Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on June 23 2020 be

confirmed and signed as a correct record.

Councillor Joan Millbank declared a personal interest in Item 3 as a member

of Lewisham Local Collaborative which was referred to in the report.

Councillor Sophie Davis declared a personal interest in Item 3 as an

appointed member of Voluntary Services Lewisham.

The report was introduced by the Chief Executive and the Director of Public

Services.

Councillor Mallory referred to the financial section in paragraph 6.8.1 and

noted that while there had been a £53.2m financial impact, only £18m had

been received leaving a gap of £35m. He urged for robust financial monitoring

and asked for updated information. The Acting Chief Finance Officer reported

a further £3.2m had been received as a share of a national allocation and that

the next income return would be prepared at the end of July.

Councillor Campbell asked if a public health communications strategy was

being formulated as the borough headed out of lockdown. Councillor Millbank

added that a summary of lessons learned was required as well as consistent

data management. The Chief Executive explained that the borough was

mirroring Londonwide messaging which reflected NHS provision and timing

provided by Public Health England.

The Chair pointed out there was likely to be new rules on social distancing

and public behaviour including the requirement to wear masks in shops and

he asked if the communications strategy targeted likely affected groups.

Councillor Codd underlined the need to collaborate with local communities,

the rapid introduction of traffic calming measures being a prime example of

that need.

The Chief Executive indicated a new Director of Programme Management 

would tackle some of the issues raised and indicated there were lessons that

could be learned on air quality and traffic calming.

Councillor Muldoon highlighted a review of BAME Health inequalities to be

undertaken by Birmingham City Council and Lewisham and he issued a

general invitation for nominations to be made to both an Academic Board and

an Advisory Board.

Councillor Curran raised three questions, asking when normal Council

meetings might return; what had been the financial impact on major town

centre developments such as the A205 realignment and was it possible for

emergency signage to have details of sources of further information.

The Chair indicated he thought the next step for the return of meetings would

be a hybrid option and he asked for an update on the feasibility of this to be

considered in August. The Acting Chief Finance Officer said information on

the financial impact on town centre developments would be provided

subsequent to the meeting. The Chief Executive said revisions to road closure

signage could form part of a wider communications strategy.

Councillor Bernards raised concerns about the increase in the numbers of

rough sleepers. He noted steps already taken by Councillor Bonavia with

regard to those with No Recourse to Public Funds. He pointed out those who

lacked access to digital technology might be prevented from making Council

Tax reduction claims or from accessing Homesearch facilities.

The Director of Public Services responded by explaining safeguards had been

put in place for the digitally excluded including all Universal Credit claimants.

A comprehensive telephone service was in place for all Homesearch queries.

Councillor Bell, the Cabinet Member for Housing explained that in terms of

assisting rough sleepers the policy was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

The Key Decision Plan was presented by the Head of Committee Services.

Councillor Curran asked if there were to be any emergency executive

meetings scheduled in August. The Head of Committee Services said none

were currently scheduled but the Mayor could arrange additional meetings if

required.

Councillor Curran noted an update on Climate Emergency plans was not due

until February 2021 and wondered if an earlier consideration might be more

measured. The Head of Committee Services noted the concern raised and

promised to discuss this with the officer responsible.

Councillor Howard noted the proposal to award a 5 year concession contract

at Beckenham Place Park and asked if there could be a review after one year.

The Head of Committee Services reported there was a changed lead officer

for the project and he would consult with him and report back subsequent to

the meeting.

RESOLVED that the report be received.

Financial Forecasts

The Financial Forecasts item considered by the Mayor & Cabinet on July 9

was reviewed by the Business Panel.

Councillor Sorba highlighted the expenditure on residential placements arising  

from the Council meeting its legal obligations. He suggested additional

support for Early Help services could bring down the need for residential

placements.

The Acting Chief Finance Officer confirmed the growing level of cost pressure

on Children’s Services. The Executive Director for Children & Young People

stated there was a financial recovery plan in place and short and longer term

savings would be achieved centred on Early Help and prevention.

Councilor Codd said the report illustrated a higher demand for Council

services during the pandemic and he asked how pandemic and non-pandemic

costs were allotted. The Director of Financial Services observed this was the

first monitoring report of the financial year and Covid-19 costs needed to be

closely monitored. Accounting codes using widely understood definitions were

being used to that end.

RESOLVED that the report be noted.

RESOLVED that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972,

the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of

business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt

information as defined in paragraphs 3, 4 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12(A) of

the Act, as amended by the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements)

(Access to Information) (Amendments) (England) Regulations 2006:-

Decision made by the Mayor and Cabinet on 9 July 2020

1. Settlement on outstanding litigation case regarding non-payment of an
2. affordable housing contribution at 99 Plough Way

Settlement on outstanding litigation case regarding non-payment of an affordable housing contribution at 99 Plough Way.

The Business Panel further considered this confidential item originally

considered by the Mayor & Cabinet on July 9.

The Panel received a presentation on this case stretching back to 2003 from

the Director of Planning. She explained specialist legal advice had been

obtained and that the recommendation proposed was seen as the only viable

option offering positive advantage to the Council. The Director of Planning laid

out the safeguards put in place in the years following to ensure a repetition of

this case did not occur again.

RESOLVED that the decision of the Mayor & Cabinet be upheld.

The meeting closed at 8.55pm