Hillingdon Council Cabinet Member and Officer Decisions
New Allocations for the Ward Budget Scheme (February 2021)
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Democratic Services Location: Phase II Ext: 0185 DDI: 01895 25 0185 My Ref: LP To: COUNCILLOR IAN EDWARDS LEADER OF THE COUNCIL COUNCILLOR DOUGLAS MILLS CABINET MEMBER FOR CORPORATE SERVICES AND TRANSFORMATION c.c. All Members of Executive Scrutiny Committee c.c. Perry Scott, Residents Services c.c. Helena Webster, Residents Services c.c. Chairmen of the Corporate Services, Commerce and Communities and Residents, Education and Environmental Services Policy Overview Committees c.c. Ward Councillors for Ickenham, Manor, Pinkwell, South Ruislip and Uxbridge South c.c. Conservative and Labour Group Offices (inspection copy) Date: 4 March 2021 Non-Key Decision request Form D NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME: March 2021 Dear Cabinet Member Attached is a report requesting that a decision be made by you as an individual Cabinet Member. Democratic Services confirm that this i s not a key decision, as such the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 notice period does not apply. You should take a decision on or after Friday 12 March 2021 in order to meet Constitutional requirements about publication of decisions that are to be made. You may wish to discuss the report with the Corporate Director before it is made. Please indicate your decision on the duplicate memo supplied, and return it to me when you have made your decision. I will then arrange for the formal notice of decision to be published. Liz Penny Democratic Services Officer Title of Report: New Allocations for the Ward Budget Scheme: March 2021 Decision made: Reasons for your decision: (e.g. as stated in report) Alternatives considered and rejected: (e.g. as stated in report) Signed ………………………………………………………Date…………………….. Leader of the Council / Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Transformation Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 1 NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME: March 2021 Cabinet Member(s) Councillor Ian Edwards Councillor Douglas Mills Cabinet Portfolio(s) Leader of the Council Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Transformation Officer Contact(s) Helena Webster, Residents Services Papers with report Appendix A: Details of projects submitted for the Ward Budget Scheme from 12 October 2020 to 17 February 2021 Appendix B: Ward budget financial summary to 17 February 2021 HEADLINES Summary This report seeks Cabinet Member approval to allocate funds from the Ward Budget Scheme for proposals submitted by Ward Councillors. Putting our Residents First The Ward Budget Initiative supports the following Council objectives of: Our People; Our Natural Environment; Our Built Environment; Our Heritage and Civic Pride. Financial Cost The overall funds available for the ward-based budget scheme total £1,193,180. The accumulative value of proposals to date is £970,000 giving a balance of £223,180 to allocate. This report seeks Cabinet Member approval to release funds totalling £14,309 for seven new ward budget proposals taking the total allocation to £984,309 and leaving a balance of £208,871 available for allocation. Relevant Policy Overview Committee Corporate Services, Commerce and Communities Residents, Education and Environmental Services Relevant Ward(s) Ickenham, Manor, Pinkwell, South Ruislip and Uxbridge South RECOMMENDATIONS 1. That the Leader of the Council approves the allocation of £4,068 from the Manor Ward Budget for the following proposal: Ward Grant Recipient Amount £ Manor Lady Bankes Infant and Nursery School Outdoor Regeneration Project 4,068 Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 2 2. That the Cabinet Member for Co rporate Services and Transformation approves the allocation of £13,468 from the Ward Budget Scheme for the following proposals: Ward Grant Recipient Amount £ Ickenham Ickenham United Reformed Church as 50% match funding towards new fire alarm and emergency lighting systems 6,248 Pinkwell Crane Community Centre Christmas Hampers 950 South Ruislip Contribution of 50% towards the installation of a memorial bench in memory of Mr Brunell Sweeney, 4th Ruislip Scout Leader. 