Agenda, decisions and draft minutes
PDF 235 KBVenue: Council Chamber, Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, Surrey ,RH2 8EF
Contact: Huma Younis or Sarah Quinn Email: huma.younis@surreycc.gov.uk
Media
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Apologies for Absence
Additional documents: Minutes: Apologies were received from Paul Deach. |
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Minutes of Previous Meeting: 23 April 2024
Additional documents: Decision: These were agreed as a correct record of the meeting. Minutes: These were agreed as a correct record of the meeting. |
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Declarations of Interest
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none. |
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Procedural Matters
Additional documents: |
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Additional documents: Minutes: There were ten member questions. A response from Cabinet was published in a supplement to the agenda. The Leader explained that no supplementary questions would be taken due to the pre-election period and legal advice that had been received. Members with a supplementary question were asked to email Cabinet Member’s directly.
The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth updated the response to Member question 8, bullet point 2, explaining that the £15k from corporate funding for training had now been received. |
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Public Questions
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none. |
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Petitions
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none. |
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Representations received on reports to be considered in private
Additional documents: Minutes: There were none. |
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Decisions Taken Since the Last Cabinet Meeting
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
That the decisions taken since the last Cabinet meeting be noted.
Minutes: Ten decisions had been taken since the last Cabinet meeting.
RESOLVED:
That the decisions taken since the last Cabinet meeting be noted.
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DELIVERING FOR SURREY THROUGH STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet note the convening and facilitating role Surrey County Council has played in developing co-ordinated, and aligned Surrey-wide, collaborative leadership to deliver the Community Vision for Surrey 2030.
2. That Cabinet note the implications for strategic partnerships of the devolution of certain Government functions to the County Council through the County Deal framework, in particular in relation to the economy, skills and the environment.
3. That Cabinet approve the proposed changes to the strategic partnerships’ governance arrangements set out and the ongoing role of the County Council in them. Reasons for Decisions:
In light of recent changes in national policies, including the devolution of functions and responsibilities to the County Council, it is proposed that a number of refinements are made to the county-wide strategic partnership boards. This report sets out those proposed changes and invites Cabinet to endorse them, in order that the boards can continue to play a key role in overseeing progress towards delivering the Community Vision for Surrey 2030 and ensuring the alignment of partners’ strategic priorities, decisions and resources. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
Minutes: The item was introduced by the Leader who explained that the report set out an overview of the strategic partnerships across Surrey and their governance, which drives, aligns and enables the delivery of the ambitions for people and place in Surrey, as set out in the Community Vision for Surrey 2030. A number of strategic partnership had been established to enable joint discussions, alignment of priorities, collaboration and partnership working in order to deliver against the ambitions set out in the 2030 Community Vision and Organisation Strategy. To date good progress had been made around partnership working with clearer clarity around roles and responsibilities to drive improvements for residents and help achieve the four priorities in the 2030 Community Vision. The Leader gave examples of where strategic partnerships had been developed and set up to deliver the Community Vision including securing a county deal and the formation of the Integrated Care System.
The Leader stated that he hoped to build on the devolution deal for Surrey with the next government. There was currently a review of the Health and Wellbeing Board, Integrated Care Board and Integrated Care Partnership with the aim of bringing the boards closer together and therefore bringing together the work of the Council and NHS partners.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet note the convening and facilitating role Surrey County Council has played in developing co-ordinated, and aligned Surrey-wide, collaborative leadership to deliver the Community Vision for Surrey 2030.
2. That Cabinet note the implications for strategic partnerships of the devolution of certain Government functions to the County Council through the County Deal framework, in particular in relation to the economy, skills and the environment.
