Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

Councillor Peter Morgan declared a personal interest by virtue of his daughter being a Director of Kier Property Services.

Councillors Tim Stevens JP and Nicholas Bennett JP each declared a personal interest as the Council’s representatives to Mytime Active, each Member being on the Mytime Active Board of Trustees.

The minutes were agreed.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, questions must be received in writing four working days before the date of the meeting. Therefore please ensure that questions are received by the Democratic Services Team by 5pm on Thursday 5^th February 2015.

A number of questions were received.

Details of the questions and replies, and process adopted at the meeting for responding to the questions, are at Appendix A.

The Leader introduced the item by referring to the unprecedented times currently being experienced in local government. There had been good dialogue in public consultation and difficult decisions on the Council’s 2015/16 budget would now need to be made at Full Council on 23rd February 2015.

L B Bromley was receiving less central government funding and huge pressure was now being put on Council budgets. The Council, however, was doing what it could to protect front line services.  

Report FSD 15008

Members considered the fourth budget monitoring position for 2014/15 (based

on expenditure and activity levels to November 2014).

Members were also asked via a supplementary paper to recommend that Full Council agree to a sum of £4.5m being set aside as an earmarked reserve known as “the Health and Social Care Integrated Commissioning Fund”. The fund would ensure the support of key initiatives related to the integration of health and care commissioning. This, and recommendations in Report 15008, were agreed.

The Leader highlighted that this was a crucial time to maintain discipline on budgets.

RESOLVED that:

(a) the latest financial position be noted;

(b) a projected net overspend on services of £872k is forecast based on information as at November 2014;

(c) comments from the Director of Education, Care and Health Services, the Director of Transformation and Regeneration, and the Director of Environment and Community Services, as detailed at sections 3.2, 3.3 and 3.4 of Report FSD 15008 be noted;

(d) funding of £55k be released from Central Contingency for Biggin Hill Development as detailed at paragraph 3.5.4 of Report FSD 15008; 

(e) funding of £163k be released from Central Contingency for Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards as detailed at paragraph 3.5.5 of Report FSD 15008;

(f) a projected increase to the General Fund balance by £474k to £20.5m, as detailed at section 3.6 of Report FSD 15008, be noted;

(g) the full year cost pressures of £5.5m be notedas detailed at section 3.7 of Report FSD 15008; and

(h) Full Council be recommended to agree that a sum of £4.5m be set aside as an earmarked reserve known as “the Health and Social Care Integrated Commissioning Fund”.

FSD15009

Report FSD15009 identified the final issues affecting the 2015/16 revenue budget and sought recommendations to the Council on the level of the Bromley element of the 2015/16 Council Tax. The report also sought final approval of the schools budget. A replacement set of recommendations were tabled for the meeting as was a replacement Appendix 2 (“Summary of Draft 2015/16 Revenue Budget – Portfolio”) to the report. Additionally, an updated list of savings proposals was provided as were comments from PDS Committees in considering the initial draft budget.

Confirmation of the final GLA precept would be reported to the Council meeting on 23rd February 2015.

Report FSD15009 reflected the Council’s approach to not only achieve a legal and financially balanced budget in 2015/16 but to have measures in place to deal with the medium term financial position (2016/17 to 2018/19).

Referring to benefits provided by the KeyRing scheme, Councillor Fookes (Penge and Cator), suggested that long term savings could possibly be made by helping to fund the scheme, perhaps by charging a levy for leaving a property empty. Recognising the scheme was appreciated, the Portfolio Holder for Care Services indicated however that it would not be possible for the Council to provide funds for the scheme in the current financial climate.

The Chief Executive outlined the approach taken to the consideration of savings and priorities in arriving at the draft 2015/16 budget. It was also necessary to consider the financial outlook for the Council for the forthcoming two years. The Leader added that this was the start of a process which would only become more difficult. It was necessary to secure a balanced budget. Should decisions be taken that cause particular difficulties, Members would be prepared to re-consider further and take action as necessary to help rectify the difficulties.

