Cabinet is required to publish its timetable for making proposals to Council for the following financial year’s revenue and capital budgets and estimates of future years’ revenue resources by way of a Medium Term Financial Strategy.

Cabinet is also required to set out its approach public consultation on the budget proposals.

The mobile removal works at Withington Primary School, Hereford are
planned works included in the 2021-2023 Schools Capital Maintenance
Programme.

To ensure all Council buildings are fit for purpose and maintained to the
standards set out in the condition survey to address suitability,
sustainability and affordability.

1. The Shell Store is owned by the Council, and has been developed to operate as a business incubation, development and networking Centre to stimulate business activity, with 40 units for rent.
2. The Shell Store units are envisaged as being occupied through easy in, easy out terms, through licence arrangements.
3. We want to encourage a full cohort of tenants in the building to create an income stream , to generate a positive atmosphere, stimulate networking and activity to stimulate further interest.

4.The terms agreed reflect market rents and the facilities on offer to tenants.
5.The prospective tenant has cleared appropriate checks.

1. The Maylord Orchards Centre is now owned outright by the council as a strategic asset in the centre of Hereford.
2. The Centre comprises multiple retail units a number of which have been vacant for some time and it is important that occupation levels are increased so that the holding costs incurred by the Council are mitigated.
3. The Tenancy at Will will allow the tenant to occupy the property while a lease of the unit is finalized and so mitigate costs in terms of business rates and standing charges that the council will otherwise pay
4. The proposed tenant, a mobile phone retailer, and the terms for the letting have been recommended by the council’s agent Wright Silverwood.
5. This tenancy at the Centre will not prohibit that council from undertaking development at a future date.

The HEZ is implementing an electricity network in the northern part of the Zone in a series of locations. One such is Plot N4a where a new substation and necessary cables have been installed .

Approval for works which included the new substation on Plot N4a was given by the Solicitor to the Council and Acting Deputy Chief Executive on 21 March 2021.

In order to progress the powering up of the new electrical apparatus we need to provide the necessary legal security to Western Power ( WPD ) . WPD policy is to acquire the freehold for the base of their substations for a nominal sum with rights of access to allow them to maintain and repair those assets. Now that the installation work has been completed, the land transfer and relevant easements need to be progressed.
The substation is based on Council land , as are the cables serving the substation , Rights will also be given along the private roads owned by the Council to link up to the public highway.

Following a number of complaints arising from the continued obstructive parking in the access to Maylords car park a Notice of Proposal was advertised on 28 April 2022 to restrict parking in the area.

The proposal to implement an off street parking order in this area, which directly leads to the car park, was advertised for 6 weeks and 0 objections were received.

Supportive statements were received by the management of Maylord Shopping Centre due to the impact that obstructive parking is having on the operation of their business.

This decision will bring into effect an Order in accordance with the statutory procedures where the council will be able to deploy enforcement officers to issue PCNs against offending vehicles that are left parked where signs inform them not to do so.

To enable Sustainable Ledbury to plant/cultivate and maintain the open space as specified. An interpretation board will also be installed

The Environment Agency has approved the allocation of funding for the second year of their six year programme, including the Wellington hydraulic modelling study project.

Through Annex 7 of the public realm annual plan, BBLP support the council in its role as a Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA). This location was identified in Annex 7 2022/23 as being an area where investigative works are scheduled this year, subject to obtaining external funding. BBLP have identified the preferred approach of a hydraulic modelling study at Wellington.

The project will be delivered within this grant allocation of £35,000.

• Current lease has less than 2 years unexpired and landlord wanted to secure council commitment for a longer period and to ensure continued good management of the building.
• A longer lease also gives the council increased security for continued service delivery from this setting.

