Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillor David Hastings.

As a member of the Board of Penge Churches Housing Association, Councillor Peter Fookes declared a personal interest in items 8 and 9 of the Executive agenda.

Councillor Nicholas Bennett J.P. also declared a personal interest in the same items as a member of the Regional Board of Affinity Sutton.  

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, questions to this Committee must be received in writing 4 working days before the date of the meeting.  Therefore please ensure questions are received by the Democratic Services Team by 5pm on Thursday 7^th November 2013.

No questions had been received, but the Chairman allowed Mrs Marie Pender, Chair of the West Beckenham Residents Association, to make a brief presentation to the Committee concerning the former public toilets at Elmers End (item 14a of the exempt part of the agenda).

Mrs Pender explained that the building was in the centre of designated Urban Open Space. It was a focus of Elmers End having stood on a triangle of land for a number of years. A commercial enterprise was not wanted for the public space. There could be long term financial risks if the building was sold to a private buyer; the building could be sold on and there would be a sole reliance upon planning considerations to influence any future use.

In the event that a purchaser was not successful in gaining planning permission, Mrs Pender questioned who might be liable for the site, suggesting the Council would have costs for work to clear a derelict building. She also questioned how any shops or offices with obtrusive signing could support recreational purposes.

There were already a number of restaurants, cafes and take away food outlets nearby. There was a desire to see the land remain green. Mrs Pender recommended that the building be demolished and the green provided with flower beds.

Responding to a question from Councillor Will Harmer, Mrs Pender suggested that residents would consider potential uses other than a café or offices. She was particularly concerned that customers of a café would spill out on to the green.

Following Mrs Pender’s presentation the Chairman permitted Councillor Dean to make a statement.

Councillor Dean explained that the site was not at the edge of the green belt or on a high street, but rather positioned on a triangular piece of land, large enough to be considered a park. If sold, the site would need change of use consent, and if granted, Councillor Dean was concerned for what might be provided in future. There were also a number of issues to consider with a change of use e.g. highways and the safety of pedestrians crossing to any commercial premises. There would also be loss of amenity and loss of prospect. He felt that a sale of protected land would set a precedent for L B Bromley, adding that numerous local residents opposed a sale. He felt that to sell would be a betrayal of trust. 

Councillor Bennett referred to public conveniences being on the site with no highway issues. He suggested the position would be no different with commercial premises. Councillor Will Harmer suggested there might be an opportunity for a restaurant, so attracting more people to the site as a park area.

The Chairman highlighted that Councillor Phillips had written objecting to any sale of the site. This included concerns about access to green space and traffic hazards should there be commercial premises. She favoured demolition of the building and a return to open space. If the site were sold  ...  view the full minutes text for item 399.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 10^th October 2013 (excluding exempt information) be confirmed.

Report RES13196

Members noted an update on matters arising from previous meetings.

The Committee received the latest version of the Forward Plan of Private and Key Executive decisions as published on 22^nd October 2013.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, questions to this Committee must be received in writing 4 working days before the date of the meeting.  Therefore please ensure questions are received by the Democratic Services Team by 5pm on Thursday 7^th November 2013.

No questions had been received.

The Resources Portfolio Holder to present scheduled reports for pre-decision scrutiny on matters where he is minded to make decisions.

The Committee considered the following report for pre-decision scrutiny where the Resources Portfolio Holder was minded to take a decision.

Report DRR13/133

The Committee considered an update on the delivery of the Bromley Youth Employment project, being delivered by Bromley College of Further and Higher Education on behalf of the Council.

The Chairman expressed his disappointment at the poor progress made with the project.

Mr Craig Potter and Mr Vaughan Leyshon, both from Bromley College, attended the meeting to give a short presentation. Originally, the Bromley Project grant was to replace the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE grant), which was due to end in March 2013. However, the grant was extended (after the Bromley contract was granted) to 31^st December 2014.

The economic situation was different when Bromley College bid for the project, with a high number of unemployed young people in the borough. There was now positive growth with employers starting to recruit again. As such, the number of unemployed had fallen and former learners were gaining employment. 

For the Bromley project it was necessary to realign the minimum number of working hours with those in standard apprenticeship contracts. Some of these are 30 hours (rather than 36 hours) per week and some internship contracts are 35 hours per week.

Employers are also able to pay apprentices at the national Apprenticeship minimum wage, which is lower than the National Minimum wage set within the contract specification for the Bromley project.

An improvement was anticipated and the project was now considered sound. At the end of October it was indicated there were six apprenticeship starts and three internship starts. During November, December and January the profile was lower so providing an opportunity for Bromley College to catch up. It was possible for the College to re-design the grant to meet the aspiration for apprenticeships - approaches could be made to employers as soon as the necessary changes had been made.

As the Bromley Project appeared to compete with the more successful national provision (the AGE grant), Councillor Will Harmer suggested the Council offer to supplement the national capacity.

The specification for the project, including the minimum number of working hours, was compiled with advice from the National Apprenticeship Service. The Council’s investment had been protected with payment only made on the delivery of results. Some £6k had been paid out and if all outcomes were evidenced, the Council would be liable for £30k. It was possible to make adjustments to the Contract or consider termination.

Councillor Owen questioned the value of the project. He felt it would be more worthwhile to invest in young people acquiring skills rather than invest £500k in the project.

Councillor Bennett asked for anonymous information on each internship, including whether or not the intern is a graduate and the company they are employed by.

The Chairman was concerned about the structure of the project. He felt it was necessary to better match what employers expect. He suggested giving Bromley College another opportunity and recommended the College work with the Assistant Director to re-shape the contract to make  ...  view the full minutes text for item 404a

Members of the Committee are requested to bring their copy of the agenda for the Executive meeting on 20^th November 2013.

