Decisions

Award of contracts for ICT software arising from delegated authority given at Cabinet February 2021.

Decision

That the Cabinet Member (Communities, Social Justice and Wealth Building) approve the award for Civica Pay as authorised at Cabinet on 10^th February 2021 via the DAS Framework for the delivery of this software.

In accordance with paragraph 11.14 of Part 4F of the Council’s Constitution, the Mayor agrees to waive the Scrutiny call-in procedure in respect of this decision for the following reasons:

The reasons for the urgency were that a joint contract needed to be entered into by 30^th September 2021 as this is when the contract at South Ribble expires, and it was not possible extend the contract until March 2022 in line with the date that Chorley Council’s contract expires. Any delay would mean that the contract at South Ribble would be terminated which would seriously damage the interests of the Council.

Reasons for recommendations

The award of this contract demonstrates best value for money for both South Ribble and Chorley Councils.

Ensures the continuation of supplier mitigating the risk to either authority.

Other options considered and rejected

The opportunity could be openly advertised, but the Council is confident the final commercial position represents best value for money if awarded directly via the DAS Framework.

Decision made

To appoint contractors to carry out works to the value of £47,605 on two separate projects to refurbish the existing sports pavilions on Worden Park to include

a.     The Cladding of all the Sports Pavilions for a cost of £23,710

b.     The conversion of one sports Pavilion to be fully DDA compliant for a cost of £23,895.

Reasons for decision

As part of the Council’s ambition to promote Leisure Local a number of schemes are been developed to improve the quality of local Sports Facilities. This project is one of those schemes.

Other options considered and rejected

The Council could choose not to do the scheme above. This would miss an opportunity to take forward the ambitions of Leisure Local.

1.         To note the content of the report.

2.         To agree to adopt The Mobile Homes (Requirement for Manager of Site to be Fit and Proper Person) (England) Regulations 2020.

Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme

1.         To approve the submission of grant applications for the six identified buildings as part of the BEIS Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme Phase 3 (PSDS3) grant offer.

2.         To approve the capital contribution of up to £500,00 for the equivalent ‘like for like’ replacement of existing fossil fuel plant following successful award of the grant funding.

3.         This will include the utilisation of some of the existing capital budgets for Civic Centre,

Corporate Buildings and Leisure Centre Refurbishment

4.         To delegate final approval to proceed (including Council contribution) following the grant award offer, to the Cabinet member for Health and Wellbeing up to a total of £500,000 contribution.

5.         To approve the creation of a budget equivalent to the value of any successful grant bid, following successful award of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme grant funding to allow the works to commence. It is estimated this could be in the region of £4 to 5m.

Low Carbon Skills Fund

6.         To approve the creation of a budget following the application to the Low Carbon Skills Fund (LCSF) and the award of £223,000 to produce additional decarbonisation plans for the remaining Council estate and further feasibility studies for the Civic Centre, Moss Side Depot, South Ribble Tennis Centre, Leyland, Bamber Bridge and Penwortham LeisureCentre’s.

7.         To approve the utilisation of the £223,000 Low Carbon Skills Funding following an appropriate procurement exercise to achieve the aims of the grant application.

DEFRA Air Quality Grant

8.         To approve the submission of grant application as part of the DEFRA Air Quality Grant Scheme, to fund additional work in schools and measures to combat air quality within designated Air Quality Management Areas (AQMAs).

9.         To approve the creation of a budget equivalent to the grant value following successful award of the DEFRA Air Quality Grant Scheme. There is no defined limit for this funding but indicative amounts are between £10,000 and £60,000.

1.         To review and note the complaint and the decision of Standards Committee in relation to the conduct of Cllr Barrie Yates.

2.         To support the recommendation that there be a review of the Code of Conduct for Members with an emphasis on

a. Simplifying the code and aligning with legislation the recommendations of the Office for Standards in Public Life; and specifically

b. Consideration of standardising the code of conduct across South Ribble BC and Chorley BC.

3.         That the Monitoring Officer be tasked with establishing a cross party and stakeholder working group to undertake the review and for the working group to present recommendations to Council for consideration and if approved adoption in due course.

Noted.

Approved.

1.         The Council’s constitution be changed to allow substitute Members to be appointed to relevant committees as outlined in the report.

2.         The Council’s Monitoring Officer be authorised to make the consequential changes to the Council’s constitution.

3.         The substitute Members put forward by Group Leaders listed in Appendix 1 and put forward at the meeting be agreed until the next annual meeting of the Council.

Approved.

Noted.

Noted.

Noted.

1.         To approve the revised capital programme as attached at Appendix A which reflects all amendments to the programme that have been approved in the 4 months to 31st July 2021, as detailed in paragraph 11 of the report.

2.         To note the position in the Balance Sheet Monitoring section of the report in respect of cash, investment and loan balances, and debtors as at 31st July 2021.

That Council puts in place a revenue budget funded from the £500,000 receipt to cover ongoing reservoir running costs which should last 25 years (based on £20,000pa).

Decision made

To appointWade Group Ltd as contractor to carry works of exterior renovation (as specified in this report) and commit to the budget of £76k.

Reasons for Decision

This work is required in order to modernise the cottages in terms of their windows which are in a state of disrepair. The decision is to to appoint the contractor chosen following the procurement process undertaken.

Other options considered and rejected

The Council could choose not to do the work, but this was rejected as the work is required.

Decision made

Approval of a new £80,000 revenue budget, for the purpose of delivering South Ribble’s element of a Central Lancs Enhanced COVID Support project.

Reasons for decision

The Integrated Care Partnership has allocated grant funding across Chorley,

Preston and South Ribble, to offer support to those who are particularly

susceptible to the impact of COVID.

This funding enables the provision of targeted contact with residents whose circumstances such as health conditions and social isolation place them at higher risk of needing acute medical care.

Other options considered and rejected

No other options considered; the grant funding offered will benefit vulnerable members of our community.

Decision made

To agree to the appointment of Contractor Bagnalls to paint the Council’s 4 Leisure Centres to the value of £97K following a ITQ Tender process carried out under the Council’s procurement rules which involved a direct approach to 4 chosen tenderers.

Reasons for recommendations

In accordance with the Council’s procurement rules we need to have an Executive Member Decision to appoint a suitable contractor to carry out required painting work at the Council Leisure Centres.

Other options considered and rejected

The Council could choose not to do the work which would mean the Leisure Centre Frontages and associated elevations / elements would continue to worsen and further degrade.