Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J. Riddle and R. Wearmouth.

Minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 14 February 2023, as circulated, to be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 14 February 2023, as circulated, be confirmed as a true record and signed by the Chair.

BEST: Delivery Partners Resource Report

To provide Cabinet with an understanding of the resource requirements for BEST, formerly known as, the ‘Strategic Change Programme’ and to provide Cabinet with a recommendation for a key decision in relation to commencing an open procurement process to engage a delivery partner to support the design, delivery and implementation of projects included in the scope of the delivery of the Strategic Business Case (as agreed at Cabinet on 17th January 2023). This is a critical investment to maximise the realisation of benefits set out in the business case (Appendix A).

BEST: Delivery Partners Resource Report

Members were provided with an understanding of the resource requirements for BEST, formerly known as, the ‘Strategic Change Programme’ and to provide Cabinet with a recommendation for a key decision in relation to commencing an open procurement process to engage a delivery partner to support the design, delivery and implementation of projects included in the scope of the delivery of the Strategic Business Case (as agreed at Cabinet on 17th January 2023). This was a critical investment to maximise the realisation of benefits set out in the business case (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix A).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet approve the commencement of the procurement process for the Council to secure a delivery partner to support the design, delivery, and implementation of the BEST ways of working.

Annual Education Report 2021/2022

The annual report for Members details the Education and Skills performance for Northumberland in the 2021/22 academic year and informs Members of the detailed work supporting Schools and Skills undertaken by the Education and Skills team along with wider services (Appendix B).

The report from FACS OSC is attached to the back of the report.

Annual Education Report 2021/2022

Members received details the Education and Skills performance for Northumberland in the 2021/22 academic year and of the detailed work supporting Schools and Skills undertaken by the Education and Skills team along with wider services (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix B).

Councillor G. Renner-Thompson highlighted a number of key areas:-

•       The School Improvement Team had supported all schools including academies throughout the pandemic.  It was known that an element of disruption arising from it would continue in the system.  Northumberland schools were receiving their highest ever Ofsted ratings.

•       98% of Northumberland’s early years provision was rated as good to outstanding.  The take up of all eligible two year olds was at 93% which was above the national average. 

•       Investment in schools was happening across the county including Hexham, Ponteland, Amble, Seaton Delaval, Berwick, Blyth and Cramlington.

•       97% of children had been allocated a place at their first choice school which was above the national average.

•       The School Organisation Team continued to support families across the County through the HUGGG voucher scheme and vouchers worth over £4.3 m had been issued to assist with food during school holidays and provision of uniforms.

•       Important links had been made with the Blyth Welding & Fabrication Training Centre and JDR Cables for the delivery of training, skills and opportunities for young people.

•       £147,000 had been received from the DfE to support schools with students from the Ukraine.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

(1)    Note the education achievements of our children, young people and residents across Northumberland in 2021/22 and the ongoing challenges as a legacy from the pandemic.

(2)    Agree that Members provide scrutiny and challenge to the service responses and developments detailed in the report as appropriate.

(3)    Agree that Members receive and review the digital annual report and recognise the performance given the continued challenges of the global pandemic and the valuable support provided to all learners within:

•       Early Years Settings and Schools

•       Special Education Needs support and service

•       Virtual School

•       Learning and Skills Service including Careers Guidance Team and Employability and Skills Service

•       School Organisation and Resources

•       Performance monitoring Team and wider supporting services

Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy for Northumberland 2022 – 2026

The report presents members with the new Homelessness & Rough Sleeper Strategy for Northumberland 2022 - 2026. The strategy provides updated details of the strategic objectives for the Council’s Homelessness & Housing Options Service for the following five years (Appendix C)

Homelessness and Rough Sleeper Strategy for Northumberland 2022 – 2026

Members received a report presenting the new Homelessness & Rough Sleeper Strategy for Northumberland 2022 - 2026. The strategy provided updated details of the strategic objectives for the Council’s Homelessness & Housing Options Service for the following five years (copy attached to signed minutes as Appendix C).

Councillor C.W. Horncastle explained that all Local Authorities had a duty to review homelessness in their area and formulate and publish a Homeless Strategy.  The original strategy adopted in 2016 had been subsequently refreshed.  The new Homelessness & Rough Sleeper Strategy 2022-26 reflected recent consultations with stakeholders and detailed housing options advice and support across the county.