Report RES13197

The Committee considered the following reports on the public agenda for the meeting of the Executive on 20^th November 2013.

(5)  Budget Monitoring

  Report RES13193

Members considered the third budget monitoring position for 2013/14 (based on expenditure and activity levels to September 2013).

Referring to Education and reductions in central government grants, the Chairman highlighted commentary that statutory functions were not appearing to decline in proportion to the number of schools maintained by the Local Authority. He encouraged members to lobby local MPs on the need for more grant if the level of statutory functions was to continue. Change was necessary either through a reduction in statutory functions or provision of adequate grant. Supporting this approach, the Leader referred to a meeting he was due to have with local MPs on 18^th November.

RESOLVED that the recommendations be supported.

(6)  Update on the Council’s Financial Strategy 2014/15 to 2017/18

  Report RES13208

Issues that would continue to shape the medium term strategy, updated to reflect latest projections to 2017/18, were outlined (the 2014/15 Local Government Financial Settlement and details such as updated information on the Council’s business rate share and Council Tax base would not be available until December). A broad indication was provided of cost pressures along with an on-going need to identify savings for 2014/15 and future years.

Councillor Bennett asked that officers email the current position on reserves.

RESOLVED that the recommendations be supported.

(7)  Capital Programme Monitoring – 2^nd Quarter 2013/14

  Report RES13207

The current position on capital expenditure and receipts was outlined following the 2nd quarter of 2013/14. Executive approval was sought to a revised Capital Programme.

RESOLVED that the recommendations be supported.

(8)  Homelessness and Temporary Accommodation Budget

Pressures: Homelessness (Impact of Recession/Welfare

Reform) Contingency Provision Draw-down

  Report CS13038

In view of current homelessness pressures, Executive approval was sought for the release of £1m set aside in central contingency against anticipated risks resulting from the impact of welfare reform and the current economic and housing climate. From a largely cost neutral budget the position had changed to one where the majority of temporary accommodation placements could now only be secured on a nightly paid basis at a net cost to the Council. Details were also provided of initiatives being pursued to reduce the rising budget pressures wherever possible.

Aware that young people could comprise a significant proportion of single clients, the Chairman linked this report to the employment benefits that could potentially be obtained from the Bromley Youth Employment project were it to be successful (minute 404a). 

RESOLVED that the recommendations be supported.

(9)  Approval to Draw-down the Social Housing Fraud Initiative Grant

  Report CS13039

Approval was sought to draw-down ring fenced Government funding of £200k over a two year period (two instalments of £100K)to help identify and tackle incidents of social housing fraud.Draw-down of £100k was required to meet the expenditure requirement in 2013/14.

RESOLVED that the recommendations be supported.

(10)  Public  ...  view the full minutes text for item 405.

Report RES13198

Updates from the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee (meeting on 14^th October 2013), the Care Services PDS Committee (meeting on 29^th October 2013) and the Public Protection and Safety PDS Committee (meeting on 5^th November 2013) were circulated to the Committee prior to the meeting.

The Education PDS Committee met the previous evening (12^th November 2013) and Councillor Bennett updated Members. This included points which are briefly summarised below:

• seven Roman Catholic Primary Schools are to become academy schools (as part of a multi academy trust);
• there will be a  new free school at 1 Westmoreland Road (The Bromley Bilingual Primary School); 
• the Grovelands and Kingswood Pupil Referral Units are looking to convert to academy status;
• a report will be provided to Education PDS Committee on support for underperforming schools, including data on risk, and for any school with identified concerns, more detailed information will be provided to the Committee to outline areas for improvement;
• should full market testing of Bromley Adult Education Collegebe progressed, a report on the outcome, along with a best value analysis, will be presented to the Council’s Executive (via Education PDS Committee) in 2015; 
• a further report on the attainment of Looked After Children, with anonymised case studies, would be provided to the next Education PDS meeting.

Concerning a new free school at 1 Westmoreland Road, the Leader explained that it was not known until the previous Friday afternoon that this would go ahead. Councillor Humphrys highlighted his understanding that there would be no playing fields at the school, a position which he was unable to support.

Report RES13199

The Committee received an update on its work programme for 2013/14.

Concerning the new Working Group on Council Costs, Charges, and Re-charges, the Chairman would join Councillor Bennett and Councillor Reddin on the Group. Arrangements would be made for the Group to meet before the Christmas break.

RESOLVED that the Work Programme be noted.

The Chairman to move that the Press and public be excluded during consideration of the items of business listed below as it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings that if members of the Press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

RESOLVED that the press and public be excluded during consideration of the items of business referred to below as it is likely in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings that if members of the Press and public were present there would be disclosure to them of exempt information.

The following summaries

refer to matters

involving exempt information

The exempt minutes of the meeting held on 10^th October 2013 were confirmed.

The Committee scrutinised the following proposed decisions of the Resources Portfolio Holder.

Chelsfield & Pratts Bottom, Hayes & Coney Hall, Kelsey & Eden Park

The Committee considered proposals for the sale of former public convenience buildings at Coney Hall, Elmers End and Green Street Green.

Farnborough & Crofton

(To Follow)

Members considered proposals for the Crofton Halls (West) site at York Rise, Orpington.

Members considered the following reports for the Part 2 agenda of the Executive’s meeting on 20^th November 2013:

• Award of Contract for the Riverside School and

• Queen’s Gardens, Bromley – proposed restaurant development   

Under exempt proceedings, Members also noted the position on capital receipts in relation to the Capital Programme monitoring report at item 7 of the Executive’s agenda.