Agenda, decisions and minutes

To note any apologies for absence.

See above

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2022 (minutes attached).

The minutes were agreed as a correct record.

To  declare any pecuniary or personal interests relating to specific matters on the agenda.

Please see information note (1) at the end of the agenda

No declarations were made at the meeting.

Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

Written questions

To answer any written questions from a County Councillor, (or any person living or working in the county, or is affected by the work of the County Council), about any matter which relates to any item on the agenda for this meeting.

The closing date for the receipt of written questions is 4.00 pm on Thursday 15 September 2022.

Please submit any questions to stephen.bace@gloucestershire.gov.uk

A written answer will be provided for each written question received (to be presented to the questioner and to Cabinet (in advance of the meeting). The questions and answers will be taken as read and will not be read out at the meeting. At the discretion of the Leader of Council, each questioner ( in attendance at the meeting) will be allowed to ask one supplementary question (in response to the answer given to the original question).

A copy of all written questions and written answers circulated at the meeting will be attached to the signed copy of the minutes of the meeting.

Urgent questions

An urgent written question may be asked by a member of the public about any item on the Cabinet agenda for that meeting which the Chairperson considers could not have been reasonably submitted by the deadline for the receipt of written questions, provided he or she gives notice of the question to the Chief Executive by 12 noon the day before the meeting.

Two member questions were received. No supplementary questions were asked.

No public questions had been received.

Cllr Phil Awford Chair or the Task Group to present the report.

Cllr Phil Awford, Chair of the Scrutiny Task Group presented the report, thanking the officers for their support. It was a substantial piece of work originating from the September 2020 motion at Full Council.

The Leader thanked Cllr Awford and the task group for the work they had carried out.

Cllr David Gray responded that this was a welcome report and that the members were to be commended. He agreed broadly with the conclusions within the report and the importance of joined up cooperative thinking. The County Council had limited ability to directly influence on this issue, but could have a strong voice alongside residents and community groups. The recommendation around the County Council estate was noted and he felt there was an opportunity for the Council to take the lead with regards to that.

Cabinet noted the report.

Cllr Stephen Davies, sought Cabinet approval for Gloucestershire’s Childcare Sufficiency Duty report (2022)

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Approve the Childcare Sufficiency Duty report 2022 and delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and EarlyYears to make any final changes prior to publication.

Cllr Stephen Davies, sought Cabinet approval for Gloucestershire’s Childcare Sufficiency Duty report (2022)

Interim analysis carried out in 2022 outlined that there were currently 677 childcare settings, comprising 310 childminders, 155 day nurseries, 198 pre-school, 14 nursery units in independent schools. There were 15,209 childcare places available for children aged 0-5 years in Gloucestershire. Since the data in the previous sufficiency report (end Feb 2021) to the end of May 2022, there had been a 2.8% decrease in the number of early years’ providers and a 1.2% increase in the overall number of places

Areas of immediate concern were Stroud and Dursley. This was being addressed and it was anticipated that additional childcare places would be available in both areas by the end of the year.  Work was underway to further assess supply and demand of childcare provision for children with SEND and children of Asylum-seeking families and to ensure that all childcare provision could meet the cultural needs of all children.

The quality of childcare in Gloucestershire was high:  88.5% of child minders and 91.9% of day care providers are graded ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’. 2.6% (14) were currently rated as Requires Improvement and 1.7% (5) as InadequateSafeguarding knowledge and practice had been a common theme leading to judgements of ‘Inadequate’.  In acknowledgement of this, an audit of safeguarding knowledge, practice and processes in the Early years’ sector has been undertaken and a subsequent improvement plan developed.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Approve the Childcare Sufficiency Duty report 2022 and delegate authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and EarlyYears to make any final changes prior to publication.

Cllr Carole Allaway Martin sought Cabinet approval to exercise the first 2-year option to extend the existing Community and Accommodation Based Support (CABS) call-off contracts described in Appendix 1 following the expiry of their initial 3-year terms on 31st March 2023.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Approve a 2-year extension to the term of the council’s call-off contracts described in Appendix 1 under the council’s Multi Provider Framework Agreement for the provision of Community and Accommodation Based Support Services for Homelessness and People in Vulnerable Circumstances that was awarded pursuant to a decision by Cabinet dated 30th January 2019. Such extensions shall commence on 1st April 2023 and be effected in accordance with the extension option provisions of such call-off contracts.

