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Decisions

Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding recent decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies.

Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.

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Decisions published

16/10/2020 - Rating Advisory Panel 15.09.2020: Determination of National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary and Hardship Relief Applications ref: 1256    Recommendations Approved

Consider recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel in relation to applications for Hardship and Discretionary Rate Relief.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 16/10/2020

Effective from: 16/10/2020

Decision:

1.              That this report and appendices be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraph 3, as amended, in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of an individual.

 

2.       That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 15th September 2020 and determined the applications for National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary and Hardship relief set out in Appendix A of the report.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

3The Rating Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in the report.

 

Lead officer: Susan Bush


16/10/2020 - Rating Advisory Panel 14//07/2020: Determination of National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary and Hardship Relief Applications ref: 1252    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 16/10/2020

Effective from: 16/10/2020

Decision:

1.              That this report and appendices be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraph 3, as amended, in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of an individual.

 

2.       That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 14th July 2020 and determined the applications for National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary and Hardship relief set out  in Appendix A of the report.

Reasons for Decision

 

3The Rating Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in the report.


16/10/2020 - Church Street Regeneration - Commercial Tenant Renegotiation ref: 1255    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member Apperoval sought. 

 

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 16/10/2020

Effective from: 24/10/2020

Decision:

1.              That Appendix A of this report be exempt from publication as it involves the disclosure of information as prescribed by paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

 

2.        That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration:

 

(a)  Authorised officers in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and Resources to enter into formal negotiations, including offers of compensation where applicable, with the commercial property tenants on Sites A, with the view of obtaining vacant possession and where appropriate to acquire in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and Resources, and noted that all relevant commercial property interests by agreement at open market value together with compensation where applicable , for which appropriate budgetary provisions have been made;

 

             and

 

(b) Authorised officers in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and Resources to take any property asset management actions as may be necessary, including terminating, varying and/or granting new leases, to achieve vacant possessions of commercial property interests on Site A

 

 

Reasons for Decision 

 

f approved the decisions requested in this report will: enable the start of formal negotiations with the commercial property tenants at Site A, as appropriate, and the undertaking of all necessary commercial property conveyancing including compensation and settlements where appropriate, with the aim of achieving vacant possession of all commercial property interests in readiness for redevelopment.


16/10/2020 - Westmead Care Home - Development Proposals ref: 1254    Recommendations Approved

Decisions required prior to planning submission.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 16/10/2020

Effective from: 24/10/2020

Decision:

1.              That Appendixes B and C of the report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 3 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

2.        That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration:

 

Approved the preferred option as detailed in Section 5 of this report for redevelopment of:

§  Mixed tenure scheme – minimum of 35% affordable housing.

§  Market Units to be progressed as rental.

 

3.              Approved in principle that Westminster Builds (WB) delivers the scheme as detailed in Section 5 of this report and note that additional Cabinet Member approval will be required for the financial and legal documents required to facilitate this delivery route.

 

4.                  Authorised the Executive Director Growth Planning and Housing and the Bi-Borough Director of Law, to deal with all necessary legal arrangements to affect the recommendations set out in this report, including entering in to S106 agreement.

 

5.              Noted expenditure on the project of £0.578m to date and approved additional expenditure of £1.4M to progress design and procure a preferred contractor.     

 

 

Reasons for Decision 

1.              In May 2019, an Outline Business Case was tabled at Capital Review Group which confirmed the separation of Carlton Dene and Westmead in to two individual projects, with Carlton Dene progressing as a 100% affordable scheme consisting of extra care and general needs housing, whilst Westmead will be a mixed tenure general needs housing scheme including social rent, intermediate and market housing.

 

2.              Officers have assessed a number of options for Westmead ranging from reinstatement through to redevelopment for general needs housing.

Wards affected: Westbourne;

Lead officer: Emily Myers


16/10/2020 - Ashbridge Ashmill and Cosway Street ref: 1251    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 16/10/2020

Effective from: 24/10/2020

Decision:

1.        That Appendix A of the report be exempt from disclosure as it involves the disclosure of information as prescribed by paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule12a to the Local Government Act 1972, (as amended), in that they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority).

2.        That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration formally agreed the preferred way forward as set out in the Full Business Case, namely;

·       A Joint development, with affordable housing provided at Ashbridge and Ashmill, and private housing at Cosway.

·       The direct development of all three sites by the council

·       The appointment of Geoffrey Osborne Ltd (Osborne) as Main Contractor to deliver the construction works at the 3 sites.

3.        That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration, in support of 2 above, formally agreed to:-

·       Authorise the drawdown of additional centrally held contingency as referred to in the Financial Implications in Appendix A.

·       Authorise to spend the balance of the capital funds required to deliver the project as referred to in the Financial Implications in Appendix A.

·       Approve the execution of the Building Contract between the Council and Osborne as Main Contractor to deliver the construction works at the three sites as referred to in the Legal Implications in Appendix A.

4.        That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration noted the mitigation referred to in Appendix A to reduce the HRA borrowing, which is subject to further investigation and delegated authority to the Executive Director for Growth Planning and Housing in respect of any future decision in connection with this matter.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

1.              The Council is satisfied that the redevelopment will contribute towards meeting the City for All objectives, in particular “City of Opportunity”

 

2.              Specifically, this development will contribute 28 new affordable homes towards the council’s target of 1,850 by 2023.

 

3.              Furthermore, the proposed landscaping improvements at Ashbridge St will help to deliver the City for All target of Healthier and Greener City.

 

4.              A linked planning application was submitted in December 2017 and subsequently approved in March 2019

 

5.              The Full Business Case represents the final business case stage in the project and reconfirms that project remains the most suitable option for the Council to deliver.

 

6.              The Full Business Case has shown that there is still a strong strategic, economic, commercial, financial and management case for the project to progress to the delivery phase.

 

7.              Having previously recommended the approval of Osborne for the pre-construction services agreement in October 2018 following an OJEU compliant tender process, the Gate Review Panel also recommended in July 2020 the award of the main construction works contract to Osborne, subject to Cabinet Member approval

 

8.              Osborne have now completed the detailed design and a rigorous open book tendering exercise has been undertaken and overseen by the Council’s appointed Cost Consultant (Currie and Brown). Currie and Brown have confirmed that the Contract Sum for the main works represents reasonable value for money.


16/10/2020 - Tollgate Gardens Estate - Community Centre Refuse - Planning amendment. ref: 1250    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 16/10/2020

Effective from: 16/10/2020

Decision:

1.              That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved the terms of the Deed of Variation to the Section (S) 106 Agreement and authorised the Council, as freehold owner of the site, to enter into this agreement.

2.              That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration delegated authority to the Growth, Planning and Housing Director of Development to authorise entry into any future deeds of variation in relation to this Site and overarching S.106 Agreement, which do not propose to materially alter the substantive obligations or vary the Council’s liability (as freehold landowner of the site).

Reasons for Decision 

1.              Latimer Developments Limited have submitted a planning application with allocated reference number 19/05994/FULL. This application seeks to vary the extant permission for the development of the site, to allow for amendments to the community centre refuse .i.e. for it to be relocated with the site.  Because this application is considered a “minor material amendment” (under section 73 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990), the effect of this application being granted will be to create a new standalone permission which will be identical to the existing permission, save for the amendments to the scheme’s refuse arrangements. Because a new planning permission will be created, it is a requirement of the City Council (in its capacity as local planning authority) to ensure that the planning obligations secured under the section 106 agreements secured for the development of this site are linked to this new permission.

2.                  It is proposed that the City Council, acting in its capacity as freeholder landowner of the site and as a party to the original s106 agreement, enter into the linking Deed of Variation as a “consenting freeholder”. This means that the Developer (Latimer), who have a long-leasehold interest in the site, will be responsible for the undertaking and the various planning obligations, and the City Council will only become liable if it carries out the development itself, or Latimer’s leasehold interest is terminated.

3.              The benefit of entry into this agreement is to ensure that the relevant key planning obligations are secured pursuant to the planning permission (which in turn are public benefits to the residents of the City of Westminster/of the Tollgate Garden Estate), namely:

·       124 affordable housing units;

·       Securing a Community Centre lease;

·       Dedication of new public highway through a highway works scheme;

·       Securing residential, disabled and community centre car parking spaces

·       Play area and open space provision; and

·       Car club membership for the new units.

4.              This report also recommends that future deeds of variation, which do not propose to materially alter the terms of the overarching S.106 agreement, are dealt with at officer level. This is proposed so Cabinet Member approval is not required for straightforward administrative decisions which have no differing implications from the original decision, with a view to efficient decision making and the appropriate use of resources.

5.              The S.106 Agreement is being entered into by both WCC as landowner and WCC as the Local Planning Authority. The Local Planning Authority’s authority to enter into the agreement derives from the Planning Applications Sub-Committee resolving to approve the planning permission. WCC as landowner requires a separate Cabinet Member decision to enter into the agreement in that capacity.


