Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Roger Lawrence.

There were no declarations of interests.

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

Resolved:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 November 2017 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

[To consider any matters arising from the minutes]

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

[To recommend to Council the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan including annual rent and service charges]

Councillor Peter Bilson presented the report on an updated Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan for recommendation to Council. The report also provided, as an integral part of that business plan, a proposed HRA budget for 2018-2019, including proposed rents and service charges to take effect from 2 April 2018, and a proposed HRA capital programme for the period 2018-2019 to 2022-2023 for recommendation to Council.

Resolved:

1.     That Council be recommended to:

a.       Implement the 1% reduction in social housing rents in accordance with the Welfare Reform and Work Act and to give 28 days’ notice to all secure and introductory tenants of the rent reduction from 2 April 2018.

b.       Adopt the business plan set out at Appendix A to the report as the approved Housing Revenue Account (HRA) business plan including:

i     The revenue budget for 2018-2019 at Appendix A3 to the report.

ii     The capital programme for 2018-2019 to 2022-2023 at Appendix A4 to the report including provision for retrofitting of sprinklers in high-rise blocks and building of new council housing.

iii    The increase in the management allowance for Wolverhampton Homes for the transfer of Homelessness and Housing Options services.  

c.   Agree the rates for garage rents and service charges set out in appendices B1-B3 to the report and formally notify tenants.

d.   Agree to position itself to take advantage of any flexibility in HRA borrowing by gearing up to develop more council housing on suitable sites.

2.     That the consultation responses as outlined at Appendix C to the report be noted

3.     That the potential impact of the further implementation of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 on the HRA business Plan be noted.

4.     That the introduction of a 52 week rent year following consultation with tenants, to better align the payment of rents with the payment of Universal Credit be noted.

5.     That it be noted that service charges to council tenants have been recalculated over 52 weeks but generally tenants would pay the same over 12 months, with the exception of the central heating charge for gas, which is due to increase by £0.50 per week as approved in the business plan for 2016-2017 until full recovery of costs are achieved.

[To approve matters relating to the draft budget for 2018-2019 and beyond as the basis for consultation with stakeholders and to note an update on the provisional Local Government Finance settlement announcement]

1.       That the extension of use of the capital receipts flexibilities to fund transformation work to 2019-2020 be approved.

2.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director for Finance to respond to the consultation on the Fair Funding Review.

3.       That the outcome of the 2018-2019 provisional local government finance settlement be noted.

4.       That it be noted that the final budget report to Cabinet 21 February 2018 would reflect the outcome of the settlement, budget consultation, scrutiny work and detailed budget work for 2018-2019, including a review of all savings and the risks associated with their delivery.

Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the key points from the report on an overview of the 2018-2019 provisional local government finance settlement, which the Government announced on 19 December 2017. In the light of the announcement in the provisional settlement to continue with capital receipt flexibilities for a further three years, approval was requested to extend the use of capital receipts flexibilities to fund transformation work to 2019-2020.  This would enable the Council to capitalise revenue transformational costs up to the value of capital receipts available in 2019-2020.

In order that the Council takes opportunities to influence the shaping of local government funding where possible, delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Resources was proposed to respond to the Government consultation on the Fair Funding Review.

Resolved:

1.    That the extension of use of the capital receipts flexibilities to fund transformation work to 2019-2020 be approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director for Finance to respond to the consultation on the Fair Funding Review.

3.    That the outcome of the 2018-2019 provisional local government finance settlement be noted.

4.    That it be noted that the final budget report to Cabinet 21 February 2018 would reflect the outcome of the settlement, budget consultation, scrutiny work and detailed budget work for 2018-2019, including a review of all savings and the risks associated with their delivery.

[To note the outcome of the scrutiny of the draft budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2018-2019 to 20120-2021]

The Cabinet (Resources) Panel considers the comments from the Scrutiny Board in relation to the Draft Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2018-2019 to 2019-2020.

Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the report on the Scrutiny Board’s feedback on the Draft Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2018-2019 to 2019-2020 following its meeting on 5 December 2017. The comments would inform Cabinet decisions on the final budget 2018-2019 to be presented to Cabinet on 21 February 2018.

Resolved:

That the comments from the Scrutiny Board in relation to the Draft Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2018-2019 to 2019-2020 be taken into account for the 2018-2019 Final Budget to be presented to Cabinet on 21 February 2018.

