Decisions
Use the below search options at the bottom of the page to find information regarding decisions that have been taken by the council’s decision making bodies since 18 May 2018.
Alternatively you can visit the officer decisions page for information on officer delegated decisions that have been taken by council officers.
10/12/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Harbour Support Services ref: 1175 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Harbour Support Services in respect
of Domestic Abuse Outreach Support.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed for Harbour Support Services in
respect of Domestic Abuse Outreach Support for a contract period of
2 years with an option to extend by (1+1) at a cost of
£360,000.
Reasons - This award will enable the Council to join the DCC
Contract.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
10/12/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Foundation ref: 1174 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award to Foundation in respect of Durham and
Darlington Offender Service.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed for Foundation in respect of
Durham and Darlington Offender Service for a contract term of 2
years with an option to extend by 1+1 at a cost of
£511,200.
Reason - The supplier is able to maintain level of service within a
budget and contract monitoring will continue to monitor the
service.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
10/12/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Hunden's Care Home ref: 1173 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult residential
placement with Hunden's Care Home.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult residential
placement with Hunden's Care Home for an ongoing contract period at
a cost of £140,778.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
10/12/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Elliot House (Paramount Care) ref: 1172 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult residential
placement with Elliot House (Paramount Care).
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult residential
placement with Elliot House (Paramount Care) for an ongoing
contract period at a cost of £253,859.22.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
10/12/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Springfield Care (Potens) ref: 1169 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of adult day service with
Springfield Care (Potens).
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of adult day service
with Springfield Care (Potens) for an ongoing contract term at a
cost of £26,366.16.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
10/12/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Ascot Care ref: 1168 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of domiciliary care package
and day care service with Ascot Care.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of domiciliary care
package and day care service with Ascot Care for a contract term of
4 years at a cost of £197,939.39.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
10/12/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau Financial Inclusion Crisis Support Service ref: 1165 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of Darlington Citizen Advice
Bureau Financial Inclusion Crisis Support Service.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of Darlington
Citizen Advice Bureau Financial Inclusion Crisis Support Service
for a contract term of 12 months with an option to extend by 12
months at a cost of £200,000.
Reasons - The contract will offer value for money.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
10/12/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Supporting Independence ref: 1164 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of supported accommodation
for a child with Supporting Independence.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of supported
accommodation for a child with Supporting Independence for a
contract term of 1 year at a cost of £197,600.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed as there
are no suitable placements available on the Councils contracted
provision to meet the needs.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
10/12/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Darlington Citizens Advice Bureau ref: 1163 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules and
agree direct contract award in respect of Darlington Citizens
Advice Bureau Community Care Support Service.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 26/03/2021
Effective from: 10/12/2019
Decision:
That the contract procedure rules be waived
and direct contract award be agreed in respect of Darlington
Citizen Advice Bureau Community Care Support Service for a contract
term of 12 months with an option to extend by 12 months at a cost
of £300,000.
Reason - The contract will offer value for money.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
11/12/2019 - Street Name Allocation - Mount Pleasant Farm ref: 729 Recommendations Approved
New street names to be allocated to a new
housing development at Mount Pleasant Farm site.
Proposed names are Mansergh Road, Dine Holm Street, Hury Way,
Balderhead Street, Kennard Road, Cow Green Lane, Middlehope Way,
Killhope Crescent, Spar Box Close, Nenthead End, Galena Lane,
Smithsonite Street.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 13/12/2019
Effective from: 11/12/2019
Decision:
That the street names and numbering be
agreed.
New development requires street naming in accordance with the
Public Health Act 1925, Section 17 and Town Improvements Clauses
Act 1847, Section 64.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
05/07/2019 - Declarations of Interest ref: 678 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)
Made at meeting: 05/07/2019 - Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)
Decision published: 09/12/2019
Effective from: 05/07/2019
Decision:
There were no declarations of interest reported at the meeting.
