Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive apologies from Members of the Committee.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Majid Rahman, Pat Slattery and Rachel Taggart-Ryan.

The Chair to announce any items of urgent business circulated separately from the main agenda.

There were no items of urgent business.

Members to declare any personal and financial interests in items on the agenda. Attention is drawn to the Council’s Constitution; the Council’s Code of Conduct and associated advice.

Resolved -

That the list of Councillors’ memberships as Council appointed representatives on outside bodies, joint committees and school governing bodies is noted.

To note the annual report

Noted the contents of the 2023/24 Greenwich Safeguarding Children Partnership Report at Appendix 1 of the report.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People commented that the report highlighted the importance of teamwork with partners. The Cabinet Member emphasised that safeguarding was everybody's responsibility.

The Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member Inclusive Economy, Business, Skills and Greenwich Supports commented that the report reflected the work in all the years leading up to it, which was also reflected in the Council receiving an outstanding Ofstead rating.

Resolved -

That the contents of the 2023/24 Greenwich Safeguarding Children Partnership Report at Appendix 1 of the report be noted.

Outcome of the Extra care charging consultation

Noted the results of two Extra Care consultations conducted on proposed changes to Adult Extra Care charging policy. The first consultation was conducted across May - June 2023 with tenants then residing in the three Extra Care schemes; the second consultation was conducted across July-August 2024 with borough residents on the Extra Care waiting list and those tenants who had moved into the Schemes from July 2023.

Approved the following three recommended options for implementing changes to the charging policy within the three Greenwich Extra Care settings at Richard Neve, Colebrook and Lakeview:

·        Option 4 (from Appendix C of the report) to remove banded charging mechanism and move to charge on actuals.

·        Option 6 (from Appendix C of the report) to introduce & apply a consistent core charge across all three schemes.

·        Option 7 (from Appendix C of the report) to introduce & apply a consistent hourly rate for care & support based on actuals.

The Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary introduced the report. The Cabinet Member advised the key point was ensuring that the proposed charging for the service covered the realities of the cost of that service, and that there be an equity in the charging. The Cabinet Member added the Extra Care was a valuable and important housing offer

The Cabinet Member for Climate Action, Sustainability and Transport

noted that despite the pressures that adult social care faced the Council were still able to offer a very good provision.

In response to questions from the Cabinet, the Director of Health and Adult Social Care clarified that the proposal dealt with the inequitable position at the moment whereby people who were living in their own homes might pay a differential rate than people who were living in Extra Care. The impact on service users would be different according to their individual circumstances; there would be a needs assessment to see if they were entitled to the care and then a financial assessment to work out what contribution they would make, but they would only pay as much as could be afforded. The provision was a good offer for people as it abled them to live independently for longer and less likely to need a place in a care home. It was popular and there was a waiting list and the Directorate were keen to expand and build further schemes that would offer support so people did not need institutional care unless absolutely necessary.

Resolved -

1.            That the results of two Extra Care consultations conducted on proposed changes to Adult Extra Care charging policy. The first consultation was conducted across May - June 2023 with tenants then residing in the three Extra Care schemes; the second consultation was conducted across July-August 2024 with borough residents on the Extra Care waiting list and those tenants who had moved into the Schemes from July 2023be noted.

2.            That the following three recommended options be approved for implementing changes to the charging policy within the three Greenwich Extra Care settings at Richard Neve, Colebrook and Lakeview:

·        Option 4 (from Appendix C of the report) to remove banded charging mechanism and move to charge on actuals.

·        Option 6 (from Appendix C of the report) to introduce & apply a consistent core charge across all three schemes.

·        Option 7 (from Appendix C of the report) to introduce & apply a consistent hourly rate for care & support based on actuals.

To note the annual report for GS Plus Ltd and GSS Ltd

Noted the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements 2023/24 and Interim Report 2024/25 for the Council’s wholly owned companies:

i)        GS Plus Ltd (GSP); summarised in section 4.4 and detailed in the Audited Financial Statements 2023/24 attached to this report at Appendix A of the report.

ii)       Greenwich Service Solutions Ltd (GSS); summarised in sections 4.5 and detailed in the Audited Financial Statements 2023/24 attached to this report at Appendix B of the report.

Noted the contents of this report outlining the business planning and service development plans of the companies in section 5 of the report.

Agreed to refer the report for consideration at a future meeting of Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social value introduced the report. The Cabinet Member noted that both companies were doing well. The Cabinet Member thanked the Director of Communities Environment and Central and staff for their management of the companies.

