Items
No. |
Item |
62. |
Minutes PDF 238 KB
To approve as a correct record
the minutes of Cabinet held on 11 November 2020.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The minutes of the Cabinet
meeting held on 11 November 2020 were approved as a true and
correct record.
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63. |
Items of Urgent Business
To receive additional items
that the Chair is of the opinion should be considered as a matter
of urgency, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local
Government Act 1972.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
There were no items of urgent
business.
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64. |
Declaration of Interests
Additional documents:
Minutes:
There were no interests
declared.
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65. |
Statements by the Leader
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Leader began his statement
and outlined the daily change in the levels of COVID-19 across the
borough. He stated that he would not give a breakdown of cases by
age, but that added that Thurrock currently had 224 positive cases
per 100,000. He confirmed that although COVID levels were rising
across the borough, the number of COVID cases amongst people over
60 had dropped. He added that neighbouring council’s across
Essex and London were also facing increased COVID levels. The
Leader confirmed that the decision surrounding tiers was made by
central government, and Thurrock’s tier position would be
updated next week. He hoped that Thurrock would remain in Tier 2,
and urged residents to practice ‘hands, face, space’,
as well as social distancing and wearing masks in all shops,
regardless of how large they were. He added that the Council would
be working with businesses to make sure they continued to be
COVID-19 compliant.
The Leader moved on and discussed the annual Give a Gift scheme,
which ensured disadvantaged children from across the borough
received presents at Christmas. He stated that donations were
currently being accepted online via an Amazon wish-list, which
would close at midnight on Sunday. He stated that the project
currently needed donations of gift cards, to make sure that older
children could choose presents they really wanted. He stated that
all information was on the Council’s website, and urged
Members to share the scheme on their social media pages. He added
that an email from the Communications team was also being sent
round, and outlined how easy it was to send a gift to a
disadvantaged child. He thanked Thurrock Council staff for their
help in organising the scheme, as well as Amazon, and the people
who had already donated. He stated that donations had been received
from people all around the UK, as well as from people
overseas.
The Leader then discussed the free school meals scheme, which would
ensure that eligible children received £15 per week over the
two weeks’ Christmas break. He stated that the scheme was
grant funded from central government’s Winter Grant Scheme,
and would begin to be distributed on 14 December 2020 directly from
the schools. He added that this would help ensure 6,200 Thurrock
children had enough to eat over the Christmas period, and would be
continued for the February half-term too. He stated that Thurrock
Council were working with central government and volunteers to
ensure the scheme would continue through later half-terms and
school breaks. He thanked all charities and volunteers that were
working with eligible families to ensure that no child went
hungry.
The Leader then outlined the Transforming Homes scheme, which had
continued to renovate and improve the homes of 205 families living
in the borough’s high rises and flats. He stated that new
windows had been fitted, as well as communal areas being decorated
and new external doors fitted. He gave the example of Derwent
Parade, and the benefits that residents had already seen
...
view the full minutes text for item 65.
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66. |
Briefings on Policy, Budget and Other Issues
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Johnson stated that
there had been recent reports of damp in high-rise accommodation in
the borough. He stated that although there was no quick-fix
solution, he would work with officers and residents to help tackle
the problem. He added that he had asked for a paper to discuss
potential options for the high-rises, including short-term,
medium-term and long-term solutions. He stated that the team would
look at all options, including refurbishing the buildings,
rehousing those tenants affected by damp, and potentially pulling
down the high-rises. Councillor Johnson commented that he was
committed to improving the safety and security for those residents
in high-rises. The Leader commented that it was good to see the
Council were acting on those reports and moving forward by
considering all options. He stated that not all high-rises suffered
from damp, and not all flats in those high-rises that did contain
damp were affected by the problem. The Leader added that people
living in low-rises and other accommodation could also be affected
by damp problems.
Councillor Mayes stated that Thurrock had recently been chosen as
one of ten sites to benefit from mobile lung health checks. He
commented that the project had begun today, with a mobile unit
placed at the Grays Hospital site. He mentioned that if you were
aged between 55 and 74 years old and were a smoker, you would be
contacted by letter or text, asking you to come for a scan at the
mobile centre. He stated that the scan would be COVID secure, and
could help detect lung cancer early and improve outcomes for
residents. Councillor Mayes also stated that the government had
also approved the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, which would be rolled
out this week. He stated that Basildon and Thurrock University
Hospital had started the vaccination process, and felt pleased to
see that the COVID-19 vaccination could help stop the spread of the
pandemic. He added that the vaccine would not solve COVID-19
overnight, and people should continue to follow the government
guidelines. The Leader added that it was good to see the vaccine
being offered to Thurrock residents already, and stated that he
would be liaising with those residents to discuss their
experiences.
