Agenda, decisions and minutes

That the apologies for absence submitted on behalf of Cllrs Milkinder Jaspal and Paul Sweet be received and noted.

Apologies for absence submitted on behalf of Cllrs Milkinder Jaspal and Paul Sweet.

That the following declarations of interests in respect of items on the agenda be received and noted:

Cllr Sandra Samuels declared a percuniary interest in item 5 (Discretionary Rate Relief) in so far as she is the owner of a business in the city.

Cllr Peter Bilson declared a non pecuniary interest in item 12 (Grant Application 2017/18 – Grand Theatre) in so far as he is a Director on the Grand Theatre Board.

[To approve the minutes of the previous meeting as a correct record]

That the minutes of the meeting held on 28 March 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Resolved:

          That the minutes of the meeting held on 28 March 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

[To consider any matters arising from the minutes.]

None

There were no matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

[To approve amendments to the Council’s local scheme for the Business Rate Discretionary Relief]

1.       That the following additions to the local scheme for Business Rate Discretionary Relief be approved:

a.       Discretionary relief (local newspapers) scheme

b.       Discretionary relief (supporting small businesses) scheme

c.       Discretionary relief (pubs) scheme

2.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance to finalise the policy detail on receipt of Government Guidance.

3.       That authority be delegated to the Head of Revenues and Benefits to award relief in respect of these new additions to the scheme.

4.       That it be noted that a further report on discretionary transitional relief would be presented after the Government had published a response to its consultation on operation of the scheme.

Cllr Andrew Johnson presented the report which sought approval to include three new categories within the Council’s local scheme for Business Rate Discretionary Relief with effect from 1 April 2017. The prosed changes were as a result of an announcement by the Government in the March 2017 budget of three new measures to provide additional support to businesses facing increases in business rates because of the national revaluation.  In each case the Government expected that billing authorities would use their discretionary relief powers under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 to deliver the new reliefs.

Resolved:

1.     That the following additions to the local scheme for Business Rate Discretionary Relief be approved:

a.      Discretionary relief (local newspapers) scheme

b.      Discretionary relief (supporting small businesses) scheme

c.       Discretionary relief (pubs) scheme

2. That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance to finalise the policy detail on receipt of Government guidance.

3. That authority be delegated to the Head of Revenues and Benefits to award relief in respect of these new additions to the scheme.

4.     That it be noted that a further report on discretionary transitional relief would be presented after the Government had published a response to its consultation on the operation of the scheme.

[To approve the spend of the early years funding allocation]

1.       That the basis for the allocation of Nursery Education Funding for 2, 3 & 4 year olds be approved.

2.       That the spend of the identified early years funding be approved.

3.       That the outcome of the public consultation that was carried out in relation to the implementation of a new funding formula be noted.

Cllr Val Gibson presented the report which sought approval to the proposed allocation of early years funding for 2, 3 and 4 year olds and the proposed spend for 2017-2018 in accordance with the Department for Education’s new formula for the allocation of nursery education funding.

Resolved:

1.     That the basis for the allocation of Nursery Education Funding for 2, 3 and 4 year olds be approved.

2.     That the spend of the identified early years funding be approved.

3.     That the outcome of the public consultation that was carried out in relation to the implementation of a new funding formula be noted.

[To approve the acquisition of the property]

1.       That the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 30 Victoria Road, Fallings Park, and in default of that acquisition, authority be granted for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to be made under Part II Section 17 Housing Act 1985 in respect of the property.

2.       That expenditure for the potential acquisition of the property be approved, with subsequent capital receipts being recycled within the Empty Property Strategy programme.

3.       That in the event that the property is improved and re-occupied to the satisfaction of the Strategic Director, City Housing, the property be withdrawn from the CPO.

4.       That following any acquisition, the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to dispose of the property on the open market on condition that the property is refurbished and re-occupied with in six or 12 months (as appropriate to the scale of the works).

