Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

Members and co-opted Members of the Council are reminded that, in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct and the statutory provisions of the Localism Act, they are required to consider in advance of each meeting whether they have a disclosable pecuniary interest (DPI), an other registrable interest (ORI) or a non-registrable interest (NRI) in relation to any matter on the agenda. If advice is needed, Members should contact the Monitoring Officer in good time before the meeting.

If any Member or co-opted Member of the Council identifies a DPI or ORI which they have not already registered on the Council’s register of interests or which requires updating, they should complete the disclosure form which can be obtained from Democratic Services at any time, copies of which will be available at the meeting for return to the Monitoring Officer.

Members and co-opted Members are required to disclose any DPIs and ORIs at the meeting.

-      Where the matter relates to a DPI they may not participate in any discussion or vote on the matter and must not stay in the meeting unless granted a dispensation.

-      Where the matter relates to an ORI they may not vote on the matter unless granted a dispensation.

-      Where a Member or co-opted Member has an NRI which directly relates to their financial interest or wellbeing, or that of a relative or close associate, they must disclose the interest at the meeting, may not take part in any discussion or vote on the matter and must not stay in the meeting unless granted a dispensation. Where a matter affects the NRI of a Member or co-opted Member, section 9 of Appendix B of the Code of Conduct sets out the test which must be applied by the Member to decide whether disclosure is required.

The Chair will invite Members to make their disclosure orally at the commencement of Agenda item 3, to be recorded in the minutes.

There were none.

To approve the minutes of Cabinet, 14^th February 2024 as an accurate record.

The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday 14 February 2024 were agreed as an accurate record.

To receive notice of any business not on the agenda which in the opinion of the Chair, by reason of special circumstances, be considered as a matter of urgency.

There were no items of urgent business.

Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED: To

1.1    Receive the recommendations arising from the meetings of the Homes Sub - Committee held on 23 October 2023 (Appendix 1) and the Scrutiny & Overview Committee held on 16 January 2024.

1.2    To provide a substantive response to the recommendation (a Scrutiny Stage 2 Report) at the Cabinet meeting on 15 May 2024.

The Executive Mayor introduced both the Stage 1 and Stage 2 Scrutiny reports – Recommendations and Responses to Recommendations. Both reports were taken together.

The Chair of Scrutiny and Overview Committee, Councillor Rowenna Davis, shared with Cabinet that:

-        The Scrutiny and Overview Committee (the Committee) noted the positive response to several of the recommendations. In particular, future consultations on the budget will receive an independent review prior to publication.

-         Councillors will be invited to join walkabouts with officers to check that fly tipping and graffiti are removed quickly and to a sufficient standard in their wards. The Committee noted that sight visits began in January 2024.

-        Regarding crime and disorder in the borough, the Committee noted that Croydon’s crime rate is below the London average but suffers disproportionately from some types of crimes, notably youth on youth.

-         The Committee noted that police who attended the Committee on 26 March emphasised initiatives being taken to lower the crime rate amongst young people including patrols at schools opening and closing times, and 22 officers working full time in schools across the borough to build strong and trusted relationships with teachers and students.

-        The Committee look forward to hearing how many new mentors has been created and what the plans are for fulfilling the Manifesto pledge at the Children’s scrutiny sub-committee.

-        Concluding on the topic of violence against women and girls, Councillor Davies commended all those committed to producing, enriching and shaping the strategy to tackle this issue. including those who participated and contributed to the new VAWG Strategy with three dedicated events. The Committee look forward to the final VAWG Strategy and crucially the impact on protecting women and girls in the borough.

The Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Ola Kolade also took the opportunity to thank the partners, Chair and Committee, and officers who contributed to the comprehensive meeting of the night prior.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED: To

1.1     Receive the recommendations arising from the meetings of the Homes Sub - Committee held on 23 October 2023 (Appendix 1) and the Scrutiny & Overview Committee held on 16 January 2024.

1.2     To provide a substantive response to the recommendation (a Scrutiny Stage 2 Report) at the Cabinet meeting on 15 May 2024.

Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED: To

2.1.1   Approve the responses and action plans attached to this report as

Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5; and

2.1.2   Delegate authority to the officers identified in Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 to report back to the Scrutiny and Overview Committee, or relevant Sub-Committee, within the periods specified in the agreed responses and action plans, and on progress made in implementing any action plan.

Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED: To

2.1.1   Approve the responses and action plans attached to this report as

Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5; and

2.1.2   Delegate authority to the officers identified in Appendices 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 to report back to the Scrutiny and Overview Committee, or relevant Sub-Committee, within the periods specified in the agreed responses and action plans, and on progress made in implementing any action plan.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet amended the report recommendations and RESOLVED to:

2.1       Approve the “Future Croydon” - the Transformation Plan 2024–2029, and agreed that the reporting cycle was to be clarified at a future Cabinet meeting.

2.2       Approve the update to the existing transformation plan, previously agreed at Cabinet in November 2022, renamed the Council Improvement Programme 2022 – 2027.

The Executive Mayor introduced the Transformation Plan 2024-2029 which outlines how the plan will be achieved, transforming and modernising council services.  

The Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, Councillor Lynne Hale shared with Cabinet that the Transformation Plan 2024 - 2029 was a welcome plan that builds on the foundations of the significant improvement work already undertaken. The proposals mark a pivoting point for Croydon with its radical customer focused plans which will maximise the use of technology and put residents first, always mindful of accessibility. It will be achieved by working together, with staff and our partners in the voluntary, business and statutory sectors to develop new ways of working and ensuring residents are heard.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Jason Cummings informed Cabinet that the strategy intends to make Croydon the most efficient borough in London and fully expects to see other councils following Croydon’s lead. Further, only a complete transformation of how the council operates will allow the challenges ahead to be met. Steps will be taken to ensure technological advancements will be accessible, simple, easy and convenient to all residents. The Director of Transformation, Sharon Godman was welcomed to the team.

The Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration & Economic Recovery, Nick Hibberd added that the corporate management team were focused and committed to supporting the delivery of the plan, working with communities and partners to ensure all of the funding works.

The Chief Executive Officer, Katherine Kerswell noted all seven Corporate Directors were cited in the report to signal the commitment and plan provided firm foundations in moving the council forward. The staff response to the plan was positive, and CE paid tribute to all who had been involved with informing the plan citing that it is an exciting moment.

The Leader of the Opposition, Councillor Stuart King welcomed and acknowledged the significance of the plan. However, it was noted that it was not a Council Plan that elected members could engage in but that of the Executive Mayor - as not part of the Council’s Budgetary & Policy Framework. Further, in regard to recommendation 2:1 a request was made to consider a formal reporting regime of every three months to cabinet rather than every six months for the next 12 months or for as long as the period that the panel remain in Croydon in order to give all Members a transparent and visible opportunity to engage with the programme.

The Executive Mayor responded that the reporting process and recommendation would be reviewed to see whether it should comeback more often and changed to “Subject to Review”.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Cummings interjected that a significant number of the elements of the Transformation Plan would come through the Cabinet process individually and, as the Executive Mayor has provided a commitment to review it over all suggested elements could be labelled within the agenda to be clearer as to what is being updated.

The Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Callton Young, stated  ...  view the full minutes text for item 138/24

Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED:

2.1.          to agree the publication of the Proposed Submission draft of the Croydon Local Plan review (Appendix 1), its associated additional Sustainability Appraisals (Appendix 2) and updated additional supporting evidence for six weeks for representations to be made upon it, in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012;

2.2         to agree that the Proposed Submission draft of the Croydon Local Plan review be recommended to Full Council for submission to the Secretary of State upon expiry of the statutory 6-week publication period including, if applicable, any minor changes arising from any representations received in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012;

2.3         delegate minor and/or factual changes to the Proposed Submission draft of the Croydon Local Plan review including the Policies Maps, prior to publication to the Director of Planning and Sustainable Regeneration in consultation with the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration.

2.4            delegate to the Corporate Director for Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery, in consultation with the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, the publication of draft Supplementary Planning Documents.

2.5         delegate to the Corporate Director for Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery, in consultation with the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, the publication of draft Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule: and 

2.6         delegate to the Corporate Director for Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery, in consultation with the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, the publication of the Council’s Authority’s Monitoring Reports and Infrastructure Funding Statements. 