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67. |
Petitions submitted by Members of the Public
Additional documents:
Minutes:
No petitions had been submitted
by members of the public.
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68. |
Questions from Non-Executive Members
Additional documents:
Minutes:
No questions had been submitted
from non-Executive Members.
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69. |
Matters Referred to the Cabinet for Consideration by an Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Other than those items already
contained within the agenda, no matters had been referred to
Cabinet for consideration by an overview and scrutiny
committee.
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70. |
Overview and Scrutiny at Thurrock: A Review (Decision 110537) PDF 133 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Gerrish introduced
the report, as Chair of the Corporate Overview and Scrutiny
Committee and Chair of the Scrutiny Review. He began by thanking
Democratic Services for their hard work on the project, and stated
that it had been a lengthy project due to delays caused by COVID-19
and the need for genuine cross-party participation, particularly
from scrutiny Chairs, members from scrutiny, and members of the
Executive. He thanked all Members for their participation in the
project, and stated that all suggestions raised at the
Executive-Scrutiny Workshop had been incorporated within the
recommendations. He stated that the aim of the review had been to
improve scrutiny, and ensure that scrutiny recommendations resulted
in action. He added that although the functions would remain
separate, with the Executive making decisions, the wish of the
review had been to ensure that scrutiny had a full role, including
policy development. He highlighted page 22 of the agenda, which
contained the recommendations for the review, which had been
divided into structural recommendations that could be implemented
now, and developmental recommendations that would take longer to
implement. He stated that one of the most important recommendations
was the adoption of the Executive-Scrutiny Protocol which would
formalise operating guidelines and introduce new ways of working.
He stated that the Protocol would provide more formal recognition
of scrutiny’s feedback at Cabinet and also ensure scrutiny
powers, such as invitation of Portfolio Holder’s to scrutiny
meetings, were developed. He stated that the Executive-Scrutiny
Protocol highlighted processes that already existed at Thurrock,
such as the Chairs Letter to the Executive, but would ensure that
scrutiny could have a larger role within the Council. He stated
that due to limitations the review had not considered how members
of the public could become more involved in scrutiny, but this
could be looked into at a later date, as this report introduced a
framework which could be built upon.
Councillor Halden thanked Councillor Gerrish for the report and
stated that he felt good scrutiny and good opposition created good
governance. He was pleased to see the report and felt that an
improved scrutiny function would ensure that the Executive made
good decisions, with all Members included in the process. He felt
that the scrutiny function depended on individual Chairs working
with the Executive, but welcomed the report and its
recommendations. He asked if an additional recommendation could be
added for the Monitoring Officer to convene a Constitution Working
Group in 2021 to ensure the recommendations from the report were
embedded within the Council.
Councillor Coxshall again thanked Councillor Gerrish and stated
that scrutiny Chairs also needed to work with officers on reports
that came before their committee, as well as working with the
Portfolio Holder if political questions needed to be answered. He
felt that it was a good idea for the scrutiny Chairs to invite the
Portfolio Holder before the Committee once a year to undertake a
deep dive regarding certain issues. He added that cross-party
scrutiny Chairs should also work together ...
view the full minutes text for item 70.
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71. |
Financial Update Quarter 2 2020/21 (Decision: 110538) PDF 878 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Hebb introduced the
report and stated that central government had recently made a
top-level announcement regarding government funding for
Council’s, but Thurrock were currently waiting for the detail
of this to fully understand the Council’s position. He stated
that Thurrock were currently in discussions with the Ministry of
Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the outcome of these
discussions would be known next week. He stated that central
government’s spending review would affect Thurrock’s
position in a positive way, but would not fix all financial
problems currently being faced. He added that the 2% increase limit
for Council tax was still in place, as well as the 3% increase
limit for the social care precept, which was now more important
than ever due to COVID. He highlighted that the Council’s
current calculations suggested financial pressures in the budget,
and although the COVID vaccine was moving forward, financial
pressures due to the pandemic would continue to be felt for years
to come.
Councillor Hebb stated that since 2018, the Council had always had
a balanced budget for four out the five years on the Medium Term
Financial Strategy, but the Council were now in a deficit of
£33.6million over the next four years due to COVID. He stated
that the next financial year was when the Council would experience
the most financial pressure, with a funding gap of
£19million. He added that although some Council’s
around the country had had to bring an emergency in-year budget to
their Full Council meetings, Thurrock were not in that position,
although the Council would be setting its budget up until the
eleventh hour, which was the case around the country. Councillor
Hebb added that Thurrock were working with central government to
find ideas to tackle the budget deficit, but highlighted that some
ideas would not work. He commented that the Council wished to do
whatever was in their control to reduce the deficit without
affecting services to residents, or increasing council tax.
