Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from the Leader of the Council, Councillor Maher and Councillor Hardy.

No declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interest were received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2017.

Decision Made:

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 22 June 2017 be confirmed as a correct record.

The Chair, Councillor Fairclough reported that Steve Pearce, the Democratic Services Manager had taken early retirement after 43 years’ local government service and 10 years’ service with Sefton Council and on behalf of the Cabinet extended its thanks and appreciation for the work which Steve had undertaken for the Council and its best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement.

Report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Regulation and Compliance in relation to the work undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regeneration and Skills), Peer Review Working Group.

Councillor Dan. T. Lewis, Lead Member of the Peer Review Working Group presented the Final Report to the Cabinet.  He placed on record his appreciation to his colleagues Councillors Carragher, Michael O’Brien and Anne Thompson, to the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, Councillor Hardy to Mrs Ruth Harrison, Senior Democratic Services Officer and Mr. Ian Willman, Service Manager Neighbourhood and Partnerships, for all their hard work and assistance.

Councillor Dan. T Lewis referred to the excellent partnership working the Local Authority had nurtured with all partners as part of the MARSOC and placed on record his appreciation for all the hard work undertaken in ensuring that Sefton and the Region was a safe place to live, work and visit.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Safeguarding extended his appreciation to Councillor Dan. T. Lewis for the excellent piece of work undertaken by the Peer Review Working Group.

Decision Made: That:

(1)   tribute be extended to all those Partnership Members who play a vital   role in ensuring that Sefton is a safe community to live, work and visit;

(2)     the MARSOC be requested to investigate the merits and feasibility of a secure and sophisticated Information Sharing System/Programme to be shared/used by key Officers in the Partnership; 

(3)     the MARSOC be requested to approach Further Education establishments to investigate the feasibility of developing a course specifically aimed at targeting a cohort of young offenders;

(4)     the MARSOC be requested to develop a pathway leading to the signposting of services for those individuals with a desire to change their behaviour and depart from being involved with SOC (Using Partnership funds were available to invest in programmes for young people who are vulnerable or at risk to becoming adopted into SOC.  For example business training, Modern Technology Training or Mentoring);

(5)     the MARSOC be requested to speak with schools across Sefton about how the data they hold on every child can be shared between schools when the child is departing from one to another in order that schools can be alerted to SOC or vulnerability in the community;

(6)     the Youth Prevention Team and Youth Offenders Team receive, where possible support and/or funding to improve, introduce and promote the ‘Neglect Strategy’ which will further support the prevention of young adults accessing SOC while also helping young people prepare to become young adults;

(7)     the Council submit this report with feedback from success stories to the Government department and Minister to request increased funding from central Government for this borough so that there is not a decrease in some of the highest quality serious and organised crime prevention work in the UK; and  

(8)     the Head of Communities, on behalf of the MARSOC, be requested to update the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Regeneration and Skills) on the progress made in relation to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) which provided an update on the overall financial position of the Council.  The report conveyed the financial environment that the Council will operate in over the next 3 years, the key financial challenges that would be faced and provided an update on the financial assumptions and savings proposals that were considered at the meeting of the Budget Council in March 2017.

Decision Made: That:

(1)       the Medium Term Financial Plan for the period 2017/18-2019/20, be received;

(2)       the current financial assumptions contained within the Plan, be agreed and confirm  that no material changes need to be made to the funding shortfall previously reported to Members at the Budget Council in March 2017;

(3)       the value of the current budget proposals for 2017/18 to 2019/20 and the current variations to those that are reported at paragraph 4.17, be noted;

(4)       the continued pressure on all services as a result of the funding shortfall and in particular the increased  financial demand on Adult Social Care and Children’s Social Care which has led an overall pressure within the budget of £6.4m over the next 3 years, be noted; and

(5)       that all funding assumptions and savings proposals be continually monitored and updated with appropriate reporting, including remedial action plans, being presented to Members during the financial year, be agreed to ensure that financial sustainability is maintained and a balanced budget is delivered in 2018/19 and 2019/20.