The Executive Mayor introduced the revised Partial Local Plan review which removes the excesses of the past and prioritises design, character over density, includes new policies for HMO's, respects local character and protects green spaces.

The Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, Councillor Jeet Bains, informed Cabinet that the consultation will commence in May and will be conducted for not less than six weeks.

-         It will be limited to the national test of soundness against which the Local Plan will be assessed by the Secretary of State appointed examiner.

-         Everyone is encouraged to engage with the consultation.

-        The Local Plan will be presented to Council in April to seek approval to be submitted to the Secretary of State for examination by a Secretary of State Planning Officer.

-        Representations received during the consultation will be considered by the planning inspector at the examination.

The Shadow Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration. Councillor Chris Clark, felt that the statement on page 49 under the heading 4.4 Affordable Homes was although accurate, unduly pessimistic. Alternative wording was proposed for a sentence to be added before the draft plan is submitted to the Secretary of State.

The Executive Mayor noted that there had been plenty of opportunity prior to the meeting for discussion, suggestions and amendments to be made and taken on board. Stating that it is not appropriate to simply adopt a statement at a Cabinet meeting, there would need to be time to review the suggestion in context of the recommendations within the document.

The Head of Spatial Planning, Steve Dennington conferred with Nick Hibbard.

After conferring with the Monitoring Officer, Stephen Lawrence-Orumwense the Executive Mayor confirmed that 2.3 of the recommendation would allow delegation for minor changes prior to publication. Councillor Clark was asked to submit his request via email for review (ideally that night) and advised that if there were any further issues they should be included in the one email. Earlier sentiment in regard to plenty of opportunity were reiterated.

Corporate Director, Nick Hibberd added that in respect of the request made, consideration would need to be given if an amendment to the actual Local Plan needed to be made, or could be taken forward separately.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED:

2.1             to agree the publication of the Proposed Submission draft of the Croydon Local Plan review (Appendix 1), its associated additional Sustainability Appraisals (Appendix 2) and updated additional supporting evidence for six weeks for representations to be made upon it, in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012;

2.2       to agree that the Proposed Submission draft of the Croydon Local Plan review be recommended to Full Council for submission to the Secretary of State upon expiry of the statutory 6-week publication period including, if applicable, any minor changes arising from any representations received in accordance with Regulation 19 of the Town and Country (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012;

2.3       delegate minor and/or factual  ...  view the full minutes text for item 139/24

Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED:

2.1       For the reasons set out in the report and appendices, the Executive Mayor in Cabinet is recommended to:

2.2       Authorise officers to undertake statutory consultation on the proposed parking charges which include:

2.2.1 To increase and retain the 1 hour free parking bays in district and local centres.

2.2.2 To introduce a new 2 hour maximum stay for all 1 hour free parking bays with a nominal charge for customers that require longer parking.

2.2.3 To increase to 1 hour the current 30 minute free parking arrangement in South End and Selsdon Road, South Croydon and London Road, West Croydon with new reduced fees for parking up to 2 hours so that all 1 hour free areas are consistent.

2.2.4 For Central Parade Car Park, to extend the 30 minute free parking arrangement to 1 hour, matching the existing free parking arrangement in the Central Parade service road.

2.2.5 To introduce a flat rate charge for on-street 12 hour maximum stay bays for parking events of more than 8 hours, reducing the current rates for long term parking.

2.2.6 Reduction in the parking charges for West Croydon Station Car Park so that the charges of Town Centre Car Parks are consistent.

2.2.7 New charges for parking permits as set out in Appendix A, with no increase in the resident permit charge for the highest band 5 charges, and increasing the charges for other bands, together with an adjustment of emission bandings, recognising the improved efficiency of vehicles. Page 1002

2.2.8 New On-street and Off-street (car parks) parking charges as set out in Appendix B and C, with an adjustment to the emissions bandings to reflect the improved efficiency of vehicles:

• Band 1 – emission vehicles (Electric Vehicles) – reduced discount from 90% to 25%

• Band 2 – emission vehicles – reduced discount from 25% to 15% and amending the band from 1 to 185 grams/km CO2 to 1 to 138 grams/km CO2.