15/10/2020 - Acquisition Approval for the Lisson Grove Programme ref: 1249    Recommendations Approved

That Westminster to proceed with the acquisition of the tenanted properties at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street, by way of a transfer of part of the Lease held by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG), with the intent of merging the properties into Westminster’s freehold reversion and becoming the landlord of the four existing tenancies as Site 5 for a consideration as set out in Appendix 2 and enter into all necessary contracts and deeds in this regard


that Westminster proceed with the acquisition of 8 parking spaces by way of a further transfer of part of the Lease held by NHG which are identified as Sites 1,2,3 and 4 as shown at Appendix 1, and for a consideration set out in Appendix 2, and enter into all necessary contracts and deeds in this regard;

that Appendices 2 and 3 of this report be exempt from publication under Section 100 (A) (4) and Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) as it contains information which should be exempt from publication relating to the business and financial affairs of the authority.
that the tenants at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street will become secure tenants of Westminster upon the acquisition of these properties from NHG to Westminster and will be entitled to the same rehousing entitlements as provided in the existing policy for Tenants in Housing Renewal Areas as other council tenants in Church Street affected by regeneration.

authorises the serving of Initial Demolition Notices on 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street immediately upon the transfer of these properties into Westminster’s ownership, in accordance with the Housing Act 1985, in order to suspend the requirement for the Council to complete Right to Buy applications for as long as the notices remain in force.

delegates approval and timing of all necessary steps to implement and serve the Initial Demolition Notices to the Executive Director of Growth Planning and Housing;

approves the reletting of any void properties under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 to provide temporary accommodation to homeless households

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 15/10/2020

Effective from: 23/10/2020

Decision:

1.         That Appendices 2 and 3 of this report be exempt from publication under Section 100 (A) (4) and Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) as it contains information which should be exempt from publication relating to the business and financial affairs of the authority.

 

2.         That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Regeneration and Property approved:

 

·       That Westminster proceed with the acquisition of the tenanted properties at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street, by way of a transfer of part of the Lease held by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG), with the intent of merging the properties into Westminster’s freehold reversion and becoming the landlord of the four existing tenancies as Site 5 for a consideration as set out in Appendix 2 of the report and enter into all necessary contracts and deeds in this regard;

 

·       That Westminster proceed with the acquisition of 8 parking spaces by way of a further transfer of part of the Lease held by NHG which are identified as Sites 1,2,3 and 4 as shown at Appendix 1, and for a consideration set out in Appendix 2, and enter into all necessary contracts and deeds in this regard;

 

·       That the tenants at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street become secure tenants of Westminster upon the acquisition of these properties from NHG to Westminster and will be entitled to the same rehousing entitlements as provided in the existing policy for Tenants in Housing Renewal Areas as other council tenants in Church Street affected by regeneration.

 

·        

·       Authorised the serving of Initial Demolition Notices on 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street immediately upon the transfer of these properties into Westminster’s ownership, in accordance with the Housing Act 1985, in order to suspend the requirement for the Council to complete Right to Buy applications for as long as the notices remain in force;

 

·       Delegated approval and timing of all necessary steps to implement and serve the Initial Demolition Notices to the Executive Director of Growth Planning and Housing;

 

·       Approved the reletting of any void properties under Part VII of the Housing Act 1996 to provide temporary accommodation to homeless households.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

1.                     The Church Street/Edgware Road Area is one of five priority areas identified in Westminster’s Housing Renewal Strategy (2010) as needing significant improvement and investment. In line with the City for All objectives and the Church Street Masterplan, the overarching objective of regenerating the Church Street ward is to bring about physical change that is sustainable and creates new and better homes, health and wellbeing services, economy and employment, public realm and open spaces to improve the lives of residents, business and visitors alike.

2.                     The Cabinet Member for Finance, Regeneration and Property agreed the   decision taken on 6 June 2019 to take forward option 3 as the PWF for Gayhurst House and 6 to 12 Lilestone Street.

3.                     Securing by agreement the transfer of 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street and those eight parking spaces from NHG to Westminster will assist with land assembly in advance of the regeneration.

4.                     The consideration agreed represents a saving to Westminster in comparison to the compensation costs that would be required if any potential Compulsory Purchase Powers were required to secure ownership of these interests

5.                     It will be a requirement to take the transfer of the four properties 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street and to provide the tenants there with secure tenancies for Notting Hill Genesis. The transaction is subject to the approval of the Social Housing Regulator.

6.                     Westminster intends (subject to planning and procurement in the usual way) to demolish the four properties shortly after acquisition. Serving an initial demolition notice on the 4 properties at 6, 8, 10 and 12 Lilestone Street immediately upon transfer to will be necessary to suspend the right to buy.

Wards affected: Church Street;

Lead officer: Fergus Coleman, Serena Simon


15/10/2020 - Award of a 3-5 year contract for the Replacement of Block Calorifiers on the PDHU network ref: 1248    Recommendations Approved

To award a 3-5 year contract following a successful tender for the replacement of Block Calorifiers on the PDHU network

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Hsg Services

Decision published: 15/10/2020

Effective from: 23/10/2020

Decision:

1.              That in accordance with Paragraph 3 of schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 this report be exempt from publication in that it relates to information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding the information).

 

2.        That the Cabinet Member for Housing Services approved the contract award for the replacement of block calorifiers on the PDHU network to the preferred bidder for the total sum as set out in the report under a 3 – 5 year phased replacement programme.

 

Reasons for Decision 

 

To deliver a phased replacement programme of aged calorifiers on the PDHU network ensuring that residents continue to receive a supply of hot water, provide efficient monitoring and achieve a reduction in operating costs.

Wards affected: Churchill; Tachbrook; Warwick;

Lead officer: Chris Richardson


01/10/2020 - Policy for Voluntary & Community Sector (VCS) organisations renting or leasing council property in Westminster ref: 1246    Recommendations Approved

Policy for the leasing of council premises by the Voluntary and Community sector (a policy to ensure greater transparency in the financial contributions made by the council to VCS organisations renting council property and to ensure a consistent standard across all VCS organisations renting council property).

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

Decision published: 01/10/2020

Effective from: 01/10/2020

Decision:

Summary of Decision

 

  1. That the Draft Policy for VCS organisations renting or leasing council property in Appendix B be approved.
  2. That the Social Value Assessment Matrix for VCS organisations applying to the scheme in Appendix C be approved.
  3. That the General Eligibility Criteria for VCS organisations renting or leasing council property in Appendix D be approved.
  4. That the Financial Eligibility Criteria for VCS organisations renting or leasing council property in Appendix E be approved.
  5. That the Standard Lease Template for VCS organisations renting or leasing council property in Appendix F be approved.
  6. That the Executive Director of Finance and Resources be given delegated authority to approve minor modifications and updates to the policy.

 

Reasons for Decision 

 

A policy is needed to standardise the financial contributions that the council makes towards the market rent of VCS organisations occupying council property, so that the council can be shown to be fair, consistent and transparent in its dealings with the voluntary and community sector.

 

Stuart Love, Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

1 October 2020

Implementation Date:

1 October 2020

Reference:

 

CMfCS&D/7/2020/21

 

Lead officer: Ezra Wallace


18/03/2020 - A.O.B ref: 1182    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: General Purposes

Made at meeting: 18/03/2020 - General Purposes

Decision published: 01/10/2020

Effective from: 18/03/2020

Decision:

The Committee held discussions on holding non-executive Member level meetings during the Covid19 pandemic. The Committee was informed that the 1972 Local Government Act had little provisions about convening virtual Meetings. Members were informed that Statutory Guidance had been issued to the National Assembly of Wales in 2014 about remote Meetings and that it was advised that 30% of Assembly Members had to be present for these meetings. The Committee was advised that the Government was to provide guidance for convening remote Meetings.

 

Members were informed that the Council could delay and postpone meetings, use the Officers Scheme of Delegation to determine urgent matters or hold meetings which are attended by the minimum number of Members required. The latter would need to be held in large rooms in order to observe social distancing. The Committee was informed that Members joining remotely would be unable to vote and could only express their views.  Officers do not need to be physically present at meetings. The following were also noted: -

 

·       Planning Applications Sub-Committees & Licensing Sub-Committees – There are risks of challenges through ‘Non-determination’ of Applications which have been deferred by both Committees. These risks are low. The two Sub-Committees should continue to meet and this should either be done via a virtual platform or live setting.  The Council’s own Scheme of delegation would need to be determined by a Committee.

 

·       Expedite Reviews and Temporary Events Notice would need to be considered by the Licensing Sub-Committees; the former can be conducted virtually.

 

·       That full Council meetings should be convened and that a minimum of 15 Members would need to be present to undertake all necessary decisions. Members noted that all business could be transacted before Full Council and that the Meeting should solely be used to ratify decisions. Full Councils in which there are no decisions being made should be postponed. 

 

·       That Dispensations would be processed for any Councillors who are or may become at risk of breaching the ‘six - month rule’ of non-attendance of a meeting.

 

·       Discretionary and Housing Review Panel and the Rating Advisory Panels can continue by operating virtually.

 

·       All meetings should be analysed and factors such as how 'essential' they are, Member availability, nature of the business/urgency, legal risk to holding a meeting or cancelling a meeting must be considered.  The minimum number of Members would be required to attend, and proportionality must be adhered too. All meetings would need to be prioritised.

 

·       The Council has IT Software (Microsoft Teams) which supports virtual meetings. The Software enables external parties to participate in meetings. Officers would be tasked with the logistics for organising and running virtual meetings and ensuring that all relevant parties are able to participate.

 


29/09/2020 - Pan-London Management of Mortuary Services ref: 1245    Recommendations Approved

Officer Report

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 29/09/2020

Effective from: 29/09/2020

Decision:

 

1.         That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration:

 

            a)         Agreed that the report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local                         Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 3 (as amended), I     n                      that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any     particular person (including the authority holding that information).

            b)         Agreed that the City Council assumes responsibility for the provision of Pan-                 London mortuary services from 24 September 2020 to 31 March 2021.