Cllr Carole Allaway Martin sought Cabinet approval to exercise the first 2-year option to extend the existing Community and Accommodation Based Support (CABS) call-off contracts described in Appendix 1 following the expiry of their initial 3-year terms on 31st March 2023.

The Community and Accommodation Based Support (CABS) Framework was established in 2019. Community and Accommodation Based Support contracts were ‘called off’ the CABS Framework in April 2020 for a term of three years in the first instance with options to extend for a further two periods of two years each.

The Council was seeking to action the first two-year extension period which would run between April 2023 and March 2025. The combined value of the contracts was £6,285,833. 

Community Based Support Services assisted people in any form of accommodation and across a continuum of need from early intervention and prevention through to intensive support for people in crisis with high level and complex needs. Accommodation Based Support provided short term accommodation for homeless individuals who had a range of complex needs. On-site support enabled individuals to develop the living skills to enable them to move on to live independently in the community.

CABS services supported the countywide homelessness pathway and help to prevent escalation of need and unplanned demand on services such as children and adult social care and mental health.  They also contributed to the county’s Ending Rough Sleeping Plan 2022 – 2025. Rough Sleeping numbers have fallen by around 50% since 2019.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Approve a 2-year extension to the term of the council’s call-off contracts described in Appendix 1 under the council’s Multi Provider Framework Agreement for the provision of Community and Accommodation Based Support Services for Homelessness and People in Vulnerable Circumstances that was awarded pursuant to a decision by Cabinet dated 30th January 2019. Such extensions shall commence on 1st April 2023 and be effected in accordance with the extension option provisions of such call-off contracts.

Cllr Carole Allaway Martin sought Cabinet approval to extend the term of a call off contract relating to the provision of the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) for a further period of two years on the expiry of the initial five-year contract term.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Approve the exercise of a two-year extension option (commencing 1st July 2023) under the council’s call off contract with GreenSquareAccord Ltd for the provision of the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS).

Such call-off contract was awarded under Lot 1 of the Council’s existing Gloucestershire Framework Agreement for Domestic Abuse (pursuant to a decision by Cabinet dated 27th September 2017). The extension will be effected in accordance with the extension option provisions of the contract.

Cllr Carole Allaway Martin sought Cabinet approval to extend the term of a call off contract relating to the provision of the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS) for a further period of two years on the expiry of the initial five-year contract term.

GDASS was a countywide service providing specialist support to all victims of domestic abuse (female and male) aged 16 plus. Support was tailored to victims based on their level of need/risk with the aim of supporting their safety and the safety of their family. The contract extension would secure continuity of support for victims/survivors of domestic abuse in the county; and support delivery of the County Council’s new statutory duties for domestic abuse under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

The estimated value of the two-year extension would be c. £2.2 million. The contract was funded from the Council’s Supporting People budget with contributions from Children and Families Commissioning, and the Office of Police and Crime Commissioner. The contract also included Domestic Abuse grant funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).

The commissioning of GDASS supported delivery of the Council’s new statutory duties for Domestic Abuse under the 2021 Domestic Abuse Act; and the strategic priorities identified in Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Strategy (2021-24). Approving the extension would also provide stability to wider system partners working on the shared domestic abuse agenda, and preserve established referral pathways into safeguarding, social care, health, criminal justice, and housing.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Approve the exercise of a two-year extension option (commencing 1st July 2023) under the council’s call off contract with GreenSquareAccord Ltd for the provision of the Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service (GDASS).

Such call-off contract was awarded under Lot 1 of the Council’s existing Gloucestershire Framework Agreement for Domestic Abuse (pursuant to a decision by Cabinet dated 27th September 2017). The extension will be effected in accordance with the extension option provisions of the contract.

Cllr Nick Housden sought Cabinet approval to conduct a competitive procurement process for the purpose of awarding a contract for the provision of a mental wellbeing helpline for adults, which will incorporate support for self-harm.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities to:

1. conduct a competitive procurement process in respect of a contract for the supply of a mental wellbeing helpline for adults, incorporating support for selfharm. The proposed contract shall continue for an initial period of 3 years and include options to extend its term for two further periods of up to 2 years on each of its third and fifth anniversaries;

2. award such contract to the preferred tenderer;

3. determine whether to exercise the option to extend the term of such

contract for a further period of not more than 2 years on the expiry of the

initial 3-year term;

4. determine whether to exercise the option to extend the term of such

contract again for a further period of not more than 2 years on its fifth

anniversary.

Cllr Nick Housden sought Cabinet approval to conduct a competitive procurement process for the purpose of awarding a contract for the provision of a mental wellbeing helpline for adults, which will incorporate support for self-harm.

