The Executive committee of Bromley Council met on Wednesday 29 September 2010, discussing a range of significant issues including the adoption of the Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan, financial monitoring for the 2010/11 year, and a strategy for capital investment in secondary schools. Key decisions made included approving the Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan for adoption by the Council, noting the latest financial position and the need for Chief Officers to address overspends, and approving the release of £1.7 million for a scheme at Bullers Wood Secondary School.

Adoption of the Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan

The Executive recommended to the Council the adoption of the Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan (AAP) as a statutory Local Development Framework Development Plan Document. This plan will inform future redevelopment proposals in the area and serve as a material consideration for determining future planning applications. Following adoption, the AAP will be published on the Bromley website and hard copies will be available for purchase. The Inspector's final report concluded that the AAP satisfies legal requirements and is sound, with only a limited number of changes recommended. Councillor Stephen Carr, Chairman of the Executive, welcomed the approval, stating it strengthened the Council's position in its aim of improving the Town Centre. Councillor Alexa Michael, Chairman of the Development Control Committee, also expressed thanks to officers and highlighted the valuable contribution of the Bromley Civic Society to the plan.

Financial Monitoring 2010/11

The Executive received the third budget monitoring report for 2010/11, based on expenditure and activity levels up to July 2010. The projected outturn indicated an overall net reduction in balances of £1,433,000. This figure comprised net overspends of £1,169,000, offset by additional income from interest on balances (£200,000) and savings on the central contingency sum (£510,000). A further reduction in balances reflected carry-forwards of £974,000 funded from unspent budget provisions in 2009/10. The main areas of overspend were identified as Adult and Community Services (ACS) at £0.5 million and Children and Young People Services (CYP) at £0.7 million. Chief Officers were tasked with bringing forward options to address their overspends and balance their budgets. The Chairman stressed the need for spending to be kept within budget, acknowledging that difficult decisions would be necessary.

A Strategy for Capital Investment in Secondary Schools - Update 7

Consideration was given to a report on proposals for further capital investment in secondary schools. The Executive's approval was sought for the release of £1.7 million from available capital funding to proceed with a scheme at Bullers Wood Secondary School. This scheme aims to redevelop, expand, and modernise facilities for basic need suitability and post-16 provision, particularly for Languages and Applied Learning courses, which are currently housed in outdated and unfit-for-purpose accommodation. The report noted that out of an original five-year programme, five out of seven schools had already received funding. The remaining two schools were Bullers Wood Secondary and Langley Park School for Girls. However, due to a reduction in government grant and concerns over future Dedicated Schools Grant, the financial allocation for the final two schools had been severely reduced. The recommendation was for the Bullers Wood Secondary School scheme to proceed at a cost of £1.7 million, while the scheme for Langley Park School for Girls would remain on a waiting list for future government grant availability. The Executive recommended to the Council that the Bullers Wood Secondary School scheme be included as a separate scheme in the capital programme. Councillor Ernest Noad supported the scheme for Bullers Wood, believing it would vastly improve the situation at the school and free up pressures on available teaching space.

The Government's Reform Agenda - Education and Children's Services - One Council Approach to Academies

The Executive was recommended to adopt a coordinated 'One Council' approach to the provision of sold services to Academies, following the Government's academies policy within Bromley. Academy Orders had been issued for Darrick Wood Secondary School and Kemnal Technical College, and these schools would be used as prototypes to develop a package of services that the Council could sell to Academies on a full cost-return basis. This strategy aims to position the Council to sell services not only to current Academies but also to future ones, both within and outside the Borough. The transfer of funds to new Academies was set to take effect from 1 April 2011, making the coordination of this 'One Council' approach crucial in the coming months. Services to be included would encompass Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Environmental, and CYP services. The Portfolio Holder for Adult and Community Services expressed concern about the impact on SEN provision, as Academies could potentially cherry pick services. The Director of Children and Young People Services acknowledged this as a key risk area, given the Council's statutory responsibility for SEN provision. The Executive resolved to approve the adoption of a 'One Council' coordinated approach for the provision of sold services to Academies and other schools as part of local policy.

