Councillors and committees

Agenda, decisions and minutes

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

Contact: Huma Younis or Sarah Quinn  Email: huma.younis@surreycc.gov.uk

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167/22

Apologies for Absence

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    Decision:

    There were no apologies.

    Minutes:

    There were no apologies.

168/22

Minutes of Previous Meeting: 25 October 2022 pdf icon PDF 283 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.

     

169/22

Declarations of Interest

170/22

Procedural Matters

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170/221

Members' Questions pdf icon PDF 263 KB

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    Decision:

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

     

    Minutes:

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

     

171/22

Public Questions pdf icon PDF 295 KB

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    Decision:

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

     

    Minutes:

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

     

172/22

Petitions

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    Decision:

    There were none.

    Minutes:

    There were none.

173/22

Representations received on reports to be considered in private

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    Decision:

    There were none.

    Minutes:

    There were none.

174/22

Reports from Select Committees , Task Groups, Local Committees and other Committees of the Council

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    There were none.

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    There were none.

175/22

Leader / Deputy Leader / Cabinet Member/ Strategic Investment Board Decisions Taken Since the Last Cabinet Meeting pdf icon PDF 125 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

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

     

    Minutes:

    There were two decisions taken since the last meeting of the Cabinet.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

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

     

176/22

Cabinet Member of the Month pdf icon PDF 2 MB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the Cabinet Member of the Month update be noted.

     

    Minutes:

    The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Environment who updated the Cabinet on the work she had been doing. This included work around land, nature recovery and biodiversity. The Council had a new responsibility under the Environment Act to lead on developing a Local Nature Recovery Strategy. This work involved establishing priorities for nature and mapping these across the county through a collaborative and evidence-based process over the next 12 months. An important aspect of this was stakeholder engagement and engaging more broadly with the whole community. It was recognised that the county council was just the custodian in this work and it was residents who would help with nature recovery. It was explained that the property team at the Council led on the partnership purchase of Tice meadow, a former quarry site which had been made into a nature park. The Meadow had been embraced by residents and community groups had been leading on nature recovery here. The River Thames Scheme which would help reduce the risk of flooding would also support nature recovery by creating more green spaces. Recently a mayfly which was thought to be near extinction and had not been seen for nearly 50 years had been found by the River Thames site. 

     

    The Deputy Cabinet Member for Environment explained that he had visited several nature reserves in the county and recognised the fundamental role these places played in supporting people in adult social services especially with employment and health. The Deputy Cabinet Member had also visited Norbury Sawmill and praised the work being done to support young people. The Deputy Cabinet Member was also working with the communications team to encourage people to visit the countryside. The Council's Green Champions Network had shown great leadership and had cleared 2.5 tonnes of floating pennywort at the Basingstoke Canal which the Deputy Cabinet Member had also supported. Cabinet Members commended the report and recognised the excellent work being undertaken to support biodiversity and the contribution of volunteers in this sphere of work.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the Cabinet Member of the Month update be noted.

     

177/22

2023/24 DRAFT BUDGET AND MEDIUM-TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY TO 2027/28 pdf icon PDF 309 KB

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    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet note the 2023/24 Draft Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2027/28, including progress to date in setting out spending pressures and efficiencies, as set out in Annex A.

    2.    That Cabinet note the provisional budget gap of £14.4m for 2023/24 and the next steps required to close the gap.

    3.    That Cabinet note the proposed Capital Programme for 2023/24 to 2027/28 of £1.9bn set out in Section 6 and Annex B

    4.    That Cabinet note the Executive Summary of Resident Engagement and next steps set out in Section 9.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    In January 2023, Cabinet will be asked to recommend a Final Budget for 2023/24 to full Council for approval in February. The draft budget sets out proposals to direct available resources to support the achievement of the Council’s corporate priorities, balanced against a challenging financial environment, giving Cabinet the opportunity to comment on the proposals and next steps.

    The draft budget also provides an update on the continuing transformational programme, including identified cross cutting opportunities which are required to ensure that the Council can continue prioritising outcomes for residents, while managing growing demand for services and safeguarding future financial resilience and sustainability.

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

     

     

     

    Minutes:

    The report was introduce by the Leader who explained that the County council was required to produce a balanced budget in advance of each financial year. The Final Budget for 2023/24 would be approved by Cabinet in January 2023 and full council in February 2023. The financial settlement from Government was expected on 21 December 2022. The council had worked hard over recent years to improve its financial resilience and the financial management capabilities across the organisation. This had strengthened the council’s position, compared to where it was in 2018. Through hard work and diligent financial management, the council had built a stronger financial base from which to deliver services. The cost of living crisis, global financial uncertainty and government policy changes had meant some severe challenges to the council’s financial position. It was explained that there remained a provisional budget gap for 2023/24 of £14.4m, driven primarily by significant inflation, policy changes and ongoing demand pressures within priority services. The draft budget assumed an increase of council tax by 1.99% and although the Chancellor had allowed for council tax to be increased by 5% without a referendum there was no expectation the authority would be doing this. The Leader encouraged residents to participate in the draft budget survey which was available for completing via the Surrey Says website.