Reasons for the Recommendations:

The recommendations will ensure that the overall financial health and sustainability of the Council is maintained and that appropriate decision making can be undertaken.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources in relation to; the current forecast revenue outturn position for the Council for 2017/18 as at the end of June; the forecast being informed by the latest analysis of expenditure and income due to the Council, in addition to the progress in delivering approved savings; the current forecast on Council Tax and Business Rates collection for 2017/18 and the current position of the Capital Programme and the additional requests to the Capital Programme, as detailed in paragraph 6 to the report.

Decision Made: That:

(1)       the forecast deficit outturn position of £1.295m as at the end of June 2017, be reviewed and considered;

(2)       review the progress to date on the achievement of approved Public Sector Reform savings for 2017/18, be reviewed;

(3)       the forecast position on the collection of Council Tax and Business Rates for 2017/18, be noted;

(4)       the current progress in the delivery of the 2017/18 Capital Programme, be noted; and

(5)       the additional capital allocations, outlined in section 6, to the 2017/18 Capital Programme, be approved and referred to the Council for approval.

Reasons for the Decision:

To ensure Cabinet are informed of the forecast outturn position for the 2017/18 revenue and capital budgets as at the end of June 2017 and to provide an updated forecast of the outturn position with regard to the collection of Council Tax and Business Rates.  To ensure additional schemes are included in the Capital Programme.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources that detailed the revenue and capital outturn position in relation to the 2016/17 financial year.  The report also detailed key variations and where appropriate set out any impact on future years financial performance. 

Decision Made: That:

(1)       the General Fund net underspend of £0.894m for 2016/17, be noted;

(2)       the Schools Delegated Budget net deficit of £2.915m for 2016/17, be noted;

(3)       the use of resources from the in-year surplus to increase the Council’s Redundancy Reserve by £0.894m, be approved; and

(4)       the capital outturn position for 2016/17 and the carry forward of resources to 2017/18, be noted.

Reasons for the Decision:

The production of a revenue and capital outturn report is a key feature of effective financial management and will allow Members to make informed decisions that will support service delivery and medium term financial sustainability.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.

?

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources in relation to the Councils Prudential Indicators as required under the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.

Decision Made:

That the revised Prudential Indicators as detailed in the report, in order to comply with The Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities, be approved and thereon referred to the Council for its approval.

Reasons for the Decision:

The Councils Prudential Indicators for 2017/18 were approved at Budget Council in March 2017.  In the event that an update is required then this is to be approved by Cabinet.  Following recent investment activity by the Council an update is required to 4 of the Council’s 10 prudential indicators.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources in relation to the Council’s contract for insurance provision.

The report set out that the Council has a contract for insurance in place which was awarded in September 2013 on a three year term plus options to extend for two one year periods.  On 28 September 2017, the first of the extension periods expires.  The contract exceeds the OJEU threshold, having an annual cost of £949,643 in 2016/17. 

Decision Made: That:

(1)       the Council exercises the option to extend the current Insurance contract for one year until 28 September 2018; be approved;

(2)       the Council undertakes a procurement exercise for a new insurance contract, effective from 29 September 2018 onwards, using the Crown Commercial Services Framework Agreement for Insurance Services; be approved;

(3)       the Head of Corporate Resources be granted delegated authority in consultation with the Cabinet Member, Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services to award the contract to the highest scoring bidder from the procurement exercise to be undertaken in 2018/19; be approved; and

(4)       the Head of Regulation and Compliance be authorised to enter into a contract with the successful tenderer from the procurement exercise to be undertaken in 2018/19, be approved.

Reasons for the Decision:

Advice on the current local authority insurance market, received from the Council’s insurance brokers, AON, strongly suggests that the procurement of insurance in 2018/19, when the market has settled and there is an opportunity to gain maximised benefit from the increased competition from insurers. This is likely to enable the Council to secure a more advantageous position than a procurement in 2017/18 would offer. 

By extending the current contract, due to the current insurers’ understanding and familiarity with Sefton’s portfolio, premiums and cover are expected to be maintained at current levels.

