Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the last meeting held on 19 June 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Consideration has been given to the proposed replacement of the cremator at Birtley Crematorium.

The alternative options to that being recommended, but which were discounted, included either not replacing the cremator or replacing it with two new cremators.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the replacement of the cremator at Birtley Crematorium with one cremator, a mercury abatement system and associated equipment be approved.

(ii)

That an extension to Birtley Crematorium (if required) to house a mercury abatement system and improved staff welfare facilities be approved.

(iii)

That a further report be submitted following the procurement process and recommending a tender(s) for the necessary works.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To continue to offer a crematorium facility to residents in the South of the Borough. 

(B)

To have capacity to increase cremations in the event of a pandemic.

Consideration has been given to tenders received for the supply of goods and services.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the tender received from Sunderland City Council be accepted for the Provision of a Cash Collection Service for a 36 month period commencing 1 October 2018, with an option to extend for a further 12 month period.

(ii)

That the tender received from Change Grow Live Services Ltd be accepted for the Provision of Gateshead Recovery Partnership, Integrated Drug & Alcohol Service for Adults for a 48 month period commencing 1 November 2018, with an option to extend for a further 3 x 12 month period.

(iii)

That the tender received from Telefonica UK Limited be accepted for the Contract for Mobile Voice and Data Services for an initial period of 60 months with effect from 1 August 2018, with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods.

(iv)

That the tender received from Conduent Parking Enforcement Solutions Ltd be accepted for the Framework for the Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Bus Lane Enforcement Cameras and Associated Review and Notice Processing Services for a 24 month period with effect from 1 August 2018, with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods.

The above decisions have been made following a comprehensive evaluation of the tenders received and the approved tenders are the most economically advantageous tenders submitted.

Consideration has been given to the submission of the stage 2 application to Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to secure funding of £514,200 and the provision of £29,000 match funding to support a project that will improve access to the local studies collection at the Central Library. 

RESOLVED -

That the submission of the stage 2 application to HLF to secure funding of £514,200 and the provision of £29,000 match funding to support a project that will improve access to the local studies collection at the Central Library be approved. 

The above decision has been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To greatly improve public access to the unique local history archive held at Gateshead Central Library.

(B)

To allow the implementation of a project that will engage a wide range of community organisations and volunteers in the heritage of Gateshead and the resources held within the collection.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to approve the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2019/20 to 2023/24 and to the outcome of a review of Council Reserves.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to:

(i)

approve of the Medium Term Financial Strategy for 2019/20 to 2023/24;

(ii)

note the review of both general fund and strategic earmarked Council reserves;

(iii)

note that the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources, following consultation with the Chief Executive, will continue to produce and monitor on an annual basis, a rolling programme of five-year budget forecasts taking account of the key issues facing the Council; and

(iv)

note that the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources, following consultation with the Chief Executive will continue to keep under review and update the MTFS as appropriate to respond to Government policy and funding announcements.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To contribute to the good financial management practice of the Council.

(B)

To assist the financial sustainability of the Council over the medium to long term.

Consideration has been given to the position on the 2018/19 capital programme and Prudential Indicators at the end of the first quarter to 30 June 2018.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Council be recommended that all variations to the 2018/19 Capital Programme as detailed in appendix 2 are agreed as the revised programme.

(ii)

That the Council be recommended to approve the financing of the revised programme.

(iii)

That it be confirmed to the Council the capital expenditure and capital financing requirement indicators have been revised in line with the revised budget and that none of the approved Prudential Indicators set for 2018/19 have been breached.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure the optimum use of the Council’s capital resources in 2018/19.

(B)

To accommodate changes to the Council’s in-year capital expenditure plans.

(C)

To ensure performance has been assessed against the approved Prudential Limits.

Consideration has been given to the latest monitoring position on the 2018/19 revenue budget at the end of the first quarter to 30 June 2018 and to recommending the Council to approve administrative virements.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Council’s revenue expenditure position at 30 June 2018, as set out in appendix 1 to the report be noted.

(ii)

That the Council be recommended to approve the administrative virements set out in the report.

The above decisions have been made to contribute to sound financial management and the long-term financial sustainability of the Council.