3. That Cabinet approve the proposed changes to the strategic partnerships’ governance arrangements set out and the ongoing role of the County Council in them. Reasons for Decisions:
In light of recent changes in national policies, including the devolution of functions and responsibilities to the County Council, it is proposed that a number of refinements are made to the county-wide strategic partnership boards. This report sets out those proposed changes and invites Cabinet to endorse them, in order that the boards can continue to play a key role in overseeing progress towards delivering the Community Vision for Surrey 2030 and ensuring the alignment of partners’ strategic priorities, decisions and resources. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
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SURREY COUNTY COUNCIL'S PRODUCTIVITY PLAN
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
A requirement from Government for developing Productivity Plans is that there is Member oversight. These recommendations enable this to be achieved while also ensuring that the Council can meet the Government’s deadline of 19 July 2024. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
Minutes: The Leader explained that the Final Local Government Finance Settlement 2024/25 included a requirement for all local authorities to produce Productivity Plans to help Government to understand what local authorities are doing to maximise their productivity and efficiency, and any barriers that preclude councils from achieving this. The Plan is due to be submitted to the Government by 19 July 2024. Each Productivity Plan is expected to provide information against four themes. The Council’s Plan was attached at Annex 2 and the Leader briefly described the response in each section. One of the questions asked as part of the Productivity Plan was what barriers were preventing progress that the Government can help to reduce or remove. The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Customer and Communities commented that it was useful to see in the Plan the ways the government could support the council with breaking down barriers and supporting progress but it was clear to see that there were many barriers. The Leader explained that the CCN had launches a manifesto for counties ahead of the general election which set out detailed proposals for political parties to adopt in the lead up to July 4.
RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
A requirement from Government for developing Productivity Plans is that there is Member oversight. These recommendations enable this to be achieved while also ensuring that the Council can meet the Government’s deadline of 19 July 2024. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
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APPROVAL TO PROCEED: MADE SMARTER ADOPTION PROGRAMME
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes the benefits and opportunities that this business support programme will bring to Surrey-based businesses and the manufacturing sector across the South East region.
2. That Cabinet approves the Council taking on the Accountable Body role for this regional programme, should the Council be successful in its bid to the Department for Business and Trade.
3. That Cabinet endorses the proposed approach to partnership working, collaboration, and co-design with other regional partners.
4. That Cabinet gives ‘Approval to Procure’ for the commissioning of the Made Smarter Programme up to the value of £1.3m for financial year 2025-26, should the Council be successful in its bid to the Department for Business and Trade.
5. That Cabinet approves the delegation of the appropriate procurement route to market and any contract award decisions to the Executive Director with responsibility for Economic Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth.
Reasons for Decisions:
In order to roll out the programme to the South East region, the Department for Business and Trade requires a local authority to take on the role of Accountable Body. The Council’s proposal would secure the roll-out from April 2025 and ensure Surrey-based manufacturing SMEs can access the scheme. This also presents a key opportunity for the Council to demonstrate a leadership role within the region and will help establish and nurture an important strategic partnership with DBT for future opportunities. (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 Highways, Transport and Economic Growth who explained that the Made Smarter Adoption business support programme overseen by the Department for Business and Trade supported manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the provision of impartial advice and guidance from digital technology specialists, leadership development programmes, and match-funded grants up to £20K for the adoption of new technologies. Surrey County Council was seeking to serve as the accountable body for the South East region. Taking this leading role for the Made Smarter Adoption programme would help Surrey County Council meet the Growing a Sustainable Economy priority objective, supporting local innovation and improvements in productivity and growth for manufacturing SMEs. The county was home to approximately 20% of the South East region’s 18,000 manufacturing businesses. This was a regional programme and the Council’s leadership role in the scheme would serve to facilitate and coordinate delivery across the whole of the South East region.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes the benefits and opportunities that this business support programme will bring to Surrey-based businesses and the manufacturing sector across the South East region.
2. That Cabinet approves the Council taking on the Accountable Body role for this regional programme, should the Council be successful in its bid to the Department for Business and Trade.
3. That Cabinet endorses the proposed approach to partnership working, collaboration, and co-design with other regional partners.
4. That Cabinet gives ‘Approval to Procure’ for the commissioning of the Made Smarter Programme up to the value of £1.3m for financial year 2025-26, should the Council be successful in its bid to the Department for Business and Trade.
5. That Cabinet approves the delegation of the appropriate procurement route to market and any contract award decisions to the Executive Director with responsibility for Economic Growth in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth.