[To consider the outcome of the consultations]

That the responses to the 2018-2019 Budget Consultation be taken into account for the 2018-2019 Final Budget to be presented to Cabinet on 21 February 2018.

Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the key messages from the report on responses to the consultation process undertaken to support the 2018-2019 budget setting process. The completed set of responses to the consultation would be considered in the final budget that Cabinet recommends to Full Council on 7 March 2018.

Resolved:

That the responses to the 2018-2019 Budget Consultation be taken into account for the 2018-2019 Final Budget to be presented to Cabinet on 21 February 2018.

[To note the information about the Collection Fund for the period 2017-2018]

1.       That the payments to the precepting authorities of their share of the Council Tax surplus in equal instalments be approved.

      The estimated outturn in 2017-2018 is a cumulative surplus of £882,000. Based on their proportion of the 2017-2018 council tax bill, as approved by Council in March 2017 the amounts are as follows:

•     City of Wolverhampton Council £790,000

•     West Midlands Police £62,000

•     West Midlands Fire Service £30,000

2.       That the payments to central government and the precepting authority of their share of the Business Rates, also referred to as Non-Domestic Rates (NDR), deficit in equal instalments be approved.

The estimated outturn in 2017-2018 is a cumulative deficit of £1.7 million; this is as a result of a cumulative deficit totalling £5.3 million brought forward from 2016-2017 and an estimated surplus in 2017-2018 totalling £3.6 million. As prescribed by legislation the amounts are as follows:

•     City of Wolverhampton Council £936,000 surplus

•     Central Government £2.7 million deficit

•     West Midlands Fire Service £17,000 deficit

3.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to confirm any final changes to the forecast outturn reflecting any further information received ahead of the statutory deadline of 31 January 2018.

Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the report on the estimated outturn for Council Tax and Business Rates, also referred to as Non-Domestic Rates (NDR), transactions on the Collection Fund in 2017-2018.  Approval was requested to payments to/from central government and the precepting bodies based on the estimated outturn of the Collection Fund for 2017-2018. This would inform the budget setting process for 2018-2019, for the Council and precepting bodies.

Approval was also sought to delegate authority to confirm any final changes to the forecast outturn reflecting any further information received ahead of the statutory deadline of 31 January 2018 to ensure that the most up to date information is used to inform 2018-2019 budgets.

Resolved:

1.     That the payments to the precepting authorities of their share of the Council Tax surplus in equal instalments be approved.

      The estimated outturn in 2017-2018 is a cumulative surplus of £882,000. Based on their proportion of the 2017-2018 council tax bill, as approved by Council in March 2017 the amounts are as follows:

•     City of Wolverhampton Council £790,000

•     West Midlands Police £62,000

•     West Midlands Fire Service £30,000

2.     That the payments to central government and the precepting authority of their share of the Business Rates, also referred to as Non-Domestic Rates (NDR), deficit in equal instalments be approved.

The estimated outturn in 2017-2018 is a cumulative deficit of £1.7 million; this is as a result of a cumulative deficit totalling £5.3 million brought forward from 2016-2017 and an estimated surplus in 2017-2018 totalling £3.6 million. As prescribed by legislation the amounts are as follows:

•     City of Wolverhampton Council £936,000 surplus

•     Central Government £2.7 million deficit

•     West Midlands Fire Service £17,000 deficit

3.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to confirm any final changes to the forecast outturn reflecting any further information received ahead of the statutory deadline of 31 January 2018.  

[To note the information on the Council Tax base and to approve the Council’s NNDR1 form which will set the timings of cashflow and the predicted shares between central and local government for business rates for 2018-2019]

1.       That the Collection Fund Council Tax Base for 2018-2019 be set at 62,816.47 Band D equivalents.

2.       That the Collection Fund Business Rates, also referred to as Non-Domestic (NDR), Net Rate Yield for 2017-2018 be set at £74.2 million.

3.       That the Council’s contribution of £228,000 in 2017-2018 to the West Midlands Combined Authority; which represents the real terms growth in the central share of business rates owed to the West Midlands Combined Authority be approved.

4.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance to approve amendments to:

a.      The final Business Rates net rate yield as required as a result of changes to the NNDR1 form (National Non-Domestic Rates return) by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) or data revisions and changes in projections;

b.       The Council Tax Base as a result of any data revisions and changes in projections.

Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the report on a proposal to set the estimates for the Wolverhampton Collection Fund for 2018-2019, which the Council manages on behalf of local precepting bodies and central government. The decision would inform the budget setting process for 2018-2019, for the Council and precepting bodies.

Resolved:

1.     That the Collection Fund Council Tax Base for 2018-2019 be set at 62,816.47 Band D equivalents.

2.     That the Collection Fund Business Rates, also referred to as Non-Domestic (NDR), Net Rate Yield for 2017-2018 be set at £74.2 million.

3.     That the Council’s contribution of £228,000 in 2017-2018 to the West Midlands Combined Authority; which represents the real terms growth in the central share of business rates owed to the West Midlands Combined Authority be approved.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of Finance to approve amendments to:

a.      The final Business Rates net rate yield as required as a result of changes to the NNDR1 form (National Non-Domestic Rates return) by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) or data revisions and changes in projections;

b.     The Council Tax Base as a result of any data revisions and changes in projections.

[To ensure that the West Midlands Combined Authority is able to enter into the necessary agreements with government to amend existing statute, enabling WMCA to borrow for all of the functions attributable to it and also endorse the proposed changes to the Key Route Network]

1.       That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council in consultation with the Managing Director to implement the following recommendations at an appropriate time by way of written notification to the WMCA:

Councillor Peter Bilson presented the report on proposals to ensure that the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is able to enter into the necessary agreements with Government to amend existing statute, enabling WMCA to borrow for all of the functions attributable to it and also endorse the proposed changes to the Key Route Network. The proposal would also ensure that the City Council retained oversight of the final amended orders produced from the Government.

Resolved:

That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council in consultation with the Managing Director to implement the following recommendations at an appropriate time by way of written notification to the WMCA:

1.       Delegate authority to the WMCA to approve the amendment to statutory regulations which amend the WMCA borrowing powers as set out in the report, subject to:

i     The additional borrowing powers sought being fully aligned to the WMCA’s statutory functions as detailed within the West Midlands Combined Authority (Functions and Amendment) Order 2017.

Ii    Equivalent authority / approval allowing the WMCA to enter into the delegation, being received by the other Constituent Local Authorities.

2.     That the WMCA borrowing cap suggested by HM Treasury as outlined within this report be approved.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Managing Director to approve the amendment to the Key Route Network as detailed within the report.

[To approve the final proposals to change contributions for non-residential adult social care in line with the Care Act 2014]

1.       That the final proposals, following consultation, be approved for a new approach to non-residential contributions scheme based on individual financial assessments that are fair and equitable and Care Act compliant and:

·         Allow for a £12.00 disregard on disability benefits for disability-related expenditure;

·         Allow for an additional 30% of the enhanced disability premium (currently £4.77) for working-age customers to help mitigate against the lower Minimum Income Guarantee set by Government for working-age people than for pensioners;

·         Cap any non-residential weekly contribution at no more than the weekly personal budget rate for a residential care home, currently £394.94;

·         Maintain a £150 charge for the administration costs for self-funders who request that the Council arrange for their care and support and add £75 per year thereafter to cover on-going costs;

·         Maintain exemptions from contributions for terminally ill customers and carers;

2.       That transitional protection for current service users by limiting any significant increases be approved. 

3.       That the implementation of the new contributions scheme from April 2018 be approved.

4.       That the report on the outcome of the public consultation on the review of contributions to non-residential adult social care be noted.

Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE presented the report on revised proposals for contributions to non-residential adult social care, following the public consultation. The amended scheme would be based on individual financial assessment and replace the current banded contributions scheme for those in receipt of non-residential council support under the provisions of the Care Act 2014. 

Resolved:

1.     That the final proposals, following consultation, be approved for a new approach to non-residential contributions scheme based on individual financial assessments that are fair and equitable and Care Act compliant and:

·         Allow for a £12.00 disregard on disability benefits for disability-related expenditure;

·         Allow for an additional 30% of the enhanced disability premium (currently £4.77) for working-age customers to help mitigate against the lower Minimum Income Guarantee set by Government for working-age people than for pensioners;

·         Cap any non-residential weekly contribution at no more than the weekly personal budget rate for a residential care home, currently £394.94;

·         Maintain a £150 charge for the administration costs for self-funders who request that the Council arrange for their care and support and add £75 per year thereafter to cover on-going costs;

·         Maintain exemptions from contributions for terminally ill customers and carers;

2.     That transitional protection for current service users by limiting any significant increases be approved. 

3.     That the implementation of the new contributions scheme from April 2018 be approved.

4.     That the report on the outcome of the public consultation on the review of contributions to non-residential adult social care be noted.