     

    The Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources echoed the comments made by the Leader explaining that a number of efficiencies had been identified across the authority and that the council was facing significant pressures due to inflation. Although adult social care charging reforms had been pushed back, this would be a significant pressure once introduced.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet note the 2023/24 Draft Budget and Medium-Term Financial Strategy to 2027/28, including progress to date in setting out spending pressures and efficiencies, as set out in Annex A.

    2.    That Cabinet note the provisional budget gap of £14.4m for 2023/24 and the next steps required to close the gap.

    3.    That Cabinet note the proposed Capital Programme for 2023/24 to 2027/28 of £1.9bn set out in Section 6 and Annex B

    4.    That Cabinet note the Executive Summary of Resident Engagement and next steps set out in Section 9.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    In January 2023, Cabinet will be asked to recommend a Final Budget for 2023/24 to full Council for approval in February. The draft budget sets out proposals to direct available resources to support the achievement of the Council’s corporate priorities, balanced against a challenging financial environment, giving Cabinet the opportunity to comment on the proposals and next steps.

    The draft budget also provides an update on the continuing transformational programme, including identified cross cutting opportunities which are required to ensure that the Council can continue prioritising outcomes for residents, while managing growing demand for services and safeguarding future financial resilience and sustainability.

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

     

     

     

178/22

2022/23 MONTH 6 (SEPTEMBER) FINANCIAL REPORT pdf icon PDF 710 KB

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    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 the use of the Council’s 2022/23 Adult Social Care Fair Cost of Care and Market Sustainability funding (see paragraphs 12-16)

     

    3.    That Cabinet approve the extension of the empty homes initiative for three years to 2024/25, with a change that the baseline over which Districts and Boroughs (D&Bs) receive funding is moved from 2019 to 2021 (see paragraphs 17-19)

    4.    That Cabinet approve the creation of an inflation hardship contingency, to manage the risk of construction and other inflation levels in Your Fund Surrey projects and delegate to the Executive Director of Customer & Communities and the Deputy Chief Executive & Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities & Community Safety and the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources the ability to, in exceptional circumstances, award up to 10% of the bid value when presented with robust evidence that the variance is caused by the movement in the construction market, or inflation increases, since the original bids were submitted. The contingency will be met from the existing overall Your Fund Surrey programme allocation (see paragraphs 23-25).   

    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 Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources who explained that at Month 6 the council was forecasting a full year deficit of £24.5m,against the approved revenue budget. The forecast directorate overspend related to overspends in services with the largest overspend being a £15m projected overspend on Home to School Transport and a £6m pressure on the care package budget due to forecast non-achievement of efficiencies due specifically to market and demand pressures and capacity challenges, increased costs of care and rising assessed fees & charges debt resulting in an increased provision for bad debt and debt write offs. The Leader explained that the empty homes initiative would be extended to 2024/25 and the number of empty properties had been reduced to 53.

     

    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 the use of the Council’s 2022/23 Adult Social Care Fair Cost of Care and Market Sustainability funding (see paragraphs 12-16)

    3.    That Cabinet approve the extension of the empty homes initiative for three years to 2024/25, with a change that the baseline over which Districts and Boroughs (D&Bs) receive funding is moved from 2019 to 2021 (see paragraphs 17-19).

    4.    That Cabinet approve the creation of an inflation hardship contingency, to manage the risk of construction and other inflation levels in Your Fund Surrey projects and delegate to the Executive Director of Customer & Communities and the Deputy Chief Executive & Executive Director of Resources, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Communities & Community Safety and the Cabinet Member for Finance & Resources the ability to, in exceptional circumstances, award up to 10% of the bid value when presented with robust evidence that the variance is caused by the movement in the construction market, or inflation increases, since the original bids were submitted. The contingency will be met from the existing overall Your Fund Surrey programme allocation (see paragraphs 23-25).   

     

    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)

     

     

     

179/22

RESPONDING TO THE RISING COST OF LIVING IN SURREY pdf icon PDF 412 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet note the emerging insights around the rising cost of living in Surrey, and the rapidly evolving national context.

     

    2.    That Cabinet note the potential severity of the evolving situation and the possible impact for local communities, staff and business continuity.

     

    3.    That Cabinet note the financial investment made to date and the council’s intention to continue to support residents, communities and partners through further financial investment where possible, whilst being mindful of the increasing financial pressures on the council.

     

    4.    That Cabinet endorse the developing response to the rising cost of living, both internally and with partners, and the planned mitigations to manage risks to resident welfare, staff wellbeing, and service capacity and continuity.