29/11/2019 - Various licence applications/permissions/consents made under the Licensing Act 2003 for the month of November 2019 ref: 727 Recommendations Approved
Approval of licence
applications/permissions/consents made under the Licensing Act 2003
for the month of November 2019.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 06/12/2019
Effective from: 29/11/2019
Decision:
Individual decisions made in accordance with
the provisions of the relevant legislation are detailed on the
attached document.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
03/12/2019 - Warm Homes Project ref: 720 Recommendations Approved
To further update Cabinet following the
earlier report of 9 January 2018 in relation to the previous
endorsement to participate in the Warm Homes Fund project
(WHF)).
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 03/12/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 06/12/2019
Effective from: 14/12/2019
Decision:
The Cabinet Member with the Stronger Communities Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) providing an update on the previous Cabinet report of 9 January 2018 (Minute C98/Jan/18 refers), in relation to approval to participate in a Tees Valley Partnership to deliver Warm Homes Fund Project (WHF) and to agree to share financial risk with four Local Authority partners.
The submitted report stated that in July 2017, the National Grid and Community Interest Company, Affordable Warmth Solution (AWS) established a £150M Warm Homes Fund; a consortium, led bid by Northumberland County Council, of seven local authorities, including Darlington, registered housing providers and community partners had made a successful joint bid for Year 1 funding of £1.8M; that whilst the bid was successful, the number of measures delivered were much higher in Northumberland than any of the other partners; a further bid for funding in Year 2 was unsuccessful; a Round 3 bid for funding was submitted by a consortium of the Tees Valley Affordable Warmth Partnership, led by Stockton Borough Council, which approved but was later rejected; and that a Round 4 bid had been submitted to AWS, by the Tees Valley Affordable Warmth Partnership, for £4,065,284
Particular reference was made to the number of eligible properties; the importance of identifying those properties that were most in need; the sharing of the risks of the project with the other Local Authorities; the implications on the social landlords; and to the work that was being undertaken to ensure landlords had appropriate measures in place.
RESOLVED - (a) That, subject to the successful award and acceptance of grant by Stockton Borough Council, participation in the Warm Homes Fund Partnership be continued to deliver energy efficiency measures across the Borough.
(b) That the potential clawback, as detailed in paragraph 36 of the submitted report, be underwritten by the Council.
(c) That the underspend on the Housing Investment Programme Capital Grant (SHIP3) be allocated to the Warm Homes Project, to mitigate the potential clawback risk.
REASONS - (a) Participation in the project will deliver energy efficiency improvements for qualifying residents in the Borough. Funding availability elsewhere is now greatly reduced compared to previous years.
(b) Fuel poverty levels in the Borough will be reduced and associated problems will be reduced. ?????
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Charleen Dods
03/12/2019 - The Northgate Initiative ref: 723 Recommendations Approved
To seek approval for an initiative in the
Northgate ward which aims to work with partner agencies to address
a broad range of issues including environment, education, health,
employment, safety and social relationships
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 03/12/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 06/12/2019
Effective from: 14/12/2019
Decision:
The Cabinet Member with the Stronger Communities Portfolio introduced the report of the Managing Director (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the introduction of an initiative in the Northgate Ward, aiming to work with partner agencies to address a broad range of issues including environment, education, health, employment, safety and social relationships.
The submitted report stated that the initiative would comprise a multi-agency programme to pilot a range of interventions, from support to advice to enforcement activities where required in order to improve outcomes for local residents in all areas of wellbeing, including economy, education and childhood, health, environment and social relationships; the work would focus on the area of the Northgate Ward to the west of North Road; outlined the terms of reference of the initiative; next steps; governance arrangements; financial, legal and HR implications; and equalities considerations.
Discussion ensued on the funding of the initiative; the provision of an additional post; involvement of the Ward Councillors in the initiative; the sustainability of the project; the importance of receiving feedback on the project; and the implications for those living in poverty, particularly children.
RESOLVED - (a) That the Northgate Initiative, as detailed in the submitted report, be approved.
(b) That the proposal to earmark £100,000 from the Futures Fund for the project initiation, be noted.
REASONS - (a) Northgate ward has one of the highest concentrations of private rented property in the borough.