Use of the Crown Commercial Services Framework Agreement for Insurance Services beyond September 2018 also offers the opportunity to access a large number of pre-vetted insurers, including any new entrants to the market.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Undertaking a procurement exercise for insurance during 2017/18 is not advantageous for the Council, as this would not enable the Council to maximise benefit from the increased competition generated by the entry of new providers into the local authority insurance market, and would not maximise the choice of potential insurers open to the Council, as these new entrants do not yet have a proven track record.

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources in relation to Discretionary Relief for Business Rates following the Revaluation of 2017.

The local authority had received a letter from DCLG - dated 21 July 2017 that provided an update on the application of the discretionary relief for business rates.

This letter had no material impact on the content of the report to Council. A copy of the letter would be shared with Members for their information.  

Decision Made:

That the proposed Locally Administered Discretionary Revaluation Relief Scheme for those ratepayers adversely impacted by the 2017 revaluation, as set out in the report be approved and be commended to the Council for approval.

Reasons for the Decision:

The Council is expected to use a Locally Administered Discretionary Revaluation Relief scheme in order to distribute the  additional funding received from central Government to  those businesses in Sefton that have seen the steepest increases in their Business Rates bills as a result of the 2017 Revaluation.

The Government has stated that local government is best placed to determine how this fund should be targeted and administered to support those businesses and locations within their area that are in greatest need.

The proposed Locally Administered Discretionary Revaluation Relief Scheme is designed to mirror the criteria used by the Government  when determining the amount of grant to the local authority, and initially be targeted at those properties in Sefton that have a rateable value of under £200,000RV and who have suffered a loss (before other reliefs have been applied) of more than 12.5%. Any remaining funds will be considered for distribution to other businesses in Sefton experiencing an increase in business rates as a result of revaluation and whose circumstances are such that the authority wishes to provide more assistance.

These measures sit in the context of the Council’s wider economic growth priorities for the Borough. The proposed scheme is designed to support economic growth ensuring businesses thrive and develop. Growth is key to realising the ambitions of the Vision 2030 where Sefton Council aims to lay the foundations for long-term self-sustaining economic prosperity. The distribution of this additional financial support by Sefton Council will provide real, measurable and practical benefits to those businesses targeted to receive help under the scheme.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The alternative option would be not to make available discretionary support to businesses affected by Business Rates revaluation. Such course of action would fail to support our local businesses or utilise the extra funding made available to the Council by the Government.

Report of the Head of Health and Wellbeing

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Health and Wellbeing in relation to the Well North Legal Agreement.

The report sought approval to enter into the Well North Legal Agreement to allow the local programme, Well Sefton, to continue into implementation phase.

Members acknowledged and thanked Officers for all their hard work. 

Decision Made: That:

(1)       authority be granted to enter into the Well North Legal Agreement; 

(2)       the philosophy of Well Sefton, as a collaborative between a range of partners to explore new ways of working, and the role of the Council as the accountable body within this arrangement, be noted;

(3)       approval be granted for Sefton to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with each of the Well Sefton partners, to ensure delivery of expected outcomes against the investment proposals; and

(4)       the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing be granted delegated authority to make decisions in relation to any financial matters of the Well Sefton programme, in line with the process as set out in section 6 to the report.

Reasons for the Decision:

The recommendations above are necessary for the Well Sefton programme, which has been in development over the past two years, to continue to implementation stage.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not entering into the agreement:  This option would result in a loss of £600,000 in Well North programme funding for local projects, and in addition, the loss of significant development works undertaken by both Council and partner officers, causing potential reputational damage.  Loss of this funding would also leave some partners without potential match funding for other local regeneration and community initiatives.

Report of the Head of Health and Wellbeing

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Health and Wellbeing in relation to a Healthy Weight Declaration for Sefton, with a view to tackling obesity in Sefton.

Decision Made:

That the Sefton Healthy Weight Declaration pledges and the associated local actions, as detailed in the Appendix to the report be endorsed.