5.       That the Director of Governance be authorised to:

a.   Take all reasonable steps as soon as it is reasonably practical to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the CPO including the publication and service of all Notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry.

b.   Approve agreements with the owners of the property setting out the terms for the withdrawal of objections to the CPO, and/or making arrangements for re-housing or relocation of any occupiers.

c.   Approve the making of a General Vesting Declaration (the property is brought into Council ownership via this process).

d.   Approve the disposal of the whole and/ or parts of the property by auction, tender or private treaty.     

Cllr Peter Bilson presented the report which sought approval to acquire the property 30 Victoria Road, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, WV10 0NG by negotiation or by the making of a compulsory purchase order (CPO) under Section 17 of Part II of the Housing Act 1985. Should it be possible to reach agreement on a mutually acceptable undertaking, the property would be withdrawn from the CPO.

Resolved:

1. That the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 30 Victoria Road, Fallings Park, and in default of that acquisition, authority be granted for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to be made under Part II Section 17 Housing Act 1985 in respect of the property.

2. That expenditure for the potential acquisition of the property be approved, with subsequent capital receipts being recycled within the Empty Property Strategy programme.

3. That in the event that the property is improved and re-occupied to the satisfaction of the Strategic Director, City Housing, the property be withdrawn from the CPO.

4. That following any acquisition, the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to dispose of the property on the open market on condition that the property is refurbished and re-occupied with in six or 12 months (as appropriate to the scale of the works).

5.     That the Director of Governance be authorised to:

a.   Take all reasonable steps as soon as it is reasonably practical to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the CPO including the publication and service of all Notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry.

b.   Approve agreements with the owners of the property setting out the terms for the withdrawal of objections to the CPO, and/or making arrangements for re-housing or relocation of any occupiers.

c.   Approve the making of a General Vesting Declaration (the property is brought into Council ownership via this process).

d.   Approve the disposal of the whole and/ or parts of the property by auction, tender or private treaty.

[To approve the acquisition of the property]

1.       That the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 148 Aldersley Road, Tettenhall and, in default of that acquisition, authority be granted for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to be made under Part II Section 17 Housing Act 1985 in respect of the property.

2.       That expenditure for the potential acquisition of the property be approved, with subsequent capital receipts being recycled within the Empty Property Strategy programme.

3.       That in the event that the property is improved and re-occupied to the satisfaction of the Strategic Director, City Housing, the property be withdrawn from the CPO.

4.       That following any acquisition, the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to dispose of the property on the open market on condition that the property is refurbished and re-occupied with in six or 12 months (as appropriate to the scale of the works).

5.       That the Director of Governance be authorised to:

a.   Take all reasonable steps as soon as it is reasonably practical to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the CPO including the publication and service of all Notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry.

b.   Approve agreements with the owners of the property setting out the terms for the withdrawal of objections to the CPO, and/or making arrangements for re-housing or relocation of any occupiers.

c.   Approve the making of a General Vesting Declaration (the property is brought into Council ownership via this process).

d.   Approve the disposal of the whole and/ or parts of the property by auction, tender or private treaty.     

Cllr Peter Bilson presented the report which sought approval to acquire the property 148 Aldersley Road, Tettenhall, Wolverhampton, WV6 9NB by negotiation or by the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order under Section 17 of Part II of the Housing Act 1985 (CPO). Should it be possible to reach agreement on a mutually acceptable undertaking, the property would be withdrawn from the CPO. 

This proposal and the previous decision supported the Council’s Empty Properties Strategy which aimed to bring long term empty properties back into use.

Resolved:

1. That the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 148 Aldersley Road, Tettenhall and, in default of that acquisition, authority be granted for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to be made under Part II Section 17 Housing Act 1985 in respect of the property.

2. That expenditure for the potential acquisition of the property be approved, with subsequent capital receipts being recycled within the Empty Property Strategy programme.

3. That in the event that the property is improved and re-occupied to the satisfaction of the Strategic Director, City Housing, the property be withdrawn from the CPO.

4. That following any acquisition, the Strategic Director, City Housing be authorised to dispose of the property on the open market on condition that the property is refurbished and re-occupied with in six or 12 months (as appropriate to the scale of the works).

