No apologies for absence were received for the meeting.

Councillors Louise Miles and Linda Leach declared disclosable non pecuniary interests in items 8 and 9 on the agenda in so far as they have close family members using the adult social care services referred to in the reports.

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

Resolved:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 February 2020 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 provide a projection of the likely revenue outturn position for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Accounts, compared with the Council’s approved revenue budgets for 2019-2020]

1.     That the use of £250,000 from the Regeneration Reserveto fund various regeneration schemes as detailed at paragraph 4.4 to the report be approved.

2.     That the use of £626,000 from the Transformation Reserve to fund various transformational work as detailed at paragraph 4.5 to the report be approved.

3.     That the use of £304,000 from the Licensing Reserve to subsidise taxi fares and fees in 2019-2020 as detailed at paragraph 4.6 to the report be approved.

4.     That the use of £9,000 from the Wholesale Market Sinking Reserve to fund High Bay lighting within the wholesale market as detailed in paragraph 4.7 to the report be approved.

5.     That the use of £73,000 from the Efficiency Reserve to fund two fixed term posts to support the delivery of the volunteering strategy and Voluntary and Community Sector Action Plan over the next 12 months as detailed in paragraph 4.8 to the report be approved.

6.     That the contribution of £1.8 million into a new specific reserve which would be specially set aside to support the 2020-2021 budget strategy as detailed in the Final Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2020-2021 to 2023-2024 reported to Cabinet on 19 February 2020 as detailed in paragraph 4.9 to the report be approved.

7.     That the establishment of supplementary expenditure budgets within the 2019-2020 approved budgets as detailed in section 5.0 to the report for grant funded expenditure be approved.

8.     That 17 virements totalling £16.8 million, for transfers within directorates, as detailed in Appendix 4 to the report be approved.

9.     That the write off of five Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) debts totalling £52,288.51 as detailed in Appendix 5 to the report be approved.

10.  That the write off of one Council Tax debt totalling £5,784.14 as detailed in Appendix 6 to the report be approved.

11.  That the write off of four sundry debts totalling £55,623.02 as detailed in Appendix 7 to the report be approved.

12.  That it be noted that the overall projected outturn for the General Fund for 2019-2020 is forecast to be a break-even position. 

13.  That it be noted that the redundancy costs, including the cost of pension strain, are forecast to be in the region of £3 - £4 million for 2019-2020. It is anticipated that the cost of redundancies can be met from reserves.

14   That it be noted that a £20.6 million surplus on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is projected compared with a budgeted surplus of £21.0 million as shown at Table 19 and in detail at Appendix 3 to the report. The projected reduction to the surplus of £452,000 would reduce redemption of debt by £452,000.

15. That it be noted that the 78 sundry debt accounts totalling £83,659.40, as detailed in paragraph 8.3 to the report, have been approved for write off by the Director of Finance in accordance with the Council’s Financial Procedure Rules.

16.  That it be noted that the 431 council tax accounts totalling £241,239.66,  ...  view the full decision text for item 5.

Councillor Louise Miles presented the report on a projection of the likely revenue outturn position for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Accounts, compared with the Council’s approved revenue budgets for 2019-2020.

Resolved:

1.    That the use of £250,000 from the Regeneration Reserveto fund various regeneration schemes as detailed at paragraph 4.4 to the report be approved.

2.    That the use of £626,000 from the Transformation Reserve to fund various transformational work as detailed at paragraph 4.5 to the report be approved.

3.    That the use of £304,000 from the Licensing Reserve to subsidise taxi fares and fees in 2019-2020 as detailed at paragraph 4.6 to the report be approved.

4.    That the use of £9,000 from the Wholesale Market Sinking Reserve to fund High Bay lighting within the wholesale market as detailed in paragraph 4.7 to the report be approved.

5.    That the use of £73,000 from the Efficiency Reserve to fund two fixed term posts to support the delivery of the volunteering strategy and Voluntary and Community Sector Action Plan over the next 12 months as detailed in paragraph 4.8 to the report be approved.

6.    That the contribution of £1.8 million into a new specific reserve which would be specially set aside to support the 2020-2021 budget strategy as detailed in the Final Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy 2020-2021 to 2023-2024 reported to Cabinet on 19 February 2020 as detailed in paragraph 4.9 to the report be approved.

7.    That the establishment of supplementary expenditure budgets within the 2019-2020 approved budgets as detailed in section 5.0 to the report for grant funded expenditure be approved.

8.    That 17 virements totalling £16.8 million, for transfers within directorates, as detailed in Appendix 4 to the report be approved.

9.    That the write off of five Non-Domestic Rates (NDR) debts totalling £52,288.51 as detailed in Appendix 5 to the report be approved.

10.That the write off of one Council Tax debt totalling £5,784.14 as detailed in Appendix 6 to the report be approved.

11.That the write off of four sundry debts totalling £55,623.02 as detailed in Appendix 7 to the report be approved.

12. That it be noted that the overall projected outturn for the General Fund for 2019-2020 is forecast to be a break-even position. 