(b) There is also a relatively high number of younger deprived families living in the area, suffering from a range of interrelated issues of deprivation including child poverty, fuel poverty, high incidences of crime and antisocial behaviour and poor health outcomes.
(c) To allocate funding to the initiative.
Wards affected: Northgate;
Lead officer: Seth Pearson
03/12/2019 - Review of Outcome of Complaints Made to Ombudsman ref: 725 Recommendations Approved
To provide Members with an update of the
outcome of cases which have been determined by the Local
Government, Social Care (LGSCO) and the Housing Ombudsman
(HO).
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 03/12/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 06/12/2019
Effective from: 14/12/2019
Decision:
The Cabinet Member with Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Managing Director, the Director of Children and Adults Services and the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services providing Members with an update of the outcome of cases which had been determined by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO) and Housing Ombudsman (HO) since the preparation of the report to Cabinet on 10 September 2019.
The submitted report stated that between 1 April and 30 September 2019 eleven cases were the subject of a decision by the LGSCO and none subject to a decision by the HO; the Council received four upheld maladministration injustice decisions for the LGSCO, three relating to adult social care services and the other highways; that there were no identifiable themes running through the complaints; and that the actions identified to remedy the complaints should ensure there was no re-occurrence.
The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio, in presenting the report, stated that the report would move to annual update.
RESOLVED - That the contents of the report be noted.
REASONS - (a) It is important that Members are aware of the outcome of complaints made to the LGSCO and the HO in respect of the Council’s activities.
(b) The contents of this report do not suggest that further action, other than detailed in the report, is required.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Lee Downey
03/12/2019 - Dolphin Centre Ten Pin Bowling ref: 722 Recommendations Approved
Proposals to introduce Ten Pin Bowling and
extend the soft play within the Dolphin Centre.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 03/12/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 06/12/2019
Effective from: 14/12/2019
Decision:
The Cabinet Member with the Health and Housing Portfolio introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the release of funding for the Dolphin Centre to install a five-lane ten pin bowling alley and extension to the existing soft play facility.
The submitted report stated that following the decision by Cabinet not to relocate the Library to the Dolphin Centre, work had been ongoing to develop proposals to introduce a range of facilities that improved the family and teen offer of the building; the proposal was to develop a five-lane Ten Pin Bowling Alley and extend the Soft Play together with a number of facilities for young people/teenagers; the Town Centre Strategy received a number of comments supporting the development of a Ten Pin Bowling facility in Darlington; outlined the financial, legal and HR implications; and the outcome of the consultation.
Particular concerns were raised at the meeting to the implications for squash players who didn’t drive, to access alternative venues should they wish to play squash; the viability of introducing bowling in the Dolphin Centre; the management of the bowling and other facilities for young people; and the importance of offering the right experience to ensure that the facilities were used. The Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services responded thereon.
RESOLVED – That the alterations
to the Dolphin Centre, with the introduction of new facilities and
the release of £1million, to be funded from additional
revenue, be approved.
REASON - To
enable the alterations to the Dolphin Centre with the introduction
of Ten Pin Bowling and extensions to Soft Play alongside additional
offer for young people/teenagers.
Wards affected: Park East;
Lead officer: Ian Thompson
03/12/2019 - Mid-Year Prudential Indicators and Treasury Management 2019/20 ref: 726 Recommendations Approved
To consider the revised Treasury Management
Strategy, Prudential Indicators and providing a half-yearly review
of the Council’s borrowing and investment
activities.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 03/12/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 06/12/2019
Effective from: 14/12/2019
Decision:
The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Managing Director (previously circulated) seeking approval of the revised Treasury Management Strategy, Prudential Indicators and providing a half?yearly review of the Council’s borrowing and investment activities.
It was reported that the mandatory Prudential Code, which governs Council’s borrowing, required Council approval of controls, called Prudential Indicators, which related to capital spending and borrowing. The indicators were set out in three statutory annual reports and the key objectives of those reports were set out in the submitted report, together with the key proposed revisions to the indicators which related to a reduction in the Operational Boundary and the Authorised Limit to allow for any additional cashflow requirements.