Reasons for Decisions:
In order to roll out the programme to the South East region, the Department for Business and Trade requires a local authority to take on the role of Accountable Body. The Council’s proposal would secure the roll-out from April 2025 and ensure Surrey-based manufacturing SMEs can access the scheme. This also presents a key opportunity for the Council to demonstrate a leadership role within the region and will help establish and nurture an important strategic partnership with DBT for future opportunities. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
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APPROVAL TO PROCEED: UNIVERSAL SUPPORT
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
The Council has the opportunity to secure £3.1m in DWP grant funding for US. The programme activity will be funded through this DWP grant which will enable the Council to support up to 900 adults with long term conditions or disabilities into employment in Surrey. If a commissioning route is chosen, this procurement will recognise the role of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Surrey who have the potential to be the key delivery partners in specialist areas. (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 Highways, Transport and Economic Growth who explained that the council had been awarded funding from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to deliver a new employment support programme, UniversalSupport (US). US will provide employment support to adults with long term conditions or disabilities and more complex barriers to work, to help them access and maintain work in the longer term. This in turn will directly contribute to the nurturing talent agenda, supporting businesses with employment, up-skilling and staff retention challenges. The Council will be the Accountable Body for the DWP grant of £3.1m which would roll out US across Surrey and support 900 individuals with skills development and employment. The Council was still in negotiations with DWP regarding exact timelines, but it is expected that the programme will run from late autumn 2024, although a spring 2025 start is also possible. It was queried if the grant funding could be used to support preventative work. The Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth explained that the funding could be used in a multitude of ways to provide employer or individual support.
RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
The Council has the opportunity to secure £3.1m in DWP grant funding for US. The programme activity will be funded through this DWP grant which will enable the Council to support up to 900 adults with long term conditions or disabilities into employment in Surrey. If a commissioning route is chosen, this procurement will recognise the role of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in Surrey who have the potential to be the key delivery partners in specialist areas. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee)
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Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
An annual youth justice plan is a statutory requirement for local authorities. This plan has been prepared following national guidance from the Youth Justice Board. Annual youth justice plans are an opportunity to review performance and developments over the last twelve months and plan for the next year. This allows services to be able to respond to any changes that have taken place in the previous year, including new legislation, demographic changes, delivery of key performance indicators, and developments in service delivery. The planning and production of a youth justice plan is beneficial to partnership working and service delivery to ensure the best outcomes for children. The overarching vision for Surrey County Council’s Children, Families and Lifelong Learning directorate is ‘to support families and enable children and young people to be and feel safe, healthy and make good choices about their wellbeing’. We aim to ensure that Surrey's children and families have access to a range of services that tackle inequalities, support independence and enhance lives. This ethos is the foundation for the youth justice plan, which also supports the Council’s ‘No One Left Behind’ commitment to Surrey residents, the wider ‘The Surrey Way’ objectives, and the Council’s strategy for children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health.
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee) Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning introduced the 2024/25 Youth Justice Plan for Cabinet’s approval and asked Cabinet to recommend to Council for approval. It was explained that Local authorities had a statutory duty to submit an annual youth justice plan relating to their provision of youth justice services. The Deputy Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning drew out some highlights from the plan explaining that in the last 4 years there had been a reduction in children becoming first time entrants into the criminal justice system across Surrey. This was partly due to successful pre-court interventions by deferred prosecution. Re- offending rates remained lower than statistical neighbours and national averages and timeliness of matters being dealt with through the criminal justice system, from offence to outcome, had been improving in relation to children for three consecutive years. The National Youth Justice Board Oversight Framework advised the council that the service had been moved into the top tier of the new performance grading system. The Leader commended the work of the Youth Justice service and the excellent work undertaken.
RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
An annual youth justice plan is a statutory requirement for local authorities. This plan has been prepared following national guidance from the Youth Justice Board. Annual youth justice plans are an opportunity to review performance and developments over the last twelve months and plan for the next year. This allows services to be able to respond to any changes that have taken place in the previous year, including new legislation, demographic changes, delivery of key performance indicators, and developments in service delivery. The planning and production of a youth justice plan is beneficial to partnership working and service delivery to ensure the best outcomes for children. The overarching vision for Surrey County Council’s Children, Families and Lifelong Learning directorate is ‘to support families and enable children and young people to be and feel safe, healthy and make good choices about their wellbeing’. We aim to ensure that Surrey's children and families have access to a range of services that tackle inequalities, support independence and enhance lives. This ethos is the foundation for the youth justice plan, which also supports the Council’s ‘No One Left Behind’ commitment to Surrey residents, the wider ‘The Surrey Way’ objectives, and the Council’s strategy for children and young people’s emotional wellbeing and mental health.
