Agenda and minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held on 14 December 2017 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, which sought approval to commence a procurement process for the provision of Missing from Home, Care and Exploitation Services for young people across Cheshire.

The Board was advised that in 2012, the four Cheshire Local Authorities (Halton, Warrington, Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester) agreed to jointly commission a pan Cheshire Missing from Home Service. It had clear links with Cheshire Constabulary’s missing from home co-ordinators to support young people notified as missing from home or care. It was reported that in April 2014, the Service was expanded to include the emerging links around Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE).

Members were advised that Halton would lead on the procurement process, in collaboration with the three Cheshire authorities, and seek delivery of a high quality service which was effective in improving outcomes delivered by skilled practitioners. It was expected that the Service would combine a balance of advice and guidance with direct, evidenced based interventions for those that required additional support.

RESOLVED: That the Board approves Halton Borough Council to lead a joint procurement exercise of Missing from Home and Care and Exploitation services for young people across Cheshire with Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington Councils.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, on the school admission arrangements for 2019.

The Board was advised that in October 2017, Halton Local Authority issued a statutorily required paper on the proposed admission arrangements and co-ordinated admission schemes for the September 2019 intake. It was noted that the consultation ran until 17 November 2017, with no changes proposed to the current oversubscription criteria for Local Authority schools. It was reported that no responses to the consultation had been received.

Reason(s) for Decision

The decision was statutorily required and any revision to the proposed arrangements may adversely affect school place planning, as detailed in the report.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Other options considered and rejected included the allocation of places through random allocation (lottery), and this method could be seen as arbitrary and random.

Implementation Date

The Policy will apply for the September 2019 academic intake.

RESOLVED: That the Board approves the School Admissions Policy, Admission Arrangements and Co-ordinated Schemes, attached to the report, for admission to primary and secondary schools for the 2019/20 academic year.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, which provided a summary of the Capital Programmes for 2018/19 for the People Directorate.

The Board was advised that in October 2017, the Department for Education (DfE) announced the schools capital allocations grant for 2018/19 and had confirmed that there would be no change in the methodology used in 2017/18. It was reported that Halton would also receive Healthy Pupils Capital Funding in 2018/19, for one financial year only, which was intended to improve access to facilities such as kitchens, dining facilities, playgrounds, changing rooms and sports facilities.

The DfE had announced Special Provision Capital Funding for local authorities to invest in provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, aged 0-25, with funding for a range of provision types where this would benefit children and young people with health and care (EHC) plans. The latter funding was due to commence in 2018/19, with Halton’s allocation over a three year period being £500,000.

Reason(s) for Decision

To deliver and implement the Capital Programmes.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Implementation Date

Capital Programmes would be implemented from 1 April 2018.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the Capital Funding available for 2018/19 be noted;

2)    the proposals to be funded from School Condition Capital Allocation be approved: and

3)      Council be recommended to approve the Capital Allocations for inclusion in the Budget report.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, on the contract for Parent to Parent Volunteer Support.

The Board was advised that the existing Parent-to-Parent Volunteer Support contract had been identified as being exceptionally well placed to deliver additional provision to work with families that met the Troubled Families criteria. The Volunteer Support service was staffed by individuals that were qualified, skilled and experienced in delivering inter-parental relationships provision and had been highly effective within the Borough in supporting the key aspect of early intervention. It was noted that funding for this support service had been allowed for within the existing Troubled Families budget.

RESOLVED: That the waiver of Procurement Standing Orders 1.14.3 and 1.14.4 to the value of £150,000 be approved, for the period 9 April 2018 to 8 April 2020, to facilitate the rapid implementation of inter-parental relationships provision, as part of the existing parent to parent support contract delivered within the Troubled Families initiative.

The Board considered a report of the Director of Public Health, on a proposed Halton Healthy Eating and Exercise Service.

The Board was advised that following a review of the Weight Management Services in Halton, the current service provision did not need the identified needs of the local population. A new Service was proposed, which would be an integrated Service where patients would be offered a choice based upon an holistic assessment of their weight management needs. Members were advised that the proposed new Service would be developed by enhancing the current well performing in-house provision provided by the Health Improvement Team.

Reason(s) for Decision

To provide a more targeted and cost effective model for healthy eating and exercise services in Halton, aimed at meeting the needs of the local population and improving health outcomes.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Consideration was given to going out to tender for a separate Tier 3 Weight Management Service. However, this did not offer the opportunities presented by having an Integrated Tier 2 and Tier 3 service, i.e. the potential for improved outcomes and efficiency savings.

Implementation Date

1 April 2018.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the contents of the report be noted; and

2)      the proposals outlined be approved.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, which sought approval to grant a Direct Award of a contract to deliver support services at Barkla Fields and Naughton Fields Extra Care Schemes.