[To approve the acquisition of the property by agreement or compulsory purchase]

1.   That the Strategic Director for City Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 55 Rooker Avenue, Ettingshall, Wolverhampton and, in default of that acquisition, give authority 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 for City Housing, the property be withdrawn from the CPO.

4.   That following any acquisition, the Strategic Director for City Housing be authorised to dispose of the property on the open market on condition that the property is refurbished and re-occupied within 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.     

Councillor Peter Bilson presented the first of three similar reports seeking approval to authorise the acquisition of properties by negotiation or by the making of a Compulsory Purchase Order. The decisions were all consistent with the Council’s Empty Properties Strategy which aimed to bring long term empty properties back into use.

The property 55 Rooker Avenue, Ettingshall had been empty since February 2014. Attempts to resolve the situation informally with the parties known to have an interest in the property had not resolved the situation or brought about a voluntary solution.  It was now considered necessary to continue with formal action under the Empty Property Strategy.

Resolved:

1.     That the Strategic Director for City Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 55 Rooker Avenue, Ettingshall, Wolverhampton and, in default of that acquisition, give authority 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 for City Housing, the property be withdrawn from the CPO.

4.     That following any acquisition, the Strategic Director for City Housing be authorised to dispose of the property on the open market on condition that the property is refurbished and re-occupied within 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 by agreement or compulsory purchase]

1.       That the Strategic Director for City Housing or the Strategic Director for Place be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the site of former public house Willis Pearson Avenue/ Rowley View, Bilston. WV14 8DA, and, in default of that acquisition, give authority for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to be made under Section 17 of Part 2 of the Housing Act 1985 and/ or Section 226 Part 9 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2.       That expenditure for the potential acquisition of the site, and its subsequent development for Council housing, from within the existing Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme be approved.

3.       That the land be withdrawn from the CPO if development of the site is progressed by the current owner to the satisfaction of the Strategic Director for City Housing.

4.       That the Director of Governance be authorised to take the following action should it not be possible to agree terms for the acquisition of the site by negotiation:

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 land 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 land is brought into Council ownership via this process).

5.   That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Strategic Director for City Housing or the Strategic Director for Place, following any acquisition, to approve detailed proposals for development of the site by the City of Wolverhampton Council for council housing.

Councillor Peter Bilson presented the report on proposals to authorise the acquisition of the derelict site of the former Public House at Willis Pearson Avenue/Rowley View Bilston by either negotiation or via compulsory purchase and to retain the site for the development of new council housing.

The site had been the subject of persistent anti-social behaviour and fly tipping following the closure and subsequent demolition of the “Patchbox” public house. Discussions with the site owners over a number of years had not established meaningful proposals for the site or a timescale for implementation. It was now considered appropriate to progress the acquisition of the site in order to ensure that development occurs and a long-term solution to the ongoing blight caused by the site was implemented.

Councillor Val Gibson reported that the site of the former Patchbox public house had been used to fly tip for years and had been a blight on the area.  The CPO was long awaited and welcomed.

Resolved:

1.     That the Strategic Director for City Housing or the Strategic Director for Place be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the site of former public house Willis Pearson Avenue/ Rowley View, Bilston. WV14 8DA, and, in default of that acquisition, give authority for a compulsory purchase order (CPO) to be made under Section 17 of Part 2 of the Housing Act 1985 and/ or Section 226 Part 9 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.

2.     That expenditure for the potential acquisition of the site, and its subsequent development for Council housing, from within the existing Housing Revenue Account Capital Programme be approved.

3.     That the land be withdrawn from the CPO if development of the site is progressed by the current owner to the satisfaction of the Strategic Director for City Housing.

4.     That the Director of Governance be authorised to take the following action should it not be possible to agree terms for the acquisition of the site by negotiation:

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 land 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 land is brought into Council ownership via this process).

5.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Strategic Director for City Housing or the Strategic Director for Place, following any acquisition, to approve detailed proposals for development of the site by the City of Wolverhampton Council for council housing.

