Agenda, decisions and minutes
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Contact: Anne Gowing or James Stanton 020 8541 9938 Email: anne.gowing@surreycc.gov.uk
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APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Additional documents: Minutes: There were no apologies. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: 24 September 2013
Additional documents: Minutes: The Leader informed Cabinet that an email had been received from Jenny Desoutter requesting that the spelling of her name was corrected and saying that she did not agree with the text relating to her supplementary question (item 146/13). The Leader apologised for the misspelling of her name, which had since been corrected but said that he believed that the minute was reflective of what was said at the meeting.
Therefore, the minutes of the meeting held on 24 September 2013 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman.
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none. |
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PROCEDURAL MATTERS
Additional documents: |
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Members' Questions
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none. |
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Additional documents: Decision: Two questions had been received from members of the public. The questions and responses were tabled and are attached as Appendix 1.
Minutes: Two questions had been received from members of the public. The questions and responses were tabled and are attached as Appendix 1.
Mr Beaman referred to the challenging financial times but he considered that the level of the bus service provided in the Farnham area was already ‘basic’ and asked the Cabinet Member for Transport, Highways and Environment to comment. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the challenges ahead but agreed to note the points made by Mr Beaman.
Mr Crews was unhappy with the response to his question. He informed Cabinet that he had been asked to submit his paperwork to the National Audit Office and asked the following supplementary questions:
· When was Charlton Lane due to reach financial close? · What was the last date by which planning permission must be obtained for Charlton Lane, in order to meet the terms and conditions of the Defra grant support? · There was a report that a £30m sinking fund had been set up by Surrey County Council and what was this fund for?
The Leader of the Council said that he would receive a written response to his questions outside the meeting.
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Petitions
Additional documents: Minutes: No petitions were received. |
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Representations received on reports to be considered in private
Additional documents: Minutes: No representations were received.
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Additional documents: Decision: (a) Council overview and scrutiny Committee - DIGITAL BY DEFAULT [Item 5a]
The recommendations of the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee were circulated with the agenda. The response of the Cabinet Member for Business Services was tabled at the meeting and is attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.
Minutes: (a) Council overview and scrutiny Committee - DIGITAL BY DEFAULT [Item 5a]
The recommendations of the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee were circulated with the agenda. The response of the Cabinet Member for Business Services was tabled at the meeting and is attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.
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Public Service Transformation
Additional documents: Decision:
1. That the progress made in developing the scope of the programme, represented by the public service transformation outline business cases, as set out in Annex A of the submitted report be noted, and officers be asked to continue developing full business cases for consideration at the February 2014 Cabinet meeting. 2. That Surrey’s Joint Statement of Intent, as set out in Annex B of the submitted report be agreed on behalf of the council, and the Chief Executive be instructed, in discussion with the Leader, local partners and representatives of central Government, to continue to update this as the programme develops. 3. That the offer of funding from the Transformation Challenge Award be accepted, and the Department for Communities and Local Government be thanked for its contribution to the costs of developing this important work on behalf of the relevant partners in Surrey and Sussex. 4. That partner organisations have their own governance requirements and processes, which they will need to follow to agree and sign-off further business cases and implementation plans. Reasons for Decisions:
Partners in Surrey have a shared ambition to transform services and outcomes for Surrey residents. The vision is that across the public sector, services will shift from an emphasis on high cost responses towards prevention and earlier intervention. The intention is for services to deliver much better value for money.
The council is working closely with partners to develop its plans for public service transformation in Surrey. The outline business cases provide the evidence, both to the council and to partners, that the case for change and potential benefits are sufficiently strong to justify more detailed work on each of the proposals.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee] Minutes: The Leader of the Council said that the County Council, together with partners in Surrey, had a shared ambition to transform services and outcomes for Surrey residents. The intention was for services to deliver much better value for money, with the changes providing significant benefits for Surrey residents and that it was critical to demonstrate to Central Government that this organisation was serious about transforming public services.
This report also provided an update on the Joint Statement of Intent being developed with the Public Service Transformation Network, which would set out key objectives, milestones and responsibilities for partners, including the support the Network would provide.