The HEZ and the council are looking to maximise active travel in and out of the
Rotherwas area; creating and supporting the implementation of a specific
Rotherwas Travel Plan. As investment and employment growth continues, it is
vital that the HEZ works within the Local Development Order (LDO) traffic cap,
minimising the impact of new development on peak time traffic through
encouraging continued uptake of cycling, walking and other ATM’s. The
development of improved active travel is also a priority for the council more
widely.
The detailed survey of utility services is essential to confirm that proposed
improvement designs can be installed safely without interfering with those
services, and where there are clashes to inform where modified designs should be
placed.
The Grant Funding Agreement (relating to HEZ activities) between the council and
Marches LEP (dated 23 October 2020 as varied on 26 March 2021) includes
milestones for the design and installation of a series of measures that implement
the Rotherwas Travel Plan and provide ways for people to access the HEZ more
sustainably. The appointment of Site Vision Surveys Limited supports this
outcome, and will use identified match funding (i.e. - HEZ Phase 5 funds) to
implement the decision. The results of the survey work can then be used to
inform the detailed design stage of the proposed Holme Lacy Road ATM’s.
The project was advertised via open tender using pro-contract. Six compliant
tenders were received and evaluated independently by two officers according to
both cost, quality and social value.
Site Vision Surveys Limited was ranked first with a tender price of £49,900.
On this basis, Site Vision Surveys have been identified as the preferred supplier to
deliver this work.

The decision to change the proposed scheme from a Zebra crossing to a Pelican was taken by the Engineering Team at a Design Decision Meeting 4th August 2021 supported by a Technical Note issued 1st October 2021 which concluded after considering traffic flows and speeds that a Pelican Crossing would be a safer option than the original proposed Zebra crossing.

The decision to remove the proposed footway was taken to reduce the scheme costs and remove the need for negotiation with land owners.

Reason for the Change:

A Cabinet Report published 26th May 2021 referred to a proposed Controlled Crossing and included a drawing showing a proposed Zebra Crossing and footway the current design is for a Pelican crossing and the proposed footway has been removed from the scheme.
The estimated Cost of the proposed Zebra Crossing was £150,000 the current estimate for the Pelican crossing is £211,989 including risk budget.

The decision to change the proposed scheme from a Zebra crossing to a Pelican was taken by the Engineering Team at a Design Decision Meeting 4th August 2021 supported by a Technical Note issued 1st October 2021 which concluded after considering traffic flows and speeds that a Pelican Crossing would be a safer option than the original proposed Zebra crossing.

The decision to remove the proposed footway was taken to reduce the scheme costs and remove the need for negotiation with land owners.

Key Stake Holders
St Mary’s school was made aware of the change from a zebra to a pelican crossing at a meeting held on 16th December 2021. No formal notes of this meeting have been provided.
Cllr Harrington was kept informed at meetings held 24th November 2021 and 13th May 2022.
No formal notes of these meetings have been provided.

The increase in costs are the result of:

a) Contractual cost have increased by £23,082. Original Contractor has withdrawn from the scheme. The second contractor, from a tendering process, has significantly increased mobilisation costs as they are based in Rugby.

b) Proximity to large trees have resulted in additional cost being incurred in carrying out tree survey work £3,374

c) Subsequent amendments to the scheme, construction of a retaining wall, may be required as a result of the tree survey could result in additional costs of £15,000

d) Balfour Beatty Living places have detailed risks that after mitigation have a residual risk budget for Herefordshire Council of £8,083

e) There is risk that the proposed crossing will not be operational in time for the start of the school year. The Delivery time for Signalling equipment is between 8 and 12 Weeks.
Temporary traffic signals would have to be used at a cost of £627.35 plus £790.78 per week – These may need to be in place for 6 Weeks at an estimated cost of £4671.93.

It is difficult to estimate the cost of changing the design from the proposed Zebra Crossing to the Pelican crossing as the Zebra crossing was not priced by the contractors.

The Total estimated costs is currently:
Current Known Scheme Costs
Scheme Design, Construction and Land Acquisition Costs £180,860
Tree Survey Costs £ 3,374
Total £184,234

Estimated Additional Costs
Allowances for additional costs, retaining wall, resulting from Tree Survey £15,000
Suggested risk budget (excluding retaining wall) £8,083
Possible Costs of Temporary Signals £4,672

TOTAL ESTIMATED SCHEME COST £211,989

Costs for this scheme were to be funded from two Section 106 agreements:

P140531/O & APP/W1850/A/14/2218385 –
Quarry Field, Cotts Lane, Lugwardine, Herefordshire
Providing sustainable transport infrastructure to serve the development and shall include any or all of the following facilities, Safer routes to schools, sustainable transport facilities, cycling/walking routes and traffic calming measures £54,794.16 (FIN1793)