The promotion of good mental health and wellbeing is a priority in the Gloucestershire Health and Wellbeing Strategy and need for mental health support has increased nationally and locally.

The proposed new service would continue some of the temporary mental health support which the Council commissioned to help respond to the impact of the pandemic on mental health. Additional funding was approved for this purpose in the council budget. The funding would be used to provide open access support to people experiencing mild-moderate mental health issues, like anxiety or stress. It would address a gap in the county in the provision of early intervention mental health support which can be accessed anonymously without the need for a referral or appointment.

Some of the funding had already been invested in a new mental health helpline for children and young people (CYP) called TIC+Chat. Cabinet approval was sought to invest the remainder of the new funding in a new mental wellbeing helpline for over 18s.

The Council already commissioned a similar helpline to provide support for self-harm. The contract for the ‘Gloucestershire Self-Harm Helpline’ (SHHL) would  end in March 2023. The stand-alone service for self-harm would not be recommissioned and instead it was proposed that support for self-harm would be integrated into the new adult mental wellbeing helpline to provide a single joined up offer. 

There was strong support in the public consultation. 569 people responded and c.90% agreed with the proposed new helpline.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities to:

1. conduct a competitive procurement process in respect of a contract for the supply of a mental wellbeing helpline for adults, incorporating support for selfharm. The proposed contract shall continue for an initial period of 3 years and include options to extend its term for two further periods of up to 2 years on each of its third and fifth anniversaries;

2. award such contract to the preferred tenderer;

3. determine whether to exercise the option to extend the term of such

contract for a further period of not more than 2 years on the expiry of the

initial 3-year term;

4. determine whether to exercise the option to extend the term of such

contract again for a further period of not more than 2 years on its fifth

anniversary.

Cllr Nick Housden sought Cabinet approval to conduct a competitive procurement process for the delivery of a community-based children and young people’s healthier lifestyles programme, from 1st April 2023. This service will work closely with children with obesity, and their families, to support them to make sustainable changes to their eating and physical activity habits, to achieve a healthier weight.

To delegate authority to award the contract to the preferred tenderer to the

Director of Public Health in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate  authority to the Director of Public Health, in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities to:

1. Conduct a competitive procurement process in respect of a contract

for the supply of a children and young people’s healthier lifestyles

programme. The proposed contract shall continue for an initial period

of five years and include an option to extend its term for a further

period of not more than three years,

2. Award such contract to the preferred tenderer, and

3. Determine whether to exercise the option to extend the contract for a

further period of not more than three years on the expiry of the initial

five-year period

Cllr Nick Housden sought Cabinet approval to conduct a competitive procurement process for the delivery of a community-based children and young people’s healthier lifestyles programme, from 1st April 2023. This service would work closely with children with obesity, and their families, to support them to make sustainable changes to their eating and physical activity habits, to achieve a healthier weight.

The contract for the current pilot children and young people’s weight management service would come to an end on the 31^st March 2023. This meant that if the Council were to continue to provide weight management support for children and young people in Gloucestershire, they must tender for future provision.

Pending Cabinet approval, it was the intention of the PWC Directorate to publish the tender by the end of September to enable a basic service offer to commence on 1^st April 2023. This service would work closely with children with obesity, and their families, to support them to make sustainable changes to their eating and physical activity habits and achieve a healthier weight.  It would work alongside other providers of weight management, wider children and family services (including family hubs) and community provision to provide an integrated weight management offer which would comprise a range of activities and support including, for example, cooking / budgeting skills, parenting support, peer support etc.

In February 2022 the Council committed to investing £160k annually into children’s weight management from April 2022 onwards. The remaining funding for children’s weight management (£290k) would be met annually from within the ring-fenced Public Health grant.

In response to a question the Cabinet Member explained it was difficult to work out return on investment precisely, but the impact of the service would save large sums of money in the long term.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Director of Public Health in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities to:

1. conduct a competitive procurement process in respect of a contract for the supply of a mental wellbeing helpline for adults, incorporating support for selfharm. The proposed contract shall continue for an initial period of 3 years and include options to extend its term for two further periods of up to 2 years on each of its third and fifth anniversaries;

2. award such contract to the preferred tenderer;

3. determine whether to exercise the option to extend the term of such

contract for a further period of not more than 2 years on the expiry of the

initial 3-year term;

4. determine whether to exercise the option to extend the term of such

contract again for a further period of not more than 2 years on its fifth

anniversary.