The Director of Resources advised that the financial position of the companies was satisfactory, and on track for next year. An application had been made for formal accreditation as a living wage employer. He explained there was a working group comprised of Greenwich staff and staff from the companies looking at the budget arrangements for next year

Resolved -

1.            That the Annual Report and Audited Financial Statements 2023/24 and Interim Report 2024/25 for the Council’s wholly owned companies:

i)        GS Plus Ltd (GSP); summarised in section 4.4 and detailed in the Audited Financial Statements 2023/24 attached to this report at Appendix A of the report.

ii)       Greenwich Service Solutions Ltd (GSS); summarised in sections 4.5 and detailed in the Audited Financial Statements 2023/24 attached to this report at Appendix B of the report.

be noted.

2.       That the contents of this report outlining the business planning and service development plans of the companies in section 5 of the report be noted.

3.       That it be agreed to refer the report for consideration at a future meeting of Overview & Scrutiny Committee.

To note the Council’s revenue position as at the end of Quarter 2

Noted the Council’s revenue position as at the end of Quarter 2 2024/25 (30 September 2024).

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social Value introduced the report.

The Director of Resources advised Cabinet on overspend pressures in social and children’s services, in particular with regard to Children’s Placements. Local authorities across London were seeking to develop a pan-London approach to the Placements matter. The Director of Resources drew Members’ attention to the savings target in Appendix A;  he indicated that the vast majority were on target, but for a few there was slippage. The slippages were largely timing issues so while they might not deliver in the current financial year they were forecast to deliver in the next financial year.

The Leader of the Council commented that the cost of Placements showed the importance of a pan-London approach.

Resolved –

That the Council’s revenue position as at the end of Quarter 2 2024/25 (30 September 2024) be noted

To note the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report and the Capital Mid-Year Report, and to agree the leasehold disposal of the Council’s interest in premises at Oakmere Road.

Noted the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report for 2024/25

Noted the Capital Mid-Year Report for 2024/25

Agreed the leasehold disposal of the council’s interest in premises at Oakmere Road, formerly occupied by the PDC, as outlined in section 13 of the report to the Compass Partnership of Schools (TCPS) Academy Trust.  And delegated to the Director of Regeneration Enterprise and Skills, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Service, authority to agree the detailed terms of the lease to support SEND provision within the borough.

The Cabinet Member for Finance, Resources and Social value introduced the report. The Cabinet Member highlighted that there was no increase in the risk profile of the Council and they continued to maintain a prudent investment strategy. The Cabinet Member highlighted that all capital projects remained within the approved multi-year budget envelope. The Cabinet Member added that the disposal of the premises in Oakmere Road helped to achieve their planned savings, and enabled them to meet their statutory requirements to provide sufficient special educational needs placements.

In response to questions from Cabinet, the Director of Resources clarified that their borrowing was in accordance with the framework which meant it had to be affordable, sustainable and prudent. The more borrowing that was undertaken the higher the revenue impact would be going forward and they would be mindful of that impact when considering borrowing.

Resolved -

1.            That the Treasury Management Mid-Year Report for 2024/25 be noted

2.            That the Capital Mid-Year Report for 2024/25 be noted

3.            That the leasehold disposal of the council’s interest in premises at Oakmere Road, formerly occupied by the PDC, as outlined in section 13 of the report to the Compass Partnership of Schools (TCPS) Academy Trust be agreed.  And delegated to the Director of Regeneration Enterprise and Skills, in consultation with the Director of Children’s Service, authority to agree the detailed terms of the lease to support SEND provision within the borough.

To receive the report on developer contribution income and expenditure for the financial year 2023/24

Noted the content of the Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG) Infrastructure Funding Statement 2023/24 dated December 2024 (IFS) (Appendix 1 of the report).

Approved that the content of the IFS can be published on the Royal Borough of Greenwich website by 31 December 2024.

The report was presented by the Director of Regeneration, Enterprise and Skills. The Director drew Members’ attention to section 4.6 of the report and the amount of CIL monies that had been collected, and to the Appendix which showed Section 106 expenditure.

The Leader of the Report thanked the Director of Regeneration, Enterprise and Skills for the report noting that it showed how the money was invested back into the borough, something that was not understood when planning permissions were granted.

Resolved –

1.            That the content of the Royal Borough of Greenwich (RBG) Infrastructure Funding Statement 2023/24 dated December 2024 (IFS) (Appendix 1 of the report be noted).

2.            That the content of the IFS can be published on the Royal Borough of Greenwich website by 31 December 2024 be approved.

To agree proposals following the statutory consultation

Approved the following changes to the current delivery of Children’s Centre services that were consulted on:

•   Four centres will remain as core Family Hubs improving the join up with provision for those over 5;

•   Five centres will be used by partners including Schools, Nursery Schools, Midwifery and Health Visiting to continue to meet with families and supporting on areas such as infant feeding;

•   Nine centres to be used to expand childcare provision to support the expansion of free entitlement or used by services that supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND);

•   Five Centres to remain as Children’s Centres;

•   One Children’s Centre is registered as part of Glyndon Community Centre. It is proposed to remove the Children’s Centre but keep the community centre open as normal.

