Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Paula Brookfield.

Mark Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive submitted a pecuniary interest on item 7 (Progressing the City Learning Quarter) in so far as he is Chair of Governors of City of Wolverhampton College.

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

Resolved:

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

[To consider any matters arising from the minutes.]

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

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

1.      That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to approve the award of a contract for Corporate Bank Contract when the evaluation process is complete.

2.      That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to approve the award of a contract for eServices software 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 a City Environment Back Office System when the evaluation process is complete.

Councillor Stephen Simkins asked Cabinet to approve the recommendations contained in the report, ‘Procurement - Award of Contracts for Works, Goods and Services’.

Councillor Ian Brookfield added that the report sought delegated authority to Cabinet Members in consultation with Directors to approve the award of contracts once the evaluation process is complete.

Resolved:

1.    That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to approve the award of a contract for Corporate Bank Contract when the evaluation process is complete.

2.    That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council, in consultation with the Director of Finance, to approve the award of a contract for eServices software 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 a City Environment Back Office System when the evaluation process is complete.

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

1.   That the Director of City Housing and Environment be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property Sunnyside, Inkerman Grove, Wolverhampton, WV10 0EU 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 Housing and Environment, the withdrawal of the property from the CPO be authorised.

4.   That following any acquisition, the Director of City Housing and Environment 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 Chief Operating Officer 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 Bhupinder Gakhal presented the report on a proposal for the Council to acquire through negotiation or compulsory purchase, Sunnyside, Inkerman Grove, Wolverhampton. The end terrace property was reported as empty in August 2016. It was in a diminished and dilapidated condition.  A Notice requiring the owners to remedy the detrimental effect of the property was served.  No appeal against the notice was made and the notice had not been fully complied with.  The proposal to bring a long term empty property back into residential use was in support of the Council’s Empty Property Strategy.

Resolved: 

1.   That the Director of City Housing and Environment be authorised to negotiate terms for the acquisition of the property Sunnyside, Inkerman Grove, Wolverhampton, WV10 0EU 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 Housing and Environment, the withdrawal of the property from the CPO be authorised.

4.    That following any acquisition, the Director of City Housing and Environment 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 Chief Operating Officer 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 receive an update on the City Learning Quarter]

1.      That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to:

a.      Approve the Council entering into a Grant Agreement in order to secure a grant of £7.75 million from the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Investment Programme for implementation of the City of Wolverhampton Technical Centre, Phase 1 of the City Learning Quarter (CLQ).

b.      Approve the Council entering into the required Development Agreement and Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment / Information Communication Technology Agreement with the City of Wolverhampton College to enable the tender, procurement and delivery of building works to complete Phase 1 City Learning Quarter.

c.      Approve the Council entering into (subject to confirmation of funding award and the associated full terms and conditions) any future Levelling Up Fund Grant Agreement for the City Learning Quarter Phase 2.

d.      Approve the Council entering into various legal agreements with the City of Wolverhampton College to facilitate the procurement of the required contracts (to include Construction, Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment, Information Communication Technology, and multiple moves) for the delivery of City Learning Quarter, Phase 2.

e.      Award contracts for the delivery of the City of Wolverhampton Technical Centre (CoWTechC), Phase 1 of the City Learning Quarter to the preferred contractor identified following a competitive tender and procurement exercise.

2.      That the increase to the capital budget for the Phase 1 project to a total budget of £8.1 million, funded in full by grant, as per the details in the financial implications be approved.

3.      That the Council be authorised to extend Consultant contracts to provide ongoing Project Management, Commercial Advice and Cost Management services through to completion of the City Learning Quarter Phase 1 and Phase 2.

4.      That it be noted that the Council has submitted to a grant application seeking £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support City Learning Quarter, Phase 2 and that the outcome is awaited.

5.      That it be noted that proposed changes to the funding strategy for City Learning Quarter, Phase 2 would be the subject of a future Cabinet report.

Having previously declared interest, Mark Taylor, Deputy Chief Executive left room whilst the item was considered.

Councillor Stephen Simkins asked Cabinet to approve the recommendations contained in the update report on the City Learning Quarter (CLQ) programme that was being led by the Council in partnership with City of Wolverhampton College supported by external consultants. It was proposed to enter into a grant agreement with the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and to increase the project budget following the successful award of a £7.75 million grant that would enable The City of Wolverhampton College Technical Centre (CoWTechC), CLQ, Phase 1 to proceed to delivery stage.  Delegated approval was also sought to enter into the appropriate agreements once the final terms are determined.

Cabinet thanked the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority and the six Leaders for their support in approving the grant funding application for the programme.

