Agenda, decisions and minutes
- Attendance details
- Agenda frontsheet
PDF 87 KB
- Agenda reports pack
- REVENUE AND CAPITAL BUDGET 2014/15 TO 2018/19, TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY PDF 3 MB
- Cabinet Agenda - 4 Feb 2014 (includes all reports previously circulated separately) PDF 8 MB
- Members' and Public Questions PDF 73 KB
- Printed decisions
PDF 150 KB
- Printed minutes
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Contact: James Stanton 020 8541 9068 Email: james.stanton@surreycc.gov.uk
Media
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APOLOGIES
Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Mrs Mary Angell, Mrs Linda Kemeny and Mr Tony Samuels. |
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MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING: 17 DECEMBER 2013
Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 17 December 2013 be agreed and the Chairman be authorised to sign them. |
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DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Additional documents: Minutes: There were no declarations of interest. |
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PROCEDURAL MATTERS
Additional documents: |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Nine questions had been received from Members. The questions and responses were tabled and are attached as Appendix 1 to these Minutes.
The Cabinet Member for Transport, Highways and Environment provided a response to question 5 at the meeting. It was noted that it was not possible to give figures for the damage caused by the recent storms at that time as the situation was ongoing. Flooding was still present in the county and this prevented the examination of damage to those bridges and carriageways which were still underwater. Forecasts were that the poor weather conditions would continue. A full review would take place however, for now, it was right that the priority remained focused on the emergency response. The council and the emergency services would continue to act swiftly in response to the extreme conditions.
The Cabinet Member for Transport, Highways and Environment, with the support of the Cabinet, thanked all highways officers, voluntary services, the police, ambulance and fire and rescue services for the manner in which they had worked together to come to the aid of the residents of Surrey. The response of the emergency services and all groups had created considerable goodwill and provided an effective response.
Mr Tim Hall asked a supplementary question relating to the Prudential Ride London-Surrey event and the economic benefits in the county. The Cabinet Member for Community Services advised that a detailed breakdown of the economic figures was not available for the past year but was something that had been requested for future events. The Deputy Leader noted that, though there were the difficulties involved in producing detailed breakdowns of the economic impact per event or rider, the economic benefits experienced by the county in the years in which previous events had been held had been considerable. The measure of growth used by the National Audit Office had shown that Surrey’s economy had grown by 8% in 2012 (an additional £2.5billion pounds). Surrey’s economy had been growing faster than the rest of the UK and the Olympic events held in the county had been one of the factors involved. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Three questions had been received from residents. The questions and responses were tabled and are attached as Appendix 2 to these Minutes. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: A petition was received in relation to agenda item 10 – Changes to Fire Deployment in the Borough of Spelthorne. A response was tabled and is attached as Appendix 3.
The petition was presented by Mr Richard Jones, Secretary of Surrey Fire Brigades Union (FBU) and member of Save Our Services in Surrey (SOSiS). Mr Jones addressed the Cabinet on the proposed changes to fire and rescue service deployment in Spelthorne. He raised concerns about the consultation process and, in particular, that a question relating to no change in services had not been an option. He noted that the outcome of the consultation had been that 92% rejected the original option for a change in service. Mr Jones advised that he believed that the development of a new option in response to the consultation, without its own consultation, could be subject to challenge. He also advised that he felt that the risk assessment was incomplete and subject to challenge due to the increased risk of fire in Spelthorne and issues with congestion locally. Mr Jones asked that, instead of the proposals before them, the Cabinet consider ending the contract with Specialist Group International which he suggested would save the council money and improve industrial relations.
It was noted that the points raised would be included as part of the consideration of the agenda item on this matter (Minute Ref 6/14). |
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Representations received on reports to be considered in private
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none. |
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Additional documents: Minutes: Recommendations were received from the Adult Social Care Select Committee, Communities Select Committee and Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Responses to the Adult Social Care Select Committee and Communities Select Committee were tabled and are attached as Appendicies 4 and 5 to these Minutes respectively.
The Chairman of the Communities Select Committee, Mrs Denise Saliagopoulos, presented the Committee’s recommendation to Cabinet on fire service deployment in Spelthorne. Mrs Saliagopoulos noted that the development of an option which included two engines in Spelthorne showed that residents’ concerns had been listened to and it was on this basis that Members of the Communities Select Committee had been able to support option 5. The importance of ensuring the same professional high standard of response in Spelthorne, whether provided by full time or retained crews, was stressed. Mrs Saliagopoulos asked that her thanks to the fire and rescue service for their work in Spelthorne with the recent flooding be recorded.
The report of the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee was considered as part of agenda item 7 - Revenue and Capital Budget 2014/15 to 2018/2019. In response to the recommendations, the Chairman welcomed the focus of the Scrutiny Committee on the challenges within the Medium Term Financial Plan and the recognition of the enormous achievement to date in terms of the Council’s budget. The budget was complex and required very careful attention to the relevant details. The Chairman advised that he believed some of the comments to be based on inaccuracies and misunderstandings. The Cabinet had been clear on the considerable challenges facing all councils. Whilst the Medium Term Financial Plan was dependant on the delivery of identified and agreed savings, it was crucial to note that at this stage, services had not been asked to find additional savings.
