Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre.

Councillor Louise Miles declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 (Procurement – Award of Contracts for Works, Goods and Services) relating to the contract for Prepared Meals in so far as a relative uses the service.

Councillors Ian Brookfield and Linda Leach also declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 10 relating to the contract for Service Repair and Thorough Examination of Community Equipment in so far as they have relatives that use the Community Equipment service.

Mark Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 12 (Sale of Site to WV Living – Daisy Bank Community Centre, Ash Street, Bilston) in so far as he is a Director on the Board 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 5 November 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

[To consider any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting]

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

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

1.       That the Director of City Assets and Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 161 Cannock Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 0AF 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 Director of City Assets and Housing, authorise withdrawal of the property from the CPO.

4.       That following any acquisition, the Director of City Assets and 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 authorise 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 161 Cannock Road, Wolverhampton by negotiation or through the making of a compulsory purchase order, with a view to it being reoccupied after refurbishment.  The property had been reported as empty on 25 April 2018. The proposal supported the Council’s Empty Properties Strategy which aimed to bring long term empty properties back into use.

Resolved:

1.    That the Director of City Assets and Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 161 Cannock Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 0AF 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 Director of City Assets and Housing, authorise withdrawal of the property from the CPO.

4.    That following any acquisition, the Director of City Assets and 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 authorise 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 privately owned empty property by agreement or compulsory purchase]

1.      That the Director of City Assets and Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 12a Lea Road. Pennfields, Wolverhampton, WV3 0LU 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 Director of City Assets and Housing, authorise withdrawal of the property from the CPO.

4.      That following any acquisition, the Director of City Assets and 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 report on a proposal to authorise the acquisition 12a Lea Road, Pennfields, Wolverhampton by negotiation or through the making of a compulsory purchase order, with a view to it being reoccupied after refurbishment.  The property had been reported as empty since June 2007.  The proposal supported the Council’s Empty Properties Strategy which aimed to bring long term empty properties back into use.

Resolved:

1.    That the Director of City Assets and Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property 12a Lea Road. Pennfields, Wolverhampton, WV3 0LU 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 Director of City Assets and Housing, authorise withdrawal of the property from the CPO.

4.    That following any acquisition, the Director of City Assets and 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 privately owned land by agreement or compulsory purchase]

1.       That the Director of City Assets and Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the two areas of land adjoining 2 and a Half Clifford Street identified as areas B and C on the plan attached as appendix to the report 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 land.

2.       That expenditure for the potential acquisition of the land, with subsequent capital receipts being recycled within the Empty Property Strategy programme be approved.

3.       That in the event that the satisfactory registration of area B to the Council is achieved, the Director of City Assets and Housing be authorised to withdraw the area from the CPO.

4.       That following any acquisition, the Director of City Assets and Housing be authorised to dispose of areas B and C in conjunction with the previously acquired property/ land (area A) on the open market on condition that the property/ land is refurbished, made safe and re-occupied/ re-used within 12 months.

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 two areas of land adjoining Two and a Half Clifford Street, Wolverhampton by negotiation or through the making of a compulsory purchase order.  The proposal supported the Council’s Empty Properties Strategy which aimed to bring long term empty properties back into use.

Resolved:

1.      That the Director of City Assets and Housing be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the two areas of land adjoining 2 and a Half Clifford Street identified as areas B and C on the plan attached as appendix to the report 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 land.

2.    That expenditure for the potential acquisition of the land, with subsequent capital receipts being recycled within the Empty Property Strategy programme be approved.

3.    That in the event that the satisfactory registration of area B to the Council is achieved, the Director of City Assets and Housing be authorised to withdraw the area from the CPO.

4.    That following any acquisition, the Director of City Assets and Housing be authorised to dispose of areas B and C in conjunction with the previously acquired property/ land (area A) on the open market on condition that the property/ land is refurbished, made safe and re-occupied/ re-used within 12 months.

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 note the summary of open and exempt executive decision notices 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]

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 approve the award of contracts]

1.     That the award of a contract for Prepared Meals to Apetito Limited of Canal Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8RJ, United Kingdom for a duration of four years from 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2024 for a total contract value of £480,000 be approved.

2.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Director of City Assets and Housing, to approve the award of a contract for Provision of Frozen, Chilled and Ambient Foods when the evaluation process is complete.

3.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Director of City Assets and Housing, to approve the award of a contract for Removal, Storage and Transportation of Furniture when the evaluation process is complete. 

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

5.     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 Vehicle Control and Supervision Operative when the evaluation process is complete.