Cllr Dave Norman sough Cabinet approval for the Improvement Plan developed in response to the inspection of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue (published 27th July

2022), prior to its submission to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies

and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) by 14th October 2022.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

·         Acknowledge & accept the finding of the HMICFRS Report (Appendix

1)

·         Approve the GFRS Improvement Plan at Appendix 2,

·         Delegate authority to the Director of Fire and Community Safety to make any final changes to the Improvement Plan, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Fire, Community Safety and Libraries, prior to its submission to HMICFRS by 14th October 2022.

·         Approve additional funding of £338,757, from Reserves to support the establishment of the Programme Management Team for a period of 18 months, as set out in Appendix 3, to support the delivery of the Improvement Plan.

Cllr Dave Norman sought Cabinet approval for the Improvement Plan developed in response to the inspection of Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue (published 27th July

2022), prior to its submission to Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies

and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) by 14th October 2022.

It was outlined that this was now His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

This was an ongoing improvement plan and the Cabinet Member outlined the recommendations within the report.

Members commented on the comprehensiveness of the report and sought reassurance that there was sufficient clarity amongst the detail to ensure wider cultural change. This piece of work had been developed since the beginning of the year and the detail was required for the inspectorate. Cultural change would take time but was high priority and would be monitored.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

·         Acknowledge & accept the finding of the HMICFRS Report (Appendix

1)

·         Approve the GFRS Improvement Plan at Appendix 2,

·         Delegate authority to the Director of Fire and Community Safety to make any final changes to the Improvement Plan, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Fire, Community Safety and Libraries, prior to its submission to HMICFRS by 14th October 2022.

·         Approve additional funding of £338,757, from Reserves to support the establishment of the Programme Management Team for a period of 18 months, as set out in Appendix 3, to support the delivery of the Improvement Plan.

Cllr Dave Norman sought approval to procure 41 multiple type new Light Fleet Fire Vehicles to for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue over the 2 year period commencing September 2022

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate  authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment & Infrastructure, in consultation with Chief Fire Officer and the Cabinet Member for Fire, Community Safety and Libraries to:

1. Conduct a series of mini-competition processes under the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Vehicle Purchase RM6060 Framework Agreement in respect of a series of call-off contracts for the supply of 41 various type light fleet vehicles to meet the business requirements, ensuring that the replacement of vehicles is economically advantageous and meets the requirements of the Council’s Climate Change Strategy during the two-year period commencing September 2022.

2. Award such call-off contracts to any preferred tenderer(s) as required.

Cllr Dave Norman sought approval to procure 41 multiple type new Light Fleet Fire Vehicles to for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue over the 2 year period commencing September 2022

£1.160 million of capital funding for the procurement of 41 light fleet vehicles, was secured through the MTFS process and approved at the February 2022 Full Council meeting. The vehicles would be procured using the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Vehicle Purchase RM6060 Framework

The GFRS Light Fleet was ageing and Fire was increasing its staff capacity to deliver the objectives of the HMICFRS Improvement Plan The GFRS workforce used vehicles in order to deliver the vision and priorities of the Community Risk Management Plan

New vehicles would be purchased taking into account whole life cost considerations to ensure they are best value for money, the most fit for purpose vehicle, while adhering to Gloucestershire ULEV and climate change strategy.

This included a transition of most of the vehicles from combustion engines to electric.  Funding for electric charging infrastructure at GFRS stations is not covered by this paper and is through the council’s approved budgets for EV infrastructure and Climate Action Fund.”

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment & Infrastructure, in consultation with Chief Fire Officer and the Cabinet Member for Fire, Community Safety and Libraries to:

1. Conduct a series of mini-competition processes under the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Vehicle Purchase RM6060 Framework Agreement in respect of a series of call-off contracts for the supply of 41 various type light fleet vehicles to meet the business requirements, ensuring that the replacement of vehicles is economically advantageous and meets the requirements of the Council’s Climate Change Strategy during the two-year period commencing September 2022.

2. Award such call-off contracts to any preferred tenderer(s) as required.

Cllr Dave Norman sought approval to procure up to 3 new specialist vehicles for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue (GFRS) over the 2-year period commencing September 2022.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegates authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment & Infrastructure, in consultation with Chief Fire Officer and the Cabinet Member for Fire, Community Safety and Libraries to:

1. Conduct two mini-competition processes under the National Fire Chiefs Council Emergency Response Vehicle Framework Agreement (managed by Devon and Somerset FRS) in respect of two call-off contracts. Each such contract shall be for the supply of one specialist vehicle (HIAB Vehicle & Aerial Ladder platform) with a Euro 6 and greener technology engines which will be used to replace the current fleet of more polluting Euro 3/4/5 engine vehicles during the two-year period commencing September 2022.