Borough Investment Plan and Devolved Delivery Agreements

The Executive considered proposals for a Borough Investment Plan (BIP) and the potential for entering into a Devolved Delivery Agreement (DDA) with the GLA/Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The BIP, which evidences future investment needs and priorities, was produced in the format required by the HCA and draws from existing Council policies and strategies. The DDA would grant the Council decision-making responsibility for schemes funded from its devolved HCA funding allocations and allow flexibility in the use of any remaining funds. Councillor Colin Smith raised concerns about the inclusion of demographic details on ethnicity and reiterated that areas of disadvantage extended beyond those quoted in the plan. The Assistant Director (Housing and Residential Services) agreed to amend the section on disadvantaged wards and contact Councillor Smith to explain the inclusion of demographic details. The Executive approved the draft BIP for submission to the HCA, agreed to submit an Expression of Interest in a Devolved Delivery Agreement, and resolved that a further report would be submitted once the finer details and implications of such an Agreement were known.

The Hill Multi Storey Car Park - Slab and Parapet Strengthening

The Executive considered proposals for the continued use of The Hill Multi Storey Car Park due to weak structural elements and the need for car parking capacity in Bromley Town Centre. Three options were presented: Option 1 (£75,000) for temporary propping and fencing; Option 2 (£280,000) for propping a weak slab and partial parapet strengthening; and Option 3 (£1,142,000) for full strengthening. The Environment PDS Committee had expressed a preference for Option 2. The Director of Renewal and Recreation highlighted the need for adequate car parking, especially during the Christmas period, and supported Option 2, which would keep the car park operational at a reduced capacity for a further five years. The Environment Portfolio Holder also supported Option 2, considering Option 3 too expensive. The Executive approved the release of £280,000 to be included in the Council's 2010/11 Capital Programme to fund the cost of propping a weak slab and part strengthening parapets at The Hill Multi-storey Car Park.

Chislehurst Road Bridge - Procurement of Replacement Bridge

Consideration was given to proposals for a steel replacement bridge at Chislehurst Road, a vital link between Chislehurst and Orpington. Grant funding for bridge strengthening projects in London is received from Transport for London (TfL). While some funding had been agreed, negotiations were ongoing regarding Bromley's contribution. The Environment Portfolio Holder spoke in support of the proposals, which had also been endorsed by relevant PDS Committees. The Executive agreed to replace the existing structure with a comparable bridge to restore full use of the route for all vehicles, approved the procurement process subject to confirmation of funding from TfL, and agreed to initiate detailed consultation with affected residents.

Commissioning Arrangements for Supporting People Services for Young People

The Executive considered a report providing updated information on the commissioning of Supporting People services for young people, following a deferred decision from a previous meeting. The current contracts had been extended for four months to facilitate the procurement process. Revised recommendations were made to commission a supported accommodation service for teenage parents, a range of supported accommodation services for vulnerable young people and care leavers, and a specialist floating support service for younger people, all at the existing levels of service and funding. These contracts would be let for three years with an option to extend for a further two years, including break clauses for funding reviews. The Executive noted that the results of the procurement exercise would be reported back.

Licensing of Sex Establishments - Number in the Relevant Locality, Standard Conditions and Fees

The Executive made no comments on proposals relating to the licensing of sex establishments, which would be referred to Council for determination. The recommendations included the adoption of a Policy for determining the number of sex establishments, standard licensing conditions, and fees, all to take effect from 1 January 2011.

Revised Standard Conditions for Animal Welfare Licences

Similarly, the Executive made no comments on revised standard conditions for animal welfare licences, which would also be referred to Council for determination. These revised conditions were recommended for adoption with effect from 1 January 2011, covering riding establishments, pet shops, dangerous wild animals, animal boarding establishments (home boarding, cats, dogs), and breeding establishments.

Treasury Management Issues - Council Investment: Delegation to Director of Resources

The Executive approved the continuation of the delegation of authority to the Director of Resources to take emergency action on treasury management issues where necessary. This delegation, originally established in October 2008 and reviewed every three months since March 2010, was deemed prudent given the current financial situation. The Director of Resources updated members on the slow but optimistic progress regarding the repayment of Council investment from Icelandic Banks, with an expected recoupment of 85% of funding. A further report on the Council's treasury management strategy and way forward would be presented in due course. The position would be reviewed again in three months' time.

Exempt Business

The press and public were excluded during the consideration of several items of business due to the likely disclosure of exempt information. These included the exempt minutes of the previous meeting, the award of ICT contracts, the award of an Exchequer Services contract, and proposals to negotiate a new contract for elderly mentally infirm (EMI) nursing home care. The Executive approved proposals for the re-tendering of ICT contracts, approved the award of a contract for Exchequer Services, and approved proposals to negotiate a new contract for EMI nursing home care.