Other Cabinet Members were invited to comment on the report and the outline business cases set out in the Annex to the report, for the following strands:
· Emergency Service Collaboration · Surrey Family Support Programme · Better Use of Public Sector Assets · Skills for the Future (14-25) · Health and Social Care Collaborative – Dementia Friendly Surrey
They made the following points:
· The transformation of how Emergency Services worked together was an exciting project, which if delivered would benefit communities and collaborative working would create an improved and more cost effective service. · Preventative work, including the ‘Stay Alive’ project were mentioned. · Surrey was leading the way in its work with ‘blue light’ services · The success to date of Surrey’s Family Support programme, which since October had been rolled out acoss the whole county. The key objective was to turn the lives around for those families on the programme and whilst it had been a challenging piece of work, the Council had been recognised by Government as a leading authority in this area. · On better use of public assets – this work had also been recognised and Surrey was now one of the 12 regional pilots working with the Government Property Unit. · The Skills for the Future workstream would be designed to transform the various pathways for young people aged 14 – 25 years old towards sustainable and rewarding employment and to prevent as many young people as possible from becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). · To provide a skilled workforce for Surrey Businesses. · On the final stream – a dementia friendly Surrey, it was acknowledged that this was the fastest growing illness and the service needed to change to cope with increased demand - all public services in Surrey needed to work together to tackle the challenges collectively. · The initiative was welcomed and Annex B, the Surrey Joint Statement of Intent was commended. · The importance of using Public Health knowledge across the Council. · That this work had been recognised by Brandon Lewis, the Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Department of Communities and Local Government and that the Cabinet hoped that Surrey County Council would lead the way in transforming Public Services.
RESOLVED:
1. That the progress made in developing the scope of the programme, represented by the public service transformation outline business cases, as set out in Annex A of the submitted report be ... view the full minutes text for item 175/13 |
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Fairness and Respect Strategy 2013-2018
Additional documents: Decision: That the Confident in our Future, Fairness and Respect Strategy 2013 – 2018, as set out in Annex 1 of the submitted report, be approved.
Reasons for Decisions:
Approving the Confident in Our Future, Fairness and Respect Strategy 2013-2018will support the delivery of the Council’s commitment to promote Fairness and Respect in the services it provides and in its workforce. It will also ensure that statutory requirements for the publication of equality objectives continue to be met.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee] Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Business Services highlighted the key points from ‘Confident in our Future: Fairness and Respect Strategy’, which was designed to meet the Council’s responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 and further embed Fairness and Respect across the Council. She also brought the Equalities Impact Assessment to the Cabinet’s attention.
The Deputy Leader stressed the importance of a Corporate Strategy. Other Members indicated their support for Annex 1, to the submitted report, which set out the case for fairness and respect and also highlighted the diversity of the county of Surrey.
The Cabinet Associate for Fire and Police services publically thanked the Council’s External Equality Advisory Group for their valuable input into the strategy.
RESOLVED:
That the Confident in our Future, Fairness and Respect Strategy 2013 – 2018, as set out in Annex 1 of the submitted report, be approved.
Reasons for Decisions:
Approving the Confident in Our Future, Fairness and Respect Strategy 2013-2018will support the delivery of the Council’s commitment to promote Fairness and Respect in the services it provides and in its workforce. It will also ensure that statutory requirements for the publication of equality objectives continue to be met.
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Community Partnered Libraries Progress Report
Additional documents: Decision:
Having taken account of the equalities analysis set out in the impact assessment and update of the submitted report:
a. That the vote of thanks expressed by the Communities Select Committee on 26 September 2013 and Library Service to all volunteers and communities who have been involved with the success of this initiative be endorsed. b. That the progress made in implementing its decision on 24 July 2012 establishing 6 out of 10 Community Partnered Libraries (CPLs) be noted, and the Cabinet looked forward to the remaining 4 libraries opening as CPLs. Reasons for Decisions:
Implementing the CPL policy has marked a major step change in how access to library services is delivered in Surrey. Working with CPLs is providing both libraries and SCC with new learning experiences in how community led provision can make the range of services offered at these libraries more accessible and diverse, helping to improve services in the future.
Implementation has also required substantial input from the Council's Legal and Property services, and support from Finance, Audit and Insurance. Introducing, supporting and developing the CPL model has involved all aspects of the Library Service and has led to a number of improvements. These include training and how library staff working with volunteers, as well as a clearer vision of how libraries in general can maintain their position at the heart of their communities, as community hubs, in a changing world. The successful implementation of CPLs, at six libraries to date, is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the council officers involved, and the commitment of the CPL steering groups and volunteers. Evidence from customers and volunteers indicates that the CPLs are a valued complement to the Surrey library network, operating with a renewed sense of purpose and vigour and with ambitious plans for future development. [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Communities Select Committee]
Minutes:
In introducing this progress report, the Leader of the Council said that he believed that Cabinet had made a brave decision not to close any Surrey libraries in this challenging economic climate but had taken the decision to find new ways to sustain the network, by increasing community involvement. He considered that the introduction of the Community Partnered Libraries (CPLs) would not have been possible without the outstanding work of the library team.