 

          c)         Approved the drawdown of services from the existing contract to provide            mortuary services to all London local authorities until 31 March 2021.

           

      d)         Approved the procurement of the necessary support and logistic services to                   run the day-to-day operations of the temporary mortuary sites.

 

         e)         Approved the estimated expenditure up to £16.15m for the provision of the           temporary mortuary and associated support services.

 

f)    Delegated authority to the Director of City Highways to call down additional       resources to extend mortuary services at Horseferry Road   from the contract in           the event of a second wave of Covid-19.

 

1.         In the event of further COVID-19 excess deaths, the City Council has offered to manage the Pan-London temporary mortuary provision provided that the funding and legal agreements amongst London local authorities are secured.

2.         Securing six months of finances to create a sinking fund for the undertaking of temporary mortuary provision prior to contracts being authorised, has reduced the risk to Westminster and Camden as responsible legal bodies.

 

 

 

 

1.        In the event of further COVID-19 excess deaths, the City Council has offered            to manage the Pan-London temporary mortuary provision provided that the            funding and legal agreements amongst London local authorities are secured.

2.        Securing six months of finances to create a sinking fund for the undertaking of temporary mortuary provision prior to contracts being authorised, has reduced the risk to Westminster and Camden as responsible legal bodies.

 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Candace Bloomfield, Stephen Muldoon


28/09/2020 - Purchase of Communal Electricity and Gas from October 2020 ref: 1244    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approal sought for purchae of energy supplies.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Hsg Services

Decision published: 28/09/2020

Effective from: 28/09/2020

Decision:

1.        That the Cabinet Member for Housing Services delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing to accept offers for gas and electricity on the day they are issued by suppliers, to enable the City Council to enter into one or more contracts for communal electricity and gas supplies for 6 months from 1st October 2020.

 

2.        That the Cabinet Member for Housing Services delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing to accept offers for gas and electricity on the day they are issued by suppliers, to enable the City Council to enter into one or more contracts for communal electricity and gas supplies for 6 months from 1st October 2020.

 

 

 

1.              Energy suppliers only quote electricity and gas prices for acceptance on the day, to minimise their risks in a volatile market.  Normal routines for accepting tenders are therefore incompatible with market practice.

 

 

2.        Delegating authority to the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing will therefore enable acceptance of electricity and gas tariffs to secure lowest prices without quotations from suppliers lapsing.

 

 

 

 


25/09/2020 - NNDR Discretionary and Hardship Relief Applications ref: 1243    Recommendations Approved

The Rating Advisory Panel will consider five hardship and three discretionary rate relief applications and make recommendations

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 25/09/2020

Effective from: 25/09/2020

Decision:

1.        That the Council’s Guidelines for applications for NNDR Discretionary relief policy document is amended as shown at Appendix A to the report to reflect a change of policy and process for NNDR Hardship Relief applications received in relation to the financial year 2020/21.

 

 

1.        The current NNDR Hardship arrangements are unworkable due to the increase in the number of applications arising from the pandemic.

2.        The recommended policy / process will allow the Council to meet its statutory requirements to consider (“apply its mind”) requests for NNDR Hardship relief.

3.        The process will ensure that each applicant has sought advice from the Council’s Business and Enterprise team and also exhausted all options to mitigate losses in business income / reduce business cost, which in turn should ensure that the Council utilises its limited funds to support the most appropriate businesses.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Susan Bush


18/09/2020 - Mortuary Contract ref: 1242    Recommendations Approved

Mortuary Contract

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 18/09/2020

Effective from: 26/09/2020

Decision:

1.              That this report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of s100A and Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

 

2.              That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration:

 

a)        Approved the award of the contract under the previous terms with  the preferred bidder for the provision of additional temporary mortuary facilities to support London’s response to the pandemic until 31 May 2021 including the provision for wave 1 between March and July 2020

 

b)        Approved estimated expenditure to the sum as set out in the report for the provision of mortuary provision across London

 

c)        Approved payment to the preferred bidder to settle the cost of the mortuaries up to 31 July 2020 on behalf of all London boroughs.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

Westminster City Council was asked to finance the provision of pan-London mortuary facilities which ensured that excess deaths in London during Wave 1 of the COVID-19 pandemic were managed effectively.

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Candace Bloomfield


10/09/2020 - Expenditure from the St James's Ward Budget ref: 1240    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

Decision published: 10/09/2020

Effective from: 10/09/2020

Decision:

Summary of Decision

 

That the expenditure of £15,000 to commission Inside Out, a series of art installations and performances on the streets of central London with the aim of highlighting its unique cultural offer and encouraging more people back into the city, be approved.

 

Reason for Decision

 

The proposal in this report will support the Council’s wider equalities and diversity agenda by focusing on addressing local issues with enhanced local engagement. 

 

 

Stuart Love, Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

10 September 2020

Implementation Date:

10 September 2020

Reference:

 

CMfCS&D/5/2020/21

 

Lead officer: Janis Best


01/09/2020 - Grant a Contract Extension and Issue a lease to GCH (Alan Morkill) Ltd to Occupy the new Beachcroft House Care Home until June 2021 ref: 1238    Recommendations Approved

Establishment of the estate and property management arrangements for the management of Beachcroft.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 01/09/2020

Effective from: 09/09/2020

Decision:

1)     That the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health gave approval to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care and Health in order that she may exercise the extension option:

 

a)    To award a contract extension to GCH (Alan Morkill House) Ltd, for the provision of Beachcroft Care Home from 17th Dec 2020 to 17th June 2021.

 

b)    To allow the GCH (Alan Morkill House) Ltd to mobilise Beachcroft House Care Home and undertake the transition of services from Carlton Dene and Westmead to Beachcroft House Care Home.

 

2)     That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration gave approval to grant a lease to GCH (Alan Morkill House) Ltd for a period of 9 months from September 2020 to June 2021.

 

 

 

1)          The fundamental reason for granting a lease to occupy Beachcroft and offer a 6-month extension to the current interim contract to GCH (Alan Morkill House) Limited was to ensure and secure immediate continuity of essential services to vulnerable residents currently living within Carlton Dene and Westmead and their move in to Beachcroft. The Care Quality Commission also required the care provider to evidence that it held a lease that allowed it to provide care on the premises or it would not pass registration and not be able to open. The contract extension also allowed time to procure the longer-term care provider.

 

2)          The Council had a clear duty around service provision under the Care Act 2014:

 

·         The Council has a duty to carry out an assessment of anyone who appears to require care and provide or organise support as required.

 

3)          There were also several key national and local drivers informing the need for ongoing service provision, including:

 

·         Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia 2020.

·         England’s National Dementia Strategy.

·         Bi Borough Health and Well Being Board Dementia Plan.

·         The Council’s future plans for the commissioning and provision of high-quality and excellent residential care for our residents;

·         City for All.

 

4)          The 6-month contract extension to 17th June 2021 would enable the Council the time required to fully and properly procure a long-term provider to undertake care at Beachcroft House. Ensuring that the procurement exercise makes the most of national, regional and local best practice in full and open engagement with market, this would enable an effective and value for money public procurement exercise to be undertaken.


27/08/2020 - Church Street Site A - Outline Business Case - Part Two ref: 1630    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought for part two of the Outline Business Case.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 27/08/2020

Effective from: 05/09/2020

Decision:

 

Summary of Decision

 

1.         That appendices A and B of this report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Part 1, paragraph 3 (as amended) in that they contain information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

2.         The Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration:

2.1Approved a “partnership - style” delivery route;

 

2.2Approved the investigation of the proposed mitigation methods for reducing the Housing Revenue Account  (HRA) affordability gap of the current scheme; and delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth Planning and Housing and Finance to approve the implementation of the mitigations once they result in a viable scheme; the proposed mitigations being:

·       Reviewing the housing tenure ratio;

·       Reviewing the design detail to achieve best value for money;

·       Investigating the potential for additional Community Infrastructure Levy funding;

2.3       Approved the contract between the Council and the contractor to be varied to allow for the release of the sum as set out in the report to cover the cost of delivering the remaining contracted multi-disciplinary services.

2.4       Approved the release of the budget as specified within Appendix A of the report to spend on void secure costs.

Reasons for Decision

The decisions as set out above haves been reached following a detailed delivery options appraisal process.

 

Wards affected: Church Street;


24/11/2020 - Waste Collection and Street Cleansing Contract Extension ref: 1269    Recommendations Approved

Extension of Waste Collection and Street Cleansing Contract with Veolia ES Ltd. from September 2020 to September 2024

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 25/08/2020

Effective from: 03/09/2020

Decision:

1.          That this report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 3 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

 

2.              That the Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration approved the extension of the Waste and Recycling Collection, Street Cleansing and Ancillary Services Contract with the organisation as set out in the report. for one year from 16th September 2020 to 15th September 2021.

3.              That the Cabinet Member for Environment & City Management and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Regeneration approved the continuation of the Food Waste and Recycling Processing contracts with the organisation as set out in the report. to be coterminous with the main contract to 15th September 2021.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

The scale of change to both how waste services operate and are funded from 2023 requires a new strategic approach to future waste management in Westminster. The social and economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Westminster and its implications for waste and cleansing services will also need to be fully assessed. This requires an investment of time and external challenge to ensure that the services we procure in future not only meet the changing legislative requirements but also future proof the services for the longer term. An extension of one year provides the time to develop the strategy to prepare for future challenges.