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee) |
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SCHOOL ORGANISATION PLAN 2024
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet endorses the School Organisation Plan 2024 which will meet our statutory duties to ensure that there are sufficient high-quality places for pupils in Surrey and refers it to Council to approve its publication. Reasons for Decisions:
The School Organisation Plan is a key document used by schools and education stakeholders in considering medium- and long-term plans. Sufficiency of high-quality school places is a key statutory duty and underpins a great education for all and therefore, it is necessary to review the plan to ensure that the best and most up to date information is published for use in this process. This will encourage collaborative and collegiate planning and will provide greater transparency and understanding to local communities. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning introduced the report explaining that Cabinet was being asked to consider the Surrey School Organisation Plan covering the academic years from September 2024-2034 and recommend it to Council for publication. Sufficiency of high-quality school places is a key statutory duty and underpins a great education for all, supporting Surrey County Council’s guiding mission that no one is left behind. The School Organisation Plan highlights the likely demand for school places projected over a 10 year period and provides context as to how the educational landscape has changed and it's likely to change in the future. The Council had created over 10,000 additional places over the last five years in both in mainstream and specialist provision.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet endorses the School Organisation Plan 2024 which will meet our statutory duties to ensure that there are sufficient high-quality places for pupils in Surrey and refers it to Council to approve its publication. Reasons for Decisions:
The School Organisation Plan is a key document used by schools and education stakeholders in considering medium- and long-term plans. Sufficiency of high-quality school places is a key statutory duty and underpins a great education for all and therefore, it is necessary to review the plan to ensure that the best and most up to date information is published for use in this process. This will encourage collaborative and collegiate planning and will provide greater transparency and understanding to local communities. (The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)
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WINSTON CHURCHILL SCHOOL- REPLACEMENT CLASSROOMS
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
The recommendations in this report:
· Empower a foundation secondary school with a successful record of capital project delivery to self-deliver the scheme with the Councils full support.
· Protect and enhance the environment by removing the condemned modular buildings which are situated on the site boundary amongst mature oak trees.
(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 Property, Waste and Infrastructure who explained that Cabinet was being asked to approve capital expenditure to undertake the construction of four permanent classrooms to replace four modular classrooms which are now condemnedat the Winston Churchill School in Woking. The location of the planned permanent first floor building on the existing staff carpark is severely restricted in terms of modular options, so the permanent first floor design (on supports) had been developed in order to maintain car parking spaces which are needed due to general parking issues on and off site. The school’s preference and the recommendation in the report is for the school to self-deliver the project as they have successfully delivered previous capital schemes, and this is currently the fastest delivery route.
RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
The recommendations in this report:
· Empower a foundation secondary school with a successful record of capital project delivery to self-deliver the scheme with the Councils full support.
· Protect and enhance the environment by removing the condemned modular buildings which are situated on the site boundary amongst mature oak trees.