Particular references were made to the removal of the facility to lend to Registered Social Landlords and to investments of £30m in property funds, which were expected to increase the net return on investment by around £0.700m in future years.
It was reported that the Audit Committee had considered the report and were satisfied with the Council’s borrowing and investment activities, reported indicators and revised borrowing limits.
RESOLVED - (a) That the revised prudential indicators and limits, as detailed in Tables 1 to 6, 8 and 15 to 18 in the submitted report, be examined.
(b) That the over-spend in the Treasury Management Budget (Financing Costs) of £0.033m, as shown in Table 12 of the submitted report, be noted.
(c) That the report be forwarded to Council in order for the updated prudential indicators to be approved.
REASONS - (a) In order to comply with the Prudential Code for Capital Finance in Local Authorities.
(b) To inform Members of the performance of the Treasury Management function.
(c) To comply with the Local Government Act 2003.
(d) To enable further improvements to be made in the Council’s Treasury Management function.?????
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Peter Carrick
03/12/2019 - Proposed Waiting Restrictions McMullen Road Roundabout - Objections ref: 724 Recommendations Approved
Proposed parking restrictions associated with
the recent McMullen Road/Yarm Road roundabout improvement. The
restrictions are considered to be required to maintain the free
flow of traffic in accordance with the Council’s statutory
duty as set out in the Traffic Management Act 2004.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 03/12/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 06/12/2019
Effective from: 14/12/2019
Decision:
The Leader introduced the report of the Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services (previously circulated) advising Members of an objection received to a proposal for waiting restrictions at McMullen Road/Yarm Road roundabout and requesting that consideration be given to a decision on whether to proceed with the proposal.
The submitted report outlined the background to the proposals and stated that an objection had been received from a resident who owned one of the affected properties.
The Leader reported at the meeting that although the Ward Councillors hadn’t been consulted prior to the report being circulated, they had since been consulted, and were in favour of the proposals
RESOLVED - That the objection, as detailed in the submitted report, be set aside for reasons as outlined in the submitted report and officers be authorised to proceed with the proposal to introduce and no waiting at any time and no waiting 8.00am to 6.00pm.
REASON - To improve the traffic flow and road safety of the roundabout.
Wards affected: Eastbourne; Red Hall and Lingfield;
Lead officer: Andrew Casey
03/12/2019 - Delivery of New Homes Programme - Joint Venture Proposal ref: 721 Recommendations Approved
Proposal for New Sites outside the Darlington
Boundaries.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 03/12/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 06/12/2019
Effective from: 14/12/2019
Decision:
The Cabinet Member with the Resources Portfolio introduced the report of the Managing Director (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the establishment of a Joint Venture Company, to provide the infrastructure build and sale of homes under an investment programme within the North East under the company name Esh DBC JV Limited; the Council investing in the company; and acquiring land for schemes meeting qualifying investment criteria for residential development, through the Council’s Joint Venture arrangements.
The submitted report stated that to date four Joint Venture schemes had been arranged under separate joint venture companies which brought forward a number of developments and that the schemes were projected to provide 388 new homes; estimated new homes bonus of £2.1m; a post-tax profit of over £3m; and on loan interest payments of £1.1m from a maximum engaged investment of £24.3m.
RESOLVED - (a) That the establishment of the Joint Venture Company to acquire land, as detailed in the submitted report, be approved.
(b) That £9.5m from the Investment Fund, to fund the Joint Venture Company financed by prudential borrowing subject to a first Legal Charge in favour of the Council over the Land acquired by the Joint Venture Company together with a Guarantee from the Joint Venture Partner in respect of 50 per cent of the Senior Loan sum, be approved.
(c) That the Joint Venture Agreement, be approved, and delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director – Resources (Chief Finance Officer) to finalise the establishment of the Joint Venture Company in line with the terms as detailed in the submitted report.
(d) That the Assistant Director – Resources (CFO), the Assistant Director Housing and Building Services and the Assistant Director - Law and Governance be appointed to act as directors in the Joint Venture Company as part of its Executive Board and approval be delegated to agree the acquisitions of land and development of sites on behalf of the Council as Shareholder.