6.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, in consultation with the Director of Regeneration, to approve the award of a contract for Adult Education Learning Services when the evaluation process is complete.

7.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adults, in consultation with the Director of Adult Services, to approve the award of a contract for the provision of a Service, Repair and Thorough Examination of Community Equipment when the evaluation process is complete.

8.     That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director of Strategy, to approve the award of a contract for Telecommunications - Voice when the evaluation process is complete.

9.     That the award of the contract for the stewardship advisory services to Pensions and Investments Research Consultants Limited (PIRC) of exchange Tower, 2 Harbour Exchange Square, London, Greater London, E14 9GE for a duration of five years from 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2025 (with an option to extend for a period of two years until 31 May 2027) for a total estimated contract value of £2.8 million be approved.

10.  That the exemptions to the Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and Director of Finance from 1 to 30 November 2019 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 and services.

Resolved:

1.    That the award of a contract for Prepared Meals to Apetito Limited of Canal Road, Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8RJ, United Kingdom for a duration of four years from 1 May 2020 to 30 April 2024 for a total contract value of £480,000 be approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Director of City Assets and Housing, to approve the award of a contract for Provision of Frozen, Chilled and Ambient Foods when the evaluation process is complete.

3.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, in consultation with the Director of City Assets and Housing, to approve the award of a contract for Removal, Storage and Transportation of Furniture when the evaluation process is complete. 

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

5.    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 Vehicle Control and Supervision Operative when the evaluation process is complete.

6.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, in consultation with the Director of Regeneration, to approve the award of a contract for Adult Education Learning Services when the evaluation process is complete.

7.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Adults, in consultation with the Director of Adult Services, to approve the award of a contract for the provision of a Service, Repair and Thorough Examination of Community Equipment when the evaluation process is complete.

8.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for Resources, in consultation with the Director of Strategy, to approve the award of a contract for Telecommunications - Voice when the evaluation process is complete.

9.    That the award of the contract for the stewardship advisory services to Pensions and Investments Research Consultants Limited (PIRC) of exchange Tower, 2 Harbour Exchange Square, London, Greater London, E14 9GE for a duration of five years from 1 June 2020 to 31 May 2025 (with an option to extend for a period of two years until 31 May 2027) for a total estimated contract value of £2.8 million be approved.

10. That the exemptions to the Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and Director of Finance from 1 to 30 November 2019 as set out in Appendix 1 to the report be noted.

[To approve the conversion of a wayleave to easement granted to the power company for existing apparatus in return for a compensation payment]

1.   That the conversion of a temporary wayleave granted to National Grid to a permanent easement to the land located adjacent to Olinthus Avenue, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton in return for a one-off compensation payment to the Council of £116,000 be approved.

2.   That the Council enter into the Deed of Grant with National Grid for conversion of the current temporary wayleave to a permanent easement.

Councillor Peter Bilson presented the report on a proposal to convert a current wayleave granted to National Grid into a permanent easement in return for a capital receipt. Capital receipt would support the Council’s Medium Term Financial Strategy.

Resolved:

1.    That the conversion of a temporary wayleave granted to National Grid to a permanent easement to the land located adjacent to Olinthus Avenue, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton in return for a one-off compensation payment to the Council of £116,000 be approved.

2.    That the Council enter into the Deed of Grant with National Grid for conversion of the current temporary wayleave to a permanent easement.

[To approve the sale of a parcel of land to WV Living for redevelopment]

1.       That the sale of the former site of Daisy Bank Community Centre, Ash Street, Bilston to WV Living, at market value, the valuation to be undertaken by the District Valuer or other independent Valuer prior to any sale, to enable disposal at market value and for the Council to enter into the necessary legal agreements to facilitate the sale be approved.

2.       That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing in consultation with the Director of Finance to agree the terms of the disposal to WV Living.

Councillor Peter Bilson presented the report that sought approval to the disposal of the former site of Daisy Bank Community Centre, Ash Street, Bilston to WV Living, to enable its redevelopment with up to 24 homes with a mix of market sale and shared ownership.   The former site was a small site, with many ground condition issues, and the restricted number of units that could be built, between 22 - 24, together with the highways condition, might make it unattractive to another developer.

Resolved:

1.    That the sale of the former site of Daisy Bank Community Centre, Ash Street, Bilston to WV Living, at market value, the valuation to be undertaken by the District Valuer or other independent Valuer prior to any sale, to enable disposal at market value and for the Council to enter into the necessary legal agreements to facilitate the sale be approved.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing in consultation with the Director of Finance to agree the terms of the disposal to WV Living.