RESOLVED that the Cabinet approve the refreshed Homelessness Strategy, which supported the delivery of the Council’s statutory obligations for our residents who were homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Market Sustainability Plan for Adult Social Care

To seek approval for the Market Sustainability Plan which the Council is required to submit to the Department of Health and Social Care as a grant condition (Appendix D)

Market Sustainability Plan for Adult Social Care

Members were asked to approve for the Market Sustainability Plan which the Council was required to submit to the Department of Health and Social Care as a grant condition (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix D).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

(1)    approve the draft Market Sustainability Plan included as an appendix to this report for submission to the Department of Health and Social Care

(2)    authorise the Executive Director of Adults, Ageing and Wellbeing, in consultation with the Cabinet member for Adult Wellbeing and the Leader, to make any final revisions to the Plan which appear to be necessary or desirable before submission, after considering any submissions received from care providers after this report was finalised and any comments made at this meeting.

Integrated Sexual Health Service for Northumberland – Permission to Award Contract

The purpose of this report is to provide the background to the need to provide a sexual health service as part of the Council’s statutory public health functions, to confirm that the procurement exercise is now complete, and to seek permission to award the contract (Appendix E).

Integrated Sexual Health Service for Northumberland – Permission to Award Contract

The purpose of this report was to provide the background to the need to provide a sexual health service as part of the Council’s statutory public health functions, to confirm that the procurement exercise is now complete, and to seek permission to award the contract (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix E).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet authorise the Executive Director of Public Health, Inequalities and Stronger Communities to award the contract.

Transport Asset Management Plan Policy and Strategy 2023 Update

This report presents an updated Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP) Policy and Strategy for approval (Appendix F).

Transport Asset Management Plan Policy and Strategy 2023 Update

Members received an updated Transport Asset Management Plan (TAMP) Policy and Strategy for approval (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix F).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet approve the updated Transport Asset Management Plan Policy and Strategy as set out in the report.

Northumberland Energy Park Phase 3 (NEP3), Land at East Sleekburn – Update on Disposal to British Volt Ltd

The report seeks approval for a change to the conditions relating to the Call Option which allows the Council to buy back the NEP3 site in the event that the development is not completed within a specified timescale (Appendix G). (Agenda item 17 also refers).

Northumberland Energy Park Phase 3 (NEP3), Land at East Sleekburn – Update on Disposal to British Volt Ltd

The report sought approval for a change to the conditions relating to the Call Option which allowed the Council to buy back the NEP3 site in the event that the development was not completed within a specified timescale (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix G). (Agenda item 17 also refers).

RESOLVED that the original conditions relating to the Call Option on land at NEP3 be amended to ensure that the project can proceed.

Energising Blyth The Link (Bridge Street Improvements):  Outline Business Case

In accordance with the Energising Blyth Programme - Local Assurance Framework, the report seeks the approval of the Outline Business Case (OBC) for The Link (Bridge Street Improvements) project. The OBC has been externally appraised with a recommendation to proceed to Full Business Case (FBC). It was approved by Town Deal Board on 24 January 2023 (Appendix H).

Energising Blyth The Link (Bridge Street Improvements):  Outline Business Case

Members were requested, in accordance with the Energising Blyth Programme - Local Assurance Framework, to approve of the Outline Business Case (OBC) for The Link (Bridge Street Improvements) project. The OBC had been externally appraised with a recommendation to proceed to Full Business Case (FBC). It was approved by Town Deal Board on 24 January 2023 (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix H).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

(1)    Approve the Outline Business Case (OBC) for The Link project to enable progression to Full Business Case.

(2)    Delegate authority, in accordance with the Local Assurance Framework, to the Council’s Executive Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer) following consideration by the Energising Blyth Programme Board to approve the Full Business Case.

(3)    Update the Council’s Capital Medium Term Financial Plan to reflect the latest cost estimate for the scheme and allocate £212,863 of Council funding from the Energising Blyth Acquisitions and Delivery budget to cover the anticipated shortfall.

Financial Performance 2022-23 - Position at the end of December 2022

The purpose of the report is to ensure that the Cabinet is informed of the current financial position for the Council against the Budget for 2022-23 (Appendix I).

Financial Performance 2022-23 - Position at the end of December 2022

The purpose of the report was to ensure that the Cabinet was informed of the current financial position for the Council against the Budget for 2022-23 (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix I).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet approve

(1)    net re-profiling to the Capital Programme of £48.698 million from 2022-23 to 2023-24 to reflect estimated expenditure levels in the current financial year.

(2)    the additional capital grant of £1.298 million to improve energy efficiency in schools as detailed in 11.7. 

(3)    the capital grant of £0.036 million received for the Family Hub as detailed in 11.9.

(4)    the new grants and amendments to existing grants at Appendix A and the required changes to the budgets.

