Councillors and committees

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber,Surrey County Council, Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, Surrey ,RH2 8EF

Contact: Andre Ferreira or Huma Younis  Email: huma.younis@surreycc.gov.uk

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Items
No. Item

145/22

Apologies for Absence

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    Minutes:

    Apologies were received from Jordan Beech.

146/22

Minutes of Previous Meeting: 27 September 2022 pdf icon PDF 254 KB

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    Decision:

    These were agreed as a correct record of the meeting.

     

    Minutes:

    These were agreed as a correct record of the meeting.

     

147/22

Declarations of Interest

148/22

Procedural Matters

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148/221

Members' Questions pdf icon PDF 249 KB

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    Minutes:

    There were two member questions. The questions and responses were published as a supplement to the agenda.

     

149/22

Public Questions pdf icon PDF 302 KB

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    Minutes:

    There were three public questions. The questions and responses were published as a supplement to the agenda.

     

    Jenny Desoutter queried if the countryside estate would commit to a low intervention minimal felling approach and whether Surrey would commit to seeking input from local experts and specialists who have very important knowledge about species and habitat. The Cabinet Member for Environment explained that Surrey’s new policy was about only removing trees when there was a danger. The Cabinet Member for Environment stated that there was a lot of work going on around nature recovery within the authority and the council was considering how it manages the whole estate in regards to habitat and biodiversity. Engagement was welcomed across the board with local groups.

     

150/22

Petitions

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    There were none.

     

151/22

Representations received on reports to be considered in private

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    There were none.

     

152/22

Reports from Select Committees , Task Groups, Local Committees and other Committees of the Council pdf icon PDF 202 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the two reports from the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee be noted.

    Minutes:

    The Vice-Chairman of the Select Committee introduced the committees response to the Surrey skills plan stating that this was an appropriate role for the council to be playing and the councils role would be of a co-ordinating body between the private sector and other partners. The Vice-Chairman felt the adult education budget in Surrey could be better used to help with the Surrey skills plan. The Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth agreed that the adult education budget could be used to support the skills plan and its delivery.

     

    The Vice-Chairman thanked the Cabinet Member for Environment for the response to the Select Committees recommendations on the Greener Futures Climate Change Delivery Plan. The Committee were pleased to see its recommendations had been accepted and stated that the councils work on climate change had progressed well with cross party support. The Vice-Chairman encouraged the Cabinet and Leader to continue their work with government to ensure their full support for climate change. The Cabinet Member for Environment commented that the task group had worked well with the service to ensure the right outcomes could be achieved and staff and members had worked collaboratively.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the two reports from the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee be noted.

153/22

Leader / Deputy Leader / Cabinet Member/ Strategic Investment Board Decisions Taken Since the Last Cabinet Meeting pdf icon PDF 328 KB

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    Minutes:

    There were eight decisions for noting.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the decisions taken since the last Cabinet meeting be noted.

     

154/22

Cabinet Member of the Month pdf icon PDF 221 KB

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    The Cabinet Member for Property and Waste introduced the report and highlighted some key points. Within the land and property service children’s homes at Epsom, Walton and the Shaw Family Contact Centre in Woking were under construction. In Dorking, the Children’s Home and Care Leavers Accommodation had been submitted for planning. 273 new pupil places had been delivered in September 2022 from a range of projects, work continued on the next phase which would deliver an additional 190 pupil places by September 2023. A number of high profile planning applications covering schools, supported independent living, extra care, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller sites would be due at the planning committee imminently. It was explained that an emergency task force had been formed to look at reducing energy consumption within all our operational buildings. The Eco-Park anaerobic digester was now processing all of Surrey’s food waste, the gasifier had been awarded an Acceptance Certificate by the Independent Certifier in March 2022. The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety commented on the high levels of specification that had been applied within the design standards for the new fire provision.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the Cabinet Member of the Month update be noted.

155/22

A County Deal for Surrey pdf icon PDF 497 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet note the leading role the council has taken to engage with partners and key stakeholders to develop initial draft proposals for negotiation with Government on a County Deal for Surrey.