The Board was advised that Extra Care Services had been delivered in Halton since 2013. Halton Borough Council provided the support service at Naughton Fields, although it was reported that the level of support for those that moved there was not required. Halton Housing Trust (HHT) had secured funding for another extra care scheme in Widnes. It was considered that a support service that linked into HHT’s Amethyst Living Service and HHT’s Housing Management provision would provide a more efficient and integrated service.

It was proposed that a direct award of a support service to HHT to provide both housing and support at Barkla Fields and Naughton Fields, was considered the most effective option which allowed flexibility and ensured continuity for individuals.

RESOLVED: That

1)    under Procurement Standing Order 1.14.3 (d) the Board agrees to waive Procurement Standing Orders 3.0 and 3.1; and

2)    to ensure the stability and continuity of the service, a Direct Award be granted to Halton Housing Trust for the delivery of support services at Barkla Fields and Naughton Fields Extra Care Schemes, from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2023.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, People, which sought approval to award a contract to the Carers Trust for a home based respite care service.

The Board was advised that the Authority currently had a jointly funded contract in place with the Carers Trust, which was due to expire on 31 March 2018. It was reported that an NHS Halton CCG scoping paper looking at the provision of end of life care, recommended that further work was undertaken to support the development of a different commissioning process to enable a new delivery model for end of care life. The service provided by the Carers Trust would fall within the remit of this end of life review, and this necessitated an extension to their current contract for a further year. It was confirmed that the Quality Assurance Team would continue to monitor the service to ensure the Council and Halton residents received value for money.

RESOLVED: That the use of Procurement Standing Order 1.14.3 (f) be agreed to award a contract to the Carers Trust for a one year period from 1 April 2018 to 31 March 2019.

The Board considered a report of the Director of Public Health, on the development of the Public Health Annual Report (PHAR) 2016/17 for Halton.

The Board was advised that the PHAR was the Director of Public Health’s independent expert assessment on the health of the local population. It was reported that for 2016/17 the PHAR would focus on the health of women and girls in Halton, and would highlight key topics pertinent to female health and issues local women and girls believed to be the most significant areas for their health. It was noted that the report used a life-course approach through a number of sections including Start Well – Maternity; Start Well – Girls; Live Well; and Age Well.

Reason(s) for Decision

The Public Health Annual Report was a statutory document.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

No alternative options were considered.

Implementation Date

With immediate effect following approval by Executive Board.

RESOLVED: That the theme and development of the Public Health Annual Report 2016/17 be noted.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on the publication of the Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper (the Strategy), the potential implications and opportunities for Halton and the impact on the Liverpool City Region.

The Board was advised that the Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper, “Building a Britain Fit for the Future”, was published in November 2017 and considered the role of Government in boosting the UK economy, embracing technology and the use of public procurement initiatives and the regulatory environment to support business. It was reported that the White Paper was a significant document because it set the agenda for economic policy over the period of the current Parliament and beyond.

The White Paper also confirmed that the Government would be pressing ahead with a series of Sector Deals, with construction, life sciences, automotive and artificial intelligence the first to benefit from a strategic, long-term partnership with Government.

In the Strategy, the Government had identified four “Grand Challenges”, which were global trends that would shape the rapidly changing future. The report considered the impact of the Strategy for Halton,  how businesses could benefit and the role of devolved authorities and partners in the delivery of elements of the economic strategy. Members noted that Liverpool City Region (LCR) Combined Authority could be in the first wave of areas to be invited to complete a Local Industrial Strategy which would identify the allocation of resources and funding. It was noted that work had already been undertaken in the LCR in preparation and that it was intended that local organisations, businesses, education establishments and local government would determine local growth priorities.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the Industrial Strategy be used to inform Halton’s future regeneration activities; and

2)    Members agree to the Council working with the Combined Authority to ensure that a future Liverpool City Region Local Industrial Strategy reflects the Borough’s regeneration priorities and opportunities.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on progress against key milestones/objectives and performance targets for the second quarter 2017/18.

The Board was advised that the Directorate Performance Overview Report provided a strategic summary of key issues arising from performance in the relevant quarter for each Directorate, being aligned to Council priorities or functional areas. The Board noted that such information was key to the Council’s management arrangements, with the Board having a key role in monitoring performance and strengthening accountability. Performance management would continue to be important in the demonstration of value for money and outward accountability.

RESOLVED: That the report and progress and performance information be noted.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on an application for discretionary non-domestic rate relief.

