The Cabinet meeting scheduled for Tuesday 17 September 2024 was set to cover a wide range of financial monitoring, regeneration projects, and policy adoptions. Key discussions were expected to include the council's revenue budget and capital programme monitoring for the first quarter of 2024/25, updates on significant development projects like Be First, and the adoption of crucial planning documents such as the Local Plan and the Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document.

Revenue Budget and Capital Programme Monitoring 2024/25 (Quarter 1, June 2024)

The Cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on the council's financial position for the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year. The report indicated a projected revenue overspend of £3.844m on the General Fund, primarily driven by lower than anticipated returns from the Investment and Acquisition Strategy (IAS) portfolio and significant pressures within Adult Services. There was also a forecast overspend of £4.137m within the Dedicated Schools Grant, specifically within the High Needs Block, attributed to increased demand and provider costs. Conversely, a forecast underspend of £395k was noted for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). The Capital Programme was forecasting an underspend of £0.255m against the re-profiled budget. The report recommended noting these positions and approving drawdowns from reserves to mitigate the overspends.

Be First Development Update

An update on the activities of Be First, the council's planning and delivery arm, was scheduled. This included reporting on the successful completion of 745 new homes in 2024, with a further 212 planned for handover by the end of the year. The report also highlighted three construction projects requiring budget extensions due to increased costs and extended construction periods: Woodward Road (£3.6m increase), Gascoigne East Block I (£750,000 increase), and Roxwell Road (up to £2.5m increase). Cabinet was asked to approve these budget increases to ensure contractual obligations were met and construction could be completed.

Permanent Pavement Licensing Regime

The Cabinet was to consider the implementation of a permanent pavement licensing regime, following changes introduced by the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023. This new regime replaces temporary COVID-19 provisions and introduces changes to fees, licence durations, consultation timelines, and enforcement powers. Recommendations included setting licence durations at a maximum of 12 months and agreeing fees of £350 for existing licence holders and £500 for new applicants, aiming for cost recovery.

Supported and Semi-Independent Accommodation Open Framework Tender

A report was scheduled to seek approval for the procurement of an Open Framework for supported and semi-independent accommodation for looked-after young people aged 16 and older, up to a maximum age of 25. This framework aims to establish a range of placement provisions to meet individual needs, ensure value for money, and comply with the Procurement Act 2023. The framework would be composed of four lots, catering to different types of accommodation and support needs, including provision for young parents. Authority was requested to conduct the procurement and award the framework.

Change to Loan Terms and Conditions to Barking & Dagenham Trading Partnership Ltd

The Cabinet was to consider a change to the loan terms for Barking & Dagenham Trading Partnership Ltd (BDTP). A £5.0m working capital loan, which expired on 31 July 2024, was not being serviced by BDTP due to additional savings requirements impacting their finances. External advisors recommended converting the loan to an equity investment, but this is contingent on demonstrating long-term value. In the interim, approval was sought to extend the working capital loan facility until 31 March 2025 on the same terms as the previous agreement.

Adoption of the Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD)

The Cabinet was asked to recommend the adoption of the Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This document provides detailed guidance on the council's approach to Section 106 planning obligations, alongside the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). It aims to provide a consistent approach to negotiating planning contributions to balance viability challenges with the need for infrastructure to mitigate the impacts of growth. The SPD had undergone public consultation, and revisions were made based on feedback received.

Adoption of Barking and Dagenham 2037 Local Plan

A significant item on the agenda was the proposed adoption of the Barking and Dagenham 2037 Local Plan. This report detailed key changes made to the plan since its submission for examination, resulting from public consultation and hearing sessions. The Planning Inspectors had deemed the plan 'sound' subject to these modifications. Recommendations included adopting the Local Plan, delegating authority for minor edits, and noting the Inspectors' report and modifications.

Contract for the Provision of Print Services for Marketing and Information Materials and Web-to-Print

Approval was sought to direct award a contract for print services to Allied Publicity Services (Manchester) Ltd (APS) via the CCS Framework RM6071 Print Marketplace. This contract, for an initial three-year period with a one-year extension option, aims to provide value for money, consistency of service, and a more streamlined digital process for commissioning print. The move to a managed service provider with an online portal was intended to improve efficiency and transparency.

Utilising the Levelling Up Fund Grant to Acquire Commercial and Residential Leaseholder Properties at Dagenham Heathway

The Cabinet was to consider utilising the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) grant to acquire residential leaseholder properties at Millard Terrace and commercial leaseholder properties at the Heathway Shopping Centre. These acquisitions are seen as crucial early-stage interventions to facilitate future comprehensive redevelopment of the Dagenham Heathway site. The report recommended agreeing to match-fund the project via the HRA and General Fund, and to proceed with the procurement of a design team. The use of Compulsory Purchase Powers was also noted as a potential, albeit last resort, option if voluntary acquisition negotiations were unsuccessful.

Debt Management Performance - Quarter 1 2024/25

The Cabinet was presented with the performance of the Collections service for the first quarter of the 2024/25 financial year. The report detailed collection rates for Council Tax, Business Rates, Rents, General Income, and Adult Social Care debts. While overall collection rates showed improvement in some areas, Council Tax and Business Rates collection were noted as being behind the previous year's performance, with explanations provided for the shortfalls.

Supported and Semi-Independent Accommodation Open Framework Tender

This report sought approval to establish an Open Framework for supported and semi-independent accommodation for looked-after young people aged 16 and older. The framework aims to ensure a pool of high-quality, pre-approved providers that meet the diverse needs of young people, represent value for money, and comply with procurement regulations. The framework would be structured into four lots to cater for different support requirements.

Officer Decision Under Delegated Authority: Dagenham Heathway Redevelopment (C0:5147) – Lead Designer Appointment

This report sought approval to appoint a Lead Designer and sub-consultant team from the new Be First Designer Framework to advance the design of the Dagenham Heathway Redevelopment project to RIBA stage 3. This appointment is crucial for progressing the planning strategy, particularly in linking the Dagenham Heathway site with Jervis Court as a decant site, which is essential for securing vacant possession and facilitating future redevelopment. The procurement would follow a mini-competition procedure.