Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Steve Evans and Milkinderpal Jaspal.

Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE declared a percuniary interest in item 5 (Business Rates – Discretionary Rate Relief) in so far as she is a potential recipient of business rate relief.

Keith Ireland, Managing Director declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 9 (Procurement - Award of Contracts for Works, Goods and Services) relating to Aldersley High School in so far as he is a governor on Amethyst Academies Trust.  

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

Resolved:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 16 January 2018 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 approve an extension to the Council’s local scheme for business rate discretionary relief with effect from 1 April 2018]

1.       That an extension to the local business rates discretionary relief policy be approved:

i.         in respect of revaluation support for 2018-2019

ii     in respect of charitable and voluntary organisations for 2018-2019.

2.       That a corresponding increase in awards under the revaluation support scheme be approved should the Government change its position and allow any underspend in 2017-2018 to be carried forward into 2018-2019.

3.       That it would be noted that the revaluation support scheme would need to be reviewed and revised each year in line with the funding available.

Having declared a pecuniary interest in this item, Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE left the meeting room whilst the report was considered.

Councillor Andrew Johnson presented the report on a proposal to extend the Council’s local scheme for business rate discretionary relief in respect of revaluation support and charitable and voluntary organisations with effect from 1 April 2018.  The extension of the scheme for revaluation support was in line with the Government’s aim of assisting businesses hardest hit by the revaluation and was aligned with the principles of other schemes across the region. The extension of the scheme for charitable and voluntary organisations continued to support a range of organisations providing support to vulnerable groups allowing the Council to foster good relations and enhance equal opportunities.

Resolved:

1.    That an extension to the local business rates discretionary relief policy be approved:

                    i.       in respect of revaluation support for 2018-2019.

ii.       in respect of charitable and voluntary organisations for 2018-2019.

2.    That a corresponding increase in awards under the revaluation support scheme be approved should the Government change its position and allow any underspend in 2017-2018 to be carried forward into 2018-2019.

3.    That it be noted that the revaluation support scheme would need to be reviewed and revised each year in line with the funding available.

[To delegate authority to approve decisions relating to the future investment of the Special Provision Capital Fund]

1.       Endorsed the acceptance of a grant of £1,158,571 over three years from the Department of Education in relation to the Special Provision Capital Fund.

2.       Endorsed the development of the planned investment of the Special Provision Capital Fund, in line with the guiding principles set out in the report.

3.       Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director of Education, for decisions relating to the future investment of the Special Provision Capital Fund.

Councillor Claire Darke presented the report on the capital fund from Central Government to help local authorities create new school places and improve existing facilities for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).  The report also outlines principles intended to guide the future investment of the capital resource.  Approval was requested to delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director of Education, to make decisions relating to the future investment of the Fund. This would maximise the opportunity for investment in provision for children and young people with SEND and support the realisation of the aims identified within Wolverhampton’s Joint Strategy for Children and Young People with SEND 2015-2020.

Resolved:

1.    That the acceptance of a grant of £1,158,571 over three years from the Department of Education in relation to the Special Provision Capital Fund be endorsed.

2.    That the development of the planned investment of the Special Provision Capital Fund, in line with the guiding principles set out in the report be endorsed.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director of Education, for decisions relating to the future investment of the Special Provision Capital Fund.

[To note the summary of open and exempt individual executive decisions approved by the appropriate Cabinet Members 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 award contracts for works, goods and services]

1.       Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of a contract for the Demolition of Northicote School and Bushbury Community Centre when the evaluation process is complete.

2.       Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director of Education, to approve the award of a contract for Internal Alterations at Aldersley High School when the evaluation process is complete.

3.       Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Education, in consultation with the Director of Education, to approve the award of a contract for the Conversion of Swimming Pool Building at Aldersley High School when the evaluation process is complete.

4.       Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of a contract for the Renovation of Rakegate Renton Road Play Area when the evaluation process is complete.

5.       Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of a contract for the Provision of Themed and Outdoor Markets when the evaluation process is complete.

6.       Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of a contract for Building Improvements at WV Active - Aldersley when the evaluation process is complete.

7.       Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Strategic Director for People, to approve the award of a contract for the Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Audio Visual Equipment when the evaluation process is complete.

8.       Authorised the Director of Governance to execute contracts in respect of the above as required.

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

Resolved:

1.    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 a contract for the Demolition of Northicote School and Bushbury Community Centre when the evaluation process is complete.

2.    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 Internal Alterations at Aldersley High School 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 Conversion of Swimming Pool Building at Aldersley High School when the evaluation process is complete.

4.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of a contract for the Renovation of Rakegate Renton Road Play Area when the evaluation process is complete.

5.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of a contract for the Provision of Themed and Outdoor Markets when the evaluation process is complete.

6.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Strategic Director for Place, to approve the award of a contract for Building Improvements at WV Active - Aldersley when the evaluation process is complete.

7.    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 the Supply, Installation and Maintenance of Audio Visual Equipment when the evaluation process is complete.

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

[To approve the transfer of the extra care service contracts]

Agreed to increase the rate paid for additional care hours and to fund waking nights staffing at Broadway Gardens, Bushfield Court and James Beattie House at an additional cost of £87,000, taking the revised annual contract value to around £980,000. 

Further to the decision at the previous meeting on 16 January 2018 (Minute No 23 refers), Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE presented the report that clarified the cost implications of novating three extra care service contracts from the Extracare Charitable Trust (Extracare) to Midland Heart.  The proposal to novate the contracts would enable the tenants of Broadway Gardens, Bushfield Court and James Beattie House to continue to receive extra care services that meet their needs and to experience a seamless transfer to the new service provider.

Resolved:

That the rate paid for additional care hours and to fund waking nights staffing at Broadway Gardens, Bushfield Court and James Beattie House at be agreed an additional cost of £87,000, taking the revised annual contract value to around £980,000. 

[To approve an extension to the contract]

1.       That the Council’s contract with Methodist Homes Association for the provision of extra care housing be extended for five years until 31 March 2023.

2.       Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Adults, in consultation with the Director of Adults Services to approve to vary the contract with Methodist Homes Association to include a requirement for Methodist Homes Association to provide (subject to this being provided within the current contract value of £267,000 per annum), re-ablement and/or enhanced care to prevent delayed transfers of care from hospital for the people who live at Bridge Court.

Further to the decision at the previous meeting on 16 January 2018 (Minute No 23 refers), Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE presented the report that clarified the proposal to extend the extra care contract held by Methodist Homes Association to be co-terminus with the Council’s other extra care contracts.  It was also proposed to introduce a contractual requirement for Methodist Homes Association to provide re-ablement and/or enhanced care to prevent delayed transfers of care from hospital for the people who live at Bridge Court.

Resolved:

1.    That the Council’s contract with Methodist Homes Association for the provision of extra care housing be extended for five years until 31 March 2023.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adults, in consultation with the Director of Adults Services to approve to vary the contract with Methodist Homes Association to include a requirement for Methodist Homes Association to provide (subject to this being provided within the current contract value of £267,000 per annum), re-ablement and/or enhanced care to prevent delayed transfers of care from hospital for the people who live at Bridge Court.

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

The item was deferred to a future meeting.

The item was withdrawn.