P140757/0 and 161745/RM
Land East of Church House and West of A438 Bartestree Herefordshire
Any or all of the following sustainable transport initiatives and transport improvements, public transport facilities improvements to cycling and pedestrian facilities including off-road routes to and from Hereford City and its colleges widening of visibility splays and the entrance to the Bartestree village hall and playing fields. £118,862 (FIN1717)

There is an additional Section 106 Agreement that may be utilised to deliver this scheme.
P143720/O (subject to a deed of variation)
Land at Bartestree (parcel no 0008 & part 2308)
Bus waiting facilities pedestrian improvement, traffic calming and speeding measure, widening splay and entrance road to village hall and playing fields for safer egress and entry. £69,941 (FIN1801)

All three Section 106 Agreements have expiry dates in 2028.
Should the decision be taken to utilise this contribution there would be a maximum budget of £243,597.16

The Condition Surveys at various schools in Herefordshire are planned works included in the 2021-2023 Schools Capital Maintenance Programme.

To ensure all Council buildings are fit for purpose and maintained to the standards set out in the condition survey to address suitability, sustainability and affordability.

• Hereford City Centre Improvements are designed to support the local economy and enhance the retail environment. The refurbishment scheme is contributing to the delivery of the Herefordshire Streetscape Strategy to create an attractive, vibrant city centre to help support existing businesses and create new opportunities to encourage more visitors and retailers.
• The Cabinet Member decision dated 7th October 2021 set out the budget for the St Owen St Cycle Contraflow Scheme. Decision - Hereford City Centre Improvements (HCCI) - Herefordshire Council
• The Herefordshire Council Local Transport Plan 2016 – 2031 includes the HCCI as a package of works to make the city a more attractive place to visit and to provide a pedestrian and cycle friendly environment. It is intended that there will be a benefit to wide range of people and groups within the business and resident community.
• The HCCI proposals also contribute to the County plan (2020 – 2024) and to the Herefordshire Council Delivery Plan 2020-2022.
• Transport and transport infrastructure are currently significant contributors to carbon emissions in both embodied and operational carbon. The St Owen St improvements provide an opportunity to support a mode shift from cars to public transport, walking and cycling through enhanced provisions for these alternative modes. This will make the access to and circulation within this area more attractive for non-car modes, whilst maintaining provision for those for whom car use is essential.
• The St Owen St cycle contraflow will provide a key element of improved cycle access into the city centre from the north east quadrant, thus supporting the reduction on short journey car trips in this area.
• The existing traffic data identifies there is already a considerable number of cycles contravening the one way order and contraflow cycling along St Owen Street.
• The scheme design therefore includes vertical traffic calming measures to help reduce traffic speeds and to provide two at-level informal crossings for pedestrians. The loading and parking places have also been redesigned to be parallel to kerb, to minimise the need for reversing movements.
• The St Owen St Cycle Contraflow scheme has been developed over a number of years and has been developed with input from a group of key local stakeholders as well as an informal public consultation. The scheme was progressed to statutory consultation on the TROs in 2019 as part of the HCCI programme but was not progressed to delivery at that point.
• The design developed for St Owen St previously which was subject to extensive public and stakeholder consultation during its development was then modified to bring in line with LTN 1/20.
• The revised scheme was then subject to a further statutory consultation (results of which can be found in Appendix 1)
• The Herefordshire Council Local Transport Plan 2016 – 2031 includes the HCCI as a package of works to make the city a more attractive place to visit and to provide a pedestrian and cycle friendly environment. It is intended that there will be a benefit to wide range of people and groups within the business and resident community.
• An increased modal shift to walking and cycling for trips to and from the city centre will also support an improvement in air quality in this area. The St Owen St improvements by providing a direct cycle route into the city centre will reduce cyclists exposure to air pollution on the current the high volume routes on Bath St and Blueschool St within the air quality management zone.
• Contraflow cycling is a well established approach to providing cycle routes within urban environments and features within the new LTN 1/20 cycle infrastructure design in line with the DfT guidance.
• The scheme has been subject to a stage 2 Road Safety Audit (RSA) and will be subject to a further stage 3 RSA following construction.
• It is considered that the loss of 2 parking spaces (and no disabled bays) to deliver an active travel improvement scheme is in line with the adopted strategy.
• The decision to include the St Owen St cycle contraflow scheme in the HCCI programme and the budget allocated to this, was on the basis that the scheme previously developed be taken forward modified to bring it in line with the new LTN 1/20 guidance. To bring forward a lesser or more substantial scheme with public realm improvements at St Peter Square and a new approach to the junction at St Owen St and Bath St would require more extensive re-design and in the case of a more substantial scheme, further surveys traffic modelling and public consultation. This would mean the scheme would not be deliverable within the existing funding budgets and timelines and would further delay the implementation of active travel improvements in Hereford
• The delivery of St Owen St cycle contraflow project will be commissioned through the Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) public realm contract. This procurement route has been identified to achieve the timescales associated with the funding agreement and for continuity through knowledge of the scheme that BBLP already have. BBLP will undertake a competitive subcontract tender process to appoint a sub contractor to support the delivery of the works. Herefordshire Council’s Contract Management Team will manage the BBLP contract and ensure that value for money is provided. A decision to allocate £126,000 of the £700,000 available budget for design, preparation of construction information, preparation of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and providing statutory consultation, and procurement of a contractor for the construction of the St Owen Street cycle contraflow was made on 15th March 2022.

