Decisions

1.            Recommendation

1.1         The Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality is recommended to approve;

1.2         Proceeding with detailed design and implementation of the proposed public realm improvements on Sackville Street and Vigo Street as set out in section 5 and shown in the Background papers of this report.

1.3         That approval is given to commit capital expenditure of £1,590,710.00 necessary to carry out the detailed design and implementation of the proposals for the Sackville Street and Vigo Street Public Realm Project. All costs are to be funded by the existing budgets allocated to the project, detailed in section 7.

1.4         That approval is given for the City Council to enter into a section 278 agreement with Heart of London Business Alliance (HOLBA) to fund the Sackville Street and Vigo Street project stages 3-6 (detailed design, mobilisation, implementation, project closure).

1.5         That approval is given to modify and make traffic regulation orders in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, necessary to accommodate the new highways improvements for the scheme.

1.6         That delegated authority is given to the Acting Director of City Highways to approve minor modifications as necessary to the approved scheme, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality.

2.            Reasons for Decision

2.1         To allow completion of public highway improvement works. The improvements will help to enhance the area, by improving provisions for walking and cycling, enhancing the public realm and facilitate better and safer movement of traffic. 

This decision will set out the procurement strategy for the Church Street programme.

1.         Recommendations

Recommendations for approval, that has been endorsed at the CGRB and CRG are:

a)    The Procurement Strategy and parameters outlined in the Procurement Strategy appended to this report,

b)    Proceed with the most suitable procurement route - Competitive Procedure with Negotiation

c)     The Commercial Structure, which is a Joint Venture Partnership. Also detailed in the Procurement Strategy.

2.         Reasons for Decision 

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

The masterplan embellishes the real character of Church Street and the importance of the local community in delivering transformational change, and four interconnected drivers have been established which are:

·       Health and wellbeing

·       Homes

·       Market and enterprise

·       Making connections

Approval of the MEES Plus Grant Policy for launch of the MEES Plus Pilot Scheme.

1.        Recommendations

1.1     This report recommends the approval of the MEES Plus Grant Policy for delivery of the MEES Plus Pilot Scheme (the Pilot Scheme) to increase energy efficiency in the private rented sector (PRS) contributing to carbon emission reductions to achieve net zero by 2040.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

2.1      On 30/11/21 following a successful bid, Westminster was awarded a sum of £158,149 by the Carbon Offset Fund to deliver “measurable and quantifiable reductions in carbon emissions in private rented properties across the City of Westminster.” A condition of the funding is that the pilot must begin within 24 months of the date of the approval letter (30/11/21).

2.2    Approval of the MEES Plus Grant Policy is necessary for delivery of the MEES Plus Grant Pilot, in accordance with the funding awarded by the Carbon Offset Fund.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved the disposal of Flat 3, 204 Bravington Road, London W9 3AP for not less than the minimum value confirmed in the Order for Sale for this Property (or any subsequent revised Order for Sale).  

Reasons for Decision  

The sale of the Property is the only remaining option for the Council to obtain the arrears of Council Tax and an Order of Sale for the disposal of the Property by the Council, has been granted in the Council’s favour, by the Court. 

Delivery strategy for the future phases and associated viability positions for each option.

1      Recommendations

1.1      The Cabinet Member for Climate Action Regeneration and Renters and Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform are recommended to:

1.1.1         Approve the revised tenure mix and distribution for the scheme as set out in section 3 of this report;

1.1.2         Approve in principle the submission of a Section 73 Application in respect of the updated tenure mix and distribution and the Council entering into the related planning obligation as required;

1.1.3         Approve the termination of the Agreement for Lease as the letting of intermediate rent and intermediate ownership units within Phase 1 do not form part of the revised tenure mix;

1.1.4         Note the intention to hold an independent resident in ballot in line with the GLA’s Affordable Housing Capital Funding Guide (section 8.6)

1.1.5         Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Growth Planning & Housing to approve any necessary steps and to approve deeds or documents to put these matters into effect.

2      Reasons for Decision

2.1      Current Scheme (Planning Consent)

2.1.1         The current scheme that has received planning consent includes:

§  Mixed tenure blocks on the drawing above blue showing the market homes, orange the intermediate homes and yellow the social homes.

§  A 51% affordable housing uplift across the masterplan.

§  Affordable housing comprised of 60% intermediate tenure and 40% social rent tenure.

§  In terms of the social rent units, the current scheme provides 198 social rent replacement units and 41 new social rent units.

2.2      New Proposal

2.2.1         The new proposal includes:

§  Separation of the market units into single tenure units in Blocks 5, 7 and 9.

§  A 56% affordable housing uplift across the masterplan.

§  An affordable housing split to comprise 91% social rent tenure and 9% intermediate tenure.  The intermediate tenure will be limited to the returning leaseholders from the Ebury Bridge Estate.

§  In terms of social rent the new proposal provides 198 social rent replacement units and 172 new social rent units.

§  The below table demonstrates the updates made to the scheme in respect of each tenure. The final unit numbers and mix are subject to design development and further reserved matters applications.

(A full breakdown of the comparison between the consented scheme and the new proposal can be found in Appendix A).

2.3      There are a number of factors influencing the decision to update the tenure mix and distribution as follows:

§  Due to the rise in construction costs and inflation, the viability position of the scheme has become more challenging.  The updated tenure distribution allows the market values to be optimised, which in turn helps viability and the provision of more social rent homes.

§  Ongoing affordability for returning residents - service charges, energy bills and rents become a lot more reasonable for returning residents with the updated tenure distribution.

§  Opportunity to maximise the number of new social homes being delivered to align with the manifesto. The new proposal provides 131 more social rent homes than the current scheme.

§  Retention of management for Council.

§  There are opportunities to access funding via the GLA? in the region of £40M due to the increased amount of social homes on the scheme.

2.4      The implications of the above changes include:

§  A variation to the Phase 1 contract with the main contractor with cost and programme implications yet to be confirmed.

§  A Section 73 Application will be required to amend the existing planning consent with regards to the affordable housing tenure mix within Phase 1.

§  Following the changes proposed to the affordable housing tenure mix within Phase 1, there would be a decrease to 51% in the total number of affordable homes provided in Phase 1 (compared to 63% in the approved application). However, this change will enable an overall increase in the number of affordable homes delivered as part of the outline application, and subsequently, across the masterplan as a whole.

§  Updates are also required, therefore, to the section 106 Unilateral Undertaking which relates to the hybrid planning permission so that it will also apply to development brought forward under the section 73 planning permission and to update the number of affordable housing units and redistribution of tenure locations. More detail on the Section 73 can be found in Appendix 2.

§  To obtain the relevant GLA funding to deliver the new proposal, a resident ballot is required. More information on the ballot is outlined below.

2.5      Resident Ballot

2.5.1         The Council has outlined its intention to seek external funding to maximise the number of truly affordable homes (council homes for social rent). The Ebury Bridge Estate project presents an opportunity to bid for Greater London Authority (GLA) funding for affordable homes. To receive GLA funding, estate regeneration projects that involve the demolition of any social homes and the construction of 150 or more homes (of any tenure) must be supported by residents in a ballot. 

2.5.2         Although the construction of Phase 1 started on site in Autumn 2021 the GLA have confirmed that a ballot on the Landlord Offer which contains the current proposals for the scheme can take place. Following consistent and meaningful engagement with residents throughout the delivery of the project to date, the binding resident ballot will give both residents still living at the Ebury Bridge Estate and those who have temporarily moved away to provide their views on the proposals outlined in this paper.

2.5.3         The Council submitted a funding bid to the GLA for circa £40m in November 2022?.

2.5.4         Residents will soon be asked to vote on the current regeneration proposals.?Civica Election Services (CES) will manage the resident vote and have written to all eligible voters. ?

2.5.5         The Council’s engagement team will contact every eligible voter to discuss the scheme and the voting process.

To authorise an additional, spend of £2.8m from the approved £42.61M fleet replacement capital budget. 

1.        Recommendations

1.1     That Appendices A, B and C 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).

1.2     That the Cabinet Member for City Management and  Air Quality approves the additional spend of £2.8M for the depot development works so the electrification project can be completed through Veolia ES (UK) Ltd.

2.        Reasons for Decision

2.1       The fleet procurement and depot electrification works have been commissioned and vehicles are due to be delivered mid next year, this additional spend is essential for the project completion. 

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Members have formally approved for Westminster City Council to enter into Management Collaboration Agreements with Northbank Business Improvement District and King’s College London to work with and support the Council with the management arrangements and associated costs in respect of the capital investment and works at Strand Aldwych.

Reason for Decision

A Cabinet Member decision is required to enable Westminster City Council to enter into the Management Collaboration Agreements with the two organisations providing financial support and assistance.