     

    2.    That Cabinet approve the initial draft core set of proposals for negotiation with Government for inclusion in a County Deal for Surrey, that have been developed in line with Level 2 of the Government’s Levelling Up Devolution Framework.

     

    3.    That Cabinet endorse the approach to begin preparations for the integration of Surrey-wide LEP functions into a County Deal, subject to the outcome of negotiations with Government

     

    4.    That Cabinet endorse the approach to begin exploring appropriate governance arrangements for each of the “core” proposals in collaboration with the relevant Surrey’s strategic partnership boards and other relevant key stakeholders.

     

    5.    That Cabinet approve the approach to negotiations with Government, noting that the initial draft proposals are likely to be subject to change during negotiations and that any final County Deal for Surrey deal will be brought to Cabinet and Full Council for approval.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The Government’s Levelling Up White Paper presents a rare opportunity for the council to pursue a devolution deal for Surrey that will bring new powers, freedoms and flexibilities, better enabling the council to deliver for residents against the 2030 Community Vision, the council’s four strategic priorities (Growing a sustainable economy; Tackling health inequality; Enabling a greener future; and Empowering communities), and work towards the overarching ambition of No One Left Behind.

     

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

     

    Minutes:

    The report was introduced by the Leader who stated that the new Prime Minister had already made an ongoing commitment to continue with the levelling up programme. The Leader provided the Cabinet with someone background into the county deal programme explaining that there were three levels of the deal an authority could apply for. Discussions had taken place with partners and presentations had been given to each of the district and boroughs with a request for them to put forward any requests they would like to see in the submission to government. No comments had been received yet but the Leader encouraged the district and boroughs to submit feedback. Both the Levelling Up White Paper and LEP integration guidance letter signalled a new direction and set out the steps the council would need to follow in order to take on LEP functions and roles, ensuring a strong business voice remains at the heart of decision making. The county had put forward a request to be appointed as the climate change lead authority.

     

    The Deputy Cabinet Member for Levelling-Up welcomed the progress made on the Council's plans to secure a county deal for Surrey explaining that securing such additional powers would better enable us and our partners to deliver on our ultimate ambition that no one is left behind. She further added that it was positive to see the level of engagement that had already happened across the county with key local partners on the opportunities a deal could bring. The Executive Director for Partnerships, Prosperity and Growth and his team were thanked for all the work they had done around the county deal proposals. This was endorsed by the Leader.

     

    The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety recognised the structures that had been put in place in anticipation of the powers coming through. Will Forster urged the county council to work with the district and boroughs to submit a joint county deal proposal. The Leader restated that he had visited all the district and boroughs and welcomed the input from each. There had been an understanding that a paper would be taken to Cabinet in October and the Cabinet welcomed feedback on proposals from each of the district and boroughs. There was a short discussion around the possibility of using the UK prosperity fund alongside Section 106 funding which was welcomed by the Leader.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet note the leading role the council has taken to engage with partners and key stakeholders to develop initial draft proposals for negotiation with Government on a County Deal for Surrey.

     

    2.    That Cabinet approve the initial draft core set of proposals for negotiation with Government for inclusion in a County Deal for Surrey, that have been developed in line with Level 2 of the Government’s Levelling Up Devolution Framework.

     

    3.    That Cabinet endorse the approach to begin preparations for the integration of Surrey-wide LEP functions into a County Deal, subject to the outcome of negotiations with Government

     

    4.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 155/22

156/22

A County Strategy For Housing, Accommodation And Homes: Baseline Assessment pdf icon PDF 401 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet endorse the consultative research work undertaken in partnership, to establish a strategic baseline assessment of accommodation and housing across the county

    2.    That Cabinet approve the proposed deliberative engagement approach to secure the views and buy-in of partner bodies to the identification of strategic priorities for accommodation and housing in Surrey

    3.    That Cabinet agree to a further report, confirming the Accommodation and Housing Strategic needs and priorities, coming to the Cabinet meeting in January 2023.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    1.    The housing circumstances and conditions in which one lives have a profound effect on many aspects of our lives. Housing, accommodation, and homes across Surrey reflect a complex mix of tenures, provision, quality, quantity and affordability and accessibility and in a number of these respects presents serious challenges. Housing also has a distinct impact on the economy and its potential to grow.