This report presents the Health, Care and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee Annual Work Plan 2022-2023, drawn up in consultation with members of the committee, now for review and agreement by the committee.

This report provides a summary of the role of scrutiny committee, in accordance with the Herefordshire Council Constitution and the key strategic objectives for the committee, in accordance with the overall strategic objectives for scrutiny agreed by the Scrutiny Management Board on 16th June 2022.

To prosecute one defendant under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 34.

•This is a previously used trading site
•Trading times, unit and product range all deemed suitable.
•Applicant deemed suitable.

• This is a previously used trading site
• Trading times, unit and product range all deemed suitable.
• Applicant deemed suitable.

The free school meal system is an important component of the support that is provided to low-income families. Providing vouchers in the school holidays for children entitled to free school meals is an extension to this support and will benefit over 4,500 children. Through this proposal, primary and secondary aged school pupils who are eligible for benefits related free school meals will receive a food voucher of £90, equivalent to £15 for each full week of the 2022 summer holidays.

Consumer prices, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 9.1% in the 12 months to May 2022, up from 9.0% in April. The Bank of England expects inflation to rise further to around 10% this year. There have been significant increases in the price of energy and food and this is likely to increase with a further rise in the price cap on energy in October 2022. Low-income households spend a larger proportion than average on energy and food so will be more affected by price increases.

Herefordshire Council has received an allocation of £1,329,601.78 from the Department for Work and Pensions under the Household Support Fund. The expectation is that the funding should be used primarily to support households in the most need, particularly those including children and pensioners who would otherwise struggle with energy, food and water bills as well as other essential costs. At least one third of the allocation should be ring-fenced to support vulnerable households with children.

By utilising the funding from government, this will have a positive impact on low income families and child poverty by minimising the debt burden on those that struggle to pay essential bills.

The ventilation works at various primary schools in Herefordshire are
planned works included in the 2021-2023 Schools Capital Maintenance
Programme.
To ensure all Council buildings are fit for purpose and maintained to the
standards set out in the condition survey to address suitability,
sustainability and affordability.

The fascia boards, soffits & rainwater goods replacement works at St
Martin’s Primary School, Hereford are planned works included in the
2021-2023 Schools Capital Maintenance Programme.
To ensure all Council buildings are fit for purpose and maintained to the
standards set out in the condition survey to address suitability,
sustainability and affordability.

1. The properties are owned by the council as part of its property investment portfolio held to deliver optimum commercial returns through rental income which is used to support the council’s strategic objectives in line with the County Plan 2020 – 2024.
2. In 2021 the council appointed Messrs JNA Property Ltd, Chartered Surveyors (JNA) under a contract for the provision of estates professional services including rent reviews.
3. The contract was awarded in consultation with the procurement team and in line with the council’s procurement rules and accordingly JNA were instructed.
4. JNA have surveyed the properties, reviewed the level of market rents achievable in this location and made justified recommendations on the appropriate level of rent to be agreed.
5. Provisional agreement, subject to formal approval, has been reached with the tenants.