The Cabinet Member for Community Services said that this report provided Cabinet with an update of progress since the implementation of the decision to set up CPLs. She also thanked the Communities Select Committee for its input and the volunteers from local communities, some of whom had attended the select committee to give their views on CPLs. She drew attention to Annex 1 which provided a detailed commentary on each CPL and confirmed that the remaining four CPLs were at various stages of negotiation and implementation. She also informed Cabinet that the Lord Lieutenant had expressed a desire to visit some CPLs and she hoped that these visits would be arranged shortly. Finally, she thanked Peter Milton, Rose Wilson and their team for their work in setting up the CPLs, which had included training the volunteers.
Other Cabinet Members made the following points:
· Supportive of CPLs which had often been able to increase their opening hours and provide evening talks. · Newly acquired skills and the growing confidence of volunteers. · The number of people wanting to become volunteers. · Commending the Equalities Impact Assessment and the progress made but stressing the importance of its continued monitoring. · The establishment of micro libraries. · Acknowledgement that Mr Geoff Marlow, former Chairman of Surrey County Council, and his wife had ‘laid the groundwork’ for establishing the first CPL in Byfleet. RESOLVED:
Having taken account of the equalities analysis set out in the impact assessment and update of the submitted report:
a. That the vote of thanks, expressed by the Communities Select Committee on 26 September 2013 and Library Service to all volunteers and communities who have been involved with the success of this initiative, be endorsed. b. That the progress made in implementing its decision on 24 July 2012 establishing 6 out of 10 Community Partnered Libraries (CPLs) be noted, and the Cabinet looked forward to the remaining 4 libraries opening as CPLs. Reasons for Decisions:
Implementing the CPL policy has marked a major step change in how access to library services is delivered in Surrey. Working with CPLs is providing both libraries and SCC with new learning experiences in how community led provision can make the range of services offered at these libraries more accessible and diverse, helping to improve services in the future.
Implementation has also required substantial input from the Council's Legal and Property services, and support from Finance, Audit and Insurance. Introducing, supporting and developing the CPL model has involved all aspects of the Library Service and has led to a number of improvements. These include training and ... view the full minutes text for item 177/13 |
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Additional documents: Decision: That the award be approved and five suppliers be appointed to the Framework for Library fit outs, to work to a set specification which will allow SCC and ESCC to utilise the appointed suppliers for projects as they arise through the use of mini- competitions. The new Contracts will be operational from November 2013 for three years with an option to extend for further 12 months.
Reasons for Decisions:
The overarching aim of the framework is the efficient delivery of library refurbishments, to develop a library environment that creates a sense of excitement amongst users and promotes books and reading. The profile of SCC’s and ESCC’s libraries will be raised and library use within the community increased.
Surrey County Council’s Library service has undertaken a major programme of library refurbishments since 2004. Thirty of SCC’s libraries have been refurbished to a high standard working with a range of suppliers over that period. A continuing programme of refurbishment is dependent upon the agreement of the funding which will be considered as part of the Medium Term Financial Planning (MTFP) process. The agreed MTFP capital programme, however, includes a number of projects which will require the services of skilled and experienced fit-out suppliers over the duration of the framework agreement. These include the fit-out of Cobham Library and the development of a community hub in Merstham. ESCC has an immediate requirement for a major library refurbishment in Hastings and other projects over the next two years amount to £750,000.
A full tender process, in compliance with the EU Procurement Legislation and Procurement Standing Orders has been completed, and the recommendations provide best value for money for the Council.
The suppliers have listed a range of discounts up to a maximum of 27.5% on their products, guaranteed for a year. SCC and ESCC expect to achieve further reductions throughout the life of this Framework. Wherever possible, we would expect appointed companies to sub-contract elements of the fit-out work to local companies in order to meet SCC’s business target to support the local economy.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee]
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Community Services said that in May 2013 Surrey County Council (SCC) and East Sussex County Council (ESCC) agreed to enter into a joint framework agreement, with SCC as the Lead Authority, to satisfy the requirements for the procurement of thefinal design, consultancy, supply and installation of the soft fit out of a range of potential library refurbishment projects between 2013 and 2017.
The Cabinet Member for Business Services said that this was amongst the first joint-frameworks between Surrey County Council and East Sussex County Council since the merger of Procurement services and demonstrated the effectiveness of joint council working and the potential financial savings that could be achieved and due to the commercial sensitivity involved in the framework award process, the names and financial details of the recommended suppliers were set out in the Part 2 Annex (item 18).
RESOLVED:
That the award be approved and five suppliers be appointed to the Framework for Library fit outs, to work to a set specification which will allow SCC and ESCC to utilise the appointed suppliers for projects as they arise through the use of mini- competitions. The new Contracts will be operational from November 2013 for three years with an option to extend for further 12 months.
