The Cabinet of Waltham Forest Council met on 20 January 2015, approving significant changes to the local Council Tax Support scheme and the procurement of new Facilities Management services. The meeting also saw the adoption of new Council priorities for 2015-2018 and the approval of the expansion of Belmont Park Special School.

Local Council Tax Support Scheme 2015/16

Cabinet approved a new scheme for Council Tax Support from 1 April 2015, following the abolition of the National Council Tax Benefit by central government. Under the new scheme, the maximum support for working-age people will reduce from 84% to 76% of their eligible Council Tax liability by 2016-17. Other changes include a 25% increase in standard fixed rate non-dependant deductions for other adults in a household, an increase in the taper applied to income from 20% to 25%, and a reduction in the capital/savings limit for support from £16,000 to £6,000.

Despite these reductions, the scheme will continue to fully disregard War Widows' and War Widowers' pensions, as well as other incomes such as Child Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, and Personal Independence Payments. To mitigate the impact of these changes, Cabinet agreed to establish a Discretionary Hardship Fund with up to £750,000 available to provide additional support to those experiencing the greatest financial hardship. The remaining provisions of the council's final scheme for 2015-2017 will continue as currently published on the Council's website. Responsibility for making minor consequential changes to the detailed provision was delegated to the Director of Finance, in consultation with the Portfolio Lead Member for Economic Growth and High Streets.

Procurement of Facilities Management Services

In response to increasing pressure on the Council's budget due to government cuts, Cabinet approved a proposed procurement programme for the provision of a Total Facilities Management (TFM) contract. This move aims to reduce expenditure within Facilities Management. The contract is expected to commence on 1 January 2016, or as soon as possible thereafter. Authority to award the contract to the successful supplier was delegated to the Assistant Director Asset Management and Delivery, in consultation with the Chief Operating Officer and the portfolio lead member responsible for Redefining Waltham Forest.

Council Priorities 2015 - 2018

Cabinet adopted the Council priorities and commitments for the period January 2015 to May 2018. These priorities have been subject to public and political consultation and will be delivered subject to the Council's financial ability, which will be continuously monitored. Cabinet also noted the arrangements for monitoring and reporting on progress in delivering these priorities and commitments, as well as feedback on areas where residents believe the Council should spend and save money when agreeing the budget for 2015-16.

Expansion of Belmont Park Special School with the Addition of a 6th Form

Cabinet approved the statutory proposal to establish a sixth form and expand the age range to 10-18 at Belmont Park Special School¹. This expansion will allow pupils who require additional support to achieve their GCSEs to reach their full potential. The proposal, which has undergone consultation, will affect approximately 25 pupils.

Domiciliary Care Re-commissioning

Cabinet approved new arrangements for domiciliary care services, which will move towards an outcome-focused delivery model from 1 October 2015. A Dynamic Purchasing System will be used to commission these services. While the new arrangements are in place, some discussions regarding the London Living Wage need to be addressed in the future.

Disposal of Willowfield School Site

Cabinet agreed to the sale of the council-owned Clifton Avenue site, currently occupied by Willowfield School, by 31 March 2015. The sale is to the Department for Education/Education and Skills Funding Agency for a capital receipt, subject to a valuation from the District Valuation Office, less legal and surveying costs. This capital receipt will be used to finance capital programme priorities. The adjacent caretaker's house is excluded from this disposal.

Digital Services Technology - December 2014

Cabinet agreed to adopt Option 2 as the preferred new approach for delivering Digital Services Technology. This decision follows a review of current technologies and the identification of a need for new investment to meet rising resident expectations and improve customer services. Authority to procure and award a contract for replacement technology for a period of two years was delegated to the Chief Operating Officer, following consultation with the Deputy Leader. The anticipated Total Cost of Ownership for the new technology over two years is £3.1m, compared to £5.1m for continuing with the current technology. Funding of £700,000 for the new solution will be met from the Budget Strategy Reserve.

Commissioning Framework

Cabinet noted the Waltham Forest Commissioning Framework 2015, which provides a consistent and robust framework for the Council to make informed decisions. Responsibility for amending the general scheme of delegation and other documentation to reflect the governance set out in the framework was delegated to the Director of Governance. Approval of amendments arising from the annual review of the framework was delegated to the Director of Neighbourhoods and Commissioning, subject to any key decisions being referred to Cabinet.

Housing Option Appraisal

Cabinet agreed to commence a consultation exercise regarding the future options for the management of the Council's housing services and functions. The final content, arrangements, and format of the consultation documentation, including the proposed options, were delegated to the Housing Special Adviser in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing and the Director of Governance.

Council Tax Base and Business Rate Base Report

Cabinet agreed to the Council Tax Base for Waltham Forest for 2015/16, which is set at 68,526 properties. The budgeted collection rate was agreed at 97.5%. The Council will retain a 0% discount for second homes, with the exception of job-related second homes, and a 0% discount for Empty Properties Class A and Class C. A premium of 150% for Long Term Empty Properties will also be retained. Responsibility for approving discretionary rate relief and setting the Business Rate Tax Base for 2015/16 was delegated to the Director of Finance.

Protection of Public Houses in Waltham Forest Through the Planning System

Cabinet noted an information report regarding the protection of public houses in Waltham Forest. It was highlighted that 35% of the Borough's public houses have been lost since 1997. A supplementary planning document is being developed to protect these community assets, and the use of an Article 4 Direction to restrict the change of use of public houses is being investigated.

Monthly Financial Monitoring Report

Cabinet noted the revenue financial position at month 8. They also agreed the London Councils Grants Scheme budget for 2015/16 and approved the Council's contribution to the scheme for the same year, amounting to £284,211.