Wards affected: (All Wards);


17/08/2020 - Central London Inclusive Growth - SIP ref: 1235    Recommendations Approved

Approval of Cabinet Member sought to enter into a grant agreement.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Business and Planning

Decision published: 17/08/2020

Effective from: 25/08/2020

Decision:

1.        That Appendix D to the report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 3 (as amended), in that it contains information in relation to the business affairs of the council or any other body.

2.        That the Cabinet Member authorised:

(1).   The council to enter a grant agreement, as the accountable body, with the City of London for the Central London Inclusive Growth Project.

(2).   The council to enter grant agreements with the project partners to pass on the obligations of the grant agreement between the City of London and Westminster City Council to the project partners.

(3).   The delivery of the Central London Inclusive Growth Project as set out within the appended grant agreement.

(4).   Capital expenditure against the budget within the capital programme of £1.605m of which £0.9m will be funded from the SIP grant and £0.705m will be funded by the Council.

 

 

 

1.        The rationale for investing within the Central London Inclusive Growth Project is as follows:

·            Inclusive growth alongside access to affordable workspace and business support are priority issues for London

·            Low vacancy rates of central London, which are well below the Mayor’s availability threshold of 8%, confirms demand for space is outstripping supply resulting in instability, rising rents and narrowing of accommodation options. This situation is exasperated by a major net loss of employment space due in part to permitted development rights, which is in tension with the Mayor’s forecast for new jobs that London needs to accommodate.

·            The bid proposal addresses the lack of affordable workspace and business support available in central London. The funding awarded will be invested in new affordable workspace with digital infrastructure and business support, mutually geared towards empowering entrepreneurs to overcome barriers to three critical stages in their early life, namely: setting up, employing their first employees and expanding.

·            There is a strong economic case for the bid validated by a high-level cost benefit analysis by Adroit Economics.

·            The bid will encourage collaboration between Central London boroughs. Camden, Hackney, Haringey, Kensington and Chelsea, Tower Hamlets and Westminster councils are well positioned and keen to work together to address the lack of affordable workspace and business support.

 


12/08/2020 - Parliamentary Ducting - Dartmouth Street & Victoria Street ref: 1232    Recommendations Approved

Staff working for Parliament's Strategic Estates are due to occupy new offices in Dartmouth Street and Victoria Street in 2020. In order to provide power and communications resilience to those new offices, Parliament's Strategic Estates have requested that the City Council install new ducting and cables in the street under a Highways Act s278 agreement.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways

Decision published: 12/08/2020

Effective from: 12/08/2020

Decision:

1.        That the report and other background papers to the report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12A, Paragraph 7, as amended, in that they contain information which “in all circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information’.

2.        That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Highways approved the design and implementation of the ducting infrastructure works shown on Plans attached in Appendix B to the report.

3.        That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Highways approved the gross expenditure of £4,000,000 to enable the completion of the detailed design and implementation of the ducting infrastructure works which will be fully funded by the Parliamentary Estates Directorate under the terms of a section 278 agreement.

4.        That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Highways approved the agreement pursuant to section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 with the Parliamentary Estates Directorate to secure the works and funding.

5.        That the Cabinet Member for Environment & Highways approved authority being delegated to the Executive Director of City Management and Communities to approve details of the secondary scheme in Little College Street and minor modifications to the scheme in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment & Highways.

 

 

1.        The proposed ducting infrastructure works in the public highway identified in this report will improve business continuity and connectivity between buildings operated by the Parliamentary Estates Directorate.

2.       The estimated cost of the proposals identified in this report is £4,000,000which includes, design costs, approvals, Westminster costs, risk and contingency etc. and will be fully funded by the Parliamentary Estates Directorate.

 

Wards affected: St James's;


11/08/2020 - Nomination and Appointment of Local Authority School Governors ref: 1231    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Children's Services

Decision published: 11/08/2020

Effective from: 11/08/2020

Decision:

1)              That Appendix A to this report be exempt from public disclosure by virtue of paragraph 1 of Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) – Information Relating to a Particular Individual.

 

2)              That the recommendations of the Local Authority School Governor’s Advisory Panel set out in Appendix A be approved.

 

Reasons for Decision 

 

Every maintained school governing body must contain at least one Local Authority nominated school governor.

 


07/08/2020 - 9 Woodfield Road - Land disposal ref: 1229    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought for disposal of land.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 07/08/2020

Effective from: 15/08/2020

Decision:

1.        That the appendices of the report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 3 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

2.              That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved the terms of the leasehold interest to be granted to the Developer for 9 Woodfield Road and the subsequent lease terms to be granted by the Developer to  Westminster City Council (WCC )for WCC’s use and occupation of a new street cleansing depot and noted that the proposed re-provision of the new depot facility combined with the Developer’s agreement to pay WCC’s Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) together with their S.106 Agreement obligations be accepted as WCC’s total financial consideration for the granting of a 999 year lease for 9 Woodfield Road.

3.        That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration granted the Executive Director of Finance and Resources and/or the Director of Corporate Property the delegated authority to complete the Agreement for Lease required for development of the New Depot and to enter into two leases, one to the Developer for WCC’s existing Depot site and the second for WCC’s use of the New Depot, both to be entered into on achievement of prcatical completion of the New Depot.

4.              That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved the proposed amendments to the Section 106 Agreement and noted that such approval being required because the Council is the owner of the property asset to be disposed of.

 

Reasons for Decision

The Planning Consent (application reference number 19/04487/FULL) together with a Section106 Agreement granted on the 3 July 2020 includes an obligation upon the Developer to provide a new street sweepers depot for the Council. This provision can only be actuated once the Council has agreed terms for the disposal of its land at  9 Woodfield Road, to the developer.


03/08/2020 - Expenditure from the Ward Budget for Harrow Road Ward ref: 1228    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

Decision published: 03/08/2020

Effective from: 03/08/2020

Decision:

Summary of Decision

 

That the expenditure of £10,131 to commission the Out of School 2020-21 Holiday Programme as detailed in the report be approved.

 

Reason for Decision

 

The proposal in this report will support the Council’s wider equalities and diversity agenda by focusing on addressing local issues with enhanced local engagement. 

 

 

Stuart Love, Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

3 August 2020

Implementation Date:

3 August 2020

Reference:

 

CMfCS&D/4/2020/21

 

Wards affected: Harrow Road;

Lead officer: Janis Best


03/08/2020 - Expenditure from the Ward Budgets for Warwick and Tachbrook Wards ref: 1227    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

Decision published: 03/08/2020

Effective from: 03/08/2020

Decision:

Summary of Decision

 

That the expenditure of £14,278.40 to commission Hydra Fountain for St George’s Square be approved.

 

 

Reason for Decision

 

The proposal in this report will support the Council’s wider equalities and diversity agenda by focusing on addressing local issues with enhanced local engagement. 

 

 

Stuart Love, Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

3 August 2020

Implementation Date:

3 August 2020

Reference:

 

CMfCS&D/2/2020/21

 

Wards affected: Tachbrook; Warwick;

Lead officer: Janis Best


29/07/2020 - Highways Services Procurement Strategy ref: 1224    Recommendations Approved

Decision paper on Highways Services Procurement Strategy.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 29/07/2020

Effective from: 06/08/2020

Decision:

Recommendations

The report will be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 3 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

 

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways approved a 1-year extension of all contracts from April 2022- March 2023 to allow efforts to be concentrated on the City Council’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic in the U.K. and to develop the contract packaging in light of changing market conditions.

 

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways approved the procurement strategy and new operating model for the re-let of the service.

 

Reasons for Decision

A 1-year extension of the current contractual arrangements will enable the City Council to focus its efforts on responding to the current COVID 19 outbreak and will provide time for an effective procurement of the new operating model to be carried out.

 

The procurement strategy and future operating model which is outlined in this report will provide the best opportunity to deliver the required service improvements across the City Highways service to achieve the City Council’s ambition of a world class highways environment. It will also assist the City Council with meeting it’s ‘City for All’ objectives.

 

There is uncertainty as to how long it will take the highways and wider construction market to recover from the COVID 19 pandemic, so it is prudent to review the need for further extensions to the existing arrangement if required.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Philip Robson


28/07/2020 - Development Sales Programme - Delegated Authority Paper for Parsons North ref: 1223    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought for delegating authority to operate a Development Sales Programme for a site in Parsons North.

Decision Maker: Leader of the Council

Decision published: 28/07/2020

Effective from: 29/07/2020

Decision:

1.                Appendices 1 and 2 of this report being exempt from disclosure by the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Part 1, paragraph 3, in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any person (including the authority holding that information).

2.                That the Leader of the Council delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing or the Director of Development and named officers to approve reservations and the sale terms of private sales units at Venice Court, 124 Hall Place in accordance with section 5 of this report.

3.                That the Leader of the Council delegated authority to the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing or Director of Development and named officers to enter into all associated legal agreements in relation to decision 2 above.

Reasons for Decision

Approval of the recommendations will prevent any delays in accepting offers to formalise reservations which will ensure prospective purchasers receive confirmation of their offer being accepted in a timely manner without having to request Cabinet Member approval for each unit in turn.

