Decisions

The project scope is to upgrade Westminster City Council’s staff laptops and provide technical support for these devices.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance & Council Reform has approved the award to Computacenter for a 48-month contract expected to commence 16September 2024 to procure laptops, and introduce a modern device build and deployment for Council’s staff members and the expenditure of the £4.728 million capital budget allocated for this project.

Reason for Decision

The Invitation to Tender (ITT) for laptop refresh project period was initiated on 3^rd June 2024 and ended on 2^nd July under the CCS RM 6098 Technology Products and Associated Services 2 Framework Agreement Lot 2, with the intention of awarding the contract to a single Supplier.After the final rounds of moderation, Computacenter achieved the highest score based on both quality and price criteria. The evaluation panel found that the Computacenter bid demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of WCC's requirements and expectations and proposed a comprehensive and robust implementation that met and, in some areas, exceeded the specifications, and the service standards set out in the ITT document. The chosen Supplier’s proposal has shown 'Value for Money' by fulfilling the scope of the requirement within the predetermined budget. The assessment panel has thus determined that the proposed Supplier provides the best value and most appropriate solution for WCC's needs and has recommended them as the preferred Supplier for the contract.  

This is a report listing the awards of grants from the Community Priorities Programme.

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director for Environment and Communities has approved the awarding of 61 grants for two years for community activities, to 55 organisations and 6 individuals. The total amount of funding over the two years is £1,522,334. This includes funding allocated to the Community Priorities Programme (CPP) of £600,000 a year plus funding allocated to CPP held in reserves from underspend previous years.

Reasons for Decision

The Community Priorities Programme is a participatory budgeting programme. Consultation was undertaken in each of the 6 CPP neighbourhoods, to find out what the community needs and priorities are, post-pandemic. The Executive Director for Environment and Communities has delegated authority to approve CPP spend, in consultation with the Executive Director for Finance and Resources and the Cabinet Member for Communities.

To purchase and take delivery of a further 3 years of electricity and gas services from framework supplier/s. Services to be provided using framework agreement with the supplier/s which regulates, the aggregation of the customer portfolio, the forward purchasing of electricity and gas for the aggregated customer portfolio, the locking and unlocking of wholesale electricity and gas prices,related hedging activities and the scheduling of supply of electricity and gas to customers. Theestimated contract value of the additional 3 years is £53.4m.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved: 

1. WCC’s continued commitment to the CCS Supply of Energy 2 Framework (RM6251) for the provision of gas and electricity for up to a further 3 years from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028. 

2. The direct award under CCS Framework Supply of Energy 2 RM6251 of a contract for the provision of electricity to EDF Energy Limited (company number 02366852) for the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028 for an estimated total sum of £19.83 million exclusive of VAT, £23.78 million inclusive of VAT.   

3. The direct award under CCS Framework Supply of Energy 2 RM6251 of a contract for the provision of gas supply to TotalEnergies Gas & Power Limited (company number 02172239) for the period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2028 for an estimated total cost of up to £33 million exclusive of VAT, £39.6 million inclusive of VAT. 

Reasons for Decision

Westminster City Council (WCC) is in ‘evergreen’ rolling energy contracts,  with Crown Commercial Services (CCS) acting as the broker with EDF Energy Ltd and Total Energies Gas and Power Ltd as the energy suppliers. An emergency cabinet member decision was granted to approve a one-year extension on the current utility contracts with CCS, from 1/4/2024 - 31/3/2025 on 15 September 2023. This decision was necessitated by the forward purchase nature of utilities contracts.

Following on from this decision the Council has undertaken a full options appraisal of the procurement of its energy supply. The review considered historical and current relative price performance versus the market average. At the price comparison point, CCS offered lower prices than the LASER offer. There will be a yearly review of basket / strategies which will consist of benchmarking of the purchasing strategies offered by CCS to determine whether it would be advantageous for the Council to change strategies dependent upon the energy market projections.

Reasons for Urgency

Under provision 33.14 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules in the Council’s Constitution, the Council may apply a case of special urgency to the rule to publish notice of a decision 28 days in advance of that decision being taken with the agreement of the Chair of the relevant Policy and Scrutiny Committee. Cllr Angela Piddock, Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed to this decision being treated as a matter of special urgency on 13 September 2024. The decision could be taken immediately after this agreement was given.

Adherence to the normal access to information rules, and specifically the 28 day rule, are not practical in these circumstances as Westminster City Council must commit to the purchase window for the 2025-28 financial years by 15 September 2024, and not doing so would leave the Council liable to increased costs.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care Public Health and Voluntary Sector has approved the direct award of contracts to three patch homecare providers in Westminster

Reasons for Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the direct award of home care contracts in Westminster to three patch providers. The agreement and provision of direct awards will help regularise existing arrangements which are currently operating on an implied basis. The direct awards will enable the council to better meet its Care Act duties promoting and maintaining service users’ wellbeing and contributing to prevention, reduction, and delay in need. This model will reduce areas to support a diverse market size and increase compliance with referrals uptake.

This paper seeks approval of a compliant direct award via the CCS digital marketplace (G Cloud 13 Framework RM1557.13) of a 3 year contract with an option to extend for a period of 1 year to Freshworks Technologies UK Limited (09338697) for the service of an IT Service Management (ITSM) platform and associated services. The platform will be used to streamline and improve the delivery of IT services to WCC.

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director of Finance and Resources has approved:

·       Award of a direct call-off contract to the value of £357,200 across three years from the G Cloud13 framework Lot 3 for the provision of an IT Service Management (ITSM) platform and associated services.

Reasons for Decision

The procurement of a new service desk platform will ensure continuity of service for officers in relation to the reporting of incidents and the request of services from the service desk (Agilisys) and adjacent resolver groups.

It will ensure the Council is able to develop and improve its IT asset management, taking advantage of the latest developments in this area.

Approval of a 2-year extension option to the council’s element of an existing pan-London postage discount scheme, which provides the council with savings on its postage costs

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved:

·       The continued inclusion of Council in the Royal Mail’s pan-London postal scheme by taking up the existing contractual option to extend by 2 years (14 September 2024 – 13 September 2026).

·       The increased estimated contract spend over the full five-year term of the contract.

Reasons for Decision

This will allow the Council to take up an existing contractual option to extend its inclusion within a pan-London Postage discount contract / scheme for two years (14 September 2024 – 13 September 2026). The extension will allow the Council to continue to receive a discount (circa 10%) on its appropriately sorted mailings.

Cabinet Member Report (CMR) seeking approval of the Full Business Case for Carlton Dene.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters has approved:

·       The Carlton Dene Full Business Case.  

·       Contract award to appoint Lovell Partnership Ltd as the Council’s contractor to deliver the Stage 2 main build construction works for the Carlton Dene Scheme

·       Contract award sum for the Stage 2 main build works up to the maximum value of £40.249m. 

·       A £2.251m increase to the expenditure budget allocation for Calton Dene to £59.663m and approves expenditure of the full budget, to progress the scheme to completion and the end of the defects period.  

·       Increased funding forecast of AHF on the scheme by £2.251m. This will offset the additional expenditure requirements (see recommendation 2.4). 

·       Delegation of authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning to approve and enter into other agreements and property documents including but not limited to leases, warranties, substation leases, wayleaves, licences, deeds of easement, asset protection agreements, section 104 agreements, section 185 agreements and any other statutory agreements and utilities agreements in connection with ancillary works required to facilitate the construction works at Carlton Dene.  

Reasons for Decision

The Full Business Case (FBC) represents the final business case stage in the Carlton Dene development. The FBC has shown that there is still a strong strategic, economic, commercial, financial and management case for the project to progress to the delivery phase, and a decision is required to proceed to that phase.

The Carlton Dene scheme will deliver an additional 87 affordable homes towards WCC’s target of delivering truly affordable housing with 65 of the homes classified as ‘extra care’ and the remaining 22 homes delivered as social rented tenure. 

CMR to approve the extension of contracts for package of enabling works and RIBA Stage 4 design development.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters has approved:

·       Contract extension of the JCT Design and Build Contract 2016 (as amended) with Lovell Partnerships Ltd to complete the Stage 1 enabling works from 4 June 2024 to 3 October 2024. 

·       Extension of the Pre-Construction Services Agreement with Lovell Partnerships Ltd to complete the services from 4 June 2024 to 3 October 2024. 

·       Additional expenditure to the original contract sum with Lovell Partnerships Ltd in the sum of £214,164 (with uplift to be funded by scheme contingency) for completion of RIBA stage design services under the Pre-Construction Services Agreement to facilitate progressing the scheme to completion.  

·       Additional expenditure to the original contract sum with Lovell Partnerships Ltd in the sum of £1,489,100 (with uplift to be funded by scheme contingency) to complete Stage 1 enabling works to progress the scheme to completion. 

Reasons for Decision

The Carlton Dene scheme will deliver an additional 87 affordable homes towards the Council’s target of delivering truly affordable housing. 65 of the homes will be classified as ‘extra care’ and will replace the former Carlton Dene care home that did not meet modern standards for care. The remaining 22 homes will be delivered as social rented tenure.

Enabling works on the site commenced in October 2023 and are due to complete in October 2024. There has, however, been numerous unforeseen issues which have resulted in the need for additional instructions beyond the contract scope of works originally agreed, which require this decision.

This report requests approval for the writing off of debts above £100,000 and provides information on other debts to be written off under officer delegated authority.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved the write-off of all debts over £100,000.

Reasons for Decision

The recommendation to write-off the amounts detailed in the exempt report is proposed as all other avenues available to the Council for the recovery of these debts have been exhausted.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters has approved the following:

·       Proposed change of tenure and units from 18 intermediate rent affordable homes to ten social rent affordable homes at the Councils Balmoral Castle Darwin House scheme.