     

    5.    That Cabinet agree that the council will work with other councils and national organisations such as the LGA and the County Council’s Network to engage with Government on matters of importance relating to cost of living, including to further support provision targeted at vulnerable households to improve thermal insulation and reduce fuel poverty.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The rising cost of living has the potential to affect many of Surrey’s residents including, but not limited to, those already experiencing financial hardship. The council’s response to the situation has been designed to support residents and staff, whilst being mindful of the council’s own financial situation. 

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

     

     

    Minutes:

    The Leader explained that the report outlined work being done to support households facing financial hardship. There had been an increase in the number of people visiting the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice and visiting food banks for support. A number of initiatives were underway to support residents including the introduction of 11 dedicated Community Link Officers (CLOs) deployed across all of Surrey’s districts and boroughs. The CLOs were working hard in relation to helping communities with the current cost of living crisis and supporting the development of Warm Hubs across Surrey which was launched on the 3rd of November. The warm hubs would include a mix of libraries, leisure centres, faith sector and other community buildings. A welfare support line had been set up to provide communications, advice and guidance to residents. This was being supported by the customer services team at the council.

     

    The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety stated that she had visited the Merstham warm hub and commented that it was great seeing staff supporting residents. The Cabinet Member for Children and Families commented that she had seen an increase in residents asking for advice and support around the cost of living. From 12 December Staines library would be providing warm drinks for people. The Cabinet Member for Education and Learning explained that free school meal vouchers would be provided for children in Surrey across the Christmas period.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet note the emerging insights around the rising cost of living in Surrey, and the rapidly evolving national context.

     

    2.    That Cabinet note the potential severity of the evolving situation and the possible impact for local communities, staff and business continuity.

     

    3.    That Cabinet note the financial investment made to date and the council’s intention to continue to support residents, communities and partners through further financial investment where possible, whilst being mindful of the increasing financial pressures on the council.

     

    4.    That Cabinet endorse the developing response to the rising cost of living, both internally and with partners, and the planned mitigations to manage risks to resident welfare, staff wellbeing, and service capacity and continuity.

     

    5.    That Cabinet agree that the council will work with other councils and national organisations such as the LGA and the County Council’s Network to engage with Government on matters of importance relating to cost of living, including to further support provision targeted at vulnerable households to improve thermal insulation and reduce fuel poverty.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The rising cost of living has the potential to affect many of Surrey’s residents including, but not limited to, those already experiencing financial hardship. The council’s response to the situation has been designed to support residents and staff, whilst being mindful of the council’s own financial situation. 

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

     

180/22

SURREY HOMES FOR SURREY CHILDREN: A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO GROWING CAPACITY IN CHILDREN'S HOMES IN SURREY pdf icon PDF 450 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet endorse the long-term strategic ambition for SCC that every looked after child has a choice to remain in Surrey, where this is appropriate to their needs – as previously endorsed by the Surrey Corporate Parenting Board.

    2.    In support of the above ambition and delivery of SCC’s Looked After Children and Care Leaver Sufficiency Strategy 2020-25: 

    a.    That Cabinet endorse an overall plan to create up to 30 additional beds in Children’s Homes across a number of sites in Surrey (noting this may be revised by decision of the Executive Director for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families), with care to be delivered either directly by SCC in-house and/or in partnership with trusted external providers

    b.    That Cabinet approve the allocation of up to £18 million capital funding towards the creation of up to 24 of these beds in new Children’s Homes, reallocated from £30 million previously allocated for the delivery of 150 beds of Care Leaver Accommodation by Cabinet on 23 February 2021.

                          i.        That Cabinet approve the allocation of £3.5 million from this £18 million to provide a second children’s home in the Woking area (as detailed in this report). This will deliver not only a much-needed increase in local capacity, but also provide decant for residents of another SCC children’s home (SC040633), so that essential improvement works can be undertaken to secure the home’s long-term future for Surrey’s looked after children.

    c.     In addition, Cabinet approve allocation of up to £5 million from the overall £30 million for additional costs associated with five capital projects that are already in development in Surrey (as set out in the main body of the report).

    d.    That Cabinet note that a bid has been submitted to DfE for £839k funding to support a further Surrey children’s home which is in the early stages of development.

    e.    That Cabinet confirm that (in line with the recommendation previously agreed by Cabinet on 23 February 2021) the Executive Director – Children, Young People and Families is given delegated authority to approve individual schemes within overall budget constraints in consultation with:

    ·         Cabinet Member for Children and Families 

    ·         Cabinet Member for Education and Learning 

    ·         Deputy Chief Executive

    ·         Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources 

     

    In addition, all specific proposals will be reviewed by Corporate Programme Panel.

