To seek approval for the rescheduling of rental charges to Halo Leisure Services Limited to reflect the financial impact of local flooding events and the national pandemic, Covid 19.

The Covid Winter Grant scheme was announced to help support vulnerable children and families during the winter months.

The scheme will support those most in need across England with the cost of food, energy and water bills and other associated costs.

The council is to administer the scheme and provide direct assistance to vulnerable households and families with children particularly affected by the pandemic.

This scheme was initially extended to 16 April 2021 and has been extended again to 20 June 2021 and the grant award has been increased by £126,584 to a total since inception of £851,591.

The increase in funding will be used to purchase local supermarket vouchers for households in England where residents include:-
a. Pupils in receipt of free of school meals
b. Pre-school children in receipt of pupil premium
c. Disadvantage students in college settings
To cover the cost of the May half term at £40 supermarket voucher per household. This decision will also enable household funds to be redirected to pay utility bills.

Central government announced the test and trace support payments scheme on 20 September 2020 and two further extensions to the scheme. The latest guidance extended the eligibility for a support payment to parents and guardians under either the main or discretionary support schemes described below.

In addition the scheme extension to the scheme extends the time-limit for retrospective applications, which is 42 days after an applicant’s first
day of self-isolation. Previously this was 28 days.

Central government are assessing whether the scheme has supported
people to self-isolate and incentivised testing. Ministers will then decide if the scheme should continue past 30 June 2021.

Central government is providing further funding for Test and Trace Support Payments of a £500 lump sum payment for employed people on low incomes who are unable to work while they are self-isolating because they cannot work from home.

To be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment, an individual must:

• have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because they’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive;
• be employed or self-employed;
• be unable to work from home and will lose income as a result; and
• be currently receiving Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit, income-based Employment and Support Allowance, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and/or Pension Credit.

To be eligible for a discretionary Test and Trace Support Payment, an individual must:

• have been asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace either because they’ve tested positive for coronavirus or have recently been in close contact with someone who has tested positive;
• be employed or self-employed and earn up to £400 a week;
• be unable to work from home and will lose at least 50% of earned income as a result; and
• have less than £3,000 in savings.

Herefordshire Council will verify eligibility, process applications and make payments.

To review the better care fund (BCF) year end report 2020-2021, national performance and end of year feedback, as per the requirements of the programme.

The Leisure Centre remains closed due to water damage. Both insured and uninsured re-instatement works are well underway however to ensure the Centre can be re-opened the uninsured elements of the regulatory electrical, emergency lighting and fire alarm installations need to be improved and made compliant. This decision approves spending a further £50,000 on top of the £170,000 approved here http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/documents/s50088618/Decision%20to%20fund%20uninsured%20regulatory%20works%20at%20Bromyard%20Leisure%20Centre.pdf

Vandalism to the roofing and subsequent water ingress has caused the Leisure
Centre to remain closed due to water damage to the emergency lighting, fire
alarm, and electrical installations in a number of locations necessitating partial
replacement of the water damaged components and wiring, funded by
insurers. As a consequence of replacing these sections of the installations the
current regulatory conditions required a whole replacement of the systems to
meet current regulations in order to achieve final certification.

Both insured and uninsured re-instatement works are well underway however
to ensure the Centre can be re-opened the uninsured elements of the
regulatory electrical, emergency lighting and fire alarm installations need to
be improved and made compliant.

To set out the changes to the Collaboration Agreement between West Midlands Rail Ltd and the Department for Transport and seek cabinet member approval to support these changes.

The unadopted areas of footway in Commercial Road are thought to have their origins in historic shop frontage use of these areas. This practice has long since ceased, and the areas are now virtually indistinguishable from the adjoining sections of adopted footway. Members of the public use both adopted and unadopted sections to pass and repass along Commercial Road, and are unaware of any difference in status. The commercial premises which front onto these areas are also thought to be unaware of their potential liability for them, and a check with Land Registry confirms that none of the private premises have registered title to them.

Given that these areas are used by the public to pass and repass, and as such are almost certainly subject to public rights, it makes sense to formally adopt them as publicly maintainable for the benefit of the public.

To make appointments to the committees of the Council and outside bodies in line with the rules of political proportionality.

To approve the revised joint Section 117 (Aftercare) policy and Standard Operating Procedure between Herefordshire Council and Herefordshire and Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group

Government requires neighbouring local authorities to agree Statements of Common Ground in order to demonstrate effective and on-going joint working by strategic plan-making authorities. The statements should identify any strategic cross-boundary matters and document the cooperation between plan making authorities in addressing any such issues.

Shropshire Council is reviewing its local plan and will submit it to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government for examination in the near future. Discussions have been ongoing between officers of Shropshire and Herefordshire Councils and it is concluded that there are no strategic cross boundary issues to address. However, the SOCG sets out the commitment to continue to work together as the Local Plans progress to adoption. A further SOCG will be required as the Herefordshire Local Plan review is developed.