Following a full procurement process, the report is to enable the award of the Parking Abandoned Vehicles and Relocations Service to the preferred bidder. The Contract is due to go live in April 2023.

1.              Recommendations

1.1. Appendix A, B and C of this report be confidential pursuant to paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 because it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of tenderers for the contract which is the subject of this report.

1.2.That the Cabinet Memberfor City Management and Air Quality approves the recommendation to award a contract for vehicle relocation and abandoned vehicles removal services within parking to APCOA Parking (UK) Limited, for an initial period of four years with anoption to extend the term for two consecutive 2 year periods for the total contract sum of up to £2.357M.

2.               Reasons for Decision

1.1.The tender submitted by APCOA Parking (UK) Limited for providing vehicle relocation and abandoned vehicles removal services was the highest scoring bid.

1.2.The supporting information provided in the submission gave the Council the necessary assurances that the supplier understood the requirements and that the supplier’s proposed service would meet the required standards. APCOA Parking (UK) Limited’s bid accordingly achieved the highest quality score.

1.3. The current parking contracts are due to expire and in order for the Council to provide continuation of services it was necessary to reprocure this service. The award of the Vehicle Relocations and Abandoned Vehicles Contract is the second phase of the wider re-procurement of Parking Services contracts which commenced with the Parking Technology Contract in December 2022.

Following a full procurement process, the report is to enable the award of the CCTV Camera Enforcement Contract to the preferred bidder. The Contract is due to go live in April 2023.

1.              Recommendations

1.1. Appendix A, B and C of this report be confidential pursuant to paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 because it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of tenderers for the contract which is the subject of this report.

1.2.That the Cabinet Memberfor City Management and Air Quality approves the recommendation to award a contract for the provision of camera enforcement solutions (CCTV) within parking to Marston (Holdings) Limited for an initial period of four years with an option to extend the term by two consecutive 2 year periods for the total contract sum up to £4.691M.

1.3. That the capital expenditure of £0.815m for acquisition and installation of new cameras be approved.

2.               Reasons for Decision

1.1.The tender submitted by Marston (Holdings) Limited for providing the CCTV camera enforcement solutions was the highest scoring bid.

1.2.The supporting information provided in the submission gave the Council the necessary assurances that the supplier understood the requirements and that the supplier’s proposed CCTV solution would meet the required standards. Marston (Holdings) Limited bid accordingly achieved the highest quality score.

1.3. The current parking contracts are due to expire in March 2023, and in order for the Council to provide continuation of services it was necessary to reprocure this service. The award of the CCTV camera enforcement solutions Contract is the second phase of the wider re-procurement of Parking Services contracts which commenced with the Parking Technology Contract in December 2022.

Following a full procurement process, the report is to enable the award of the Business Processing Services Contract to the preferred bidder. The Contract is due to go live in April 2023.

1.              Recommendations

1.1. Appendix A, B and C of this report be confidential pursuant to paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 because it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of tenderers for the contract which is the subject of this report.

1.2.That the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality approves the recommendation to award a contract for the provision of business processing services within parking to Marston (Holdings) Limited, for an initial period of four years with an option to extend the term by two consecutive 2 year periods for the total contract sum of up to £19.474M.

1.3. That capital expenditure of £0.225m for contract mobilisation be approved.

2.               Reasons for Decision

1.1.The tender submitted by Marston (Holdings) Limited for providing the business processing service was the highest scoring bid.

1.2.The supporting information provided in the submission gave the Council the necessary assurances that the supplier understood the requirements and that the supplier’s submission for business processing would meet the required standards. Marston (Holdings) Limited bid accordingly achieved the highest quality score.

1.3. The current parking contracts are due to expire, and in order for the Council to provide continuation of services it was necessary to reprocure this service. The award of the Business Processing Contract is the second phase of the wider re-procurement of Parking Services contracts which commenced with the Parking Technology Contract in December 2022.

Following a full procurement process, the report is to enable the award of the People and Resources Contract to the preferred bidder. The Contract is due to go live in April 2023.

1.              Recommendations

1.1. Appendix A, B and C of this report be confidential pursuant to paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 because it contains information relating to the financial or business affairs of tenderers for the contract which is the subject of this report.

1.2.That the Cabinet Memberfor City Management and Air Quality approves the recommendation to award a contract for the provision of people and resources within parking to Marston (Holdings) Limited for an initial period of four years with an option to extend the term by two consecutive 2 year periods for the total contract sum of up to £61.290m.

1.3. That capital expenditure of £0.320m for contract mobilisation be approved.

2.               Reasons for Decision

1.1.The tender submitted by Marston (Holdings) Limited for providing the people and resources service was the highest scoring bid.

1.2.The supporting information provided in the submission gave the Council the necessary assurances that the supplier understood the requirements and that the supplier’s submission for people and resources would meet the required standards. Marston (Holdings) Limited bid accordingly achieved the highest quality score.

A report outlining the rental e-scooter trial achievements to-date along with recommendations with dockless mobility strategy to include dockless bikes.

1.        Recommendations

1.1      That the Appendices E, F, L, and Mto this report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972 Schedule 12A, 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).

1.2      That the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality approves the City Council to remain a participating borough of the London-wide rental e-scooter trial, administered by TfL until further announcements made by the DfT on the future of e-scooters and trial schemes across the UK. At present, the expectant limit of this position appears to align with provisional dates 2024/25, when the proposed new Transport Bill is expected to be passed in Parliament.

1.3      That the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality agrees with the procedural recommendations associated with Recommendation 2.2 and permits the City Council to make the Formal Traffic Management Order consultation for the scheme constituent four Experimental Traffic Orders to be made permanent. These ETOs were made for e-scooter kerbside parking in 58 locations and allow rental e-scooters to be used on cycle lanes and cycle tracks; and 

1.4      That the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality approves the principle that when the City Council is in a position to review the future of the 68 e-scooter rental bays with the possible introduction of dockless bike rental bays, then sections of unused or ‘dead’ footway/paved surfaces are considered first. This recommendation is included in this report as it would enable officers to commence planning of our next phases of potential Westminster ‘Micromobility’ bays. These will be identified outside of this report and approvals will be sought through the Cabinet Member’s briefing process, subject to informal consultation as required.

2.        Reasons for Decision

2.1      To allow service continuity for the rental e-scooter trial and to align it to the extended DfT timelines nationally, and to ensure that scheme users can access Westminster for parking and ‘Ride-throughs’ to other participating areas of the trial. The extension also allows further monitoring and will give us a better understanding of how dockless schemes can be safely accommodated on London’s streets. There is no reason to report at this present time whether the scheme is successful and seeing increased ridership, or otherwise, as this trial is primarily about the determination of a sound regulated and safe new mode of Micromobility personal transport.

2.2      The trialling of 68 e-scooter bays was a result of the City Council’s decision to manage the scheme under a bay-approach as opposed to a ‘free-floating’ parking model, of which some, if not most, of the currently unregulated dockless e-bike operators are using/ imposing on many of London’s streets. The clearly marked and traffic order derived trial bays have so far proven to be more effective at managing dockless mobility, when compared against the free-floating parking model. Our ‘Dead Space’ underused footway spaces designated for e-scooter parking have in particular received no objections and posed no known issues from those with protected characteristics, such as those visitors who are blind or partially sighted. This experience so far does not mean that the City Council should consider the implementation of more bays on its well-used footways, but there is evidence that the Dead Space areas are viable on a full site by site evaluation basis.

2.3      Micromobility remains to be a fast-changing sector and the details and timelines of regulatory powers desperately needed from the DfT are unknown. There is a need to ensure existing kerbside e-scooter parking allocations are retained to flexibly meet the demands of the market and to provide much needed kerbside spaces to manage parking for dockless vehicles and continue to prioritise footways for pedestrians.

2.4      It is reminded that participating boroughs continue to have the right to exit the trial at any point if deemed necessary. Any redundant would bays return to an alternative use to meet the changing demands of our kerbside allocations.

Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programme for 2023/24 in respect of Highways, Public Lighting & Bridges and Structures.

1.        Recommendations

1.1      That the Cabinet Member for City Management & Air Quality approves the following recommendations.

1.2      That the detailed proposals for the Highways PPM programme for 2023/24 at an estimated gross cost of £8,794,000 as detailed in Section 5.1 and Appendix A be approved.

1.3      That the detailed proposals for Public Lighting PPM programme for 2023/24 at an estimated gross cost of £ 4,662,000, as detailed in Section 5.3 and Appendix D, be approved.

1.4      That the detailed proposals for the Bridges and Structures PPM programme for 2023/24 at an estimated gross cost of £2,065,000, as detailed in Section 5.2 be approved.

