Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Obaida Ahmed.

No declarations of interests were made.

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

Resolved:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 February 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

[To approve the Treasury Management Activity Monitoring Quarter Three 2023-2024 report]

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 2023-2024.

2.      That it be noted that revenue underspends of £1.6 million for the General Fund and £1.6 million for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) are forecast from treasury management activities in 2023-2024.

Councillor Louise Miles presented the monitoring and progress report on treasury management activity for the third quarter of 2023-2024 and on the revised Prudential Indicators which were approved by the Council on 28 February 2024. She reported that the Council continued to operate within the approved prudential and treasury management indicators and also within the requirements set out in the Council's approved Treasury Management Strategy 2023-2024. Cabinet was asked to note that revenue underspends of £1.6 million for the General Fund and £1.6 million for the Housing Revenue Account are forecast from treasury management activities in 2023-2024.  This was due to a reduced borrowing need in year arising as a result of the re-phasing of the capital programme and better interest rates achieved on the investment of surplus cash balances than budgeted.

Councillor Stephen Simkins reported that with this good financial stewardship the Council had achieved so much in the last 12 months.  He paid tribute to everybody involved in the delivery of major capital projects that can be seen across the city and to those delivering services and support to the city’s residents. He also paid tribute to Councillor Steve Evans, Chair of the Cabinet (Resources) Panel and Councillor Louise Miles, Cabinet Member for Resources.

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 2023-2024.

2.    That it be noted that revenue underspends of £1.6 million for the General Fund and £1.6 million for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) are forecast from treasury management activities in 2023-2024.

[To receive an update on progress of the City Investment Prospectus priority projects and the revenue budgets required for 2024-2025 for the continued delivery of the projects]

1.      That in order to continue to deliver Wolverhampton’s ambitious and transformational regeneration agenda:

i.        The continuation of progressing the City Centre West development scheme, £382,000 budget, funded from the Sustainable Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) reserve for the project to March 2025 be approved.

ii.       The continuation of progressing the St Georges development scheme, subject to a satisfactory business case, £821,000 budget, funded from the Sustainable MTFS reserve for the project to March 2025 be approved.

iii.     The continuation of progressing the Green Innovation Corridor programme, £250,000 budget, grant funding from the Government’s Investment Zone Delivery Capacity Funding to support the progression of the project to March 2025 be approved.

iv.     The continuation of progressing the Bilston Town Centre Long Term Plan project, £250,000 budget, grant funding from the Government’s Bilston Capacity Funding to support the progression of the project to March 2025 be approved.

v.      The delivery of the Wolverhampton: Our Future City Plan, £381,000 budget, funded from the Regeneration Reserve be approved.

vi.     Authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of City Development to approve the direct award of contract for £714,000 to Arcadis for support for the City Development Programme when the evaluation process is complete.

2.      That it be noted that the Council would seek to secureadditional grant funding during 2024-2025 to mitigate the use of reserves to support the ongoing delivery of these transformational projects for Wolverhampton. These would be progressed through an Individual Executive Decision Notice (IEDN) supplementary budget approvals in line with financial procedure rules, as appropriate.

3.      That it be noted that the Council would seek to utilise earmarked Enterprise Zone funding in 2025-2026 (circa £5 million for priority projects) to fully offset any use of the Sustainable Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) reserve in 2024-2025. In doing so, replenishing reserves utilised in 2024-2025 as first call from the circa £5 million revenue income from the Enterprise Zone in 2025-2026.

Councillor Stephen Simkins presented the report on progress of the City Investment Prospectus priority regeneration projects and the revenue budget required for 2024-2025 for their continued delivery, together with the Bilston Long Term Plan for Towns and the Wolverhampton: Our Future City Plan. He reported that the Council had a growing and ambitious regeneration programme with the delivery of a large number of existing and pipelines projects. It had been successfully delivering the City Centre West, St Georges and Green Innovation Corridor (GIC) projects identified in the Wolverhampton Investment Prospectus first phase delivery plan. To deliver these schemes there was a need for short term capacity to support the Council’s city development team. It was proposed to appoint Arcadis via a direct award to provide ongoing support to city development and maintain delivery of projects at pace.

Resolved:

1.    That in order to continue to deliver Wolverhampton’s ambitious and transformational regeneration agenda:

i.    The continuation of progressing the City Centre West development scheme, £382,000 budget, funded from the Sustainable Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) reserve for the project to March 2025 be approved.

ii.       The continuation of progressing the St Georges development scheme, subject to a satisfactory business case, £821,000 budget, funded from the Sustainable MTFS reserve for the project to March 2025 be approved.

iii.     The continuation of progressing the Green Innovation Corridor programme, £250,000 budget, grant funding from the Government’s Investment Zone Delivery Capacity Funding to support the progression of the project to March 2025 be approved.

iv.     The continuation of progressing the Bilston Town Centre Long Term Plan project, £250,000 budget, grant funding from the Government’s Bilston Capacity Funding to support the progression of the project to March 2025 be approved.

v.      The delivery of the Wolverhampton: Our Future City Plan, £381,000 budget, funded from the Regeneration Reserve be approved.

vi.     Authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources in consultation with the Director of City Development to approve the direct award of contract for £714,000 to Arcadis for support for the City Development Programme when the evaluation process is complete.

