balances totalling £1,150,415.14 be approved.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure effective management of the Council’s resources.

(B)

To ensure that the Council’s accounts accurately reflect the correct financial position.

Consideration has been given to granting a lease of the trust property known as Marley Hill Community Centre to a voluntary sector organisation, pursuant to the Council’s Community Asset Transfer Policy.

RESOLVED -

That in the Council’s capacity as Trustee, a new lease of Marley Hill Community Centre be granted to the Tyneside Vineyard pursuant to the Community Asset Transfer Policy, subject to the necessary consents being obtained from the Charity Commission and the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO).

The above decision has been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To manage the Trust’s assets in line with the objects of the Trust and in line with the Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan.

(B)

To ensure delivery of the cost savings to the Trust identified in the Community Centre Review as approved at Cabinet on 26 February 2013 (Minute No C224).

Councillor J Wallace declared a personal and non-pecuniary interest in the above matter because he is a former Trustee of the Community Association.

Consideration has been given to the former Bottom Depot at Saltwell Park being declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.

RESOLVED -

That the property be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements.

The above decision has 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.

RESOLVED -

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the remaining business in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Consideration has been given to:

·         Awarding a grant to the developer to fund the delivery of enabling infrastructure in the Follingsby Enterprise Zone;

·         Submitting a funding application to the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP) to cover the borrowing costs of the grant; and

·         Delegating authority to the relevant Strategic Directors to agree the final terms of the grant(s) and funding agreement.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the award of a grant to Follingsby International Enterprise Park Limited to fund the delivery of enabling infrastructure to the Follingsby South site, subject to the required due diligence being carried out and to agreement on funding from the NELEP be approved.

(ii)

That the submission of a funding application to the NELEP to cover the borrowing costs of the Council grant(s) to the aforementioned site owner/developer be approved.

(iii)

That the Strategic Director, Corporate Services & Governance be authorised, following consultation with the Strategic Directors, Corporate Resources and Communities & Environment, to agree the final terms and conditions of the aforementioned grant(s) and funding application.

The above decision has been made to accelerate economic growth, inward investment and job creation in the Follingsby Enterprise Zone.

Consideration has been given to granting a loan to Gateshead Energy Company, for the purpose of constructing an energy scheme for Follingsby International Enterprise Park.

The alternative option to that being recommended, but which was discounted, included the Council funding, procuring and operating the scheme itself.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the granting of a loan to Gateshead Energy Company for the term and amount set out in the report, for the purpose of constructing on-site energy generation scheme at Follingsby International Enterprise Park be approved.

(ii)

That the terms of the loan agreement, including any variation to incorporate additional grid connection infrastructure, be delegated to the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources and the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To support the development of Follingsby International Enterprise Park and encourage economic growth within Gateshead.

(B)

To increase the amount of renewable energy generation installed in the borough.

(C)

To generate additional income for the Council.

Consideration has been given to an update on Keelman Homes forward plan for affordable homes provision within Gateshead and to the Council entering into new loan facilities with Keelman Homes to support the proposals contained within this report to provide new affordable homes and bring empty properties back into use.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the provision of the loan facilities to Keelman Homes, for the amount set out in the report be approved.

(ii)

That the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources be authorised to finalise the terms of the loan agreements with Keelman Homes.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To support the increase in affordable new homes in line with the wider objectives of increasing housing supply within the Borough.

(B)

To support the initiative to bring long term empty properties back into use as affordable rented homes.

Consideration has been given to a review of the Gateshead Regeneration Partnership (GRP).

RESOLVED -

That to ensure the best outcomes for Gateshead and the continued success of GRP, the recommendations contained in the report be approved.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To achieve maximum value from Council land assets.

(B)

To support the delivery of new homes.

Consideration has been given to the Council being a partner in an application for European Social Fund (ESF) funds and to providing match funding to deliver digital skills training that will support economic growth, productivity and social mobility.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Council being a named partner in the Sunderland Software City full ESF application and if successful, providing match funding of the amount set out in the report be approved.

(ii)

That subject to (i) above, the Council nominate and support up to 50 employees to undertake digital training through the project.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To maximise opportunities for economic growth in Gateshead.

(B)

To maximise the opportunities for business growth in the digital technology sector; creating good quality employment.

(C)

To improve business competitiveness through technology adoption leading to job creation and safeguarding.

(D)

To maximise opportunities for residents to gain digital skills.

(E)

To increase the number of residents with basic level skills.

(F)

To maximise career progression opportunities for employees through the development of digital skills.

(G)

To maximise available external funding opportunities.

(H)

To support Vision 2030 and Thrive pledges.