1.5      That the gross capital expenditure of £15,521,000 (net capital expenditure of £14,271,000) for 2023/24.

1.6      That the Cabinet Member for City Management delegates to the Acting Director for City Highways the authority to make changes to the programmes agreed in recommendations 2.1 to 2.4, subject to the proviso that the overall budget is not exceeded and that the Cabinet Member is consulted on any significant changes.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

2.1      All assets deteriorate over time and any work aimed at maintaining the durability of the asset is classed as programmed maintenance. Such work prolongs the life of the asset and/or maintains structural capacity and is therefore considered as capital expenditure.

2.2      Each year the City Council’s regular inspection and testing programmes determine the current condition of the various highway assets (Carriageways, Footways, Lighting and Bridges & Structures) and identifies the forward investment needs that will keep the highway network in a safe and reliable condition.

2.3      Provision has been made in the capital programme for this expenditure to enable these programmes of work to be implemented together with preparation of forward programmes of work for 2023/24.

2.4      The proposed Planned Preventative Maintenance programme set out in this report will ensure that the City Council’s highway assets remain safe and effective.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 6^th December 2022 and determined the applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief set out in Appendix A.

Reasons for Decision

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

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel meeting of 15 November 2022

Reasons for Decision

The Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in the exempt Appendix A.

Report of the Executive Director for Finance and Resources

Recommendations

That Cabinet:

1.     Approves net changes of £96.513m for individual projects as part of the 2022/23 general fund capital budget.

2.     Approves re-profiling of £8.025m for individual projects as part of

           the 2022/23 HRA capital budget.

It is recommended that Cabinet:

·       Notes the decision taken by the Leader of the Council on 30 November.

·       2022 to invest a further £1m of council resources to support at least. 3,350 of the most vulnerable households over the Winter.

·       Notes the worsening economic outlook for 2023/24.

·       Agrees to a further investment of £1m for 2023/24 to support households hardest hit by the cost-of-living crises, bringing the total package of support available across the city to £10m.

·       Delegates to the Executive Director of Innovation and Change and Executive Director of Finance & Resources authority to agree in consultation with the Leader of the Council the scope of future projects based on need, value for money and evidence of what works.

This report presents the Responsible Procurement and Commissioning (RPC) Strategy for approval.

RESPONSIBLE PROCUREMENT AND COMMISSIONING STRATEGY

Report of the Executive Director of Finance and Resources

Councillor Hug invited Councillor Boothroyd to introduce this report.

Councillor Boothroyd told Cabinet that how the council works with local business is crucial to making a positive change for local communities. In everything it does the Council must work to protect vulnerable people, protect the environment and help build the local economy. The most direct impact the Council has on businesses is when procuring goods and services.

Cabinet heard that this suite of documents helps to promote community wealth building, to deliver social value and promote high standards of conduct.

Councillor Boothroyd went on to thank Councillor Ellie Ormsby, Deputy Cabinet Member for Procurement and Finance for working with officers to bring forward these documents which include the first ever modern slavery statement from the City of Westminster.

In seeking more responsible procurement we have always been mindful that in most cases the most responsible suppliers with the best environmental and social approach will be local businesses based in our diverse city. We have been careful therefore not to add to their difficulties in running a business by setting an onerous compliance regime.

Councillor Hug invited Gerald Almeroth, Executive Director for Finance and Resources to comment on the report.

Gerald explained that the Council did have a previous Responsible Procurement Strategy that was set in February under the previous administration and that the aim in bringing forward this new strategy was to move it on to encapsulate Fairer Westminster objectives.

Cabinet heard that this year, the minimum RPC weighting was increased from 5% to between 10-20%, depending on the nature of the contract. Gerald told Cabinet that progress on this will be reviewed and continue to be evaluated with the intention of working towards an increase of a minimum 20-30% by 2025/26. The strategy will be updated to include this intention and a copy of the revised strategy will be made available on-line with the papers for this meeting.

Councillor Hug asked that aside from working to communicate the detail of the strategy to business thought is also given as to how we include this work in wider communications on changes being made as a result of Fairer Westminster ambitions.

Councillor Barraclough told Cabinet colleagues that he warmly welcomed this new strategy and that he agrees with the approach taken by Councillor Boothroyd in cutting down on bureaucracy to encourage small businesses to take up public sector contracts. 

RESOLVED:CABINET APPROVED THE RECOMMENDATIONS SET OUT IN SECTION 2, PAGE 173

Due to the Cost of Living Crisis, a decision is required set out the councils approach to Free School Meals for pupils in Westminster.

Recommendations

Due to the Cost-of-Living Crisis, it is recommended that Cabinet approves (subject to approval of the Fairer Westminster investment proposal) a total of £2,781,784, for January 2023 to July 2024 to enable schools to develop a universal meal offer to primary pupils. This will be funded from earmarked reserves.

The provision of a universal meal offer for all primary pupils will be reviewed in 2024 and any continuation of the provision from September 2024 will be embedded in the Children’s Services base budget as part of the medium-term financial planning process.

This report sets out the context for this year’s annual review of fees and charges.

Recommendations

That Cabinet is recommended to:

1. Approve the changes to fees and charges as outlined in Appendix 2 of

    this report.

2. Approve that authority be delegated to the Executive Director for Finance

    and Resources, in consultation with the relevant Cabinet Member, to

    approve any changes required in light of consultation feedback.

3. Note the fees for which no increase is proposed for 2023/24. Details of

    these fees are included in Appendix 2 of this report.

4. Approve the Fees and Charges Policy at Appendix 1.

Sets out Council Tax base for 23/24 and recommendations on Council Tax discounts

Recommendations

That the Cabinet recommend that the Council approve the following

recommendations for the financial year 2023/24: -

(i) that the Council Tax discount for second homes remains at 0% unless the government brings forward legislation to enable a Second Home

Premium to be charged for the 2023/24 financial year. If this is the

case, the premium should be set at the highest level allowed for by the

legislation.

(ii) the Council Tax discounts for empty properties, including the discounts

that replaced the previous Class A and C Council Tax exemptions,

remain at 0%.

(iii) that a Long-Term Empty Property Premium continues at the maximum

percentage allowed for by the current legislation for the 2023/24

financial year. and to charge the said premium a year after a property

has been empty if the government brings forward legislation to allow

this.

(iv) that the Director of Revenues & Benefits be given delegated authority

to determine any individual local discount applications received from

Council Taxpayers during the 2023/24 financial year under section

13A(1)(c) of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

That the Cabinet recommends that the Council approves the same Council

Tax Reduction Scheme for 2023/24 which has operated successfully since

2013/14.

The scheme is based on the Default Scheme Regulations, updated

to reflect changes made via the Prescribed Requirements Amendment

Regulations and with War Disabled Pensions, War Widow, Pensions and

Armed Forces Compensation scheme payments disregarded in full when

calculating a claimant’s income. The same disregards should also apply to

Housing Benefit and claims for Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP).

That the Cabinet recommends to the Council to resolve that the Council Tax

Base for 2023/24 for the Whole City is 135,955.46 equivalent Band D

properties, for Montpelier Square alone 91.68 equivalent Band D properties

and for Queen’s Park 3,637.83 equivalent Band D properties.

That the Cabinet recommends to the Council to resolve that the

figures set out in paragraph 2.3 above for the Council Tax Base for 2023/24 be used by the Council to make a determination pursuant to the requirements of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.

1.        Recommendations

1.1    It is the recommendation of this report that Cabinet Member for City Management & Air Quality approves the design & implementation of the further urgent interim safety measures identified in Section 1.6 of this report at a total estimated gross cost of £4,250,000, of which £890,000 has been approved previously under a Delegated Authority Report, as detailed in Section 5 of this report.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

2.1       Having identified a potential evacuation risk to users of the Piccadilly Underpass in the event of a fire in the underpass, it is essential that the Council does all it reasonably can to implement the recommended urgent interim safety measures as soon as reasonably practicable to minimise the risk to tunnel users and improve safety.

2.2          Implementing these urgent interim safety measures improves the safety for tunnel users and reduces the Council’s risk exposure.

2.3          The urgent interim safety measures have been recommended by the Council’s Tunnel Safety Officer (TSO) and Tunnel Manager (TM). These are both statutory roles in accordance with tunnel safety regulations, their decision takes into account recommendations from current fire regulations.

2.4          Failure to implement these measures could result in a recommendation that the tunnel is closed until the main scheme to replace the current ventilation fans is complete (Phase 2). These Phase 2 works are unlikely to be fully delivered until Autumn/Winter 2023/24.

A review of fees charged for HMO licences in Westminster to ensure cost recovery for service

1.        Recommendations

1.1      To approve proposals for revised HMO licence fees from 1^st April 2023 as follows;

·       Licence fee for HMOs to increase from current £975 per licence to £1,450 per licence

·       Fees for additional rooms within HMOs above the standard 5 room threshold to increase from current £25 per additional room to £65 per additional room.