(e) That the Joint Venture be funded from prudential borrowing from the Capital Investment Fund established by the report to Council dated November 2016.
REASONS - (a) To assist in the delivery of the Economic Strategy by speeding up the building of new homes.
(b) To deliver income for the Council.
Wards affected: (All Wards);
Lead officer: Elizabeth Davison
03/12/2019 - Haughton Children's Centre ref: 719 Recommendations Approved
To consider the proposed lease arrangement of
the Haughton Children's Centre to the Education Village Academy
Trust to provide Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
placements at Beaumont Hill Academy.
Decision Maker: Cabinet
Made at meeting: 03/12/2019 - Cabinet
Decision published: 06/12/2019
Effective from: 14/12/2019
Decision:
The Leader introduced the report of the Director of Children and Adults Services (previously circulated) seeking approval for the Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT) to take over the site of the Haughton Children’s Centre, subject to a lease under the Academies Act 2010 to provide Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) placements at Beaumont Hill Academy (BHA).
The submitted report stated that the use of the site would support Darlington’s strategic aim to educate more pupils with SEND in the Borough; Darlington had faced an increasing demand for specialist placements for pupils with SEND; Darlington’s Local Area SEND Strategy aimed to retain more pupils in the Borough rather than at high cost out of the area specialist placements; an opportunity had arisen to use the Haughton Children’s Centre site to increase capacity at Beaumont Hill Academy; and that the lease of the building to EVAT would involve a £400,000 risk of financial clawback, from the Department for Education.
Discussion ensued on the potential ‘clawback’ by the Department for Education and whether there were any other ‘clawbacks’ that would require, to be paid.
RESOLVED - (a) That the take-over of the site of Haughton Children’s Centre, by the Education Village Academy Trust (EVAT) be approved, on standard lease terms under the Academies Act 2010, as set out in the submitted report.
(b) That £400,000 be earmarked from General Fund Reserves in case the Department for Education clawback is enacted.
(c) That the Assistant Director Law and Governance be authorised to complete legal documents accordingly.
REASON - (a) It supports the aims of Darlington’s Local Area SEND strategy to building capacity in mainstream and specialist settings to support children and young people to be educated in their local community and to reduce reliance on out of area placements 0-25 by providing additional capacity to BHA.
(b) It reduces the need for high cost out of area placements for pupils with SEND.
Wards affected: Haughton and Springfield;
Lead officer: Tony Murphy
29/11/2019 - Planning, Listed Buildings and Tree Preservation Order Decisions November 2019 ref: 718 Recommendations Approved
To agree the Applications for Planning
Permission and Other Consents under the Town and Country Planning
Act and Associated Legislation.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 06/12/2019
Effective from: 29/11/2019
Decision:
Individual decisions made in accordance with
the provisions of the relevant legislation are detailed on the
attached document.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
31/10/2019 - Scrutiny Committees - Proposed Terms of Reference ref: 716 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Health and Partnerships Scrutiny Committee
Made at meeting: 31/10/2019 - Health and Partnerships Scrutiny Committee
Decision published: 05/12/2019
Effective from: 31/10/2019
Decision:
The Managing Director submitted a report (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to the proposed changes to the Terms of Reference for the Council’s Scrutiny Committees.
The submitted report stated that the Leader of the Council intended to implement a number of changes to the Cabinet Portfolios with effect from December 2019; and that Officers had been requested to review the terms of reference for the Council’s Scrutiny Committees with a view to align them more closely with the Cabinet Portfolios.
The full details of the changes being made to the Cabinet Portfolios and the proposed terms of reference were appended to the submitted report.
RESOLVED – (a) That the proposed changes to this Scrutiny Committee be noted and agreed.
31/10/2019 - Work Programme ref: 717 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Health and Partnerships Scrutiny Committee
Made at meeting: 31/10/2019 - Health and Partnerships Scrutiny Committee
Decision published: 05/12/2019
Effective from: 31/10/2019
Decision:
The Managing Director submitted a report (previously circulated) requesting that consideration be given to this Scrutiny Committee’s work programme and to consider any additional areas which Members would like to suggest should be included in the previously approved work programme.
