Agenda, decisions and minutes

No apologies for absence were received for the meeting.

Mark Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive had submitted a note declaring an interest in items 7 and 12 (City Learning Quarter Delivery) due to being the Chair of Governors at City of Wolverhampton College.  He also declared an interest in item 10 (Procurement Award of Contracts for Works, Goods and Services) due to being a Director of WV Living.

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

Resolved:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 8 December 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

[To approve the award of contracts for works, goods and services]

1.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer to approve the award of a contract for Occupational Health Services when the evaluation process is complete.

2.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, in consultation with the Director of City Housing and Environment, to approve the award of a contract for the supply of nine light commercial electric vehicles when the evaluation process is complete.

3.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, in consultation with the Director of City Housing and Environment, to approve the award of a contract for the Supply of two Wheeled Material Handlers when the evaluation process is complete.

4.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, in consultation with the Director of City Housing and Environment, to approve the award of a contract for Wednesfield Phase 2 when the evaluation process is complete.

5.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Director of City Housing and Environment, to approve the award of a contract for Reedham Gardens when the evaluation process is complete.

Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report which sought approval to delegate authority to Cabinet Members to approve the award of contracts once the evaluation process for each contract was completed.

Resolved:

1.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer to approve the award of a contract for Occupational Health Services when the evaluation process is complete.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, in consultation with the Director of City Housing and Environment, to approve the award of a contract for the supply of nine light commercial electric vehicles when the evaluation process is complete.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, in consultation with the Director of City Housing and Environment, to approve the award of a contract for the Supply of two Wheeled Material Handlers when the evaluation process is complete.

4.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Environment and Climate Change, in consultation with the Director of City Housing and Environment, to approve the award of a contract for Wednesfield Phase 2 when the evaluation process is complete.

5.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Director of City Housing and Environment, to approve the award of a contract for Reedham Gardens when the evaluation process is complete.

[To approve funding for the Power2 team]

1.      That the positive evaluation and impact of the Power2 team be endorsed and, based on the positive outcomes achieved to date, the establishment of the team on a permanent basis be approved.

2.      That the use of £300,000 from the Public Health reserve towards the cost of the Power 2 team in 2022-2023 be approved.

3.      That the re-tendering of a three year contract, with an option to extend by 1 year, for the third sector Keyworkers in Power2, at a value of £969,600 be approved.

4.      That the Council work with key partners over the next 12 months to establish a longer term multi-agency funding model for the team, with a view to identifying the ongoing core council budget required to support Power2 longer term.

5.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People in consultation with the Executive Director of Families to alter the amount in relation to the Council's contribution if appropriate, upon receipt of confirmation of the Clinical Commissioning Group’s increased contribution.

Councillor Stephen Simkins moved the recommendations contained in the report, Future Funding for the Power2 Team.

Councillor Beverley Momenabadi reported that the proposal sought approval to funding for the Power2 Team beyond March 2022.  Power2 was a multi-disciplinary, multi-agency partnership between Children Social Care, Adult Social Care, Wolverhampton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Public Health and the Voluntary Sector. It supported vulnerable young people aged 11 to 25 at risk of exploitation and family breakdown. Councillor Momenabadi also informed Cabinet of an update to the financial implications section of the report.  The CCG had decided on 18 January 2022 to increase their non-recurring contribution towards the team to £100,000.  In the light of this announcement, David Pattison, Chief Operating Officer advised that the recommendations contained in the report be amended to include delegated authority to the Cabinet Member to alter the amount in relation to the Council's contribution if appropriate, upon receipt of confirmation of the CCGs increased contribution.

Resolved:

1.    That the positive evaluation and impact of the Power2 team be endorsed and, based on the positive outcomes achieved to date, the establishment of the team on a permanent basis be approved.

2.    That the use of £300,000 from the Public Health reserve towards the cost of the Power 2 team in 2022-2023 be approved.

3.    That the re-tendering of a three year contract, with an option to extend by 1 year, for the third sector Keyworkers in Power2, at a value of £969,600 be approved.

4.    That the Council work with key partners over the next 12 months to establish a longer term multi-agency funding model for the team, with a view to identifying the ongoing core council budget required to support Power2 longer term.

5.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People in consultation with the Executive Director of Families to alter the amount in relation to the Council's contribution if appropriate, upon receipt of confirmation of the Clinical Commissioning Group’s increased contribution.

[To seek necessary approvals relating to a bid to the Cultural Development Fund]

That the Council act as Lead Authority for the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) bid to deliver key priorities.

Councillor Ian Brookfield presented the report seeking approval for the Council to act as Lead Authority for the Cultural Development Fund (CDF) bid to deliver the Council’s key priorities. A £4.6 million bid had been submitted to the CDF for ACTivate Wolves which aimed to contribute to the Council’s  vision to revitalise the City's economy building on its cultural strengths by increasing visitor numbers, generating footfall and local spend and growing the cultural economy.

Resolved:

That the Council act as Lead Authority for the Cultural Development Fund bid to deliver key priorities.