Consideration has been given to giving consent to the making of the Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Northumberland Combined Authority (Establishment and Functions) Order 2018 (“the Order”) in so far as it requires the two Combined Authorities established by the Order to appoint a joint transport committee, and makes consequential amendments to the Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle Upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland Combined Authority Order 2014 (“the 2014 Order”).

RESOLVED -

That the Chief Executive, following consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to provide Gateshead Council’s formal consent to the making of the Order, specifically in respect of the making of Part 3 (Transport) and Part 2 of Schedule 5 (amendments to the 2014 Order as a consequence of establishment of the Joint Transport Committee), when requested by the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government for the Council’s formal confirmation of consent. 

The above decision has been made for the following reasons:

(A)

Through the arrangements proposed in the draft Order the current integrated approach to transport matters at a regional and sub-regional level, and the corresponding decision-making framework as exists within NECA, can be most closely replicated.

(B)

The introduction of a Proper Officer for transport across the joint committee’s area of operation is expected to enhance the resourcing and co-ordination of transport functions at a regional and sub-regional level and engagement of all seven of the constituent authorities.

Consideration has been given to the Council Plan – Year End Assessment of Performance and Delivery report for 2017/18.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the recommendations of all of the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees in relation to the 2017/18 year end performance report, as set out in appendix 4 to the report, be approved.

(ii)

That the Council has satisfactorily met its performance objectives and has addressed the outcomes in delivering the Council Plan.

The above decisions have been made to ensure performance supports the delivery and achievements of the Council Plan 2015-2020.

Consideration has been given to consultation on the proposal to amend the school catchment areas in the East of Gateshead in light of the closure of Thomas Hepburn Community Academy (THCA) at the end of August 2019 together with

the proposed revised school catchment areas for purposes of the 2018/19 Year 6 pupils, applications to secondary schools.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the use of the proposed catchment areas for the academic year 2019/20 be approved.

(ii)

That consultation on the proposals to change the catchment areas from September 2020 be approved and to take place between October 2018 and January 2019.

The above decisions have been made in order for the Council to provide sufficient secondary school places in the East of Gateshead.

Consideration has been given to the Annual Report for 2017-2018 for the Adults Social Care Statutory Complaints Procedure 2009 and the Public Health Statutory Complaints Procedure 2012.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Annual Report on Complaints, Compliments and Representations be endorsed.

(ii)

That the report be referred to the Care, Health & Wellbeing Overview and Scrutiny Committeefor consideration.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

It is a statutory requirement that the report is considered by a formal committee.

(B)

To ensure member involvement in the statutory complaints procedure.

Consideration has been given to the Annual Report for 2017 - 2018 for the Children’s Social Care Service Statutory Complaints Procedure.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Annual Report on Children’s Services Complaints, Compliments and Representations be endorsed.

(ii)

That the report be referred to the Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee for consideration.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

It is a statutory requirement that the report is considered by a formal committee.

(B)

To improve practice and the offer to children and families.

Consideration has been given to the nomination of a local authority governor to Larkspur Community Primary School.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That Councillor Judith Gibson be nominated as a local authority school governor at Larkspur Community Primary School for a period of four years with effect from 17 July 2018.

(ii)

That it be noted the term of office is determined by the school’s Instrument of Government.

The above decision has been made to ensure the School Governing Body has full representation.

Consideration has been given to the findings and recommendations of a review by Care, Wellbeing and Learning Overview and Scrutiny Committee in relation to work to address harms caused by tobacco.

RESOLVED -

That the recommendations, findings and analysis of evidence outlined in appendix 2 to the report be endorsed.

The above decision has been made to ensure that the Council optimises the benefits to the population arising from achieving the lowest rates of tobacco use possible, with the aim of achieving a smoking prevalence in adults of 5% by 2025. 

Consideration has been given to the findings and recommendations of a review by Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) in relation to roads and highways.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the findings and analysis of evidence outlined in appendix 2 to the report be noted.

(ii)

That the recommendations from the OSC review as set out in appendix 2 to the report be approved.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To ensure the Council meets its statutory duties with regard to maintaining roads within Gateshead.

(B)

To ensure the better management of the road network in support of wider Council and community objectives.

