Decisions

Details of decision: 

To approve signing of the JCT 2016 Design and Build contract between SWT and Classic Builders for the construction of 54 Council homes at Seaward Way, Minehead. 

A compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken, utilising a framework arrangement, and a contractor selected as the preferred bidder following a tender evaluation.  The estimated total contract value (including employers contingency) is approximately £9.5m. 

It is recommended that SWT awards the contract with the preferred bidder.

Reasons for proposed decision: 

As the contract value for this work exceeds £1 million pounds it is thus classified as a Key Decision for the Executive to award as it exceeds the thresholds in the SWT Constitution, thus requiring 28 days notification in the Executive Forward Plan (undertaken 12/08/21 – 09/09/21). The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 sets out that a Key Decision is one which would result in the relevant local authority incurring expenditure which is, or the making of savings which are, significant having regard to the relevant local authority’s budget for the service or function to which the decision relates.

The Leader of the Council can delegate the making of Executive Key Decisions to her Portfolio Holders or Officers as under Part 3 of the Constitution – Responsibility for Executive Functions - 3.1.5 – “The Leader shall determine how all executive powers shall be discharged. The Leader may: a) discharge any of those functions; or b) arrange for the discharge of any of those functions: i. by the Executive collectively, ii. by another member of the Executive, iii. by a committee of the Executive, or iv. by an officer of the Authority.”

Alternative funding options sourced:

The HRA funding for the scheme comes from Right to Buy receipts (40%), Hinkley Point funding (£470,000), a commuted sum (£58,204) and a loan for the balance.

Details of decision: 

SWT has a need to award a contract for the supply and installation of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) to Council owned domestic properties in order to meet the Council’s ambitions for the installation of alternative forms of sustainable heating, assist in meeting the targets set out in its CNCR plan and provide affordable warmth for tenants. The Council is in receipt of financial support from Warmer Homes to partially fund this programme.

A compliant procurement exercise has been undertaken, utilising a framework arrangement, to select a Contractor on a direct award basis.  The estimated total contract value is approximately £1.4 million including the key components*.  The framework was set up following an open market procurement exercise and provides pre-tendered installation rates available for call off.

*The contract price of the key components themselves, namely the ASHP’s and the radiators, are set by another, separately procured but related supply only framework.

It is recommended that SWT awards the contract with the selected contractor.

Reasons for proposed decision: 

As the contract value for this work exceeds £1 million pounds it is thus classified as a Key Decision for the Executive to award as it exceeds the thresholds in the SWT Constitution, thus requiring 28 days notification in the Executive Forward Plan (undertaken 31/08/21 – 28/09/21). The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 sets out that a Key Decision is one which would result in the relevant local authority incurring expenditure which is, or the making of savings which are, significant having regard to the relevant local authority’s budget for the service or function to which the decision relates.

The Leader of the Council can delegate the making of Executive Key Decisions to her Portfolio Holders or Officers as under Part 3 of the Constitution – Responsibility for Executive Functions - 3.1.5 – “The Leader shall determine how all executive powers shall be discharged. The Leader may: a) discharge any of those functions; or b) arrange for the discharge of any of those functions: i. by the Executive collectively, ii. by another member of the Executive, iii. by a committee of the Executive, or iv. by an officer of the Authority.”

Alternative funding options sourced:

This programme is to be funded via approvals within the HRA budget and additional financial support from a Warmer Homes grant.

Details of decision:

To agree to transfer remaining funds from Covid Hardship grant to Discretionary Housing Payment fund to support vulnerable customers.

Reasons for proposed decision: 

To provide extra financial help in addition to DWP funding to maximise entitlement for benefit customers.

Alternative funding options sourced:

HM Government announced a £500 million hardship fund to provide additional relief to Council Tax for vulnerable people and households in 2020/21. Somerset West and Taunton has received £1,382,002 as its share of this fund.

Any unspent funds is ringfenced to support customers outside the council tax system through Welfare or similar schemes.

Details of decision:

1)  St. Mary Magdalene Church PCC -

A bid for a contribution to the refurbishment of the Coach House, a Grade II listed building in the Church yard for community use. They currently have raised circa £98,000 as at September 2021.

RECOMMENDATION: The Standing Committee recommended that the project was awarded a contribution of £5000, to be released upon notification that the entire project budget requirement had been successfully fund-raised. The Standing Committee recommended that the PCC facilitate discussion with SWT to see if that authority would be willing to help contribute to the project by assisting with the landscaping aspects.

2)  Bath Place Traders Association –

A bid for a contribution to fund the cost of repairing and repainting 22 shop fronts in Bath Place, Taunton. This is just part of their overall project to keep Bath Place looking as clean, tidy and attractive as they possibly can. Bath Place Traders Association was set up in 1998 and currently has 18 members. BPTA and the committee themselves do not have any connections to the 3 businesses who have submitted quotes for this work.

RECOMMENDATION: The Standing Committee recommended that a contribution of £5400 was awarded to the Association. They requested that the Economic Development department of the District Council supported the Association if possible in fundraising the rest of the required monies.

3)  COACH Centre for Outdoor Activity & Community Hub –

A bid for to fund a defibrillator, defibrillator box, pads and installation that can be erected on the outside of COACH so that it can be used by the community in an emergency to save lives. The cost of the project is outlined as £2,545.

RECOMMENDATION: The Standing Committee recommended to offer a contribution of £500.