Members were advised that the Adults and Housing Scrutiny Committee had agreed to establish a task and finish review on Loneliness and Connected Communities and an invitation had been extended to this Scrutiny Committee to be involved.
There was a discussion on the proposal to establish a task and finish review to examine the inconsistency in the CQC ratings across the town. It was proposed that the review incorporated food hygiene ratings and settings with a good rating.
Concern was raised in respect of the report for the review on End of Life Care for Patients with Dementia. It was confirmed that a number of amendments had been made to the recommendations in the draft final report; and that the report would be circulated with Members that had been involved in the review.
Members were made aware of a GP surgery in the borough of Darlington that was looking to cease its contract as a dispensing practice; the practice had 761 patients actively registered for the dispensing of prescriptions; as part of the notice the surgery would be expected to consider the Pharmaceutical Needs Assessment and communicate and engage with its registered patients; and that there may be implications for other surgeries in Darlington.
RESOVED – (a) That Members of this Scrutiny Committee be involved in the Task and Finish Review Group on Loneliness and Connected Communities.
(b) That a Task and Finish Review Group be established to undertake a review on CQC ratings in the Borough of Darlington, and that an invitation be extended to the Chair and Vice Chair of Adults and Housing Scrutiny Committee to participate in the work.
(c) That the Work Programme be updated accordingly.
31/10/2019 - To approve the Minutes of the meeting of this Scrutiny Committee held on 29 August 2019 ref: 715 Recommendations Approved
Decision Maker: Health and Partnerships Scrutiny Committee
Made at meeting: 31/10/2019 - Health and Partnerships Scrutiny Committee
Decision published: 05/12/2019
Effective from: 31/10/2019
Decision:
Submitted – The Minutes (previously circulated) of the meeting of this Scrutiny Committee held on 29 August 2019.
RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the meeting of this Scrutiny Committee held on 29 August 2019 be approved as a correct record.
18/11/2019 - Adoption of Highway - Haughton Road, Darlington ref: 714 Recommendations Approved
Approval for Adopted Highway – 4 sqm of
land at Haughton Road.
Highways are carrying out minor improvement works to facilitate
better pedestrian access in connection with the change to the
Haughton Road Throughabout to a standard roundabout. To better
align the back edge of the highway it is proposed that the Council
acquire 4sqm of privately-owned land at nil consideration. The
Council to pay reasonable legal fees.
This piece of land will tie in with the existing highway and an
area of unregistered land which is being adopted under S228 of the
Highways Act.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 04/12/2019
Effective from: 18/11/2019
Decision:
To acquire 4sqm of land at Haughton Road
Throughabout to better align the back edge of the
highway.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
27/11/2019 - Approval for Disposal of Land - Swinburne Road ref: 713 Recommendations Approved
Approval for disposal of a property in
Swinburne Road to be granted to the current owners.
A former Council property in Swinburne Road was sold to the current
owners with a covenant that DBC receive a capital receipt should
the property be re-sold. The current owners now wish to re-sell the
property as it is surplus to their requirements and are therefore
requesting approval from Darlington Borough Council to enable the
sale to proceed.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 04/12/2019
Effective from: 27/11/2019
Decision:
That approval be given to the current owners
of a former Council house in Swinburne Road to dispose of the
property by sale.
Reasons - a) The current owners wish to sell the property as it is
surplus to their requirements.
b) The Council will benefit from a Capital Receipt due to its
sale.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
27/11/2019 - Approval of Wayleave - Salters Lane ref: 712 Recommendations Approved
Approval to grant wayleave to Northern
Powergrid through Darlington Borough Council land at Salters Lane
to install a new electricity supply to Ingenium Parc.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 04/12/2019
Effective from: 27/11/2019
Decision:
To grant a Wayleave across Council land at
Salters Lane to enable Darlington Borough Council to have an
adequate power supply installed at Ingenium Parc.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
03/12/2019 - Approval to Grant of Licence - Mature Woodland, Mill Lane, Middleton St George ref: 711 Recommendations Approved
Request to grant a licence to carry out tree
thinning and felling to create areas for wetland scrapes and ponds.