Wards affected: Little Venice;


23/07/2020 - Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund ref: 1220    Recommendations Approved

Officer Report

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 23/07/2020

Effective from: 23/07/2020

Decision:

1.        That Appendix A to the report be declared exempt from publication as the business to be transacted involves the disclosure of information as prescribed by paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12a of the Act as it relates to information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority)

 

2.        That the Cabinet Member approves the award of grants to the businesses shown at Appendix A to the report.

 

 

 

 

 

The proposed awards have each met the mandatory requirements of the scheme

and have been given an evaluation score sufficient to qualify for a grant.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Martin Hinckley


23/07/2020 - Westbourne Neighbourhood Forum Re-designation ref: 1221    Recommendations Approved

A decision is required on whether the Westbourne Neighbourhood Forum should be re-designated for a further 5 years.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Business and Planning

Decision published: 23/07/2020

Effective from: 23/07/2020

Decision:

Summary of Decision

 

That the Westbourne Neighbourhood Forum be re-designated for a further period of 5 years and a formal designation notice be published under delegated authority by the Director of Policy and Projects.

 

Reasons for Decision 

 

The City Council is required to assess whether the purpose of the neighbourhood forum reflects (in general terms) the character of the area. The application submitted by the Forum for re-designation and the Forum Constitution indicate that the Forum was established to influence planning and development in the area to promote: A good mix of facilities and amenities, an attractive character and identity, a healthier environment, a good quality physical environment, a low carbon footprint and local employment and enterprise. The statement of purpose within the application also outlines that the forum will improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the area using its planning influence.

 

Consultation on the re-designation of the Westbourne Neighbourhood Forum highlighted support for the application, no objections, or competing applications.

 

Stuart Love,

Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

 

10 July 2020

Implementation Date:

 

10 July 2020

Reference:

 

CMfB&P/3/2020/21

 

Wards affected: Bayswater; Westbourne;

Lead officer: Michela Leoni


22/07/2020 - Virtual Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel: (07.07.20) Determination of Discretionary Housing Payment Review Application ref: 1219    Recommendations Approved

Consider recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Review Panel to award a payment

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 22/07/2020

Effective from: 22/07/2020

Decision:

1.        That Appendix A to the report be exempt from public disclosure by virtue of paragraph 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 because the applications involve the likely disclosure of exempt information relating to an individual.

          

2.        That the Cabinet Member approved the recommendations of the Virtual Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel meeting of 7 July 2020

 

 

The Virtual 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 to the report, which are more fully set out in the case papers submitted to the Panel.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Gwyn Thomas


14/07/2020 - Ebury Bridge Estate Renewal – In Principle Compulsory Purchase Order Resolution ref: 1216    Recommendations Approved

This report identifies the progress made towards the renewal of the Ebury Bridge Estate and seeks Cabinet Member approval to progress all work necessary to establish a case for compulsory purchase of land and property required for the redevelopment of Pimlico House, Bridge House, Westbourne House, Rye House, Bucknil House, Victoria House, and Donraile House (the Order Land) as part of the Ebury Bridge Estate Renewal, whilst continuing to negotiate and complete acquisitions of legal interests, on the basis of the statutory Compulsory Purchase Compensation Code.

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision published: 14/07/2020

Effective from: 14/07/2020

Decision:

That Cabinet:

 

1.        Approved the progress of all work necessary to establish a case for compulsory purchase of the Order Land.

 

2.        Approved, in principle, the use of compulsory purchase powers for the acquisition of the land required for development phases of the Ebury Bridge Estate Renewal redevelopment beyond the first phase.  The extent of the land required is shown indicatively in hatched blue and orange on the attached plan at Appendix 1 of the report (referred to as the Order Land) and note that the making of any CPO will be subject to Cabinet being satisfied in all respects that the criteria in paragraph 3.7 of the report have been met.

 

3.        Noted that Officers will need to seek a future resolution to grant authority, in accordance with section 122 of the Local Government Act 1972, to declare that any land acquired or held by the Council and required for the delivery of the Ebury Bridge Estate Renewal redevelopment may, where they conclude that it is no longer needed for its present purpose, appropriate the land for such statutory purpose as necessary to deliver the Ebury Bridge Estate Renewal redevelopment, and to authorise the overriding of such easements, rights, or other adverse matters burdening the land, where that is needed to deliver the scheme, in reliance on section 203 of the Housing and Planning Act 2016.  Such appropriation may take place as a whole or in phases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.        The Ebury Bridge Estate is one of the five priority estates identified in the Council’s Housing Renewal Strategy (2010) as needing significant improvement and investment. In line with the Council’s City for All objectives, the overarching objective of regenerating Ebury Bridge Estate is to create 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.

 

2.        Whilst progress with property owners has been made in discussing acquisitions that will be necessary to deliver the proposals beyond the first phase of the Ebury Bridge Estate redevelopment, land assembly remains a critical issue for the delivery of this part of the scheme. Clearly the estate renewal cannot be delivered across properties that are not wholly in the ownership or under the control of the Council and without this, certainty cannot be gained to the likely programme for delivery of the complete estate renewal.

 

 

 

 

3.        To enable the comprehensive redevelopment of the Ebury Bridge estate renewal all relevant land interests will need to be brought in, in a timely way.  Whilst it is anticipated that further progress can be made on the negotiated approach for some property interests it is good practice and appropriate to consider the use of compulsory purchase powers.

 

4.        The government recognises in its "Guidance on Compulsory Purchase Process and The Crichel Down Rules" dated July 2019, (the CPO Guidance), that if acquiring authorities wait for negotiations to break down, this can have detrimental impacts on the timing of delivery of projects. Therefore, depending on when the land is required, the guidance considers it sensible for an acquiring authority to:

 

·       plan a compulsory purchase as a contingency measure; and

·       initiate formal procedures.

·        

5.        Importantly, the CPO Guidance expressly recognises that such steps "...help to make the seriousness of the authority’s intentions clear from the outset, which in turn might encourage those whose land is affected to enter more readily into meaningful negotiations".

 

6.        The CPO Guidance requires acquiring authorities to attempt to acquire land by agreement before embarking on the CPO process, although it is recognised that for schemes involving the acquisition of the number of interests, it is sensible to run the CPO process in parallel with ongoing negotiations.

 

7.        The use of compulsory purchase powers to assemble the Ebury Bridge Estate Renewal scheme site for phases beyond the first phase will be used should all reasonable attempts to acquire the necessary land and interests fail. As the CPO Guidance makes clear, use of compulsory purchase powers is intended as a 'last resort'. Officers acknowledge that if any CPO was to be made the Cabinet would require further updating and justification.

 

8.        In this event. a detailed report setting out the justification for the making of a CPO together with the proposed Statement of Reasons would be submitted to Members.

 

9.        The main benefit of the use of compulsory purchase is the certainty of being able to obtain vacant possession to a planned programme. This is vital in order give the Council confidence that the whole Ebury Bridge estate renewal will be delivered. The use of compulsory purchase also provides a level of certainty on project programming which in turn would allow the Council to enter into commercially sound construction contracts. This is because, once the CPO is confirmed and the legal challenge period has passed, the CPO can be implemented and a date for vacant possession fixed in accordance with the project programme which can immediately follow or coincide with the programme for the first phase of redevelopment.

 

 

Wards affected: Churchill;

Lead officer: Barbara Brownlee


23/06/2020 - Flat 2, 21 Denbigh Street London SW1V 2HF ref: 1210    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Planning Applications Sub-Committee (2)

Made at meeting: 23/06/2020 - Planning Applications Sub-Committee (2)

Decision published: 13/07/2020

Effective from: 23/06/2020

Decision:

Retention of air conditioning condenser unit at rear ground floor roof level and proposed installation of acoustic enclosure.

 

The Presenting Officer tabled the followingadditional Condition

 

Item No. 5 Flat 2 21 Denbigh Street London SW1V 2HF

 

Additional condition

 

The plant/machinery hereby permitted shall not be operated except between 0700 hours and 2300 hours daily.

 

 

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

 

That conditional permission be granted subject to the additional Condition as tabled to control the operational hours of the plant between 7am – 11pm only and a further condition requiring a post commissioning acoustic survey to be undertaken and submitted for approval.

 

Wards affected: Warwick;


09/07/2020 - Carlton Dene - An Extra Care and Residential Development' ref: 1214    Recommendations Approved

Cabiinet Member approval sought.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 09/07/2020

Effective from: 17/07/2020

Decision:

1)              That part B of the report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 3 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

 

2)              That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property, and Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health:

 

                    I.      Approved and agreed the preferred option as set out in paragraph 9.1 in the report, to deliver 65 extra-care and 22 general needs units, subject to final design, which would be fully examined during the next stage of the project.

 

                  II.      Note that Carlton Dene was no longer required as a care home and would no longer be reserved for that purpose.

 

                III.      Approved the allocation of £2.067M to develop the design for the site up to and including RIBA Stage 4 and to enable the relocation of residents from Peebles House. The Outline Business Case would seek approval to submit a planning application based on the Preferred Way Forward. 

 

               IV.       To note the formation of a cross-directorate project board to aid the delivery of the project. The board would consist of the senior or director nominated officers from Adult Social Care Operations and Commissioning, Housing and Regeneration, Finance, Procurement, Development and Legal.

 

3)              Agreed to authorise the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing in consultation with the Executive Director Adult Social Care and Health and the Bi-Borough Director of Law, to deal with all necessary legal arrangements to give effect to the recommendations set out in the report.