The Board was advised that, under the amended provisions of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, the Council was able to grant discretionary rate relief to any business rate payer. Since 1 April 2017, the Council had been responsible for meeting the full cost of all mandatory and discretionary rate relief granted, as part of the Liverpool City Region 100% Business Rates Retention Pilot Scheme.

The report set out details of an application received from a registered charity for rate relief. Members considered that, given the nature of the charity and the very short period of occupation of the premises, in this instance they would grant the full 20% rate relief on an exceptional basis.

RESOLVED: That the request for 20% discretionary business rate relief for Halton Christmas Toy Appeal for the period 15 November 2017 to 24 December 2017 be approved.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, which notified the Board of the approval given to proceed with a procurement process for the provision of a capital projects delivery contract for highway improvement works across the Borough.

The Board was advised that capital funded schemes had been delivered through the existing Highway Maintenance and Improvement Term Contract. It was proposed that the new arrangements would be set up for a three year period, with the option to award a one year extension. It was noted that this would be in line with current capital funding arrangements for Sustainable Transport Enhancement Package (STEP) schemes, which were funded via the Liverpool City Region. It was anticipated that the annual value of the contract in total would be in the region of £800k, making the value of a three year contract approximately £2.4m. As this figure was above the OJEU threshold, the contract would be tendered using ‘The Chest’ procurement portal.

RESOLVED: That Members note a procurement process will be entered into via The Chest, with the purpose of securing a capital projects delivery contract for the implementation of projects to deliver sustainable highway improvement works across the Borough.

PART II

In this case the Board has a discretion to exclude the press and public and, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, it is RECOMMENDED that under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, having been satisfied that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act.

The Board considered:

1)    Whether Members of the press and public should be excluded from the meeting of the Board during consideration of the following items of business in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 because it was likely that, in view of the nature of the business to be considered, exempt information would be disclosed, being information defined in Section 100 (1) and paragraphs 3 and 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972; and

2)    Whether the disclosure of information was in the public interest, whether any relevant exemptions were applicable and whether, when applying the public interest test and exemptions, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed that in disclosing the information.

RESOLVED: That as, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighed that in disclosing the information, members of the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business in accordance with Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 because it was likely that, in view of the nature of the business, exempt information would be disclosed, being information defined in Section 100 (1) and paragraphs 3 and 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on the disposal of employment land at Johnson’s Lane, Widnes.

The Board was advised that, following negotiations, heads of terms had been provisionally agreed for the sale of land at Johnsons Way, Widnes. It was noted that the disposal was subject to planning permission being forthcoming. The proposal would result in a capital receipt from the sale of land and generate future rates income from the occupation of the site.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the disposal of land shown edged red on the plan attached to the report, to the company and for the value named in the recommendation, both subject to planning permission and subject to contract, be approved; and

2)    the Operational Director, Economy, Enterprise and Property, be authorised to arrange all required documentation to be completed to the satisfaction of the Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on the disposal of land known as Lakeside Phase 3, Castlefields, Runcorn.

The Board was advised that the Lakeside area in Castlefields had been identified for residential development within the Castlefields Masterplan since 2003. It was reported that the Authority had been approached with a proposal to acquire the final phase 3 site. It was noted that the proposal also supported, and was consistent with, Council policy to build more new homes in Halton and dispose of land assets in an economically effective way.

RESOLVED: That

1)    disposal of the site to the company and for the value named in the recommendation, subject to contract, be approved; and

2)    the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, be authorised to arrange for all required documentation to be completed to the satisfaction of the Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services.

(N.B. Councillor Harris left the room prior to consideration of the following item of business and took no part in the decision)

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on The Parklands Club, Chapel Lane, Widnes.

The report referred to discussions with the existing tenants of the Club.

RESOLVED: That

1)    the proposals and approach set out in the report be agreed;

2)    authority be delegated to the Operational Director, Economy, Enterprise and Property and the Operational Director, Legal and Democratic Services, to present these proposals to the tenants of the Club; and

3)    subject to the agreement of both parties, the actions outlined in the report be approved.

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, on the procurement of a Joint Intelligent Transport Systems Control for the Liverpool City Region (LCR).

The Board was advised that, in order to achieve savings and efficiencies in the operation of highways and traffic functions within the LCR, investigations had taken place to identify opportunities for joint working. One of the first opportunities identified had been a joint contract for the supply, installation and maintenance of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). The report set out details of the procurement process and the benefits of a joint contract.

RESOLVED: That the Board approves Halton joining the Joint ITS Contract for the Liverpool City Region and awarding the contract to the Contractor detailed in paragraph 1.3.

MINUTES ISSUED: 23 January 2018

CALL-IN: 30 January 2018

Any matter decided by the Executive Board may be called in no later than 5.00pm on 30 January 2018