Councillor Hebb added that had the pandemic not occurred then
Thurrock’s budget would have broken even. Councillor Hebb
then outlined current service pressures, such as Children’s
directorate which was currently experiencing a pressure of
£0.9million, or 2% of their overall total budget. He stated
that this was due to an increase in the number of children
presenting to the service, and an increase in the number of complex
cases. He mentioned that Thurrock were not currently planning any
new investments, as there was currently no market for new
investments and confidence had decreased. He stated that all
Councillors had voted for the investment strategy which had helped
maintain the delivery of non-statutory services and reduced the
financial burden on residents. He added that for the sixth year
running the Council’s audit had been signed-off by external
auditors as being within target, and this had also been agreed by
the Standards and Audit Committee.
Councillor Hebb then added that the Council were currently
experiencing £15m in-year pressure, although Thurrock were
receiving SR20 ...
view the full minutes text for item 71.
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72. |
Environmental Health Jurisdiction: DP World Distribution Park (Decision: 110539) PDF 232 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Leader introduced the
report and stated that the Corporation of London was the Council
for London’s square mile, and also had responsibility for
port health matters along the Thames, which included environmental
health at DP World. He stated that the jurisdiction of the
Corporation of London was limited to the Port, and currently did
not include the new distribution park. The Leader stated that this
could cause numerous delays and multiple copies of paperwork as
goods moved between the port and distribution park. He stated that
this report would extend the Corporation of London’s
jurisdiction to include the distribution park, and would therefore
ensure that paperwork was not multiplied and procedures were
simplified.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Authorised the Director of Place, in conjunction with the Head
of Legal and Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Anti-Social
Behaviour, enter into an agreement, on behalf of Thurrock Council,
with the Corporation of London to transfer jurisdiction for
Environmental Health Matters pertaining to food law enforcement
within the DP World Distribution Park from Thurrock Council to the
Corporation of London.
Reason for decision: as outlined in the
report
This decision is subject to
call-in
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73. |
Housing Development Delivery Approach (Decision: 110540) PDF 388 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Coxshall introduced
the report and stated that in 2016 Thurrock had introduced a
principle that allowed affordable homes to be built for local
people. He added that this paper helped Thurrock deliver this
principle and build more homes. He stated that the Local Plan was
also moving into its next stage, as the Council considered how it
could be delivered. He stated that this report advocated a mixed
delivery approach, which would ensure that even if a project were
delayed, the policy as a whole would not also be delayed. He
mentioned that this report would also ensure more council homes
were built, which would be low-cost or low-rent and a further
commitment regarding this would be made in the future. He
summarised and stated that 2021 would be the Year of the Local
Plan, and urged residents and businesses to engage with the ongoing
consultation.
Councillor Johnson thanked officers for their hard work on the
report and felt that a mixed delivery approach would be the best
way forward. He stated that the report had been through the Housing
Overview and Scrutiny Committee, and progress had started on seven
of the sites presented before them.
Councillor Hebb thanked Councillors Johnson and Coxshall for their
work on the report, and felt it was good to see diversification of
delivery which looked at the whole approach, and ensured an
objective could still be delivered even if projects were delayed.
He stated that it was also good to see a collaborative approach
with different market partners. Councillor Coxshall highlighted
that a single approach could cause delays, as seen with the
development on Belmont Road. He felt it also showed the Council
were being transparent with their plans and policy delivery
objectives.
Councillor Halden felt that Thurrock were now going further than
before regarding their commitment to building council houses, and
added that Thurrock were also providing social value housing, such
as through the Head Start Housing scheme and specialist housing for
adults with autism. He felt that it was good to see more diverse
options, which would help keep a child with special needs, or an
older vulnerable person, in their community and receiving the right
care.
The Leader summarised and encouraged residents and Members to get
involved in the Local Plan consultation to ensure that 2021 was the
Year of the Local Plan. He agreed that it was good to see various
housing models, including affordable housing, being adopted across
the borough. The Leader also highlighted that the Local Plan did
not just focus on housing, but also included places of
entertainment, shopping and schooling.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Agreed to adopt a mixed approach to Housing Development
Delivery, in order to improve the Council’s capacity to
increase its delivery rate.
2. Noted that potential schemes will be brought forward for
approval in line with the Council’s Constitution in due
course.
Reason for decision: as outlined in the
report
This decision is subject to call-in
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74. |
Sheltered Housing Decommissioning - Alexandra Road/Dunlop Road PDF 251 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Johnson introduced
the report and stated that it presented a clear, forward approach.
