The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 19 March 2024 to discuss the council's revenue budget monitoring, the allocation of funding for Thames Clipper services, and the procurement of various essential services. Key decisions included noting the projected revenue overspend for the General Fund and Housing Revenue Account, approving funding for extended Uber Boat services, and agreeing to procure new contracts for the Healthy Child Programme and Specialist Intervention Services.

Revenue Budget Monitoring 2023/24 and Capital Programme Update

The Cabinet received an update on the council's revenue budget monitoring for the 2023/24 financial year, as of January 2024 (Period 10). The General Fund was forecasting a net overspend of £6.016 million, which represented a significant improvement of £3.32 million from the previous period. This improvement was attributed to management actions and spending control measures implemented throughout the year. Despite this positive movement, a drawdown on reserves would be necessary to balance the budget at the year-end. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was also projecting an overspend of approximately £5.396 million, which would be met from the HRA reserve. The Q3 Capital Programme update showed a projected end-of-year spend of £361.832 million against a revised budget of £339.042 million. Cabinet resolved to note these positions and the projected movements in reserves.

Allocation of Strategic CIL for Uber Boat Thames Clipper Services

A report was presented on an application from Barking Riverside Limited (BRL) for funding from the Council's Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) to support extended Uber Boat by Thames Clipper services at Barking Riverside. The current services operate a peak weekday service and an all-day weekend service. The proposed funding would enable an all-day weekday service, making the service more commercially viable over a three-year period. Benefits highlighted included improved transport connectivity for residents, increased visitor numbers, enhanced local business trading conditions, and better access to educational trips for local schools. Cabinet resolved to support the proposal with £450,000 allocated over three years, conditional on BRL securing the remaining funding. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth, to ensure compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and to execute necessary agreements.

Procurement of 0-19 Integrated Healthy Child Programme Contract

The Cabinet was asked to agree to the procurement of a new integrated 0-19 Healthy Child Programme (HCP) service, set to commence from January 2025. This programme encompasses health visiting for 0-5 year olds, school nursing for 5-19 year olds (extending to 25 for those with SEND), and the National Child Measurement Programme. The service aims to deliver prevention and support for the borough's children and young people, aligning with the Council's 'Best Chance in Life' priorities. The estimated contract value over five years is £36.18 million, funded by the Public Health Grant. Cabinet resolved to agree to the procurement of this contract and delegate authority for its conduct and award.

Procurement of Specialist Intervention Service (SIS) Family Contact Services

A report was presented on proposals to procure a new four-year Framework Agreement for the provision of Family Contact services, commencing September 2024. The Council has a statutory duty under the Children Act 1989 to ensure children in its care have reasonable contact with their parents. The current framework agreement is due to expire in May 2024, and an extension of 'call off contracts' until August 2024 is proposed to allow time for a new procurement exercise. Cabinet resolved to agree to the establishment of a new four-year framework contract, enter into two new 'call off contracts' under the current framework for two years, approve a waiver to extend contracts for three providers for three months, and delegate authority for the award and execution of agreements.

Woodward Road and 12 Thames Road - Approval of Disposals, Head Lease and Loan Facility Agreement

Cabinet was asked to approve the disposal of a further 212 new homes at the Woodward Road and 12 Thames Road redevelopment projects. These properties would be disposed of via long leases and associated loans to the Barking and Dagenham Reside Regeneration Ltd (Reside) or Barking and Dagenham Homes Ltd (BDHL) structure of companies. The report also sought approval for the application of a service charge to all new London Affordable Rent (LAR) properties and existing Reside LAR properties upon renewal. Cabinet resolved to approve, in principle, the disposal of these schemes, the indicative draft Heads of Terms for leases and loans, and delegated authority for finalising terms and executing agreements.

Debt Management Performance 2023/24 (Quarter 3)

The Cabinet received the debt management performance report for the third quarter of the 2023/24 financial year. The report highlighted that overall collection rates had increased by 7% compared to the previous year, equating to an additional £21.6 million in income. Improvements were noted in Council Tax arrears collection, although current year Council Tax collection was slightly below target. The report also detailed performance in Business Rates, Rents, and Adult Social Care collections, noting both improvements and challenges in specific areas. Cabinet resolved to note the performance of the debt management function.

Direct Award of Social Care Case Management System Contract

A report was presented on proposals to directly award a contract for the Liquid Logic IT system, provided by System C, for an initial five-year term with a potential two-year extension. Liquid Logic is described as a critical business application for both Adults and Children's Social Care, with integrations into other council service areas and external agencies. The system is also used by neighbouring boroughs, facilitating data sharing. Given the specialist nature of the market and the significant costs and risks associated with a full tender process, a direct award was recommended. Cabinet resolved to agree to the direct award of the contract and authorise the relevant Strategic Director to award and enter into the necessary agreements.

Other Items

The Chair noted the sad passing of Councillor Steve Curran, former Leader of Hounslow Council. Tributes were also paid to James Coulstock, Interim Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth, who was leaving the council, and Lesley Burke, Leader's PA, who was retiring.