1. The properties are owned by the council as part of its property investment portfolio held to deliver optimum commercial returns through rental income which is used to support the council’s strategic objectives in line with the County Plan 2020 – 2024.
2. In 2021 the council appointed Messrs JNA Property Ltd, Chartered Surveyors (JNA) under a contract for the provision of estates professional services including lease renewals and the negotiation of new leases where properties were occupied under Tenancies at Will or Licences.
3. The contract was awarded in consultation with the procurement team and in line with the council’s procurement rules and accordingly JNA were instructed to negotiate the terms of a new lease with the existing occupier.
4. JNA have surveyed the properties, reviewed the level of market rents achievable in this location and made justified recommendations on the terms of the lease and the level of rent to be negotiated
5. Provisional agreement, subject to formal approval, has been reached with the current occupiers for a new lease.

• Tenant already in occupation, previous lease has expired.
• Commercial terms have been agreed for a new lease.

• The school has requested landlord’s consent to erect a trim trail around the perimeter of the playing field to help support sport and activity.
• This is a retrospective application.
• The equipment has been supplied by a firm specialising in sports and activity trails and equipment. The total length is 24 m, placed a bend, to a maximum height of 2.8 m and constructed mainly of timber and rope.
• The placement is away from fencing, with benches or seating space used to create more room around the equipment and is away from neighbour’s gardens. The structure has been fitted into well maintained grass, and is movable if required (no permanent base is being installed)
• No useful sports field areas will be lost.

Single office in business unit to be let on flexible terms until the future ownership of the main building is resolved

The above works are to be commissioned through the Council’s public realm contract with Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP) as outlined within the 7 October 2021 Cabinet Member decision report which can be viewed using the following link:
https://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=50039138


Provisional allocations for budgeting purposes are a high level indicative outline of potential costs in advance of detailed design being undertaken and are subject to refinement during each of the design phases in accordance with normal project methodology. The refinement process often creates a need to reallocate resources and redefine project scope. This decision is an update of those processes.

High Town Minor Works –
The HCCI project budget included a provisional estimate for High Town minor works of £211,642.

The works are intended to reduce ponding in bad weather and to preserve the longer-term lifespan of the asset.
The following estimates for phase 1 are set out below:
Design and procurement (including retained risk) £58,669.76
Construction and materials (including retained risk) £150,000
Total for Phase 1 £208,669.76

A proposal has recently been received for the reconstruction of the damaged black granite feature strips with brass lettering, however, this is currently being reviewed. This will be subject to a further decision if a decision to construct is progressed.

Further work is being undertaken in relation to a second phase covering St Peter’s Street which will be the subject of a further record of officer decision.

St Owen Street Contraflow-

The agreed indicative budget within the HCCI project for St Owen St cycle contraflow is £700,000. Design and procurement of the work is being undertaken by BBLP under the Public Realm Term Contract. This includes an allowance for a GPR survey and coring to add certainty to the design and mitigate the risk of construction delay and changes. BBLP will also carry out the legal administrative TRO process. Approval for a budget of £126,000 is requested which includes a retained contingency for risk.

A recent condition survey of St Owen St has identified the failure of the existing carriageway construction to various degrees along the length and the road will need to be reconstructed before the project can proceed. This will be the subject of a further RoOD.

Widemarsh Street –

The HCCI decision of 7 October 2021 set out that Widemarsh St has an indicative budget of £715,000. Approval is sought for an initial amount of £130,000 for detailed design, surveys, initial material order and HC retained risk, this will identify more precise costs than are presently available.

All options for the enhancement of Widemarsh St, particularly the kerb are being explored. The resulting solution will be subject to stakeholder consultation before a further governance decision is taken.

City Trees-
The Council has decided to purchase x3 City trees to significantly improve air quality in known pollution hotspots. The project was initially scheduled for 2023 and has been brought forward and this decision will include it within the BBLP commission.

The HCCI decision of 7 October 2021 set out that City Trees would have an indicative allocation of £320,000. The officer decision of 16 November 2021 allocated a budget to BBLP for initial scoping. Approval is now sought for the commissioning of the design, construction of foundation and installation/delivery of the City trees to increase the BBLP commission to a total value of £123,200. The design and construction element includes complex road safety assessments, liaison with statutory undertakers and the provision of water and power to the City Trees.