(5)    the use of the Restructuring Reserve of £0.219 million for the Chief Executive’s exit package and note that the Council has received a refund of employers’ pension contributions of £0.035 million, and it is proposed to transfer this to the Restructuring Reserve.

(6)    the use of the Restructuring Reserve of £0.169 million for the voluntary redundancy of the Director of Transformation.

(7)    the transfer of the balance of £0.058 million relating to the Kerbside Food Waste collection trial into a new reserve. In 2022-23 commencement of this service was delayed by 5 months whilst awaiting delivery of specialist food waste collection vehicle.

(8)    the following delegated limits for approval of funds from the Transformation Fund Reserve:

•       Up to £50,000 – Service Director leading the BEST programme of work in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services

•       £50,001 - £250,000 – Section 151 Officer in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Services

•       £250,000 and above – Cabinet

(9)    the release of £2.250 million from the Transformation Fund to recruit to a number of fixed term roles (£0.750 million per annum) to progress the BEST programme of work

(10) The release of £0.647 million from the Transformation Fund to fund backfill costs where core Council staff are being utilised to progress the BEST programme of work.

That the Cabinet note:

(1)    the services projected overspend of £4.784 million and the assumptions outlined in this report.

(2)    the potential gross overspend of £6.742 million after accounting for anticipated energy inflation.

(3)    the net forecast overspend of £1.534 million following the utilisation of the Exceptional Inflation Reserve.

(4)    the progress on the delivery of the approved savings at Appendix B.

(5)    the use of the contingency shown at Appendix Q.

(6)    the use of reserves shown at Appendix R.

(7)    the virements requested by services shown at Appendix S.

Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by Officer Capital Strategy Group

The report summarises proposed amendments to the Capital Programme considered by the officer Capital Strategy Group (CSG) via email on 3 February 2023 (Appendix J).

Summary of New Capital Proposals considered by Officer Capital Strategy Group

Members received a report summarising proposed amendments to the Capital Programme considered by the officer Capital Strategy Group (CSG) via email on 3 February 2023 (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix J).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet

(1)    Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service - Aerial Ladder Platform:

Approve the purchase of a pre-used Aerial Ladder Platform (ALP) for the Fire and Rescue Service at a cost of £50,000 funded from the Risk Critical Equipment Budget in the Council’s Medium Term Plan for 2022-23.

(2)    Cleaswell Hill Sycamore Centre Redevelopment:

•       Approve a capital allocation of £245,706 from High Needs Provisional Capital Allocation (HNPCA) funding for the growth in capacity at Cleaswell Hill School for children with special educational needs through the redevelopment of the nearby Sycamore Centre building recently vacated by Library Services.  The total project cost was estimated at £256,300 with the balance of £10,594 being residual grant funding following an underspend on the recent Hydrotherapy project.

•       Agree to amend the Council’s MTFP to include this capital allocation and delegate the project management to Cleaswell Hill School with the SORT team to monitor budget and approve spending.

(3)    Cramlington Learning Village Mobile classrooms:

Approve investment of £373,000 to increase capacity at Cramlington Learning Village (CLV) ready for the September 2023 intake.  An additional 2-classroom module will be constructed using Basic Need Grant funding included in the Council’s Medium Term Plan to meet a ’bulge’ in numbers coming through from feeder schools. £73,000 would be spent in 2022/23 with the balance in 2023/24.

(4)    Children’s Home - Purchase of Black Close House

Approve a capital project of £1,260,000 to acquire and convert Black Close House into a Children’s Home to be funded from the Children’s Home budget included in the Council’s Medium Term Plan for 2023/24.

(5)    Local Authority Treescapes Fund (LATF):

Accept a grant of £49,603 from the LATF to allow the procurement and planting of trees across a number of Northumberland Parks in 2022/23 and agree that this be added to the Capital Programme.

(6)    Ponteland S106 Highways Improvements:

Accept the outstanding balance of £220,000 for highway improvements in the Ponteland area secured via a Section 106 agreement from the former Police Headquarters development and agree to add this amount to the Capital programme with £140,000 to be spent in 2022/23 and the balance in 2023/24. It should be noted that the full contribution was for £390,000 with £170,000 already received and added to the Programme.

To note the following delegated decisions:-

(1 )     Decision Taken by the Leader in Consultation with the Interim Director of Regeneration - Bus Service Improvement Plan and Enhanced Partnership (Appendix K)

This sets out a decision from the Leader of the Council to agree to the creation of an Enhanced Bus Partnership Plan and Scheme to be formally created at the North East Joint Transport Committee (JTC). The decision taken is for Cabinet to note.

