Decisions

That the armed forces discount card scheme be agreed.

That the final Outline Business Case be approved.

(i)            That the Council’s commitment to sports & swimming provision in Kidsgrove be reaffirmed.

(ii)           That the re-opening of the sports centre as the vehicle for delivery of this commitment be agreed.

(iii)          That it be agreed in principle to support option A for the reasons set out at paragraph 3.2 subject to:

a)    Validation and confirmation of full cost estimates for refurbishment of the sports centre;

b)    Satisfactory assurances that following refurbishment the building will have a life expectancy that justifies the required level of investment from the perspective of both affordability and value for money;

c)    Submission and validation of an updated business plan that includes full lifecycle costs and confirms the level of annual subsidy required;

d)    Resolution of the outstanding legal issues detailed at paragraph 2.1;

e)    The CIO strengthening its capacity and governance to enable the project to be delivered and associated public funds safeguarded

(iv)          That an all-party Cabinet panel be convened to consider the revised cost estimates and business plan with a view to Cabinet making a recommendation to Council on reopening the existing Kidsgrove Sport Centre.

(i)            That the Executive Director (Resources and Support Services) in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency be authorised to procure consultancy support for the development of the Business Case for the next stage of the Future High Streets Fund project.

(ii)           That Cabinet consider a report on the Business Case before submission on 30th April 2020.

(iii)          That the call in procedure shall not apply as the decision being taken by cabinet is urgent and the delay caused by the call in process would   seriously prejudice the Council’s or public’s interests. (A signed copy of the waiver notice is held on file and an unsigned copy is appended to

the report).

That the Forward Plan be received.

(i)            That the Chief Executive be authorised (and inform the Cabinet Member for Environment and Recycling) to extend the existing contract for the technical consultancy support for the air quality local plan and the contract for the provision of the joint air quality project manager to meet Ministerial Direction relating to Air Quality.

(ii)           That delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Recycling) for any further extension to the existing contracts for the technical consultancy support or project manager in order to meet the requirements of the Ministerial Direction in relation to Air Quality.

(i)            That the draft Commercial Strategy be approved.  

(ii)           That the Constitution Working Group be requested to consider any changes that may be required to the Council’s Constitution in light of the strategy, including schemes of delegation and finance procedure rules, for approval by full Council.

(iii)          That the Finance, Assets and Performance Scrutiny Committee review and comment on the strategy at its December meeting;

(iv)         That commercial investment advisers be appointed  to undertake a review of the Council’s commercial property portfolio and make recommendations for investment or disinvestment (this contract is currently out to tender with an expected award by the end of October 2019);

(v)          That officers to work up investment proposals for further consideration by Cabinet.

(i)            That it be agreed to support the joint commissioning of a future rough sleeping outreach service with Stoke on Trent City Council that combines both Councils’ resources and develop a service which meets the needs of both authority areas whilst maximising efficiencies.

(ii)           That the Council’s annual budget contribution to the service be set at

 £20,000, enabling potential service providers to tender for an appropriate service.

(iii)          That the Executive Director (Resources and Support Services) in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Wellbeing be authorised in partnership with Stoke City Council’s procurement function to finalise the specification/service outline, undertake the tendering process, complete any post tender negotiations (if required) and award the contract to the successful contractor.

(i)            That the draft Medium Term Financial Strategy 2020/21 – 2024/25 be endorsed as a basis for consultation.

(ii)           That the draft Strategy be referred to the Finance, Resources and Partnerships Scrutiny Committee for review and comments.

(i)            That the Car Parking Strategy be endorsed, taking into account the issues highlighted by Economy, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee.

(ii)           That officers commence consultation on the draft Car Parking Strategy with the Town Centre Board and Business Improvement District.

(iii)          That the Executive Director (Resources and Support Services) in conjunction with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Efficiency be authorised to adopt the final strategy following amendments taking into account consultation comments.

(iv)          That officers be authorised to introduce the £1 after 1pm in time for the Christmas Light Switch on with a review of the effectiveness after 8 months of operation.

That the Head of Operations be authorised  to undertake an open  procurement exercise for the provision of bedding plants on a three year contract extendable by single one year extension up to March 2023 commencing November 2019 and following consultation with the Portfolio Holder, accept the most economically advantageous tender within the existing approved budget provision.