13.That it be noted that the redundancy costs, including the cost of pension strain, are forecast to be in the region of £3 - £4 million for 2019-2020. It is anticipated that the cost of redundancies can be met from reserves.

14.That it be noted that a £20.6 million surplus on the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) is projected compared with a budgeted surplus of £21.0 million as shown at Table 19 and in detail at Appendix 3 to the report. The projected reduction to the surplus of £452,000 would reduce redemption of debt by £452,000.

15.That it be noted that the 78 sundry debt accounts totalling £83,659.40, as detailed in paragraph 8.3 to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

[To report on treasury management activity for the third quarter of 2019-2020 and to highlight the revised Prudential Indicators which are subject to approval by Council on 4 March 2020]

1.     That it be noted that the Council is continuing to operate within the Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators approved by Council, and also within the requirements set out in the Council’s approved Treasury Management Strategy for 2019-2020.

2.     That it be noted that revenue underspends of £481,000 for the General Revenue Account and £243,000 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) are forecast from treasury management activities in 2019-2020.

3.     That it be noted that the Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators included in this report are the same figures as those seen by Cabinet on 19 February 2020 and will be submitted for approval by Council on 4 March 2020.

Councillor Louise Miles presented a monitoring and progress report on treasury management activity for the third quarter of 2019-2020 and highlights of the revised Prudential Indicators which would be subject to approval by Council on 4 March 2020.

Resolved:

1.    That it be noted that the Council is continuing to operate within the Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators approved by Council, and also within the requirements set out in the Council’s approved Treasury Management Strategy for 2019-2020.

2.    That it be noted that revenue underspends of £481,000 for the General Revenue Account and £243,000 for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) are forecast from treasury management activities in 2019-2020.

3.    That it be noted that the Prudential and Treasury Management Indicators included in the report are the same figures as those seen by Cabinet on 19 February 2020 and would be submitted for approval by Council on 4 March 2020.

[To review the human resources policy to regularise the position regarding the application of market forces supplements]

That the revised Market Forces Supplement Policy be approved.

Councillor Louise Miles presented for approval a revised markets forces supplement policy. Following a review of the current policy and existing arrangements, a number of amendments had been consulted on with the Joint Consultative Panel and recognised trade union.  It was proposed to increase the duration of market forces supplements from 12 months to a maximum of three years.  All market force supplements would remain subject to Pay Strategy Board approval to ensure that the duration of supplements could be objectively justified. 

Resolved:

That the revised Market Forces Supplement Policy be approved.

[To amend the 'individual assessment' contributions scheme implemented in April 2018 with particular regard to the transitional protection element due to end on 31 March 2020]

1.     That a further period of transitional protection of up to three years as set out in Option three, which seeks to achieve the right balance by limiting the increases to peoples’ contributions to adult social care services (where they were in receipt of services prior to April 2018) whilst ensuring that we work towards the individual financial assessment amount be approved.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adult Services in consultation with the Director of Adult Services at the end of the further transitional protection period in March 2023.

Councillor Linda Leach presented the report on proposals for a revised extended transitional protection scheme for charges for non-residential adult social care services, to limit the increases to peoples’ contributions where they were in receipt of services prior to April 2018, whilst ensuring that the Council work towards the individual financial assessment amount. 

Resolved:

1.    That a further period of transitional protection of up to three years as set out in Option three, which seeks to achieve the right balance by limiting the increases to peoples’ contributions to adult social care services (where they were in receipt of services prior to April 2018) whilst ensuring that we work towards the individual financial assessment amount be approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adult Services in consultation with the Director of Adult Services at the end of the further transitional protection period in March 2023.

[To approve a proposed increase for the care and support service areas and Direct Payment cost rate]

1.     That the proposed increase in fee levels for 2020-2021 as recommended in the report to meet the additional costs (employee and employer) resulting from the increases to the National Living Wage (NLW) and where applicable increases to sustain the care market be approved.

*except where the provider has tendered below the current rate, in this case it will be uplifted proportionately.

2.    That any increase in fees are in effect from start of financial year 6 April 2020 to reflect when the increase to NLW comes into effect.

3.     That it be noted that engagement has been undertaken with current care and support providers as part of the fee review to listen to feedback, however due to current financial restraints the recommendations are not solely based on provider requests.

4.     That it be noted that the Adults Commissioning continuously works  ...  view the full decision text for item 9.

Councillor Linda Leach presented the report on the annual review of fees for care and support service areas.

Resolved:

1.    That the proposed increase in fee levels for 2020-2021 as recommended in the report to meet the additional costs (employee and employer) resulting from the increases to the National Living Wage (NLW) and where applicable increases to sustain the care market be approved.

2.    That any increase in fees are in effect from the start of financial year 6 April 2020 to reflect when the increase to NLW comes into effect.

3.    That it be noted that engagement has been undertaken with current care and support providers as part of the fee review to listen to feedback, however due to current financial restraints the recommendations are not solely based on provider requests.