Reasons for Decisions:
The overarching aim of the framework is the efficient delivery of library refurbishments, to develop a library environment that creates a sense of excitement amongst users and promotes books and reading. The profile of SCC’s and ESCC’s libraries will be raised and library use within the community increased.
Surrey County Council’s Library service has undertaken a major programme of library refurbishments since 2004. Thirty of SCC’s libraries have been refurbished to a high standard working with a range of suppliers over that period. A continuing programme of refurbishment is dependent upon the agreement of the funding which will be considered as part of the Medium Term Financial Planning (MTFP) process. The agreed MTFP capital programme, however, includes a number of projects which will require the services of skilled and experienced fit-out suppliers over the duration of the framework agreement. These include the fit-out of Cobham Library and the development of a community hub in Merstham. ESCC has an immediate requirement for a major library refurbishment in Hastings and other projects over the next two years amount to £750,000.
A full tender process, in compliance with the EU Procurement Legislation and Procurement Standing Orders has been completed, and the recommendations provide best value for money for the Council.
The suppliers have listed a range of discounts up to a maximum of 27.5% on their products, guaranteed for a year. SCC and ESCC expect to achieve further reductions throughout the life of this Framework. Wherever possible, we would expect appointed companies to sub-contract elements of the fit-out work to local companies in order to meet SCC’s business target to support the local economy.
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Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2012 - 2013
Additional documents: Decision: That the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) Annual Report be noted, prior to it being published. The SSAB will take the detail of this report and a strategy be developed to address the concerns identified in the report. The strategy will come before Cabinet in the New Year. Reasons for Decisions:
Accepting the recommendation will provide evidence the council has fulfilled its obligations to co-ordinate the activities of the Safeguarding Adults Board. It will provide information to the public on the performance of the Board in the delivery of its strategic plan. When the Care Bill 2013 becomes enacted, it will be a statutory requirement for Safeguarding Adults Boards to produce and publish an Annual Report and for the report to be shared with the local police, Healthwatch and the Health and Wellbeing Board. The Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board wish to comply with these requirements in advance of the statutory duty. Providing paper copies to Surrey libraries will make the report easy to access for Surrey residents who do not have internet access.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Adult Social Care Select Committee]
Minutes: The Cabinet Associate for Adult Social Care informed Members that there was currently no statutory requirement to have Surrey Safeguarding Adults board (SSAB) but that once the Care Bill was enacted, it would become a statutory requirement. The SSAB was a non-statutory, multi-agency Board that was chaired by an independent chairman, Simon Turpitt and he was delighted to be able to present his report directly to Cabinet. Mr Turpitt said that he had only been Chairman of SSAB since June 2013 and the report reflected the year prior to his appointment. He referred to the forthcoming awayday where strategy and goals would be agreed and he also confirmed that SSAB would learn from the findings of the serious case reviews. Finally, he thanked Members for their support and said that their engagement was critical to the work of the Board. RESOLVED:
That the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) Annual Report be noted, prior to it being published. The SSAB will take the detail of this report and a strategy be developed to address the concerns identified in the report. The strategy will come before Cabinet in the New Year. Reasons for Decisions:
Accepting the recommendation will provide evidence the council has fulfilled its obligations to co-ordinate the activities of the Safeguarding Adults Board. It would provide information to the public on the performance of the Board in the delivery of its strategic plan. When the Care Bill 2013 becomes enacted, it will be a statutory requirement for Safeguarding Adults Boards to produce and publish an Annual Report and for the report to be shared with the local police, Healthwatch and the Health and Wellbeing Board. The Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board wish to comply with these requirements in advance of the statutory duty. Providing paper copies to Surrey libraries will make the report easy to access for Surrey residents who do not have internet access. |
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Surrey Safeguarding Children's Board Annual Report 2012 - 2013
Additional documents: Decision: That the Surrey Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report be noted, prior to it being published. Reasons for Decisions:
The Board is constituted Under Section 13 of the Children Act 2004; its objectives are set out in Section 14 of the Children Act 2004. Regulation 5 of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) Regulations 2006 sets out the statutory functions of the LSCB. Section 14a of the Children Act 2004 requires that the independent Chairman publishes an Annual Report on the effectiveness of child safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the local area. Accepting the recommendation will provide evidence the council has fulfilled its obligations under Section 13 of the Children Act 2004. [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Children and Education Select Committee]
Minutes: As Mrs Alex Walters, the independent chairman of the Surrey Safeguarding Children Board (SSCB) was unable to attend this meeting to present their annual report 2012 – 2013, the Cabinet Member for Children and Families introduced it. She said it was a statutory, multi agency board and their annual report detailed the effectiveness of safeguarding and child protection practice by partner organisations in Surrey and was presented to Cabinet for information.