 

Reasons for Decisions

 

1)              The key drivers for decision making were:

 

                    I.      Beachcroft Care Home was a new purpose-built accommodation for those currently living in Carlton Dene; the closure of Carlton Dene was agreed by Cabinet Members in April 2019 following extensive consultation with residents and relatives;

                  II.      Bringing forward additional capacity and new forms of care on sites where the Council was the freeholder (facilitated by moving existing residents to Beachcroft);

        III.              Provide new affordable homes in line with the Council’s planning policy;

 

        IV.              Bringing forward new affordable housing which would contribute towards meeting the 20/21 City for All objectives, in particular Vibrant Communities.

 

         V.              Improve the environmental performance of Council properties, saving energy and money;

        VI.              Offer current Council tenants the chance to stay in their current neighbourhood should they wish; and

 

VII.      Deliver viable options which consider the duty of the Council to safeguard the public purse.


07/07/2020 - Extension of the Contract for Provision of Fixed Point Car Sharing Club Services & Extension of the Contract for Provision of Flexible Car Sharing Club Services and granting of waiver to increase the maximum permitted vehicles operating in the City ref: 1212    Recommendations Approved

The Fixed Point Car Sharing Club Services contract, provided by Zipcar (UK) Ltd, provides 185 vehicles, operating from dedicated car club bays, for hire by residents and businesses who are signed up to the scheme as an alternative to private vehicle ownership. The proposal is to extend the contract by 2 years. The provision of the service will remain the same, other than the contract expiry date.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways

Decision published: 07/07/2020

Effective from: 07/07/2020

Decision:

2.        Recommendations

 

2.1           That the Cabinet Member for Environment and City Highways approved the extension of the contract for Fixed Point car sharing (Lot 1) for 1 year with no change to the terms of contract.

 

2.2           That the Cabinet for Environment and City Highways approved the extension of the contract for Flexible car sharing (Lot 2) for 1 year and the variation of the contract to increase, from 90 to 135, the maximum number of vehicles allowed to operate in the City.   

 

 

3.        Reasons for Decision 

 

3.1          The extension of the service by one year will allow sufficient time to procure a broad service incorporating three models of car sharing.  This will serve to increase the number of available vehicles to residents, introduce competition to the market and meet the financial shortfall generated by the departure of Drive Now from the UK market. 

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Darren Montague


06/07/2020 - Lighting Master Plan 2020 - 2040 ref: 1211    Recommendations Approved

The lighting master plan lays down a strategy and strategic approach to manage the application and use of artificial light across the city.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways

Decision published: 06/07/2020

Effective from: 06/07/2020

Decision:

1.              Recommendations

1.1          The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways approved the adoption of the Westminster Lighting Master Plan 2020-2040.

 

1.2           The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways approved the following associated Westminster lighting guides;

i)                Lighting Design Guide

ii)              Third Party Attachments / Smart Lighting Column Guide

iii)             Temporary Public Lighting Works Guide

iv)            Earthing and Electrical Arrangements for Street Furniture

 

2.              Reasons for Decision 

2.1          The Lighting Master Plan 2020-2040 allows the council to have a strategic approach to managing the application and use of artificial light across the city.  Co-ordinating the use and appearance of lit assets throughout the city gives an added identity to specific areas and allows quality of a consistent approach from all parties wishing to influence the night-time economy.

 

2.2          To ensures quality through design by competent professionals so that the lighting serves its purpose, mindful of associated energy costs and likely impact on the environment, and consider the sustainability of the lighting performance for the tasks that are being lit.

 

2.3          The Lighting Design Guide supports the Lighting Master Plan and defines a standard of lighting “The Westminster Standard” appropriate to the needs of the council and its highway and public realm users to assist schemes meet a common criteria.

 

2.4          The Third-Party Attachments / Smart Lighting Column guide allows the council to consider the strategy / approach to take when thinking about lighting columns as structures.  Columns have been designed to support a luminaire, bracket, sign and perhaps some other specific attachments. Therefore, it is important that they are considered as a structure and their structural capacity assessed when making any attachment consideration. It is vital for public safety that a strategy and approach is in place to avoid the columns being overburdened by attachments.

 

2.5          The Temporary Public Lighting Works Guide advises on the procedures and requirements when public lighting is requested to be removed, such that appropriate solutions can be agreed to meet the needs of developments scaffolding or hoarding, whilst not adversely affecting the highway.

 

2.6          The Earthing & Electrical Arrangements for Street Furniture identifies accepted historic Westminster common practice and explores reasons behind those practices and if they should be formally adopted.  This allows the benefits of those common practices used during the current framework to become standard practice.

 

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Philip Robson


26/06/2020 - 9 Woodfield Road - Section 106 Agreement ref: 1209    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought for terms of Section 106 details,

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 26/06/2020

Effective from: 26/06/2020

Decision:

That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration gave consent to 9 Woodfield Road, W9 be included in the development site to which the terms of the Section 106 Agreement apply.

Reasons for Decision 

1.              The Section (S.).106 Agreement is being entered into by both Westminster City Council (WCC) s landowner and WCC as the Local Planning Authority.

2.              The S.106 is entered into purely to secure the relevant planning obligations should the development proceed. The Council as landowner is entering into it purely as a “consenting freeholder”.The Council will not be liable for any of the obligations unless they initiate the development themselves, and even then, only to the extent that they affect the Council’s land.

 

3.              The S.106 Agreement contains an obligation requiring the Developer to enter into a further contract with WCC, (as landowner), prior to the commencement of any works to secure the provision of a new street sweeper depot at the developer’s cost.  The relevant property contract in this regard will be the subject of a further Cabinet Member report in due course.


26/06/2020 - Oxford Street District Design Guardian Phase II - Contract Award ref: 1208    Recommendations Approved

Approval to award a contract for the Urban Design services required to support the delivery of the Oxford Street District Place Shaping Project sought.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 26/06/2020

Effective from: 04/07/2020

Decision:

1.              That this report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 3 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

2.              That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved the award a contract for the Urban Design (Design Guardian) services of the Oxford Street District place shaping project to the preferred bidder, for a period of three years with an optional two year extension for a maximum contract value as set out in the report. 

 

Reasons for Decision

The Council conducted the procurement activity via the Greater London Authority’s Architecture Design and Urbanism Panel (ADUP) framework, which means that all the framework suppliers had already undergone technical and commercial testing to achieve their place in the framework. A review of the Lot structure of the ADUP framework identified Lot 1, (Urban Strategies , Spatial Policy and Research) as appropriate for providing the services required of the Design Guardian, with significant scope alignment with the Council requirements. Any one of these framework providers had the technical potential to deliver the required services for the Council.


22/06/2020 - Rating Advisory Panel 2nd June 2020: Determination of National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary and Hardship Relief Applications ref: 1207    For Determination

Consider recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel in relation to applications for Hardship and Discretionary Rate Relief

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 22/06/2020

Effective from: 22/06/2020

Decision:

1.         That this report and appendices be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraph 3, as amended, in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of an individual.

 

2.       That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 2nd June 2020 and determined the applications for National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary and Hardship relief as set out in Appendix A of the report.

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 of the report.

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Susan Bush


19/06/2020 - Expenditure from the Ward Budget for Marylebone High Street ref: 1206    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

Decision published: 19/06/2020

Effective from: 19/06/2020

Decision:

Summary of Decision

 

That the expenditure of £33,582.90 to commission Hanging Baskets be approved.

 

 

Reason for Decision

 

The proposal in this report will support the Council’s wider equalities and diversity agenda by focusing on addressing local issues with enhanced local engagement. 

 

 

Stuart Love, Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

19 June 2020

Implementation Date:

19 June 2020

Reference:

 

CMfCS&D/1/2020/21

 

Wards affected: Marylebone;

Lead officer: Janis Best


17/06/2020 - Award of Contract - expansion works at King Solomon Academy (Older Years Site) and Nursery (Younger Years Site). ref: 1204    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Children's Services

Decision published: 17/06/2020

Effective from: 25/06/2020

Decision:

 

 

1.              That Part B of this report be exempt from disclosure under s100B(2) and Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act 1972, (as amended) in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

 

2.              That the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

 

·            Grant approval to enter into a Design & Build contract with Neilcott Construction Limited, for construction of a new Nursery at the Younger Years Site, for £2.373m, and 

 

·            Grant approval to enter into a Design & Build contract with Neilcott Construction Limited, for construction of a new dining hall and refurbishment works at the Older Years Site for £1.809m.

 

3.              That the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services authorised the Director of Law to negotiate and sign with Neilcott Construction Limited two Design & Build contracts and, with ARK Schools, a Development Agreement for each site.

 

Reasons for the Decision

1.              As part of the Council’s approved Secondary School Expansion programme, King Solomon Academy was subject to a building project. This would enable the Council to fulfil its statutory duty to provide a school place for every child who needs one in its area.

 

2.       The tender evaluation report (Gate 3) was presented to the Commercial Gateway Review Board (CGRB) on 12 May 2020. CGRC endorsed the recommendation of award to the Bi-Borough Executive Director of Children’s Services to award the contracts to Neilcott Construction Limited, Registered Company Number 1151561.

 

The Gate 3 paper and the cost consultant commercial tender review are attached as Appendices A and B to the report.

 

3.              The proposed contract value was within the programme budget negotiated with the School and ARK. Overall expenditure was in line with the Pre-Tender Estimate and had been verified by Finance (please see the Financial Implications slide in the Gate 3 paper - slides 10 &11 of Appendix A).