·       Change of tenure to one affordable unit in the Community Supportive Housing block (Block A) from affordable to private, for use by the Scheme Manager in connection with the ongoing operation of CSH Block.

·       Increased expenditure of £0.837m (increasing the total approved expenditure from £40.183m previously to £41.020m).

·       Use of Right to Buy receipts to increase the funding forecast. This will offset the additional expenditure requirements (see recommendation 2.2.3)

·       Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning (REP) to:

o   Approve any necessary terms to effect recommendations

o   Amend and implement planning as required to carry out the recommendations

o   In consultation with the Director of Law, to enter into and or amend any existing legal and financial documents and planning agreements to effect recommendations set out in this report

o   Note that a Local Lettings Plan will be put in place prioritising new affordable homes for local residents.

o   Note that the Council may in the future change the tenure, dispose of or let the private unit within the CSH (Block A) at its discretion in accordance with the powers vested within it.

Reasons for Decision

A decision is required to faciltate existing Scheme Management arrangements in Block A, in addition to securing expenditure and implementing changes to Block B to deliver large family homes for social rent in line with the Council’s Truly Affordable Housing Strategy.The changes will deliver ten new Council homes for social rent. eight of which are four bed homes, thereby increasing the Council’s supply of hardest to find homes.

Approval for increase in fees for provision of Technical Services to the Future of PDHU Programme

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director for Regeneration, Economy and Planning has approved the variation to the contract sum of £863,378 to include Contract Variations (£346,838), the Hub works (£516,540), an additional Sectional Completion and reduced Liquidated Damages Holiday. This is to be made by way of Deed of Variation in the sum of £863,378.

Reasons for Decision

Including the hub works within the main contract provides the most efficient programme for undertaking these works and minimises the potential for abortive works. Entering into a Deed of Variation and incorporating a new sectional completion for the hub works, formalises the completion date for the hub works in the contract. The reduction in the Liquidated Damages holiday provides greater certainty on the 31 October practical completion date.

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director of Finance and Resources has approved the granting of a new license to a local charity to occupy the enterprise space on a short-term basis (3 months) in terms agreed by the Charity and Council.

Reasons for Decision

This license relates to a premises which sits within the GF and therefore needs to be approved by the Executive Director of Finance and Resources under the WCC constitution.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development has approved the London HQ Limited Proposal in respect of the Victoria Renewal and Alteration BID.

-        To request the Chief Executive as the City Council’s Returning Officer and ballot holder to hold a ballot on behalf of London HQ Limited in respect of their Victoria Renewal and Alteration BID Proposal.

-        That the Director of Law be authorised on behalf of the City Council to enter into the necessary legal agreements for collection of the BID Levy. In addition, deal with related documentation which the City Council is required to enter into with London HQ Limited to deliver relevant services in relation to the Victoria BID area throughout the BID’s renewal term and any other necessary legal matters as instructed and in consultation with the appropriate Council officers.

-        Approved the budget of £262,816 for BID levy payments that may become due from the Council to the BID for the 5 year BID term if the ballot is successful.

Cabinet Member Report (CMR) seeking approval to endorse the appointment of a Main Works Contractor to carry out the Stage 4 PCSA on Phase 2 of the Ebury Bridge Renewal project.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters has approved the following:

·       A Pre-Construction Services Agreement with McLaren Construction Limited as the successful bidder (Company registration number 05377750) for a total contract award of £5,631,708.

·       Budget spend of £7.295m to cover PSCA & Design and enabling works contracts respectively, with further overall budget approvals set out within the Appendix B

·       Delegation of authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration Economy and Planning to approve the budget spend contained in confidential Part B together with entering any such agreements or contract amendments as required.

·       Delegation of authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning to approve and enter into all documentation related to the contract

Reasons for Decision

The Council is currently regenerating Ebury Bridge Estate to deliver a comprehensive renewal that brings about physical, economic, and sustainable change that creates additional homes and improves the lives of residents, businesses and visitors alike.

This decision is required to progress regeneration delivery by enabling a contractor to be appointed and progress the RIBA Stage 4 detailed design works.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection has approved the increase in the fee charged for a paid food hygiene review from £250 to £350.

Reasons for Decision

Due to inflation, the current fee is no longer an accurate reflection of the costs and resources involved in carrying out a revisit. The new fee of £350 is reflective of these costs.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development has approved the development of design and delivery of priority projects as part of the Paddington Bayswater High Streets Programme, and delegated authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning to change the allocation of budget between the projects outlined in the report subject to remaining with the overall approval envelope.

Reasons for Decision

Due the significant spend (above £1.5M) there is a requirement for Cabinet Member approval.

A Cabinet Member decision is required to enable the development of these projects and allow for further delivery. These projects were highlighted upon both the baseline analysis and public engagement that the Place Shaping conducted in Summer 2023.

In a briefing held on 18 December 2023 the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development agreed to proceed with the development of priority projects for the Paddington-Bayswater High Streets Programme, including: Shopfront Improvements Scheme, Public Realm Improvements on Praed Street & London Street and Westbourne Grove & Fiveways and the further scoping of future opportunities in the area considering the insights from both the baseline studies conducted by the Council and the feedback received through public engagement.

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director for Regeneration, Economy and Planning has approved the lease surrender terms as agreed by the tenant and Council and to approve a compensation payment to be paid to the leaseholder of the property for the sum stated in confidential report attached + reasonable legal fees for the negotiation a deed of surrender for the negotiation of deed of surrender and compensation fees (in line with CPO guidelines).

Reasons for Decision

The surrender will yield up a vacant unit to facilitate the redevelopment of Phase 2 of the Ebury Bridge Estate.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters approved:

The contract award to Vital Energi Utilities Limited, for the provision of Energy Management Services for the Ebury Bridge Renewal Scheme across Phases 1, 2 and 3, for a total sum of £4,274,485.83 exc. of VAT [£5,129,382.99 incl. VAT]. The contract term is for a period of 7 years to commence from September 2024 until September 2031.

Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning the decision to proceed with the contract award following the outcome of the Section 20 Notice of Proposal leaseholders’ consultation process.

Utilised the value of the £1,428,779 for Capital Expenditure for Void Payments and Set-up costs. See breakdown for costs below:

a.      Void Payments: Approved the spend of £1,400,000 for the Council (WCC) to make payments of £200,000 per annum over the 7-year period in respect of Phase 3 of the development scheme being delivered. These costs will be drawn from the project contingency budget for Phase 1.

b.     Set-up costs: Approved spend of £28,779 for the Council (WCC) to pay for the acceptance of Energy centres, infrastructure, and mobilisation fees.

The remaining costs will be recovered or recharged through either service charges or operationally within the HRA Business Plan.

The contract award is subject to the outcome of the S20 consultation period, which lasts 32 days. Following this period, approval for the contract award will be sought from the Executive Director via Delegated Authority.

The reason for the recommendation was to secure the contract sum of £4,274,485.83 exc. VAT and appoint for the provision of “Energy Company Management Services” to provide energy management of systems on residential block, estate and external services including the energy facility for the Ebury Bridge Regeneration across Phases 1, 2 & 3.

The Council’s (WCC) payment of £1,428,779 will cover the £1,400,000 over the 7-year period (£200,000 per annum) is in respect of related costs impact for maintenance services of the energy centre (heating and cooling plant) which serves phases 1 and 3 combined. The energy centre design and capacity incorporate both Phases 1 & 3 of the build. The Phase 3 of the development Scheme payments are being in respect of capital cost of the energy centre and its associated routine maintenance. The Phase 3 development programme is due to be delivered in 2031. The remaining £28,779 will be used for ‘setting up costs’ for the acceptance of Energy Centres, infrastructure, and mobilisation that will be billed by Vital Energi directly to WCC. These costs are not considered recoverable from any of the end user customers of the heat and cooling network in occupancy under the Scheme.

The balance of contract costs will be fully recovered through either a recharge to leaseholders or operationally via the HRA Business Plan.

Reasons for decision and recommendations: Project - Central London Inclusive Growth - Collaborative Business Support Project - award of a contract for a service to provide meaningful scale-up support to eligible micro and small businesses, from a range of sectors, with a particular focus on female and disabled owned businesses. Funding will be spread across London boroughs Westminster City Council (WCC), Camden, Hackney and Tower Hamlets using funding through the Central London Inclusive Growth Strategic Investment grant, (funding which has already been secured) to deliver business support to micro and small businesses in those respective boroughs. The contract sums to be awarded to the preferred bidder: Newable Trade (London) Ltd (company reg 02233989) is £198,038 exclusive of VAT for a 9-month period.

Decision Taken: Authority is required to surrender the commercial lease at Ground Floor Retail Space, Dudley House, North Wharf Road, W2 1JP

Reasons for decision: Delegated authority is required for the approval of the surrender of the lease at Ground Floor Retail Space, Dudley House, North Wharf Road, W2 1JP. The tenant is ceasing all operations in the United Kingdom and has made an offer to surrender

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality has approved the project continuing to Stage 3-6, as well as the commencement of a detailed design and build of the scheme. The Cabinet Member has also approved the revised costs of the scheme and reprofiling of £1.6m of future years spend from within the existing programme to fund the additional costs of the scheme, and the capital expenditure of £3,534,430 necessary to carry out the detailed design and implementation of the remaining scheme.

Finally, the Cabinet Member has approved both the delegation of authority to the Director of City Highways and Transportation for any minor amendments as necessary to the approved scheme, and for the required Traffic Management Orders (TMO) to be progressed and made under Delegated Authority by Head of Parking.