·       Retention of the current 10% discount for suitably accredited landlords

·       Retention of current exemption from fees for charities providing accommodation for vulnerable persons such as supported accommodation.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

2.1      As part of the fee review exercise, our fees have been bench-marked against those of other boroughs. This shows our fee at £975 as being the 6^th lowest fee amongst 33 London boroughs for a five-bedroom HMO. Our close neighbouring boroughs of Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, and London Borough of Camden, charge £1,400 and £1,300 per licence respectively. These boroughs also have similar housing stock to that in Westminster. The results of the bench-marking exercise are attached as Appendix B.

2.2      We are now over one year into our Additional Licensing Scheme, and this has brought increased information regarding the volume of licences we can expect, the time and cost in processing licence applications, and the increased work being carried out in enforcing the requirements of the scheme.

2.3      The running costs of the scheme have been reviewed with colleagues from our Finance department with reference to the amount of work being undertaken by the team in assessing incoming applications.

2.4      The first year of the scheme has seen a significant amount of applications being received and processed. Work has increasingly turned to identifying unlicensed properties in recent months, with a resultant increase in officer enforcement activity in this area.

2.5      The review of scheme costs has determined that the fee for a licence should increase to £1,450. In addition, the costs per additional unit within a larger than average HMO of five units of accommodation, should increase from £25 per unit to £65 per unit. The full breakdown of existing and proposed fees are set out in Appendix A.

2.6      Houses in multiple occupation providing accommodation for vulnerable persons, and operated by charitable organisations, will remain exempt from licensing fees.

2.7      Discounted fees will remain available for landlords accredited with recognised schemes, or where managing agents registered with recognised trade accreditation schemes are used to manage licensed properties.

2.8      The fees for properties licensed under the mandatory and Additional licensing schemes will remain the same given that the same amount of work is expended in processing either licence.

To approve the next phase of the council's support for the cost of living crisis

Summary of Decision

It is recommended that the Leader of the Council agrees: 

1.     That the council funds the proposed projects, amounting to £1m to address the cost-of-living crisis summarised in Section 5 and detailed in Appendix C.

2.     That within this £1m budget authority is delegated to theExecutive Director of Finance Resources, in agreement with the relevant Cabinet Members, to manage the individual allocations, and agree how the contingency is spent.   

Reasons for Decision   

While there have been national interventions to address the cost-of-living crisis and funding to councils to help households, modelling, and intelligence in Section 4, shows that rising living costs outstrip this package of support, making further interventions necessary to help households most at risk.  

Some flexibility on the individual allocations is recommended as some discussions with third sector partners are still underway and as some of the budget has been set aside as contingency to deal with urgent needs.  

1.            Recommendations

1.1         The following recommendations are approved by the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality:

1.2         That approval is given to proceed with detailed design and implementation of the proposed public realm improvements on St John’s Wood High Street and neighbouring streets in the project scope as set out in section 5 and shown in the Background papers of this report.

1.3         That approval is given to commit capital expenditure of £1,736,941.00 necessary to carry out the detailed design and implementation of the proposals for St John’s Wood High Street project.  The project has approved budget of £1,310,000 and a request has been proposed for the 2023/24 capital programme for the additional required, as detailed in section 7.

1.4         That approval is given to modify and make traffic regulation orders in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulations Act 1984, necessary to accommodate the new highways improvements for the scheme.

1.5         That delegated authority is given to the Acting Director of City Highways to approve minor modifications as necessary to the approved scheme, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality.

2.            Reasons for Decision

2.1         To allow completion of public highway improvement works. The improvements will help to enhance the area, by improving provisions for walking and cycling, enhancing the public realm and facilitate better and safer movement of traffic. 

Summary of Decision

The Leader has approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 25 October 2022 and determined the applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief.

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.

To agree the use of Interim Management Orders and to determine a named supplier to facilitate their operation.

           Recommendations

·       To approve the use of Interim Management Orders

·       To agree that Council enter into an agreement with LB of Waltham Forest to manage properties secured by means of an Interim Management Order.

           Reasons for Decision 

The Council are legally required to apply for an Interim Management Order to effectively manage a licensable house in multiple occupation where such a premises is found to be unlicensed, and no suitable licensee can be found.

The report will seek approval confirm (i.e. bring into force) the council’s Article 4 Direction to remove permitted development rights from Class E floorspace to residential from selected areas of designated town centres that fall outside of the CAZ.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the ‘confirmation’ of the Non-Immediate Direction under Article 4 of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) Order 2015 (as amended) to remove permitted development rights granted for the change of use from Class E (commercial, business and service uses) to Class C3 (dwellinghouses) within the areas shown in Appendix 1.

Reasons for Decision

The Article 4 Direction provides the opportunity for the council to use its planning powers by applying the full suite of City Plan, London Plan, and made neighbourhood plan policies, including those which aim to secure an appropriate balance of uses in designated town centres that fall outside of the CAZ, to maximise their offer in providing a range of shops, services, and employment opportunities to local residents. It will also help ensure that where commercial space is converted to residential, this includes provision for much needed affordable housing, contributes towards supporting infrastructure, and high standards of design and energy efficiency are secured.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the Lease Restructure at Arches 36-48 and land at Gemini Project Sites 1&2 Landmann Way, London, SE8 5JW on the terms in the exempt Appendix A and approves the entering into any legal documents ancillary to or required to facilitate the lease restructure.

Reasons for Decision

The current lease of the Landmann Way depot does not offer sufficient security of tenure or cover a large enough area to enable the council to develop the site as a charging depot for the new electric waste collection vehicle fleet. The lease restructure will secure the site for 20 years from 30 November 2022 and allow the works to proceed without risk.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the renewal of the Council’s lease of Mayfair Library, 25 South Audley Street, London, W1 from 28 September 2022 on the terms in the exempt Appendix A.

Reasons for Decision

The Council’s current lease of Mayfair Library expired on 28 September 2022.  As the lease falls within the protection of the 1954 Landlord and Tenant Act it has continued beyond expiry as a statutory tenancy.  Terms have been agreed to renew the Council’s lease for a further 10 years in line with the Council’s wider library service strategy. 

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Financeand Council Reform has approved the award of the permissible extension to the existing contract to Avison Young to 5 April 2023. 

Reasons for Decision

This decision will ensure a successful handover of the contract should Avison Young not be re-appointed to include dealing with all TUPE and outstanding financial matters.  

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel meeting of 11 October 2022.

Reasons for Decision

The Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel has set out the reasons for the recommendations in each case considered by the Panel in the recommendations in the exempt Appendix A.  

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the contract award of a JCT IBC contract for refurbishment works at 14-20 Orange Street (incorporating 33/35 Whitcombe Street), London, WC2 7EF to Neilcott Construction Limited for £2,201,927.20.

Reasons for Decision

14-20 Orange Street is owned freehold although the interconnected lower ground and ground floor of 33/35 Whitcombe Street are held on a 999-year peppercorn lease from January 2001.  The property was acquired by WCC in January 2018 for £15,000,000.

The refurbishment works are required for two primary purposes: the need to address various compliance issues that are the responsibility of the landlord; and to improve the standard of finishes and tenant services which are dated and an impediment to future letting of the vacant space.

Summary of Decision

1.              The Cabinet Member has approved the following Neighbourhood CIL bids:

i)                Porchester Gardens Crossing

ii)               QEII School Mini-Buses

iii)             North Paddington Youth Club Equipment

2.              The Cabinet Member has approved the following Carbon Offset bid:

i)                Green Doctors Service

Reasons for Decision 

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

Decision to be taken on the autumn round of Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy funding applications

1.0.         Recommendation

1.1.    The Cabinet Member is asked to approve the Neighbourhood CIL bid for Central Island Improvements at Elgin Avenue, details of which are set out in this report.

2.0.         Reasons for Decision 

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

2.2.         To mitigate the impact of development, including the construction on the adjoining Hamilton Terrace, and to support growth, including the newly opened cafes and shops in Lauderdale Road.

2.3.         To secure public realm and other benefits, including: increased pedestrian permeability of the area through both new and upgraded crossing points; additional car parking bays for residents; and additional pay to park bays for visitors to the cafes and shops

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the write-off the debts for the amounts shown in paragraph 5.1 and has noted the amounts shown in paragraph 6.4 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 court and distress proceedings.

Highways Contract Arrangements - Traffic Management Order Service

Recommendations

It is recommended that the CabinetMember for City Management and Air Quality, to approve the award of an up to 7-year contract to WSP UK Limited (Company No. 01383511) for the provision of TMO Services to WCC, to support the delivery of Highways and Parking projects.

Reasons for Decision 

The City Council’s existing TMO contract is due to expire 31^st March 2023.

