The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 18 July 2023 to discuss the Medium Term Financial Strategy, waste disposal contracts, parking proposals, new housing developments, and various service contracts. Key decisions included the approval of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and Reserves Policy, support for the East London Waste Authority's Outline Business Case, and the introduction of extended free parking periods and free visitor parking sessions in new Controlled Parking Zones.

Medium Term Financial Strategy and Reserves Policy 2023-24 to 2027-28

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, introduced the report on the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) and Reserves Policy. He highlighted the external uncertainties, including government funding, the cost of living crisis, and inflationary pressures, which have led to a projected cumulative funding gap of £28.3 million over the next five years. The strategy aims to bridge this gap through existing and new savings proposals, transformation programmes, and identifying new investment opportunities. A key assumption in the MTFS is the continuation of council tax rises, starting at 4.99% next year. The Cabinet resolved to approve the MTFS and Reserves Policy, and endorse the proposed approach to ensure the Council's financial health.

East London Waste Authority (ELWA) Waste Disposal Contract - Outline Business Case

Councillor Kashif Haroon, Cabinet Member for Public Realm and Climate Change, presented the Outline Business Case (OBC) for the future management of waste when ELWA's current contract expires in December 2027. ELWA is the statutory waste disposal authority for Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, and Redbridge. The preferred option, Option 2, involves converting current pre-treatment facilities into waste reception facilities, where waste will be bulked and then transported elsewhere for treatment. While Cabinet members expressed a preference for local waste disposal, they acknowledged ELWA's statutory role and agreed that Option 2 was the best way forward. The Cabinet resolved to support the ELWA OBC, agree in principle to make the Frizlands Lane Reuse and Recycling Centre available to the new contractor, and note ELWA's programme of work for contract expiry and demobilisation.

Parking and Cost-of-Living Proposals

Councillor Maureen Worby, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration, introduced proposals to support residents during the cost-of-living crisis. These included extending free parking in Council-owned car parks from one hour to two hours, and in on-street secondary shopping parades from 30 minutes to one hour. Additionally, households in new Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) will be offered 10 free visitor parking permits in their first year. Councillor Worby stated these were small gestures but important acknowledgements of the difficulties residents face. The Cabinet resolved to agree to these extended free parking periods and the provision of free visitor parking sessions in new CPZs.

New Build Schemes - Approval of Disposals, Head Leases and Loan Facility Agreements

Councillor Cameron Geddes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, presented a report on proposals to dispose of a further 583 new homes across three new build schemes on the Gascoigne Estate. These homes will transfer to the Barking and Dagenham Reside Regeneration Ltd (Reside) structure. Approximately 60% of these homes will be at sub-market rents, including London Affordable Rent, Target Rent, and Social Rent levels, to support those on the housing waiting list. The Cabinet resolved to approve, in principle, the disposal of these schemes by granting long leases to the appropriate Reside entity, approve the draft Heads of Terms and loans, and delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Finance and Investment, and the Chief Legal Officer to finalise and execute the necessary agreements.

Procurement of Apprenticeship Training Provision

Councillor Dominic Twomey, Leader of the Council, introduced a report seeking approval to enter into an agreement with the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) for apprenticeship training and assessment. This follows the expiry of the previous arrangement with Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO). The YPO framework was identified as the most efficient route, allowing collaboration with local providers already affiliated with YPO. The Council aims to meet its target of 5% of the workforce undertaking an apprenticeship. The Cabinet resolved to agree to the procurement of a four-year contract via the YPO Framework and delegate authority to the Director of Workforce Change to award and enter into the necessary agreements.

Direct Award of Elements of the All-Age Care Technology Service Contract

Councillor Maureen Worby presented a report on the direct award of elements of the Council's all-age Care Technology service contract to Alcove. Following poor performance by the current provider, two of the three service elements were partially terminated. Due to the urgency and the Council's obligations under the Care Act 2014, a direct award to Alcove for a two-year period (with a possible six-month extension) was proposed while an open procurement process is run. Alcove was the only provider able to meet the urgent requirements. The Cabinet resolved to approve the direct award to Alcove and delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, to award and enter into the contract.

Procurement Strategy for Fire Doors Replacement Project

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, presented a report on the procurement strategy for replacing fire doors in the Council's high-rise estate. This follows a previous Cabinet decision not to recharge leaseholders for front entrance doors but to recharge for communal doors. The works will be carried out in phases, with the next phase focusing on Millard Terrace, Thaxted House, Old Mead House, and Bartlett House in Dagenham. The estimated contract value is £4 million. The Cabinet resolved to agree to the procurement of the contract and authorise the Strategic Director of My Place to conduct the procurement and award the contract.

Contract for Supported Living Services

Councillor Maureen Worby introduced a report on the procurement of a new Supported Living Services contract. This service is crucial for vulnerable residents with disability and mental health needs who cannot live independently. The current block contract model is financially inefficient, leading to void rooms and the inability to meet all individual needs. The new contract will be a framework agreement, aiming to attract a wider range of providers to meet individual needs more effectively and efficiently. The Cabinet resolved to agree to the procurement of a maximum four-year framework contract and delegate authority to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, to award and enter into the contract.

Any other public items which the Chair decides are urgent

The Chair, Councillor Darren Rodwell, placed on record his appreciation for Philip Gregory, Strategic Director, Finance and Investment, who was leaving the Council. He also paid tribute to Lord Bob Kerslake, Chair of Be First, who had recently passed away, and asked for a minute's applause in his memory.

The meeting was then declared closed.