     

     

     

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    SCC, as corporate parent, is committed to enabling the best possible outcomes for Surrey’s looked after children, within the resources it has available. Alongside this moral imperative, we also have a clear statutory duty to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that there is sufficient accommodation for looked after children that meets their needs and is within their local authority (LA) area (Children Act 1989, Section 22G). Whilst SCC is already taking concrete steps to deliver this duty and enable positive outcomes, these proposals are an important part of how we plan to take forward the delivery of our  ...  view the full decision text for item 180/22

    Minutes:

    The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children and Families who explained that Cabinet was being asked to endorse a long-term strategic aim for the

    Council, that every looked after child has a choice to remain in Surrey, where this is appropriate to their needs. As part of the proposals £18m capital funding would be used to grow the capacity of children’s homes in Surrey, enabling more looked after children to live closer to the communities they are from.This directly supports the priorities and ambitions set out in the Council’s Looked After Children and Care Leaver Sufficiency Strategy 2020- 2025, including creating Surrey homes for Surrey children. It was explained that £3.5m from capital funding would be used to provide a second children’s home in the Woking area and the council had been successful in its bid to secure match funding from the Department of Education to support the development of a children's home in Surrey. The Deputy Cabinet Member for

    Children and Families commented that Surrey had significantly few children homes compared to comparator local authorities.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet endorse the long-term strategic ambition for SCC that every looked after child has a choice to remain in Surrey, where this is appropriate to their needs – as previously endorsed by the Surrey Corporate Parenting Board.

    2.    In support of the above ambition and delivery of SCC’s Looked After Children and Care Leaver Sufficiency Strategy 2020-25: 

    a.    That Cabinet endorse an overall plan to create up to 30 additional beds in Children’s Homes across a number of sites in Surrey (noting this may be revised by decision of the Executive Director for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families), with care to be delivered either directly by SCC in-house and/or in partnership with trusted external providers

    b.    That Cabinet approve the allocation of up to £18 million capital funding towards the creation of up to 24 of these beds in new Children’s Homes, reallocated from £30 million previously allocated for the delivery of 150 beds of Care Leaver Accommodation by Cabinet on 23 February 2021.

                          i.        That Cabinet approve the allocation of £3.5 million from this £18 million to provide a second children’s home in the Woking area (as detailed in this report). This will deliver not only a much-needed increase in local capacity, but also provide decant for residents of another SCC children’s home (SC040633), so that essential improvement works can be undertaken to secure the home’s long-term future for Surrey’s looked after children.

    c.     In addition, Cabinet approve allocation of up to £5 million from the overall £30 million for additional costs associated with five capital projects that are already in development in Surrey (as set out in the main body of the report).

    d.    That Cabinet note that a bid has been submitted to DfE for £839k funding to support a further Surrey children’s home which is in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 180/22

181/22

COORDINATED ADMISSIONS SCHEME FOR SEPTEMBER 2024 pdf icon PDF 229 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That Cabinet recommends that the County Council approve that the coordinated admissions scheme that will apply to all schools for 2024.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    ·         The coordinated admissions scheme for 2024 is essentially the same as 2023 with dates updated

    ·         The coordinated admissions scheme will enable the County Council to meet its statutory duties regarding school admissions

    ·         The coordinated admissions scheme is working well

    ·         The Local Authority has a statutory duty to publish its coordinated admissions scheme for 2024 by 1 January 2023

    ·         The proposed scheme meets the statutory requirements of the School Admissions (Admission Arrangements and Coordination of Admission Arrangements) (England) Regulations 2012 and the School Admissions Code

     

    (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 each year the council was responsible for approving the forthcoming coordinated admission scheme for 2024. The scheme was identical to the scheme published last year. Surrey County Council was responsible for processing approximately 30,000 applications for a school place from Surrey residents and coordinated offers for over 350 schools.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    That Cabinet recommends that the County Council approve that the coordinated admissions scheme that will apply to all schools for 2024.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    ·         The coordinated admissions scheme for 2024 is essentially the same as 2023 with dates updated

    ·         The coordinated admissions scheme will enable the County Council to meet its statutory duties regarding school admissions

    ·         The coordinated admissions scheme is working well

    ·         The Local Authority has a statutory duty to publish its coordinated admissions scheme for 2024 by 1 January 2023

    ·         The proposed scheme meets the statutory requirements of the School Admissions (Admission Arrangements and Coordination of Admission Arrangements) (England) Regulations 2012 and the School Admissions Code

     

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

     

     

182/22

SURREY SCHOOLS & EARLY YEARS FUNDING 2023-24 pdf icon PDF 1 MB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.     Cabinet Agree that the Council implement the Department for Education’s (DfE) recommended Minimum Per Pupil Level in full;

    2.     Cabinet Agree that the Schools Forum’s formula recommendations for schools and early years funding as set out in Annex 3, be approved; and the decisions in Annex 4 implemented

    3.     Cabinet Agree that the transfer of 1.0% (estimated at £7.8m) from the Schools’ block DSG to the High Needs DSG (subject to approval by Secretary of State).