Reasons for the Decision:

Obesity is a significant public health issue for Sefton. The Healthy Weight Declaration for Sefton sets out 11 pledges and an action plan which will form the basis of a cross cutting preventative approach to tackling high levels of obesity in Sefton.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Do nothing: This option has been rejected because of the need to address obesity levels in the borough to improve health and wellbeing. Taking action will help to reduce the burden of future costs to health and social care and the wider economy due to poor health and long term conditions associated with obesity.

Development of an Obesity Strategy: This option was rejected in favour of adapting the Healthy Weight Declaration as a more visible and participatory approach to developing a cross cutting plan to tackle obesity.

Report of the Head of Health and Wellbeing

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Health and Wellbeing in relation to Sefton’s Integrated Sexual Health Service.

The report detailed that the current contract for Integrated Sexual Health Service in Sefton was due to expire on 30 June 2018 and that the Council could reprocure the service collaboratively with Knowsley Council;  reprocure the service without entering into a formal collaboration with Knowsley Council; or activate the contract extension clause for 12 months from 1 July 2018 until 30 June 2019.

Decision Made: That:

(1)       a formal procurement process in collaboration with Knowsley Council,  who will be the lead organisation, be approved; and

(2)       the Head of Health and Wellbeing be granted delegated authority in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing to evaluate the options and to award the contract, following the procurement process.

Reasons for the Decision:

•           A joint procurement and commissioning arrangement for the Integrated Sexual Health Service has potential to provide efficiencies around procurement and contract management activities for the Council.

•           The commissioning model is currently being developed, and through innovation  is looking at ways of procuring a better service.

•           The larger footprint and financial resource provides the opportunity for innovation within this area, leading to an improved offer across the two Boroughs

•           A collaborative model could improve choice and quality of service for local residents, allowing them to access a wider range of services.

Reprocurement of the Service without entering into a formal collaboration with Knowsley

•           Will not provide an opportunity for efficiencies around procurement and contract management activities.

•           Will not provide sufficient financial resources to allow innovation to develop.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Activate a further 12 month extension option

•           Will not address issues related to accommodation and provision for young people.

•           Will not enable the integration of primary care long acting reversible contraceptives and cervical screening into the service.

•           Will not enable the Royal Liverpool University Gentio-urinary medicine cross-charging to be integrated into the service.

Report of the Head of Schools and Families

Further to Minute No. 7 of the meeting held on 25 May 2017, the Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Schools and Families in relation to the determination of the proposal to merge South Sefton College with Hugh Baird College as recommended by the Liverpool City Region Area Review.

Decision Made: That:

(1)       the information on the proposal to discontinue South Sefton College to enable the merger with Hugh Baird as recommended by the Liverpool City Region Area Review of post 16 education and training institutions contained in the report, be considered;

(2)       the proposal for the discontinuance of South Sefton College to enable the merger with Hugh Baird as recommended by the Liverpool City Region Area Review of post 16 education and training institutions contained in the report with effect from 31 July 2017, be approved.

(3)       the Head of Regulation and Compliance in consultation with the Head of Schools and Families be authorised to complete the necessary agreements required as part of the merger with Hugh Baird,

(4)       the Cabinet agree to lease the land to Hugh Baird College at less than best consideration due to the significant contribution the proposal will make to the economic and social wellbeing of the local area as set out in the Liverpool City Region Area Review of post 16 education and training institutions;

(5)       the Cabinet note that the Leader of the Council and the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (Children’s Services and Safeguarding) had given their consent under Rule 46 of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules for these decisions to be treated as urgent and not subject to "call in" on the basis that they cannot be reasonably deferred because of the start of the Colleges academic year on 1 August; and

(6)       the Liverpool City Region Area Review Working Group and Officers be thanked for all their hard work.

Reasons for the Decision:

The Local Authority has the statutory power to discontinue a maintained school following the statutory process detailed in the report.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.