Approved the following enhancements to the proposal that have been developed following feedback from residents via the public consultation:

•   To explore the accessibility of the 56 alternative delivery locations suggested via the consultation and to incorporate these into future delivery where appropriate accessibility criteria are met;

•   To work with partners including Health Visitors and Midwives to maintain a ‘No Wrong Door’ approach whereby if a family presents in need, they will be supported to get to the right place for help;

•   To develop a communications strategy for the new Children’s Centre model, that will include both online and ‘off-line’ information and will include exploration of using parent volunteers to promote activities;

•   To develop communications to more effectively promote the take up of the free entitlement to childcare with a particular focus on the expansion of the 30-hour offer;

•   Subject to any further Government guidance regarding Family Hubs, to seek to utilise elements of the 25/26 Family Hubs funding to fund activities and provision that will support the needs raised in the consultation relating to speech, language and communication;

•   To additionally support the Children’s Centre workforce through the transition through working with Greenwich Local Labour and Business (GLLaB) and Human Resources to complement and enhance the support already offered to the workforce through their employing organisations.

Delegated authority to the Director of Children’s Services in consultation with the Director of Resources and Director of Legal Service to agree any required contractual variations with current service providers.

Delegated authority to the Director of Regeneration, Skills and Enterprise in consultation with the Director of Finance, Director of Legal Service and Director of Children’s Services, to enter into concessionary rent lease arrangements for those sites impacted through the consultation (as set out in section 4.3) in order to enable partners to continue to deliver from sites.

The Cabinet Member for Children and Young People introduced the report. He emphasised the role played by the Children Centres across the borough. It was recognised that the local authority had to respond to financial pressures, but the council sought to continue to deliver a first class services for the borough’s children and young people.

The report was presented by the Director of Children’s Services. The Director explained that what was sought was a flexible approach to service provision, that they would deliver in many different areas and not just in the registered Centres.  Children’s Services worked closely with maternity services and antenatal services to ensure there was a comprehensive offer for early years. The Director commented on the consultation and added that they remained committed to stay and play provision.

In response to questions from Cabinet, the Director of Children’s Services confirmed that children's centres needed to be registered, but they were no longer inspected, and there was no longer requirement for provision to be delivered from a children's centres. They had done a diagnostic to understand which areas were being used the best. They had identified a gap in provision on the Peninsula, and that would be addressed. The Director explained that there were two main uses of buildings; early year provision for working parents and SEND provision which was linked to a school for designated specialist provision. The Director said they were committed to ensuring that the multi-disciplinary work in their family support and their family hubs would continue. They were also working with the health visitors and the antenatal and maternity services. Consideration was being given to an information leaflet being handed out by maternity services. There was a current initiative of getting parents involved in peer-to-peer and parent-to-parent support, and there was a training programme for such parents.

In response to questions from Cabinet, the Integrated Commissioning Director -Children’s Services indicated that there was the potential option to deliver from parks, or community centres or religious buildings as well, as it was about greater flexibility. If residents request provision from a particular local community space then the provider would look at that and potentially deliver from there. Appendix B showed suggestions from residents on different sites that potentially could be used.  The Integrated Commissioning Director said that provision from family homes worked with families often who had multiple different needs, and was a key part of the provision. They worked closely with the welfare rights team looking at particular cases. The Integrated Commissioning Director explained the primary engagement had been through their providers and it was they would engaged with staff about the proposals. Feedback had been mainly through the online consultation, and staff were able to use as well as through the providers themselves. Once agreed there would be further engagement and consultation with staff. The Integrated Commissioning Director added that the online Greenwich Community Directory pointed people to all the different services on offer. People could also telephone the Families Information Service.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To note the update on Out-turn of Phase 1 including updated sites and outturn costs.

The progress made to date in respect of Greenwich Builds Phase I was noted and the Council Approved various matters relating to the Term Alliance Contract (including, in relation to site designations, budgetary matters and possible contract modifications) and it was agreed to treat the information presented in the Report and all of the Appendices as confidential and exempt in accordance with paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) and 5 (information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.

Cabinet agreed to consider the matter in closed session.

Resolved -

The progress made to date in respect of Greenwich Builds Phase I was noted and the Council Approved various matters relating to the Term Alliance Contract (including, in relation to site designations, budgetary matters and possible contract modifications) and it was agreed to treat the information presented in the Report and all of the Appendices as confidential and exempt in accordance with paragraph 3 (information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)) and 5 (information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings) of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.