Decisions

The report seeks approval to commence the procurement for a range of services/ provision for Carers and Young Carers within Croydon. The procurement will seek to engage with the market to improve the reach and offer for Croydon carers, aligning the principles of the all-age Cares strategy.

The services will support adult, young adult and young carers from the Borough of Croydon using a ‘whole family approach’ strategy which recognises that there can be complex relationships where individuals can be both carers and cared for, introducing the No-Wrong-Door principles and ensuring that the young carers are transitioned.

RESOLVED to:

2.2  Approve the business case and procurement strategy/route to market, set out in this report for the commissioning of an All-age Carer’s Support Service over a 7-year period with a total budget envelope set at £838,656 per annum and aggregate spend for the lifetime of the contract will be £5,870,592.

This comprises:

·       Lot 1 - £471,450 per annum and aggregate spend of £3,300,150 for the lifetime of the contract for Adult Carer’s Assessments and Health and Wellbeing.

·       Lot 2 - £112,877 per annum and aggregate spend of £790,139 for the lifetime of the contract for Adult Carers’ Mental Health Support and Counselling.

·       Lot 3 - £254,329 per annum and aggregate spend of £1,780,303 for the lifetime of the contract for the Young Carers’ and Young Adult Carers’ service.

2.2   Authorise the Corporate Director for Adult Social Care and Health to approve recommendations for the award of contracts across all three lots (in consultation with the Corporate for Children, Young People and Education in the case of Lot 3) following the outcome of the procurement process.

The report seeks to outline the commissioning strategy for the procurement of a specialist smoking cessation service.

Decision required: Approval to commission and procure a specialist smoking cessation service covering Severe Mental Illness, Homelessness and Drug and Alcohol populations. A four and a half year (54 month) contract, at a total contract price of £1,490,000 procured via the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.

RESOLVED to:

2.4 Approve the commissioning intentions and procurement strategy (Route to Market, Section 6 of this report), for the commissioning of Croydon’s specialist smoking cessation service via the Most Suitable Provider route for a period of four (4) years and three (3) months with an estimated aggregated contract value of £1,385,000 (one million, three hundred eighty-five thousand pounds) and an annual contract value of £320,000 (three hundred twenty thousand pounds).

This report recommends approving the procurement strategy to run an open tender which will lead to the award of 2 contracts across 2 Lots for a 3-year contract with a 12 month extension with an aggregated value up to £650,000 2 contracts to deliver investment agency disposal services across the Council’s Tranche 3 disposals. 

RESOLVED;

2.1To approve the strategy set out in this report to undertake an open tender competition with 2 Lots which will result in 2 contract awards with  projected aggregated contract values estimated at £390,000 over 4 years (3+1) for Lot 1 and £260,000 for 4 years (3+1) for Lot 2 to deliver property disposal services and provide consultancy advice regarding the council’s disposals program for an initial contract period of 3 years with a 12-month extension option. 

2.2Lots 1 and 2 are further described at paragraph 8.4.3 of this report.

Cabinet RESOLVED;

2.1 To approve the appointment of the preferred bidder named in the Part B report for the delivery of waste and recycling collection, street cleansing and vehicle maintenance services for a term of eight years (April 2025 – 2033), with an option to extend for a further two periods of eight years each by mutual consent for the value stated in the Part B report.

2.2 To agree that, subject to there being no material changes to the scope of services and proposed solutions set out in this report, the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery in consultation with the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Streets & Environment is authorised to agree the final contract.

2.3 To note the identity of the Preferred Bidder will be released following the award decision, in accordance with usual practice.

Cabinet RESOLVED;

2.1 to note the General Fund revenue budget outturn is forecast to overspend at financial year end by £23.9m at Period 3, after the budgeted utilisation of £38m capitalisation directions requested from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), utilisation of the £5.0m risk contingency budget and utilisation of £13.0m corporate earmarked reserves.

2.2 to note that all service directorates have been asked to reduce their net expenditure so that the annual budget can be balanced at the end of the year. It should not be underestimated what a challenge this will be against the background of increased demand pressures which are continuing to build across local government and increased market prices. Forecast overspend pressures are also demonstrated in the Month 2 and Quarter 1 reports published by other London councils. However, the Council will still strive to bring its 2024-25 budget into balance including through the in-year Financial Recovery Plan as set out from para 4.8.