     

    4.     Cabinet agree that authority is delegated to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Executive Director of Children, Families and Lifelong Learning and the Cabinet Member for Education and Learning to:

     

    a.    approve amendments to the funding rates in the schools and early years formulae as appropriate following receipt of the DSG settlement and DfE pupil data in December 2022. This is to ensure that total allocations to schools under this formula remain affordable within the council’s DSG settlement.

     

    b.    determine the use of the former “combined services” funding, estimated at £445,000 for 2023/24, following consultation with Schools Forum where appropriate.

     

    c.     approve changes to funding arrangements for pupils with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) placed in mainstream schools. Work is underway to design a new framework to be implemented for the academic year 2023/2024, subject to consultation.  

     

    d.    agree 2022/23 one-off exceptional funding allocations for Special Schools

    Reasons for Decisions:

    To comply with DfE regulations requiring formal council approval of the local funding formula for Surrey’s early years settings, primary and secondary schools.

    (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 funding of all Surrey schools (including academies) and the free entitlement to early years nursery provision is provided from the council’s allocation of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG). The report set out the recommended funding formula for Surrey mainstream schools in 2023/24 and also proposes the principles to be adopted in the funding of early years in 2023/24. Schools were funded on a per pupil basis and the council set its own local formula on how much grant funding each school should receive within the government set framework. Each year the council held a formal annual consultation with all Surrey maintained schools about the formula, this was then considered and then agreed by the Surrey Schools Forum. The report provided detail on how this formula had been reached and would be considered by the Surrey Schools Forum the following week.

     

    A Member queried how rural schools would be supported. The Cabinet Member stated that schools were managed by governing bodies and not the council. Rural schools had fewer pupils and therefore received less funding. The council worked very closely with these schools and had a sustainability strategy in place to support these schools. It was explained that the vast majority of Surrey schools were on annual fixed contracts for energy supplies through the Crown Commercial Services.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.     Cabinet Agree that the Council implement the Department for Education’s (DfE) recommended Minimum Per Pupil Level in full;

    2.     Cabinet Agree that the Schools Forum’s formula recommendations for schools and early years funding as set out in Annex 3, be approved; and the decisions in Annex 4 implemented

    3.     Cabinet Agree that the transfer of 1.0% (estimated at £7.8m) from the Schools’ block DSG to the High Needs DSG (subject to approval by Secretary of State).

    4.     Cabinet agree that authority is delegated to the Director of Education and Lifelong Learning in consultation with the Executive Director of Children, Families and Lifelong Learning and the Cabinet Member for Education and Learning to:

    a.    approve amendments to the funding rates in the schools and early years formulae as appropriate following receipt of the DSG settlement and DfE pupil data in December 2022. This is to ensure that total allocations to schools under this formula remain affordable within the council’s DSG settlement.

    b.    determine the use of the former “combined services” funding, estimated at £445,000 for 2023/24, following consultation with Schools Forum where appropriate.

    c.     approve changes to funding arrangements for pupils with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) placed in mainstream schools. Work is underway to design a new framework to be implemented for the academic year 2023/2024, subject to consultation.  

    d.    agree 2022/23 one-off exceptional funding allocations for Special Schools

    Reasons for Decisions:

    To comply with DfE regulations requiring formal council approval of the local funding formula for Surrey’s early years settings, primary and secondary schools.

    (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 182/22

183/22

ADULT SOCIAL CARE STRATEGY FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISABILITY AND SENSORY IMPAIRMENT 2022 - 2027 pdf icon PDF 399 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet endorse the new strategy for people with physical disability and/or sensory impairment.

     

    2.    That Cabinet agrees to establishing a Disability Partnership Board which will be co-led by people with lived experience of physical disabilities and sensory impairments and will oversee the development of the different work streams needed to achieve the strategy and strategy action plan.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The recommendations have been made to ensure that together with our system partners we improve outcomes, services, and support for people in Surrey with a wide range of physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments.

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

    Minutes:

    The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Adults and Health who explained that the new strategy would help support a shared understanding of the needs and the barriers that residents with a physical disability and a sensory impairment share. The strategy would focus the action of all the partners across the Surrey system who will need to work together to make the changes we need to see. A Disability Partnership Board which will be co-led by people with lived experience of physical disabilities and sensory impairments would be set up and will involve and consult local communities, the NHS and district and borough councils. The strategy would ensure nobody being left behind, an ambition of the council. The Cabinet Member thanked officers for producing the strategy and working tirelessly to support service users. The Cabinet Member for Children and Families thanked staff for producing the strategy and consulting various partners in its production. The Leader commented that he was pleased to see that people with lived experience would be involved with the Disability Partnership Board.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet endorse the new strategy for people with physical disability and/or sensory impairment.