    2.    In considering these issues, it is apparent that an evidenced, joined-up, county-wide partnership strategic approach to housing, accommodation and homes would be beneficial in providing ambition, focus, direction, and alignment across the whole Surrey housing system.

    3.    Acknowledging the complexity and potential sensitivity, the recommendations seek to secure endorsement at this stage of the engagement, assessment and analysis of the current position and proposed next steps, to provide a common platform of awareness and understanding of the key issues, in order to drive strategic priorities for action and improved delivery and outcomes, over time,  in pursuit of ensuring more residents in Surrey live in secure, affordable, and sustainable housing, are able to fulfil their full potential and make their best contribution to economic, civic and community life.

     

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

     

     

     

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Children and Families introduced the report explaining that the report outlines the background to and drivers for the initiation of a county-wide housing, accommodation and homes strategy and sets out the initial findings of a baseline assessment exercise, upon which key priorities and action will be derived, through a partnership-based, collaborative deliberation programme. Quality sustainable housing would contribute to the councils community vision priority areas and would play a critical role in Surrey’s economy. The Cabinet Member explained that she would be launching a housing strategy roadshow alongside the Executive Director of Prosperity, Partnerships and Growth and would be meeting all the Leaders across the district and boroughs and the planning and housing portfolio holders to start discussions around housing in Surrey. Will Forster asked for some details around the funding for this work. The Cabinet Member stated that she would find out this information and provide the member with a written response.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet endorse the consultative research work undertaken in partnership, to establish a strategic baseline assessment of accommodation and housing across the county

    2.    That Cabinet approve the proposed deliberative engagement approach to secure the views and buy-in of partner bodies to the identification of strategic priorities for accommodation and housing in Surrey

    3.    That Cabinet agree to a further report, confirming the Accommodation and Housing Strategic needs and priorities, coming to the Cabinet meeting in January 2023.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    1.    The housing circumstances and conditions in which one lives have a profound effect on many aspects of our lives. Housing, accommodation, and homes across Surrey reflect a complex mix of tenures, provision, quality, quantity and affordability and accessibility and in a number of these respects presents serious challenges. Housing also has a distinct impact on the economy and its potential to grow.

    2.    In considering these issues, it is apparent that an evidenced, joined-up, county-wide partnership strategic approach to housing, accommodation and homes would be beneficial in providing ambition, focus, direction, and alignment across the whole Surrey housing system.

    3.    Acknowledging the complexity and potential sensitivity, the recommendations seek to secure endorsement at this stage of the engagement, assessment and analysis of the current position and proposed next steps, to provide a common platform of awareness and understanding of the key issues, in order to drive strategic priorities for action and improved delivery and outcomes, over time,  in pursuit of ensuring more residents in Surrey live in secure, affordable, and sustainable housing, are able to fulfil their full potential and make their best contribution to economic, civic and community life.

     

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

     

     

     

     

157/22

A Skills Plan for Surrey pdf icon PDF 803 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet endorse the emerging outcomes and priorities of the Skills Plan for Surrey and recognise its role in relation to the forthcoming ‘Lifetime of Learning’ strategy.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The Skills Plan for Surrey sets out the challenges and opportunities facing the Surrey economy in terms of recruitment and skills. Due to the combination of factors impacting the Surrey labour market which have seen substantial increases in demand for people and skills against a decreasing level of supply, action is required by both Surrey County Council and a wide range of partners, including businesses and training providers, to positively impact this agenda. Through doing so, we can help to support economic growth and provide greater opportunities for Surrey’s residents, supporting the principle of leaving no one behind.