The period covered by this report had been one of considerable change for the Board and all its partner agencies, which had involved Budget constraints and major organisational restructure. It also set out the significant amount of work that had taken place regarding safeguarding. Finally, the Cabinet Member referred to the six recommendations of the Surrey Safeguarding Children Board report and in particular, referred to reducing the impact of domestic abuse on children (recommendation 1) and stressed the importance of listening to young people.
The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Health and Wellbeing Board confirmed that both this report and the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board report would also be considered at a forthcoming Health and Wellbeing Board.
RESOLVED:
That the Surrey Safeguarding Children Board Annual Report be noted, prior to it being published. Reasons for Decisions:
The Board was constituted Under Section 13 of the Children Act 2004; its objectives are set out in Section 14 of the Children Act 2004. Regulation 5 of the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) Regulations 2006 set out the statutory functions of the LSCB. Section 14a of the Children Act 2004 required that the independent Chairman published an Annual Report on the effectiveness of child safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the local area. Accepting the recommendation would provide evidence that the council had fulfilled its obligations under Section 13 of the Children Act 2004.
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Schools' Funding Formula 2014/15
Additional documents: Decision: 1. That the proposed revisions to the schools’ funding formula, as recommended by the Schools Forum and set out in Annex 2 of the submitted report, be introduced.
2. That the proposed Surrey formula factors, as set out in Annex 3 of the submitted report, be approved for submission to the DfE by the 31 October 2013 deadline.
3. That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director, Schools & Learning, in consultation with the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Schools & Learning, to update and amend the formula as appropriate following receipt of DfE autumn term pupil data in December 2013. This is to ensure that total allocations to schools under this formula remain affordable within the council’s Dedicated Schools Grant settlement to be announced during December.
Reasons for Decisions
To comply with DfE regulations including prior notification of the council’s funding formula for schools and to ensure that turbulence of funding at individual school level is minimised.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Children and Education Select Committee]
Minutes: Schools were funded on a formula basis determined by local authorities. New regulations introduced in 2013 reduced the freedoms available to local authorities and introduced greater standardisation. Surrey was a relatively lowly funded authority and previously had a relatively complex formula for allocating funding to its schools, which had been developed with schools and was recognised to reflect local needs. Many Surrey schools were therefore disadvantaged by the introduction of greater simplification.
Following challenges from Surrey and other councils, the Department for Education (DfE) has now agreed a number of minor flexibilities for 2014/15. Unfortunately they did not address the key concerns of Surrey’s schools. Proposed amendments to the Surrey formula from April 2014 have been developed to ensure compliance with the updated regulations and to seek to address local concerns. These have been consulted on with all schools.
The Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning said that the report set out the recommendations to the Cabinet from the Schools Forum (Annex 2 of the submitted report) and that the council was required to submit its proposed schools’ funding formula to the Education Funding Agency by 31 October 2013.
Both the Cabinet Member and the Cabinet Associate for Fire and Police Services referred to the Equalities Impact Assessment and the affect that the proposed simplification of the formula would have for some Surrey Schools.
The Cabinet Member also referred to the Minimum Funding Guarantee (MFG) – this would place a limit on the funding reductions incurred by schools to a maximum of 1.5% per pupil, which would be funded by a ceiling placed on the gains of other schools.
RESOLVED:
1. That the proposed revisions to the schools’ funding formula, as recommended by the Schools Forum and set out in Annex 2 of the submitted report, be introduced.
2. That the proposed Surrey formula factors, as set out in Annex 3 of the submitted report, be approved for submission to the DfE by the 31 October 2013 deadline.
3. That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director, Schools & Learning, in consultation with the Leader and the Cabinet Member for Schools & Learning, to update and amend the formula as appropriate following receipt of DfE autumn term pupil data in December 2013. This is to ensure that total allocations to schools under this formula remain affordable within the council’s Dedicated Schools Grant settlement to be announced during December.
Reasons for Decisions
To comply with DfE regulations including prior notification of the council’s funding formula for schools and to ensure that turbulence of funding at individual school level is minimised.