[To approve the acquisition of the property by agreement or compulsory purchase]

1.       That the Strategic Director for City Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 10 Lloyd Street, Wolverhampton, and, in default of that acquisition, give authority 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, with subsequent capital receipts being recycled within the Empty Property Strategy programme be approved.

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

4.       That following any acquisition, the Strategic Director for 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.   

Councillor Peter Bilson presented the report on a proposal to authorise the acquisition of 10 Lloyd Street, Wolverhampton. WV6 0RL by negotiation or by the making of a compulsory purchase order (CPO). Should it be possible to reach agreement on a mutually acceptable undertaking, the property would be withdrawn from the CPO.

The property had been empty since approximately 2011. The previous occupant of the property moved out and it was believed had not visited the property since 2014. All attempts to contact the owner had failed. As attempts to resolve the situation informally with the parties known to have an interest in the property had not resolved the situation or brought about a voluntary solution, it is now considered necessary to continue with formal action under the Empty Property Strategy.

Resolved:

1.     That the Strategic Director for City Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 10 Lloyd Street, Wolverhampton, and, in default of that acquisition, give authority 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, with subsequent capital receipts being recycled within the Empty Property Strategy programme be approved.

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

4.     That following any acquisition, the Strategic Director for 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 recommendations from the Digital Passport project and to bid for Local Full Fibre Network funding]

1.      That the submission of a bid to the Local Full Fibre Network to improve connectivity in the city centre be approved subject to the final signoff by the Cabinet Member for City Economy and Section 151 Officer.

2.      That the Council act as a grant recipient for the Local Full Fibre Network bid, if successful.

3.      That authority be delegated to Cabinet Members for City Economy and Resources, in consultation with the Strategic Director, Place and the Director of Finance to enter into a funding agreement and to approve the procurement exercise if the bid is successful.

4.      That engagement with UK Government’s Barrier Removal Taskforce in relation to adopting a local approach to highways, planning, wayleaves that optimises the local environment to improve digital infrastructure be approved.

5.      That employees be authorised to explore the use of a concession agreement to enable public WiFi.

Councillor John Reynolds presented the report on a proposal to submit a bid to the Local Full Fibre Network fund to improve broadband connectivity in the City of Wolverhampton.  There were strong economic benefits to improving the connectivity of the city centre including improved productivity and making the city a more attractive place to invest in.

Resolved:

1.     That the submission of a bid to the Local Full Fibre Network to improve connectivity in the city centre be approved subject to the final signoff by the Cabinet Member for City Economy and Section 151 Officer.

2.     That the Council act as a grant recipient for the Local Full Fibre Network bid, if successful.

3.     That authority be delegated to Cabinet Members for City Economy and Resources, in consultation with the Strategic Director, Place and the Director of Finance to enter into a funding agreement and to approve the procurement exercise if the bid is successful.

4.     That engagement with UK Government’s Barrier Removal Taskforce in relation to adopting a local approach to highways, planning, wayleaves that optimises the local environment to improve digital infrastructure be approved.

5.     That employees be authorised to explore the use of a concession agreement to enable public WiFi.

[To approve delegated authority to sign the funding agreement with the Arts Council for funding for the programme of contemporary art and craft 2018-2022]

1.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Economy and the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place and Director of Finance to approve the final business plan for the contemporary visual arts and craft programme for submission to the Arts Council and to sign the funding agreement with Arts Council of England National Portfolio 2018-2022.

2.      That supplementary revenue budgets be approved to reflect the grants once approved.

Councillor John Reynolds reported that the Council had been successful in securing £671,020 for the period 2018-2022 to support a programme of contemporary visual arts and crafts. This included a funding uplift on the previous funding period 2015-2018 of £160,000 for audience development with the Libraries Service.  The final business plan had to be agreed and the funding agreement signed on behalf of the Council by the 27 February 2018.

Resolved:

1.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Economy and the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place and Director of Finance to approve the final business plan for the contemporary visual arts and craft programme for submission to the Arts Council and to sign the funding agreement with Arts Council of England National Portfolio 2018-2022.

2.    That supplementary revenue budgets be approved to reflect the grants once approved.

[To note the summary of open and exempt individual executive decisions approved by the appropriate Cabinet Member following 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]

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 following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information falling within the paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

[To receive an update on the Civic Halls improvement project and to consider the case for a full building restoration scheme]

Councillor John Reynolds presented the update report on the Civic Halls Improvement Project, as approved by the Panel in July 2016. It advised on the significant emerging building fabric, structural and building management issues that have been identified following detailed technical surveys and reviews undertaken in 2017 quarter three. The report set out the case for a full building restoration scheme and sought approval for the revised proposals and the revised capital funding strategy.