Wards affected: Church Street;

Lead officer: Alan Wharton


05/06/2020 - Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Forum Re-designation ref: 1201    Recommendations Approved

Approval required to re-designate Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Forum for a further 5 years, to enable them to continue carrying out neighbourhood planning matters in Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Area

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Business and Planning

Decision published: 05/06/2020

Effective from: 05/06/2020

Decision:

That the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Forum be re-designated for a further period of 5 years and a formal designation notice be published under delegated authority by the Director of Policy and Projects.

 

Reasons for Decision 

 

The City Council is required to assess whether the purpose of the neighbourhood forum reflects (in general terms) the character of the area. The application submitted by the Forum for re-designation states that the Forum was established with the purpose of making Knightsbridge the most desirable and attractive residential and cultural area in London in which to live, work, study, and visit. A number of priorities are identified for the Forum, which include:

·                 Seeking to ensure the neighbourhood portion of CIL are utilised in line

with the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Plan

·                 Reviewing the policies in the ‘made’ Knightsbridge Neighbourhood

Plan and updating as necessary;

·                 Commenting on planning applications or consultations relating to the

Neighbourhood Area.

 

These priorities represent strong reasons for the Neighbourhood Forum to continue

to carry out neighbourhood planning responsibilities in the area. Consultation on the

re-designation application also highlighted support for the application, no objections, 

or competing applications.

 

Stuart Love,

Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

 

3 June 2020

Implementation Date:

 

3 June 2020

Reference:

 

CMfB&P/2/2019/20

 

Wards affected: Knightsbridge and Belgravia;

Lead officer: Sean Walsh


02/06/2020 - Homelessness Strategy ref: 1200    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought for Homelessness Strategy.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Hsg Services

Decision published: 02/06/2020

Effective from: 10/06/2020

Decision:

1.              That the Cabinet Member for Housing Services agreed the Homelessness Strategy 2019 – 2024 as set out in Appendix B of the report.

 

2.        That the Cabinet Member for Housing agreed the Homelessness Strategy 2019 – 2024 Action Plan in Appendix C of the report and that noted it be updated regularly.

 

3.        That the Cabinet Member for Housing Services delegated authority to the Director responsible for Housing to update the Action Plan in conjunction with the Cabinet Member responsible for Housing. 

 

Reasons for Decision 

 

The Homelessness Act 2002 and the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017 require local authorities to have in place a Homelessness Strategy informed by the results of Homelessness Review. A new Homelessness Strategy is also needed to ensure that the council is doing everything possible to prevent and respond to homelessness in the city.


27/05/2020 - Criteria for the Local Authority Discretionary Grants Fund ref: 1199    Recommendations Approved

Approval of Cabinet Members sought.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 27/05/2020

Effective from: 27/05/2020

Decision:

1.        That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Business and Planning agreed that the Council follows the government guidance for the scheme by seeking applications from businesses within each of the government’s four priority business sectors, viz:

        Small businesses in shared offices or other flexible workspaces. Examples could include units in industrial parks, science parks and incubators which do not have their own business rates assessment;

        Regular market traders with fixed building costs, such as rent, who do not have their own business rates assessment;

        Bed & Breakfasts which pay Council Tax instead of business rates and

        Charity properties in receipt of charitable business rates relief which would otherwise have been eligible for Small Business Rates Relief or Rural Rate Relief.

 

2.        That in accordance with the government’s guidance, the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Business and Planning agreed that to be eligible, each business must meet the following criteria:

        Be a small or micro business, as defined in Section 33 Part 2 of the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 and the Companies Act 2006;

        Have relatively high ongoing fixed property-related costs;

        Be able to demonstrate that they have suffered a significant fall in income due to the COVID-19 crisis and

        Occupy property, or part of a property, with a rateable value or annual rent or annual mortgage payments below £51,000.

 

 

3.        That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Business and Planning agreed that businesses that qualify under the Council’s discretionary scheme will each be awarded a grant of £10,000, irrespective of whether they would have qualified for £10,000 or £25,000 under the main grant scheme if they had a unit of occupation within the Valuation List.

 

4.        That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration and the Cabinet Member for Business and Planning agreed that a Cabinet panel, supported by officers, evaluates the applications received  against the requirements within the government’s guidance (Appendix A of the report), the criteria set out in 1. and 2. above, together with how each business benefits Westminster residents and the local community and noted that the panel is to subsequently make a recommendation to the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration for a formal determination.

 

Reasons for Decision 

1.        The proposed criteria matches the government’s stated priority objectives.

2.        The proposed criteria will support the largest cohort of businesses that have contacted the Council that do not qualify under the main grants scheme, with the exception of businesses excluded under the main grants scheme.


22/05/2020 - Council Tax, NNDR, Housing Benefit Overpayments and Former Client Rent Arrears - Irrecoverable Debt, Quarter 4, 2019/20 ref: 1198    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 22/05/2020

Effective from: 02/06/2020

Decision:

1.               That the report be declared exempt from publication as, the business to be transacted involves the disclosure of information as prescribed by paragraph 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 12a of the Act relating to information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority).

 

2.               That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration gave to the writing off the irrecoverable debt as shown in paragraph 5.1 of the report.

 

3.               That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration noted the amounts shown in paragraph 6.1 of the report as written-off under officer delegated authority.

 

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 distress proceedings.


22/05/2020 - Disposal of 24 homes in Hounslow to a new buyer ref: 1197    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 22/05/2020

Effective from: 02/06/2020

Decision:

1.        That this report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A, Part 1, paragraph 3, in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

 

2.              That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved the disposal of 24 units in Hounslow to the specified organisation at the agreed disposal price as detailed in the report.

 

3.              That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration delegated authority to the Director of Housing, in conjunction with the Director of Law, to agree the contract terms and to conclude the contract.

 

Reasons for Decision

Approval of the recommendations will enable the City Council to dispose of the 24 Housing Revenue Account owned units. The income received will be reinvested in replacement homes to be used for Social Housing.


18/05/2020 - Revision of the Council's National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary Relief Guidelines in respect of the Local Discretionary Business Rate Revaluation Relief scheme for 2020/21 ref: 1196    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member approval sought.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 18/05/2020

Effective from: 18/05/2020

Decision:

That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved the revised National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary Relief guidelines as shown in Appendix A of the report.

Reason for Decision 

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

 

2.         That delegated authority is given to the Director of Revenues and Benefits to amend the scheme entitlement percentage during the financial year if it appears that the not all of the government funding will be utilised by the scheme’s deadline (30 September 2021).


16/05/2020 - Expenditure from the Warwick, Tachbrook and Churchill Ward Budgets ref: 1195    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

Decision published: 16/05/2020

Effective from: 16/05/2020

Decision:

Summary of Decision

 

That the expenditure of £14,000 to commission the Pimlico Neighbourhood Forum be approved.

 

 

Reason for Decision

 

The proposal in this report will support the Council’s wider equalities and diversity agenda by focusing on addressing local issues with enhanced local engagement. 

 

 

Stuart Love, Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

18 May 2020

Implementation Date:

18 May 2020

Reference:

 

CMfCS&D/10/2019/20

 

Wards affected: Churchill; Tachbrook; Warwick;

Lead officer: Janis Best


15/05/2020 - Financial Measures to respond to COVID-19 ref: 1194    Recommendations Approved

Cabinet Member appproval sought to take various financial measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 15/05/2020

Effective from: 23/05/2020

Decision:

That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved:

1.1.The financial governance related to COVID-19 expenditure as per section 7 and the revised approval routes to ensure a co-ordinated consistent response to the operational needs that arise from the pandemic. 

1.2.The allocation of any COVID-19 government funding to be delegated to the Executive Director of Finance and Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration.

1.3.The financial support measures for the Council’s commercial tenants as noted in paragraph 6.7 of the report and delegated authority to the Executive Director of Finance and Resources to extend this in line with the financial governance as noted in section 7.

1.4.The brokerage facility as part of the Westminster Connects platform, as per paragraphs 6.9 to 6.12 of the report.

1.5.The continuation of immediate payment terms, even as the Council enters BAU with the IBC.

1.6.The income and debt management policies and delegations of these policies during the current crisis as per section 8 of the report.

1.7.That Westminster City Council act as the lead borough for the London Strategic Coordination Group for the provision of additional mortuary space across London, incurring all initial expenditure on the instructions of the mortuaries planning group and subsequently recovering this from the other London boroughs as set out in section 9 of the report.

1.8.The types of relief (as outlined in section 10) the Council may offer to suppliers in line with the financial approval limits set out in section 7. 

Reasons for Decision

1.     COVID-19 is impacting everything the Council does and is having an adverse effect on the economy and the resident and business communities that the Council serves. The Leader, Cabinet, Executive Leadership Team and other council officers are responding to this crisis daily.

2.     In the current circumstances where the Council is functioning outside of business as usual it is important to have an agreed financial framework within which the Council operates. This report sets out how the financial framework can be adapted within the boundaries of the financial regulations and the scheme of delegation. This ensures financial decisions are linked to operational and strategic needs specific to the Council’s response to the crisis, with decisions being made at the appropriate level and by the appropriate individual or group.

3.     The recommendations as set out in section 2 of the report and the Council’s financial management of the situation as outlined in sections 6-8 are considered to be the most appropriate and efficient way to assist the aforementioned groups to respond to this international pandemic.