RESOLVED that:

(1) Council be recommended to:

(a)  approve the schools budget of £99.1million which matches the estimated level of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG);

(b)  approve the draft revenue budgets (as at Appendix 2 to Report FSD15009) for 2015/16 to include the following updated changes -

(i)  additional core grant funding of £202k in 2015/16

  (ii) reduction in Discretionary Housing payments funding from £683k in 2014/15 to £509k in 2015/16 (variation of £174k), with a corresponding reduction in the Discretionary Housing Payments in the 2015/16 Budget;

(c)  agree that Chief Officers identify alternative savings within their departmental budgets where it is not possible to realise any proposed savings reported to the previous Executive meeting;

(d) approve the following provisions for levies for inclusion in the budget for 2015/16 -

   (e)  approve a revised Central Contingency sum of £13,817k to reflect the changes in (b) and (d);

(f)  approve the revised draft 2015/16 revenue budgets to reflect the changes detailed above;

(g) set a 1.99% increase in Bromley’s council tax for 2015/16, compared with  ...  view the full minutes text for item 136.

Report FSD15014

The current position on capital expenditure and receipts was outlined following the third quarter, 2014/15. New schemes were also presented for approval supported by Council Directors in the annual capital review process - the main focus again being a continuation of existing essential programmes and externally funded schemes, with a limited new spending programme (two new schemes) being put forward at this stage.

Supplementary information was also provided for Appendix C to the report,  the supplementary information outlining a capital project appraisal for the Windows Server 2003 replacement programme.

Members noted and approved the recommendations in Report FSD15014.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  Report FSD15014 be noted, including the re-phasing of a total of £8,377k from 2014/15 into later years (see paragraph 3.3.7 of Report FSD15014), and a revised Capital Programme agreed;

(2)  the following amendments to the Capital Programme be approved –

(i) reduction of £112k in respect of schemes having reached completion (see paragraph 3.3.1 of Report FSD15014);

(ii) addition of £663k in 2015/16 for Social Care Grant (see paragraph 3.3.2 of Report FSD15014);

(iii) increase of £101k in 2014/15 to reflect revised grant support from Transport for London for highway schemes (see paragraph 3.3.3 of Report FSD15014);

(iv) addition of £395k in 2015/16 for Relocation of Exhibitions in Bromley Museum (see paragraph 3.3.4 of Report FSD15014);

(v) a net reduction of £6,294k on the Council’s Investment Fund scheme to reflect the latest update on property acquisitions (see paragraph 3.3.5 of Report FSD15014); 

(vi) transfer (virement) of £113k from the budget for the Reconfiguration of Special Schools to the Basic Need budget (see paragraph 3.3.6 of Report FSD15014);

(vii) addition of £15m to the Council’s Investment Fund in the 2016/17 Capital Programme, to be funded by capital receipts (see paragraph 3.12 of Report FSD15014); and

(3)  Council be recommended to –

(i) include the new scheme proposals supported by Chief Officers (listed at Appendix C to Report FSD15014) in the Capital Programme (see paragraphs 3.4 and 3.5 of Report FSD15014); and

(ii) approve the addition of £15m to the Council’s Investment Fund in the 2016/17 Capital Programme, to be funded by capital receipts (see paragraph 3.12 of Report FSD15014 ).

Report CS14075

Recognising the benefits of integrating community health services with L B Bromley social care assessment and care management, Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG) intended to extend their Community Health Services contract until at least March 2017. This presented three options towards an integrated community health and care service:

(1) working with BCCG on a specification for community services in preparation for jointly procuring a new service from 1^st April 2017;

(2) pursuing (1) above but also looking at ‘soft’ integration opportunities with Bromley Healthcare to start aligning services ready for re-procurement; and

(3) pursuing (1) above but also start to test a fully integrated service by formally transferring social care staff to Bromley Health Care as existing community provider.

Authorisation was sought to fully explore the options with Bromley Health Care (BHC) and their commissioners, Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG). Recommendations could then be provided to Members in June 2015.

To support the work, a steering group would explore the potential for a joint bid with BCCG and BHC against NHS England’s new “£200m investment fund to promote transformation in local health economies, with a particular focus on investment in the new models of care”. The funding could supply the necessary extra capacity to explore how integration of staff, budgets, and systems would work in detail and how the services could be aligned to provide best value. It would also help in analysing the scope of integration and clarifying risks involved in pursuing any of the options.

The Leader expressed his support for the direction of travel.

RESOLVED that the steering group explore the options at paragraph 3.3 of Report CS14075 with the borough’s existing community health services provider, Bromley Health Care (BHC) and their commissioners, Bromley Clinical Commissioning Group (BCCG).  