Reasons for Decision

This decision will allow the completion of the Warwick Way Town Centre highways scheme. The improvements will help to enhance the area, by improving the provisions for walking and cycling, reducing traffic, providing more greening and improving parking and loading facilities.

Summary of Decision

This Officer decision approves the Council entering into a Deed of Release of Right to Light and to subsequently pay the compensation due to the affected party.

Reasons for Decision

This decision allows the Council to infringe upon the affected party’s right to light due to the construction of the development.

Summary of Decision

The Rating Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations enclosed in the report.

Background Information

The Rating Advisory Panel is an advisory body of elected members.

The Rating Advisory Panel considers applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief and makes recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform. The Cabinet Member is then asked to determine the applications for Discretionary and Hardship relief having regard to the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel.

The Localism Act 2011, which came into effect on 1 April 2012, amends Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 to allow local authorities to grant Discretionary reliefs to any ratepayer, subject to the European rules on State Aid. This relief is known as a ‘Local Discount’.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector has approved:

-        The contract award for the delivery of the Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service to Reed in Partnership (RIP) Ltd (company registration: 00851645)

-        The total sum is £8,347,812 (£10,017,374 including VAT*) for five years from the 9 December 2024 to 8 December 2029

Reasons for Decision

The decision is required to implement the outcome of the procurement for the new integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service. The new service will:

-        Build on the well-established core offer of Smoking Cessation Services, interventions for residents with Multiple Risk Factors, the management and coordination of local Public Health information Advice and NHS Health Check Promotion.

-        Contribute to a reduction in healthy inequalities by delivering services that are accessible and acceptable to all residents in both boroughs, with specific consideration for communities that experience health inequalities, such as residents who live in deprivation, those from global majority communities, those with learning disabilities and physical disabilities, and those with mental health issues.

-        Co-produce and deliver culturally relevant, appropriate and competent programmes, designed to pro-actively engage residents from communities who experience health inequalities, by working in partnership with local community and voluntary sector organisations.

-        Develop robust pathways across the housing, health and social care system to ensure better outcomes for residents.

-        Raise awareness of health issues and highlight behaviour changes required via health promotion information and campaigns and deliver a comprehensive training programme to frontline staff across the wider partnership.

-        To offer a peer support programme using coaching approaches to ensure engagement and resilience is built into the pathway of support for residents. 

A small Innovation Fund has also been made available to enable the Provider to pilot new ideas within the Core Offer. This fund will support service development across the life course of the contract and ensure that the service is responsive to emerging local needs and supports ongoing co-design and co-production. 

The report is seeking approval for the phased appropriation of Phase 2 of the Ebury Bridge Estate for planning purposes under Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 and to engage the provisions of section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 to facilitate the delivery of new homes and associated amenities for which planning permission has been granted by the local planning authority.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved the following recommendations:

·       Appropriation for planning purposes of the Council’s land at the Ebury Bridge Estate known as the ‘Phase 2 Site - excluding Bucknill House’ (shown edged green on the plan at Appendix A) pursuant to Section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972 and the subsequent use of the powers under Section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

·       Delegated authority to Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning:

o   To deal with any necessary arrangements to record the appropriation of the ‘Phase 2 Site- excluding Bucknill House’ for planning purposes:

o   To subsequently exercise the Council’s powers under Section 203 Housing and Planning Act 2016.

o   To negotiate and/or approve payment of compensation claims under Section 204 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016 and approve and authorise all legal documentation that may be required to compromise and release third party rights where this can be achieved on reasonable terms within a reasonable timescale.

o   To take all necessary steps to settle claims for compensation under Section 204 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016.

Reasons for Decision

The ‘Phase 2 Site - excluding Bucknill House’ was previously used for the Council housing provision and is currently a demolished and therefore cleared site without buildings/dwellings. Therefore, the development site is no longer required by the Council for the purpose for which it is currently held.

Appropriating the ‘Phase 2 Site - excluding Bucknill House’ for planning purposes from housing purposes, and the use of subsequent powers, is recommended to facilitate the delivery of much needed new homes in the community, and to replace the existing facilities with new fit for purpose buildings.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, in collaboration with the Head of Tendering, Procurement and Commercial Services, has approved a two-year extension for Passenger Transport (Minibus) contracts, for Vulnerable Children, Young People & Adults, from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2026. 

The Cabinet Member has also approved changes to the contract for the Adult Mini-bus service, to reflect combining routes, changing schedule (route optimisations) and the addition of a discount for absence of Passenger Assistants and a contract variation in all three Contracts (Children’s and Adults Services) to enable adjustment of the pricing element. The variation will specify how and when prices can be increased, based on specific criteria such as inflation rates, or cost increases. Finally, the Cabinet Member has delegated authority to the Director of Operations & Programmes for Bi-borough Children’s Services to approve operational changes to any of the Contracts, including (without limitation) any increases/decreases in activity or changes to routes, throughout the two (2) year extension period.

Reasons for Decision

The Travel Care Team have reviewed the performance of the service, sought feedback from key stakeholders, reviewed service performance, and, as a result, wish to take the two-year extension across the three contracts.  Delegation for the approval of this extension period was not included in the original strategy, developed in 2019, and therefore this is an Executive Decision and requires Cabinet Member Approval. 

Approval to enter into a contract with Keltbray Built Environment Ltd to carry out demolition and associated works to Church Street Site A.

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning has approved:

·       To enter into a contract with Keltbray Built Environment Ltd to carry out demolition and associated works to Church Street Site A for the approved contract sum of £3,210,711. 

Reasons for Decision

The contract will enable the demolition of all structures at Church Street Site A to facilitate the construction of the main development works.

It is recommended that:

Gill Matthews, Head of Homelessness Prevention is appointed as a

Director of WHIL and WHDL, subject to the provisions of the

Companies Act 2006.

The secretary of the Company is instructed to make the necessary

entries in the statutory books of the Company and to make the

necessary filings at Companies House.

Reasons for Decision:

Following the resignation of a previous director, to maintain quoracy and

enable decisions to be made, a new director appointment is required.

The appointment of Gill Matthews to the WHIL and WHDL boards was approved.

Reasons for decision: Following the resignation of a previous board member, to maintain quoracy and enable decisions to be made, a new board appointment is required.

Implementation Date: 22 July 2024

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development has approved the following Neighbourhood CIL bids, details of which are set out in this report:

1.     Queen Elizabeth II Minibuses Supplementary Funding

2.     St Marylebone Sports and Catering Facilities Feasibility Study

3.     Marylebone Boys School Playground Greening

Approval of Housing Manager Services Agreement for 300 Harrow Road. 

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director for Renegeration, Economy and Planning has approved a Housing Management Services Agreement between the Council and WHIL at a value of £16,451 per year for a 5-year contract period.

Reasons for Decision

This decision will allow the occupation of the development at 300 Harrow Road.

Summary of Decision

The Strategic Director for Housing and Commercial Partnerships, under delegated authority, has approved:

·       The submission of the non-material amendment application aimed at optimising the scheme design for Church Street Site A.

Reasons for Decision

The JV LLP have proposed updating and optimising the scheme design of Church Street Site A by submitting a planning variation application to the existing planning consent (planning reference 23/00183/COAPAD).

Acquisition of Commercial Property Investment which is in close proximity to existing Council interests at Maida Hill

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved:

·       The acquisition of the freehold known as 2-4 Elgin Avenue, London W9 3QP with a gross spend of up to £2.34 million to meet the full cost of the purchase

·       Entering into the legal documents necessary to facilitate the acquisition.

Reasons for Decision

The property at 2-4 Elgin Avenue is located close to a number of the Council’s existing significant property interests and sits within the North-West Economic Development Area where co-ordinated intervention activities are being managed via the North Paddington Programme.

Through this strategic acquisition, the Council will be able to select a preferred new tenant by considering both the commercial terms on offer as well as any potential community benefit.

This report sets out the financial framework for the budget setting cycle and medium term financial planning for this year. 

Cabinet noted the Medium Term Financial Planning 2025/26 – 2027/28 report and approved the budget process for the year ahead.

Implementation date: 15/7/2024

Description: To approve the grant of a new lease to an Operator upon the terms agreed by the Operator and Council.

Reasons for Decision: This new lease relates to a premises which sits within the HRA and needs to be approved by the Director of Finance and Resources and SD for Housing under the WCC constitution.

Decision Date: 18 July 2024

Implementation Date: 18 July 2024

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality has approved the

Neighbourhood CIL bid for Elgin Avenue Central Island Improvements

(Eastern Area), the details of which are set out in this report.

Reasons for Decision

The Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality has made this decision to ensure robust and effective expenditure and reporting in line with the Planning Act (2008) and the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010. In accordance with the council’s strategic priorities, the revised CIL Spending Policy Statement (2022), and the council’s frameworks for resource allocation and management.

Neighbourhood CIL applications are normally decided by the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development. However, in this case the Cabinet Member lives locally to the project and was an earlier advocate for the Central Island Improvements at Elgin Avenue. It is therefore considered it would have been inappropriate for him to take the decision which is the subject of this report.  Accordingly, the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality has taken the decision instead.

The report summarises the Council’s 2023/24 yearend financial position and requests approval for unspent capital budgets to be reprofiled into future years. It also sets out the draft financial statements for 2023/24. 

Cabinet noted the revenue outturn position for 2023/24 and approved the reprofiling from the 2023/24 capital programme into future years as set out in Appendix 1 (GF) and Appendix 2 (HRA).

Reasons for Decision:

This is an annual reporting setting out an updated position on the Council’s budget.