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Budget Monitoring Report for September 2013
Additional documents: Decision:
1. The forecast revenue budget underspend for 2013/14 of £1.4m on services, and adding the unused £13m risk contingency brings this to £14.4m overall, as set out in paragraph 1 of the submitted report, be noted. 2. The forecast ongoing efficiencies & service reductions achieved by year end, as set out in paragraph 63 of the submitted report, be noted. 3. The forecast capital budget position for 2013/14, as set out in paragraphs 66-70 of the submitted report, be noted. 4. That management actions to mitigate overspends, as set out throughout the submitted report, be noted. 5. The quarter end balance sheet, as at 30 September 2013, and movements in earmarked reserves and debt outstanding, as set out in paragraphs 71 to 78 be noted. 6. That the request to drawdown the unused 2011/12 Whole System funding (£7.5m) to cover slippage on social capital saving, paragraph 13 of the submitted report, be approved.
Reasons for Decisions
To comply with the agreed strategy of providing a monthly budget monitoring report to Cabinet for approval and action as necessary.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee]
Minutes:
The Leader of the Council presented the council’s financial position at the end of period 6 (September) of the 2013/14 financial year and focused his introductory comments around the four core elements of the Council’s financial strategy to:
· Balance the 2013/14 revenue budget; · Reduce reliance on council tax and government grants; · Continuously drive the efficiency agenda; and · Continue to maximise our investment in Surrey.
On the Revenue Budget, he highlighted the following points:
· The financial position seemed to be progressing well through continued achievement of efficiencies and service reductions and in the face of growing demand for the Councils’ services. · The forecast end of year position for all services was for a small underspend of £1.4m. This was a £2.0m improvement on August’s position. The budget prudently provided a £13m risk contingency (to mitigate the risk of non-delivery of service efficiencies) that had not yet been used. This meant that the overall year end forecast was a £14.4m underspend.
On reducing reliance on council tax and government grants, he said that it was key to the Council’s ability to balance the budgets in the longer term. One of the projects helping achieve this was the revolving to generate net income of £0.8m, which would be re-invested into the fund to support further growth.
In relation to the efficiency agenda, he made the following comments:
· The revenue budget required total efficiencies of over £68.3m (this was in addition to £196m already achieved over the last three years). Services were making good progress in delivering these, with a forecast of £63.6m for the full year. · The increase in the forecast underachievement was due to slippage in ASC’s innovative social capital strategy. · £18m efficiencies had already been achieved this year and there was an increased confidence in many service areas. At the half way point in the year, there was still a long way to go and considerable risks remain. Members would continue to monitor the achievement of efficiencies closely.
On continuing to maximise investment in Surrey he said that the council’s capital programme not only improved and maintained service delivery, but was also a way of raising additional income. At the start of the year, the 2013/14 capital programme was reviewed and a small number of schemes were re-profiled and the current forecast was that service capital budgets would underspend by £9.5m. This was due to delays with planning issues and archaeological finds.
Other Cabinet Members were invited to highlight the key points and issues from their portfolios, as set out in the annex to the report.
RESOLVED:
1. The forecast revenue budget underspend for 2013/14 of £1.4m on services, and adding the unused £13m risk contingency brings this to £14.4m overall, as set out in paragraph 1 of the submitted report, be noted. 2. The forecast ongoing efficiencies & service reductions achieved by year end, as set out in paragraph 63 of the submitted report, be noted. 3. The forecast capital budget position for 2013/14, as set out in paragraphs 66-70 ... view the full minutes text for item 182/13 |
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Additional documents: Decision: To meet both current and future needs of customers and secure the long term sustainability of services:
1. That the formal exploration of the benefits of establishing a Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) for in-house services be approved in principle, including:
· Day Services for people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities · AboutUs Accessible Learning Team · EmployAbility · Shared Lives Service · Personalisation Team · New services to be developed to meet projected demand.
2. That a more detailed business case be submitted for Cabinet approval in December 2013, including an Equalities Impact Assessment and plans for formal consultation.
Reasons for Decisions
Initial financial analysis indicates that the LATC model offers a potential financial benefit to the Council; derived from the recovery of costs of service delivery and sustained growth with a corresponding income stream to the Council over the next five years.
This structure would also facilitate innovation and the development of new services to meet the needs of a wider range of potential customers, not restricted to those assessed as eligible for Council support, and through the retention of a skilled, experienced, and valued workforce as part of a strong Surrey County Council provider brand.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Adult Social Care Select Committee]
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care informed Members that, in response to the 2012 Learning Disability Public Value Review (PVR) and the Council’s Learning Disability Commissioning Strategy, Adult Social Care was exploring how in-house services could be further developed to support the personalisation agenda.
This report presented part of Adult Social Care’s response to the challenges and built on the Cabinet decision of 26 March 2013 to support innovative models of service delivery, including trading (‘Strengthening the Council’s Approach to Innovation: Models of Delivery’). The report considered options for the future provision of day and community support services for working age and older adults with disabilities. Three options were assessed:
1. stay “as is” 2. de-commission services and re-commission in the market 3. adopt a different model of delivery.