     

    2.    That Cabinet agrees to establishing a Disability Partnership Board which will be co-led by people with lived experience of physical disabilities and sensory impairments and will oversee the development of the different work streams needed to achieve the strategy and strategy action plan.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The recommendations have been made to ensure that together with our system partners we improve outcomes, services, and support for people in Surrey with a wide range of physical disabilities and/or sensory impairments.

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

184/22

PROGRESS REPORT OF THE GREENER FUTURES CLIMATE CHANGE DELIVERY PLAN pdf icon PDF 405 KB

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    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet note the progress and findings of the Greener Futures Climate Change Delivery Plan Progress Reports (Annex 1 and 2).

    2.    That Cabinet agree the suggested programme amendments which lie within the scope of the current Greener Futures Climate Change Delivery Plan 2021-2025 and have been developed with the Greener Futures Member Reference Group and other partners.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    There has been some good progress and some notable partnership successes, especially in collaboration with districts and boroughs, in the first year of The Plan which should be noted. However, there are also some significant challenges to current and future delivery, which, while the current Plan is still sound, do require some amendments to how Surrey County Council and partners deliver over the remaining years to 2025/26, and these are set out in paragraph 12.

     

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

     

     

     

     

     

    Minutes:

    The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Environment who provided an update on the Surrey Greener Futures Climate Change Delivery Plan which was agreed by Cabinet last year. The update included an update on progress towards the 2050 net zero county emissions target, successes achieved, challenges faced and changes in approach for the next year of implementation. Talking about some positives that had been achieved, the Cabinet Member explained that the council had reduced its carbon footprint by 17%, £13m had gone into active travel, 5.6MW of solar panels had been installed on domestic roof tops across the county in just

    over one year, £1.2m in grants had been handed out to Surrey businesses to help them go green and electric charge points were being rolled out across the county. Referring to areas that required improvement, the Cabinet Member stated that there had been a slow down in the decarbonising of homes. The uptake of electric cars had been slow and in 2021 the uptake had only been at 2%. The Cabinet Member explained that a high profile NGO and Uswitch had recognised the good work the council had undertaken to tackle climate change.

     

    The Deputy Cabinet Member stated that more work needed to be done to connect up the cycling network in Surrey and that he had visited Cambridge where the cycling infrastructure was exemplary. The council would aspire to improve its cycling network and details about possible improvements would be fed back to the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet note the progress and findings of the Greener Futures Climate Change Delivery Plan Progress Reports (Annex 1 and 2).

    2.    That Cabinet agree the suggested programme amendments which lie within the scope of the current Greener Futures Climate Change Delivery Plan 2021-2025 and have been developed with the Greener Futures Member Reference Group and other partners.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    There has been some good progress and some notable partnership successes, especially in collaboration with districts and boroughs, in the first year of The Plan which should be noted. However, there are also some significant challenges to current and future delivery, which, while the current Plan is still sound, do require some amendments to how Surrey County Council and partners deliver over the remaining years to 2025/26, and these are set out in paragraph 12.

     

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

     

     

     

     

     

185/22

TRAFFIC REGULATION ORDER POLICY pdf icon PDF 642 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.        That Cabinet agree to remove the SCC Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Policy for byways open to all traffic (BOATs) on Public Rights of Way.

    2.        That Cabinet agree the new policy which sets out how the Council will manage BOATs in the future including the use of TROs.

    Reasons for Decisions:

    Surrey County Councils current Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Policy for Byways Open to All Traffic (“BOATs”) on Public Rights of Way is under review. The current policy does not make reference to all the grounds on which a TRO can be made. Therefore, the current policy is being removed and a new policy has been drafted for agreement by Cabinet.

    (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 Environment who explained that the report asked for Cabinet to remove Surrey County Councils Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Policy for Byways Open to All Traffic (BOATs) on

    Public Rights of Way and approve a new BOATs policy which sets out how the Council will manage BOATs in the future including the use of TROs. The Cabinet Member added that the council did not encourage the use of BOATs by Mechanically Propelled Vehicles (MPVs), but it recognises that it has a statutory duty under S.130 Highways Act to assert and protect the rights of all public users of rights of way including MPVs. The policy had been shared with the Select Committee and partners.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.        That Cabinet agree to remove the SCC Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Policy for byways open to all traffic (BOATs) on Public Rights of Way.

    2.        That Cabinet agree the new policy which sets out how the Council will manage BOATs in the future including the use of TROs.

    Reasons for Decisions:

    Surrey County Councils current Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) Policy for Byways Open to All Traffic (“BOATs”) on Public Rights of Way is under review. The current policy does not make reference to all the grounds on which a TRO can be made. Therefore, the current policy is being removed and a new policy has been drafted for agreement by Cabinet.

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

     

     

186/22

SURREY INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN - PHASE 3 SCHEMES pdf icon PDF 645 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet agree the implementation of the Surrey Infrastructure Plan Phase 3 projects identified in the report and set out in Appendix 1, within the approved budget envelope, subject to the final business case for each scheme being approved by the Capital Programme Panel.