2.   That it be noted that the Council would seek to secureadditional grant funding during 2024-2025 to mitigate the use of reserves to support the ongoing delivery of these transformational projects for Wolverhampton. These would be progressed through an Individual Executive Decision Notice (IEDN) supplementary budget approvals in line with financial procedure rules, as appropriate.

3.   That it be noted that the Council would seek to utilise earmarked Enterprise Zone funding in 2025-2026 (circa £5 million for priority projects) to fully offset any use of the Sustainable Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) reserve in 2024-2025. In doing so, replenishing reserves utilised in 2024-2025 as first call from the circa £5 million revenue income from the Enterprise Zone in 2025-2026.

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

1.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Digital and Community Inclusion, in consultation with the Executive Director of Economy, to approve the award of a contract for Supply and Delivery of Paper when the evaluation process is complete.

2.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, in consultation with the Director of Resident Services, to approve the award of a contract for Phased Demolition Works (Phase 1) at New Park Village when the evaluation process is complete.

3.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, in consultation with the Deputy Director of Assets, to approve the award of a contract for the Roof Replacement for the Council Chamber when the evaluation process is complete.

4.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Visitor City, in consultation with the Director of City Economy and Partnerships, to approve the award of a contract for Roundabout Sponsorship & Advertising when the evaluation process is complete.

5.      That honouring the provision of advertising for verified paid customers of the previous contractor for Roundabout Sponsorship & Advertising but are as yet to have received their advertising through provision by the new contractor, to be funded through the Council’s element of future profit share be approved.

6.      That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, in consultation with the Director of Adult Social Care to approve the award of the contract(s) for advocacy services when the evaluation process is complete.

Councillor Louise Miles presented for approval the procurement report seeking delegated authority for Cabinet Members to approve the award of contracts once the evaluation process is complete.

Resolved:

1.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Digital and Community Inclusion, in consultation with the Executive Director of Economy, to approve the award of a contract for Supply and Delivery of Paper when the evaluation process is complete.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, in consultation with the Director of Resident Services, to approve the award of a contract for Phased Demolition Works (Phase 1) at New Park Village when the evaluation process is complete.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Governance and Equalities, in consultation with the Deputy Director of Assets, to approve the award of a contract for the Roof Replacement for the Council Chamber when the evaluation process is complete.

4.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Visitor City, in consultation with the Director of City Economy and Partnerships, to approve the award of a contract for Roundabout Sponsorship & Advertising when the evaluation process is complete.

5.    That honouring the provision of advertising for verified paid customers of the previous contractor for Roundabout Sponsorship & Advertising but are as yet to have received their advertising through provision by the new contractor, to be funded through the Council’s element of future profit share be approved.

6.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, in consultation with the Director of Adult Social Care to approve the award of the contract(s) for advocacy services when the evaluation process is complete.

[To receive an update on the current situation of the Restart Contract, delivered by Wolves at Work]

1.      That it be agreed for the Council to negotiate with Serco to withdraw as a supply chain partner on the Restart Scheme.

2.      That the continued priority to support more local people into good jobs and training as a city be noted.

3.      That the significant changes to the Restart Scheme contract, which would result in greater financial risk to the Councilshould it not withdraw be noted.

4.      That it be noted that Wolverhampton residents would not be negatively impacted as the Restart Scheme would continue to be delivered to Wolverhampton residents by another sub-contractor.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan presented the report on the Restart Contract Update. The Restart Scheme was the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP’s) mandatory welfare to work programme which was devised to support those people made redundant during the pandemic.  In Wolverhampton Serco is the prime provider and Wolves at Work a subcontractor. Changers to the scheme introduced in early 2022 by the DWP had subsequently led to Serco informing all sub-contractors that they would be reducing the number of sub-contractors in the region. Following discussions between Serco and Wolves at Work and consideration of the financial, contractual and operational implications of two options presented, it was now proposed that Wolves at Work withdraw from the Restart Scheme.  This would ensure that the Council is not subsidising the Restart Scheme. Wolves at Work Restart customers would be moved to other sub-contractors in the city.  There would be no break in service or support for any customers and the DWP would be involved throughout.

Resolved:

1.    That it be agreed for the Council to negotiate with Serco to withdraw as a supply chain partner on the Restart Scheme.

2.    That the continued priority to support more local people into good jobs and training as a city be noted.

3.    That the significant changes to the Restart Scheme contract, which would result in greater financial risk to the Councilshould it not withdraw be noted.

4.    That it be noted that Wolverhampton residents would not be negatively impacted as the Restart Scheme would continue to be delivered to Wolverhampton residents by another sub-contractor.

[To pass the following resolution:

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

That in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the remaining items of business as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information 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 remaining 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 receive an update on the current situation of the Restart Contract, delivered by Wolves at Work]

1.      That it be agreed for the Council to negotiate with Serco to withdraw as a supply chain partner on the Restart Scheme.