In terms of inaccuracies, £20 million of the £26million cited had come from the Budget Equalisation Reserve. This reserve had been specifically built up over the previous few years in order to smooth council spend across the medium term. Accordingly, only £6million was being applied this year from other reserves. Savings anticipated from Families, Friends and Communities are significant and considerable work was underway to identify the scale and timing of how these would be delivered. It was crucial to recognise that this was the correct strategy and therefore the discussion was entirely about the execution of the approach.
The Chairman advised that the Committee had missed the point about risk contingency. This was created by adding additional savings targets to savings and to date it hadn’t been required. It would be illogical at this point to add further pressures to services such as Adult Social Care in order to create a contingency in case they didn’t meet their existing targets.
It was clear that the future of Adult Social Care services was fundamentally entwined with how health and social care was integrated. Detailed conversations had taken place with CCG colleagues in the health service to confirm both how whole system funding with work in ... view the full minutes text for item 5/14 |
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Changes to Fire Deployment in the Borough of Spelthorne
Additional documents: Decision: · That the amended proposal Option 5 and the commissioning of a new fire station in an appropriate location be agreed subject to a further business case setting out the delivery costs of a new station returning to Cabinet in due course. The new fire station will have two fire engines, one 24 hour whole time and one 24 hour “On-call” and a waterborne rescue capability. This will retain the same number of fire engines in that part of Surrey and supports improvements in the response standard across Surrey.
· That the subsequent closure of Staines and Sunbury fire stations be agreed.
· That the implementation of Option 4 be agreed should the provision of Option 5 and the “On-call” unit not be secured.
Reasons for Decisions Option 5 supports improvements in the provision of a more equitable level of fire service response in support of the Surrey Response Standard and the Public Safety Plan.
The amended proposal has given due consideration to the concerns of local communities and leaders and surrounding boroughs by listening to their ideas and by involving residents in the decision making process. Their local knowledge combined with the revised response modelling had influenced the design and delivery of future services in Spelthorne.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Communities Select Committee]
Minutes: The Cabinet considered options relating to the closure of Staines and Sunbury Fire Stations and the provision of an alternative service model in Spelthorne. A public consultation had been held on proposed changes in fire deployment. This included the boroughs of Spelthorne, Elmbridge and Runneymede. As a direct result of the feedback received from the consultation, an amended proposal had been developed which consisted of a new fire station at an appropriate location with two fire engines. One of these engines would be whole-time and one “On-call”, with both providing 24/7 response cover and a waterborne rescue capability. This option had been developed by working collaboratively with the local community and borough leaders and recognised the comments and concerns raised by stakeholders. The optimised location of the new fire station would support Phase 2 of Surrey Fire and Rescue Services transformation programme, the Public Safety Plan (PSP) 2011-2020.
In addition to the contributions of the petitioner and the Chairman of the Communities Select Committee made under previous agenda items, the Cabinet heard representations from Mr Robert Evans (Stanwell and Stanwell Moor). Mr Evans thanked the Cabinet Associate Responsible for Fire and Police Services for her attendance at consultation events. He drew attention to the results of the public consultation and the opposition of the MP for the area and local councillors of different parties, in response to the original proposals. He noted the willingness of residents, when asked, to consider paying more to keep both existing fire stations open and expressed concern about the potential for access difficulties in operating from a potential new site. Mr Evans stated that there was no budget for the proposed changes, that they could put lives at risk and questioned the practicalities of the proposed ‘on-call’ arrangements. He asked that the Cabinet vote not to approve the proposal or to send the amended proposal out for further public consultation.
The Cabinet Associate Responsible for Fire and Police Services expressed her thanks to the members of the Fire and Rescue Service for their hard work and commitment, noting that they had suspended their strike action in order to respond to the recent emergency conditions and help the residents of Surrey.
The proposals being considered were noted to form part of Phase 2 of the Public Service Plan previously agreed by Cabinet. Consultation had taken place and the Council had listened to the residents. Residents and the local borough council had raised concerns about the original proposal to reduce the number of fire engines based 24/7 in the area to one and this had been directly addressed in the amended proposal. Spelthorne residents would now benefit from a new fire station with two engines based on site 24/7. The provision of the service from one optimised base had been assessed and would enable the service to meet response standards within Spelthorne whilst also providing new equipment and facilities for the use of the service. On-call fire fighters already performed a valuable role in Surrey ... view the full minutes text for item 6/14 |
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Corporate Strategy 2014 - 2019
Additional documents: Decision:
· That the refreshed version of Confident in our future, Corporate Strategy 2014-2019 be endorsed and that it be recommended to the County Council for approval alongside the Revenue and Capital Budget 2014-2019 at its meeting on 11 February 2014.