Resolved:

1.    That Council be recommended to:

a.      Approve the scope of construction and associated works for the comprehensive restoration of both Wulfrun and Civic Halls

b.      Approve the additional capital resources of £23.7 million required to deliver the Civic Halls project

c.      Approve the development of a ticket levy to support the proposed scheme.

d.      Delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for City Economy, in consultation with Strategic Director for Place, to agree the contract variation with Shaylor Group when the negotiation process is complete.

2.    That the revised business case for the Civic Halls be noted.

3.    That the approach to seeking additional grant funding from external sources, to reduce the cost to the Council be noted.

[To approve a budget for the delivery of phase four of the small sites newbuild housing programme to provide an additional 33 homes across eight sites in the city]

1.       That the use of the £4.0 million Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital budget for the delivery of phase four of the small site council housing newbuild programme providing an additional 33homes across eight sites in the City be approved.

2.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Strategic Director for City Housing to approve any variation from the identified sites for phase four of the small sites new build programme.

3.       That the success to date of the small site newbuild Council housing programme, currently delivering 21 new homes across the city through the Council’s Strategic Construction Partner (SCP) contractors Wates and United Living be noted.

4.       That the progress of phase three of the small sites programme, which had procured and appointed contractors to deliver new homes across six sites, with work already underway be noted.

Councillor Peter Bilson presented an update report on the delivery of the small sites council housing new build programme to construct new council housing using the SCP contractors, Wates and United Living.  Given the success of the first two phases of small site new build, the appointment of new contractors for a third phase of sites, and in light of the need to increase housing delivery in the City, approval was now requested for a fourth phase, providing an additional 33 properties across eight sites to support the continued delivery of the programme.  Approval was also requested to the use of the Housing Revenue Account capital budget to deliver the phase four programme.

Resolved:

1.    That the use of the £4.0 million Housing Revenue Account (HRA) capital budget for the delivery of phase four of the small site council housing newbuild programme providing an additional 33homes across eight sites in the City be approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Strategic Director for City Housing to approve any variation from the identified sites for phase four of the small sites new build programme.

3.    That the success to date of the small site newbuild Council housing programme, currently delivering 21 new homes across the city through the Council’s Strategic Construction Partner (SCP) contractors Wates and United Living be noted.

4.    That the progress of phase three of the small sites programme, which had procured and appointed contractors to deliver new homes across six sites, with work already underway be noted.

[To establish a capital scheme for the acquisition of additional social housing units]

1.       That the utilisation of £2.5 million of the HRA capital programme for new build  for the acquisition additional social housing using Right to Buy ‘one-for-one’ receipts be approved.

2.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place to agree the expenditure on individual properties and purchases.

3.       That the following proposed priorities for the capital budget be approved:

a.     Buying back of former Right to Buy properties on the Heath Town estate, where leaseholders prefer to dispose of their properties rather than pay for the investment works required.

b.     Purchase of properties on the open market to be added to the Housing Revenue Account.

c.     Purchase of properties on the open market for decanting of Council tenants from larger properties in poor repair, where they are under-occupying and the Council has assessed their existing properties as being uneconomic to repair.

d.     Purchase of land on the open market for development of new Council homes for affordable rent.

e.     Investment in Registered Provider developments in the city, where this will provide for a lower rent for the tenants, supporting affordability outcomes.

4.       That first lettings of the void properties purchased under recommendation 3(c) above be ring-fenced for the decanting of high cost street properties.

5.       That an annual review of Right to Buy receipt expenditure, and the development of a bank of projects to ensure maximum use of one-for-one receipts, enabling the Council to respond quickly to opportunities to increase social housing in the city be approved.

Councillor Peter Bilson presented the report on a proposal to establish a capital scheme for the acquisition of additional social housing units, augmenting the Council’s newbuild programme, and taking the opportunity to commit available Right-to-Buy (RTB) receipts. The report also set out proposals for spend which would support wider housing outcomes in the city.

Resolved:

1.     That the utilisation of £2.5 million of the HRA capital programme for new build for the acquisition additional social housing using Right to Buy ‘one-for-one’ receipts be approved.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place to agree the expenditure on individual properties and purchases.