• Band 3 – emission vehicles – no increase in the existing band 3 tariff and adjusting the band so that it commences for vehicles emitting more than 138 grams/km CO2 in place of the current 185 grams/km.

2.2.9  Increase in operational hours in district centre car parks from 7am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday to a 24 hour operation (Monday to Saturday) with a nominal flat fee (£2.20 for band 3 with 25% and 15% discounts for band 1 and 2 respectively) for parking between 6pm and 7am.

2.2.10 Standardise the no-return period for on-street parking from 1 to 2 hours for all payment bays.

2.2.11 Review of the permit charges for Housing residents and contractors.

2.3       Delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Sustainable Communities, Regeneration and Economic Recovery, in consultation with the Executive Mayor and Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, to give public statutory notice of the above proposals and subject to receiving no objections, make the necessary Traffic Management Orders under the Road Traffic  ...  view the full decision text for item 140/24

The Executive Mayor introduced the Proposed Parking Charge Amendments 2024/2025 highlighting additional benefits of the new parking policy for a fairer, simpler and consistent approach across the borough prior to a three week public consultation.

The Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, Councillor Scott Roche, expanded on the benefits of the amendments for Cabinet, further highlighting on and off-street parking and other changes such as resident permits, emission-based discounts and an increase in free parking allocations to an hour for the benefit of shoppers and businesses. There will be a 21day statutory TOR consultation process prior to implementing the changes. The proposals support delivery of the additional income that was agreed in the MTF budget.

The Shadow Cabinet Member for Streets and Environment, Councillor Christopher Herman requested an outline of the improvements residents will see to their parking services.

The Executive Mayor responded that improvements had been outlined in his opening statement reiterating that the key improvement relates to free parking which would allow shoppers to stay longer in district centres helping local trading which is a key addition to parking services in Croydon. There are a number of initiatives to improve the parking conditions and most importantly support local traders. The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Cummings added that Croydon must adapt to the number of vehicles that sit in the 90% category. The category for the most polluting vehicles were not changing as those vehicles often belong to those who do not have the financial resources to purchase expensive electric cars. The proposals are an update in line with technological advances focused on those who have the resources.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED:

2.1      For the reasons set out in the report and appendices, the Executive Mayor in Cabinet is recommended to:

2.2      Authorise officers to undertake statutory consultation on the proposed parking charges which include:

2.2.1 To increase and retain the 1 hour free parking bays in district and local centres.

2.2.2 To introduce a new 2 hour maximum stay for all 1 hour free parking bays with a nominal charge for customers that require longer parking.

2.2.3 To increase to 1 hour the current 30 minute free parking arrangement in South End and Selsdon Road, South Croydon and London Road, West Croydon with new reduced fees for parking up to 2 hours so that all 1 hour free areas are consistent.

2.2.4 For Central Parade Car Park, to extend the 30 minute free parking arrangement to 1 hour, matching the existing free parking arrangement in the Central Parade service road.

2.2.5 To introduce a flat rate charge for on-street 12 hour maximum stay bays for parking events of more than 8 hours, reducing the current rates for long term parking.

2.2.6 Reduction in the parking charges for West Croydon Station Car Park so that the charges of Town Centre Car Parks are consistent.

2.2.7 New charges for parking permits as set out in Appendix A, with no increase in the resident permit charge for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 140/24

Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED to:

2.1            Note the progress since October 2023 on the Housing Transformation Programme which includes the Voluntary Undertaken given to and accepted by the Regulator of Social Housing (“the Regulator”) which is attached at Appendix A.

.

The Executive Mayor introduced the report which provides an update on the Housing Transformation Programme following the last update to Cabinet in October 2023.

The Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Homes, Councillor Lynne Hale, shared with Cabinet that there had been a number of significant achievements since the last update in October 2023 noting the completion of some projects and the addition of others. Most notably the acceptance by the regulator of social housing of the voluntary undertaking and the substantial award of government funding through the GLA grant for the Regina Road regeneration project. Whilst there is still much work to do those involved remain committed to driving the improvements through, across the three – five-year programme.