Reason for decision By reconfirming a long term vision for the county and setting priorities for the next financial year the refreshed Corporate Strategy provides a clear sense of direction for Council staff and signposts the Council’s approach for residents, businesses and partner organisations. As part of the Council’s Policy Framework (as set out in the Constitution) the Corporate Strategy must be approved by the County Council.
Minutes: The Cabinet was asked to endorse a refreshed version of Confident in our future, the Council’s Corporate Strategy. The Strategy will then be presented to the County Council meeting on 11 February 2014 for approval alongside the Revenue and Capital Budget. Continued delivery of the Strategy will ensure that Surrey residents remain healthy, safe and confident about their future.
The Chairman stated the Council’s commitment to continue to provide value for money for residents and noted the “50 ways Surrey County Council adds value” document circulated with the agenda. Discussions with MPs had all been positive and had highlighted the Council’s position as the only one to produce an account of its unit costs. The Council would continue to focus on improving Surrey’s road network, supporting economic growth, building its schools and strengthening partnerships.
The Deputy Leader noted that Surrey had been recognised as having the strongest economy in the country, ahead of any other county or city (ONS figures 2012). Key achievements had included improving the condition of Surrey’s roads through Project Horizon, improving performance in schools, increasing the recycling rate, working together to find better ways of helping to keep families healthy, and the increased amount of investment in young people through apprenticeships. 1,000 young people would benefit from apprenticeships following the investment of £750k by the Leader. Surrey County Council would continue to make a difference.
Cabinet Members noted the commitment to address recent flooding in the county and the £10million investment which had been made. The Leader drew attention to the good work previously carried out in this area by Mr Nick Skellet when he was leader of the council.
RESOLVED that the refreshed version of Confident in our future, Corporate Strategy 2014-2019 be endorsed and that it be recommended to the County Council for approval alongside the Revenue and Capital Budget 2014-2019 at its meeting on 11 February 2014.
Reason for decision By reconfirming a long term vision for the county and setting priorities for the next financial year the refreshed Corporate Strategy provides a clear sense of direction for Council staff and signposts the Council’s approach for residents, businesses and partner organisations. As part of the Council’s Policy Framework (as set out in the Constitution) the Corporate Strategy must be approved by the County Council. |
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Revenue and Capital Budget 2014/15 to 2018/19
Additional documents: Decision:
· That recommendations be made to the Full County Council on 11 February 2014 as follows: On the revenue and capital budget: 1. Note the Chief Finance Officer’s statutory report on the robustness and sustainability of the budget and the adequacy of the proposed financial reserves (Annex 1 of the report submitted). 2. Set the County Council precept for band D council tax at £1,195.83, which represents a 1.99% up-lift. 3. Agree to maintain the council tax rate set above and delegate powers to the Leader and the Chief Finance Officer to finalise detailed budget proposals following receipt of the Final Local Government Financial Settlement. 4. Approve the County Council budget for 2014/15 as £1,644.2m. 5. Agree the capital programme proposals specifically to: · fund essential schemes over the five year period (schools and non-schools) to the value of £760m including ring-fenced grants; and · make adequate provision in the revenue budget to fund the revenue costs of the capital programme. 6. Require the Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer to establish a mechanism to regularly track and monitor progress on the further development and implementation of robust plans for achieving the efficiencies across the whole MTFP period. 7. Require Strategic Directors and Senior Officers to maintain robust in year (i.e. 2014/15) budget monitoring procedures that enable Cabinet to monitor the achievement of efficiencies and service reductions through the monthly budget monitoring Cabinet reports, the quarterly Cabinet Member accountability meetings and the monthly scrutiny at the Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee. 8. Require a robust business case to be prepared for all revenue invest to save proposals and capital schemes before committing expenditure. On treasury management and borrowing: 9. Approve the Treasury Management Strategy for 2014/15 and approve that their provisions have immediate effect. This strategy includes: · the investment strategy for short term cash balances; · the treasury management policy (Appendix B1); · the prudential indicators (Appendix B2) · the schedule of delegation (Appendix B4); · the minimum revenue provision policy (Appendix B7).
· That the medium term financial plan (MTFP) for the financial years 2014?19, be approved including: · approval of the Total Schools Budget of £563.1m; · reduction of the revenue budget risk contingency for 2014/15 to £5m to mitigate against the risk of non-delivery of service reductions & efficiencies; · applying £20.1m from the Budget Equalisation Reserve (including £13.0m contributed by the unused risk contingency from 2013/14) and £5.8m from other reserves to support the 2014/15 budget; · provision of £0.75m to support the apprenticeship programme; · setting aside £1.25m in a reserve for Business Rates Appeals as mitigation against potential business rates valuation appeals. · That it be noted that the Cabinet will receive the final detailed MTFP (2014-19) on 25 March 2014 for approval following scrutiny by Select Committees.