2. Conduct a mini competition process under the YPO 960 Specialist Vehicle Framework Agreement in respect of a call-off contract for the supply of a full specification Incident Command Unit (ICU) vehicle. Such vehicle shall be equipped with a Euro 6, greener technology engine which will be used to replace the current polluting Euro 3/4/5 engine ICU vehicle during the two-year period commencing September 2022.

3. Award such call-off contracts to the preferred tenderer(s).

Cllr Dave Norman sought approval to procure up to 3 new specialist vehicles for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue (GFRS) over the 2-year period commencing September 2022.

£1.250 million of capital funding for the procurement of 3 specialist vehicles, was secured through the MTFS process and approved at the February 2022 Full Council meeting.   The vehicles would be procured using a combination of the NFCC Emergency Response Vehicle Framework Agreement (managed by Devon and Somerset FRS) and the YPO 960 Specialist Vehicle Framework Agreement.

The 3 specialist vehicles to which the report related included equipment such as Aerial Ladder Platform (Aerial), Incident Command Unit (ICU), Hiab Crane Unit (HIAB) to include chassis, bodywork, and equipment.

New vehicles would be purchased taking into account whole life cost considerations to ensure they were best value for money, the most fit for purpose vehicle, while adhering to Gloucestershire ULEV and climate change strategy.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

Delegates authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment & Infrastructure, in consultation with Chief Fire Officer and the Cabinet Member for Fire, Community Safety and Libraries to:

1. Conduct two mini-competition processes under the National Fire Chiefs Council Emergency Response Vehicle Framework Agreement (managed by Devon and Somerset FRS) in respect of two call-off contracts. Each such contract shall be for the supply of one specialist vehicle (HIAB Vehicle & Aerial Ladder platform) with a Euro 6 and greener technology engines which will be used to replace the current fleet of more polluting Euro 3/4/5 engine vehicles during the two-year period commencing September 2022.

2. Conduct a mini competition process under the YPO 960 Specialist Vehicle Framework Agreement in respect of a call-off contract for the supply of a full specification Incident Command Unit (ICU) vehicle. Such vehicle shall be equipped with a Euro 6, greener technology engine which will be used to replace the current polluting Euro 3/4/5 engine ICU vehicle during the two-year period commencing September 2022.

3. Award such call-off contracts to the preferred tenderer(s).

Cllr Dom Morris sought Cabinet approval for the award of a parking and enforcement related ICT contract, divided into three separate contracts, to replace the council’s existing parking and enforcement related ICT services contracts.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Approve, without further competition, the award of the following three

separate Call-Off Contracts under Lot 4 of the Eastern Shires

Procurement Organisation (ESPO) Framework Agreement to the

preferred tenderer, namely Chipside Limited, in accordance with the direct

award criteria thereunder, for the purpose of replacing the council’s

existing parking and enforcement related ICT services contracts:

(a) Call-Off Contract 1: Relating to the supply of an ICT back-office endto-

end Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) management system;

(b) Call-Off Contract 2: Relating to the supply of PCN correspondence

management services;

(c) Call-Off Contract 3: Relating to the supply of a cashless parking and

permit management system.

Each of the proposed Call-Off Contracts shall continue for an initial period

of 7 years and include an option to extend their terms for a further period

of not more than 3 years.

2. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment

and Infrastructure to determine whether to exercise the option to extend

the term of each of the said Call-Off Contracts for a further period of not

more than 3 years on the expiry of the initial 7-year terms.

Cllr Dom Morris sought Cabinet approval for the award of a parking and enforcement related ICT contract, divided into three separate contracts, to replace the council’s existing parking and enforcement related ICT services contracts.

The Parking team managed the council’s parking and enforcement activities. To support this the council utilised three key ICT systems, namely: A PCN Back office management system (including correspondence management), cashless parking (pay and display) system and a virtual permit management system.

The current contracts that were in place expire at the end of August 2023 and the council had a requirement for new contracting arrangements for these systems after this date.