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

     

     

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth started by saying that a Surrey Skills Summit would be taking place on 10 November at Sandown Racecourse and would be open to businesses and education providers. The report introduces the Skills Plan for Surrey, which is being produced with a focus on the role that skills development has in securing economic and inclusion outcomes across the county. The Government had set out its intent that every area would have a Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) agreed with Government by Summer 2023. The primary purpose of the LSIPs is to put the voice of employers’ front and centre of the development of skills provision, using an evidence led approach to make sure that the LSIP is capable of underpinning future funding decisions and directly influencing future provision. However, it solely focused on post-16 formal education, rather than a ‘lifetime of learning’ approach.

     

    The Cabinet Member explained that overall, the UK’s skills system was complex and largely fragmented and Surrey was no exception to this. Activity generally takes place on an institution-by-institution basis with no coherent Surrey-wide perspective on what good practice is being delivered and where opportunities to operate at scale and make improvements might be implemented. Work was being done with the Surrey Business Leadership Forum to engage on recruitment challenges. A key part of the plan would be to drive various career pathways at a very early stage. The skills plan will help to support economic growth and provide greater opportunities for Surrey’s residents, supporting the principle of leaving no one behind. There was full support from the Cabinet on this report.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet endorse the emerging outcomes and priorities of the Skills Plan for Surrey and recognise its role in relation to the forthcoming ‘Lifetime of Learning’ strategy.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The Skills Plan for Surrey sets out the challenges and opportunities facing the Surrey economy in terms of recruitment and skills. Due to the combination of factors impacting the Surrey labour market which have seen substantial increases in demand for people and skills against a decreasing level of supply, action is required by both Surrey County Council and a wide range of partners, including businesses and training providers, to positively impact this agenda. Through doing so, we can help to support economic growth and provide greater opportunities for Surrey’s residents, supporting the principle of leaving no one behind.

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

     

     

     

158/22

Healthy Streets For Surrey Design Guide pdf icon PDF 333 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1. That Cabinet endorse the Healthy Streets for Surrey guide.

     

    1. That Cabinet agree adoption of the guide as County Council policy for the design of streets in all new developments in the County.

     

    1. That Cabinet agree to apply the approach to all County Council public realm schemes.

     

    1. That Cabinet strongly recommends the guidance to the Boroughs and Districts.

     

    1. That Cabinet delegates any amendments to the policy to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth and the Executive Director for Environment, Transport and Infrastructure.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    Surrey County Council has a significant role in the design and implementation of new development, particularly in respect of streets specifically and transportation in general. As such, the County Council as the local Highway Authority advises the county’s Boroughs and Districts on the transportation implications of applications for planning permission. The Surrey Street Design Guide, ‘Healthy Streets for Surrey,’ is being produced in order to assist developers, the Boroughs and Districts and the community to understand what standards the County Council will be seeking when considering proposals. The aim is to deliver high quality, attractive, safe, accessible and sustainable development and well-designed places.

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth introduced the report explaining that Cabinet were being asked to endorse the new guidance and adopt it as county council policy. The refreshed approach to the street design will support active travel and movement to enrich the counties biodiversity and to support happy, healthy and sustainable lives. Following a two-year review of the County Council’s design standards for new streets, new guidance had been produced. The Guide had been produced to assist developers; Borough and District officers and councillors; and local communities understand what the County Council would be seeking when considering the highways and transportation elements of proposals for development. The aim would be to deliver high quality, attractive, safe, accessible and sustainable developments. All development schemes will be assessed against the Guides’ principles and design elements. The overarching principles of the guide were highlighted by the Cabinet Member. Surrey had been chosen as a Design Pathfinder which aims at developing new ways to empower communities to have their say on the development of new homes, buildings and amenities, such as shops and workspace, in their area and help restore people's pride in the places they live.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1. That Cabinet endorse the Healthy Streets for Surrey guide.

     

    1. That Cabinet agree adoption of the guide as County Council policy for the design of streets in all new developments in the County.