Implementation Date: 15/7/24

To approve Neighbourhood CIL funding for three high value applications: the Abbey Centre, the Seymour Leisure Centre, and Strand Cross.

Cabinet approved:

The allocation of £1 million of Neighbourhood CIL funding from the Marylebone Neighbourhood Area pot to the Council to support the transformation of Seymour Leisure Centre.

The allocation of £424,435 of Neighbourhood CIL to support the restoration of the Abbey Centre.

Reasons for Decision:

There is a need for Neighbourhood CIL funding to supplement the project’s capital budget, driven by rising costs from build cost inflation and from changes to the project that reflect community responses to the extensive consultation and engagement exercise.

The funding will support a programme of works that will transform Seymour Leisure Centre into high-quality community infrastructure which will be a flagship project to benefit the local community.

Cabinet approved this decision to ensure robust and effective expenditure and reporting in line with the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) and in accordance with the council’s strategic priorities, CIL spending policy statement and its framework for resource allocation and management. 

Implementation Date: 5pm 22/7/24

To approvethat the Oxford Street Scheme proceed to Stage 3, detail design, as part of the Oxford Street Programme.

Cabinet approved the option to proceed to Stage 3 design on the basis set out in the report in the knowledge that the remaining funding is yet to be formally confirmed.  

Cabinet also approved spend of £3.845m to progress the Stage 3 design.

Reasons for Decision: The Stage 2 design for Oxford Street is complete and the finalisation of design is required in advance of pre-mobilisation and construction. A decision is required on how to progress the Oxford Street project. 

Implementation Date: 5pm 22/7/24

This report will outline the proposed areas of work the North Paddington Programme will focus on from year 2 onwards.  

It will explain the process used to ensure local community input has shaped this work and seeks Cabinet approval to move forwards and initiative work.

Cabinet approved:

Spend of the remaining North Paddington budget, subject to further feasibility and project scoping (where required), to fund the Years’ 2-4 indicative programme of works, as detailed in Appendix 1 (“Years’ 2-4 Programme of Works”).

The Years’ 2-4 indicative programme of Works (Appendix 1) and notes that some of the indicative Years’ 2-4 programme of works’ projects will, enter a feasibility and pilot stage, if required, before moving to full delivery (subject to due diligence), by drawing on the full North Paddington years' 2-4 budget.

Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning, to initiate and deliver projects in the Years’ 2-4 indicative programme of works; conduct any necessary procurement exercises; agree commercial terms and enter into all associated legal agreements and documentation subject to the agreement of the Director of Law. 

Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy, and Planning to amend, reprofile and reallocate any underspend from the year 1 Programme to Years 2-4 Programme of Works and amend, reprofile reallocate and spend funds earmarked for the North Paddington Programme on Years’ 2-4 programme of works, where such changes should not exceed the overall budget envelope, as detailed in Section 7 of the report.  

Noted the findings from the Year 1 North Paddington Review (by evaluators RealWorth) and noted its recommended steer for future focus as detailed in Appendix 7 of the report. 

Reasons for Decision:

Approval is required for the delivery of the Years’ 2-4 programme of works. 

These decisions reflect approvals for the proposed programme of works, delegated authority and spend approvals, which govern the overall Programme. 

Implementation Date: 5pm 22/7/24

To consider the delivery method for provision of Housing Solution Services. 

Cabinet approved:

The implementation of a hybrid delivery model for Housing Solutions Services.

To bring in-house Lot 1: Frontline housing advice and homelessness prevention and Lot 3: Families Pathway, Housing Assessment, Allocations and Nominations Services, to be directly delivered by the Council by April 2025.

To insource back-office functions currently commissioned to support Housing Solutions including, a contact centre, complaint management, and finance functions, to sit within existing services across the Council.

To delegate the new operating model and associated budget for insourced services jointly to the Strategic Director of Housing in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing Services and the Executive Director of Finance and Resources in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform.

Reasons for Decision: Due to unprecedented challenges within the housing market, insourcing the families pathway, assessment, and homelessness decision making, allocations and nominations functions will allow the council to have the ability to provide more person-centred support for those who need it, integrate with wider Council services and have direct control and operational oversight of statutory decision making. 

Implementation Date: 5pm 22/7/24

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director of Environment and Communities has taken the decision to award the dog services contract for collection and movement of stray and abandoned dogs in Westminster to Noah’s Ark Environmental for a period of 3 years with the option to extend up to a further period of 2 years.

Reasons for Decision

In 2023-24 stray dog collections increased across London by almost 50%. Whilst this did not significantly affect Westminster directly, it posed problems with trying to secure available kennel space to support rehoming. The decision therefore was taken to split the service contract into two l– collections and movements and kennelling and rehoming, as this would open the contract to wider suppliers who could provide one or both service. Noah’s Ark Environmental Services Ltd bid provided greater value for money that the incumbent’s service and therefore the decision was made to award them the contract.

To appoint Cllr Iman Less to the vacant position on the Westminster Community Homes board.

It was recommended that:

Cllr Iman Less be appointed to the Board of Westminster Community Homes, subject to the provisions of the Companies Act 2006.

The secretary of the Company be instructed to make the necessary entries in the statutory books of the Company and to make the necessary filings at Companies House.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure good governance and improve links between the company and the council.

Acquisition of a site in SW1

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved the below recommendations:

·       Acquisition of the freehold interest in Hopkinson House, 88 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London SW1V 2RW (subject to legal due diligence) for the price detailed in the confidential appendix.

·       Spend from the Temporary Accommodations acquisitions budget to meet the cost of this purchase.

·       Delegated authority to the Executive Director of Finance and Resources to agree the terms of the purchase contract, following legal due diligence, and complete the acquisition at the approved figure.

Reason for Decision

The Council has a statutory obligation to provide housing for those in housing need and has established an ongoing programme of temporary accommodation acquisitions to meet increasing demand within Westminster. Hopkinson House is being purchased with intention to convert the building for use as temporary accommodation. It will deliver a minimum of 33 extra in-borough temporary accommodation units, as well as prevent the potential permanent loss of this longstanding social housing asset to the private housing sector.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality has approved the introduction of “End-User” charging for future Cashless Parking contracts, as well as the setting of a cap of 30p on End-User charges per transaction with an Officer-led contract mechanism for reviewing and approving any increases in that cap over time to allow for effective contract management and good service-delivery.

Reasons for Decision

Currently the City Council absorbs the electronic payment’s transactional charge for those paying to park on street. However, the market has for some time been moving toward charging the customer (the “end user”) rather than the Local Authority. Officers strongly believe that the City Council must move to this model in future Cashless contracts This model will improve the competitive nature of the procurement while offering potential for greater choice for our customers.

The City Council’s policies are to encourage the use of active travel and public transport when moving about the City. These policies support greater health and wellbeing through increased activity and reduced pollution and greenhouse gases. While the additional transactional costs as a percentage of the average spend is not considered likely to change behaviour it is not fair to expect residents impacted by the pollution and poor air quality to fund a service dedicated to a type of transport use that the City Council wants to discourage.

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director for Finance and Resources has delegated authority to the Director of Property, in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and the Director of Law to approve the Council entering into a new lease and any ancillary legal agreements.

Reasons for Decision

The disposal is recommended, as the granting of the lease supports maintaining a valuable income that supports the General Fund and the terms negotiated provide the optimum social value and financial outcome for the Council.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector has agreed to the below recommendations:

• To direct award a contract to Thrive Tribe Limited to deliver the Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service from 1st January 2024 to 31st October 2024 at a cost of £1,720,246
• A waiver of the requirements under the Procurement Code to conduct a competitive tender exercise regarding the above contract.
• Further investment of £102,602 into the Integrated Healthy Lifestyle Service, for 6 months, between 1st May to 31st October 2024 to provide an enhance stop smoking offer to be funded from the Local Stop Smoking Service and Support Grant.

Reasons for Decision

A direct award is required to allow sufficient time to conclude the procurement process and to mobilise the new contract without disrupting current service delivery. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparity (OHID) has provided additional investment over the next 5 years until 2029, via the LSSSSG, to enhance local stop smoking services and support.  OHID has set an expectation that this enhanced service will commence from 1 April 2024. Thrive Tribe, the incumbent provider, is best placed to incorporate this enhanced offer into the current service without delay.

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director for Resources, in consultation with the Executive Director for Environment & Communities and the Cabinet Member for Communities, has approved the allocation of £260,865 to meet the 2024/25 in-year operational costs of Charing Cross Library mini-hub and Victoria Library mini-hub.

Reasons for Decision

Delivering the mini-hubs was approved by the Community Hubs Spotlight Leadership Group in February 2024, after the conclusion of the 2024/25 budget process. The Charing Cross and Victoria Library mini-hubs will pilot the community hubs concept and explore opportunities for delivering hubs from Libraries. This will shape the wider Community Hubs programme and Libraries transformation agenda, and respond to the needs of local communities in central and south Westminster

Summary of Decision

This decision is being taken to approve a payment in relation to the neighbouring owner of 42 Ebury Bridge Road to release their rights of Light.

Reasons for Decision

As part of the Ebury Bridge Estate Renewal project a number of neighbouring properties’ Rights of Light (RoL) are impacted. This decision will conclude negotiations with a neighbouring owner impacted by Phase 2 of the project.

Summary of Decision

The Rating Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations enclosed in the report.

Background Information

The Rating Advisory Panel is an advisory body of elected members.

The Rating Advisory Panel considers applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief and makes recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform. The Cabinet Member is then asked to determine the applications for Discretionary and Hardship relief having regard to the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel.

