Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Rodney Chambers OBE (Inward Investment, Strategic Regeneration and Partnerships).

The record of the meeting held on 7 February 2017 was agreed and signed by the Leader as a correct record.  

Disclosable pecuniary interests

Councillor Filmer declared interests in agenda items 5 (Transfer of HRA Sheltered Scheme Cleaning Service to Medway Norse) and 6 (Transfer of Countryside Ranger Service to Medway Norse) because he is a Director of Medway Norse. He left the room during consideration of these items.

Other interests

Councillor Mackness declared an interest in agenda item 8 (Medway Commercial Group (MCG) Limited – First Year Quarter 3 Report) because he is the Chairman of the MCG Board. He left the room during consideration of this item.

Background:

This report provided details of the development agreement between the Council, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and Countryside Properties PLC with particular reference to a reduction in the land value for a specific S106 requirement to secure funding for the future repair and replacement of the river wall and confirmation of the capped values for the bid qualifications in Countryside’s offer.

The report stated that these matters had been considered by the Rochester Riverside Board on 10 January 2017. It was reported that Countryside were likely to complete their planning submission in April 2017 and that consideration of the planning application and the accompanying S106 agreement would be a matter for the Planning Committee.

The report also provided details of the series of qualifications that could potentially have raised or lowered the land value. Details of the remaining qualifications and the effect on land value were set out in the Exempt Appendix.

The report also provided details of proposals for the introduction of a rent charge to support future maintenance and the partial adoption of the roads on the site to enable a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) to be implemented in the future.

An Exempt Appendix provided details relating to land values and the rent charge proposed for residential and non-residential units on the site.

Reasons:  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

Background:

This report provided details of a proposal to transfer Housing Services (Housing Revenue Account) HRA sheltered housing cleaning from 1 May 2017 to the Council’s joint venture company, Medway Norse, to enable the overall sheltered housing service to widen its scope for developing its Housing Related Support Service to residents in HRA general needs properties and achieve further savings and service efficiencies.

The report stated that this transfer would build on Medway Norse’s track record in the delivery of Estate Services which included cleaning. The proposals would also deliver a small cashable saving whilst retaining existing service standards for sheltered housing tenants.  In addition, the release of management capacity within the Sheltered Housing Team would allow the development of further housing related support at no additional cost.

An Exempt Appendix provided details of the outline business case, options appraisal and detailed business case.

Reasons:

To reduce costs, achieve efficiencies and facilitate development of the service.

In addition, the transfer of the scheme cleaners will bring savings to the HRA and also free up sheltered scheme managers time to concentrate on the provision of Housing Related Support Services in a potentially remodelled service later in the year, utilising the same staff numbers. This follows the successful sustainment and customer satisfaction increase through the transfer of the HRA Estate Services function to Medway Norse.

Discussion:

This report provided details of a proposal for the transfer of the Countryside Ranger Service, to the Council’s joint venture company, Medway Norse, to enable the service to achieve savings and service efficiencies.

The report also provided details of a proposal to dispose of the grounds maintenance depot (Howard School Yard) adjacent to the Howard School, Rainham. This had arisen as a result of Medway Norse moving from the site, having been able to utilise existing facilities at Capstone Country Park.

An Exempt Appendix provided details of the outline business case, options appraisal and detailed business case.

Reasons:

To reduce costs, achieve efficiencies, facilitate development and obtain a capital receipt.

Background:

This report summarised the performance of the Council’s Key Measures of Success for the third quarter of 2016/17 as set out in the Council Plan 2016/17-2020/21.

The report and accompanying appendix included progress reports on performance in Quarter 3 2016/17 against these priorities using 32 Key measures of success, however, this report was only including information on 25 as 7 of these were either data only, or data was not expected until after the report was published. In summary:

•           68%   (17 out of 25) were on target

•           4%     (1 out of 25) were just below target

•           28%   (7 out of 25) were significantly below target

•           54%   (13 out of 24) have improved over the long term.

It was noted that the report would be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Committees during March and April.

Cabinet Members highlighted a number of key issues during discussion.

Reasons:

Regular monitoring of performance by management and Members is best practice and ensures achievement of corporate objectives.

Background:

This report provided details of Medway Commercial Group Limited’s (MCG) achievements and performance up to the third quarter in its first year of trading, and its plans for future growth and development.

The report provided details of key highlights in the third quarter (October 2016 – December 2016) and priorities for the fourth quarter (January 2017 – March 2017). In particular, the report stated that MCG was on target to achieve its agreed accumulated savings for the next two financial years (2016/17 and 2017/18).

Reasons:

When Cabinet agreed to establish the Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) it was also agreed that regular monitoring reports would be provided to Cabinet.

Background:

This report presented information on a number of vacancies that officers had requested approval to commence recruitment for, following the process agreed by Cabinet on 7 January 2003 (decision number 9/2003).

Details of the posts were set out within Appendix 1 to the report.

Reasons:

The posts presented to Cabinet will support the efficient running of the Council.

Background:

This report provided details of updates of activity carried out by Veolia Environmental Services (waste and recycling collection, waste disposal and street cleansing services) and FCC Environment (management of the three household waste recycling centres).

The contractors’ annual reports were set out in Appendices 1 and 2 to the report.

The Procurement Board considered this report on 15 February 2017 and supported the recommendations set out in the report.

An Exempt Appendix provided details of the financial analysis of the contracts.

Reasons:

This is on the basis of value for money and that both contractors have a track record of delivering high quality services for the residents of Medway with high satisfaction levels recorded.

Further to this, the contracts have been well managed by the client department, through the adoption of contract management and the forming of a strong working relationship.