Reason for Decisions Full County Council will meet on 11 February 2014 to agree the summary budget and set the council tax precept for 2014/15. The Cabinet advises the Full County Council how best to meet the challenges the Council faces. The reasons underpinning the recommendations agreed by Cabinet include: Minutes: The Cabinet considered the draft revenue and capital budget for the five years 2014-19 and the level of the council tax precept for 2014/15 with a view to recommending them for consideration at the budget meeting of the County Council. This included consideration of the revised treasury management strategy, including the borrowing and operation limits (prudential indicators) for 2014-19, the policy for the provision of the repayment of debt (minimum revenue provision (MRP)), and the treasury management policy.
The Chairman of the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee, Mr Nick Skellett, addressed the Cabinet on the budget proposals and the Chairman’s response to the Committee’s recommendations. Mr Skellett advised that the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee recognised the position with regards to the ongoing need to make savings and the pressures placed in terms of funding. Committee Members had wanted to bring concerns and uncertainties to the attention of Cabinet to ensure that the budget works. These concerns included a belief that more comprehensive, deeper processes for savings and efficiencies needed to be embedded in order prevent any potential for drastic changes in year.
The Chairman addressed the points raised and agreed that efficiencies would get harder and harder to achieve. Robust systems were in place to regularly monitor and check efficiencies across the whole of the Medium Term Financial Plan. The Better Care Fund presented a unique opportunity for the County Council and the Clinical Commissioning Groups to look at their services and address any potential for waste. The work that had been taking place with partners had proved to be very helpful and would benefit the residents of Surrey. The Audit Commission did not wish local authorities to hold high balances in reserves and the Council’s budgeting reflected this by maintaining them at an appropriate level.
The recommendation to Council would be for an increase in the council tax precept of 1.99%. It was noted that a proposed increase of 2.49% had initially been planned to enable further investment in roads and other resident priorities. The Chairman advised that the cost of £2m for a referendum to ask residents about this level of rise would be a waste of money and so the level had instead been recommended at 1.99%. He noted that the right decision had been made not to accept the government offer of a freeze for the coming financial year and that no guarantee had been provided that this funding would remain in the base after 2015/16. The decision to reject the freeze in the current year had proven to be correct and had enabled the Council to do the right thing for Surrey residents.
Members of the Cabinet noted the success of the public service reviews and processes for driving efficiency programmes against a backdrop of increasing levels of demand and continuing reductions in the government contribution to services locally. The decisions taken by the Council to reject the Government’s freeze proposal and drive efficiencies locally had enabled investment in schools and highways, addressed ... view the full minutes text for item 8/14 |
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Monthly Budget Monitoring Report
Additional documents: Decision:
· That the following be noted:
(i) Forecast revenue budget for 2013/14 is to underspend (£0.9m) on services, adding the unused £13m risk contingency brings this to £13.9m overall underspend (paragraph 1 of the report submitted). (ii) Forecast ongoing efficiencies and service reductions achieved by year end is £60.3m (paragraph 74 of the report submitted). (iii) Forecast capital budget position for 2013/14 is -£22.3m on services and +£7.0m overall (paragraphs 79 to 84 of the report submitted). (iv) Management actions to mitigate overspends appear throughout the report submitted. (v) Quarter three balance sheet, reserves, debt and treasury report (paragraphs 85-93 of the report submitted) (vi) debt written off during quarter three totals £583,828 (paragraph 92 of the report submitted)
Reasons for decision To monitor the budget in compliance with the agreed monitoring strategy.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee]
Minutes: The Cabinet considered the council’s financial position at the end of period 9 – December of the 2013/14 financial year, with particular focus on the year end revenue and capital budgets forecasts and the achievement of efficiency targets.
The Chairman noted that the corporate strategy had ensured a prudent level of balances by applying reserves. There had been a £0.9 million improvement on the revised forecast since November and it was noted that this would have been even greater but for the additional work necessary to address the recent flooding. Demand for services was continuing to increase, offset by underspends in other areas, however there were no plans to use the contingency to achieve the year end target of a £13.9 million underspend. The risk contingency would be used to support the 2014/15 budget and keep any calls on the taxpayer to a minimum. The Council was also working to ensure that it was less reliant on government grants in the longer term.
The Deputy Leader commended the performance and achievements towards the £13.9 million saving on top of previous savings. It was noted that this represented the finances being managed to come in below budget each year since the appointment of the Leader of the Council. This represented a remarkable level of performance in difficult circumstances.