3.  That the following proposed priorities for the capital budget be approved:

a.          Buying back of former Right to Buy properties on the Heath Town estate, where leaseholders prefer to dispose of their properties rather than pay for the investment works required.

b.          Purchase of properties on the open market to be added to the Housing Revenue Account.

c.          Purchase of properties on the open market for decanting of Council tenants from larger properties in poor repair, where they are under-occupying and the Council has assessed their existing properties as being uneconomic to repair.

d.          Purchase of land on the open market for development of new Council homes for affordable rent.

e.          Investment in Registered Provider developments in the city, where this will provide for a lower rent for the tenants, supporting affordability outcomes.

4.     That first lettings of the void properties purchased under recommendation 3c above be ring-fenced for the decanting of high cost street properties.

5.     That an annual review of Right to Buy receipt expenditure, and the development of a bank of projects to ensure maximum use of one-for-one receipts, enabling the Council to respond quickly to opportunities to increase social housing in the city be approved.

[To award contracts for works, goods, and services]

1.       That the contract for the Survey of Non-Traditional Housing Stock be awarded to Michael Dyson Associates Limited of West House, Meltham Road, Honley, West Yorkshire, HD9 6LB for a duration of three years from 26 January 2018 to 25 January 2021 for a total contract value of £214,898.

2.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of contracts for the Construction of 33 Houses Across Eight Sites when the evaluation process is complete.

3.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director of Education, to approve the award of a contract for the Construction of a New Primary School at Loxdale when the evaluation process is complete.

4.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director for Education, to approve the award of a contract for the Extension of Stowlawn Primary School when the negotiation process is complete. 

5.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director for Education, to approve the award of a contract for the Extension of Springvale Primary School when the negotiation process is complete.

6.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director for Education, to approve the award of a contract for Construction Professional Services for Loxdale Primary School and Aldersley High School Projects when the evaluation process is complete.

7.       That the contract for the Highways Asset Management System be awarded to Pitney Bowes of Building 5 Trident Place, Hatfield Business Park, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9UJ for a duration of two years with a further two optional annual extensions from 1 April 2018 for a total contract value of £381,888.

8.       That contracts for Medical Referees for the Bereavement Services be awarded to:

·         Dr A Sharma of Bilston Health Centre, Prouds Lane, Bilston WV14 6PW

·         Dr D Bush of 2A Coalway Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 7LR

·         Dr M Manley of 119 Coalway Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 7NA

for a duration of four years from 1 February 2018 to 31 January 2022 for an estimated total contract value of £200,000.

9.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Governance, to approve the award of a contract for Supply of Taxi Licensing Plates when the evaluation process is complete.

10.   That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Strategic Director for People, to approve the award of a contract for a Qlikview Development Partner when the evaluation process is complete.

11.   That the award of the contract for City Learning Quarter Concept Design (RIBA Stage 2) be deferred pending further clarification.

12.   That the award of the contract for Extra Care Service at Bridge Court be deferred pending for further clarification.

13.   That the contract for Construction of Changing Rooms at  ...  view the full decision text for item 23.

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

The Panel agreed to defer making a decision on the award of the contracts for City Learning Quarter Concept Design (RIBA Stage 2) and for Extra Care Service at Bridge Court pending further clarification on the proposals.

Resolved:

1.     That the contract for the Survey of Non-Traditional Housing Stock be awarded to Michael Dyson Associates Limited of West House, Meltham Road, Honley, West Yorkshire, HD9 6LB for a duration of three years from 26 January 2018 to 25 January 2021 for a total contract value of £214,898.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of contracts for the Construction of 33 Houses Across Eight Sites when the evaluation process is complete.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director of Education, to approve the award of a contract for the Construction of a New Primary School at Loxdale when the evaluation process is complete.

4       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director for Education, to approve the award of a contract for the Extension of Stowlawn Primary School when the negotiation process is complete. 

5       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director for Education, to approve the award of a contract for the Extension of Springvale Primary School when the negotiation process is complete.

6       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director for Education, to approve the award of a contract for Construction Professional Services for Loxdale Primary School and Aldersley High School Projects when the evaluation process is complete.

7       That the contract for the Highways Asset Management System be awarded to Pitney Bowes of Building 5 Trident Place, Hatfield Business Park, Mosquito Way, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 9UJ for a duration of two years with a further two optional annual extensions from 1 April 2018 for a total contract value of £381,888.

