Agenda and minutes

Councillor Janice Bamber (Customer First and Corporate Services).

The record of the meeting held on 21 December 2010 was agreed and signed by the Leader as correct.  

There were none. 

The Leader advised that agenda item 6 (Capital Budget Monitoring) had been withdrawn and rescheduled for consideration at the Cabinet meeting on 15 February 2011. This would enable the report to present the monitoring information to the end of December 2010 and so take into account the impact of the adverse weather conditions experienced this winter on capital projects.

This report presented the Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy that set the direction as to how the Council, along with its partners, would work with the Voluntary and Community Sector in Medway.

The strategy, which complemented and supported Medway’s Sustainable Community Strategy, focussed on four key outcomes for Medway:

·        The existence of a vibrant sector that supports the community

·        Voluntary and community sector organisations being supported and able to be sustainable

·        Voluntary and community sector partners feeling able to influence, and contribute to, developments in Medway as real partners

·        A rewarding experience for those that work and volunteer in the voluntary and community sector.

The action being undertaken in these areas, together with details of what needed to be done and how the success of this would be measured, was set out.

It was noted that the strategy had been developed following a series of meetings with the key sector representatives and consultation events with VOICE, the representative body for the voluntary and community sector in Medway. The Health and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee had also considered the strategy on 16 December 2010 and their recommendations were set out in the report.

A Diversity Impact Assessment screening form had been completed and was attached to the report. It was noted that a full diversity impact assessment was not required.

Reasons:

The voluntary and community sector plays a vital role at a grassroots level, as it provides important services and support that may prevent people from needing to access significantly more costly services and support.

Given the Coalition Government’s view of the Big Society and the role of the citizen and the voluntary and community sector within it; supporting the sector in Medway to help itself to be sustainable, in order that it is able to continue to support the communities in Medway, will be of vital importance.

This report summarised the revenue monitoring position for the current year based on actual income and expenditure to November 2010.

It was noted that on 25 February 2010 the Council had set gross revenue spending at £625 million and a General Fund net budget requirement of £182.713 million for 2010/2011. It was noted that Council had revisited this in July 2010 in response to the public expenditure reductions announced by the government.

The monitoring report indicated that after management action, the outturn forecast for 2010/2011 currently stood at a £383,000 overspend. Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) services were predicting a minor overspend of £10,000. After allowing for the approved reserve contribution towards achieving the spending reductions, the forecast for general fund services would be for an overspend of £59,000.

An analysis of the budget position for each directorate was set out in the report and accompanying appendices.

Reasons:

Cabinet has the responsibility to ensure effective budgetary control to contain expenditure within the approved limits set by Council. Where a budget overspend is forecast, Cabinet supported by the corporate management team must identify measures to remove any excess expenditure.

Report to follow. 

This item was withdrawn. 

This report brought forward proposals to dispose of two properties that were considered to be surplus to the Council’s requirements.

In line with the Council’s Corporate Property Strategy, all the properties had been considered in the context of their service and strategic importance. Comment and analysis for each property was set out in the report.

Reasons:

The Cabinet declared the properties surplus in order to reduce revenue costs, realise capital receipts and gain investment in the Medway area.

This report set out the options appraisal for the building works to support the amalgamation of Thames View Infant and Junior Schools.

It was noted that the Thames View Infant and Junior schools had federated and would amalgamate in April 2012. In order for the school to sustain the number of pupils on roll, it was intended to extend the nursery accommodation. The dropping off/waiting area outside the nursery entrance would also be improved and the junior school building would have a new main entrance.

An exempt appendix set out details of the whole life costings/budget, fees payable and risk register for the building works.

The Procurement Board had considered this report on 22 December 2010 and recommended its approval to Cabinet.

Reasons:

The new facilities are required to enable the school to deliver the quality of curriculum offer for the key subjects as described in the business case section of the report and the capital programme approved by Cabinet in February 2010 includes funding for the project.

This report updated Cabinet on the contract performance and management of the Home Improvement Agency and Handyperson Service and sought approval for the continuation of the contract, which was expected to run until 31 October 2012.

The Home Improvement Agency and Handyperson Service assisted older, disabled and vulnerable people to remain living in their homes independently by helping them to repair, improve, maintain or adapt their home. It was noted that overall the services provided under this contract had been satisfactory in continuing to promote the independence of vulnerable adults in the community.

Procurement Board had considered this report on 22 December 2010 and supported the recommendation to approve the continuation of this service contract.

Reasons:

There are no adverse observations regarding this contract and the Service Provider is performing to a standard equal or better than that set out in the contract specification.

The continuation of this service is vital in enabling older and vulnerable people to remain independent within their community and their own homes.

This report sought approval for a 1 year extension to the contract with Uniservity for the provision of a Learning Platform, from 1 April 2011 to 31 March 2012.

A learning platform brings together hardware, software and supporting services designed to support teaching, learning, management and administration in Medway’s schools. The report provided details of how learning platform tools had been used, how the contract had been managed and benefits realised.

The Procurement Board had considered this report on 22 December 2010 and recommended it to Cabinet for approval.

Reasons:

The contract has run successfully to date and school usage of the Learning Platform is growing year on year.

A large investment has taken place in bespoke training and support with schools over the implementation phase of the project, best value can be obtained from harnessing the value of this investment in an extension to the contract.

Surveys of schools using the product show that it is meeting their needs.

A 1 year extension will provide flexibility for schools in the current uncertain financial climate.

A 1 year extension would enable schools to evaluate the new ‘Life’ product and ensure that it is fit for purpose before committing to a further year.

The Uniservity Learning Platform continues to comply with original procurement specifications and Uniservity is developing a successor to the current system, which will provide extra functionality to further support teaching and learning from September 2011.