Report CS1424

For some time there had been a high level of voids within the Council’s extra care service, placing further pressure on the adult social care budget. There were 35 voids at the end of December 2014; in 2013/14 voids per week averaged 34 across all seven schemes (between April and August 2014 voids averaged 38 per week). There was a continuing financial risk paying staff and rent/service charges for the voids.

To better reflect current and future demand, a reduction of some 30 units appeared necessary to reduce void risk. This would  also continue to allow for some variation in demand. Lubbock House provided 30 beds and was also identified by its owner Affinity Sutton as being unviable to maintain long term, the fabric of the building requiring significant investment. There were currently eight voids at Lubbock House with just 19 tenants in residence (plus three flats, used as temporary “step down” flats, also treated as vacant).

In view of the above, it was proposed to begin consultation with staff on decommissioning Lubbock House as an extra care housing scheme for older people. Consultation with tenants would also be undertaken by Affinity Sutton. A further report on the outcome of consultations would be provided to Members. If it was decided to decommission, officers would work alongside Affinity Sutton to assist in rehousing tenants at another extra care housing scheme in the borough. Officers would also discuss alternative uses for the site with Affinity Sutton.

Members agreed to proceed with the process of consultation.

RESOLVED that:

(1) the commencement of consultation with staff, trade unions, and other staff representatives regarding the decommissioning of Lubbock House as an extra care housing scheme for older people be agreed alongside consultation by Affinity Sutton with tenants; and

(2) a further report be presented on the outcome of the consultations for a final decision.

Report CS1424

Report CS1424 reviewed the provision of tenancy sustainment services to young people, making recommendations for commissioning when the current contracts end on 30^th August 2015.

It was agreed to give further consideration to the report and options presented - in the meantime the existing contract was to be extended for up to six months. 

RESOLVED that:

(1) further consideration be given to tenancy sustainment services for young people; and

(2) authority be delegated to the Chief Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to award a short extension to the existing contract for up to six months.

  WITHDRAWN FROM AGENDA

Report ES14094

Members considered a proposal to save £67k by closing Beckenham, Bromley, and West Wickham High Street public toilets (declaring the Beckenham property surplus to requirements) and introducing Community Toilet Schemes as alternative provision. Most of the scheme agreements had no revenue cost implications being based upon the ‘Open London’ scheme or by utilising other premises with no fee-paying requirements. The additional cost of new entrants to the scheme amounted to £2k pa; a list of the Community Toilet Scheme business partners was appended to Report ES14094.

Final results of public consultation on the toilet closures were tabled as were details of an Equality Impact Assessment for the Community Toilet Scheme 2015.

Introducing the item, the Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for the Environment highlighted that two further Community Toilet scheme facilities had now been included for Beckenham, in addition to those appended to Report ES14094.

In discussion it was suggested that the provision of community toilet facilities seemed more convenient than having just one location for public toilets. This was supported with community toilet schemes providing better facilities at less cost. If businesses providing community toilet facilities were to receive increased footfall, more retail outlets could be interested in joining the scheme. The Leader agreed with the greater flexibility provided by community toilets; the scheme made economic sense and was good for the local economy.

Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP (West Wickham) supporting the recommendations enquired whether there had been any further progress in securing the use of facilities at the Lidl store, West Wickham. Councillor Bennett also enquired whether facilities at West Wickham library could be opened as a Community Toilet Scheme. The Portfolio Holder advised that he was hopeful of some positive news soon. 

Members supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED that:

(1)  the closure of Beckenham, Bromley and West Wickham High Street public toilets from 31^st March 2015 be agreed;

(2)  the Beckenham public toilet be declared surplus and offered to the market, on the basis that if offers are not forthcoming the public toilet should be demolished; and

(3)  the expansion of the Community Toilet Scheme as the alternative provision set out in paragraph 3.7 of Report ES14094 be authorised.

To consider further information for this item under exempt proceedings.

Report ED15057

As part of the Glebe School expansion project, Members were asked to approve the appointment of contractors to undertake the main construction works at the school.

To consider Appendix E of the report for this item under exempt proceedings.

Related to the 2014/15 third quarter Capital Monitoring Report (Minute 137), Members noted exempt details of the receipts forecast in the years 2014/15 to 2017/18 (inclusive).

Report DRR14/118

This item was withdrawn from consideration prior to the meeting (please see Minute 147).