8       That contracts for Medical Referees for the Bereavement Services be awarded to:

·         Dr A Sharma of Bilston Health Centre, Prouds Lane, Bilston WV14 6PW

·         Dr D Bush of 2A Coalway Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 7LR

·         Dr M Manley of 119 Coalway Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 7NA

          for a duration of four years from 1 February 2018 to 31 January 2022 for an estimated total contract value of £200,000.

9       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Governance, to approve the award of a contract for Supply of Taxi Licensing Plates when the evaluation process is complete.

10   That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Strategic Director for People, to approve the award of a contract for a Qlikview Development Partner when the evaluation process is  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

[To approve a delivery model for the Council’s residential children’s home]

That option two for the future of Merridale Street West Children’s Home – the delivery of a four-bed assessment home for looked after children through in-house provision be approved.

Councillor Val Gibson presented the report on two viable options for the delivery of residential care services for looked after children in Merridale Street West Children’s Home. The current contract with an external service provider to deliver residential care services was due to expire on 31 March 2018.

Resolved:

That option two for the future of Merridale Street West Children’s Home – the delivery of a four-bed assessment home for looked after children through in-house provision be approved.

[To endorse  the setting up of an East Park Gateway regeneration programme and governance arrangements]

1.      That the setting up of an East Park Gateway Regeneration Programme and its proposed governance be endorsed.

2.      That the outline business case for the building of new offices for Wolverhampton Homes on Council owned land at Qualcast Road as the first phase of the Regeneration Programme be approved.

3.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Members for City Economy and Resources in consultation with the Service Director, City Economy and the Director of Finance to approve the purchase of strategic interests in land in support of the regeneration programme, subject to identified budget and business case.

4.      That the principle of the use of compulsory purchase powers to assemble marketable sites for remediation, servicing and development in the programme area be approved.

5.      That employees be authorised to investigate the redevelopment of the Wholesale Market subject to any appropriate safeguards for current tenant traders and to report back with proposals.

6.      That employees be authorised to work up and submit applications to the Local Enterprise Partnership for external funding in support of the programme objectives

7.      That the interrelationship between the East Park Gateway Regeneration Programme and other Council investment proposals including the rationalisation of waste and depot facilities, replacement offices and facilities for Wolverhampton Homes and the improvement of Willenhall Road be noted.

8.      That it be noted that reports on detailed proposals for Council intervention to achieve the aims and objectives of the East Park Gateway Regeneration programme would be submitted to future meetings of the Panel.

Councillor John Reynolds presented for endorsement an East Park Gateway (EPG) Regeneration Programme for the phased delivery of new industrial development, housing and environmental improvements and the coordination of the significant Council investment proposals which would impact in this area.  Approval of the outline business case for the building of new offices for Wolverhampton Homes as the first phase of the regeneration programme was also sought.

Resolved:

1.     That the setting up of an East Park Gateway Regeneration Programme and its proposed governance be endorsed.

2.     That the outline business case for the building of new offices for Wolverhampton Homes on Council owned land at Qualcast Road as the first phase of the Regeneration Programme be approved.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Members for City Economy and Resources in consultation with the Service Director, City Economy and the Director of Finance to approve the purchase of strategic interests in land in support of the regeneration programme, subject to identified budget and business case.

4.     That the principle of the use of compulsory purchase powers to assemble marketable sites for remediation, servicing and development in the programme area be approved.

5.     That employees be authorised to investigate the redevelopment of the Wholesale Market subject to any appropriate safeguards for current tenant traders and to report back with proposals.

6.     That employees be authorised to work up and submit applications to the Local Enterprise Partnership for external funding in support of the programme objectives

7.     That the interrelationship between the East Park Gateway Regeneration Programme and other Council investment proposals including the rationalisation of waste and depot facilities, replacement offices and facilities for Wolverhampton Homes and the improvement of Willenhall Road be noted.

8.     That it be noted that reports on detailed proposals for Council intervention to achieve the aims and objectives of the East Park Gateway Regeneration programme would be submitted to future meetings of the Panel.

[To endorse the update on Waste and Recycling services] [report to follow]

A report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet or Cabinet (Resources) Panel.

Keith Ireland, Managing Director gave a brief verbal update and informed the meeting that a report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet or Cabinet (Resources) Panel.