To approve the shortlist of bid proposals to be submitted to government from Herefordshire for consideration in the UK Community Renewal Fund (UK SRF). As the nominated Lead Authority for the UK CRF in Herefordshire, the council is required to issue an open invitation for eligible organisations to bid, to receive returned bids, and to select the bids, up to a combined maximum amount of £3m, that will be returned to government for consideration.

In 2020, Covid-19 caused the largest contraction in the UK economy
for over 300 years. Although the implementation of the vaccination
programme and the announcement of the ‘lockdown road map’ by
the government has offered more immediate hope about the road to
recovery, the impact of the pandemic on businesses, jobs and
households will continue to be felt in the months and years ahead.
Already, we have seen the existing inequalities widening, with the low-paid and already vulnerable groups disproportionately affected across a range of socio-economic and health measures.
Before the pandemic, the decline of the UK’s high streets is well documented. The growth of out-of-town shopping centres and internet shopping has led to absentee landlords, empty shops and a stifling of choice at the heart of our communities. The pandemic has therefore accelerated the need to think differently about how we design and create vibrant, thriving high streets across the county.
The council recognises that our market towns and high streets play a critical role in the county’s economy and in our communities. While the composition and size may vary, they are often a point of community focus and for generations have been the place where people go to shop, meet or work. They are an economic, social and cultural hub that shapes the vibrancy, wellbeing and prosperity of where we live and work. In addition, they are the key interface between the wider rural areas and connectivity to and from Hereford.
Providing support to our market towns and high streets to enable recovery as soon as possible is therefore one of the Council’s immediate priorities. Cabinet Members have a vision for Herefordshire to join the growing number of Councils and organisations that have a bespoke digital platform linked to local businesses that offers our residents incentives and encouragement to shop and play.
Project management resource will be provided to support the implementation of the Loyal Free App.

To approve the direct award of a contract for domestic abuse services to West Mercia Women's Aid.

To gain approval to accept and deliver additional grant funding offered by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

The council has successfully applied to DWP to be a gateway organisation for the delivery of the Kickstart scheme across Herefordshire. As part of the Covid 19 recovery programme, the Kickstart scheme funds 6 monthly work experience placements for 16 to 24 year olds receiving universal credit.

To continue to contract with Quicksilva to enable the implementation of the unique number identifier via the NHS spine through the mosaic system for a period of 3 years until 28 April 2024 at a total cost of £10,800 excluding any annual inflations.

The Assistant Director for Regulatory, Environment and Waste is authorised to accept the ERDF funding and to implement the Sustainable Energy in Public Buildings project in accordance with the following decision: http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/mgIssueHistoryHome.aspx?IId=50035112
Approval of Grants by the Assistant Director for Regulatory, Environment and Waste forms part of our agreed Governance process with the managing authority, Ministry of Housing, Communities

For Cabinet to approve the establishment of a COVID 19 recovery and investment fund to support Herefordshire businesses.

To utilise Ringo (the cashless provider) to provide season ticketing on council car parks. Customers will pay Ringo directly for this service, as they do with other parking sessions on the following rates (where taken up by the council):

• Monthly (7 days p/w) £1.40
• Quarterly £2.00
• Annual £3.20

The virtual season tickets will increase security by significantly reducing the risk of fraud by copying or amending permits, and restrict use to one vehicle per permit. They will also increase the flexibility to be able to be offered as currently monthly permits are not available (due to processing costs) and therefore these can be an expensive one off purchases for some.

Ringo will deliver this service using the existing infrastructure in place for cashless parking payments.

Delivering season tickets through this platform will be at zero cost to the council saving and reduce the processing of paper permits.

Following the above referenced decision procurement activity has been undertaken in accordance with the council procedures. This activity has been confirmed as being compliant within the councils Contractual Procedural Rules by Procurement and Legal officers.

An invitation to quote was placed on the approved council procurement systems where 22 bids for the specified works were received. UK Signs Ltd were evaluated against the other 21 and scored the highest in terms of the price and quality when assessed.

The quote provided is confirmed as being within the budget set aside from the above decision for this part of the implementation work.

New signage has been designed by the councils internal design team and will contain the corporate text and logos, as required. Additionally, this new signage will be larger, easier to read and provide more localised information.

Temporary signage will be in place immediately after the new car park charges take effect on the 17 May 2021. New signs will be replaced in the days following this.

There is a need to engage an external provider in order to progress the design and statutory approvals, and to provide professional support through the construction phase.
A competitive procurement exercise was undertaken in accordance with Council procurement procedures. The tender return from Berrys was the most favourable when assessed against quality and cost criteria.

Cabinet confirmed its preferred transport options for Hereford following the completion and findings of the Hereford Transport Strategy Review 2020 (HTSR).

Cabinet was able to make its determination based on the technical information included in the HTSR. This included high level costings of options alongside technical assessment of impacts (carbon, economic, environmental and societal).