The Shadow Cabinet Member for Homes, Councillor Chrishni Reshekaron, noted that it was great to see that Croydon Council has volunteered as one of the Landlords to support the “Stop Social Housing Stigma” campaign and asked what actions we're going to be taken once a response was received from SSHs to ensure that councillors are engaged, support and help the pilot scheme

The Housing Transformation Lead, Lara Ashley responded that there had been missed opportunities, and upcoming activities communicated better. Going forward the team are committed to thoroughly engaging more effectively including with Councillors to encourage more engagement in their areas as the aim is to have as much resident engagement as possible.

The Executive Mayor responded that clearly there should be no stigma around social housing. It is a key priority of this administration to restore social housing to what it should be. Social tenants should receive the same service as anyone else and not be based on their housing tenure.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED to:

2.1              Note the progress since October 2023 on the Housing Transformation Programme which includes the Voluntary Undertaken given to and accepted by the Regulator of Social Housing (“the Regulator”) which is attached at Appendix A.

.

Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED:

2.1            to note the General Fund revenue budget outturn is forecast to underspend by £1.5m at Period 9, after the budgeted utilisation of £63m capitalisation directions requested from DLUHC.

2.2            to note the progress in Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings achievement of £32.4m (89.8%) against the total savings target of £36.1m as set out in paragraph 4.102.

2.3            to note the work that has commenced on the Council’s Transformation Programme as set out from paragraph 4.97.

2.4            to note the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budget outturn is forecast to overspend by £12.0m.

2.5            to note the General Fund capital programme 2023-24 forecast underspend of £20.0m against the revised capital budget of £124.0m.  The 2023-24 General Fund capital budget has been updated to reflect the changes agreed through the Capital Programme and Capital Strategy 2023-29 report at the Cabinet meeting on 14 February 2024.

2.6            to note the HRA capital programme 2023-24 forecast overspend of £1.8m against the revised capital budget of £37.2m.  The 2023-24 HRA capital budget has been updated to reflect the changes agreed through the Capital Programme and Capital Strategy 2023-29 report at the Cabinet meeting on 14 February 2024.

2.7            to approve within the multi-year HRA capital budget the re-profiling of £2.071m budget from 2024-25 to 2023-24.  This is to align the budget with the acquisition of the Belgrave and Grosvenor site and freehold of the previous Printworks site on Portland Place from Brick By Brick in March 2024, as set out from paragraph 4.141.

2.8            to note the Council’s historic borrowing and subsequent debt burden continues to be critical to the non-sustainability of the Council’s revenue budget.  Dialogue with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) continues, and the Council is seeking further financial support from Government in regard to its level of structural indebtedness to ensure it can deliver sustainable local government services.

2.9            to note that the Council continues to operate Spend Control Panels to ensure that tight financial control and assurance oversight are maintained.   

2.10         to note that current forecasts are based on the best available information at the time and will be subject to review and change during the financial year.

The Executive Mayor introduced the Period 9 Financial Performance 2023/24 report which provides the Council’s financial performance as at Period 9 (December 2023) for the General Fund, Housing Revenue Account (HRA) and the Capital Programme.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Jason Cummings, shared with Cabinet that there had been a small improvement in the Council's overall forecast position for year end. The pressures the council are under and indeed all councils in terms of housing costs and children's & adults remain but was pleased to see no new movement within the report which will continue to be monitored as year-end approaches.

Corporate Director of Resources & S151 Officer, Jane West added that although balanced it was with the use of the £63 million of capitalisation directions.

The Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Callton Young, asked for an explanation for the £8,000,000 gap in savings via placements and care packages through demands management. Further, were there any risks associated with the long standing staffing shortages referred to in the report.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Jason Cummings responded that the adult savings were covered extensively at Overview and Scrutiny as part of the Financial Monitoring report. Individual figures based within the reporting pack refer to individual elements of those savings. Around 89% of the overall savings figure is being achieved and takes full account of any potential savings that may not be achieved during the year. Adult and Social Care are meeting and so far this year exceeding their savings target. In regard to staff vacancies, it's not a case of large numbers of vacancies being kept opened to achieve savings it is just the normal operation of the council, and all other councils.

Corporate Director of Resources & S151 Officer, Jane West drew attention to the table within the achievement of savings at paragraph 4.102 which showed that adult social care had an over delivery off the savings so are ahead of themselves in terms of preparing for next year.