Consideration has been given to developing and submitting a full application for European Social Fund (ESF) funding and providing match funding of £199,000 to deliver an employment support project for Gateshead residents with protected characteristics and workless Gateshead Housing Company tenants.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the submission of a full application by the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment following consultation with the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources and Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance be approved.

(ii)

That the allocation of up to £199,000 match funding as set out in the report be approved.

(iii)

That if the bid is successful, acceptance of the bid be delegated to the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance following consultation with the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources, subject to a review of the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) terms and conditions.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To maximise external funding available to the Council to support the delivery of key priorities. 

(B)

To provide the following benefits for unemployed residents:

·           Delivery of targeted and specialist provision to improve well-being, confidence and skills.

·           Support to access vocational and accredited training and skills emphasising digital and IT access.

·           Money management support and advice.

·           Integrated employment support / housing management.

·           Volunteering to re-engage furthest from labour market.

·           A peer support programme to allow residents to support and encourage one another on a day-to-day basis.

·           A place-based approach targeted to estates and neighbourhoods with support delivered on-site.

·           Assistance for those unable to access mainstream DWP support because they do not claim eligible benefits.

Consideration has been given to undertaking a public consultation on a draft revised Statement of Principles, by which the Council will make decisions when exercising its responsibilities under the Gambling Act 2005. 

RESOLVED -

That the draft Statement of Principles be consulted upon for a 12 week period following this meeting, and that the Communities and Place Overview and Scrutiny Committee be asked to consider the results of that consultation and give their comments to Cabinet so that a final version of the Statement of Principles can be recommended to Council for approval.

The above decision has been made because there is a legal requirement to prepare and revise every three years a Statement of Principles under the Gambling Act 2005.

Consideration has been given to the grant of a lease of land at Derwenthaugh Marina to the Derwenthaugh Boat Station of Sea Cadet Corps pursuant to the Council’s Community Asset Transfer policy.

RESOLVED -

That the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance be authorised to grant a 35 year ground lease at a peppercorn rent, to the Derwenthaugh Boat Station of the Sea Cadet Corps pursuant to the Council’s Community Asset Transfer policy.

The above decision has been made to manage the Council’s assets in line with the Corporate Asset Strategy and Management Plan.

Consideration has been given to the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment and the Service Director, Council Housing, Design and Technical Services, following consultation with the Strategic Directors, Corporate Resources and Corporate Services and Governance, to be authorised to jointly approve schemes and estimates, and to invite and accept tenders over certain thresholds, during the summer recess following this Cabinet meeting up to the Cabinet meeting on 18 September 2018.

RESOLVED -

That the Strategic Director, Communities and Environment and the Service Director, Council Housing, Design and Technical Services, following consultation with the Strategic Directors, Corporate Resources and Corporate Services and Governance, be authorised to jointly:

(a)       approve schemes and estimates for any works contract estimated to cost more than £100,000;

(b)       invite tenders for any works contract estimated to cost more than £100,000; and

(c)       accept tenders, place orders for works, supplies and services up to a value equivalent to the tendering thresholds specified in the European Procurement Directives during the summer recess.

The above decision has been made to enable projects to progress and to avoid delay in delivery of the capital programme and its related expenditure.

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 the terms of a long lease of the former Council office block at Prince Consort Road to Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust (‘the Trust’) and the grant of a separate Loan to the Trust, to fund the refurbishment and fit-out of the building for the purposes of its reuse as a doctors’ surgery, outreach services for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital and office accommodation. 

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the grant of a 99 year full repairing & insuring lease (subject to the grant of planning permission) to Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust from a date to be agreed and on the terms outlined in the report be approved.

(ii)

That the Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance be authorised to negotiate the detailed terms of the lease.

(iii)

That the grant of a loan to Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust of the amount set out in the report, for the refurbishment and fit-out of the building, subject to the repayment of borrowings by the Trust be approved.

(iv)

That the Strategic Director, Corporate Resources be authorised to finalise the terms of the Loan Agreement.

The above decisions have been made for the following reasons:

(A)

To bring a vacant property back into economic use.

(B)

To facilitate the development of a valuable community health facility.

(Councillor M Gannon declared a personal and non-prejudicial interest in the above matter because he is a member of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Board and withdrew from the meeting whilst the matter was under consideration.  Councillor C Donovan took the Chair for this item.)