The Cabinet of Barking and Dagenham Council met on Tuesday 19 March 2024 to discuss the council's financial performance, regeneration projects, and the procurement of essential services. Key decisions included the allocation of £450,000 in Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding to extend Uber Boat by Thames Clipper services at Barking Riverside, and the approval of the procurement strategy for a new 0-19 Integrated Healthy Child Programme contract.

Revenue Budget Monitoring and Capital Programme Update

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 projected to have a net overspend of £6.016 million, a significant improvement of £3.32 million from the previous period. This improvement was attributed to management actions and spending controls. However, the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) was forecasting a projected overspend of approximately £5.396 million. The council's 2023/24 Capital Programme showed a projected end-of-year spend of £361.832 million against a revised budget of £339.042 million. Cabinet resolved to note these projections and the projected drawdown from reserves to support the in-year position.

Allocation of Strategic CIL for Uber Boat Thames Clipper Services

A report was presented on an application from Barking Riverside Limited (BRL) for £450,000 in Strategic Community Infrastructure Levy (SCIL) funding to support extended Uber Boat by Thames Clipper (UBTC) services at Barking Riverside. The current service operates peak weekday and all-day weekend services. The proposed funding, to be allocated over three years, would enable an all-day weekday service, making it commercially viable without subsidy. BRL would also need to secure remaining funding from other partners. Cabinet resolved to support the proposal in principle, noting the draft letter of support to BRL and delegating authority to the Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth, to ensure compliance with the Subsidy Control Act 2022 and execute necessary agreements.

Procurement of 0-19 Integrated Healthy Child Programme Contract

Cabinet agreed to proceed with the procurement of a new integrated 0-19 Healthy Child Programme (HCP) service, which includes Health Visiting, School Nursing, and the National Child Measurement Programme. This programme aims to bring together health, education, and other partners to deliver prevention and support for the borough's children and young people. The current contract with North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) expires on 31 December 2024. The new contract will be for an initial five-year term with an option to extend for a further two years. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director for Children and Adults to conduct the procurement and award the contract.

Procurement of Specialist Intervention Service (SIS) Family Contact Services

Proposals were agreed for the procurement of a new four-year Framework Agreement for the provision of Family Contact services, commencing 1 September 2024. The council has a statutory duty under the Children Act 1989 to make arrangements for children in its care to have reasonable contact with their parents. The service is delivered by the in-house Specialist Intervention Service (SIS) Family Time Family Contact Team, supported by externally commissioned providers. To allow time for the new procurement, existing 'call off contracts' will be extended until 31 August 2024. Cabinet agreed to establish the four-year framework, enter into two new 'call off contracts' 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 approved, in principle, the disposal of 212 new homes built at the Woodward Road and 12 Thames Road redevelopment projects. These properties will 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. A service charge will be applied to all new London Affordable Rent (LAR) properties and existing Reside LAR properties upon renewal. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Resources, to finalise loan terms and associated documents, and to the Head of Legal to execute all necessary agreements.

Debt Management Performance 2023/24 (Quarter 3)

The latest debt management performance report for the third quarter of the 2023/24 financial year was presented. 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. Cabinet noted the performance of the debt management function, including improvements in some areas and challenges in others.

Direct Award of Social Care Case Management System Contract

Cabinet agreed to the direct award of a contract for the Liquid Logic IT system from System C for an initial five-year term, with an option to extend by a further two years. The Liquid Logic system is a key business application for both Adults and Children's Social Care, with integrations to other council service areas and external agencies. A direct award was deemed the preferred option due to the system's reach, synergies with neighbouring authorities, and the financial and resource implications of a full tender process. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director, Children and Adults, to award and enter into the contract.

Other Items

Cabinet also noted tributes to Councillor Steve Curran, former Leader of Hounslow Council, and James Coulstock, Interim Strategic Director, Inclusive Growth, who was leaving the council. Lesley Burke, Personal Assistant to the Leader, was also paid tribute as she was retiring.