[To provide an update on the funding status and strategy for the City Learning Quarter and seek approval to take the required steps to allow commencement of procurement and delivery works for Phase 2][Report to follow]

That Council be recommended to approve:

1.      That if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants are received.

2.      That as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £x of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates are subject to tender prices.  Further approve the delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel approves:

1.      That the procurement of the construction contract is progressed in line with the procurement strategy outlined in the report, but that a contract is only awarded when all funding is secured.

2.      The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to award contracts for the delivery of Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter to the successful tenderers following the procurement processes outlined in the report.

3.      The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance to enter into any necessary agreements, contracts or arrangements for the delivery of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter Scheme.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel notes:

1.      That the Council intends to transfer the freehold of the College building land on completion of the works, and notes that this would be the subject of a further report.

Mark Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive left the meeting whilst Cabinet (Resources) Panel considered this item. 

Councillor Stephen Simkins presented the update report on the overall financial status of the City Learning Quarter (CLQ) project following the conclusion of various funding applications that were submitted during 2021.  CLQ is a two phased programme to bring together and combine the City's key learning services, (College, Library and Adult Education) in two centrally accessible locations. The report sought approvals to enable the project to proceed whilst final confirmation of funding was secured, and considered the procurement options available.

Resolved:

That Council be recommended to approve:

1.      That if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants are received.

2.      That as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £x of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates are subject to tender prices.  Further approve the delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel approves:

1.      That the procurement of the construction contract is progressed in line with the procurement strategy outlined in the report, but that a contract is only awarded when all funding is secured.

2.      The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to award contracts for the delivery of Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter to the successful tenderers following the procurement processes outlined in the report.

3.      The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance to enter into any necessary agreements, contracts or arrangements for the delivery of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter Scheme.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel notes:

1.      That the Council intends to transfer the freehold of the College building land on completion of the works, and notes that this would be the subject of a further report.

[To outline the proposal to transfer the Black Country Central Child Death Overview Team function to the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group]

1.      That the transfer of the Black Country Central Child Death Overview Team function, currently hosted by City of Wolverhampton Council to the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (BCWBCCG) be approved.

2.      That it be noted that the Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) is a statutory function of all local authorities and health bodies in the Black Country.  The central team provides strategic support to these bodies in the reporting, review and analysis of childhood deaths that occur within the Black Country.  This strategic role is carried out on behalf of the four Black Country local authorities and BCWBCCG and ensure compliance with statutory guidance.

3.      That it be noted that following the transfer City of Wolverhampton Council would begin making regular payments to BCWBCCG on receipt of invoices for the CDOP function covering Wolverhampton.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal presented the report on a proposal to transfer the Black Country Central Child Death Overview Team function from the Council to the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (BCWBCCG). In 2019 the Council had agreed to host the function on a temporary basis whilst the four Black Country CCGs merged into a single organisation, BCWBCCG. With the merger now complete, it was appropriate to transfer the function to the new body.   

Resolved:

1.    That the transfer of the Black Country Central Child Death Overview Team function, currently hosted by City of Wolverhampton Council to the Black Country and West Birmingham Clinical Commissioning Group (BCWBCCG) be approved.

2.    That it be noted that the Child Death Overview Panel (CDOP) is a statutory function of all local authorities and health bodies in the Black Country.  The central team provides strategic support to these bodies in the reporting, review and analysis of childhood deaths that occur within the Black Country.  This strategic role is carried out on behalf of the four Black Country local authorities and BCWBCCG and ensure compliance with statutory guidance.

3.    That it be noted that following the transfer City of Wolverhampton Council would begin making regular payments to BCWBCCG on receipt of invoices for the CDOP function covering Wolverhampton.

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

The Chair reported that as stated previously the meeting was in confidential session as the information included in the reports could, if released into the public domain, prejudice the financial position of the Council or its partners.  As such all present are under a legal duty of confidentiality and must not disclose any confidential information - to do so would not only be a breach of the Council's codes (for councillors and employees) but also a breach of the legal duty of confidentiality.

[To approve the award of contracts for works, goods and services]

1.      That the contract for Highways Asset Management System be awarded to Confirm Solutions Limited of Central House Unit C Compass Centre North, Chatham ME4 4YG for a duration of four years from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2026 for a total contract value of £474,000.

2.   That the contract for Supply of Ride on Lawnmowers Grounds Maintenance Equipment be awarded to Reesink Turfcare UK Ltd of 1 - 3 Station Road, St Neots PE19 1QF for a total contract value of £399,000.

3.   That the contract for Voluntary and Community Services be extended with:

·        Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council for Lot 1, Infrastructure Support for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £50,000.

·        Job Change 2007 for Lot 2, Job Brokerage for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £50,000.

·        Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council for Lot 3, Structured and Supported Volunteering for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £30,000.

·        Access to Business for Lot 4, Self Employment Support for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £34,500.

·        Job Change 2007 for Lot 5, Information Advice and Guidance for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £25,000.

·        Citizens Advice Bureau for Lot 6, Welfare, Debt, Benefits and Housing Advice for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £132,500.

·        Good Shepherd Ministry for Lot 7, Reducing Homelessness for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £26,500.