Contract Award Approval for contracts of £1.5m or more, is required from the appropriate Cabinet Member following endorsement to approve from the appropriate Executive Leadership Team member and the City Council’s Commercial Gateway Review Board (CGRB).

The successful tenders response was robust, innovative, and provided officers with confidence that the requirements of the contract were clearly understood and could be delivered. The successful bidder was able to provide strong responses with evidence to support their explanations, reassuring officers that the service would be delivered to a high standard.

Having an external party manage, in full, the TMO contract allows for service provider specialists to advise, manage consultations, and carry out works. It also allows Officers to oversee the process at a high level and remain engaged throughout. The City Council sought a high quality and value for money tenderer to be the new successful service provider and followed the above actions in order to achieve this.

Alternative providers and collaboration have been considered, with the model proposed expected to maximise the benefit received by the City Council.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 20^th September 2022 and determines the applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief set out in Appendix A.

Reasons for Decision

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

Proposed expenditure of £13,844.61 by the Pimlico North ward budget on festive lights and trees.

The allocation of £13,844.61 to fund the installation of lamp column decorations along Warwick Way and Wilton Road and the installation of a Christmas tree at the junction of Warwick Way and Tachbrook Market. 

To extend the contracts for 4 years from the current expiry of 1^st November 2022 for Debt Recovery Concession Services.

1.        Recommendations

1.1    That, following endorsement by the Commercial Gateway Review Board and the Director of Environment, the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality approves the four-year contract extension of the Parking Services Debt Management Contract to Marston (Holdings) Limited (Company No. 04305487). The contract will be at zero cost to the Council, but the contractor may generate up to £5.15m from statutory fees applied through post warrant recovery over the extension period.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

2.1 The proposed extension of the contracts by four years is due to the resilience and good performance that Marston has demonstrated, especially considering the impact that Covid-19 has had on the service and the industry, as well as the additional functions being offered. There is no risk as the contract is non-exclusive, so the council still has the ability to procure additional partners if the performance of the incumbent does not meet expectations.

2.2 The current supplier is biggest single debt collection agency in this field with more than 26% of total registered UK bailiffs, with the next nearest competitor with only 9%. Expectations and associated KPIs are regularly reviewed and benchmarked. The Council have negotiated significant service add-ons that make extension attractive. The extension comes at zero cost to the Council and there are no concerns that excessive incomes can be generated by the supplier as the fee structure they apply is set by law. 

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the new approach to investing in the programme recommended by the Oxford Street District programme review and capital expenditure of £4.58m to progress the items outlined in the report.

Reasons for Decision

The proposed revised programme scope seeks to focus public realm and strategic interventions on Oxford Street and complementary schemes to create a vibrant, accessible, and attractive place(s). This will allow a focussed delivery approach.

A new business case will be prepared which considers the revised programme scope and facilitates the identification of objectives and outcomes that align with the Fairer Westminster approach. Furthermore, the business case will outline the costs, benefits and risks in proceeding with the programme and specifically the rationale for preferred option.

To approve the Mid Year Review of Westminster Community Homes 22-23.

1          Recommendations

1.1       The Shareholder Committee are asked to note this report and approve the proposals for the recruitment of Board Members as set out in Para 8. 

To consider the Westco Mid Year Review 2022-23.

1. Recommendations

1.1 For the Shareholder Committee to consider the report.

To consider Westminster Builds Mid-Year Review 2022-2023.

1.     Recommendations

1.1.         The Shareholder Committee are asked to note this report.

1. Recommendations

1.1 For the Shareholder Committee to consider the report.

Recommending to Full Council that the Policy is approved and adopted in accordance with Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005.

Recommendations 

2.1       The Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection was asked to consider the revisions to theNew Gambling Policy (2022) as set out in this report and as shown in the draft new Gambling Policy attached to this report at Appendix 1 and recommend to Full Council that this Policy is approved and adoptedin accordance with Section 349 of the Gambling Act 2005. 

3.          Reasons for Decision   

3.1       The approval of this final draft of the new Gambling Policy and recommendation that it be approved for publication by FullCouncil ensures that the Council meets its statutory requirements for adopting this policy. 

Summary of Decision

To approve the grant of a 20 year lease to Panzer Delicatessen Limited on the Heads of Terms within the confidential appendix.

Reasons for Decision 

Under the WCC constitution Cabinet Member approval is required where the initial rent under a lease is in excess of £125,000 per annum which applies in this case.

This decision is for Parking Services to include admin charges when retrospectively pursuing unauthorised parking suspensions.

1.     Recommendations

1.1.That the Cabinet Member for City Management & Air Quality approves the following:

·       The introduction of a £70 admin charge for each unauthorised parking suspension.

·       That the new admin charge will replace the existing short notice charge, except for unauthorised suspensions involving companies who are members of LJUG. LJUG members will continue to pay the £20 short notice fee and unauthorised suspensions will be charged at the standard (non-discounted) rates.

·       That the new admin fee is implemented from the commencement of the new Parking back-office contract, scheduled to be let in April 2023, or an appropriate date thereafter.

2.     Reasons for Decision 

·       To provide a financial means to deter companies from installing unauthorised parking suspensions.

·       To help manage the impacts from unauthorised suspensions, for all kerbside users including residents.

·       To ensure additional costs incurred by the Council for the provision of the unauthorised suspensions service, are recouped.

·       To ensure LJUG members are not disproportionately disadvantaged by the introduction of this new admin charge.

To align the implementation with the launch of a new back-office system in April 2023, to minimise implementation costs and complexity.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform has approved the council to utilise each of the processes outlined in Section 5 of this report to allocate the council’s funding allocation (£1,951,507) to the borough’s most vulnerable residents.

Reasons for Decision

The recommended processes outlined in the report seek to deliver support in accordance with the Government’s guidance to the council’s most vulnerable residents taking account of a limited funding envelope.

Summary of Decision

To award the contract for multi-disciplinary professional services to Faithful + Gould (Companies House registration no, 02236832) for a period of three years with the ability to extend for a further two years.

Reasons for Decision

A comprehensive procurement exercise has been conducted via the Direct Award provision through the Crown Commercial Services Framework.  This Cabinet Member Report sets out the procurement process undertaken and rationale for recommending Faithful + Gould to be awarded the contract for multi-disciplinary professional services.

Funding for Bentley House.

1.        Recommendations

1.1      That the Cabinet Member for Housing Services and the Cabinet Member for   Finance and Council Reform:

1.1.1   Agree Appendix B of 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).

1.1.2   Approve the AHF grant allocation to the Passage as set out in appendix 1 subject to a funding and nominations agreement.

1.1.3   Delegates authority to the S151 Officer to award the funds to the Passage.

1.1.4   Delegates authority to the Director of Legal Services to enter into a funding and nominations agreement with the Passage.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

2.1      Bentley House had been vacant for many years and fallen into considerable disrepair and was not capable of being occupied.

2.2     It required extensive capital investment by The Passage to enable it to be occupied once again for any purpose. The accommodation was effectively on the threshold of being lost from the city’s stock.

2.3     Bentley House will benefit from its proximity to Montfort House by  combining the service management and office space and support during the night, when required.

2.4     Bentley House falls into the Housing led solutions category given the focus on longer term accommodation. Interventions for people who have been on the streets for long periods of time and where traditional accommodation options have failed.

2.5     The use of resources from the Affordable Housing Fund, along with

other funding sources available to the Passage, will provide 20 single person self-contained studio accommodation units with a full nomination agreement in place between The Passage and WCC.

·       Councillor Tony Devenish is removed as Chair, company director and Board member of Westco Trading Limited.

·       Councillor Max Sullivan is appointed as Chair, company director and Board member of Westco Trading Limited.

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

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Discretionary Housing Payment Review Advisory Panel meeting of 13 September 2022

Reasons for Decision

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

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development has agreed the amendments to the guidelines for Street Naming and Numbering as set out in Appendix One.

Reasons for Decision 

To ensure up to date guidelines are in place which provide a clear, consistent and transparent approach to the consideration of applications for street and building naming and numbering.

To enter into the GLA Affordable Homes Programme 2021-2026 grant agreement.

1.        Recommendations

That the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Regeneration & Renters and the Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform:

1.1          Approves the Council to enter into grant agreement with the GLA for the Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26.

1.2          That Appendices A&B attached to 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 the Council.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

1.3          Funding from the GLA supports WCC’s strategic approach to deliver additional affordable homes in the city, including social rented homes.

1.4          The homes delivered under this programme will be provided as social rent or intermediate tenancies and will be made available to either existing council tenants who have priority for a transfer, homeless households, or those on the intermediate housing waiting list.

1.5          Capital funding provided will support scheme viability and increase the number of homes that can be developed for those households in social housing need.

Negotiated contract to enable GLA grant funding to uplift and funding at tariff rates to allow the Council to purchase properties for use as accommodation for former rough sleepers.