He highlighted that in March 2019 the communal entryways had been
examined and the team had found that 40 properties in Alexandra
Court did not meet current standards, and this had hampered
remedial works due to take place. He stated that three options had
been presented in the 2019 report, and had concluded that even with
renovation works, some flats would still not have suitable access,
and the need to move residents would still occur. He stated that
the report had been to Housing Overview and Scrutiny who had been
reassured that services would not be withdrawn until all residents
had left the premises. Councillor Johnson stated that all residents
would be part of the Local Lettings Plan, and would receive
priority for the Beaconsfield Place development, which was only
400m away from their current properties. He stated that if
residents did not wish to move to Beaconsfield Place then they
would receive the highest priority on the Council’s waiting
list. He added that each resident would also receive a dedicated
officer who would support them through all aspects of the moving
process. He stated that the team had undertaken detailed
consultation with the residents and Ward Councillors, and feedback
had been included within the report. Councillor Johnson summarised
and stated that once all the flats had been voided, the site would
be considered for temporary accommodation or for redevelopment
through the housing delivery approach.
Councillor Mayes stated that as local Ward Councillor for the area,
he was pleased to see the report brought before Cabinet, and had
provided his feedback on the report. He stated that he had visited
the site and accessibility for residents had not been great, but
highlighted that all residents he had spoken to were happy to move
to the new development.
Councillor Hebb highlighted point 4.2 of the report and felt that
it would be good if the site was considered for temporary
accommodation, as Thurrock lacked this facility. He stated that the
consultation appeared to be very detailed, and 36 out of 40
residents had been contacted in some way, even during the pandemic.
He also felt it was good to see 71% of residents wished to move to
the new development, and hoped all residents would feel supported
during this transition.
The Leader summarised and thanked the housing team and Councillor
Johnson for the report. He felt that Alexandra Court was an old
building, and although it had been ahead of its time when built, it
was now out-dated. He stated that the new development would include
indoor communal spaces, outdoor gardens, and new innovations such
as a mobility scooter storage area, which would benefit the
residents.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Approved the proposal to decommission
the Sheltered Housing properties at Alexandra Road and Dunlop Road
in Tilbury.
2. Noted and commented on the proposal to implement a local
lettings plan for the new housing development for older
...
view the full minutes text for item 74.
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75. |
Independent Review of the Local Safeguarding Children's Partnership (LSCP) PDF 238 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Halden introduced
the report and stated that it committed the Council to transparent
working practices to ensure child safeguarding across the borough.
He commented that a full-scale, independent, external expert had
been given carte blanche to review the service, and had been given
the opportunity to speak with all partners and front-line staff. He
stated that the full report and recommendations were included in
the agenda, and no red-flags had been found, which was in-line with the Council’s recent Ofsted
rating of ‘good’. He mentioned that some areas
of learning had been outlined and the Children’s Overview and
Scrutiny Committee had welcomed and agreed with the
recommendations. He highlighted the recommendation regarding the
appointment of an independent Chair, as previously the Chairmanship
had rotated between the three partners. Councillor Halden felt this
system did not provide the Council with the necessary
‘critical friend’ outlook, and highlighted that
although this had never caused problems in the past, a new
independent Chair would provide the Council with the ability to act
and hold individuals to account better. He stated that at the
proposed annual review, the capacity of the partnership would be
assessed, which would allow the partnership to also review
near-miss cases. He stated that this would mean the Council would
not just focus on LPR’s and SCR’s, but also learning
points from those cases that did not meet LPR criteria, but was
classified as a near-miss.
Councillor Hebb commented that an independent Chair would have lots
of benefits for the partnership, as it would allow the three
partners who had previously been rotating chairs to focus on the
content of the meeting, rather than simply managing the meeting.
Councillor Halden stated that by having an independent Chair it
would also help to allay public fears, as Thurrock would now be
independently scrutinised. He added that this would also help
improve the social care function and the service as a whole.
The Leader summarised and stated that he had worked closely with
Councillor Halden on this report, and felt it was good to see an
independent Chair being appointed, as this would improve
transparency across the service. He added that it was also good to
see the partnership expand to look at near-miss cases as well as
fatalities, as the service could learn and improve from these
near-tragedies.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Commented on the independent review of the LSCP and supported
acting upon the recommendations of the independent review.
2. Supported the establishment of an Independent Chair to help
further the partnerships work and provide a critical friend
function to all partners.
3. Requested a year’s review to ensure that the partnership
has the capacity to proactively review relevant cases of concern,
and not just formal SCR’s/LPR’s.