600 South Ruislip To install 10 floral hanging baskets in Harvey Road for a summer seasonal display in 2021 602 South Ruislip To provide three floral tiered planters within Field End Road Shopping Parade for a seasonal summer display in 2021 841 Uxbridge South The Uxbridge Centre towards upgrading their current CCTV system 1,000 TOTAL 10,241 Reasons for recommendations Each of the proposals submitted comply with the protocol on the use of ward budgets. All Ward Councillors have been made aware of the proposals within this report and, to date, there have been no objections received. Alternative options considered / risk management None. Policy Overview Committee comments None at this stage. SUPPORTING INFORMATION At its meeting in September 2011, Cabinet agreed to allocate £330k from Priority Growth to fund a new Ward Budget Scheme. With effect from 1 October 2011, £15k was allocated to each of the 22 wards. The sum did not have to be spent in the 2011/12 financial year and any unspent balance was carried forward to future financial years. Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 3 An additional ward budget allocation of £10k for each ward was agreed by Cabinet on 19 June 2014 and a further allocation of £20k for each ward agreed by Cabinet on 12 February 2015. At Cabinet on 18 April 2019 approval was given to release an estimated £203k of the £440k 2019/20 Ward Budget Growth to top-up each Ward Budget to £15k. Ward budget funding is to be used for proposals that make a difference in a local area and to give residents a chance to influence how their local priorities are met. Primarily the funds are intended for one-off expenditure on physical works, events or activities that have a positive impact within the ward. Proposals are to be submitted with the agreement of all relevant ward Councillors. A summary of the proposals approved to date is given in the table below. Seven further proposals covering five ward budgets and totalling £14,309 have been received; the details of these are set out in Appendix A of this report. Financial Year Cabinet Member approval No. of Proposals No. of Wards Total Value (£) Total Balance Remaining (£) 2011/2012 Dec - March 39 22 £ 68,133.31 £ 261,866.69 2012/2013 April - March 123 22 £ 159,895.53 £ 101,971.16 2013/2014 April - March 70 22 £ 71,310.32 £ 30,660.84 2014/2015 April - March 54 22 £ 58,580.58 £ 632,080.26 2015/2016 April - March 103 21 £ 196,957.50 £ 435,122.76 2016/2017 April - March 91 20 £ 143,571.00 £ 291,551.76 2017/2018 April - March 68 22 £ 110,757.76 £ 180,794.00 2018/2019 April - March 47 22 £ 51,183 £ 129,611 2019/2020 April Approved increased allocation of £203,180 £ 332,791 2019/2020 April - March 65 22 £ 88,154 £ 244,637 2020/2021 April 6 4 £ 11,044 £ 233,593 2020/2021 June 4 4 £ 4,348 £ 229,245 Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 4 2020/2021 October 5 5 £ 6,065 £ 223,180 2020/2021 February 7 5 £ 14,309 £ 208,871 Totals to date 682 n/a £ 984,309 £ 208,871 Since the commencement of the scheme in October 2011, a total of 6 82 proposals have been received. Of these, 6 75 proposals have already been approved covering all 22 wards within Hillingdon and seven new proposals are recommended within this report. The updated balance of funds for each ward under the Ward Budget Scheme is set out in Appendix B. Financial Implications The overall allocation for the Ward Budget Scheme is £1,193,180. The funding for this programme runs from 1 October 2011 onwards, based on the original £330,000 budget for the initiative approved by Cabinet on 29 September 2011; an additional £220,000 approved by Cabinet on 19 June 2014; a further £440,000 approved by Cabinet on 12 February 2015 and a £203,180 allocation approved by Cabinet on 18 April 2019 to top each of the 22 Ward Budget balances up to £15,000, where needed. The total allocations approved up to October 2020 were £970,000 at which stage, the unallocated balance on the earmarked reserve available for distribution was £ 223,180. The allocation of £14,309 proposed within this report for February 2021 will take the total allocations approved to £984,309 leaving an unallocated balance of £208,871 on the reserve available for distribution. RESIDENT BENEFIT & CONSULTATION The benefit or impact upon Hillingdon residents, service users and communities Ward budgets help Councillors to make a difference in their ward. They address specific local priorities by delivering proposals to benefit residents and local organisations. Consultation carried out or required Consultation with the lead Councillor from each ward and officers internally has taken place, where appropriate. Where other services are involved, such as Residents’ Associations, and community organisations, the views of these groups have helped to shape the nature of the proposals. CORPORATE CONSIDERATIONS Corporate Finance Corporate Finance has reviewed this report and concurs with the financial implication set out above. If schemes set out in this report are approved, £209k will remain available to support future initiatives. Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 5 Legal Implications The Borough Solicitor confirms that the projects being funded comply with the protocol on the use of ward budgets and there are no legal impediments to prevent the Cabinet Member from authorising this expenditure. Infrastructure / Asset Management None at this stage. BACKGROUND PAPERS Nil. Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 6 APPENDIX A: DETAILS OF PROJECTS SUBMITTED FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME Ward Ref No Proposal Cost (£) Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining (£) Ickenham WB4IC02 Ickenham United Reformed Church as 50% match funding towards new fire alarm and emergency lighting systems £6,248 Cllrs Hensley and Sir Ray Puddifoot £5,252 Supporting Information 1. Ickenham United Reformed Church opened in 1936 and the building has been added to over the years as the church community has expanded. 2. The Church has always been open and accessible to local residents for uses in many ways ranging from social events, education, fund raising and children’s activities such as the annual Holiday Club joint venture with St Giles’ Church. 3. Ahead of future reopening for Church services and community activities the intention is to update, extend and improve both the fire alarm system and emergency escape lighting system in the older parts of the building. 4. The ward budget will provide a 50% match contribution towards the cost of these safety improvement works. Target Delivery Date The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved. Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards priorities agreed by the Hillingdon Partners Executive and in particular to ‘Build a strong and resilient community.’ Recipient of funding A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient once the proposal has been approved. Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 7 Ward Ref No Proposal Cost (£) Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining (£) Manor WB4MA04 Lady Bankes Infant and Nursery School Outdoor Regeneration Project £4,068 Cllrs O’Brien and Markham £4,412 Supporting Information 1. Lady Bankes Infant School has been supporting the educational needs of local children since 1936 . The school leadership are always looking for innovative ways to enhance and improve pupils’ experiences and to enhance the school site and infrastructure. 2. The school is planning to regenerate the outside early years foundation stage (EYFS) area creating multi use zoning barriers and outdoor furniture enabling the school to continue to improve, enhance and engage the youngest children in safe, fun and imaginative activities. 3. The Ward budget will fund the purchase of functional and creative furniture enabling the limited space to be used to its fullest capacity. Target Delivery Date The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved. Expected Outcome The grant will contribute towards priorities agreed by the Hillingdon Partners Executive and in particular to promote and increase residents' involvement in sports, leisure, cultural and learning activities. Recipient of funding A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient, once the proposal has been approved. Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 8 Ward Ref No Proposal Cost (£) Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining (£) Pinkwell WB4PI04 Crane Community Centre Christmas Hampers £950 Cllrs Lakhmana and Morse £11,874 Supporting Information 1. Crane Community Centre hosts a range of activities and clubs including the Pensioners’ Club which has been running fortnightly for some five years providing: • Social support and interaction through games, puzzles, crafts and bingo. • Tea/coffee and cake • Organised days out to the seaside, boat trips, places of interest • Wider support and help with personal issues 2. In accordance with Covid-19 guidance it was not possible to hold the usual Christmas party. As a safe alternative, the organisers planned to deliver mini Christmas hampers to the members of the Pensioners Club in addition to local elderly people who are housebound. 3. The Ward budget funding will be used towards the cost of purchasing the content and distributing the Christmas hampers. Target Delivery Date Early approval was sought and agreed to enable the timely delivery of the Christmas hampers. Outcome This grant will contribute towards priorities agreed by the Hillingdon Partners Executive and in particular to ‘Help people to lead healthier and more independent lives.’ Recipient of funding A BACS transfer has been arranged for the recipient, in accordance with the early payment approval. Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 9 Ward Ref No Proposal Cost (£) Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining (£) South Ruislip WB4SR09 Contribution towards the installation of a memorial bench tin memory of Mr Brunell Sweeney, 4th Ruislip Scout Leader. £600 Cllrs Tuckwell and Kauffman £6,422 Supporting Information 1. Brunell Sweeney was a larger-than-life character who inspired generations of young people through his work as a Scout Leader and prominent member of the Ruislip Gardens Residents Association. 2. Following his passing away in October 2020, a request has been made for a memorial bench to be installed in Trevor Crescent (Ruislip Gardens). A location has been agreed with Green Spaces. 3. Given his status within the community he served for many years, this will be a fitting tribute, where residents can pay their respects at any time. 4. South Ruislip Ward budget will provide a 50& contribution towards the cost of supply and installation. Target Delivery Date Early approval was sought and agreed to enable the bench to be procured without delay. Outcome This grant will contribute towards priorities agreed by the Hillingdon Partners Executive and in particular to ‘Work together to maintain and improve the quality of Hillingdon as a place.’ Promote and increase residents' involvement in sports, leisure, cultural and learning activities. Recipient of funding An internal transfer to Green Spaces has been arranged in line with the early approval request. Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 10 Ward Ref No Proposal Cost (£) Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining (£) South Ruislip WB4SR10 To install 10 floral hanging baskets in Harvey Road for a summer seasonal display in 2021 £602 Cllrs Tuckwell and Kauffman £5,820 Supporting Information 1. Harvey Road has benefitted from the road being resurfaced and the pavements are now being upgraded too. This is a unique part of South Ruislip given its annexed geography just south of the A40 and on the Borough boundary. 2. There are 67 properties and nearly 200 residents who would benefit from the bright and vibrant hanging basket display that would complement the recent highways improvements. 3. The ward budget proposal will fund the installation and maintenance for the summer season (late May/June - late September) at this significant gateway entrance into the Borough. Target Delivery Date Green Spaces will liaise directly with their contractor once the proposal has been approved. Outcome This grant will contribute towards priorities agreed by the Hillingdon Partners Executive and in particular to ‘Work together to maintain and improve the quality of Hillingdon as a place.’ Recipient of funding An internal transfer will be made to Green Spaces once the proposal has been approved. Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 11 Ward Ref No Proposal Cost (£) Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining (£) South Ruislip WB4SR11 To provide three floral tiered planters within Field End Road Shopping Parade for a seasonal summer display in 2021 £841 Cllrs Tuckwell and Kauffman £4,979 Supporting Information Field End Shopping Parade is a busy and vibrant area of retail commerce that is pivotal to the local South Ruislip community which it serves. The Parade is made up of small independent shops which cater for residents’ everyday needs a longside some national brands. The immediate residential area covers over 500 households with many more residents passing through the area. The ward budget proposal will fund the installation and maintenance for the summer season (late May/June - late September) creating a vibrant colourful floral display. This is especially important this year, helping to lift the public mood at a time when many residents and businesses within the parade will need a boost having followed Covid-19 restrictions for many months Target Delivery Date Green Spaces will liaise directly with their contractor once the proposal has been approved. Outcome This grant will contribute towards priorities agreed by the Hillingdon Partners Executive and in particular to ‘Work together to maintain and improve the quality of Hillingdon as a place.’ Recipient of funding An internal transfer will be made to Green Spaces once the proposal has been approved. Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 12 Ward Ref No Proposal Cost (£) Councillor Approval Received Balance remaining (£) Uxbridge South WB4US04 The Uxbridge Centre towards upgrading their current CCTV system £1000 Cllrs Cooper and Burrows £10,586 Supporting Information 1. The Uxbridge Centre was established as a community centre in 1983/4 by the then Chaplin of Brunel University, Reverend Theo Samuel. The Centre is a registered charity and is completely self- funding. It is run by a Management Committee of local volunteers and is a member of the Hillingdon Federation of Community Associations. 2. Since forming, the Centre has over the years gone from stre ngth to strength and would usually be used to near full capacity with over 800 residents participating in group activities including ranging from Parent/Carer & Toddler groups through to sport and fitness classes. Local councillors hold their regular surgeries in the meeting room and the halls are also used by the NHS for Blood Donations. 3. The current CCTV system requires an upgrade including additional camera coverage and improved definition of the footage to deter ant- social behaviour. The Ward budget funding will contribute towards the cost of the new CCTV system. Target Delivery Date The grant will be paid once the proposal has been approved. Outcome This grant will contribute towards priorities agreed by the Hillingdon Partners Executive and in particular to ‘Promote and increase residents' involvement in sports, leisure, cultural and learning activities.’ Recipient of funding A BACS transfer will be arranged for the recipient, once the proposal has been approved. Cabinet Member Report – 4 March 2021 Part I - Public Page 13 Appendix B: WARD BUDGET SUMMARY (February 2021 Cabinet Member Report)
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Cabinet Member Decision Notice – 15 March 2021 OFFICIAL DECISION NOTICE PUBLISHED BY DEMOCRATIC SERVICES ON 15 MARCH 2021 The Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Transformation have made the following decision today: 1. - THE LEADER OF THE COUNCIL AND THE CABINET MEMBER FOR CORPORATE SERVICES AND TRANSFORMATION NEW ALLOCATIONS FOR THE WARD BUDGET SCHEME: MARCH 2021 DECISION: 1. That the Leader of the Council approve d the allocation of £4,068 from the Manor Ward Budget for the following proposal: Ward Grant Recipient Amount £ Manor Lady Bankes Infant and Nursery School Outdoor Regeneration Project 4,068 2. That the Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Transformation approved the allocation of £13,468 from the Ward Budget Scheme for the following proposals: Ward Grant Recipient Amount £ Ickenham Ickenham United Reformed Church as 50% match funding towards new fire alarm and emergency lighting systems 6,248 Pinkwell Crane Community Centre Christmas Hampers 950 South Ruislip Contribution of 50% towards the installation of a memorial bench in memory of Mr Brunell Sweeney, 4th Ruislip Scout Leader. 600 South Ruislip To install 10 floral hanging baskets in Harvey Road for a summer seasonal display in 2021 602 South Ruislip To provide three floral tiered planters within Field End Road Shopping Parade for a seasonal summer display in 2021 841 Perry Scott – Director of Infrastructure, Procurement, Business Improvement, Communications, Waste Services and ICT Helena Webster, Residents Services Cabinet Member Decision Notice – 15 March 2021 Uxbridge South The Uxbridge Centre towards upgrading their current CCTV system 1,000 TOTAL 10,241 REASONS FOR THE DECISION MADE Each of the proposals submitted comply with the protocol on the use of ward budgets. All Ward Councillors have been made aware of the proposals within this report and, to date, there have been no objections received. ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED AND REJECTED None. FURTHER INFORMATION The detailed report relating to this decision is available to view here. DECISION AUTHORITY & IMPLEMENTATION Where required, these decisions have been taken under The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012. These decisions come into immediate effect. This is the formal notice by the Council of the above decisions. If you would like more information on any of the decisions, please contact Democratic Services on 01895 250636. The right hand column indicates the name of the officer(s) responsible for implementing / following up the decision in each case. Circulation of this decisions sheet is to a variety of people including Members of the Council, Corporate Directors, Officers, Group Secretariats and the Public.