St Owen’s Street cycle contraflow including risk contingency. Approved Budget £700,000. Initial Budget Requested £126,000

Widemarsh Street. Approved Budget £715,000. Initial Budget Requested £130,000. Future scheme subject to future governance.

City Trees, foundation and installation. Approved Budget £320,000. Initial Budget Requested £123,200

HVOSS currently provide a service to the community, for which they have an established brand and reputation. Substantial work has been undertaken to develop the service and HVOSS have a clear understanding of development areas across Herefordshire.
The original contract was commissioned at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic and the specification was developed with some urgency and in response to the council’s commitment to invest in the sector and further develop the Talk Community programme and building on the work of communities during the floods and Covid-19 crisis. The contract detailed aims and objectives based on the needs of the sector, Talk Community and understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic at that time. The impact of COVID-19 on Herefordshire and the UK has continued beyond initial expectations of the first wave with subsequent waves placing additional pressures on the community and voluntary sector. Work planned by the provider to meet the contract aims and objectives was deferred with resources focused on the recruitment and coordination of COVID-19 Emergency Response and Vaccine Clinics volunteers. Meetings were held virtually, the main office closed due to required national and local lockdowns removing the ability to achieve some of the contracts main aims including those focused on income generation and volunteer capacity. These objectives have been specifically hampered by the interruptions to services during the COVID-19 lockdown and social restriction period.
The council is clear that there is an ongoing need to support the development and resilience of community and voluntary organisations, in addition to the work of Talk Community and the developing Integrated Care Systems. Therefore a new approach is being developed in conjunction with Talk Community, to build on progress made under the current contract and consider recommendations outlined in the Council’s commissioned State of the Sector report. This will enable HVOSS to further establish work with key stakeholders and develop the market, following a challenging period of time navigating the additional pressures bought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the central strategic voice for the sector across Herefordshire, HVOSS will provide continuity and consistency to support the sector both recover from these challenges and widen its reach through the ongoing and prolonged recovery period.

It was identified within the Business Case for our Natural Flood Management Project that delivery on the ground will largely be through the deployment of Catchment Advisors into the priority sub-catchments. Following on from the success of our pilot project, Catchment Advisors will be engaging with landowners and communities to help advise them on how they can implement NFM measures on their land.

A council compliant procurement exercise has been completed for Catchment Advisors, this decision is to award the contract. The tender is for the period of 1 September 2022 (anticipated contract commencement date) to 31 March 2027 and the tender price is £499,852.

The amount of PMO support required for this Project is minimal and likely to be up to 1 day per month.

a)To authorise the making and implementation of the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) proposing movement restriction changes in St Owen Street, St Peter’s Square, Mill Street and Green Street (as shown on the TRO Plan at Appendix 1)
b)To authorise the making and implementation of the TRO for new arrangements of waiting, loading and parking restrictions in Cantilupe Street, St Owen Street, St Peter’s Square and Mill Street (as shown on the TRO Plan at Appendix 1)
c)To authorise the implementation of the provision of vertical traffic calming measures, in St Owen Street and at its junction with Cantilupe Street/Ethelbert Street (as shown on the Traffic Calming Plan at Appendix 1)
d)To authorise the implementation of the shared footway designation with a proposed change to the pedestrian crossing facility at the junction of Bath Street, Mill Street and St Owen Street (see Appendix 1).

To provide an update on the work of the Cabinet since the meeting of Council held on 4 March, 2022.

The council has recently created 4 new permanent Service Director posts in its Economy and Environment, and Children & Young People directorates as part of the senior leadership restructure. The posts are:

• Service Director, Social Care
• Service Director, Performance and Challenge
• Service Director, Economy and Regulatory
• Service Director, Environment, Highways and Waste

These 4 posts are key, permanent appointments and it is crucial that the council does its upmost to attract quality, experienced candidates in order to ensure delivery of the council’s priorities in its Economy and Environment and Children & Young People directorates.

The Audit and Governance Committee are asked note, and comment on as appropriate, the draft, unaudited, Statement of Accounts for 2021/22.