(2 )     Decision made by the Council’s s151 Officer and Executive Director of Finance – Capital investment for Schools Broadband service improvement (Appendix L)

As required by the Budget and Policy Framework Rules, this was reported to Cabinet in December, however, an early draft of the report was included with that agenda. The final report is now included with this agenda for completeness, and to correct that error. The decision was also reported to Council last month. The decision taken is for Cabinet to note.

The following delegated decisions had been taken in accordance with the Council’s finance and contract procedure rules and the following delegated decisions noted:-

(1)    Decision Taken by the Leader In Consultation with the Interim Director Of Regeneration - Bus Service Improvement Plan and Enhanced Partnership (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix K)

Approval for the creation of an Enhanced Bus Partnership Plan and Scheme to be formally created at the North East Joint Transport Committee (JTC).

        RESOLVED that the decision be noted.

(2)    Decision made by the Council’s s151 Officer and Executive Director of Finance – Capital investment for Schools Broadband service improvement (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix L)

It was noted that, as required by the Budget and Policy Framework Rules, this was reported to Cabinet in December, however, an early draft of the report was included with that agenda. The final report was now included with this agenda for completeness, and to correct that error. The decision was also reported to Council last month.

RESOLVED that the decision be noted.

The Committee is invited to consider passing the following resolution:

(a)      That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items on the agenda as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act, and

(b)      That the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure for the following reasons-

Agenda Items   17-19

Paragraph of Part I of Schedule 12A

3 -Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information).

AND  The public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the interest in disclosure because disclosure would prejudice Advance Northumberland’s ability to negotiate with partners on behalf of the Council and could potentially provide competitors for this investment with a commercial advantage (item 17)

The public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in informing the public due to: (i)  risk of failure of the project if any of the information set out in the report is publicised at this stage (ii) risk of costs increasing to a level which would not represent value for money (iii)  the likelihood of the property becoming empty/derelict if the project does not succeed (iv) the scale of benefit to the town centre and residents if the project succeeds as opposed to the consequences if it does not (item 18)

The public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure because disclosure could adversely affect the business reputation or confidence in the person / organisation and could adversely affect commercial revenue (item 19).

RESOLVED

(a)    That under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items on the agenda as they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act, and

(b)    That the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure for the following reasons-

?

Agenda Items          Paragraph of Part I of Schedule 12A

17-19                        3 -Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information).

        AND                         The public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the interest in disclosure because disclosure would prejudice Advance Northumberland’s ability to negotiate with partners on behalf of the Council and could potentially provide competitors for this investment with a commercial advantage (item 17)

The public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in informing the public due to: (i)  risk of failure of the project if any of the information set out in the report is publicised at this stage (i) risk of costs increasing to a level which would not represent value for money (iii)  the likelihood of the property becoming empty/derelict if the project does not succeed (iv) the scale of benefit to the town centre and residents if the project succeeds as opposed to the consequences if it does not (item 18)

The public interest in maintaining this exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure because disclosure could adversely affect the business reputation or confidence in the person / organisation and could adversely affect commercial revenue (item 19).

Northumberland Energy Park Phase 3 (NEP3), Land at East Sleekburn – Update on Disposal to British Volt Ltd

To seek approval, via a Deed of Variation, for the revised conditions to be applied to the Call Option (Appendix M).

Northumberland Energy Park Phase 3 (NEP3), Land at East Sleekburn – Update on Disposal to British Volt Ltd

Members approval was sought for the revised conditions, via a Deed of Variation, to be applied to the Call Option (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix M).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet approve the recommendations as detailed in the report.

Energising Blyth – Strategic Sites Strategy

The report seeks the approval of the strategic acquisition of a site and associated parking from the current owners (Appendix N).

Energising Blyth – Strategic Sites Strategy

The report sought approval of the strategic acquisition of a site and associated parking from the current owners (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix N).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet approve the recommendations as detailed in the report.

Trading Companies’ Financial Performance 2022-23 - Position at the end of December 2022

The purpose of the report is to ensure that the Cabinet is informed of the current financial positions of its trading companies and of any relevant issues arising (Appendix O).

The report from CSEG OSC will be circulated when the Committee has met. 

Trading Companies’ Financial Performance 2022-23 - Position at the end of December 2022

The purpose of the report is to ensure that the Cabinet is informed of the current financial positions of its trading companies and of any relevant issues arising (copy attached to the signed minutes as Appendix O).

RESOLVED that the Cabinet approve the recommendations as detailed in the report.