He said that the preferred option was option 3 and a more detailed business case would be submitted to Cabinet in December 2013.
RESOLVED:
To meet both current and future needs of customers and secure the long term sustainability of services:
1. That the formal exploration of the benefits of establishing a Local Authority Trading Company (LATC) for in-house services be approved in principle, including:
· Day Services for people with learning disabilities and physical disabilities · AboutUs Accessible Learning Team · EmployAbility · Shared Lives Service · Personalisation Team · New services to be developed to meet projected demand.
2. That a more detailed business case be submitted for Cabinet approval in December 2013, including an Equalities Impact Assessment and plans for formal consultation.
Reasons for Decisions
Initial financial analysis indicates that the LATC model offers a potential financial benefit to the Council; derived from the recovery of costs of service delivery and sustained growth with a corresponding income stream to the Council over the next five years.
This structure would also facilitate innovation and the development of new services to meet the needs of a wider range of potential customers, not restricted to those assessed as eligible for Council support, and through the retention of a skilled, experienced, and valued workforce as part of a strong Surrey County Council provider brand.
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Earlswood Junior School, Redhill and Langshott Infant School, Horley
Additional documents: Decision:
That the expansion and adaptation of the schools, as detailed in the submitted report, be agreed in principle, subject to the consideration and approval of the detailed financial information for Earlswood Junior School, Redhill and Langshott Infant School, Horley, as set out in Part 2 of this agenda (agenda items 19 and 20 respectively)
Reasons for Decisions
The schemes deliver a value for money expansion and improvements to the schools and their infrastructures, which supports the Authority’s statutory obligation to provide additional school places and appropriate facilities for local children in Surrey. The individual projects and building works are in accordance with the planned timetables required for delivery of the new accommodation at each school.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee or the Children and Education Select Committee]
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes said that, as Members were aware, there was significant demand for new schools places within Surrey and for the improvement of existing accommodation, which was largely being addressed through the County’s five year 2013-18 Medium Term Financial Plan.
Earlswood Junior School, Redhill and Langshott Infant School, Horley had been identified within the programme as requiring expansion through the provision of permanent adaptations and additions to their existing facilities and approval was sought for the individual business cases for expansion and creation of additional places at both schools to meet the demand.
He also said that all school expansions were good examples of different services working well together.
The Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning supported the expansion of both schools and commended the Council for its School Expansion Programme.
RESOLVED:
That the expansion and adaptation of the schools, as detailed in the submitted report, be agreed in principle, subject to the consideration and approval of the detailed financial information for Earlswood Junior School, Redhill and Langshott Infant School, Horley, as set out in Part 2 of this agenda (agenda items 19 and 20 respectively)
Reasons for Decisions
The schemes deliver a value for money expansion and improvements to the schools and their infrastructures, which supports the Authority’s statutory obligation to provide additional school places and appropriate facilities for local children in Surrey. The individual projects and building works are in accordance with the planned timetables required for delivery of the new accommodation at each school.
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LEADER / DEPUTY LEADER / CABINET MEMBER DECISIONS TAKEN SINCE THE LAST CABINET MEETING
Additional documents: Decision: That the decisions taken by the Leader, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Members since the last meeting, as set out in Annex 1 of the submitted report, be noted.
Reasons for Decisions
To inform the Cabinet of decisions taken under delegated authority.
Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the decisions taken by the Leader, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Members since the last meeting, as set out in Annex 1 of the submitted report, be noted.
Reasons for Decisions
To inform the Cabinet of decisions taken under delegated authority.
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EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED that under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information under paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.
PART TWO – IN PRIVATE
THE FOLLOWING ITEMS OF BUSINESS WERE CONSIDERED IN PRIVATE BY THE CABINET. SET OUT BELOW IS A PUBLIC SUMMARY OF THE DECISIONS TAKEN.
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Appoint a number of suppliers to Surrey County Council and East Sussex County Council Framework for Library Fit Outs
Decision: That the following suppliers for SCC and ESCC Framework for Library Fit Outs be agreed:
Reasons for Decisions
As set out in the part 1 report.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee]
Minutes: This item was the confidential annex for item 9 on the agenda.
RESOLVED:
That the following suppliers for SCC and ESCC Framework for Library Fit Outs be agreed:
Reasons for Decisions
As set out in the part 1 report. |
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Earlswood Junior School, Redhill
Decision: 1. That the business case for the project to permanently expand Earlswood Junior School at a cost, as set out in the submitted report, be approved.
2. That the arrangements by which a variation of up to 10% of the total value may be agreed by the Strategic Director for Business Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes and the with the Leader of the Council be approved.