The Localism Act 2011, which came into effect on 1 April 2012, amends Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 to allow local authorities to grant Discretionary reliefs to any ratepayer, subject to the European rules on State Aid. This relief is known as a ‘Local Discount’.

Approval of recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) Review Panel meeting on 11 June 2024

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel meeting of 11 June 2024.

Reasons for Decision

The Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in Appendix A, which are more fully set out in the case papers submitted to the Panel.

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director for Regeneration, Economy and Planning has approved the signing of the updated Unilateral Undertaking which changes the Private Homes to Social Rent and one additional Intermediate Rent Home, and has moved the Social Homes from the General Fund to the HRA as per the Cabinet Members’ Approval for the Appropriation of Land. The Executive Director has also given approval to sign the lease with Westminster Housing Development Ltd (Westminster Builds) for the 35 Intermediate Homes, subject to Cabinet Member approval.

Reasons for Decision

This will allow for the implementation of the Truly Affordable Housing Cabinet Paper (approved on 11/10/2022) and the Appropriation of Land for Housing Purposes (approved on 14/12/21).

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection has approved the below recommendations:

·       £870,646 is to be allocated to nurseries in Westminster City Council to develop a universal meal offer based on £2.55 per meal to nurseries for academic year 2024-25

·       £694,260 is to be allocated to state funded secondary schools in Westminster City Council to enable them to provide a Free Lunch Offer to resident pupils in KS3 (Years 7-9) for the academic year 2024-25

·       That the Nursery and KS3 offers are made permanent on condition that the GLA continues to fund the universal Primary Free School Meal Offer.

·       The Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection also accepts the GLA’s allocation which is still to be confirmed. The Council will transfer this to primary schools based on a £3 per pupil per day for non-FSM pupils so that schools are able to implement a free lunch offer for all school pupils.

Reasons for Decision

When the universal Free School Meal offer for children attending state funded Primary Schools was originally implemented, the Cost-of-Living crisis was one of the greatest challenges facing residents and it continues to be a high priority. In Westminster, around a quarter of households across the city (approximately 32,000 households) are particularly vulnerable to rises in living costs, with some people facing extreme hardship. The guarantee that children will have access to at least one meal a day is expected to improve the health and wellbeing for those currently experiencing food insecurity – bringing benefits for children’s growth and development and educational attainment, as well as mental health benefits for their families due to reducing concerns about food insecurity.

Summary of Decision

This report approves the allocation of £6,452 per annum for three years to AgeUK Westminster.

Reasons for Decision

This funding will support the delivery of the Breathe Easy Westminster group, a group which supports local residents with respiratory conditions, alongside their families, carers and friends.

Summary of Decision

This decision grants permission to enter into a wayleave agreement to Hyperoptic Ltd to install, maintain and repair fibre network equipment at the Carlton Dene development.

Reasons for Decision

Wayleave required to provide broadband connection to future residents and workers at the Carlton Dene development site.

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning has approved the surrender of the existing commercial lease to the Council and to approve a compensation payment to be paid to Unique Pub Properties Limited the registered leasehold proprietor of the Lord High Admiral Pub, 95 Church Street, for the sum stated in confidential report attached + reasonable legal fees for the negotiation a deed of surrender and reasonable surveyors fees for the negotiation of deed of surrender and compensation fees (in line with CPO guidelines).

Reasons for Decision

This decision will precipitate the removal of a formal CPO objection and yield up a vacant unit to facilitate the demolition and development of Site A.

Summary of Decision

That the Cabinet Member for Housing approves direct awards for the following:

·         Award of a contract for the provision of accommodation at Queen Mary & Chapter Street for women with complex mental health needs, to The Riverside Group Limited (company number IP030938)from 1^st January 2022 to 31^st December 2024 for the contract value of £2,036,565.08.

·         Award of a contract for the provision of hostel accommodation at Edward Alsop Court for men with complex needs requiring 24/7 support to Look Ahead Care and Support Limited(company number IP21004R) from 1^st April 2021 to 31^st March 2026 for the contract value of £3,416,304.

·         Award of a contract for the provision of hostel accommodation at King George’s hostel for men with complex needs requiring 24/7 support, to Single Homeless Project (The) (company registration number 01741926) from 1^st April 2023 to 31^st March 2026 for the contract value of £2,198,172.

·         Award of a contract for the provision of the move on and resettlement service, to St Mungo Community Housing Association (Company number: 8225808 Charity number – 1149085) from 1^st October 2021 to 31^st March 2026 for the contract value of £3,237,156.

·         Award of a contract for the provision of women’s safe space service, to St Mungo Community Housing Association (Company number: 8225808 Charity number – 1149085) from 1^st October 2021 to 31^st March 2025 for the contract value of £2,292,175.

·         Award of a contract for the provision of assessment and reconnection services at Harrow Road, to St Mungo Community Housing Association (Company number: 8225808 Charity number – 1149085) from 1^st April 2020 to 31st March 2026 for the contract value of £4,277,437.

·         Award of a contract for the provision of an assessment centre at Passage House, to Passage 2000 (Company number 03885593, Charity number –1079764)  from 1^st April 2020 to 31^st March 2026 for the contract value of £4,630,089.

·         Award of a contract for Housing First provision, to St Mungo Community Housing Association (Company number: 8225808 Charity number – 1149085)from 1^st April 2022 to 31^st March 2026 for the contract value of £2,404,554.

·       Award of a contract for accommodation at Dean Court and London Hotel, from AA Accommodation Services Limited (trading variously as Primus Properties, Dean Court Hotel and The London Hotel) (company number 11688672) from 1^st September 2022 (the service at London Hotel to commence on 1^st September 2023) to 31^st March 2025 for the contract value of £2,439,391 (inclusive of VAT as VAT is applicable to these services).

·         Award of a contract for accommodation at St Giles Hotel, from St Giles Hotel Ltd (company number 02954321)from 1^st April 2022 to 31^st March 2025 for the contract value of £4,562,056 (inclusive of VAT as VAT is applicable to these services).

·         Award of a contract for security and concierge services from Critico Security (LDN) Ltd (company registration number 11842015) from 1^st April 2022 to 31^st March 2025 for the contract value of £1,667,194.

·         Award of a contract for complex needs to Church Army (company registration number 00037169) from 1 April 2018 to 31^st March 2025 for the contract value of £1,810,000. 

Reasons for decision

The recommendations are to directly award contracts until March 2025, with a number of accommodation-based services operating to March 2026, with the option to terminate on six months’ notice (3 months’ notice for harrow road) ending no earlier than 31 March 2025. These contract awards are to ensure all services currently delivered under implied terms, are regularised with a signed contract in place. This is to ensure transparency and contractual agreement on the delivery of the service specification, payment terms and terms and conditions of service.

The recommended contract duration aligns to the current 3-year rough sleeping initiative (RSI) grant funded settlement from the department of levelling up, housing and communities (DLUHC) and crucially allows time for the development of a commissioning plan. This plan will be co-designed with the voluntary and community sector and users by experience, informed by the Westminster Housing Commission’s recommendations and linked to the homelessness and rough sleeping strategy and will set the future commissioning intentions, models of delivery and opportunities for partnership working. The commissioning plan will inform a programme of retendering during 2024, with new service provision commencing from April 2025 onwards.

Accommodation based services having contracts in place until 31 March 26 with a break clause at 31 March 25, will allow for a rolling programme of retendering. It allows for accommodation based services to have a co-terminus end date to enable recommissioning and also recognises the need to have longer mobilisation periods for accommodation-based services. An asset review will be undertaken to look at the different types of accommodation based supported accommodation in the borough and how this can be recommissioned going forward. It is not feasible to in-source these services for the period remaining before the council goes out to tender.

Continuity of service provision during this period of commissioning design, engagement and then retendering is vital for this vulnerable cohort of service users, without which they may experience homelessness and increased vulnerability.

NNDR Localism Relief for Meanwhile On Activations Fit-out periods

Summary of Decision

The reports seeks approval for the application of NNDR Localism Relief for the Meanwhile On programme to be expanded to include the fit-out period/s of stores.

Reasons for Decision

The extension of NNDR relief will ensure that the Council can be flexible in responding quickly to market needs and unlocking space opportunities.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Housing Services has approved:

1)    the direct award of a contract for the delivery of a Housing Management System (HMS) to MRI Software Limited for a period of two-years from 11 October 2024 with two additional one-year optional renewals (2+1+1) at total value of £4,798,220.40

Reasons for Decision 

Prior to a full reprocurement of HMS circa 2026 – 2028 this direct award for an initial period of two years will allowsufficient time to complete a comprehensive data cleanse and needs analysis that will inform the future reprocurement of HMS.

Additionally, with the introduction of new reporting requirements through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act from April 2024 there is a need to provide system continuity for staff to ensure compliance with requirements.

Reimplementation of the current vendors updated software (MRI Housing Enterprise) is seen as the best solution for the service. A new contract of up to 4 years with the existing vendor would allow for a new instance of the latest product to be set up alongside Orchard.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology and Culture has approved the delegation of authority for WCC Culture Fund spending decisions below £250,000 to the Executive Director, Regeneration, Economy and Planning. The Cabinet Member has also approved that all Culture Fund individual spending decisions are to be made in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology and Culture through both written and in-person briefings.