     

    2.    That Cabinet agree to delegate the development and delivery of the schemes to the Executive Director of Environment, Transport & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure & Growth.

     

    3.    That Cabinet agree that the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure & Growth will determine the prioritisation of SCC bids to District and Borough Councils for the Community Infrastructure Levy and any successor levies.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The recommendations will enable the continued development and delivery of infrastructure schemes that meet a wide range of outcomes and demonstrate deliverability and affordability. They enable the implementation of the third phase of schemes and the development of a continuous pipeline of projects that require further feasibility work. The process is intended to remain dynamic with new schemes added to the long list as they are identified. A continuous programme of schemes will be developed taking them from concept through to delivery identifying suitable funding opportunities as they progress.

    The recommendation for the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure & Growth to lead on corporate and strategic prioritisation of SCC bids to the Community Infrastructure (CIL) Levy will ensure a co-ordinated response to the County Council’s CIL bidding process.

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

     

     

    Minutes:

    The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth who stated that investment in infrastructure was essential for sustainable economic growth and to cater for the needs of Surrey’s businesses and communities. The Surrey Infrastructure Plan Prioritisation Framework had been approved by Cabinet in February 2021. The plan allowed for a more flexible approach whereby all projects wereassessed on how they meet a range of outcomes and align to new and emergingfunding opportunities as they arise. The plan introduced a continuous cycle ofschemes as they move from concept to implementation stages. The report recommended the approval of a further phase of schemes to be implemented (Phase 3 projects), identifies additional schemes requiring further development and provides a brief update on the status in the earlier phases which were approved by Cabinet in October 2021 and May 2022. The Cabinet Member briefly summarised the Phase 3 projects.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Cabinet agree the implementation of the Surrey Infrastructure Plan Phase 3 projects identified in the report and set out in Appendix 1, within the approved budget envelope, subject to the final business case for each scheme being approved by the Capital Programme Panel.

     

    2.    That Cabinet agree to delegate the development and delivery of the schemes to the Executive Director of Environment, Transport & Infrastructure, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure & Growth.

     

    3.    That Cabinet agree that the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure & Growth will determine the prioritisation of SCC bids to District and Borough Councils for the Community Infrastructure Levy and any successor levies.

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    The recommendations will enable the continued development and delivery of infrastructure schemes that meet a wide range of outcomes and demonstrate deliverability and affordability. They enable the implementation of the third phase of schemes and the development of a continuous pipeline of projects that require further feasibility work. The process is intended to remain dynamic with new schemes added to the long list as they are identified. A continuous programme of schemes will be developed taking them from concept through to delivery identifying suitable funding opportunities as they progress.

    The recommendation for the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure & Growth to lead on corporate and strategic prioritisation of SCC bids to the Community Infrastructure (CIL) Levy will ensure a co-ordinated response to the County Council’s CIL bidding process.

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

     

     

187/22

SURREY PUBLIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGEPOINT ROLL OUT PLAN pdf icon PDF 421 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1. That Cabinet agree the appointment of the preferred supplier following a competitive tender process as named in Part 2 of this report.

     

    1. That Cabinet agree to approve the allocation of £2m from the capital pipeline to develop and establish ongoing service provision of public EV chargepoints for financial years 23/24 and 24/25, subject to approval of a detailed business case by the Capital Programme Panel.

     

    1. That Cabinet agree to delegate the approval of the initial Network Location Plan for chargepoint installations to the Executive Director of Environment, Transport & Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure & Growth and feedback from the Member Reference Group.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    Following the report to Cabinet in January 2022, a Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee EV Reference Group was formed to note and review progress on the options for procurement of public chargepoint infrastructure in Surrey.  Following a review by the EV Reference Group of the essential contract principles, the Group endorsed the proposed model of a single supplier.

    A procurement process was then conducted via a mini-competition under the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Framework RM6213, ‘Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Dynamic Purchasing System Agreement’ (the DPS) for the Supply, Installation Operating and Maintenance of the EV Charging Points.

    The outcome of the evaluation process has identified a successful single supplier who is   recommended for award.

    The Contract has been written in a way that obligates the successful supplier to put up the capital investment; however, to support the achievement of geographic and social equity in the provision of this infrastructure across Surrey, and also to initiate and accelerate this programme, £2m is requested from the capital pipeline, to support project set up and subsidise selected chargepoint installations.  Officers will seek to reduce the sum required from the Council through external funding by continuing to apply for Government and other funding opportunities. 

    Finally, the development of a network plan for identifying and prioritising installations will be a key first objective of the new contract which will require a formal decision, hence the recommended delegation of authority for agreeing this plan. 

