Agenda item

An update from the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration, Business & Economic Development on key areas within his portfolio is attached.

The Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration, Business & Economic Development will be in attendance to answer questions from the Committee.

5.1     The Committee received written updates from the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services and the Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration, Business & Economic Development on the key aspects of their portfolios.  A written update from the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services was circulated following the publication of the agenda.

          Questions to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services

5.2     The Cabinet Member was asked about the implementation of the new IT contract.  He advised that the service was provided by BT which operates a similar contract in Cornwall.  Unlike that contract, which it was reported was experiencing difficulties, the Tri-Borough Service was operating well.  He reported that staff satisfaction with the Council’s IT had increased significantly in the last year.

5.3     The Cabinet Member was asked about economies of scale opportunities across Tri-Borough services.  With regards to procurement, he explained that a number of contracts had been developed on a framework model which enables other local authorities to “buy-in” and use the systems or technology.  Where this occurs the Council will be reimbursed a proportion of its costs.  Procurement was not delivered on a Tri-Borough level.  Whether there was merit in moving to such an arrangement was still a matter for consideration.  He highlighted a range of examples where authorities were working together at a sub regional cluster level.  This included the London Borough of Wandsworth entering into an arrangement with London Borough of Richmond.  The London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham was part of the West London Alliance while the City Council was a member of the Cross River Partnership which focused on economic development opportunities.  Some of the partnerships were driven by financial considerations while others involved sharing expertise or were based on geographical practicalities.

          Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration, Business & Economic Development

5.4     The Cabinet Member supplemented his written paper with a verbal update on key activities within his portfolio.  This included details of a Federation of Small Business award for the Council’s work on Maida Hill market, activities associated with Westminster Enterprise Week, a recent meeting with the city’s BIDs and an update on the progression of the Housing Bill and the Council’s lobbying activities in relation to it.

5.5     With regards to the renewal of Tollgate Gardens, the Cabinet Member was asked whether the temporary accommodation residents being decanted from the estate would be provided with alternative accommodation within the borough.  He informed the committee that the affected families would be offered accommodation which is both suitable and affordable in line with the council’s policies.

5.6     The Cabinet Member was asked which elements within the draft housing strategy would be taken forward in the Direction of Travel document.  He advised that the document would incorporate the theme on people such as improving health by investing £12 million in tackling cold/damp in over 5800 council homes and the economic opportunities and work programmes included in the theme on prosperity.  The aspects of the draft housing strategy that focused on intermediate housing would be put to one side until there was greater clarity about the implications of the Housing Bill.

5.7     The Cabinet Member was asked about the requirement of CityWest Homes to reduce its operating costs by £5.2m.  He explained that the savings were needed to balance the HRA account which would be affected by the government’s housing/welfare changes where there would be an annual 1% cut in social rents for 4 years.  The Altair report also identified areas where CityWest Homes could deliver savings. These included opportunities for improving IT and developing online services and introducing a new procurement operating model.

5.8     The Cabinet Member was referred to the fact that the Roughsleeper’s Strategy was due for renewal next year.  He was asked what joint working would be undertaken in the development of the strategy with the Cabinet Member for Public Protection.  The Cabinet Member clarified that he was responsible for all aspects of rough sleeping with the exception of addressing on-street rough sleeping.  He explained that the Council was looking to re-commission the service.

5.9     In relation to the City’s BIDS, the Cabinet Member was asked about the liaison arrangements at a senior level between the Council and the executive teams running the BIDs.  He explained that while the BIDs involved and impacted upon a number of Cabinet Member portfolios he coordinated this relationship with the aim of addressing issues and resolving blockages within the Council.  In the last year he had developed a new method of working with the city’s BIDS.  Quarterly meetings were now held between members of the Council’s executive and BID chairmen.  Additionally, the Cabinet held an annual meeting with representatives of the BIDs.  In response to supplementary questions, the Cabinet Member advised that any decision on extending the BID’s enforcement powers was a matter for the Cabinet Member for Public Protection.  He explained in relation to measuring performance that the BIDs were held to account by those businesses that pay the running costs.  The Cabinet, however, has responsibility for approving the bid proposal so that a ballot on establishing a BID may take place.  In considering a proposal the Council will expect plans to align with the Council’s priorities.

5.10    How the council promotes apprenticeships and engages on thissubject with local businesses was raised with the Cabinet Member.  He was informed that some businesses had found it difficult to obtain information and assistance in recruiting apprentices.  The Cabinet Member stated that there was a team within the Council dedicated to promoting the Council’s various work programmes.  Officers promoted apprenticeships directly with local businesses and advertised opportunities in the young person’s magazine.  On some occasions activities were outsourced to the London Apprenticeship Company.  He accepted that the wide range of routes could be confusing and that the process needed simplifying and this was being looked into.

5.11    The Cabinet Member was asked about the cost per placement achieved through the Council’s employment and skills projects.  He advised that there may be other metrics that are more relevant to focus on when assessing project outcomes and performance such as the benefits and savings of helping the long-term unemployed into work.

5.12    RESOLVED: That the updates from Cabinet Members be noted.

5.13    ACTION:

          Provide the committee with details of the alternative accommodation offered to temporary accommodation residents vacated from Tollgate Gardens once all relocations are complete. (Action for: Barbara Brownlee, Director of Housing & Regeneration)