The Cabinet of Southwark Council met on Monday 17 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the closure of Comber Grove Primary School, the procurement of council energy contracts, and the replacement of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Decisions were made to approve the closure of Comber Grove Primary School, to proceed with the procurement strategy for a school food procurement framework, and to approve the use of the LASER flexible procurement framework for council energy contracts.

Closure of Comber Grove Primary School

The Cabinet agreed to the proposal for the closure of Comber Grove Primary School from 31 August 2024. Councillor Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education and Refugees, presented the report, highlighting that the decision was made due to steep demographic changes leading to falling school rolls and financial unsustainability. Despite a strong campaign from parents and staff, the school would have been operating with 42% empty places. The report detailed extensive consultation with stakeholders, including parents, staff, and neighbouring councils. Alternative options considered and not recommended included maintaining the status quo, further reducing the Published Admissions Number (PAN), forming a hard federation, amalgamating with another school, or entering into an arrangement with a Multi Academy Trust. The council will provide support for children, families, and staff affected by the closure, with the school building to be repurposed for educational activities.

Procurement Strategy for School Food Procurement Framework

The Cabinet approved the procurement strategy for the development of a school food procurement framework. This framework, with a four-year term provisionally commencing in December 2024 and an estimated value of £4m, aims to improve the nutritional quality, consistency, and sustainability of school meals across Southwark. Councillor Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education and Refugees, explained that the framework would also reduce the administrative burden on schools and stimulate market access for Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) organisations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The strategy will be developed in collaboration with the Department for Education's Get Help Buying for Schools (GHBS) service. The decision is contingent on the outcome of market and school engagement, with the subsequent Gateway 2 decision delegated to the Strategic Director for Children and Adult Services.

Council Energy Contracts Procurement

The Cabinet approved the use of the LASER flexible procurement framework to administer the purchase and supply of the council's gas and electricity for a four-year period from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2029, with a possible one-year extension. Councillor John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business, presented the report, emphasizing the importance of securing good value and price stability in volatile energy markets, as well as the opportunity to use purchasing power to lower carbon emissions. The LASER framework offers flexibility and access to wholesale market prices, which have historically provided significant cost savings for the council. The framework also includes 'green energy' options to support the council's transition to renewable energy sources and achieve its carbon neutrality targets. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Environment, Neighbourhoods & Growth, in consultation with relevant cabinet members and officers, to award the contracts and approve purchasing options, service level agreements, and green energy options.

Replacement of the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System

The Cabinet approved the procurement strategy for the replacement of the council's Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Democracy and Finance, explained that the current SAP system, procured in 1999, is nearing the end of its support life and requires replacement to provide a modern, integrated platform for core business processes. The new system will enhance data integrity, reporting capabilities, and cyber security. The procurement will be conducted via Crown Commercial Service (CCS) frameworks, RM6194 and RM6193, for a period of up to ten years with an estimated maximum value of £35.7m. The council will procure a fully integrated ERP solution, excluding best of breed solutions, to ensure consistent processes and a single source of truth for master data. Authority was delegated to the Strategic Director of Finance to approve contract awards and alternative procurement routes if necessary.

Appointments to Outside Bodies and Panels, Boards, and Forums

The Cabinet agreed to appointments to various outside bodies and panels, boards, and forums for the 2024-25 municipal year. These appointments included nominations to bodies such as the Better Bankside Board, Blue Bermondsey BID Board, Board of Southwark College Corporation, and various NHS Trust councils. Councillor Kieron Williams, Leader of the Council, noted the addition of the Southwark Twinning Association as a new outside body appointment. The appointments were made in line with the council's commitment to engaging with external organisations and ensuring representation on key committees.

The meeting concluded with the exclusion of press and public for the discussion of Item 14, Gateway 1 - Procurement Strategy Approval: Replacement of the Enterprise Resource Planning System, due to the likely disclosure of exempt information.