     

    1. That Cabinet agree to apply the approach to all County Council public realm schemes.

     

    1. That Cabinet strongly recommends the guidance to the Boroughs and Districts.

     

    1. That Cabinet delegates any amendments to the policy to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth and the Executive Director for Environment, Transport and Infrastructure.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    Surrey County Council has a significant role in the design and implementation of new development, particularly in respect of streets specifically and transportation in general. As such, the County Council as the local Highway Authority advises the county’s Boroughs and Districts on the transportation implications of applications for planning permission. The Surrey Street Design Guide, ‘Healthy Streets for Surrey,’ is being produced in order to assist developers, the Boroughs and Districts and the community to understand what standards the County Council will be seeking when considering proposals. The aim is to deliver high quality, attractive, safe, accessible and sustainable development and well-designed places.

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

     

159/22

De-Registration Of Land At Stringers Common And Designation Of Replacement Land To Facilitate Junction Improvement Works For Weyside Urban Village pdf icon PDF 780 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    Subject to the agreement of the matters arising in paragraph 57 of the report with GBC, it was agreed that Cabinet delegate authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Transport and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth and Cabinet Member for Environment, to:

     

    1.    Undertake a public consultation exercise into the proposed de-registration of land at Stringers Common and related works.

    2.    Finalise the exact plot boundaries for the Commons Act applications in light of matters arising from public consultation, completion of the junction design and agreement of suitable mitigation measures.

    3.    Further to such consultation and subject to consideration of responses, prepare and submit a joint application with GBC under section 16 of the Commons Act to the Secretary of State seeking to:

    o    de-register land at Stringers Common to facilitate junction improvement works at Moorfield Rd / Woking Rd – shown on the indictive accompanying plan (Annex A); and

    o    register suitable replacement common land at Jacobs Well Road - shown on the indicative accompanying plan (Annex A).

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    Planning permission was issued by GBC in March 2022 for the Housing Infrastructure Fund-enabled Weyside Urban Village (WUV), a major mixed used scheme including the construction of 1,550 dwellings, a local centre, employment uses, replacement Council depot and replacement traveller’s site at Slyfield Green. 

     

    In order to facilitate that scheme, road and junction improvement works will be required at the Woking Rd junction with Moorfield Rd, for which Surrey are the highway authority.  These improvement works are proposed to be undertaken on land which is currently registered common land at Stringers Common, where SCC is the landowner.  

     

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

     

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth introduced the report explaining that the development of Weyside Urban Village requires widening of the Moorfield Road / Woking Road junction onto a part of Stringers Common.  The proposed junction improvements include the widening of Woking Road and associated works on its west side which is on County Council land and outside of the existing highway. Some widening was also required on the east side of Woking Road owned by Guildford Borough Council. The consent of the Secretary of State under section 38 of the Commons Act 2006 was required for works which impede access to or over common land or involve its resurfacing. Suitable replacement common land is also required, which has been identified off Jacobs Well Road, which will be considered as part of the application process. 

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    Subject to the agreement of the matters arising in paragraph 57 of the report with GBC, it was agreed that Cabinet delegate authority to the Executive Director of Environment, Transport and Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth and Cabinet Member for Environment, to:

     

    1.    Undertake a public consultation exercise into the proposed de-registration of land at Stringers Common and related works.

    2.    Finalise the exact plot boundaries for the Commons Act applications in light of matters arising from public consultation, completion of the junction design and agreement of suitable mitigation measures.

    3.    Further to such consultation and subject to consideration of responses, prepare and submit a joint application with GBC under section 16 of the Commons Act to the Secretary of State seeking to:

    o    de-register land at Stringers Common to facilitate junction improvement works at Moorfield Rd / Woking Rd – shown on the indictive accompanying plan (Annex A); and

    o    register suitable replacement common land at Jacobs Well Road - shown on the indicative accompanying plan (Annex A).

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    Planning permission was issued by GBC in March 2022 for the Housing Infrastructure Fund-enabled Weyside Urban Village (WUV), a major mixed used scheme including the construction of 1,550 dwellings, a local centre, employment uses, replacement Council depot and replacement traveller’s site at Slyfield Green. 