5.     That the Director of Governance be authorised to:

a.      Take all reasonable steps as soon as it is reasonably practical to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the CPO including the publication and service of all Notices and the presentation of the Council’s case at any Public Inquiry.

b.      Approve agreements with the owners of the property setting out the terms for the withdrawal of objections to the CPO, and/or making arrangements for re-housing or relocation of any occupiers.

c.       Approve the making of a General Vesting Declaration (the property is brought into Council ownership via this process).

d.      Approve the disposal of the whole and/ or parts of the property by auction, tender or private treaty.

[To review the basis on which leases and associated service charges are to be paid by Community Associations for the use of community centres in the City of Wolverhampton]

1.       That the proposed leasing and service charge arrangements for Community Associations (CA’s) occupying City of Wolverhampton Council  (CWC) community centres be approved. Specifically, that negotiations for newly drafted leases commence on the principle of a notional 50/50 split of service charges between CWC and the interested CA (as option 2 of the appraisal summarised in the report) for a period of five years.

2.       That it be noted that future agreements and charges would be determined and documented in accordance with appropriate Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Code of Practice for Service Charges.

Cllr Peter Bilson presented a report on the outcomes of a review of the basis on which leases and associated service charges are to be paid by Community Associations for the use of community centres in the city of Wolverhampton.

Resolved:

1.     That the proposed leasing and service charge arrangements for Community Associations (CA’s) occupying City of Wolverhampton Council  (CWC) community centres be approved. Specifically, that negotiations for newly drafted leases commence on the principle of a notional 50/50 split of service charges between CWC and the interested CA (as option 2 of the appraisal summarised in the report) for a period of five years.

2.     That it be noted that future agreements and charges would be determined and documented in accordance with appropriate Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Code of Practice for Service Charges.

[To approve the food service plan]

1.       That the draft 2017/18 Statutory Food Service Plan be approved.

2.       That the Cabinet Member for City Environment in consultation with the Service Director for City Environment, be authorised to approve the final version of the Statutory Food Service Plan for 2017/18.

3.       That the requirement to prepare a Food Service Plan be noted.

4.       That the impact on the ability to deliver the statutory requirements of the Food Standards Agency because of the resource reductions arising from the restructure of the service in 2014 and the demands on the service from other performed functions be noted.

5.       That the positive impact on food safety standards of the development of the food hygiene service following a systems thinking intervention, be noted.

Cllr Steve Evans presented for consideration and approval, the draft Statutory Food Service Plan for 2017/18 which had been produced in accordance with the Food Standards Agency Framework Agreement on Local Authority Food Law Enforcement. In doing so he highlighted the innovative engagement approach the Service had taken to enforcement and the good results this approach had yielded.

Resolved:

1. That the draft 2017/18 Statutory Food Service Plan be approved.

2. That the Cabinet Member for City Environment in consultation with the Service Director for City Environment, be authorised to approve the final version of the Statutory Food Service Plan for 2017/18.

3. That the requirement to prepare a Food Service Plan be noted.

4. That the impact on the ability to deliver the statutory requirements of the Food Standards Agency because of the resource reductions arising from the restructure of the service in 2014 and the demands on the service from other performed functions be noted.

5.       That the positive impact on food safety standards of the development of the food hygiene service following a systems thinking intervention, be noted.

[To approve proposals related to the Department for Work and Pensions funded Universal Support package for residents claiming Universal Credit]

1.       That a revenue budget of £89,000 funded through Department for Work and Pensions grant to deliver Universal Credit Universal Support be approved.

2.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Economy, in consultation with the Service Director for City Economy to approve payments of grant to agreed Universal Support partners based on demand for support services.

3.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director Finance to finalise the budget for Universal Credit Implementation Support.

Cllr John Reynolds presented a report seeking approval for the Council to enter into a grant funding agreement with the Department for Work and Pensions to deliver the Universal Support package in 2017/18 for residents claiming Universal Credit.