All felling to be carried out as per felling licence.
Decision Maker: Director of Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services
Decision published: 04/12/2019
Effective from: 03/12/2019
Decision:
Approval of grant of licence to carry out tree
thinning and felling to create areas for wetland scrapes and ponds
at mature woodland, Mill Lane, Middleton St George.
Reason - To achieve dual benefits of increasing wetland
biodiversity by creating shallow scapes and ponds in a ‘wet
woodland’ and reducing flooding in Stockton by slowing the
flow of water into Lustrum Beck. Trees being felled are of poor
quality and the creation of brushwood hibernacula will encourage
insects and invertebrates.
Lead officer: Ian Williams
26/11/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Health and Safety Audit and Incident Management Software ref: 710 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules in
repect of a direct award for 48 months for a health and safety
audit and incident management software.
Competitve process was carried out but did not identify an
experienced Health and Safety software provider in line with the
requirements specification.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 04/12/2019
Effective from: 26/11/2019
Decision:
In line with Rule 24 within the Corporate
Procedure Rules, waiver of Rule 23 in order to direct award to
Airsweb. This solution has already been tested and currently used
by North Tyneside Council as a successful solution. Contract to be
awarded on Council terms and conditions. Costs have been
benchmarked and represent value for money.
Reason - To ensure original timescales are adhered to with full
roll-out expected 1 April 2020 and also falls within expected costs
of £104,760 throughout 4 year contract term for all essential
and desirable elements listed.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
26/11/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - Provision of Refuge Accomodation and Support for People Affected by Domestic Abuse ref: 709 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules in
respect the extension of a contract for the provision of refuge
accomodation and support for people affected by domestic
abuse.
The original procurement exercise was carried out in 2014 with a
start date of 1 April 2015. Initial contract period was 36 months
with optional 2 x 12 month extensions. The final extension has been
invoked and the current contract end date is 31 March 2020. The
extension period will be for 12 months with an option to extend for
a further 12 months.
The award is in line with Section 72(1) of the Public Contract
Regulations, and will continue on the current terms and conditions,
with the scope of the Contract remaining the same.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 04/12/2019
Effective from: 26/11/2019
Decision:
That contract procedure rules be waived in
respect of the extension of a contract for the provision of refuge
accomodation and support for people affected by domestic abuse, for
an extension period of 12 months, with a further option to extend
for 12 months.
Value for money is confirmed and the price is as established in a
competitive exercise.
Reasons - (a) To allow for impacts of the Domestic Abuse Bill (once
enacted) to be assessed to inform future service requirements and
possible funding implications.
(b) Work will focus on co-ordination of Domestic Abuse services in
Darlington to ensure service delivery is maximised.
(c) The current contracted rate will remain for the extension
period and is providing value for money.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith
26/11/2019 - Contract Procedure Rules Waiver - CCTV Maintenance, Repairs and 24 Hour Call Out Service ref: 708 Recommendations Approved
Request to waive contract procedure rules in
respect of a CCTV maintenance, repairs and 24 hour call out
service, to be supplied by ESS.
A new supplier was appointed from 1/7/2019. Response times have not
always been in line with specification/contract. Despite meetings
to try to resolve the issues, the supplier has confirmed that they
are unable to respond within the contracted call-out
response.
Contract to be terminated by notice to take effect from
30/11/2019.
Decision Maker: Managing Director
Decision published: 04/12/2019
Effective from: 26/11/2019
Decision:
That contract procedure rules be waived in
respect of direct award to ESS, to take effect from 1/12/2019 for a
period of 18 months at an annual cost of £95,000.
Reason - The usual procurement process cannot be followed due to
lack of time to conduct a competitive process. ESS are a locally
based company having previously held the contract and can commence
taking over contract with effect from 1/12/2019 providing the
service required within the response times needed. Costs have been
benchmarked as value for money, contract to be awarded on Council
standard terms.
Lead officer: Paul Wildsmith