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76. |
Purfleet Centre Regeneration (Decision: 110542) PDF 269 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The Leader stated that the
report contained exempt appendices, and highlighted that if Members
wished to discuss these, then a vote would be undertaken and the
meeting would enter exempt session. All Members agreed to this, as
well as keeping all necessary papers in the agenda
confidential.
Councillor Coxshall introduced the report and stated that the
regeneration of Purfleet had been long overdue, but was pleased to
see that £150m of funding had been received for its
regeneration, with £75m coming from the Council and the rest
coming from central government. He added that PTRL would now begin
the process of regenerating Purfleet, including new houses, new
services, new entertainment facilities, new infrastructure, and a
new High Street.
Councillor Halden endorsed the comments made by Councillor Coxshall
and felt that it was PTRL’s last chance, as lots of services
were dependent on spades going into the ground now, such as the NHS
waiting to deliver the new Purfleet Integrated Medical Centre.
Councillor Hebb added that the contract had been awarded in October
2015 and now needed to be delivered. Councillor Coxshall shared the
frustration of other Members, but felt that he was looking forward
to seeing the regeneration of the area. He stated that this would
include a new train station, new secondary and primary school, and
new riverside area. He stated that residents had been included in
the process and now wanted the regeneration to begin.
The Leader summarised and stated that Purfleet-on-Thames needed to
be regenerated, including new infrastructure such as the new
Integrated Medical Centre, new school and new shops. He stated that
£150m had been invested in the project, and he now wanted to
see PTRL deliver and put spades in the ground. He stated that
progress reports would be sent to Planning, Transport and
Regeneration Overview and Scrutiny Committee who would monitor the
ongoing developments.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Noted the progress of the scheme in recent months and, in
particular, the positive Best Consideration sign off and the
success of the HIF application in securing £75.1m of Central
Government investment into the borough.
2. Noted the key terms of the HIF Grant Determination Agreement and
delegated authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with
the s.151 Officer and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and
Strategic Planning to negotiate final terms and enter into the
Grant Determination Agreement with Homes England.
3. Approved the proposed variations described in Appendix 2 and
delegated authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with
the s.151 Officer and Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and
Strategic Planning to agree any final terms and document and enter
into a Deed of Variation to formally amend the Development
Agreement in line with these proposals.
Reason for decision: as outlined in the
report
This decision is subject to call-in
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77. |
Purchase and Development of Land in Tilbury (Decision: 110543) PDF 296 KB
Additional documents:
Minutes:
Councillor Johnson introduced
the report and stated that the new diverse housing delivery
approach would help to deliver 27 new houses on the site, with the
help of the private sector in planning and delivery. He stated that
currently the land was vacant and in poor condition, but the report
would help to bring high-quality, modern, energy-efficient, and
sustainable homes to the area. He stated that council tenants would
still have the opportunity to buy their homes under the
right-to-buy scheme, but the cost floor rule would apply for the
first 15 years after being built, meaning that the house price
would not be less than the cost of construction. He added that this
report would not impact on the general fund budget, as it would be
funded through the HRA, and would help regenerate and re-develop
the area.
Councillor Coxshall agreed that this would help deliver a mixed
approach to housing, and would deliver high-quality housing in
Tilbury, that would encourage private sector investment in the
area. He stated that the development would be good quality and
would last long-term. He commented that the Tilbury Town Board
would also be working to regenerate the area around the Civic
Square and town centre.
Councillor Hebb felt it was good to regenerate this site in
Tilbury, especially as the development would be of good standard
and would diversify the approach. The Leader agreed with the
statements, and agreed that high quality housing was necessary in
the area. He felt the approach was innovative, but had some
questions that would require Cabinet to enter exempt session.
A vote was held and all Cabinet Members agreed to enter exempt
session.
An exempt session of Cabinet began at 21.03
Cabinet reconvened in public session at 21.26
The Leader and all Members agreed with the recommendations, and
added to recommendation 2 that delegated authority also be in
consultation with the Section 151 Officer, Cabinet Member for
Housing, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, and the Leader.
RESOLVED: That Cabinet:
1. Approved the acquisition and development of land identified in
Appendix A.
2. Delegated authority to the Director of Place and Director of
Adults, Housing and Health, in consultation with the Cabinet Member
for Housing, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Strategic
Planning, Leader of the Council, and Section 151 Officer, to
commence negotiations and seek to agree final terms for the
acquisition of the site and construction of dwellings and to enter
into any such agreements necessary to conclude the acquisition and
terms of construction.
Reason for decision: as outlined in the
report
This decision is subject to call-in
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