Reasons for Decision

A Cabinet Member Report was approved in November 2022 by the Cabinet Member for Young People, Learning and Leisure entitled Repurposing of unallocated MyWestminster funding towards a dedicated budget for cultural activity. The Cabinet Member Report recommended repurposing unallocated MyWestminster funding towards a dedicated cultural budget to fund cultural activity throughout the city’s communities as part of the council’s strategy to create a fairer Westminster, nurturing the wellbeing of local residents while enabling both the visitor economy and local cultural organisations to thrive.The purpose of this Cabinet Member Report is to formalise the decision-making process of allocating funds, described in the November 2022 Culture Fund Cabinet Member Report, by delegating final spending decisions on individual Culture Fund programmes to the Executive Director, Regeneration, Economy and Planning.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Children, Communities and Public Protection has approved the renewal of the borough wide PSPO for the control of street drinking until 23:59hr on the 24 June 2027 on the same terms. The Cabinet Member has also approved the renewal of the borough wide PSPO for dog control until 23:59hr on the 24 June 2027, and to vary to extend this into 5 new geographical areas as set out in the report, on the same terms.

Reasons for Decision

On 16 March 2018, the Cabinet Member gave approval to create new controlled drinking and dog control Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO) for 3-years.  On 24 June 2021 the PSPOs were renewed. These orders expire on 24 June 2024 and this paper makes recommendations to renew and vary the orders for a 3-year period commencing on 25 June 2024 and expiring on 24 June 2027.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development has approved the following Neighbourhood CIL bids, details of which are set out in this report:

1.     V.O. Curations Additional Workspaces

2.     Shop and Donate Store and Community Café

3.     Bishops Bridge Parapets

4.     Somerset House Street Furniture

5.     Grand Junction Adding Access

6.     Soho Monitoring Study

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development has approved with conditions the following Neighbourhood CIL bids, details of which are set out in this report:

7.     St Saviour’s War Memorial Restoration

8.     Soho Heritage Audit

Reasons for Decision 

To ensure robust and effective expenditure and reporting in line with the Planning Act (2008) and the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) and in accordance with the council’s strategic priorities, the revised CIL Spending Policy Statement (2022), and the council’s frameworks for resource allocation and management.

Summary of Decision

That the Executive Director grants Authority to engross the S106 Unilateral Undertaking (UU) for the Non-Material Amendment (NMA) on Ebury Phase 2, as delegated in the Cabinet Member Report dated 16 January 2023. 

Reasons for Decision

To progress the engrossment of the S106 UU to enable the related NMA to make the s73 application implementable due to changes in the Fire regulations and to resultant minor amendments.

Summary of Decision

That the Director approves the taking of all steps to secure the making, confirmation and implementation of the Order of the Compulsory Purchase Order powers which includes to:

·       Negotiate, agree terms and enter into agreements with affected parties including agreements for the withdrawal of blight notices and/or the withdrawal of objections to the Order and/or undertakings not to enforce the Order on specified terms, including (but not limited to) where appropriate seeking the exclusion of land from the Order, making provision for the payment of compensation and/or relocation.

London Power Networks is an affected party and has objected to the confirmation of the Order.  The Agreement is necessary to remove their objection.

Reasons for Decision

London Power Networks is an affected party and has objected to the confirmation of the Order.  The Agreement is necessary to remove their objection.

Summary of Decision

That the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development approve with conditions the following Neighbourhood CIL bids, details of which are set out in this report:

1.     Denbigh Street Piazza Public Realm Improvement

2.     Southampton Street Public Realm Enhancements Design and Feasibility Study

3.     Holcroft Memorial Portraits

4.     St Anne’s Garden Accessibility Scheme

Reasons for Decision 

To ensure robust and effective expenditure and reporting in line with the Planning Act (2008) and the Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) and in accordance with the council’s strategic priorities, the revised CIL Spending Policy Statement (2022), and the council’s frameworks for resource allocation and management.

Summary of Decision:

To award Cost of Living projects amounting to £623,221.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure ongoing vital support to residents through the cost of living crisis.

Summary of Decision:

The Rating Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in Appendix A.

Background Information

The Rating Advisory Panel is an advisory body of elected members.

The Rating Advisory Panel considers applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief and makes recommendations to the Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform. The Cabinet Member is then asked to determine the applications for Discretionary and Hardship relief having regard to the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel.

The Localism Act 2011, which came into effect on 1 April 2012, amends Section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988 to allow local authorities to grant Discretionary reliefs to any ratepayer, subject to the European rules on State Aid. This relief is known as a ‘Local Discount’.

Summary of Decision

The current contract for cleansing and maintenance of Automatic Public Conveniences with Danfo UK Limited is due to expire on 31 May 2024, and this report therefore recommended proceeding with a combined Works and Services contract to Danfo UK Limited.  The Works element of supply and installation is expected to occur over the first 12-24 months.  The Services element includes cleansing, compliance, maintenance, and management of the facilities, and are expected to occur for the full five-year period.

Reasons for Decision

The award of a new Works and Services contract will allow the continuity of services as well as the progress of the overall strategy for the service, and the overall quality of the winning bid aligns with the service strategy.

Summary of Decision

This decision approves entering a Lease of Ground Floor Level electricity substation at 4 Tavistock Road, London W11 1BA with London Power Networks PLC

Reason for Decision

This decision is required to facilitate the construction works at the Westmead site. The sub-station will serve the new development which will house 65 affordable homes on the site.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has:

1.     Approved the debts over £100k as set out in section 5 for write off, having taken all appropriate action, and

2.     Noted the amounts written off under officer delegated authority, as shown in paragraph 6.4.

Reasons for Decision 

The recommendation to write-off the amounts detailed in this report is proposed as all other avenues available to the Council for the recovery of these debts have been exhausted, including, where appropriate, the issue of court and distress proceedings.

Recommendations  

That the Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform:  

1.               Approves each of the proposals for the allocation of the £1,951,507 Household Support Fund outlined in section 5 of this report to the city’s most vulnerable residents.  

2.               Delegates authority to the Executive Director of Finance and Resources to flex each of the processes, including the level of funding allocated and voucher amounts, inorder to ensure the Household Support Fund is fully utilised in line with its conditions.  

Reasons for Decision  

The recommended approach set out in Section 5 of this report takes into account the limited funding envelope and provides help to those most at risk due to the crisis based on an analysis of need. It is in line with the government guidance for use of the Household Support Fund and is deliverable within the funding period. The approach also takes a balanced approach, providing a mixture of proactive and more general support.   

Approval to award main demolition contract for phases 2 and 3 of the Church Street Estate Site A.  

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters:

1.    has given authorisation to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy, and Planning (REP) to enter into a contract with Keltbray Built Environment Ltd to carry out demolition and associated works to Church Street Site A.

2.    has approved expenditure to complete demolition of Church Street Site A.

3.    That the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters delegates authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning to approve and enter into other agreements and property documents including but not limited to leases, warranties, substation leases, wayleaves, licences, deeds of easement, asset protection agreements, section 104 agreements, section 185 agreements and any other statutory agreements and utilities agreements in connection with ancillary works required to facilitate the demolition activity and construction related to the demolition worksfor site A.

Reasons for Decision

Church Street is a vibrant, complex area but despite this, it has issues of social and economic exclusion, which results in poorer health outcomes and lower than average rates of economic activity, than neighbouring areas. As such the Council has ambitious plans and is committed to significant investment to regenerate the area into a model of social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

The masterplan embellishes the real character of Church Street and the importance of the local community in delivering transformational change, and four drivers have been established which are: Health and wellbeing; Homes; Market and enterprise; and Making connections.

The proposed development will also contribute the well-being of the Council’s area in the following ways:

· Economic Well-Being of the area demonstrated by engaging residents, commercial occupiers and local stakeholders in a comprehensive consultation process that has provided the community with the opportunity to have a stake in the scenarios being considered for the future of Church Street.

· Social Well-Being of the area by promote opportunity and fairness providing more affordable homes to create a vibrant community through the creation of high-quality homes and landscaping.

· Environmental Well-Being of the area through the creation of a healthier, greener environment that connects better to surrounding communities. This scheme will enable all our communities to share in the economic prosperity of the area, through protecting and enhancing the unique heritage of the neighbourhood. This will ensure the site will fit well into the surrounding neighbourhood and remains a great place to live, work and visit both now and in the future.

Summary of Decision

Grants authority to sign all Designer, Subcontractor and Main Contractor Collateral Warranties on the Adpar Street Carpark, Torridon Carpark and Queens Park Court Carpark Projects.

Reason for Decision

The Cabinet Member Decision dated 30 August 2022 delegated authority to the Executive Director.

Summary of Decision

This decision grants the authority to issue an Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the provision of “Energy Company Management Services” to include, but not be limited to, cover and acceptance of systems on residential block, estate and external services including the energy facility.  

These services are to be procured for Ebury Bridge Estate Regeneration Scheme Phase 1, 2 and 3 via an open procurement procedure accompanied by information for qualitative selection that is required by Westminster City Council (WCC).

Reasons for Decision

To progress the procurement of the Energy Management Company Services and issue the live tender on or before the 19^th April 2024.

Church Street Site A – Appointment of Joint Venture Development Partner.

Summary of Decision

This is a decision delegated from the Council’s Cabinet on 29 February 2024 to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning in consultation with the Executive Director of Democracy, Law and People, Executive Director of Finance and Resources and Executive Director for Environment, Climate and Public Protection in the Council’s capacity as landowner. (as counterparty to the Development Agreement and other related agreements) and as a member of the LLP to:

1.           Finalise and enter into all the legal and financial documents required to set up the JV LLP and to proceed with the Church Street Site A development including all legal agreements.

2.           This decision also includes the approval of the initial Business Plan as incorporated within the Members Agreement and the appointment of the Council’s representatives of the JV.