2.3 to approve budget inter-directorate virements from Corporate to service directorates for non-pay inflation (£15.694m) as set out in the table in paragraph 4.102.

2.4 to note the progress in Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings achievement of £20.8m (75.1%) against the total savings target of £27.7m as set out in paragraph 4.124.

2.5 to note the work that is continuing on the Council’s Transformation Programme as set out from paragraph 4.122.

2.6 to note the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budget outturn is forecast to overspend by £2.0m.

2.7 to approve the budget changes in 2024-25 General Fund capital programme budgets totalling a net increase of £8.5m, which includes adoption of Reconnecting Croydon (£4.755m funded by government grant) and the Oracle Improvement Programme (£4.419m funded by earmarked reserves) as set out in para 4.152.

2.8 to note the General Fund capital programme 2024-25 breakeven forecast against the revised capital budget of £118.5m.

2.9 to note the HRA capital programme 2024-25 forecast underspend of £4.9m against the capital budget of £57.2m.

2.10 to note the Council’s historic borrowing and subsequent debt burden continues to be critical to the non-sustainability of the Council’s revenue budget. Dialogue with MHCLG continues around options of further financial support from Government in regard to the level of structural indebtedness to ensure the Council can deliver sustainable Local Government services.

2.11 to note that the Council continues to operate Spend Control Panels to ensure that tight financial control and assurance oversight are maintained.

2.12 to note that current forecasts are based on the best available information at the time and will be subject to review and change during the financial year.

Cabinet RESOLVED;

2.1 to note the General Fund revenue budget outturn is forecast to overspend at financial year end by £15.6m at Period 2, after the budgeted utilisation of £38m capitalisation directions requested from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), utilisation of the £5.0m risk contingency budget and utilisation of £13.0m corporate earmarked reserves.

2.2 to note that all service directorates have been asked to reduce their net expenditure so that the annual budget can be balanced at the end of the year. It should not be underestimated what a challenge this will be against the background of increased demand pressures which are continuing to build across local government and increased market prices. Forecast overspend pressures are also demonstrated in the Month 2 and Quarter 1 reports published by other London councils. However, the Council will still strive to bring its 2024-25 budget into balance including through the in-year Financial Recovery Plan as set out from para 4.8.

2.3 to note the progress in Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings achievement of £20.8m (75.1%) against the total savings target of £27.7m as set out in paragraph 4.118.

2.4 to note the work that has commenced on the Council’s Transformation Programme as set out from paragraph 4.115.

2.5 to note the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budget outturn is forecast to overspend by £2.0m.

2.6 to approve the net budget increase in 2024-25 General Fund capital programme budgets resulting from 2023-24 net slippage of £19.7m.

2.7 to note the General Fund capital programme 2024-25 forecast underspend of £1.0m against the revised capital budget of £110.0m.

2.8 to note the HRA capital programme 2024-25 forecast underspend of £4.9m against the capital budget of £57.2m.

2.9 to note the Council’s historic borrowing and subsequent debt burden continues to be critical to the non-sustainability of the Council’s revenue budget. Dialogue with MHCLG continues around options of further financial support from Government in regard to the level of structural indebtedness to ensure the Council can deliver sustainable Local Government services.

2.10 to note that the Council continues to operate Spend Control Panels to ensure that tight financial control and assurance oversight are maintained.

2.11 to note that current forecasts are based on the best available information at the time and will be subject to review and change during the financial year.

Cabinet RESOLVED to;

2.1 Agree to enter into the following agreements to facilitate the regeneration of the town centre:

a) Deed of Release and Replacement of Guarantor in respect of the CPO Indemnity & Land Transfer Agreement (“ILTA”) releasing Hammerson UK Properties Limited as a guarantor and appointing Unibail-Rodamco TH B.V. as the replacement guarantor; and

b) 4th Supplemental Agreement to the ILTA in relation to general updating and introducing the revised remedy provisions.

2.2 Agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery to negotiate and enter into a Conditional Land Sale Agreement in relation to the freehold of the former Allders Car Park, the leasehold of the Whitgift Car Park, subsoil of a small area of land in Poplar Walk, subsoil of part of Dingwall Avenue, and possible ground anchor licences.

