The Mayor welcomed everyone to the Cabinet meeting in the Town Hall and to those viewing online.   

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no disclosures of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2021 to be submitted and signed.

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2021 were submitted and signed.

The Cabinet may wish to consider whether there are any items on which there is general agreement which could be considered now, to enable discussion to focus on those items where the Cabinet sees a need for further debate.

The Mayor reported that he intended to go through the agenda as published. 

Report of the Project Manager

Cabinet received a report of the Project Manager setting out details of the procurement exemption for a learn to ride facility at King George V playing fields.

The Mayor invited Councillor Williams, Portfolio for Neighbourhood Services, to introduce the report.

Councillor Williams said that this was an exciting project and would be a great asset for the town.  The learn to ride facility would encourage children to learn to ride in a safe setting.  It was hoped that the facility would be up and running by next spring.

Councillor Williams explained that there were a limited number of contractors able to provide the type of facility proposed.  The approved contractor, Play Scheme Ltd, had created other bespoke schemes across the country, including Gravesend and Nottingham.  The other schemes had also received financial support from Sports England.

The Mayor noted that the facility would be free to use and was to be located next to the Watford Cycle Hub.

In response to members’ questions, Councillor Williams confirmed that the facility would be fully accessible enabling all to use it.  Schools would be able to use the facility and Watford Cycle Hub had a great reputation for working with schools training children to ride.  It would be a permanent facility for Watford.

RESOLVED –

That Cabinet notes the approved exemption to the Council’s Procurement Procedure rules in relation to the appointment of Play Scheme Ltd for the KGV Learn to Ride contract.

Report of the Group Head of Democracy and Governance

Cabinet received a report of the Group Head of Democracy and Governance setting out the recommendation to appoint the Executive Head of Commercial Finance and Innovation to the Partnership Board of the Watford Health Campus Partnership LLP. 

The Mayor invited the Group Head of Democracy and Governance to introduce the report.

The Group Head of Democracy and Governance advised that the report set out the proposals to replace Alison Scott, Director of Finance, with Vivien Holland, Executive Director of Commercial Finance and Innovation.   The proposal ensured that any potential conflict of interest for the Director of Finance, as the council’s Section 151 officer was avoided.  The role of the Executive Head of Commercial Finance and Innovation was to advance commercial opportunities for the council, making full use of its partnerships including the joint ventures.

RESOLVED –

That Vivien Holland be appointed to the Partnership Board on the Watford Health Campus Partnership LLP.

Report of the Spatial Planning Manager

RESOLVED –

That authorisation be approved to enter into the South West Herts Joint Strategic Plan Statement of Common Ground to be executed by the Mayor of Watford and the Managing Director.

Cabinet received a report of the Spatial Planning Manager which included the Statement of Common Ground.

The Mayor invited Councillor Johnson to introduce the report. 

Councillor Johnson informed members that the South West Herts Joint Strategic Plan (JSP) Statement of Common Ground (SCG) set out the areas of common strategic interest and was a formal agreement about cross boundary issues.  It set the scene for the Joint Strategic Plan and the timetable.   It showed the strong ongoing working partnership between the five borough and district councils with support from the county council.  The Herts Growth Board also had a role.

Councillor Johnson commented that the voice of five authorities working together was stronger than one.  It made sense for the authorities to work proactively together.  He strongly recommended the report to members.

The Spatial Planning Manager said that a lot of work had been put into the development of the Joint Strategic Plan involving all of the authorities. 

Councillor Stotesbury was pleased to note that climate change was the first area covered in the report.  It was positive for the councils to have a long term vision.

Councillor Bell welcomed the report but said that it would be important that when a plan came forward all the councils were seen to be working together.

RESOLVED –

That authorisation be approved to enter into the South West Herts Joint Strategic Plan Statement of Common Ground to be executed by the Mayor of Watford and the Managing Director.

Report of the Spatial Planning Manager

RESOLVED –

That the South West Hertfordshire Statement of Community Involvement be approved for consultation.

Cabinet received a report of the Spatial Planning Manager which included the draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) for the Joint Strategic Plan (JSP).

The Mayor invited Councillor Johnson to introduce the report. 

Councillor Johnson informed members that the SCI set out the approach of involving the community in the preparation of the South West Herts JSP.  It was a statutory document.  All authorities were happy with the approach to be taken. 

The Mayor commented that infrastructure and sustainability were two key areas where the authorities could work together.  It was a very comprehensive document.

RESOLVED –

That the South West Hertfordshire Statement of Community Involvement be approved for consultation.