Reasons for Decision

Cabinet approved a preferred bidder 29 February 2024. The legal documents have now been finalised with the preferred bidder since the Cabinet’s approved decision. All legal documents are now in a final form for the Council to execute which includes the initial Business Plan and the appointment of the Council’s representatives on the JV LLP.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Climate, Ecology and Culture has approved the nomination for a Westminster Commemorative Green Plaque to mark the site of the Soho Poly at 16 Riding House Street.

Reasons for Decision

From 1972 to 1990, The Soho Poly was one of the most famous fringe venues as home to the Soho Theatre Company. The company moved to Dean Street in 1990 where it remains one of London’s most successful theatres to this day. 

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development has approved:

1.     The award of a concession contract to Arbeit Project Studios Limited to deliver services from LAES; 

2.     The grant of a lease to Arbeit Project Studios Limited on commercial arrangements asset out in Part B of this report;  

3.     The use of grant funding from the Strategic Investment Pot (SIP) Fund in the sum of £200,000 to Arbeit Project Studios Limited to undertake CAT B fit out works to LAES; 

4.     Authorisation of Legal Services to execute the Lisson Arches Enterprise Space concession contract and lease for a period of 15 years. 

Reasons for Decision

A decision is required for the Council to meet its planning obligation to lease the Lisson Arches Enterprise Space (LAES) to a workspace operator, who in turn will facilitate the use of the space as affordable workspace.

This decision reflects approvals for the granting of a lease for a period of up to 15 years and an associated service concession contract which will fulfil the requirements of the planning commitments and support regeneration and economic development in Church Street area.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved:

1.     The contract award for the appointment of a Landscape Architect to East Architecture, Landscape, Urban Design Limited (the Consultant) in respect of developing RIBA Stages 2-6 for Paddington Canalside and Paddington Green.

2.     The overall sum of £728,260 sought against the existing Paddington Capital budget, including: contract award for the Consultant to deliver RIBA Stage 2-6 (£586,190), Highways Stage 1 – Feasibility study (£62,070) and associated Council’s own internal costs (£80,000).

Reason for Decision

A Cabinet Member decision is required to enable Westminster City Council to enter into a contract with East Architecture Landscape Urban Design Ltd, the successful tenderer, to develop RIBA Stages 2-6 for Little Venice Canalside and Paddington Green and its associated surveys.

In a briefing held on 17 July 2023 the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development agreed to proceed with the procurement of consultants to develop the design for Little Venice Canalside (Stone Wharf and Rembrandt Gardens) and Paddington Green (including St Mary’s Churchyard Gardens).

Summary of Decision

That the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector approves the award of a grant to Paddington Development Trust (a charitable company limited by guarantee with company number 03652559) for a term of 10 years and a total value of £2.48 million to assist PDT to run and maintain the Stowe Centre. 

Reasons for Decision 

Implementing a strategic grant arrangement with the Stowe Centre is in line with Westminster's commitment to supporting community anchor organisations. This particular arrangement will bring parity to the council’s approach to funding strategic VCS partners in the north and south of the borough. It will support the Stowe Centre to be run to the best standard and to continue acting as a community centre for local groups and organisations.

Approval to use the vacant propertieswithin Penn House and the wider Regeneration Area for Temporary Accommodation (TA) for homeless householdsprior to demolition and commencement of construction. The use of Penn House and other vacant properties for Temporary Accommodation is in line with the Fairer Housing pillar to tackle homelessness within the Borough. 

1.  Summary of Decision

1.1 That the Cabinet Member delegated authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Climate and Public Protection to:

(a)  Approve the use of Penn House, Gayhurst House and 6-12 Lilestone Street for TA under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996.

(b)  Review the rent levels for lettings and decide how these are split between the Housing Revenue Account and General Fund (“GF”).

(c)   Award and approve necessary funds to accommodate and refurbish Penn House to comply with TA letting standards, as well as for Gayhurst House and Lilestone Street once these costs are known.

(d)  Enter into a leasing arrangement with a Registered Provider that will then lease Penn House, 6-12 Lilestone Street and Gayhurst House back to the Council for use as TA.

(e)  The Cabinet Member also noted this report provides an assessment of the financial viability for operating Penn House as TA. This is because a quote has been sought for the refurbishment, and the timescales for operating the block as TA are known. This information is less readily available for the units at Gayhurst and Lilestone Street. Nonetheless, an identical viability test would be undertaken when those units are ready to be converted, and authority delegated to the Executive Director of Finance & Resources to approve the allocation of the capital funds required to proceed.

2.     Reason for Decision

2.1 This report seeks to delegate authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Climate and Public Protection to use vacant properties at Penn House, Gayhurst House and 6-12 Lilestone Street as TA. 

TA is sought for a period of at least three years for the above blocks prior to demolishing and commencing the development of the Lilestone Street site. Residents of Penn House recently completed a successful relocation to Daventry House. Gayhurst House currently exhibits a small number of voids. As development plans cement, a void strategy will also be required for these homes if more homes are purchased or sold. In addition, vacant social homes will need to be outlined to understand wider renewal impacts.

By way of this decision, the Council aims to make best use of its assets whilst Penn House, Gayhurst House and 6-12 Lilestone Street are vacated. This council also aims to tackle key issues around homelessness, in line with the Fairer Housing pillar of the Councils Fairer Westminster Vision.

All three blocks will provide good quality in-borough accommodation available for vulnerable single homeless people and larger homeless families. Throughout the period, provisions at Penn House will have staff on site 24 hours per day, with additional support provided to residents depending upon need.

1.              Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member:

1.1   approved the principle of the Council conducting a lease renewal for new leasebetween HBull andSon (Textiles)Ltd andthe Mayorand theCitizens of the City of Westminster and entering into an Agreement For Lease (“AFL”) between the same parties, on the terms set out in this report; and

1.2     delegates authority to the Director of Corporate Property following consultation with the Executive Director of Housing, to approve the Council entering into two new leases and any ancillary legal agreements there to.

2.              Reasons for Decision

Subject toapproval, thelease renewaltogether withthe sideletter enablesthe Council to retain an anchor tenant on Church Street with a strong rental payment history and ensures the unit is let producing an income stream until SiteB isready fordemolition. Thisarrangement alsolimits theCouncil’s liability regarding future leaks.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Housing Services and the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters, has approved the appropriation of the Council’s land at 300 Harrow Road shown edged blue in the plan attached at Appendix A (the Site) pursuant to section 232 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 from planning purposes to the purposes of Part II of the Housing Act 1985 (housing purposes).      

The Cabinet Member has delegated authority to the Executive Director for Regeneration, Economy and Planning in consultation with the Director of Law to deal with any necessary arrangements to record the appropriation of the Site for Housing purposes including the transfer of the land from the General Fund account to the HRA at the current red book value.

Reasons for Decision

Appropriation for housing purposes is required to properly account for the completed social rent homes at the Council’s development at 300 Harrow Road. Until the appropriation is complete, the homes can not be let to residents as the Council is required to hold all homes in the HRA.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved all four bids for funding and awards the total funding requested of £149,611, pending agreement to specific requirements set out in this report.

Reason for Decision

The Carbon Offset Fund (COF) finances projects that deliver tangible, quantifiable, and transparent carbon savings across Westminster. Four bids for funding were set out for consideration in this report. These were summarised and evaluated against the agreed criteria, set out in the report, and the Cabinet Member has agreed that they meet the criteria.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel meeting of 19 March 2024.

Reasons for Decision

The Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in Appendix A, which are more fully set out in the case papers submitted to the Panel.

Summary of Decision

1.              To approve the award of a contract for Building Fabric services to CBRE Managed Services Limited for a total period of 3 years from 01 June 2024 for the total sum of £3,218,416, with the option to extend for a further two years.

2.              To approve the award of a contract for Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing services to CBRE Managed Services Limited for total period of 3 years from 01 June 2024 for the total sum of £9,241,710, with the option to extend for a further two years. 

3.              To approve the award of a contract for Cleaning services to Pinnacle Housing Ltd for at total period of 3 years from 01 June 2024 for the total sum of £5,379,857, with the option to extend for a further two years.

4.              To approve the award of a contract for Security services to Goshen Limited for a total period of 3 years from 01 June 2024 for the total sum of £2,735,545, with the option to extend for a further two years. 

5.              To approve the award of a contract for the provision of maintenance and remedial services for Lifts to Precision Lift Services Limited for a total period of 3 years from 01 June 2024 for the total sum of £300,434, with the option to extend for a further two years.

Reasons for Decision 

The decision to award the new Facilities Management (FM) contracts is required to ensure that the Councils' various sites are maintained to a high standard, with all aspects of statutory compliance and Health and Safety meeting the required standards and regulations.  Sites include staff offices 64 Victoria Street parts occupied by the Council, all libraries including the Archive Centre and Reference Library, the Mortuary and adjacent Coroner’s Court, three Family Hubs, a Care Home, and a range of Depots.  The contracts do not generally apply to Schools as Schools are responsible for their premises or generally the Council’s Leisure Centres which are managed by the Council’s leisure operator.

The Council believe that it is the right decision to change the contract structure to improve service delivery and maximise performance levels.  Transferring to 5 individual contractual agreements will ensure that each supplier can focus on their core responsibilities and contractual obligations.

Each successful supplier has submitted a comprehensive proposal which outlines how they will deliver services to the standards required.  In additional, the commercial proposals received are in-line with expectations, providing value for money. 

Within each winning bid, beneficial Social Value commitments were reviewed and scored accordingly.  All commitments and benefits to the Council and its residents will be captured and monitored during supplier review meetings to ensure that outcomes are delivered on time and as expected.