 Table showing 2023-24 forecast savings achievement by directorate

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED:

2.1               to note the General Fund revenue budget outturn is forecast to underspend by £1.5m at Period 9, after the budgeted utilisation of £63m capitalisation directions requested from DLUHC.

2.2               to note the progress in Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) savings achievement of £32.4m (89.8%) against the total savings target of £36.1m as set out in paragraph 4.102.

2.3               to note the work that has commenced on the Council’s Transformation Programme as set out from paragraph 4.97.

2.4               to note the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) revenue budget outturn is forecast to overspend by £12.0m.

2.5               to note the General Fund capital programme 2023-24 forecast underspend of £20.0m against the revised capital budget of £124.0m.  The 2023-24 General Fund capital budget has been updated to reflect the changes agreed through the Capital Programme and Capital Strategy 2023-29 report at the Cabinet meeting on 14 February 2024.

2.6               to note the HRA capital programme 2023-24 forecast  ...  view the full minutes text for item 142/24

Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED:

2.1            to approve the 18-month Procurement Pipeline as set out in Appendix A.

2.2            to approve the delegated decisions over £500,000 in value within the Procurement Pipeline to those Lead Members or Officers as stated in Appendix A, that includes the procurement strategy and award decisions, the duration of the contracts and contract values.

2.3            that delegated decisions shall only be exercised following recommendations from the Contracts & Commissioning Board, which include approval from both the Lead Cabinet Member and the Cabinet Member for Finance.

2.4            to allow for minor changes to proceed whilst retaining the agreed delegation so long as none of the following thresholds for changes are exceeded:

         i.        Contract value exceeds that proposed in the Procurement Pipeline, by the lesser of £500K or 25%, or the new aggregate value exceeds £1m and it becomes a key decision

       ii.        Substantial / material changes to procurement from that defined in the Procurement Pipeline e.g. material risks are identified

(Should either of those thresholds be exceeded, the delegation cannot be exercised, and the decision shall be recommended to the Executive Mayor, unless a further delegation is approved. Where a delegated decision is a Key Decision to Officers, it must be made in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member).

2.5            to note the improvements to the pipeline format as set out in section 4.4 of the report.

The Executive Mayor introduced the Procurement Pipeline highlighting the headlines which enhance strategic planning, improve resource allocation, and streamline procurement processes.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Jason Cummings, shared with Cabinet that overall the proposed changes were positive and would help the market in terms of procurement and future contracts which in turn should help the local voluntary sector with visibility whilst also increasing the Council's visibility in terms of what is going forward, and performance; ensuring that those procurements are done correctly and timely.

The Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Callton Young, welcomed the report with its full disclosure of the council's procurement pipeline and asked if any work had been done in the past year to assess cumulative savings that can be achieved through contracts, and if so, what level of savings had been shown.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Jason Cummings, responded that there is not an overall figure for contracts across the council, each department manages their own which is then scrutinised within the budget settings and savings proposals. Once the budget setting process is complete a figure can be put together on how much of the savings relate to contract savings as it would be interesting to see the overall figure.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED:

2.1               to approve the 18-month Procurement Pipeline as set out in Appendix A.

2.2               to approve the delegated decisions over £500,000 in value within the Procurement Pipeline to those Lead Members or Officers as stated in Appendix A, that includes the procurement strategy and award decisions, the duration of the contracts and contract values.

2.3               that delegated decisions shall only be exercised following recommendations from the Contracts & Commissioning Board, which include approval from both the Lead Cabinet Member and the Cabinet Member for Finance.

2.4               to allow for minor changes to proceed whilst retaining the agreed delegation so long as none of the following thresholds for changes are exceeded:

           i.           Contract value exceeds that proposed in the Procurement Pipeline, by the lesser of £500K or 25%, or the new aggregate value exceeds £1m and it becomes a key decision.

          ii.           Substantial / material changes to procurement from that defined in the Procurement Pipeline e.g. material risks are identified.

(Should either of those thresholds be exceeded, the delegation cannot be exercised, and the decision shall be recommended to the Executive Mayor, unless a further delegation is approved. Where a delegated decision is a Key Decision to Officers, it must be made in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member).