     

    In order to facilitate that scheme, road and junction improvement works will be required at the Woking Rd junction with Moorfield Rd, for which Surrey are the highway authority.  These improvement works are proposed to be undertaken on land which is currently registered common land at Stringers Common, where SCC is the landowner.  

     

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

     

     

160/22

National Bus Strategy - Bus Back Better - An Enhanced Partnership For Surrey pdf icon PDF 357 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet agree the Enhanced Partnership Plan for Surrey, inclusive of proposed governance arrangements to start on 3 November 2022.

    2.    That Cabinet confirm support for the delivery priorities set out in the draft Enhanced Partnership Scheme, which will be formally agreed by the Enhanced Partnership Board for implementation, with progress and performance updates to be presented to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth, who is also chair of the Enhanced Partnership Governance Board.

    3.    That Cabinet agree that a public consultation be carried out to obtain the views of residents and stakeholders on the future bus network in Surrey, with the findings and proposed next steps to be presented to a meeting of Cabinet in early 2023.

    4.    That Cabinet agree that the public consultation material be approved by the Director for Highways and Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth prior to the consultation launch.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The National Bus Strategy aligns with several key themes in our recently adopted Surrey Transport Plan 4, in particular the hierarchy of modes and the ambition to shift journeys from the private car to other more sustainable modes. In our response to Bus Back Better, the Council has consistently highlighted the strong linkages to the aims and ambitions of the Council’s Greener Futures programme and delivery of the Council’s 2030 Community Vision.

    With regard to future local bus provision, a public and stakeholder consultation is proposed to help us shape the future bus network and respond to the challenge of new travel patterns and bus use post Covid19. Furthermore, as part of the extension of Government’s Bus Recovery Grant (revenue funding provided to LTAs to support bus services where patronage remains depressed post Covid19), the DfT requires all LTAs to undertake a bus network review. This aims to ensure the local bus network in each LTA is financially sustainable once Government recovery funding ends at the end of the current financial year.

    Our proposed approach will meet Government’s timeline of an EP being agreed by the autumn. It will also meet Government’s requirement to assess the financial sustainable of the bus network, which is being support by the proposed public and stakeholder consultation that will help shape the future bus network in Surrey.

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)

     

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth introduced the report explaining that the report was the latest step in the Council’s response to the challenges set by Government through the National Bus Strategy (Bus Back Better). The report seeks agreement for the Council to enter into an Enhanced Partnership with local bus operators in Surrey, which aims to improve bus services for residents.This report explains how the Enhanced Partnership will work and the responsibilities of the Council as the Local Transport Authority and bus operators as service providers. Establishing an Enhanced Partnership was the next step in the Council’s response to Bus Back Better. The report sought agreement to consult residents and stakeholders on proposals for a future financially sustainable bus network that will be fit for the future and more responsive to transformed travel patterns following the Covid 19 pandemic. The results of the consultation would be reported to Cabinet in early 2023 for consideration.

     

    A Member queried how the public consultation would be taking place and if there were opportunities for face to face engagement. The Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth  stated that the consultation would run from 3 November to the 6 January. It would be available for residents and stakeholders via online and hard copy surveys. There would be an easy read version of the consultation made available as well as it being provided in Braille or audio or other languages on request. A Member commented on the success of the on demand bus service in Mole Valley. It was commented that on demand bus service would be introduced into Guildford/Waverley next year.

     

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet agree the Enhanced Partnership Plan for Surrey, inclusive of proposed governance arrangements to start on 3 November 2022.

    2.    That Cabinet confirm support for the delivery priorities set out in the draft Enhanced Partnership Scheme, which will be formally agreed by the Enhanced Partnership Board for implementation, with progress and performance updates to be presented to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth, who is also chair of the Enhanced Partnership Governance Board.

    3.    That Cabinet agree that a public consultation be carried out to obtain the views of residents and stakeholders on the future bus network in Surrey, with the findings and proposed next steps to be presented to a meeting of Cabinet in early 2023.