RESOLVED that the following be noted:
(i) Forecast revenue budget for 2013/14 is to underspend (£0.9m) on services, adding the unused £13m risk contingency brings this to £13.9m overall underspend (paragraph 1 of the report submitted). (ii) Forecast ongoing efficiencies and service reductions achieved by year end is £60.3m (paragraph 74 of the report submitted). (iii) Forecast capital budget position for 2013/14 is -£22.3m on services and +£7.0m overall (paragraphs 79 to 84 of the report submitted). (iv) Management actions to mitigate overspends appear throughout the report submitted. (v) Quarter three balance sheet, reserves, debt and treasury report (paragraphs 85-93 of the report submitted) (vi) debt written off during quarter three totals £583,828 (paragraph 92 of the report submitted)
Reasons for decision To monitor the budget in compliance with the agreed monitoring strategy. |
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Public Service Transformation
Additional documents: Decision:
· That the next steps for each of the public service transformation strands, as outlined within the report and Annex 1 submitted, be agreed and the final partnership endorsed business cases for each of the individual projects be brought back to Cabinet as they are ready.
· That the broad approach and methodology taken for the cost benefit analyses and the business cases based on this methodology be agreed.
· That it be noted that £10m of efficiencies relating to Surrey County Council services’ element of the public service transformation programme is included in the council’s Medium Term Financial Plan(2014-19) from 2015/16 onwards and that progress towards delivery of these efficiencies will be monitored using the same mechanism agreed for all MTFP(2014-19) efficiencies.
· That the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Health and Wellbeing Board as co-chairman, be authorised to sign-off the ‘draft’ Surrey Better Care Fund plan for submission to NHS England.
· That Surrey County Council commit an ‘invest to save’ funding of £300,000 for additional resources as outlined in paragraph 29 of the report submitted, covering the period to March 2016.
· That the Chief Executive be asked to work with partners to bring forward proposals for effective and appropriate governance arrangements.
Reasons for decisions Partners in Surrey believe that working together more effectively will enable services to be transformed so as to give better value to Surrey residents.
The council is working closely with partners to develop its plans for public service transformation in Surrey, which forms a key part of its overall strategy to improve services and outcomes as well as delivery of its medium term financial strategy. Significant progress has been made towards the ambitions of the County Council and its partners, providing a strong basis for further development of both the business cases and implementation plans.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Council Overview & Scrutiny Committee]
Minutes: Partners in Surrey have a shared ambition to transform services and outcomes for Surrey residents. The vision is that by working together more effectively across the public sector, partners will shift services away from an emphasis on high cost responses towards prevention and earlier intervention. The intention is for services to deliver better value for money and improved outcomes for Surrey residents.
This ambition had been strongly endorsed by central Government. Surrey was one of only nine areas in the country to be included in the Public Service Transformation Network which was providing active support to the work underway.
The Cabinet considered an update on the progress made since it agreed five outline business cases as part of the public service transformation programme in Octo0ber 2013. Officers had continued to develop business cases for each area. Due to the markedly different nature of each strand, the businesses cases were noted to be at different stages of development, however each represented significant progress towards the ambition agreed with partners and endorsed by the Cabinet.
The work to date had identified additional resource requirements for limited specialist support to the public service transformation programme over the coming two years. This investment would enable further development and implementation of the proposals and the delivery of improved outcomes and savings.
The Chairman advised that Surrey was taking a lead in work to transform services and that this had been recognised by Government. Cabinet Members agreed that the benefits of this approach were being seen with organisational boundaries being crossed. The Cabinet Member for Public Health and Health and Wellbeing Board provided an update on the potential of team building across organisations in Surrey, exemplified by the work of the Health and Wellbeing Board, and the conversations now taking place with partners which couldn’t have happened previously. Prevention was noted to be the next area to address across organisations. This work should result in a better health and social care system for residents.
RESOLVED:
1. That the next steps for each of the public service transformation strands, as outlined within the report and Annex 1 submitted, be agreed and the final partnership endorsed business cases for each of the individual projects be brought back to Cabinet as they are ready.
2. That the broad approach and methodology taken for the cost benefit analyses and the business cases based on this methodology be agreed.
3. That it be noted that £10m of efficiencies relating to Surrey County Council services’ element of the public service transformation programme is included in the council’s Medium Term Financial Plan(2014-19) from 2015/16 onwards and that progress towards delivery of these efficiencies will be monitored using the same mechanism agreed for all MTFP(2014-19) efficiencies.
4. That the Health and Wellbeing Board and the Cabinet Member for Public Health and Health and Wellbeing Board as co-chairman, be authorised to sign-off the ‘draft’ Surrey Better Care Fund plan for submission to NHS England.
5. That Surrey County Council commit an ‘invest to save’ ... view the full minutes text for item 10/14 |
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Joint Strategic Review of Short Breaks for Children with Disabilities
Additional documents: Decision:
· That the Joint Strategic Review of Short Breaks for children and young people with disabilities be endorsed.
· That the options for consultation be approved.
Reason for decisions To enable recommendations to be considered by Cabinet on 27 May 2014 based on a comprehensive consultation process in February and March 2014.]