The total capital cost estimate for cabinet’s preferred transport strategy is £131m and annual revenue operating costs are £5.5m.

Further technical work is now required to identify the revenue development costs of the 11 individual options selected by cabinet to ensure that cabinet understands the financial consequences of any decision it takes to progress any or all of these options.

In May 2018 The public spaces protection order regarding alcohol control in that any person who without reasonable excuse continues drinking intoxicating liquor in the restricted area when asked to stop by an authorised officer, commits an offence or fails to surrender any intoxicating liquor in their possession when asked to do so by an authorised Officer, commits an offence was created for 3 years. Under the legislation the council can extend the order for a further 3 years. The issue around antisocial behaviour linked to consuming alcohol is particular issue in the local community and gives the enforcement agencies the ability to take action where necessary.

To award a contract to Robothams Architects Ltd for the completion of a feasibility study to explore options and make recommendations for the improvement of Westfield Special School, Leominster. The appointment to be based on an initial cost of £11,950 plus associated surveys, contingency, statutory and professional fees. A total cost up to the value of £75,000.

To delegate authority to the senior project manager to authorise spend and manage the budget up to a value of £75,000 for the services described in (1) above.

To recommend the implementation of a 30mph Speed Limit and a Prohibition of Overtaking restriction on B4214 and The Crest at Edwyn Ralph, Herefordshire.

The extents of the proposed restrictions and signage are set out in detail in Recommendations below and shown on drawing 3409-96 in Appendix A.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 places specific responsibilities on organisations to ensure slavery and human trafficking does not exist within its supply chain or in any part of its own business. Though some people may be more vulnerable to exploitation than others, it is not restricted by age, gender or background. The term ‘modern slavery’ captures a whole range of exploitation, which may occur together to have a combined effect on people’s rights and liberty.
This statement is made in relation to Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and explains the commitments of Herefordshire Council in its efforts to ensure there is no slavery or human trafficking within the organisation, its sub-contractors, partners or supply chains.
This statement relates to actions and activities during the financial year 1 April 2021 to 31 March 2022 and will be reviewed annually.
In 2019 the council made the follow commitments which are reflective of the 2021-22 statement:
Proactive – improve awareness, understanding and identification of modern slavery with council staff and members being proactive in reporting suspected incidents.
Protect – safeguard children and adults to not be at risk of modern slavery, and support victims with care and services.
Partnership – to work in partnership with other agencies, residents and businesses to address the causes and effects of modern slavery on people.
Providers – create effective systems and controls to safeguard against any form of modern slavery taking place through the contracts we hold.
Prosecute – to work with agencies to gather evidence to hold perpetrators to account.
Policies – to have in place the policies and practices that enable the reporting of modern slavery and reduces the exploitation of people in the first place.

Due to the recent storms (Bella and Christoph), there has been significant damage caused to Mill Lane, Little Cowarne which has resulted in the road being closed. The damage has resulted in lack of access to the farm, which is also affecting a landowner’s ability to access and tend to their livestock. Temporary access is required to enable access to the farm for the resident and service vehicles. Access is also required for commencement of the investigations/designs to review temporary and permanent solutions, works will be funded within the Public Realm Contract Annual Plan.

Fastershire the deployment of broadband across Herefordshire and Gloucestershire, using public funds where commercial providers wouldn’t invest independently because of the cost of delivery would be more than their return on investment.
The decision was made by both Herefordshire Council and Gloucestershire County Council in December 2019 to increase the budget of the Gigaclear contracts by up to 10% in order to reach more premises.
http://councillors.herefordshire.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=6494
The recommendations were that:
(a) £1.8m of additional subsidy is used to extend the scope of the Gigaclear contracts (subject to state aid approval), in order to extend the full fibre broadband network to no less than 5,485 extra premises of which at least 872 premises do not currently receive superfast broadband;
(b) The Assistant Director Corporate Support be authorised to take all operational decisions necessary to implement the above recommendation.
It is the premises with under 30Mbps (referred to as NGA White) that the funding was targeted to reach with the additional ‘NGA Grey’ premises (already able to access 30Mbps) receiving an uplift from FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) to FTTP (fibre to the premise). This ‘overspill’ will ultimately reduce the longer term challenge as the target moves from superfast to full fibre capability in the future.
Following an adaption of the project finance models to cater for BDUK’s request to focus the contracts on a subset of 493 benefitting premises, the required funding has reduced to £1.55m and an increase in Gigaclear’s proposed contribution by £189k. Aside from the ‘white’ premises, a further 4,993 will also benefit. A total of 835 of the 5,486 benefitting premises do not currently have access to superfast broadband.
Note: report contains table with Lot information
It is agreed that these changes be formally encapsulated in a series of Deeds of Variation. It is also agreed that the changes proposed within the Lot 3d area are incorporated into the Lot 3d Deed so it does not inhibit the closure of the near complete Lot 3d.