Resolved:

1.    That authority be delegated to the Leader of the Council and Deputy Leader: Inclusive City Economy in consultation with the Directors for Regeneration and Finance to:

a.    Approve the Council entering into a Grant Agreement in order to secure a grant of £7.75 million from the West Midlands Combined Authority’s Investment Programme for implementation of the City of Wolverhampton Technical Centre, Phase 1 of the City Learning Quarter (CLQ).

b.    Approve the Council entering into the required Development Agreement and Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment / Information Communication Technology Agreement with the City of Wolverhampton College to enable the tender, procurement and delivery of building works to complete Phase 1 City Learning Quarter.

c.     Approve the Council entering into (subject to confirmation of funding award and the associated full terms and conditions) any future Levelling Up Fund Grant Agreement for the City Learning Quarter Phase 2.

d.    Approve the Council entering into various legal agreements with the City of Wolverhampton College to facilitate the procurement of the required contracts (to include Construction, Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment, Information Communication Technology, and multiple moves) for the delivery of City Learning Quarter, Phase 2.

e.    Award contracts for the delivery of the City of Wolverhampton Technical Centre (CoWTechC), Phase 1 of the City Learning Quarter to the preferred contractor identified following a competitive tender and procurement exercise.

2.    That the increase to the capital budget for the Phase 1 project to a total budget of £8.1 million, funded in full by grant, as per the details in the financial implications be approved.

3.    That the Council be authorised to extend Consultant contracts to provide ongoing Project Management, Commercial Advice and Cost Management services through to completion of the City Learning Quarter Phase 1 and Phase 2.

4.    That it be noted that the Council has submitted to a grant application seeking £20 million from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund to support City Learning Quarter, Phase 2 and that the outcome is awaited.

5.    That it be noted that proposed changes to the funding strategy for City Learning Quarter, Phase 2 would be the subject  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

[To review and comment on the performance and key areas for improvement][report to follow]

That the performance of the Housing Management Agents for quarter one 2021-2022 be noted.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal presented the report on the evaluation of the performance of Wolverhampton Homes and the Tenant Management Organisations (Bushbury Hill Estate Management Board, Dovecotes Tenancy Management Organisation and New Park Village Tenancy Management Co-operative) in managing and maintaining council owned dwellings during quarter one of the 2021-2022 financial year.

It was noted that following the recent decision by the Panel to approve the voluntary winding up of the Springfield Horseshoe Housing Management Co-operative, the management responsibilities of council properties under their control were in the process of being transferred to Wolverhampton Homes.

Resolved:

That the performance of the Housing Management Agents for quarter one 2021-2022 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 item of business as it involves 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).

The Chair reported that as stated previously the meeting was in confidential session as the information included in the report 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 with Trident Reach, Progress Children’s Services Ltd, and Barnardo’s Services Ltd for Community Short Breaks for Children with Disabilities be extended for a duration of 10 months from 1 November 2021 to 1 September 2022 with an extension value of £206,470.

2.      That the contract for Gas Supply be awarded to TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited of 55-57 High Street, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1RX, Company Number  2172239 for a duration of four years from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027 for a total contract value of £3.56 million.

3.      That the exemptions to the Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and Director of Finance from 1 to 31 July 2021 be noted.

Councillor Stephen Simkins asked Cabinet to approve the recommendations contained in the report on the award of contracts for works, goods and services. The report also included, for information, exemptions to the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and Director of Finance during July 2021.

Resolved:

1.    That the contract with Trident Reach, Progress Children’s Services Ltd, and Barnardo’s Services Ltd for Community Short Breaks for Children with Disabilities be extended for a duration of 10 months from 1 November 2021 to 1 September 2022 with an extension value of £206,470.

2.    That the contract for Gas Supply be awarded to TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited of 55-57 High Street, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 1RX, Company Number 2172239 for a duration of four years from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2027 for a total contract value of £3.56 million.

3.    That the exemptions to the Contract Procedure Rules approved by the Head of Procurement and Director of Finance from 1 to 31 July 2021 be noted.

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

That the contract for Vaccination Services be awared to Central Healthcare Solutions Limited of 3mc Middlemarch Business Park, Siskin Drive, Coventry, CV3 4FJ, Company Number 10853992 for a duration of six months from 21 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 for a total contract value of £250,000.

The intention to make a key decision on the report ‘Procurement - Award of Contracts for Works, Goods and Services’ 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 reasons:

·       Vaccination Services covered under the programme offer an enhancement to existing vaccination provision and are intended to significantly reduce the size of the unvaccinated eligible population. The enhanced service is required as existing vaccination provision is focused on emerging cohorts (ages 12-15) and booster vaccinations. Therefore, this provision will aim to reduce the levels of individuals who remain unvaccinated.

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

Councillor Stephen Simkins asked Cabinet to approve the award of a contract for Vaccination Services which would ensure a continued offer to groups that have not currently taken up the vaccination offer.

Resolved:

That the contract for Vaccination Services be awared to Central Healthcare Solutions Limited of 3mc Middlemarch Business Park, Siskin Drive, Coventry, CV3 4FJ, Company Number 10853992 for a duration of six months from 21 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 for a total contract value of £250,000.