Agenda and minutes

The Deputy Leader welcomed Councillor Peter Hicks (Community Safety and Customer Contact) to his first Cabinet meeting.  

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Rodney Chambers (Leader of the Council) and Howard Doe (Housing and Community Services).

The record of the meeting held on 23 May 2013 was agreed and signed by the Deputy Leader as correct.  

There were none.

Background:

This report provided a review of the various Cabinet Advisory Groups and sought the reestablishment of a number of Groups for 2013/2014. The report noted that these Groups did not have any decision making powers and could consist of both executive and non-executive Councillors.

The report stated that it was not proposed to re-establish the Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board owing to the formal Health and Wellbeing Board having been established as a Committee of the Council by Full Council on 25 April 2013. It was also proposed not to re-establish the Medway Regeneration, Community and Culture Cabinet Advisory Group given the recent re-establishment of the Chatham Regeneration Board and the continuation of the Rochester Riverside Board.

Reasons:

The establishment of these groups will support the Cabinet in decision-making and the development of policies. 

Background:

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

Appendix 1 to the report provided details of the posts, with details of one further post tabled at the meeting.

Reasons:

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

Background:

This report provided details of the business case, based on an initial feasibility study, for the expansion of Brompton Westbrook Primary School to two forms of entry. The report stated that the development supported the School Organisation Plan 2011-2016 which highlighted the need for more pupil places in the Gillingham area.

The report provided background details of the school including its location, site surveys and the three options for the proposed new accommodation, with Option 2 as the preferred option. This would enable the school to be expanded to two forms of entry, with a planned admission number (PAN) of 60 pupils.

The report also provided details of the consultation process as well as resources and project management issues and contract management issues.

An exempt appendix contained finance and option costings information.

Reasons:

Option 2 is the preferred choice of the design team, the school and planners. This option also provides best value for money.

The cost estimates indicate that the preferred scheme, which will deliver the identified accommodation requirements, should be affordable within the provisional budget. Accurate cost estimates will be developed during the detailed design stage and presented for approval at Gateway 1 stage, prior to going out to tender.

Background:

This report sought permission to commence a new commissioning strategy for the procurement of Special Educational Needs (SEN) Transport contracts. The report included a review of current service provision and it was proposed that procurement for this contract be through an area based contract procurement.

The Gateway 1 report had been approved for submission to Cabinet after review and discussion at Corporate Management Team. The Procurement Board had also considered this report on 22 May 2013 and supported the recommendations.

An exempt appendix contained key information in respect of finance and whole life costings.

The exempt appendix also included details of a number of contracts ending in July 2013 it was proposed to extend.

Reasons:

The commissioning strategy provides an opportunity to increase both the quality of service provision and the cost efficiency of service for SEN home to school transport. One specific transport operator for each school site, or geographic grouping of smaller school sites, will allow for a more consistent and informed service. The decision will also improve the communication and relationship between school sites, their operators, and the Council’s SEN and Transport teams. A renewed commissioning strategy provides an opportunity to review and rework the SEN transport service specification, incorporating current service requirements such as required length of journey for specific passengers (wheelchair and non-wheelchair), with improved specification conditions.

In addition, it is anticipated that an operator will be able to provide better overall service value when undertaking all transport to a specific school site as opposed to smaller individual route contracts as currently.

Background:

This report sought approval of the Outline Business Case and proposed procurement route, based on an initial feasibility study and evaluation of procurement and construction options, for the new Chatham Primary Free School. It was noted that this project supported the Council’s School Organisation Plan 2011 – 2016, which highlighted the need for more pupil places in the Chatham area.

The Procurement Board considered this report on 22 May 2013 and supported the recommendations set out in the report.

An exempt appendix contained key information in respect of finance and whole life costing, including the Outline Business Case.

Reasons:

The new remodelled accommodation is required to enable the new primary academy to open in September 2014. The capital programme approved by Cabinet on 23 February 2013 includes funding for the project. 

Background:

This report sought permission for refurbishment works to convert teaching space into a multiple use hall, create a larger staff room and undertake alterations to existing classrooms and toilets for use by younger pupils at Wainscott Primary School. These works would coincide with the new building for the school’s expansion to two forms of entry.

The Procurement Board considered this report on 22 May 2013 and supported the recommendations.

An exempt appendix contained key information in respect of finance and whole-life costing and procurement process tender evaluation information.

Reasons:

The procurement will deliver the objectives outlined in the business case and summarised in Section 2.1 of the report, to enable the refurbishment works in the existing building as part of the overall expansion of the school to two forms of entry as described in the business case section of the gateway 1 report.