Report of the Head of Regeneration and Housing

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Regeneration and Housing in relation to the making of a non-immediate Article 4 Direction in relation to Houses of Multiple Occupation in relation to parts of Bootle, Seaforth, Waterloo and Southport.

Decision Made: That:

(1)       the making of a non-immediate Article 4 Direction, as detailed in  Appendix A, for the reasons set out in this report, in relation to Houses in Multiple Occupation in selected areas of Bootle, Seaforth, Litherland, Waterloo and Southport as shown in Appendix B, be approved;

(2)       the required notifications as set out in the report and the publication of a public notice as shown in Appendix C, be authorised; and

(3)       a further report be submitted to a future meeting of the Cabinet, following notification and consultation, to seek Cabinet approval as to whether or not to confirm this non-immediate Article 4 Direction.

Reasons for the Decision:

To remove the permitted development rights that householders currently have to convert their homes to a small House in Multiple Occupation in parts of Sefton. Planning permission will be required and this will ensure the Council has control of these proposals. The Council will therefore be able to consider whether the proposals, either individually, or in combination, will have a detrimental impact on residential amenity.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Option 1 – do not introduce an Article 4 Direction. The Council would not have control of conversion to small HMOs (i.e. for occupation by between 3 and 6 unrelated people) in the areas identified in Appendix B. Whilst there would be no financial impact on the planning department, there is a risk of clusters of HMOs occurring which may impact on residential amenity. Larger HMOs (i.e. those with accommodation for more than six unrelated people) already require planning permission and will not be affected by this Direction.

Option 2 – Consider the introduction of an Article 4 direction with immediate effect. This would mean that the control of use from homes to small HMOs would be in place as soon as the direction is made. However, the Council would be liable to pay compensation as set out in paragraph 5.5.

Report of the Head of Locality Services - Commissioned

The Cabinet considered the report the Head of Locality Services – Commissioned that sought Cabinet approval to procure machinery and fleet vehicles required for the Green Infrastructure – integrated land management service

Decision Made: That:

(1)       the procurement process, as set out in this report, for the provision of fleet vehicles and machinery required for the implementation of Green Infrastructure integrated land management service commencing autumn 2017, be approved;

(2)       the basis of evaluation of quotations as set out in paragraph 8 of this report, be approved; and

(3)       the Head of Locality Services – Commissioned be granted delegated authority to award the contract(s) to the highest scoring Bidder(s) in accordance with the scoring criteria set out in this report, be approved.

Reasons for the Decision:

The procurement exercise outlined in this report supports the requirement to establish ‘appropriate arrangements’ for the Green Infrastructure – integrated land management service.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Lease hire of fleet vehicles, machinery and equipment to facilitate the GI integrated land management operations. However, this would incur increased revenue costs, limit the fleet vehicles, machinery and equipment available and restrict the flexibility of future service delivery options.

Report of the Head of Locality Services - Commissioned

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Locality Services – Commissioned that sought approval to complete a tender exercise for the highway winter service contract to begin in July 2018.

Decision Made: That:

(1)       the procurement of the winter service contract using the tender process referred to in paragraph 2.5 of the report, be agreed;

(2)       the tenders be evaluated using the criteria referred to in paragraph 2.6 of the report, be agreed;

(3)       That the Head of Locality Services Commissioned be granted delegated authority to award the contract to the highest scoring tenderer and to advise the Cabinet Member – Locality Services of the outcome of the exercise: and

(4)       the Head of Regulation and Compliance be authorised to enter into Contracts with the successful tenderer, be agreed.

Reasons for the Decision:

The existing contract is due to expire in July 2018 with no further options to extend. The anticipated value of the new contract is such that, in accordance with the contract procedure rules, it requires Cabinet approval.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The Council could choose to cease the winter service function, however, this would leave the authority open to litigation for failure to fulfil its statutory duties.

Section 41 (1A) of the Highways Act 1980, as amended by The Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003 (section 111) states that: ‘In particular, a Highway Authority is under a duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that safe passage along a highway is not endangered by snow or ice’.  

