The following motion will be moved by the Chair:

“That, pursuant to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) members of the press and public be excluded during consideration of the following items on the agenda, as it is likely that there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant Paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A (as amended) of that Act”

Resolved –

That pursuant to Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended), members of the press and public be excluded during consideration of items 56-57 below as it was likely that there would be a disclosure of exempt information as defined in the relevant paragraphs specified in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.

Councillors Page & Brock / Director of Resources

The Director of Resources submitted a report to the Committee acting as shareholder of Reading Transport Limited (RTL), setting out an annual review report submitted by RTL, to fulfil the reporting obligations set out in the company’s Articles of Association.  The RTL report and annexes were attached to the report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

Councillor Jones / Director of Adult Care and Health Services

The Director of Adult Care and Health Services submitted a report on the extension of a block contract with Bupa for nursing beds and a review of the Framework Agreement contracts with Care Homes.

The report explained that the Council had been in discussion with BUPA over the extension of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

To confirm the Minutes of the Policy Committee meeting on 26 November 2018.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 26 November 2018 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair, subject to amendment of Minute 49, regarding the allocation of 15% Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Funds, to include in resolution (2) an allocation of £25k for the retention of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 58.

To receive any petitions from the public and any questions from the public and Councillors.

Questions on the following matters were submitted by members of the public:

Councillor Brock / Director of Resources

This report asks the Committee to consider the Council Tax premium to be charged on long-term empty properties, following The Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018 which allows Local Authorities to increase this Premium.

The Director of Resources submitted a report asking the Committee to consider a recommended increase in the Council Tax premium charged on long term empty properties, following the Rating (Property in Common Occupation) and Council Tax (Empty Dwellings) Act 2018 which allowed Local Authorities to increase the Premium.

The report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 60.

Councillors Brock & Lovelock / Director of Resources

This report asks the Committee to recommend to full Council the approval of the council tax support scheme and the Council Tax base for 2019/20.

The Director of Resources submitted a report asking the Committee to recommend to full Council the Council Tax Reduction Scheme and Council Tax Base for the 2019/20 financial year.

The report explained that Section 33 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 and the Local Authorities (Calculation of Council Tax  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

Councillor Jones / Director Of Adult Care & Health Services

This report provides a summary of consultation with stakeholders on a proposal to move the Discharge to Assess beds from The Willows site to Charles Clore Court (an Extra Care provision) and close The Willows as a residential care home for people with dementia, and makes recommendations for future service provision.

The Director of Adult Care and Health Services submitted a report on a consultation with stakeholders in relation to the ongoing use of The Willows (both the Residential Home element and the Discharge to Assess (D2A) service).  The following documents were attached to the report:

·         Appendix 1 - Willows/Discharge to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

Councillor Page / Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services

This report seeks approval to extend the Civil Enforcement Contract by one year.

The Director of Environment and Neighbourhood Services seeking approval to extend the Civil Enforcement Contract awarded to NSL Ltd in 2014 by one year, as per the terms of the original contract.

The report noted that the Parking Enforcement contract had been awarded to NSL Ltd in 2014 for an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 63.

Councillors Lovelock, Terry, Pearce & Brock / Director of Resources

This report seeks approval from the Committee, in its capacity as sole member for Brighter Futures for Children Limited (BFfC), for the appointment of UHY Hacker Young as external auditors for BFfC.

The Director of Resources submitted a report seeking approval from the Committee, in its capacity as sole member for Brighter Futures for Children Limited (BFfC), for the appointment of UHY Hacker Young as external auditors for BFfC.

The report explained that BFfC had conducted a procurement process  ...  view the full minutes text for item 64.