1.    Recommendations

That the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Regeneration & Renters and Cabinet Member for Finance & Council Reform:

1.1      Approves the Council to enter into the  Negotiated Contract Grant Agreement with the GLA for the AHP 2016-23 programme, as set out in Appendix B.

1.2      That Appendix B attached to 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 the Council.

2.     Reasons for Decision 

2.1      Funding from the GLA supports WCC’s strategic approach to deliver additional affordable homes in the city, including social rented homes.

2.2      The homes delivered under this programme will be provided as social rent tenancies and will be made available to either existing council tenants who have priority for a transfer or to homeless households.

2.3      Capital funding provided will support scheme viability and increase the number of homes that can be developed for those households in social housing need.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the Victoria Westminster BID renewal proposal.

Reasons for Decision 

BIDs can continue for an unlimited number of terms, providing they are successful in their ballots. Victoria Westminster BID Ltd have submitted their Victoria Westminster BID renewal proposal to the City Council for its consideration to enter into its second term. The City Council is statutorily bound to consider the proposal and, subject to its approval, to hold a ballot on behalf of Victoria Westminster BID Ltd.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the Whitehall BID renewal and alteration proposal.

Reasons for Decision 

BIDs can continue for an unlimited number of terms, providing they are successful in their ballots. Whitehall BID Ltd have submitted their Whitehall BID renewal and alteration proposal to the City Council for its consideration to enter into its second term. The City Council is statutorily bound to consider the proposal and, subject to its approval, to hold a ballot on behalf of Whitehall BID Ltd.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the Northbank BID renewal proposal.

Reasons for Decision 

BIDs can continue for an unlimited number of terms, providing they are successful in their ballots. Northbank BID Ltd have submitted their renewal proposal to the City Council for its consideration to enter into its third term. The City Council is statutorily bound to consider the proposal and, subject to its approval, to hold a ballot on behalf of Northbank BID Ltd.

Allocation of Social Housing for 2022/23.

1.     Recommendations

1.1      That the Cabinet Member for Housing agrees:

1.1.1    The approach to social lettings set out in table 5 and Appendix B 

1.1.2    The changes to the Allocation Scheme outlined in 6.1–6.14

1.1.3  To a consultation being carried out on homeless households owed the Relief Duty being able to join the council’s Housing Register as outlined in 6.2-6.6 and that following the consultation the decision to make the necessary changes to the Allocations Scheme is delegated to the Director of Housing, in conjunction with the Cabinet Member for Housing.  

1.1.4    The updated Accommodation Procurement Policy Action Plan 2022/23 in Appendix D.

1.1.5  The rebranding of the council’s intermediate housing service from Home Ownership Westminster to Homes for Westminster for the reasons set out in section 6.21-6.27.

2         Reasons for Decision 

2.1      The council’s Housing Allocation Scheme is read alongside the annual Supply and Allocation of Social Housing Report, which sets out the proportion of social housing the council expects to let to the different groups in need. These lettings projections are needed to guide the approach to lettings during the year. 

2.2      This Report is also needed in order to consider and update wider policies relating to the allocation of social and private housing for households on the council’s housing register and to update any policy changes in relation to intermediate housing.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the publication of a Regulation 18 statement of intent and consult on the content of the proposed review of the adopted City Plan 2019 – 2040 and the publication of an updated Local Development Scheme.

Reasons for Decision 

The council is beginning a partial review of its City Plan pursuant to Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 in order to provide a robust and up to date policy framework for the taking of planning decisions across the city in line with the council’s vision for a Fairer Westminster,

The council’s Local Development Scheme setting out the programme of work over the next three years has been revised to reflect the new priority of a partial City Plan review and the anticipated timeframes of document preparation. Its publication will ensure that the council acts in accordance with the requirements of the Planning & Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended by the Localism Act 2011).

Initiation of the contract extension period of two years to a contract expiry date of 30 September 2024 as detailed in the initial contract award.

1.        Recommendations

1.1      That the Cabinet Member agrees the permissible 2-year extension as Places for People Group have been delivering the service within a challenging demand environment to their key performance indicators alongside a continuous service development approach, within budget over the last 5 years.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

2.1      The service was competitively tendered across 4 service lots in 2017 for a 5 year plus 2-year term. The four lots were successfully awarded to one provider Places for People who are delivering the service in partnership with the Passage & Shelter.

2.2      The 2-year extension will be used to redesign this front-line service, consult with users by experience and utilising good practice and innovation from across the sector to ensure the future shape of the service is in line with the recommendations of the Westminster Housing Commission and the 

Fairer Westminster strategic vision - a Fairer Environment, Fairer Housing, Fairer Economy, Fairer Council, Fairer Communities. Which will be delivered work directly with our residents, communities and businesses we can build a more inclusive city that celebrates its diverse communities, and where residents, workers and visitors from all backgrounds will feel welcome and safe. 

1.        Recommendations

1.1      That this report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 14 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to action to be taken in connection with the prevention investigation or prosecution of a crime

1.2      That the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality approves the following:

1.2.1   For design and development of the scheme, necessary highways enabling works and public realm improvements, in line with the agreed scope included within this report.

1.2.2   That authority be delegated to the Executive Director of Environment & City Management, to undertake, in conjunction with external partners, and in consultation with the Cabinet Member for City Management and Air Quality, any statutory or non-statutory consultation that falls within and can contribute to the agreed scope.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

2.1      The proposed public realm security improvements, the design of which is being developed by the work identified in this report, will reduce the vulnerability of the specified area.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has delegated authority to the Director of Corporate Property,in consultation with the Executive Director of Finance and the Director of Law as appropriate,to approve the Council enteringinto any legal documents ancillary to or required to facilitate the disposal of the property. 

Reasons for Decision

The disposal is recommended as the property has been deemed surplus to the Council’s service needs and will provide ongoing revenue savings as well as a capital receipt to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA).  

This report seeks approval to apply NNDR Localism Relief to ratepayers of eligible premises, who contribute currently void properties or those occupied by low quality occupiers, rent free and who meet certain criteria as part of the City Council’s Activations & Meanwhile Use Programme for a maximum period of two years from the date of activation and to end for each premises when the property ceases to be part of the programme.

Summary of Decision

1.     The Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development has approved the strategy and in principle approach for meanwhile activations of eligible premises as part of phase 3 of the programme.

2.     The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, has approved the application of the Business Rate NNDR “Localism” allowance of a 100% of the net business rate liability under section 47 of the Local Government Finance Act 1988, as amended by the Localism Act 2011 and the allocation of a maximum of £2.45m from the Stimulating the Economy budget and Thriving Economy budget.

Reason for Decision:

1.              Phase 3 will require a change in direction from a short-term enlivening activity that looked at tenancies for a period of up to three months into a meanwhile use activation strategy that seeks to attract and support the transition of brands from pop-up occupiers into long-term, rent paying tenants; creating a pipeline of high-quality occupiers. A curation process will ensure that activations are driven by the most innovative up-and-coming, independent UK brands (businesses which otherwise could not afford the costs of operating in Westminster). The process will also prioritise local brands and those with a clear association with the borough whilst still meeting the calibre of activation required. This process will also ensure that well established businesses that could afford to pay full commercial rates are not awarded the NNDR Localism Relief.  

2.              This change of direction is an opportunity to tackle the rapid growth of low-quality occupiers along Oxford Street in particular, as well asother key high streets across the borough.This repetition and proliferation of such businesses are impacting upon the attractiveness of the borough and have, in many cases, been found to be evading the payment of business rates or undertaking illegal activity. Some property owners agree to leases with such businesses as part of a rates mitigation strategy, but the subsequent non-payment of business rates shifts the burden from the private sector to the public purse. 

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 28^th June 2022 and determines the applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief set out in Appendix A. 

Reasons for Decision 

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

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations of the Rating Advisory Panel held on 12^th July 2022 and determines the applications for NNDR Discretionary and Hardship relief set out in Appendix A. 

Reasons for Decision 

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

Approval of the main construction costs for Adpar Street Car Park, Torridon House Car Park, Queens Park Court (comprising Package B) sites.

1.        Recommendations

The recommendation within this Cabinet Member Report is for the Cabinet Members to:

1.1      Approve the combined Full Business Case for Infills Programme:

     Package B.

1.2     Approve the contract awards appointing Geoffrey Osborne Limited to

     undertake the main construction works in respect of Adpar Street Car    

     Park, Torridon House Car Park, Queens Park Court Car Park.

1.3      Authorise Legal Services to negotiate the surrender of the existing substation lease at Queens Park Court and to grant a new lease to London Power Networks for a term of 99 years at an annual rent of £1.00.

1.4      Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Growth Planning and Housing to approve any legal, planning or financial documents, ancillary to or required to facilitate the recommendations of this report.