2.3 Agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery in consultation with Executive Mayor and Cabinet member. to finalise the terms of the above agreements (as set out in paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2) and take decisions pursuant to the above agreements once completed, including in relation to the implementation of the remedies

Cabinet RESOLVED to;

2.1. Agree to adopt the Croydon Investment Plan.

2.2. Agree to the establishment of a Partnership Board that brings together key partners to action the Plan and deliver new investment into the borough.

2.3. Subject to agreeing recommendations 2.1 and 2.2, agree to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities Regeneration and Economic Recovery in consultation with the Mayor and the Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration to agree the structure, membership, constitution and Terms of Reference of the Partnership Board.

Cabinet RESOLVED;

2.1 to note the key findings of the Public Health Peer Review contained in appendix A and summarised in section 4.4 of this report.

2.2 to note next steps and the transformation the Public Health function is undertaking, an outline summary for which is set out in appendix B in accordance with the peer review recommendations.

2.3 to endorse the publication of the peer review report.

Cabinet RESOLVED the following amended recommendations;

2.1 To consider the assessment of local needs undertaken as part of the Libraries Review, detailed in Appendix A to the 31st January Cabinet - Phase 1-2 Report and outlined in paragraph 6.47 below

2.2 To consider the detailed consultation activity undertaken on the proposed Library Service model as outlined in Section 6 of this report and Appendix A titled Library Service Review Phase 3 Report and Appendix B titled Library Service Review Phase 3 Consultation Findings Report.

2.3 To consider the consultation responses and findings on the proposed Library Service model including the areas of concern raised by residents as outlined in section 6 of this report and Appendix B titled Library Service Review Phase 3 Consultation Findings Report and Appendix C – Review of Closure Options Report.

2.4 To consider the equality impact assessments of the proposed Library Service model including the proposed library closures and the action to mitigate the impact on groups with protected characteristics as outlined in Section 6 (6.47 to 6.67) and Section 8 (8.3.1 to 8.3.9) and Appendix D titled Equality Impact Assessment set, and Appendix C titled Review of Closure Options.

2.5 To consider the recommendations arising from the Scrutiny and Overview Committee meeting on 17th September 2024 relating to the proposed Library Service model.

Please note the Executive Response to the Scrutiny recommendations was approved by Cabinet at Item 6. Scrutiny Stage Two.

2.6 To consider whether the proposed Library Service model as set out in Section 6 below would meet the assessed local needs and the duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service.

2.7 To agree to adopt the proposed Library Service model set out in Section 6 below and Chapter 5 of Appendix A Library Service Review Phase 3 Report and summary of which are as follows:

a)    To keep open and increase the opening hours to a minimum of 5 days a week and Saturday opening, including a programme of activity aligned to the Library Universal Offers at the following nine libraries:

i)Central Library (Opening days to be increased from 5 to 6 days per week);

ii) Ashburton Library (Opening days to be increased from 4 to 5 days per week);

iii) New Addington (Opening days to be increased from 3 to 5 days per week*);

iv) Selsdon Library (Staffed opening days to increase to from 3 to 5 days per week with two days self service access retained*);

v) Coulsdon Library (Opening days to be increased from 3 to 5 days per week);

vi) Purley Library (Opening days to be increased from 2 to 5 days per week*); vii) Norbury Library (Staffed opening days to increase to from 3 to 5 days per week with two days self service access retained);

viii) South Norwood Library (Opening days to be increased from 2 to 5 days per week*) and

ix) Thornton Heath Library (Opening days to be increased from 3 to 5 days per week)

All libraries will be open five days a week. *including some self-service access. See 6.38 for proposed new timetable.

b) To open all nine listed libraries above with staff on Saturdays.

c) To extend self-service access to Coulsdon and Thornton Heath Libraries.

d) To redevelop South Norwood Library in conjunction with the neighbouring Samuel Coleridge Taylor Youth Centre, delivering a library service alongside the existing Youth Centre and a new Family Hub, introducing self-service access and extending the opening hours to include Saturdays.

e) To redesign the space at New Addington Library to improve the utilisation and alignment with existing Croydon Adult Learning & Training (CALAT) service and to extend the opening hours to include Saturdays.

f) To invest in Purley Library to create classroom/event space for utilisation by CALAT and other VCFS partners and to extend the opening hours to include Saturdays.