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

     

     

     

    Minutes:

    The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth who stated that in January 2022 Cabinet agreed that Surrey County Council undertake a procurement exercise with the aim of appointing a single supplier to work in partnership with the Council and its delivery partners to deliver public Electric Vehicle (EV) chargepoints at a large scale across the county of Surrey. The report put forward a recommendation to contract with the supplier most advantageous to SCC. The demand for EV chargepoints was increasing after the government’s announcement to accelerate the ban of sales of petrol and diesel-powered cars and vans from 2030 and hybrids by 2035. There remained a real gap in the market between the demand for EV vehicles and the availability of chargepoints. Surrey County Council as the highway authority was in a unique position to facilitate on-street EV chargepoints.47 companies had been identified and were invited to participate in the mini competition, of which 5 companies submitted bid responses. 1600 location suggestions were received for electric chargepoints and the first 6 months of the contract would focus on developing and agreeing a prioritised installation plan through partnership working between the Council, all delivery partners and the successful contractor.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1. That Cabinet agree the appointment of the preferred supplier following a competitive tender process as named in Part 2 of this report.

     

    1. That Cabinet agree to approve the allocation of £2m from the capital pipeline to develop and establish ongoing service provision of public EV chargepoints for financial years 23/24 and 24/25, subject to approval of a detailed business case by the Capital Programme Panel.

     

    1. That Cabinet agree to delegate the approval of the initial Network Location Plan for chargepoint installations to the Executive Director of Environment, Transport & Infrastructure in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure & Growth and feedback from the Member Reference Group.

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    Following the report to Cabinet in January 2022, a Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee EV Reference Group was formed to note and review progress on the options for procurement of public chargepoint infrastructure in Surrey.  Following a review by the EV Reference Group of the essential contract principles, the Group endorsed the proposed model of a single supplier.

    A procurement process was then conducted via a mini-competition under the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Framework RM6213, ‘Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Dynamic Purchasing System Agreement’ (the DPS) for the Supply, Installation Operating and Maintenance of the EV Charging Points.

    The outcome of the evaluation process has identified a successful single supplier who is   recommended for award.

    The Contract has been written in a way that obligates the successful supplier to put up the capital investment; however, to support the achievement of geographic and social equity in the provision of this infrastructure across Surrey, and also to initiate and accelerate this programme, £2m is requested from the capital pipeline, to support project set up and subsidise selected chargepoint installations.  Officers will seek to reduce the sum required from  ...  view the full minutes text for item 187/22

188/22

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.

     

189/22

SURREY PUBLIC ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGEPOINT ROLL OUT PLAN

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    See Exempt Minute [E-29-22]

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    Following the report to Cabinet in January 2022, a Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee EV Reference Group was formed to note and review progress on the options for procurement of public chargepoint infrastructure in Surrey.  Following a review by the EV Reference Group of the essential contract principles, the Group endorsed the proposed model of a single supplier.

    A procurement process was then conducted via a mini-competition under the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Framework RM6213, ‘Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Dynamic Purchasing System Agreement’ (the DPS) for the Supply, Installation Operating and Maintenance of the EV Charging Points.

    The outcome of the evaluation process has identified a successful single supplier who is   recommended for award.

    The Contract has been written in a way that obligates the successful supplier to put up the capital investment; however, to support the achievement of geographic and social equity in the provision of this infrastructure across Surrey, and also to initiate and accelerate this programme, £2m is requested from the capital pipeline, to support project set up and subsidise selected chargepoint installations.  Officers will seek to reduce the sum required from the Council through external funding by continuing to apply for Government and other funding opportunities. 

    Finally, the development of a network plan for identifying and prioritising installations will be a key first objective of the new contract which will require a formal decision, hence the recommended delegation of authority for agreeing this plan. 

    (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 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 Exempt Minute [E-29-22]

     

    Reasons for Decisions:

     

    Following the report to Cabinet in January 2022, a Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee EV Reference Group was formed to note and review progress on the options for procurement of public chargepoint infrastructure in Surrey.  Following a review by the EV Reference Group of the essential contract principles, the Group endorsed the proposed model of a single supplier.

    A procurement process was then conducted via a mini-competition under the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) Framework RM6213, ‘Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Dynamic Purchasing System Agreement’ (the DPS) for the Supply, Installation Operating and Maintenance of the EV Charging Points.

    The outcome of the evaluation process has identified a successful single supplier who is   recommended for award.

    The Contract has been written in a way that obligates the successful supplier to put up the capital investment; however, to support the achievement of geographic and social equity in the provision of this infrastructure across Surrey, and also to initiate and accelerate this programme, £2m is requested from the capital pipeline, to support project set up and subsidise selected chargepoint installations.  Officers will seek to reduce the sum required from the Council through external funding by continuing to apply for Government and other funding opportunities. 

    Finally, the development of a network plan for identifying and prioritising installations will be a key first objective of the new contract which will require a formal decision, hence the recommended delegation of authority for agreeing this plan. 

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

     

190/22

PUBLICITY FOR PART 2 ITEMS

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    Minutes:

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