All contracts will be managed in accordance with the Council’s processes to ensure that high standards are met and all KPIs adhered to.  It is not anticipated at this stage that additional resources will be required for contract management, but this will be kept under review.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved:

o    The authorisation of the Director of Highways to determine whether street trees should be felled, where they are subject to Section 96a of the Highways Act 1980, (the ‘duty to consult’).

o    That the Director of Highways may refer the decision on whether street trees should be felled, where they are subject to the duty to consult, to the Executive Director, Cabinet Member or Committee according to the specific circumstances of the case and/ or local or public interest.

o    In cases where the removal of a street tree is outside the scope of the duty to consult or is subject to an exemption within the legislation or guidance, that the decision on whether to fell a tree may be made by the Head of Arboricultural Services.

o    That the Head of Arboricultural Services may refer the decision on whether a street tree is outside the duty to consult, or is subject to an exemption, to the Director of Highways, according to the specific circumstances of the case and/ or local or public interest.

Reasons for Decision 

Removing street trees can be contentious.  Demonstrating that a tree is exempt from the duty to consult is likely to be subject to dispute and maybe subject to legal challenges on the decision making process.  As such, an agreed process is required. 

Summary of Decision

To approve the entering into an agreement for lease and the grant of a lease of the first floor of 20 Orange Street, London WC2 7EF to Gerald UK Limited for a term of five years on the terms set out in the exempt Appendix.

To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Finance and Resources to make minor amendments to the heads of terms (non-financial) as required.

Reasons for Decision    

The office building at 20 Orange Street is a Council owned investment asset.  It has recently been the subject of a comprehensive refurbishment. The first floor was refurbished to a fully fitted Category A Plus standard.  The subject letting has been secured off the back of this refurbishment and will deliver a net annual revenue benefit of circa £0.233m (allowing for mitigation of void costs) for the duration of the lease.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the grant of a new lease to the tenant on the terms within the exempt Appendix A.

Reasons for Decision 

A Cabinet Member decision is required as the rent exceeds £125,000 per annum.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 12 March 2024 and determines the applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief set out in Appendix A.

Reasons for Decision

The Rating Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in Appendix A.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Renters has approved

·       Variation to Ward Williams Associates Professional Services Contract for Employers Agent Services to extend the contract term and increase the value by an additional £114,200 (total contract value including extension £344,200)

·       Variation to Arcadis LLP Professional Services Contract for Cost Consulting Services to extend the contract term and increase the value by an additional £35,050.70 (total contract value including extension £561,131.23)

Reasons for Decision

The Council appointed Arcadis LLP as Cost Consultant in 2020 to provide professional services for RIBA Stages 2 to 7 including supporting design development, procurement and delivery stages on the basis of the scheme being delivered in a single-phase.

Ward Williams Associates was subsequently appointed in as Employers Agent in 2022 to provide professional services from RIBA Stage 4 onwards including administering the Design and Build Contract for the redevelopment of the Balmoral Castle and Darwin House site on the basis of the scheme being delivered in a single phase

A variation to these two existing contracts is necessary to increase the value and duration of these contracts to reflect unforeseen value engineering work to address scheme viability, and to extend the programme duration to reflect  phased delivery.

This report follows on the North Paddington Year 1 Programme of works paper (2 October 2023) and outlines the progress of year 1; underspend and the recommended areas of spend for the Cabinet Member to approve.

Summary of Decision

To note the programme changes of the Year One Projects and Reprofiled Projects as detailed in Appendix 1, which are now scheduled to be delivered in Year 2 (2024/2025).

To approve the spend for the Additional Projects detailed in Appendix 2 and the Reprofiled Projects to Year 2 (2024/25).

To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy, and Planning in consultation with the Executive Director of Democracy, Law and People; the Executive Director of Housing and Commercial Partnerships; and the Executive Director of Environment, Climate and Public Protection, to deal with all matters in relation to delivery of the Additional Projects and Reprofiled Projects, including agreeing any commercial terms and entering into all associated legal agreements.

To delegate authority to the Executive Director of Regeneration, Economy and Planning to spend unallocated revenue staffing budget earmarked for the North Paddington Programme.

Reason(s) for Decision 

Approval is sought to enable the commencement of the revised delivery to include the Additional Projects and the Reprofiled Projects to enable the Council to make full use of the unallocated Year One funds.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality has approved the award of theTreatment of Dry Recyclables to Veolia ES (UK) Ltd for three years; from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2027.

Reasons for Decision

The award of both contracts will enable the City Council to secure its future waste treatment needs at economically advantageous gate fees and comply with its legal duty to arrange for the treatment and disposal of waste. Due to the implementation of new national policy and legislation, the city council expects to recycle more of the waste it manages.

It will also allow for the continued direct delivery of residual waste to SELCHP and dry recyclables to the Southwark MRF which in turn ensures high levels of efficiency on the Contract for Waste and Recycling Collection, Street Cleansing and Ancillary Services

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality has approved the extension of the Residual Waste Treatment and Disposal Contract for waste incineration at SELCHP with Veolia (ES) UK Ltd. for a period of 8 years from 1^st April 2024 to 31^st March 2032

Reasons for Decision

The contract extension for this contract will enable the City Council to secure its future waste treatment needs at economically advantageous gate fees and comply with its legal duty to arrange for the treatment and disposal of waste. Due to the implementation of new national policy and legislation, the city council expects to recycle more of the waste it manages.

It will also allow for the continued direct delivery of residual waste to SELCHP and dry recyclables to the Southwark MRF which in turn ensures high levels of efficiency on the Contract for Waste and Recycling Collection, Street Cleansing and Ancillary Services. This contract also gives the council access to the supply of electricity from SELCHP to power its electric waste collection fleet at economically advantageous rates compared to purchasing this electricity on the retail market.

Amendments to the Council’s existing 2023/24 NNDR Discretionary Relief guidelines for 2024/25.

Summary of Decision

To adopt a scheme of discretionary rate relief.

To adopt the revised National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary Relief Guidelines as shown at Appendix A as a description of that scheme.

Reason for Decision 

The proposed guidelines at Appendix A will, by providing criteria to be considered when making decisions, assist with robust and consistent decision-making

Summary of Decision

The Executive Director, Regeneration, Economy and Planning has delegated authority to act on the activities listed in the Cabinet Member Report and section 3 of the Record of Officer Executive Decision to:

1. The Director of Regeneration and Development and

2. The Head of Development

Reasons for Decision

This decision will progress the Deeds of Release and Manual Payment Forms for the issue of the Rights of Light Compensation Payments

Summary of Decision:

To approve the implementation of the Compulsory Purchase Order powers which includes issuing the General Vesting Declaration notices and Notices to Treat and Notices of Entry in respect of the two plots of land.

Reasons for Decision:

On 5 October 2022, the Planning Inspectorate confirmed the Ebury Bridge Compulsory Purchase Order without modification.  The powers were sought to provide the Council with certainty that the scheme can be delivered without obstruction.

 In order for the project to progress in line with the agreed programme and costs for the delivery of Phase 2 of the regeneration scheme, a second General Vesting Declaration (GVD) is required to secure the GVD Land necessary for the construction of Building 5 on the Ebury Bridge Estate.  The GVD Land must be acquired by  27th March 2026.

The Council needs to commence the three month process of the GVD which involves issuing notices to the owners of the GVD Land. The initial steps of the CPO implementation can be made whilst negotiations around the acquisition of the GVD Land continues.  The process of issuing the GVD/Notices to Treat/Notices of Entry will reiterate the importance of engaging with the Council and completing the sales process.  Should the acquisition of the GVD Land complete before the end of the three-month process then the powers will not be required.

Summary of Decision

This report sought delegated approval to spend up to £249,600 of capital funding for Paddington Arts (Company number: 02224403) to proceed to the next stage of their redevelopment proposals. The project aims to provide a sustainable future for the charitable youth arts organisation, increase the number of young people engaged and supported each year and the provision of more cultural and creative performance, rehearsal, and work space.

Reasons for Decision

The Executive Director for Regeneration, Economy and Planning has apporved capital funding to Paddington Arts of up to £249,600 to complete RIBA Stage 4 of their development proposals and bring in additional external fundraising expertise to maximise match-funding for the scheme.

The agreement covers the management by the supplier of payment to park in visitors parking spaces throughout the City of Westminster.  The Council seeks to extend the current agreement by six months.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality has approved the exercise of an option to extend by six months the contract with RingGo Limited for Cashless Parking from 1st April 2024 to 30th September 2024.

Reasons for Decision 

The contract extension is being sought because it will allow an appropriate period of time for the service to complete a full procurement with new contracts being procured to start from 1^st October 2024, when this extension will expire. As the original approval sought for the award was not considerate of the banking charges that do feature within the current contract, Cabinet Member approval is being sought to ensure that appropriate governance levels are in place considering current contractual spend.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality has approved in principle the entering into a maintenance agreement in relation to the two parcels of land on Bishops Bridge Road (the Properties) as shown edged red on the plans attached in Appendix B1 and Appendix B2 of this report, and has delegated authority to the Director of City Highways to finalise the legal documentation for the maintenance agreement as required and approve the Council entering into the maintenance agreement.

Reasons for Decision

In respect of the recommendation to purchase the Properties, the May 2000 s106 agreement contained a requirement for the Council to serve notice on the developer (British Land) to acquire the land following completion of the bridge which occurred in 2006.  The Council served the notice on the Developer on 5 February 2007 however the transfer was not enacted. Despite the transfer not occurring, the Council have taken responsibility for the management and maintenance of the bridge/land since its completion. The (now two) owners of the land are seeking to regularise matters and transfer the land parcels in accordance with the terms of the S106 Agreement.  This will enable them to release the maintenance contribution to the Council, which they have been holding in reserve since 2006.