    4.    That Cabinet agree that the public consultation material be approved by the Director for Highways and Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth prior to the consultation launch.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The National Bus Strategy aligns with several key themes in our recently adopted Surrey Transport Plan 4, in particular the hierarchy of modes and the ambition to shift journeys from the private car to other more sustainable modes. In our response to Bus Back Better, the Council has consistently highlighted the strong linkages to the aims and ambitions of the Council’s Greener Futures programme and delivery of the Council’s 2030  ...  view the full minutes text for item 160/22

161/22

Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2021/22 pdf icon PDF 335 KB

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    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet notes the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Annual Report for 2021/22.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    This recommendation demonstrates that the Council is fulfilling its statutory requirement under the Care Act 2014 in having established a Safeguarding Adults Board in its area.

    It will support the SSAB to be transparent by providing information to the public on the performance of the Board and its strategic plan.

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Adults and Health introduced the Independent Chairman of the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board explaining that Simon Turpitt would be leaving the role and publicly thanked him for his work with the Board. The Independent Chairman introduced the annual report explaining that the Board continues to see a large increase in concerns at 23%. More work was being done to engage with the public and safeguarding was now being made more personal. Highlights and concerns were described and closer working practices were being undertaken with the Children's Safeguarding Partnership. Staffing, financial environment, recruitment and retention would cause difficult times ahead. The Cabinet Member for Children and Families thanked the Chairman for all his work and dedication to the board. The Chairman stated that mental health issues was a key underlying issue when it came to safeguarding issues which had been exacerbated by Covid 19. It was explained that there had been no adult safeguarding issues with refugees in Surrey. The Leader thanked the Independent Chairman for all his hard work and dedication to the Board over the last ten years.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet notes the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Annual Report for 2021/22.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    This recommendation demonstrates that the Council is fulfilling its statutory requirement under the Care Act 2014 in having established a Safeguarding Adults Board in its area.

    It will support the SSAB to be transparent by providing information to the public on the performance of the Board and its strategic plan.

     

162/22

Alternative Provision Capital Programme pdf icon PDF 850 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet approve delivery of the £43.2m Alternative Provision programme in full and the movement of £22.7m Alternative Provision Capital funding from pipeline to budget, and notes the proposed use of £14.7m grant funding and expected £5.77m capital receipts which can be used to fund the overall capital programme. This is in order to provide a total of 240 state-maintained alternative provision school places for children with who cannot attend mainstream educational settings because of permanent exclusion, health, emotional or mental health needs from September 2024 onwards.

     

    2.    That Cabinet approve the delegation of authority to allocate resources from the approved £43.2m budget required for individual projects to Cabinet Members for Education and Learning, Finance and Resources, and Property and Waste, following Capital Programme Panel approval.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    Delivery of a Fit for Purpose state-maintained AP Education Estate that is aligned with DfE (Department for Education) accommodation guidelines that provides a full and high-quality education offer and meets the needs of vulnerable learners who cannot attend mainstream school for a variety of reasons including exclusion, or mental or physical health difficulties.

    The provision of the full availability of 240 places for Surrey resident children to access on a short-stay basis across the county which supports the county-wide inclusion plan and adopted Alternative Provision Strategy.

     

    Reduction in the sustained commissioning of high-cost independent AP places and more equitable deployment of resources, which enables SCC to provide for more local children on a stable financial footing.

     

    (The decisions on this item can be called- in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)

     

    Minutes:

    The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Education and Learning who explained that the report would seek to improve the quality and capacity of alternative provision in Surrey. Alternative Provision (AP) is statutory education outside of school, arranged by local authorities or schools. This report sought approval of £43.2m capital investment that enables delivery of Surrey’s AP Capital Programme in full. This was in order to provide a total of 240 state-maintained alternative provision school places for children who cannot attend mainstream educational settings because of permanent exclusion, health, emotional or mental health needs from September 2024 onwards. The Cabinet Member provided the Cabinet with an update of the proposals being brought forward including renovating, rebuilding and relocating units. It was explained that the units would be fit for purpose units that would provide for outdoor space and indoor learning.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet approve delivery of the £43.2m Alternative Provision programme in full and the movement of £22.7m Alternative Provision Capital funding from pipeline to budget, and notes the proposed use of £14.7m grant funding and expected £5.77m capital receipts which can be used to fund the overall capital programme. This is in order to provide a total of 240 state-maintained alternative provision school places for children with who cannot attend mainstream educational settings because of permanent exclusion, health, emotional or mental health needs from September 2024 onwards.