14/05/2020 - Central London Cycle Grid: Quietway from St John's Wood to Marylebone - Design and Implementation ref: 1193    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways

Decision published: 12/05/2020

Effective from: 22/05/2020

Decision:

Recommendations

1.     The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highwaysreaffirmed the City Council’s support for the Quietway St John’s Wood to Marylebone scheme, as part of the Central London Cycle Grid, and agreed to it being implemented.

 

2.     Approval was granted by the Cabinet Member for Environment and Highwaysto undertake design and implementation of the proposed Quietway St John’s Wood to Marylebone scheme, as part of the Central London Cycle Grid.

 

3.     The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways gave delegated authority to the Executive Director for City Management and Communities to agree final scheme proposals and to enter into any necessary legal agreements with Transport for London, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways.

 

4.     The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highwaysgave delegated authority to the Executive Director for City Management and Communities to make any requisite traffic regulation orders associated with the scheme.

 

5.     The Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways approved capital expenditure to the sum of £3,402,074to complete the scheme.

 

Reasons for Decision 

 

1.      The proposed scheme will contribute to the adopted November 2013 and subsequent updated November 2016 City of Westminster City Plan objectives. It is intended that this scheme will:

 

·         Provide legible and safer routes for cycle traffic.

·         Improve the public realm and pedestrian facilities.

·         Improve health. This will be achieved in part by encouraging more everyday journeys to be made by active transportation. Improvements to pedestrian facilities are also proposed as part of the scheme.

·         Encourage more people to cycle. This will be achieved by implementing a scheme suitable for all people who want to cycle in the area, particularly those wishing to avoid some of the busier, highly trafficked main roads.

·         Reduce CO2 emissions. This will be achieved in part by encouraging modal shift from private motor vehicles to bicycles.

·         Reduce overcrowding on public transport. This will be achieved in part by encouraging more journeys to be made by bicycle.

 

Wards affected: Abbey Road; Bryanston and Dorset Square; Church Street; Regent's Park;


06/05/2020 - Expenditure from the Warwick Ward Budget for Hanging Baskets ref: 1192    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

Decision published: 06/05/2020

Effective from: 06/05/2020

Decision:

Notice is hereby given that the Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital has made the following executive decision on the above mentioned subject for the reason set out below.

 

 

Summary of Decision

 

That expenditure of £16,153.80 to commission Hanging Baskets be approved.

 

 

Reason for Decision

 

The proposal in this report will support the Council’s wider equalities and diversity agenda by focusing on addressing local issues with enhanced local engagement. 

 

 

Stuart Love, Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

6 May 2020

Implementation Date:

6 May 2020

Reference:

 

CMfCS&D/9/2019/20

 

Wards affected: Warwick;

Lead officer: Janis Best


06/05/2020 - Expenditure from the Vincent Square Ward Budget for Hanging Baskets ref: 1191    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

Decision published: 06/05/2020

Effective from: 06/05/2020

Decision:

Notice is hereby given that the Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital has made the following executive decision on the above mentioned subject for the reason set out below.

 

 

Summary of Decision

 

That expenditure of £10,627.50 to commission Hanging Baskets be approved.

 

 

Reason for Decision

 

The proposal in this report will support the Council’s wider equalities and diversity agenda by focusing on addressing local issues with enhanced local engagement. 

 

 

Stuart Love, Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

6 May 2020

Implementation Date:

6 May 2020

Reference:

 

CMfCS&D/8/2019/20

 

Wards affected: Vincent Square;

Lead officer: Janis Best


06/05/2020 - Expenditure from the Little Venice Ward Budget for Hanging Baskets ref: 1190    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

Decision published: 06/05/2020

Effective from: 06/05/2020

Decision:

SUBJECT: 

Expenditure from the Little Venice Ward Budget for Hanging Baskets

 

 

Notice is hereby given thatthe Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital has made the following executive decision on the above mentioned subject for the reason set out below.

 

 

Summary of Decision

 

That expenditure of £21,255 to commission Hanging Baskets be approved.

 

 

Reason for Decision

 

The proposal in this report will support the Council’s wider equalities and diversity agenda by focusing on addressing local issues with enhanced local engagement. 

 

 

Stuart Love, Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

6 May 2020

Implementation Date:

6 May 2020

Reference:

 

CMfCS&D/7/2019/20

 

Wards affected: Little Venice;

Lead officer: Janis Best


06/05/2020 - Expenditure from the Abbey Ward Budget for Hanging Baskets ref: 1189    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital

Decision published: 06/05/2020

Effective from: 06/05/2020

Decision:

Summary of Decision

 

That expenditure of £14,736.80 to commission Hanging Baskets be approved.

 

 

Reason for Decision

 

The proposal in this report will support the Council’s wider equalities and diversity agenda by focusing on addressing local issues with enhanced local engagement. 

 

 

Stuart Love, Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

6 May 2020

Implementation Date:

6 May 2020

Reference:

 

CMfCS&D/6/2019/20

 

Wards affected: Abbey Road;

Lead officer: Janis Best


29/04/2020 - Rating Advisory Panel 10.03.2020: Determination of National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary and Hardship Relief Applications ref: 1188    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration

Decision published: 29/04/2020

Effective from: 29/04/2020

Decision:

1.              That this report and appendices be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12A, Part 1, Paragraph 3, as amended, in that it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of an individual.

 

2.       That the Cabinet Member for Finance, Property and Regeneration approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 10th March 2020 and determined the applications for National Non-Domestic Rates Discretionary and Hardship relief as set out in Appendix A of the report.

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 of the report.

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Susan Bush


24/04/2020 - St James's Neighbourhood Forum Re-designation ref: 1186    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Business and Planning

Decision published: 24/04/2020

Effective from: 24/04/2020

Decision:

That the St James’s Neighbourhood Forum be re-designated for a further period of 5 years and a formal designation notice be published under delegated authority by the Director of Policy and Projects.

 

Reasons for Decision 

 

The City Council is required to assess whether the purpose of the neighbourhood forum reflects (in general terms) the character of the area. The application submitted by the Forum for re-designation states that the Forum was established to promote and improve the economic and environmental wellbeing of the area. It also makes clear that the continued preparation of a neighbourhood plan is a priority for the Forum. The Forum has carried out significant initial work on the neighbourhood plan and will carry out consultation on a draft plan in the upcoming months. The main purpose for the existence of the St James’s Neighbourhood Forum is therefore stronger now than when it was initially designated.

 

Consultation on the re-designation of the St James’s Neighbourhood Forum highlighted support for the application and no objections or competing applications had been received.

 

Stuart Love,

Chief Executive,

Westminster City Hall,

64 Victoria Street

LONDON 

SW1E 6QP

 

Publication Date:

 

24 April 2020

Implementation Date:

 

24 April 2020

Reference:

 

CMfB&P/4/2019/20

 

Wards affected: St James's;

Lead officer: Ezra Wallace


23/04/2020 - Public consultation - Proposed borough-wide 20mph Limit ref: 1185    Recommendations Approved

Between 17 September 2019 and 10 December 2019 a public consultation of a proposed 20mph Limit across the City of Westminster Highway Network was undertaken. This report advises on the findings of the consultation and presents a recommendation for consideration and approval.

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways

Decision published: 23/04/2020

Effective from: 01/05/2020

Decision:

That the Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways agreed that the proposed borough-wide 20mph scheme be implemented on the basis of:

 

·       Final design and delivery on the street be subject to the ongoing changes to the City Council’s services as it manages the current COVID-19 crisis and when an agreed point in the future is reached where the delivery of new schemes can be re-activated again

·       The results of the recent public consultation that ended on 10 December 2019, where two thirds of the respondents supported the proposed scheme;

·       The supporting killed and serious injury casualty related collisions evidence which indicates that these have flatlined since 2015 and that many of these relate to collisions with ‘vulnerable’ pedestrians and cyclists, of which a borough-wide 20mph limit can greatly reduce the severity of such;

·       The supporting evidence of the 2017 trial of 39 20mph zones where demonstrable reductions in recorded speed were evident;

·       Government legislation that empowers the City Council to consider the implementation of a borough-wide 20mph limit across its Highway Network;

·       The proposed Communications Plan that is set out in section 9 and appendix 4 of this report which includes the additional items set out in paragraph 9.3, which in particular seeks approval for the placing of 20mph limit messaging on City Council contracted vehicles and the hiring of advertising space on the backs of selected London buses;

·       The proposed Highways Scheme of 20mph on-street signs that is set out in section 10 of this report; and

·       The proposed estimated £1,406,887 cost of implementing the combined Communications Plan and Highways Scheme programme in 2020/21, as set out in Section 11 of the report.

 

Reasons for Decision

 

1.              In 2018 there were three fatalities on Westminster’s combined highway network and a further 269 individuals were seriously injured. By reducing our Borough-wide speed limit from 30mph to 20mph will mean that a person is five times more likely to survive if it is in a collision with a motorised vehicle.             

 

2.        A 20mph Westminster speed limit will also encourage a calmer and more respectful street environment for all of us who live, work, study or visit our great city. The proposal will also seek to encourage more to walk and cycle which in turn will deliver wider health and wellbeing benefits across all age groups.

 

3.        66% of respondents to the recent public consultation of a borough-wide 20mph Limit were in support of the proposed scheme and a 20mph borough is also a key aim of our City for All ambition to develop a Greener and Cleaner Westminster.

Wards affected: (All Wards);