It was proposed that Cabinet approved, without further competition, the award of the following three separate Call-Off Contracts under Lot 4 of the Eastern Shires Procurement Organisation Framework Agreement to the preferred tenderer to replace the council’s existing parking and enforcement related ICT services contracts

Each of the proposed Call-Off Contracts should continue for an initial period of 7 years and include an option to extend their terms for a further period of not more than 3 years. The proposal had been arrived at following a detailed options appraisal and extensive market testing. The costs of the contracts could be met from existing parking revenue budgets. Full costs are outlined under the Resource Implications section of the report.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Approve, without further competition, the award of the following three

separate Call-Off Contracts under Lot 4 of the Eastern Shires

Procurement Organisation (ESPO) Framework Agreement to the

preferred tenderer, namely Chipside Limited, in accordance with the direct

award criteria thereunder, for the purpose of replacing the council’s

existing parking and enforcement related ICT services contracts:

(a) Call-Off Contract 1: Relating to the supply of an ICT back-office endto-

end Penalty Charge Notice (PCN) management system;

(b) Call-Off Contract 2: Relating to the supply of PCN correspondence

management services;

(c) Call-Off Contract 3: Relating to the supply of a cashless parking and

permit management system.

Each of the proposed Call-Off Contracts shall continue for an initial period

of 7 years and include an option to extend their terms for a further period

of not more than 3 years.

2. Delegate authority to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment

and Infrastructure to determine whether to exercise the option to extend

the term of each of the said Call-Off Contracts for a further period of not

more than 3 years on the expiry of the initial 7-year terms.

Cllr Dom Morris sough Cabinet approval for the council to apply for a Designation Order in relation to enforcing moving traffic offences such as yellow box junctions,

prohibition of driving, gate streets, banned turns, cycle lanes, no entry, oneway streets and weight limits from the Department for Transport (DfT) depending on the outcome of a statutory consultation process.

Should the council proceed with applying for a Designation Order, and it be

approved, that Cabinet approve the enforcement of Moving Traffic Offences

(MTOs) at locations around the county with a focus on road safety, managing

non-compliance, active travel and improved public transport services.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

a) Approves the principle of the County Council undertaking civil enforcement of moving traffic restrictions utilising powers available to highway authorities under Part 6 of the Traffic management Act 2004

(b) Authorises a 6 week public consultation on the detail of planned civil enforcement of moving traffic contraventions.

(c) To authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Flooding to submit an application to the Department for Transport for making a Designation Order for the County of Gloucestershire to enforce Moving Traffic Contraventions by camera under part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

(d) Authorises the delegation of all operational decisions in respect of the recommendations set out in paragraphs (b) and (c) above to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Flooding.

Cllr Dom Morris sought Cabinet approval for the council to apply for a Designation Order in relation to enforcing moving traffic offences such as yellow box junctions,

prohibition of driving, gate streets, banned turns, cycle lanes, no entry, one way streets and weight limits from the Department for Transport (DfT) depending on the outcome of a statutory consultation process.

The Department for Transport had recently announced that local authorities would be empowered to enforce moving traffic restrictions as outlined in Part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004. It was intended that enforcement of restrictions could play a part in delivering corporate objectives such as improved road safety, cutting congestion, enabling more walking, cycling, improving public transport and creating more pleasant places to live.

Should the council proceed with applying for a Designation Order, and it be approved, he asked that Cabinet approve the enforcement of moving traffic restrictions at locations around the county with a focus on road safety, managing non-compliance, active travel and improved public transport services.

Fourteen sites were surveyed to assess compliance of the highway restrictions in place, of those, five had been selected to form the basis of the application to the Department for Transport. The locations were detailed in the report.

It was forecast that income received from penalty charge notices would fund the cost of enforcement at the locations and the additional staff required to administer the process. Any surplus generated would be invested in the service or other areas of highways, transport or environmental improvement as outlined in the new 2022 legislation.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

a) Approve the principle of the County Council undertaking civil enforcement of moving traffic restrictions utilising powers available to highway authorities under Part 6 of the Traffic management Act 2004

(b) Authorise a 6 week public consultation on the detail of planned civil enforcement of moving traffic contraventions.

(c) Authorise the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Flooding to submit an application to the Department for Transport for making a Designation Order for the County of Gloucestershire to enforce Moving Traffic Contraventions by camera under part 6 of the Traffic Management Act 2004.

(d) Authorise the delegation of all operational decisions in respect of the recommendations set out in paragraphs (b) and (c) above to the Executive Director of Economy, Environment and Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Flooding.