     

    2.    That Cabinet approve the delegation of authority to allocate resources from the approved £43.2m budget required for individual projects to Cabinet Members for Education and Learning, Finance and Resources, and Property and Waste, following Capital Programme Panel approval.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    Delivery of a Fit for Purpose state-maintained AP Education Estate that is aligned with DfE (Department for Education) accommodation guidelines that provides a full and high-quality education offer and meets the needs of vulnerable learners who cannot attend mainstream school for a variety of reasons including exclusion, or mental or physical health difficulties.

    The provision of the full availability of 240 places for Surrey resident children to access on a short-stay basis across the county which supports the county-wide inclusion plan and adopted Alternative Provision Strategy.

     

    Reduction in the sustained commissioning of high-cost independent AP places and more equitable deployment of resources, which enables SCC to provide for more local children on a stable financial footing.

     

    (The decisions on this item can be called- in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)

     

163/22

2022/23 Month 5 (August) Financial Report pdf icon PDF 800 KB

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    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet note the Council’s forecast revenue and capital budget positions for the year and the commitment to develop a budget recovery plan.

    2.    That Cabinet approve distribution of £2.4m of corporately held budget to uplift Directorates’ pay budgets to align with the approved 2022/23 pay award (Para 12).

    3.    That Cabinet approve the transfer of c. £1m of the Council’s £6.5m Transformation Investment for mental health interventions to the Public Service Reform directorate budget; transfer of the remaining £5.5m to the Council’s reserves to sit alongside the £4m of funding received from Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board; and delegation of approval of future drawdowns of Mental Health Investment Fund monies to the Joint Executive Director for Public Service Reform (Paras 22-24).

    Reasons for Decisions:

    This report is to comply with the agreed policy of providing a monthly budget monitoring report to Cabinet for approval of any necessary actions. 

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee)

     

    Minutes:

    The report was introduced by the Leader who explained that at Month 5, the Council was forecasting a full year deficit of £33.2m, against the approved revenue budget but was committed to delivering a balanced budget. Departments had been tasked with coming up with a budget recovery plan and ways of addressing the overspend. The Leader said real progress would be made within six months but challenges would be significant. The council would continue to lobby government for additional funding and called for a delay to the adult social care reforms even though the council was committed to these. Although frontline services would not be cut some other projects which were not ‘core’ would need to be paused due to the current global economic crisis.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet note the Council’s forecast revenue and capital budget positions for the year and the commitment to develop a budget recovery plan.

    2.    That Cabinet approve distribution of £2.4m of corporately held budget to uplift Directorates’ pay budgets to align with the approved 2022/23 pay award (Para 12).

    3.    That Cabinet approve the transfer of c. £1m of the Council’s £6.5m Transformation Investment for mental health interventions to the Public Service Reform directorate budget; transfer of the remaining £5.5m to the Council’s reserves to sit alongside the £4m of funding received from Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care Board; and delegation of approval of future drawdowns of Mental Health Investment Fund monies to the Joint Executive Director for Public Service Reform (Paras 22-24).

    Reasons for Decisions:

    This report is to comply with the agreed policy of providing a monthly budget monitoring report to Cabinet for approval of any necessary actions. 

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee)

     

164/22

EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC

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    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 the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

     

165/22

Alternative Provision Capital Programme

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    See Minute 162/22.

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Education and Learning introduced the Part 2 report which contained information which was exempt from Access to Information requirements by virtue of Paragraph 3: information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    See Minute 162/22.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    See Minute 162/22.

     

166/22

PUBLICITY FOR PART 2 ITEMS

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    Additional documents:

    Minutes:

    It was agreed that non-exempt information may be made available to the press and public, where appropriate.