4.    That it be noted that Adult Commissioning continuously works with providers in developing the social care market to ensure a shared approach between the Council and social care providers to meet residents needs.

[To consider the outcomes of the consultation]

1.     That Option 5 (expressed as Option B in the consultation documents) be endorsed as the preferred scheme for further development following the public consultation.

2.     That further detailed development of Option 5 and the submission of bids for development funding and potential scheme delivery funding be approved.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment in consultation with the Director of Finance to approve capital budgets to enable further development activity for the major scheme preferred Option 5.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Director City Environment to undertake initial discussions with potentially affected property owners to agree Heads of Terms for acquisition, should the project subsequently be approved for implementation.

5.     That it be noted that further reports would be brought forward as appropriate to update on progress of funding applications.

Councillor Steve Evans presented the report on the outcome of consultations on a potential third phase of works to improve the transport network conditions for all users along the corridor known at City East Gateway – A454 Willenhall Road, focusing on the Neachells Lane Junction.

Two thirds of the total responses to the consultations supported Option 5 that would involve the construction of a gyratory system which removes many of the traffic conflicts from the existing junction thereby significantly improving the efficiency of getting traffic through the junction.

Resolved:

1.    That Option 5 (expressed as Option B in the consultation documents) be endorsed as the preferred scheme for further development following the public consultation.

2.    That further detailed development of Option 5 and the submission of bids for development funding and potential scheme delivery funding be approved.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment in consultation with the Director of Finance to approve capital budgets to enable further development activity for the major scheme preferred Option 5.

4.    That authority be delegated to the Director City Environment to undertake initial discussions with potentially affected property owners to agree Heads of Terms for acquisition, should the project subsequently be approved for implementation.

5.    That it be noted that further reports would be brought forward as appropriate to update on progress of funding applications.

[To note the summary of open and exempt executive decisions approved by cabinet members in consultation with 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 following items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

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 relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

[To declare assets surplus to the Council’s requirements and to agree the disposal strategy for each asset]

1.     That he following assets be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements:

·           Bond House

·           Former Caretakers House – 93 Prestwood Road

·           Former Caretakers House – 1 Warstones Road

2.     That disposal of the assets listed above via the open market disposal methods of either auction or informal tender upon terms and conditions to be agreed be approved.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive to approve the terms of such disposals to through an Individual Executive Decision Notice.

Councillor Louise Miles presented for approval the report on proposals to declare three assets (properties) surplus to the Council’s requirements following rationalisation of the Council’s service needs. Approval was also sought to the disposal strategy for each asset to generate capital receipts and revenue efficiencies.

Resolved:

1.    That the following assets be declared surplus to the Council’s requirements:

·            Bond House

·            Former Caretakers House – 93 Prestwood Road

·            Former Caretakers House – 1 Warstones Road

2.    That disposal of the assets listed above via the open market disposal methods of either auction or informal tender upon terms and conditions to be agreed be approved.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive to approve the terms of such disposals to through an Individual Executive Decision Notice.

[To approve the award of contracts]

1.     That the direct award of a contract to J Harpers (Leominster) Limited for delivery of the Former Patchbox Public House site from 6 April 2020 to 15 January 2021 with a contract value of £649,000 be approved.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive, to approve the award of a contract for Scanning of Archive Documents when the evaluation process is complete.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Director of City Environment, to approve the award of a contract for Acceptable Waste Strategy, the take up of the spare incinerator capacity, when the evaluation process is complete.

4.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Director of City Environment, to approve the award of a contracts for Supply and Delivery of Refuse Containers when the evaluation process is complete.

5.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Environment, in consultation with the Director of City Environment, to approve the award of a contract for Specialist Vehicle Cleaning when the evaluation process is complete.

6.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adults, in consultation with the Director of Adult Services, to approve the award of the contracts for Direct Payments Support Services when the evaluation process is complete.

7.     That the exemptions to the Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and Director of Finance from 1 to 30 January 2020 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be noted.

Councillor Louise Miles presented for approval the report on the award of contracts for works, goods or services.

Resolved:

1.      That the direct award of a contract to J Harpers (Leominster) Limited for delivery of the Former Patchbox Public House site from 6 April 2020 to 15 January 2021 with a contract value of £649,000 be approved.

2.      That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Deputy Chief Executive, to approve the award of a contract for Scanning of Archive Documents when the evaluation process is complete.

3.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Director of City Environment, to approve the award of a contract for Acceptable Waste Strategy, the take up of the spare incinerator capacity, when the evaluation process is complete.

4.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment, in consultation with the Director of City Environment, to approve the award of a contracts for Supply and Delivery of Refuse Containers when the evaluation process is complete.

5.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Environment, in consultation with the Director of City Environment, to approve the award of a contract for Specialist Vehicle Cleaning when the evaluation process is complete.

6.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adults, in consultation with the Director of Adult Services, to approve the award of the contracts for Direct Payments Support Services when the evaluation process is complete.

7.      That the exemptions to the Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and Director of Finance from 1 to 30 January 2020 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be noted.