g) To develop an outreach service to enable the library service to engage more effectively with non-users, reach areas of need in the borough and mitigate the impact of library closures across the following three strands of provision, and as set out in paragraphs 6.41-6.45 and Chapter 5 of Appendix A – Phase 3 Report: - Home Library Service – a book delivery service for residents unable to visit a library building, care homes and school settings impacted by library closures. - Community events – library service information and promotion at community events and festivals and in schools and settings. - Library Links – a network of community book collections in local venues available alongside weekly drop in sessions of library events and activities.

h) To provide a digital offer including the 24-hour online service offering an extensive collection of stock and materials, learning and reference help and a programme of digital skills support sessions delivered in the libraries and community venues as outlined in paragraph 6.46 and Chapter 5 of Appendix A – Phase 3 Report.

i) To improve the promotion and marketing of the service to better inform and engage residents with the library offer.

j) With effect from the 8th November 2024, to close the following four libraries: Bradmore Green, Broad Green, Sanderstead and Shirley.

k) To approve the following general measures to mitigate the impact of the four libraries closures:

• Extended opening hours at the remaining nine libraries to a minimum of 5 days a week, including introducing Saturday opening at all nine libraries and evening opening at two libraries, increasing staffed opening hours overall to 344 per week;

• Provision of a scheduled weekly accessible bus shuttle service for residents with access needs to visit their nearest library;

• Delivery of an outreach service entailing community book collections and weekly events held in community venues with a particular focus on areas of higher deprivation raised during the consultation;

• Provision of book collections for schools most impacted by the closure of libraries;

• Schools local to a library proposed to close will be accommodated for class visits at the next nearest Croydon Libraries;

• Investment in the library service digital offer including training and skills sessions;

• Improved marketing and communication of the service offer to better reach local residents;

• Access for users who are unable to visit a library to use the home library service.

2.8 To agree that the proposed model for the Library Service meets the assessed local needs identified and the duty to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service and as set out in paragraph 6.46 below.

2.9 To consider and approve the implementation plan outlined from section 6.73 and Chapter 7 of Appendix A Library Service Review Phase 3 Report for delivering the new model and which comprise a transition plan and full community mitigation measures for the four proposed libraries closures.

2.10 To agree to commence a process to consider community operation for sites no longer required for delivery of the statutory library service

Cabinet RESOLVED the following amended recommendations to;

2.1.1 Approve the responses and action plans attached to this report as Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ,6 & 7; 

2.1.2 Delegate authority to the officers identified in Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 to report back to the Scrutiny and Overview Committee, or relevant Sub-Committee, within the periods specified in the agreed responses and action plans, and on progress made in implementing any action plan, and;

2.1.3 To approve the Executive Responses as detailed in the supplementary agenda, regarding the Libraries Review recommendations, from the Scrutiny meeting on the 17th September.

Cabinet RESOLVED to;

1. Receive the recommendations arising from the meeting of the Children & Young People Sub-Committee on 16 July 2024 (Appendix 1) and the Streets & Environment Sub-Committee on 22 July 2024 (Appendix 2).

2. To provide a substantive response to the recommendations (a Scrutiny Stage 2 Report) at the Cabinet meeting on 20 November 2024.

A contract was awarded to Provide CIC on 18 July 2024, (Key decision reference: 0324ASCH) to deliver community equipment and partnering services through a Mutual.

Decision 2.5 of that report included the following to: 

·       “note the establishment of the Mutual and that, as part of the transaction, (and subject to further internal governance approvals being obtained as applicable) … a loan facility of £1.9m will be granted.”

This report will seek the approval required to enable the Council to grant the loan.

For the reasons set out in the report the Executive Mayor RESOLVED:

2.1 To agree the grant of a loan for £1.9m for a period of up to five years to Provide Equipment Hub Limited (PEHL) from 1^st November 2024.

Regina Road demolition - Procurement strategy for the demolition of tower 1 – nos. 1 to 87 (Phase 1a), and two adjacent blocks of maisonettes, nos. 89 to 99 and 101 to 123 Regina Road (Phase 1b).

RESOLVED to:

2.3          The Cabinet Member for Homes is recommended by the contracts and Commissioning Board to approve the procurement strategy for the procurement of the Regina Road demolition and clearance contractor, including asbestos removal, via a mini-competition under the Notting Hill Genesis framework for a duration of up to 12 months and with an estimated total value stated in the Part B report. The contract period will be dependent upon project progress.