2.5               to note the improvements to the pipeline format as set out in section 4.4 of the report.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED to:

2.1            Approve the Oracle Improvement Programme Business Case attached as appendix A.

2.2            Approve the addition to the capital programme of the budget requested of £3.922m funded through earmarked reserves.

2.3            Note that the HR business case will be subject to a separate report to Cabinet in June.

The Executive Mayor introduced the Oracle Improvement Programme Business Case which outlines the rationale for investing £3.922 million in the Oracle improvement programme to ensure that all areas of the council are using the system to full effect.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Jason Cummings, shared with Cabinet that the programme was a useful case in point on the council journey. The system was there but not being utilised properly. The intention is to use Oracle correctly with a full implementation used to its full extent which will improve data and consistency. A single system which allows for accurate figures, and as such very much look forward to seeing the results.

Corporate Director of Resources & S151 Officer, Jane West added that Croydon was working with other boroughs across London, 12 in total as Oracle is the standard, which has allowed for a cut and paste of a lot of the improvements, leveraging support from other boroughs and taking on board their learning rather than working in silo.

The Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Callton Young, questioned the fact that there with no financial values placed on the efficiency gains that should arise from the £3.922 million investment, and whether that was a weakness in the business case and the Council's future ability to measure success and demonstrate value for money. Also, it was noted that at paragraph 4.17 the Oracle work will not cover the pipeline management, e-tendering and contract management requirements, that it will remain with the existing system (In-tend). So, are the costs of that work included in the existing £30,000 as shown in the contract register or will the council have to pay more supported by a new business case for that work.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Councillor Jason Cummings, responded that there is not a figure attached to the £3.9 million but it is going to generate savings and those savings will be attributed to the approved efficiency overtime.

Corporate Director of Resources & S151 Officer, Jane West added that the programme fits with the transformation plan discussed earlier. Savings were already expected in future from the areas of finance and procurement, but the main savings were expected to be across the whole organisation. Understanding where those savings fall will be clearer as the project is worked through.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED to:

2.1               Approve the Oracle Improvement Programme Business Case attached as appendix A.

2.2               Approve the addition to the capital programme of the budget requested of £3.922m funded through earmarked reserves.

2.3               Note that the HR business case will be subject to a separate report to Cabinet in June.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED:

2.1       Note the LGSCO findings and recommendations in respect of Child B in Appendix 1.

2.2       Endorse the Action Plan in response to the recommendations including the measures already in place as set out in Appendix 2.

2.3       Adopt the report as the Executive’s formal response as required by section 5A of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 for distribution to all members and the Monitoring Office

The Executive Mayor introduced the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman Decision Finding of Fault Causing Injustice and Action Plan to Prevent Reoccurrence which outlines the findings and recommendations of the local government and social care ombudsman.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Maria Gatland, shared with Cabinet that the Children's Services department fully accept the findings of the ombudsman and the recommendations that flow from those findings. The Cabinet Member gave her sincere apologies for the problems that had occurred on behalf of the council to those effected (offered her apologises to child B and Miss M for errors) made by the service. It was noted that reassurance has been sought from the Director of Education that lessons have been learnt, that the policy is understood by officers, and that there will be senior management oversight of the delivery of the plan that is now in place.

The Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, Debbie Jones reiterated the apology that had just been given and assured Cabinet that measures are in place and are being closely monitored.

The Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Amy Foster, had a question relating to the Report and asked if the recommendations had been acted upon and were there still core issues outstanding.

The Corporate Director for Children, Young People and Education, Debbie Jones responded by reassuring Cabinet that the actions had been followed up in relation to 2021 and more recently. No further safeguarding issues have been reported and as this a reoccurrence the department are being robust and welcome any scrutiny.

The Executive Mayor expressed his sincere apologies on behalf of the Cabinet to the family concerned.

The Executive Mayor in Cabinet RESOLVED:

2.1       Note the LGSCO findings and recommendations in respect of Child B in Appendix 1.

2.2       Endorse the Action Plan in response to the recommendations including the measures already in place as set out in Appendix 2.

2.3       Adopt the report as the Executive’s formal response as required by section 5A of the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 for distribution to all members and the Monitoring Office