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Children and Education Select Committee]
Minutes: The Joint Strategic Review of Short Breaks is a joint project between Surrey County Council and NHS Guildford and Waverley Clinical Commissioning Group on behalf of Surrey Clinical Commissioning Groups. The scope of the Review was to look at the provision of short breaks for children and young people with disabilities in Surrey, including; · Funding and provision of short breaks for Children and young people with disabilities in Surrey: · Residential services at the Beeches and Applewood; · Other residential services in Surrey and out of county; · Community based services; · Value for money from services commissioned in all settings.
The Review had focused on options for the future use and funding of Applewood (Surrey County Council) and Beeches (NHS) as other areas of residential short break services had been found to be working well.
The Cabinet Associate for Children, Schools and Families drew attention to the Equalities Impact Assessment which had been completed and set out those groups that might be affected and what this impact might be. Surrey County Council’s Children’s Services spent over £8million every year on short breaks in fulfilment of its statutory duty and Surrey Clinical Commissioning Groups spent £1.3million a year. Surrey invests significantly more in short break provision than many other local authorities and was committed to its priority in this area. Stakeholders had been in touch, including the Chair of Surrey Mencap, and the points raised would be addressed as part of the consultation and responded to.
RESOLVED:
1. That the Joint Strategic Review of Short Breaks for children and young people with disabilities be endorsed.
2. That the options for consultation be approved.
Reason for decisions To enable recommendations to be considered by Cabinet on 27 May 2014 based on a comprehensive consultation process in February and March 2014. |
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Additional documents: Decision:
· That contracts be awarded for a period of one year, from 1 April 2014 to 31March 2015, for the continued safe provision of CAMHS & HOPE.
· That these contracts be awarded to the four existing Providers:
· Surrey & Borders Partnership (SaBP) NHS Foundation Trust · Virgin Care Limited · CSH Surrey (formerly Central Surrey Health) · First Community Health
Reasons for decision Awarding one year contracts to the four existing providers ensures that the Council:
· Adheres to statutory requirements regarding the safeguarding of children by securing the provision of Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Services by contractually bound providers.
· Facilitates the implementation of changes in legislation and recommendations from authorised bodies whilst maintaining continuity of service and minimising risk to service delivery.
· Enables the joint re-commissioning of a co-designed, outcomes focused, streamlined service model that engages service users in order to deliver improved service quality and a service that is fit for purpose.
· Promotes internal collaboration and builds synergy with partners and providers which will yield efficiency savings and value added benefits.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Children and Education Select Committee]
Minutes: Surrey County Council and Surrey Clinical Commissioning Groups have a statutory responsibility to provide, ensure the residents of Surrey have access to and receive the safest needs based Emotional Wellbeing & Mental Health Services.
The Cabinet was asked to approve the award of one year contracts from 1April 2014 to 31 March 2015, to four existing providers for the provision of Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) & HOPE (Integrated service including Education, Social Care & Health, working with children and young people with complex mental health needs). The Cabinet Associate for Children, Schools and Families drew Cabinet Members’ attention to the contents of the Equalities Impact Assessment and the contract details circulated in Part 2 of the agenda.
RESOLVED:
1. That contracts be awarded for a period of one year, from 1 April 2014 to 31March 2015, for the continued safe provision of CAMHS & HOPE.
2. That these contracts be awarded to the four existing Providers:
· Surrey & Borders Partnership (SaBP) NHS Foundation Trust · Virgin Care Limited · CSH Surrey (formerly Central Surrey Health) · First Community Health
Reasons for decision Awarding one year contracts to the four existing providers ensures that the Council: · Adheres to statutory requirements regarding the safeguarding of children by securing the provision of Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Services by contractually bound providers. · Facilitates the implementation of changes in legislation and recommendations from authorised bodies whilst maintaining continuity of service and minimising risk to service delivery. · Enables the joint re-commissioning of a co-designed, outcomes focused, streamlined service model that engages service users in order to deliver improved service quality and a service that is fit for purpose. · Promotes internal collaboration and builds synergy with partners and providers which will yield efficiency savings and value added benefits. |
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Additional documents: Decision:
· That authority to award future construction contracts above £500,000 in value, where a competitive tender procedure has been followed through the BuildSurrey portal, be delegated to the Chief Property Officer in consultation with the Head of Procurement, Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes, Cabinet Member for Business Services, Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, the Leader of the Council and Section 151 Officer.
· That authorisation obtained under the above delegation be formally minuted with the Section 151 Officer retaining the paperwork.
Reason for decisions The agreed delegation ensures that the limited delivery timescales of some 30 School Basic Needs projects are met. The school projects totalling approximately £50m over the next two years, and other non-schools capital works up to £10m in aggregate will be tendered through the BuildSurrey portal. This will ensure that as much of the over £60m of construction works as possible will be delivered directly through Surrey based contractors.
The delegation is in line with the principles established under previous arrangements. The consultation and decision recording requirements of the delegation will provide an appropriate governance structure.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Council Overview & Scrutiny Committee] Minutes: In response to an increasing demand for school places across Surrey, the Council had established in its Medium Term Financial Plan 2013-2018 a Capital Programme to fund the provision of additional places in a number of schools.