2.        Reasons for Decision 

2.1      As part of the WCC’s HRA Development Programme, WCC identified a number of smaller scale infill sites for development. This will enable the attainment of WCC’s strategic HRA Asset Strategy objectives of:

·       Increasing the supply of affordable housing; optimising value from its assets;

·       Increasing the quality of the HRA Portfolio; and

·       Ensuring the portfolio meets local housing need.

2.2      The Contract Award Report (Gate 3) has been presented to the   

           procurement Commercial Gateway Review Board (CGRB) and

           endorsement  has been obtained. Finance Capital Review Group (CRG)

           approval has been obtained  for the projects endorsing the     

           recommendation to the Executive Director of Growth, Planning and 

           Housing to recommend to the Cabinet Member to award the 3 separate

           JCT Design & Build Contracts.

Seeking approval of the appointment of the MDCT and we are seeking delegated authority to draw down and spend the cost to deliver the service through to Outline Business Case Part 2.

1.     Recommendations

1.1.Officers seek approval from the Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Regeneration and Renters to:

       i.          Approve that the Appendices 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 in that it contains information relating to the business and financial affairs of the authority and  information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings under paragraph 5 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972; and in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information

     ii.          Approval to enter into contracts for professional services up to a value of £9.581m for Professional and Development Management Fees to carry out design development.

    iii.          This includes appointment of the following:

a.     Levitt Bernstein Associates as Architect (contract value £2.953m)

b.     Arcadis LLP as Project Manager (contract value £2.720m)

c.     Ward Williams Associates as Cost Consultant (£964k)

d.     Other Professional Services (including contract awards) totalling £2.944m to be approved by the Executive Director of Growth, Planning & Housing (GPH) under delegated authority. Where the Constitution does not allow for the Cabinet member to delegate authority (namely for the award of Consultancy contracts with a value greater than £300,000) approval for the expenditure of that element of the £2.944m remains with the Cabinet Member and will be sought from the Cabinet Member.

     iv.            Approve the initial expenditure of £624k to progress the Feasibility Stage. This includes expenditure of £397k against these professional services contracts and £227k for internal staff costs and project contingency.

       v.            To note further expected expenditure under these professional services contracts of £1.457m to complete the OBC Part 2 subject to CRG endorsement and Cabinet Member approval of an agreed outcome of the Feasibility Stage.

    vi.          To note that the balance of expenditure under these contracts (totalling £7.727m) will come forward for approval once OBC Part 2 is concluded in Autumn 2023.

2.     Reasons for Decision

2.1. The reason for the recommendation is to secure fees and appoint the design team to enable design development to be progressed and produce OBC Part 2 in Autumn 2023.

2.2. A Feasibility Stage is proposed to produce a range of costed options for existing and external services that are affordable, deliverable and meet local needs. The options will be informed by the Councils post covid operational service requirements and emerging design guidance. The Feasibility Stage consists of:

·       Phase 1 – Develop outline options

·       Phase 2 – Develop shortlist of options

·       Phase 3 – Optimisation of the options

2.3. The Feasibility Stage options framework consists of developing a defined set of options for each of the potential core elements of the Hub ranging from ‘no provision’ through to ‘provision of all complimentary services’ alongside a ‘do nothing’ option for comparison. The range of options will be developed during Feasibility Stage - Phase 1 in consultation with the services and informed by the Councils post covid office review.

2.4. The Lisson Grove Programme provides an exciting opportunity to deliver a significant number of new homes across both sites and to explore the possibility for an exemplar Learning, Health and Wellbeing Hub (Hub) at Lilestone Street.

2.5.The potential healthcare opportunity for the Hub will consider strategic health provision and ensure the offer complements existing and forthcoming healthcare infrastructure, such as St Mary’s Hospital and the Imperial College Community Hub. A strategic needs lead approach will inform the potential provision of healthcare facilities in the proposed Health & Wellbeing Hub, to be developed during the Feasibility Stage.

2.6. Providing good quality homes will act as the bedrock of a vibrant community, in line with the new Administration’s ambitions. The potential overarching aims and objectives of the project which will be tested through the feasibility stage are:

·           Scope for modern, fit for purpose and efficient WCC office space, subject to a review of the overall office portfolio.

·           Provide flexible, accessible and affordable community space.

·           Explore potential Healthcare facilities that meet the current and future needs of the community within the regeneration area; to provide efficient and enhanced services through co-location and effective use of dedicated and shared space.

·           Reduce the Council’s operation, maintenance and running costs.

·           Deliver new and improved high-quality homes of all tenures.

·           Increase employment activity and economic growth in the area.

·           Create safer, better-connected neighbourhoods.

·           Replace existing commercial and residential stock with cleaner, greener and more sustainable buildings fit for the future which respond to the Climate Emergency Declaration and the Councils target to achieve net zero emissions.

2.7. In order to support the Feasibility Stage, the following core MDCT consultants are required to provide technical and specialist support:

·           Architect

·           Project Manager

·           Cost Consultant

·           Elements of the VCSE, Community, Viability and Commercial Consultant services

2.8. The core MDCT will provide technical support including best practice and emerging technical guidance in respect of:

·           Education, Healthcare and Council Service design

·           Covid implications including future ways of working and office fit out

·           Advise on accessibility, safeguarding and security considerations particularly with regard to vulnerable and disabled users

·           Co-ordinate the Hub Working Groups

·           Minimise the total Hub accommodation requirement

·           Prepare justified, dedicated space requirements

·           Identify and extract shared spaces and propose opportunities for optimisation

·           Update community infrastructure proposals based on the emerging accommodation offer and Community Space Strategy

·           Ensure flexibility of space and effective service integration

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved to proceed with the award of the sovereign call off contract forthe Borough (estimated value £19.7m) from 1^st April 2023 to 31st March 2028 with the option to extend for a further 2 years until 31st March 2030.  

Reasons for Decision 

Following a procurement exercise, based on the most economically advantageous tender, it is recommended that NRS Healthcare, Company registration number (01948041) is awarded the contract for the provision of Integrated Community Equipment Services for the London Consortium. 

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has approved the grant of the proposed New Lease and given delegated authority to the Director of Property and Strategic Asset Management to agree minor variations to the terms to enable the agreed final form of legal documentation to be executed and completed.

Reason for Decision

The grant of a New Lease will extend the income stream from the subject investment property and represents best value for the Council when considered alongside prevailing market levels and the need to retain flexibility in possibly obtaining vacant possession in the Summer of 2024. 

A variation to the JF Hunt demolition contract is recommended together with an approval to spend £961k on Phase 2 related demolition works.

1.     Recommendations

1.1. This report seeks approval for:

·         A contract variation that enables additional works packages to be delivered under the JF Hunt demolition contract. The details of which are set out in Exempt Appendix 1.;

·         Additional demolition and works spend on Phase 1 totalling £1.652m and bringing total spend to £4.990m on Phase 1 and utilising £683k of project contingency; and

·         Accelerated Phase 2 demolition spend of £961k.

2.     Reasons for Decision 

2.1. The approvals will enable the Council to have the ability for additional site enabling works packages to be commissioned through the demolition contract therefore providing greater flexibility and potential mitigations for any potential delays with the main works provision on future phases and also enabling packages to be priced and competed between JF Hunt and the main works contractor.

To refresh our equalities objectives as required by the Public Sector Equality Duty.

1.           Recommendations

For the Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Protection to agree four Equality Objectives for Westminster City Council until 2024 as set out below:

·       Staff will represent the demographic of our communities at all levels of the organisation.

·       Understand our diverse communities and embed that understanding in how we shape all that we do across the Council.

·       Support Westminster’s communities to be sustainable, socially inclusive and empowered to act, when they are best placed to do so.

·       Demonstrate inclusive leadership, strategic partnership and a clear organisational commitment to be a leader in equality, diversity and inclusion in the city.

3.       Reasons for Decision 

The Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Act 2010 (Specific Duties and Public Authorities) Regulations 2017 requires us to publish equality objectives every four years. These objectives replace the previous objectives 2016-2020.

1.1           There were no changes to the Membership.

1.2           Resolved:  That Councillor Matt Noble and Christopher Smith be appointed as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively for the 2022-2023 municipal year.

This decision seeks the approval of a revised phasing programme for the Ebury Estate renewal project and to redirect the already approved expenditure of £8.9M for Phase 2A to the new Phase 2 as per the revised phasing programme.

1.     Recommendations

1.1.The Cabinet Member for Climate Action Regeneration and Renters is recommended to approve a revised phasing programme for the Ebury Estate Renewal project, with Blocks 7&8 in Phase 1, Blocks 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 in Phase 2 and Blocks 4&9 in Phase 3.