Reasons for Decisions
The proposal supports the Authority’s statutory obligation to provide sufficient school places to meet the needs of the population in the Redhill area.
[The decisions on this item can be called in either by the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee or the Children and Education Select Committee]
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes said that this item was the confidential annex to item 15 and set out the business case for the provision of a permanent one form of entry (120 places) increase at Earlswood Junior School from three forms of entry (360 places) to four forms of entry (480 places) to meet basic need requirements for primary places in the Redhill area.
The Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning confirmed her support for this school expansion.
RESOLVED:
1. That the business case for the project to permanently expand Earlswood Junior School at a cost, as set out in the submitted report, be approved.
2. That the arrangements by which a variation of up to 10% of the total value may be agreed by the Strategic Director for Business Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes and the with the Leader of the Council be approved.
Reasons for Decisions
The proposal supports the Authority’s statutory obligation to provide sufficient school places to meet the needs of the population in the Redhill area.
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Langshott Infant School, Horley
Decision: 1. That the business case for the project to construct a new classroom block and associated extension works at a cost, as set out in the submitted report, be approved.
2. That the arrangements by which a variation of up to 10% of the total value may be agreed by the Strategic Director for Business Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes and the Leader of the Council be approved.
Reason for Decisions
The proposal supports the Authority’s statutory obligation to provide sufficient school places to meet the needs of the population in the Horley area.
[The decisions on this item can be called in either by the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee or the Children and Education Select Committee]
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes said that this item was the confidential annex to item 15 and set out the business case for the provision of a permanent two form entry (420 places) primary school to replace the existing two form entry (180 places) infant school, thereby creating an additional 240 places as part of the Schools Basic Need Programme.
Both the Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning and the Cabinet Associate for Fire and the Police Services confirmed their support for this school expansion, which also had the support of the local Member.
RESOLVED:
1. That the business case for the project to construct a new classroom block and associated extension works at a cost, as set out in the submitted report, be approved.
2. That the arrangements by which a variation of up to 10% of the total value may be agreed by the Strategic Director for Business Services, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes and the Leader of the Council be approved.
Reason for Decisions
The proposal supports the Authority’s statutory obligation to provide sufficient school places to meet the needs of the population in the Horley area.
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Treasury Management Issue (special urgency)
Decision: 1. That, on the Council’s behalf, the Local Government Association (LGA) and its legal representatives be authorised to represent the Council in negotiations on a basis, as set out in the part 2 report. 2. That a reserve price, as set out in the submitted report, be submitted to the LGA and its representatives, whilst recognising that a lower price may still provide fair value for the council. 3. That the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Leader and / or Cabinet Member for Business Services be authorised, to conduct any further negotiations required on the sale price and accept a final sale price on behalf of the council. 4. That a report be brought to the next meeting of Cabinet following the conclusion of the process to advise on the outcome.
Reasons for Decisions:
The LGA have been acting on behalf of the council. Given the continuing uncertainty over the timing and amount of the final settlement, the council needs to ensure that it receives the best value for money. The council needs to send its authorisation to the LGA by 25 October 2013.
[The decisions on this item were taken under the Special Urgency procedures as they could not be reasonably deferred and come into immediate effect] Minutes: The Cabinet considered a matter relating to treasury management. This item was considered under the Special urgency procedure, having obtained the agreement of the Chairman of the Council Overview & Scrutiny Committee, as a decision could not reasonably be deferred. The report on this item had been circulated in Part 2 of the agenda as it contained information exempt from Access to Information requirements by virtue of paragraph 3 – information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person.
RESOLVED:
1. That, on the Council’s behalf, the Local Government Association (LGA) and its legal representatives be authorised to represent the Council in negotiations on a basis, as set out in the part 2 report. 2. That a reserve price, as set out in the submitted report, be submitted to the LGA and its representatives, whilst recognising that a lower price may still provide fair value for the council. 3. That the Chief Finance Officer, in consultation with the Leader and / or Cabinet Member for Business Services be authorised, to conduct any further negotiations required on the sale price and accept a final sale price on behalf of the council. 4. That a report be brought to the next meeting of Cabinet following the conclusion of the process to advise on the outcome.
Reasons for Decisions:
The LGA have been acting on behalf of the council. Given the continuing uncertainty over the timing and amount of the final settlement, the council needs to ensure that it receives the best value for money. The council needs to send its authorisation to the LGA by 25 October 2013.
[The decisions on this item were taken under the Special Urgency procedures as they could not be reasonably deferred and come into immediate effect]
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PUBLICITY FOR PART 2 ITEMS
Additional documents: Minutes: That non-exempt information relating to items considered in part 2 of the meeting may be made available to the press and the public, as appropriate.
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