Cllr Lynden Stowe provided an update on the year-end forecast for the 2022/23 County Council’s Revenue and Capital Budgets

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Note the forecast revenue year end position based on July 2022 (Period

4) forecasts for the 2022/23 financial year, which is an overspend of £7.029

million all of which relates to non-Covid-19 expenditure. The Covid-19

related expenditure and income outturn is forecast to be a balanced

position.

2. Note  delivery of the £5.283 million of savings against a target of £10.987

million in 2022/23 or 48.08% of target.

3. Note  the final revised Reserves Position for 2021/22 as detailed in

Annex 1 following amendments to the Business Rate grant funding and

reported pool surpluses for 2021/22.

4. Note the forecast capital year end position as at the end of June 2022,

forecast made in July 2022 (P4) of £161.050 million against the current

budget of £163.659 million.

5. Note a virement of £600k within the Landslip programme, from the

Badgeworth Road (Reddings Bridge) Slip project to the A435 Charlton Hill

phase 2 project.

6. Approve the £734k increase to the capital programme as detailed in

Section C.

Cllr Lynden Stowe provided an update on the year-end forecast for the 2022/23 County Council’s Revenue and Capital Budgets

The forecast revenue year end position based on July 2022 (Period 4) forecasts for the 2022/23 financial year was an overspend of £7.029 million all of which is non Covid-19 related.

A balanced position was forecast in relation to Covid-19 expenditure and income.

The largest non-Covid-19 variance is the £7.944 million forecast overspend in Children and Families and £1.35 million forecast overspend In Economy, Environment & Infrastructure, partially offset by the £2.618 million underspend in Technical & Countywide.  This continued to be primarily against the external placements budget, due to increasing numbers of children in care and the cost of placements due to limited market availability, both of which are national issues. Social care staffing and disability services are also over-spending

Cabinet noted the forecast capital year end position of £161.050 million.

Since approval of the 2021/22 Outturn position by Cabinet 22nd June 2022, The Council have subsequently been notified of the amendments to the Business Rate grant funding and reported pool surpluses for 2021/22. As a result of these amendments the Council’s earmarked revenue reserves for 2021/22 totalled £202.545 million, an increase of £5.595 million from that previously reported to Cabinet in June 2022.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Note the forecast revenue year end position based on July 2022 (Period

4) forecasts for the 2022/23 financial year, which is an overspend of £7.029

million all of which relates to non-Covid-19 expenditure. The Covid-19

related expenditure and income outturn is forecast to be a balanced

position.

2. Note  delivery of the £5.283 million of savings against a target of £10.987

million in 2022/23 or 48.08% of target.

3. Note  the final revised Reserves Position for 2021/22 as detailed in

Annex 1 following amendments to the Business Rate grant funding and

reported pool surpluses for 2021/22.

4. Note the forecast capital year end position as at the end of June 2022,

forecast made in July 2022 (P4) of £161.050 million against the current

budget of £163.659 million.

5. Note a virement of £600k within the Landslip programme, from the

Badgeworth Road (Reddings Bridge) Slip project to the A435 Charlton Hill

phase 2 project.

6. Approve the £734k increase to the capital programme as detailed in

Section C.

As detailed negotiations are not finalised this part of the report is not for publication by virtue of Reg 4(2)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 and Paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 on the basis that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

This information is included in the exempt Appendix 2

Cllr Lynden Stowe asked Cabinet to consider the proposal to re-locate Gloucester Library to the Former Debenhams building in the centre of Gloucester.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Approve the relocation of the library in Gloucester from the current

location at Brunswick Road to the proposed location in the former

Debenhams building.

2. Delegate the authority to the Head of Library and Registration Services

to undertake public engagement on the detailed proposals to finalise

plans.

3. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Asset Management and

Property Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet

Member for Finance and Change, to enter into a 25-year lease for the

property with the University of Gloucestershire.

4. Delegate authority to the Head of Library & Registration Services, in

consultation with the Cabinet Member for Fire, Community Safety and

Libraries, to :

a. conduct a competitive procurement process(es) in respect of

contract(s) for

i. the design of the public library space and to award such

contract to the preferred tenderer for the duration of up to

12 months, with an extension for up to 6 months

ii. the supply and installation of furniture and associated

fittings for the library and to award such contract(s) to the

preferred tenderer(s) for the duration of up to 1 year

b. award such contract(s) to the preferred tenderer(s)

c. determine whether to exercise the option to extend the contract for

the design of the public library space for a further period of not more

than 6 months on the expiry of the initial 12 month term.

Cllr Lynden Stowe asked Cabinet to consider the proposal to re-locate Gloucester Library to the Former Debenhams building in the centre of Gloucester.