In addition, the Traffic Management Act 2004 placed a network management duty on all local traffic authorities in England.  It requires authorities to do all that is reasonably practicable to manage the network effectively to keep traffic moving. In meeting the duty, authorities should establish contingency plans for dealing promptly and effectively with unplanned events, such as unforeseen weather conditions, as far as is reasonably practicable.

Report of the Head Children’s Social Care

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Children’s Social Care in relation to the Corporate Parenting Board Strategy and Annual Report.

Decision Made:

That the Cabinet be requested to promote and support the role of every elected member in their Corporate Parenting responsibilities and recognises Cabinets role in the governance structure.

Reasons for the Decision:

Every good parent knows that children require a safe and secure environment in which to grow and thrive. Parents protect and support their children against the dangers and risks of life. Parents are ambitious for them and want them to reach their potential. Parents celebrate and share in their achievements. A child who is cared for by the Council has the right to expect everything from a corporate parent that would be expected from a good parent.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.

Joint Report of the Head of Regeneration and Housing and the Head of Corporate Resources

The Cabinet considered the joint report of the Head of Corporate Resources and the Head of Regeneration and Housing which provided details of offers received from prospective bidders who wish to purchase the freehold of Vine House, Kepler Street, Seaforth.

Decision Made: That:

(1)    Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council accepts the offer submitted by Signature Living;

(2)       the Head of Regulation and Compliance and the Head of Corporate Services be authorised to enter into negotiations with Signature Living; and

(3)       the Cabinet delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services to agree and approve the final terms of the disposal of Vine House.

Reasons for Decision:

To enable the disposal of Vine House, a property that has been rendered surplus to operational requirements and made available for disposal by the Council and which will further enable the building to be refurbished to a standard fit for residential occupation and therefore brought back into use.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The Council could opt to demolish the building. This would potentially be at an estimated cost of between £750,000 to £1m. This would result in the creation of a site suitable for disposal likely to result in the provision of a small number of new build houses.

To comply with Regulation 5(2) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information)(England) Regulations 2012, notice has been published regarding the intention to consider the following matter(s) in private for the reasons set out below.

No representations have been received on this matter and this agenda satisfies the requirements of Regulation 5(4).

The Cabinet is recommended to pass the following resolution:

That, under the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information)(England) Regulations 2012, the press and public be excluded from the meting for the following item on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972.  The Public Interest Test has been applied and favours exclusion of the information from the Press and Public.

RESOLVED:

That, under the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information)(England) Regulations 2012, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972. The Public Interest Test has been applied and favours exclusion of the information from the Press and Public.

Appendices 1 and 2 to be considered in connection with Item No. 19 to follow

The Cabinet considered the joint report of the Head of Corporate Resources and the Head of Regeneration and Housing which provided details of offers received from prospective bidders who wish to purchase the freehold of Vine House, Kepler Street, Seaforth.

Decision Made: That:

(1)    Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council accepts the offer submitted by Signature Living;

(2)       the Head of Regulation and Compliance and the Head of Corporate Resources be authorised to enter into negotiations with Signature Living; and

(3)       the Cabinet delegate authority to the Cabinet Member for Regulatory, Compliance and Corporate Services to agree and approve the final terms of the disposal of Vine House.

Reasons for Decision:

To enable the disposal of Vine House, a property that has been rendered surplus to operational requirements and made available for disposal by the Council and which will further enable the building to be refurbished to a standard fit for residential occupation and therefore brought back into use.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The Council could opt to demolish the building. This would potentially be at an estimated cost of between £750,000 to £1m. This would result in the creation of a site suitable for disposal likely to result in the provision of a small number of new build houses.

Exempt Minutes of the meeting held on 22 June 2017

Decision Made:

That the restricted minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 22 June 2017 be confirmed as a correct record.

Further to Minute No. 22 of the meeting held on 22 June 2017, the Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive which provided an update with regard to the commercial acquisition of the Strand Shopping Centre, Bootle.

Decision Made:

That the recommendations set out in the report be approved.

Reason for the Decision:

The reasons for the decision are detailed in the report.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The details are set out in the report.