Resolved:

1.     That a revenue budget of £89,000 funded through Department for Work and Pensions grant to deliver Universal Credit Universal Support be approved.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Economy, in consultation with the Service Director for City Economy to approve payments of grant to agreed Universal Support partners based on demand for support services.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director Finance to finalise the budget for Universal Credit Implementation Support.

[To consider an application from the Grand Theatre relating to revenue assistance for 2017/18]

1.       That a grant of £25,000 to the Grand Theatre for revenue support in 2017/18 be approved.

2.       That the Director of Governance be authorised to execute the grant funding agreement.

Cllr John Reynolds presented a report on an application from the Grand Theatre relating to revenue assistance in 2017/18.

Resolved:

1.     That a grant of £25,000 to the Grand Theatre for revenue support in 2017/18 be approved.

2.     That the Director of Governance be authorised to execute the grant funding agreement.

[To consider an application from the Light House Media Centre relating to revenue assistance for 2017/18]

1.       That a grant of £54,000 to the Light House Media Centre for revenue support in 2017/18 be approved. £43,000 is set off from the grant amount as rent (payable to Corporate Landlord). This leaves an actual grant payment of £11,000.

2.       That the Director of Governance be authorised to execute the grant funding agreement.

Cllr John Reynolds presented a report on an application from the Light House Media Centre relating to revenue assistance in 2017/18.

Resolved:

1.     That a grant of £54,000 to the Light House Media Centre for revenue support in 2017/18 be approved. £43,000 is set off from the grant amount as rent (payable to Corporate Landlord). This leaves an actual grant payment of £11,000.

2.     That the Director of Governance be authorised to execute the grant funding agreement.

[To note the summary of open and exempt individual executive decision notices as approved by the relevant cabinet members in consultation with the relevant employees]

That the summary of open and exempt individual executive decisions approved by the appropriate Cabinet Members following consultation with the relevant employees be noted.

Resolved:

          That the summary of open and exempt individual executive decisions approved by the appropriate Cabinet Members following consultation with the relevant employees be noted.

[To pass the following resolution:

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information on the grounds shown below]

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within the paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

Resolved:

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within the paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

[To approve an option for the white label energy offering and progressing to appoint a partner for the proposed option]

1.       That the decision to progress with the formation of a strategic partnership with an energy supplier to deliver sustainable energy tariffs to assist in the alleviation of fuel poverty, whilst bringing in a small income to the City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC) be approved.

2.       That delivery of option 3 as identified in the commission report produced by the Local Government Information Unit for CWC to enter an agreement/partnership with an energy supplier who offers their services under a ‘local’ brand name to local residents who choose to switch be approved.

3.       That an allocation of £60,000 from the Energy Efficiency Reserve to support the set up and marketing of the energy supply partnership be approved.

4.       That the progress already made be noted, and that a report would be submitted to a future meeting on the appointment of the strategic partner for the delivery of the energy white label offering which would be accessible for domestic and small to medium enterprise energy users in the Combined Authority area be noted. 

5.       That the proposed name for the white label energy offering as WV Energy which is an addition to the WV brand and would be utilised in discussion with internal Communications be noted.

Cllr Andrew Johnson presented the report on an overview of the options for a white label energy offering. The Council had commissioned the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) to advise on considerations and recommendations for an energy supply model which would generate an income for the Council enabling the Council’s ambitions for reducing fuel poverty in the local community (especially amongst those using pre-payment meters). The commissioned report was now available and it recommended Option 3 to the Council, (to enter an agreement/partnership with an energy supplier who offers their services under a ‘local’ brand name to local residents who choose to switch). Cabinet approval was requested to progress to the identification of a partner for the proposed option. 

Resolved:

1.     That the decision to progress with the formation of a strategic partnership with an energy supplier to deliver sustainable energy tariffs to assist in the alleviation of fuel poverty, whilst bringing in a small income to the City of Wolverhampton Council (CWC) be approved.

2.     That delivery of option 3 as identified in the commission report produced by the Local Government Information Unit for CWC to enter an agreement/partnership with an energy supplier who offers their services under a ‘local’ brand name to local residents who choose to switch be approved.