1.2.The Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform is recommended to approve the remaining approved budget expenditure of up to £6.7m (from the approved sum of 8.3M) to be re-allocated to design consultancy elements and associated works for the recommended new Phase 2 in the revised phasing programme.

2.     Reasons for Decision 

2.1. Ebury Phase 1 (blocks 7&8 – shaded white on plan 1 below) is currently in its early construction phase and due to be delivered in May 2024. Outline planning approval for the rest of the blocks for Ebury Phase 2 was given in October 2021 as part of a hybrid planning application for the wider scheme. At that time, it was anticipated that Phase 2 would be split into two distinct delivery phases:

Phase 2A (delivering blocks 5, 6 & 1 – shaded blue on plan 1)

Phase 2B (delivering blocks 2, 3, 4 and 9 – shaded red on plan 1)

(Please refer to the Cabinet Member Report for plan 1)

2.2. Early in 2022, reports of significant increases in the market were reported by Gardiner & Theobald, the project Cost Consultants, which prompted a review of the viability and delivery of the remaining blocks.

2.3. A revised phasing programme is now being proposed which would include the following changes:

·         a larger second development phase incorporating blocks 2 and 3 (outlined in red on plan 2 below and;

·         a final Phase 3 delivering blocks 4 and 9 (outlined in purple on plan 2 below).

(Please refer to the Cabinet Member Report for plan 2)

2.4. The benefits of this revised phasing programme are:

·         This programme demonstrates a significant improvement of circa £16M on the current baseline programme in terms of viability due to the reduced impact of construction inflation by accelerated delivery.

·         Accelerates the delivery of circa 70 more affordable units within Blocks 2 & 3 which will be completed circa 12 months earlier than the previous phasing programme. 

·         Enhanced and accelerated public amenity offering as two squares will be brought forward as part of Phase 2 rather than just one in the previous Phase 2A

·         More holistic approach to phasing of the works which improves efficiency and reduce the risk of delay.

·         Accelerates the delivery of more of the lower blocks providing more frontage on Ebury Bridge Road and the establishment of the new high street frontage, with the additional benefit of offsetting the impact of the high rise blocks on the conservation area.

2.5. This report seeks approval of the revised phasing programme along with the re-allocation of the remaining approved budget expenditure in the sum of £6.7m (from the approved budget of £8.3M) for design consultancy elements and associated works from the current Ebury Phase 2A programme to the new Phase 2 within the recommended revised phasing programme. Details of the approved expenditure can be found in the Financial Implications section.

2.6. The appointments and contracts with our external professional team are all in place and services can be commenced without variation, subject to the approvals sought in this report.

An direct award is required for the provision of transport for home to school travel care for children with special educational needs and vulnerable adults to day activities.

1.     Recommendations:

For Children’s Services:

1.1.         That the Cabinet Member for Young People, Learning and Leisure approves the following recommendation:

1.2.         To agree termination of the current call-off contract with HCT Operations for Lot 1B (Children’s Services) and removal from the Minibus Framework as they have notified the Council that they have taken the decision to cease services from 26 August 2022.

1.3.         To award Call Off contracts for Lot 1B (Children’s Services) to HATS from 27^th August 2022 until 31 August 2024 with an option to extend for up to a further 2 years to 31 August 2026 from the established Minibus Framework for the provision of travel care to SEND pupils for Home To School Travel Care. The contract values for these services are set out below:

Please note that the above contract value is based on current route data that was submitted. This may be subject to adjustment due to fluctuation in activity as it is a demand led service.

1.4.         To pay HCT Operations the one-off pro rata sum of up to £86,153 for the month of August to cover staff salaries and ensure that these staff transfer to the new provider.

1.5.         To make a one-off mobilisation payment to HATS of £48,366 so that HATS is able to commence service delivery in time for the start of the academic year. This cost represents is a proportionate split of the total mobilisation cost where WCC uses 66% and RBKC uses 34%.

            For Adult Social Care

1.6.         That the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Voluntary Sector approves the following recommendation:

1.7.         To agree termination of the current call-off contract with HCT Operations for Lot 2 (Adult Social Care) and removal from the Minibus Framework as they have notified the Council that they have taken the decision to cease services from 26 August 2022.

1.8.         To award Call Off contracts for Lot 2 (Adult Social Care) to HATS from 27^th August 2022 until 31 August 2024 with an option to extend for up to a further 2 years to 31 August 2026 from the established Minibus Framework for the provision of travel care to vulnerable adults to and from day activities. The contract values for these services are set out below:

Please note that the above contract values are based on current route data that was submitted. This may be subject to adjustment due to fluctuation in activity as it is a demand led service.

1.9.         To make a one-off mobilisation payment to HATS of £3,840 so that HATS is able to commence service delivery in time for the start of the academic year. This cost represents is a proportionate split of the total mobilisation cost where WCC uses 66% and RBKC uses 34%.

2.         Reasons for Decision

2.1.         The reason to terminate the current contract with HCT Operations is that they have notified the Council that they are ceasing delivery of statutory services from 26 August 2022.

2.2.         The reason for awarding services to HATS is that they are the next ranked provider on the Minibus Framework that was established in August 2019. The tender documents were purposefully designed with provision enabling the Council to Call off contracts from the next highest ranked providers list in the event of provider failure. HATS have been through the rigorous quality requirements to be awarded a place on the Framework. They are also currently a Council provider delivering minibus and taxi services across both boroughs. Therefore, the Council is assured that they will be able to deliver the service to the required standards.

2.3.         We need provision in place to ensure these statutory services are mobilised and delivered by beginning of the new school term in September 2022. The reasons for the emergency direct award to HATS is because they have confirmed that they are willing to take on these services and have capacity to do so.  We need to ensure staff transfer from HCT Operations to the new provider as early and quickly as possible. This will provide continuity of relationships between staff and parents and carers which is key to the success of the travel care service.

2.4.         The one-off payment to HCT Operations of a pro rata sum for the month of August will ensure that staff receive salaries and that they can transfer to HATS swiftly. Children’s Services currently pay for operational days and activity only. As such payments are processed on a 10 month basis and providers are not typically paid in August. Providers spread this income over 12 months to ensure that their staff are paid and rely on payments from September to the end of the financial year to cover August. However, as HCT Operations are ceasing operations on 26 August, they are seeking a one-off payment to cover staff salaries and transfer costs whilst ensuring they are solvent during this transfer period.

2.5.         As part of HATS price submission, they have included a one-off mobilisation cost of £73,700 across both boroughs so that they can mobilise services in time for the start of the academic year. This will include transferring staff from HCT Operations to HATS; sourcing specialist vehicles and equipment; relocating fleets to newly assigned depots; establishing new routes with the Council; inducting staff and recruiting new staff; providing specialist training; undertaking DBS checks for staff; and working with the Council to communicate changes to schools and families.

2.6.         The HATS mobilisation cost is split on a 34% / 66% which reflects the overall borough share of usage. RBKC uses 34% of the overall service while WCC uses 66% and this will be reflected in the one-off mobilisation cost.

2.7.         The reason that there is an additional cost range for Children’s Services and Adult Social Care is because the services are dynamic and the contracts need to allow some flexibility to allow for changes in activity. This is especially necessary given that pupils are still being enrolled to schools and may not have applied for specialist transport yet.

           Recommendations

1.1      That this report be exempt from disclosure by virtue of the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A Part 1, paragraph 14 (as amended), in that it contains information relating to action to be taken in connection with the prevention investigation or prosecution of a crime

           Reasons for Decision 

2.1      The proposed public realm security improvements identified in this   

           report, will reduce the vulnerability of the area.

Summary of Decision

The Cabinet Member has noted the write-off of the amounts shown in the report under delegated authority.

Reason for Decision

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

This report seeks approval from the Cabinet Member on the Baker Street Quarter Partnership BID renewal and alteration proposal 2023 – 2028.

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has endorsed the Baker Street Quarter Partnership BID renewal and alteration proposal.

Reason for Decision:

BIDs can continue for an unlimited number of terms, providing they are successful in their ballots. BSQP have submitted their renewal and alteration proposal to the City Council for its consideration to enter into its third term. The City Council is statutorily bound to consider the proposal and, subject to its approval, to hold a ballot on behalf of BSQP.

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has endorsed the Paddington Business Improvement District Limited’s(trading as PaddingtonNowBID) renewalproposal for 2023 - 2028.  

Reasons for Decision:

BIDs can continue for an unlimited number of terms, providing they are successful in their ballots. Paddington BID Ltd have submitted their renewal proposal to the City Council for its consideration to enter into its fifth term. The City Council is statutorily bound to consider the BID’s proposal and subject to its approval, to hold a ballot on the BID’s behalf of Paddington BID Ltd. 

Summary of Decision:

The Cabinet Member has approved the recommendations in respect of the Neighbourhood CIL applications set out in the report.

Reason for Decision:

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