As part of this programme 30 school capital construction projects would be procured over the next few years, along with a variety of non-school capital works. Procurement and Property Services had developed a strategy to engage local building contractors to tender for schools and other projects through the BuildSurrey portal.
The Cabinet considered a request for delegated authority to be granted to the Chief Property Officer, with Member and financial oversight, in order to engage with local building contractors outside of the Framework Agreement. Cabinet Members noted the aim that 60% of the expenditure would go to businesses in Surrey. The Council spent around £1million a day with Surrey businesses. It was noted that this policy could really enhance the local economy and help small businesses in Surrey.
RESOLVED
1. That authority to award future construction contracts above £500,000 in value, where a competitive tender procedure has been followed through the BuildSurrey portal, be delegated to the Chief Property Officer in consultation with the Head of Procurement, Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration Programmes, Cabinet Member for Business Services, Cabinet Member for Schools and Learning, the Leader of the Council and Section 151 Officer.
2. That authorisation obtained under the above delegation be formally minuted with the Section 151 Officer retaining the paperwork.
Reason for decisions The agreed delegation ensures that the limited delivery timescales of 30 School Basic Needs projects are met. The school projects totalling approximately £50m over the next two years, and other non-schools capital works up to £10m in aggregate will be tendered through the BuildSurrey portal. This will ensure that as much of the over £60m of construction works as possible will be delivered directly through Surrey based contractors.
The delegation is in line with the principles established under previous arrangements. The consultation and decision recording requirements of the delegation will provide an appropriate governance structure. |
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Housing Related Support Services for Service Users (Supporting People)
Additional documents: Decision:
· That the new contracts for Housing Related Support Services be awarded to run on a continuous contract basis with on-going service reviews and fixed annual reviews effective from 1 April 2014 as detailed in Annex 2 to the report submitted.
· That the information relating to the contract process be noted.
Reasons for decisions To meet the need for localised provision that enables individuals to stay in their communities and continue to be supported by friends, family and the community thus reducing costs to the wider social care system.
The approach of this contracting strategy aligns to the wider commissioning intentions of Adult Social Care and recognises the needs of individuals who want continuity of providers and the support they receive. It also recognises the on-going partnership arrangements with, and objectives of, the District and Borough Councils. In some cases there is also the opportunity for service remodelling to enable more focussed service and value for money delivery.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Adult Social Care Select Committee]
Minutes: The Cabinet considered the award of new contracts for Housing Related Support Services from 1 April 2014.
Supporting People services provide housing-related support services to a range of people who require support to live independently within Surrey. This includes older people, those with learning disabilities, those with mental health issues, vulnerable young people, those with an offending history, those experiencing domestic abuse and those who are at risk of homelessness.
The Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care complemented the work carried out by the service on the Equalities Impact Assessment and advised that a continuous link was in place with the district and boroughs, including three meetings each year, to ensure their perspective was fully captured.
RESOLVED:
1. That the new contracts for Housing Related Support Services be awarded to run on a continuous contract basis with on-going service reviews and fixed annual reviews effective from 1 April 2014 as detailed in Annex 2 to the report submitted.
2. That the information relating to the contract process be noted.
Reasons for decisions To meet the need for localised provision that enables individuals to stay in their communities and continue to be supported by friends, family and the community thus reducing costs to the wider social care system.
The approach of this contracting strategy aligns to the wider commissioning intentions of Adult Social Care and recognises the needs of individuals who want continuity of providers and the support they receive. It also recognises the on-going partnership arrangements with, and objectives of, the District and Borough Councils. In some cases there is also the opportunity for service remodelling to enable more focussed service and value for money delivery. |
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CONTRACT AWARD FOR SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL ASBESTOS CONSULTANCY SERVICES
Additional documents: Decision:
· That the background information set out in the report submitted be noted.
· That, having considered the results of the procurement process (as set out in the Part 2 annex submitted as agenda item 21), the award of the contract to the supplier detailed in the Part 2 annex submitted be agreed.
Reasons for decisions To support the council’s duty to protect its workers, visitors to its buildings, pupils etc., from the effects of asbestos and this is only possible through a risk management approach.
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.In addition to delivering savings compared to existing rates, the contract will also deliver an improved service with strengthened performance measures and robust contract management.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Council Overview & Scrutiny Committee]
Minutes: It is estimated that asbestos related diseases are responsible for over 4000 deaths a year in the UK. Surrey County Council must discharge its duties under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 by managing the way it deals with asbestos containing materials (ACMs) in the workplace.
The risks posed by asbestos are managed in a number of ways and require the use of a UKAS accredited consultant to carry out inspections on known or suspected ACMs, manage any remedial works where damage has occurred and manage its removal when required.
The Cabinet considered the award of a contract to the recommended supplier following the completion of a comprehensive procurement exercise.
RESOLVED:
1. That the background information set out in the report submitted be noted.
2. That, having considered the results of the procurement process (as set out in the Part 2 annex submitted as agenda item 21), the award of the contract to the supplier detailed in the Part 2 annex submitted be agreed.