4.   That the exemptions to the Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and Director of Finance from 1 to 30 November 2021 be noted.

Councillor Ian Brookfield presented for approval the report on the award of contracts for works, goods and services.  The report also included for noting, exemptions to Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and Director Finance between 1 to 30 November 2021.

Resolved:

1.    That the contract for Highways Asset Management System be awarded to Confirm Solutions Limited of Central House Unit C Compass Centre North, Chatham ME4 4YG for a duration of four years from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2026 for a total contract value of £474,000.

2.    That the contract for Supply of Ride on Lawnmowers Grounds Maintenance Equipment be awarded to Reesink Turfcare UK Ltd of 1 - 3 Station Road, St Neots PE19 1QF for a total contract value of £399,000.

3.    That the contract for Voluntary and Community Services be extended with:

·        Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council for Lot 1, Infrastructure Support for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £50,000.

·        Job Change 2007 for Lot 2, Job Brokerage for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £50,000.

·        Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council for Lot 3, Structured and Supported Volunteering for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £30,000.

·        Access to Business for Lot 4, Self Employment Support for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £34,500.

·        Job Change 2007 for Lot 5, Information Advice and Guidance for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £25,000.

·        Citizens Advice Bureau for Lot 6, Welfare, Debt, Benefits and Housing Advice for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £132,500.

·        Good Shepherd Ministry for Lot 7, Reducing Homelessness for a duration of six months from 1 April 2022 to 30 September 2022 with an extension value of £26,500.

4.    That the exemptions to the Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and Director of Finance from 1 to 30 November 2021 be noted.

[To authorise the commissioning of Adult Social Care Services in light of winter pressures and the Covid-19 situation] 

That the Council be authorised to enter into contracts with the suppliers listed in Section 3.12 of the report without going through a detailed procurement process in light of the winter pressures and Covid-19 situation. 

The intention to make a key decision on the report ‘Winter Pressures and Covid-19 Plan for Adult Social Care’ at the meeting was not published in advance as required by the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.  The decision was urgent and could not be reasonably delayed for the following reason:

·       Due to the onset of the Omicron variant and the additional winter pressures, this has caused there to be a requirement for a number of exemptions to be put in place to ensure discharges from hospitals and that other requirements can be accommodated in a timely manner.

In light of the above, consent had been obtained for the key decision to be made at the meeting under the General Exception provisions.

Councillor Stephen Simkins asked Cabinet to approve the recommendations contained in the report, Winter Pressures and Covid-19 Plan for Adult Social Care.

Councillor Linda Leach reported that due to significant national Covid-19 pressures and subsequent impact, the Winter Pressures and Covid-19 Plan Adult Social Care for managing the period December 2021 to March 2022 required additional contracts outside of the framework contracts already in place to maintain the Council’s statutory duties set out in the Care Act 2014.  Approval was therefore requested to enable Adult Services to commission services to source emergency packages of care due to the unprecedented demand and circumstances caused by Covid-19.

Resolved:

That the Council be authorised to enter into contracts with the suppliers listed in Section 3.12 of the report without going through a detailed procurement process in light of the winter pressures and Covid-19 situation. 

[To provide an update on the funding status and strategy for the City Learning Quarter and seek approval to take the required steps to allow commencement of procurement and delivery works for Phase 2][Report to follow]

That Council be recommended to approve:

1.    That if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants are received.

2.    That as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £5 million of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates are subject to tender prices.  Further approve the delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel approves:

1.    That the procurement of the construction contract is progressed in line with the procurement strategy outlined in the report, but that a contract is only awarded when all funding is secured.

2.    The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to award contracts for the delivery of Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter to the successful tenderers following the procurement processes outlined in this report.

3.    The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance to enter into any necessary agreements, contracts or arrangements for the delivery of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter Scheme.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel notes:

1.    That the Council intends to transfer the freehold of the College building land on completion of the works, and notes that this will be the subject of a further report.

Mark Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive left the meeting whilst Cabinet (Resources) Panel considered this report.   

Councillor Stephen Simkins presented for approval the exempt version of the report, City Learning Quarter Delivery. 

Resolved:

That Council be recommended to approve:

1.    That if the Council receives confirmation of the remaining funding from Government, temporary borrowing would be provided in order to cash flow the project until grants are received.

2.    That as a funder of last resort, the Council provide up to £5 million of budget, funded by borrowing, to provide additional contingency for the project. This recognises the cost increases being seen in the construction sector and that the current project estimates are subject to tender prices.  Further approve the delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to build in the supplementary budget up to the approved amount at such a time as required.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel approves:

1.    That the procurement of the construction contract is progressed in line with the procurement strategy outlined in the report, but that a contract is only awarded when all funding is secured.

2.    The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to award contracts for the delivery of Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter to the successful tenderers following the procurement processes outlined in this report.

3.    The delegation of authority to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and Director of Finance to enter into any necessary agreements, contracts or arrangements for the delivery of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the City Learning Quarter Scheme.

That Cabinet (Resources) Panel notes:

1.    That the Council intends to transfer the freehold of the College building land on completion of the works, and notes that this will be the subject of a further report.