3.     That an allocation of £60,000 from the Energy Efficiency Reserve to support the set up and marketing of the energy supply partnership be approved.

4.     That the progress already made be noted, and that a report would be submitted to a future meeting on the appointment of the strategic partner for the delivery of the energy white label offering which would be accessible for domestic and small to medium enterprise energy users in the Combined Authority area be noted. 

5.     That the proposed name for the white label energy offering as WV Energy which is an addition to the WV brand and would be utilised in discussion with internal Communications be noted.

[To consider various delegations and the award of contracts]

1.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Housing and Assets, in consultation with the Strategic Director City Housing, to approve the award of a contract for the works required to construct several modular build homes on a pilot site when the tender evaluation process is completed.

2.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award for a contract for supply of street lighting LED luminaires when the evaluation process is complete.

3.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award for a contract for installation of street lighting LED luminaires and associated equipment when the evaluation process is complete.

4.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Director of Governance, to approve the award of a contract for the works required to relocate the markets when the tender evaluation process is completed.

5.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Economy, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of a contract for City Learning Quarter Site Surveys and Detailed Design works to Inspiredspaces Wolverhampton Ltd of Carillion House, 84 Salop Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 0SR when the market testing process is complete.

6.       That the Director of Governance be authorised to execute contracts in respect of the above as required.

The Panel considered a report on proposals for the award of contracts for works, goods and services.

Resolved:

1.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Housing and Assets, in consultation with the Strategic Director City Housing, to approve the award of a contract for the works required to construct several modular build homes on a pilot site when the tender evaluation process is completed.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award for a contract for supply of street lighting LED luminaires when the evaluation process is complete.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award for a contract for installation of street lighting LED luminaires and associated equipment when the evaluation process is complete.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Director of Governance, to approve the award of a contract for the works required to relocate the markets when the tender evaluation process is completed.

5.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Economy, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of a contract for City Learning Quarter Site Surveys and Detailed Design works to Inspiredspaces Wolverhampton Ltd of Carillion House, 84 Salop Street, Wolverhampton, WV3 0SR when the market testing process is complete.

6.     That the Director of Governance be authorised to execute contracts in respect of the above as required.

[To approve the acquisition of a site for commercial development as part of the Bilston Urban Village]

1.       That the principle of the acquisition of land at Bankfield Road forming part of the Bilston Urban Village commercial development plot from the Homes and Communities Agency be approved subject to the capital budget being approved by Council as part of the Capital Budget Outturn 2016/17 including Quarter One Capital Budget Monitoring 2017/18 and Financial Strategy report.

2.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Members for City Economy and Resources in consultation with the Service Director City Economy to approve the heads of terms.

3.       That it be noted that the Capital Budget Outturn 2016/17 including Quarter One Capital Budget Monitoring 2017/18 and Financial Strategy report to Cabinet on 7 June 2017 would include a recommendation to Council to increase the Bilston Urban Village capital programme by an appropriate amount to provide for the acquisition of this site.

Cllr John Reynolds presented the report which sought approval to the acquisition by the Council of a site for commercial development at Bankfield Road, part of the Bilston Urban Village.  Ownership of this land would safeguard the potential use of the site as a joint health and social care facility and/or other uses compatible with the Council’s aims and objectives for the Urban Village, including the provision of car parking to support the operation of the Bert Williams Leisure Centre.

Resolved:

1.     That the principle of the acquisition of land at Bankfield Road forming part of the Bilston Urban Village commercial development plot from the Homes and Communities Agency be approved subject to the capital budget being approved by Council as part of the Capital Budget Outturn 2016/17 including Quarter One Capital Budget Monitoring 2017/18 and Financial Strategy report.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Members for City Economy and Resources in consultation with the Service Director City Economy to approve the heads of terms.

3.     That it be noted that the Capital Budget Outturn 2016/17 including Quarter One Capital Budget Monitoring 2017/18 and Financial Strategy report to Cabinet on 7 June 2017 would include a recommendation to Council to increase the Bilston Urban Village capital programme by an appropriate amount to provide for the acquisition of this site.