Reasons for decisions To support the council’s duty to protect its workers, visitors to its buildings, pupils etc., from the effects of asbestos and this is only possible through a risk management approach.
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.In addition to delivering savings compared to existing rates, the contract will also deliver an improved service with strengthened performance measures and robust contract management. |
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TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS - PROCUREMENT OF INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE
Additional documents: Decision:
· That contracts be awarded to the preferred bidders on the basis set out in the report submitted under agenda item 22 in Part 2 of the agenda.
Reasons for decision To support Surrey County Council’s duty to inspect and maintain traffic control systems on its highway network across the county.
A full tender process for the inspection and maintenance of Traffic Control Systems, in compliance with the requirement of EU Procurement Legislation and Procurement Standing Orders has been completed, and the recommendations provide best value for money for the Council following a thorough evaluation process.
[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Environment and Transport Select Committee]
Minutes: The County Council is required to manage its road network to ensure safety and to minimise congestion. Traffic Control Systems are an essential tool in achieving this. They include: traffic signals at junctions, pelican, puffin, toucan, and equestrian crossings, variable message signs, fire station “wig wags”, car park counting equipment, bridge height warning (secret) signs and rising bollards.
The Cabinet considered details of the procurement process to award two separate contracts for the Inspection and Maintenance of Traffic Control Systems. These included the results of the evaluation process and how this demonstrated that the recommended contracts offered the best value for money.
The contract procurement did not relate in any way to the deployment of temporary traffic signals to safely manage traffic through road works activities. The deployment of such temporary signals was approved and coordinated by the Street Works team using powers under Surrey’s New Permit Scheme
RESOLVED that contracts be awarded to the preferred bidders on the basis set out in the report submitted under agenda item 22 in Part 2 of the agenda.
Reasons for decision To support Surrey County Council’s duty to inspect and maintain traffic control systems on its highway network across the county.
A full tender process for the inspection and maintenance of Traffic Control Systems, in compliance with the requirement of EU Procurement Legislation and Procurement Standing Orders has been completed, and the recommendations provide best value for money for the Council following a thorough evaluation process. |
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LEADER / DEPUTY LEADER / CABINET MEMBER DECISIONS TAKEN SINCE THE LAST CABINET MEETING
Additional documents: Decision: · That the decisions taken by Cabinet Members since the last meeting as set out in Annex 1 to the report submitted be noted.
Reason for decision To be informed of the decisions taken by Cabinet Members under delegated authority. Minutes: The Cabinet received the list of delegated decisions taken by Cabinet Members since its previous meeting for information.
RESOLVED that the decisions taken by Cabinet Members since the last meeting as set out in Annex 1 to the report submitted be noted.
Reasons for decision To be informed of the decisions taken by Cabinet Members 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. |
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Provision of Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health Services - Contract Annex Minutes: The Cabinet noted and agreed the financial information circulated in Part 2 in connection with Minute item 12/14. |
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Housing Related Support Services for Service Users Minutes: The Cabinet noted and agreed the financial information circulated in Part 2 in connection with Minute item 14/14. |
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CONTRACT AWARD FOR SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL ASBESTOS CONSULTANCY SERVICES Minutes: The Cabinet noted and agreed the financial information circulated in Part 2 in connection with Minute item 15/14. |
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Traffic Control Systems - Procurement of Inspection and Maintenance Minutes: The Cabinet noted and agreed the financial information circulated in Part 2 in connection with Minute item 16/14. |
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Property Acquisition Decision: · That the freehold interest in the property be acquired on the basis set out in the report submitted.
· That the changes to the overage provisions which had been negotiated be noted and authority be delegated to the Strategic Director for Business Services, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration to agree any further changes to the detail of the Heads of Terms.
· That the Chief Property Officer be instructed to develop a full business case in relation to the future use of the site on the basis set out in the report submitted.
Reason for decisions To facilitate opportunities for public service integration with partners, regeneration and the provision of a site suitable for an identified service need. Minutes: The Cabinet considered the acquisition of a property to facilitate opportunities for public service integration with partners, regeneration and the provision of a site suitable for an identified service need.
RESOLVED:
1. That the freehold interest in the property be acquired on the basis set out in the report submitted.
2. That the changes to the overage provisions which had been negotiated be noted and authority be delegated to the Strategic Director for Business Services, in consultation with the Leader and Cabinet Member for Assets and Regeneration to agree any further changes to the detail of the Heads of Terms.
3. That the Chief Property Officer be instructed to develop a full business case in relation to the future use of the site on the basis set out in the report submitted.
Reason for decisions To facilitate opportunities for public service integration with partners, regeneration and the provision of a site suitable for an identified service need. |
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PUBLICITY FOR PART 2 ITEMS
Additional documents: Minutes: No publicity was agreed in relation to the information circulated in Part 2. |