2.      That the continued priority to support more local people into good jobs and training as a city be noted.

3.      That the significant changes to the Restart Scheme contract, which would result in greater financial risk to the Councilshould it not withdraw be noted.

4.      That it be noted that Wolverhampton residents would not be negatively impacted as the Restart Scheme would continue to be delivered to Wolverhampton residents by another sub-contractor.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan presented an exempt version of the Restart Contract Update report discussed item 7 above. The report contained additional information on the financial, contractual and operational implications of the Restart Contract.

Resolved:

1.    That it be agreed for the Council to negotiate with Serco to withdraw as a supply chain partner on the Restart Scheme.

2.    That the continued priority to support more local people into good jobs and training as a city be noted.

3.    That the significant changes to the Restart Scheme contract, which would result in greater financial risk to the Councilshould it not withdraw be noted.

4.    That it be noted that Wolverhampton residents would not be negatively impacted as the Restart Scheme would continue to be delivered to Wolverhampton residents by another sub-contractor.

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

1.      That the contract for Window Cleaning Services be awarded to SJ Cleaning (Midlands) Limited of Sutton Coldfield, Staffordshire B74 4HJ for a duration of four years from 16 April 2024 to 15 April 2028 for a total contract value of £372,000.

2.      That the contract for Emergency and Homelessness Prevention Service for Young People with YMCA (Black Country) Wolverhampton of 29-31 Temple Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV2 4AN be varied for the duration of six months from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 with a variation value of £43,940.

3.      That the contract for Major Events Fund Urban Sports be awarded to Hurricane SAS of 3 Rue Christian André-Benoit, 34670, Baillargues, France, French Company Registration number 41449560600058 for a duration of seven months from 3 April 2024 to 2 November 2024 for a total contract value of £333,578.

4.      That the contract for Direct Payment Support service with Barrie Bookkeeping Suite 1, Airlie House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes, KY6 2AG, Fife be varied for the duration of six months from 17 April 2024 to 16 October 2024 with a variation value of £32,000.

5.      That the establishment of supplementary revenue budgets totalling £2,297,985 fully funded by the S31 Public Health ring fenced grant be approved and the contract for Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Services with Nacro of Walkden House, 16-17 Devonshire Square, London, England, EC2M 4SQ be varied for the duration of one year from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, with a variation value of £1,704,958.

6.      That the contract for an Eligibility & Financial Self-Assessment Solution be awarded to Looking Local Limited of 1 London Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 2AE for the duration of three years from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028 for a total contract value of £300,650.

7.      That the contract for the Statutory Advocacy provision with PohWER of Hertlands House, Primett Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG13EE be varied for the duration of one month from 16 July 2024 to 15 August 2024 with a variation value of  £13,983.

8.      That the contract for the Telecare Mobile Response Service with St Johns Ambulance Services of St Johns Gate, London, EC1M 4DA, be varied for the duration of one month from 3 April 2024 to 3 May 2024 with a variation value of £27,500.

Councillor Louise Miles presented for approval the exempt report on the award of contracts for works, goods and services.  The report also included for information a list of exemptions to Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and the Director of Finance during January 2024.

Resolved:

1.    That the contract for Window Cleaning Services be awarded to SJ Cleaning (Midlands) Limited of Sutton Coldfield, Staffordshire B74 4HJ for a duration of four years from 16 April 2024 to 15 April 2028 for a total contract value of £372,000.

2.    That the contract for Emergency and Homelessness Prevention Service for Young People with YMCA (Black Country) Wolverhampton of 29-31 Temple Street, Wolverhampton, West Midlands, WV2 4AN be varied for the duration of six months from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024 with a variation value of £43,940.

3.    That the contract for Major Events Fund Urban Sports be awarded to Hurricane SAS of 3 Rue Christian André-Benoit, 34670, Baillargues, France, French Company Registration number 41449560600058 for a duration of seven months from 3 April 2024 to 2 November 2024 for a total contract value of £333,578.

4.    That the contract for Direct Payment Support service with Barrie Bookkeeping Suite 1, Airlie House, Pentland Park, Glenrothes, KY6 2AG, Fife be varied for the duration of six months from 17 April 2024 to 16 October 2024 with a variation value of £32,000.

5.    That the establishment of supplementary revenue budgets totalling £2,297,985 fully funded by the S31 Public Health ring fenced grant be approved and the contract for Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Services with Nacro of Walkden House, 16-17 Devonshire Square, London, England, EC2M 4SQ be varied for the duration of one year from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025, with a variation value of £1,704,958.

6.    That the contract for an Eligibility & Financial Self-Assessment Solution be awarded to Looking Local Limited of 1 London Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 2AE for the duration of three years from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028 for a total contract value of £300,650.

7.    That the contract for the Statutory Advocacy provision with PohWER of Hertlands House, Primett Road, Stevenage, Hertfordshire, SG13EE be varied for the duration of one month from 16 July 2024 to 15 August 2024 with a variation value of  £13,983.

8.    That the contract for the Telecare Mobile Response Service with St Johns Ambulance Services of St Johns Gate, London, EC1M 4DA, be varied for the duration of one month from 3 April 2024 to 3 May 2024 with a variation value of £27,500.