Prior to the discussion, members were advised that, should Cabinet wish to discuss the contents of the exempt information reported in the  Appendix 2 of the report, consideration would need to be given as to whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting in accordance with Regulation 4(2)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

Cabinet agreed to consider this item without having to refer to the exempt information.

The recommendation to relocate Gloucester Library would enable the service to move to a more centralised location with better visibility and accessibility which, it is anticipated, will lead to an increase in library use.

It would also support the regeneration of this important building in the heart of the city as part of the wider plans for the creation of a new campus for teaching, learning and community partnerships, having been purchased by the University of Gloucestershire.  The move also provided opportunities for partnership working between the Public and University libraries which would enhance opportunities for the general public and University students.

Cllr Dave Norman outlined that this was a fantastic opportunity to offer a much improved location for these library services.  He referred to the innovation lab and the benefits of the new building. The move could happen at the beginning of 2024. The current library would remain fully operational until that point.

Members commented that this would present many opportunities for joined up community service provision with the university and other partners. This was part of the wider regeneration work going on in the heart of the city and was a good use of an iconic building.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Approve the relocation of the library in Gloucester from the current

location at Brunswick Road to the proposed location in the former

Debenhams building.

2. Delegate the authority to the Head of Library and Registration Services

to undertake public engagement on the detailed proposals to finalise

plans.

3. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director of Asset Management and

Property Services, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet

Member for Finance and Change, to enter into a 25-year lease for the

property with the University of Gloucestershire.

4. Delegate authority to the Head of Library & Registration Services, in

consultation with the Cabinet Member for Fire, Community Safety and

Libraries, to :

a. conduct a competitive procurement process(es) in respect of

contract(s) for

i. the design of the public library space and to award such

contract to the preferred tenderer for the duration of up to

12 months, with an extension for up to 6 months

ii. the supply and installation of furniture and associated

fittings for the library and to award such contract(s) to the

preferred tenderer(s) for the duration of up to 1 year  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

To approve the proposed Schedule of Disposals in order to meet capital receipts targets.

Please note: this report contains both exempt and non-exempt

information.

To discuss the exempt information detailed in the appendices to

the published report, consideration must first be given to whether

the public and press should be excluded from the meeting b

passing the following resolution:-

In accordance with Regulation 4 (2)(b) of the Local Authorities

(Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information)

(England) Regulations 2012, consideration must be given to

confirm whether members of the public and press should be

excluded from the meeting for this item of business because it is

likely that, if present there would be disclosure to them of exempt

information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12 A

to the Act, and the public interest in withholding the information

outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information to the

public.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, sought Cabinet approval for the proposed Schedule of Disposals in order to meet capital receipts targets.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Confirm that those sites described at Appendix A (Exempt) which have

previously been declared surplus by Cabinet in March 2022 and not yet

disposed of, continue to be declared surplus to requirements.

2. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director – Asset Management and

Property Services to dispose of these sites in consultation with the

Deputy Leader/Cabinet Member for Finance and Change and Council’s

Chief Financial Officer.

Cllr Lynden Stowe, sought Cabinet approval for the proposed Schedule of Disposals in order to meet capital receipts targets.

Cabinet were being asked to approve the Schedule of Disposals Appendix A (Exempt) which was previously declared surplus by Cabinet in March 2022, and confirmed that those sites not yet disposed of remained surplus to requirements

Prior to the discussion, members were advised that, should Cabinet wish to discuss the contents of the exempt information reported at Appendix A of the report, consideration would need to be given as to whether the press and public should be excluded from the meeting in accordance with Regulation 4(2)(b) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

Cabinet agreed to consider this item without having to refer to the exempt information.

Approval of the Schedule of Disposals and the declaration of these sites as surplus to requirements, would deliver future capital receipts.

Capital receipts received and sales agreed to date for 2022/23 currently totalled £2.106 million with further sales being negotiated.

Capital receipts generated from the disposal of property would be used for overall financing of the capital programme. Without those receipts the cost of borrowing would go up and the council would incur additional revenue costs.

Having considered all of the information, Cabinet noted the report and

RESOLVED to:

1. Confirm that those sites described at Appendix A (Exempt) which have

previously been declared surplus by Cabinet in March 2022 and not yet

disposed of, continue to be declared surplus to requirements.

2. Delegate authority to the Assistant Director – Asset Management and

Property Services to dispose of these sites in consultation with the

Deputy Leader/Cabinet Member for Finance and Change and Council’s

Chief Financial Officer.