(The decisions on this item can be called in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee)
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2023/24 OUTTURN FINANCIAL REPORT
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes the Council’s revenue and capital positions for the year. 2. That Cabinet approves the drawdown of £2.8m from the Budget Equalisation Reserve to fund the overspend position and offset the impact on the General Fund Balance. 3. That Cabinet approves capital carry forwards of £39.2m. £15.9m is requested to be carried forward into the 24/25 capital programme, with the remaining £23.3m in 2025/26. Reasons for Decisions: This report is to comply with the agreed policy of providing a monthly budget monitoring report to Cabinet for information and 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 updated Cabinet on Surrey County Council’s 2023/24 financial performance for revenue and capital, including the year-end Treasury Management and debt outturn position. He explained that the Council had worked hard over recent years to improve its financial resilience and strengthen financial management. This had provided strong foundations for the Council’s finances during a significantly challenging financial year. The Council had ended the year with a £2.8m overspend after the utilisation of the base budget risk contingency of £20m. It was recommended that this is covered by a draw-down from the Budget Equalisation Reserve, to mitigate the impact on the General Fund. The Council had achieved £53.9m (c78%) of the £69.4m target of efficiencies set out at the beginning of the financial year, including those delivered through transformation programmes. An update was given on the Capital Budget for 23/24. Reserves available to enhance financial resilience stood at c12% of the 2024/25 net revenue budget. It was commented that given the challenges facing the council the outturn position was satisfactory.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes the Council’s revenue and capital positions for the year. 2. That Cabinet approves the drawdown of £2.8m from the Budget Equalisation Reserve to fund the overspend position and offset the impact on the General Fund Balance. 3. That Cabinet approves capital carry forwards of £39.2m. £15.9m is requested to be carried forward into the 24/25 capital programme, with the remaining £23.3m in 2025/26. Reasons for Decisions: This report is to comply with the agreed policy of providing a monthly budget monitoring report to Cabinet for information and approval of any necessary actions. (The decisions on this item can be called in by the Resources and Performance Select Committee)
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SURREY SAFEGUARDING ADULTS ANNUAL REPORT 2022/23
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet considers and notes the attached Surrey Safeguarding Adults Annual Report for 2022/23. 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 Adult Social Care briefly introduced the item and the Independent Chairman of the Surrey Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) Teresa Bell, thanking her for making great progress in the role during a challenging time. The Independent Chairman updated the Cabinet on the priorities of the SSAB and what had been achieved to date. There had been a keen focus on partnership working and the SSAB had been able to extend its reach due to a new partnership officer being in post. A Member queried what members of the public should do if they had safeguarding concerns about an adult. The Independent Chairman stated that outreach was being undertaken to spread awareness on how to seek help and support. The SSAB website gave details on how to report concerns and met accessibility standards. The Independent Chairman explained that once a member of the public had contacted them they would be directed to the correct statutory partnership agency for support. The Independent Chairman stated that Surrey had a high number of Section 42 enquiries which showed good awareness but this did not always mean better outcomes. The Independent Chairman was thanked for all her hard work with leading the SSAB.
RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet considers and notes the attached Surrey Safeguarding Adults Annual Report for 2022/23. 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.
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Reports from Select Committees, Task Groups and other Committees of the Council
Additional documents: Minutes: There were two Select Committee reports.
The report regarding (CFLL) Additional Budget Allocation was introduced by the Chairman of the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee. It was explained that at its June 2023 meeting, the Select Committee recommended that the Cabinet Member prioritised the restoration of funding for community-based play and youth schemes for children with disabilities to enable the FY 2022/23 capacity to be restored in FY 2024/25, given the widespread feedback that the change had been detrimental to the mental health of parents, carers, children and young people. As part of the budget-setting process it was agreed to allocate £370,000 for this purpose. Although this funding was welcomed it would not restore like for like services and it was important that given the agreement to do this all hours of SEND play and leisure provided in 2022/23 were restored in 2024/25.
The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning recognised the importance of SEND play and leisure services for families with children with additional needs. Work was being undertaken with Family Voice to review and access and eligibility for these important services. The Cabinet Member would be contacting the Commissioning Team on this but explained that the spend in this area was discretionary and going forward the Council may not be able to spend what it used too. The Chairman of the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee thanked the Cabinet Member for her response and hoped the additional £260,000 could be found to support families.
The Chairman of the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning and Culture Select Committee introduced the Select Committee report regarding the Special Educational Needs And Disabilities (SEND) and Alternative Provision (AP) Capital Programmes and Specialist Sufficiency to 2031/32 explaining that the Select Committee’s priority and concern in respect of these proposals was to ensure that in an era of tight budgets, the right decisions were being made on this important programme based on evidence. The consequences of not getting it right are significant in terms of SCC’s ongoing revenue spend on independent school places and home to school transport, and critically, to the development, life chances and wellbeing of children with additional needs and disabilities in Surrey. The Chairman was disappointed that the Select Committee did not have the time to scrutinise the item in the normal manner and was not persuaded as to why every aspect of the proposals in the report were time critical. The Select Committee was not assured what was being presented was the best solution, taking account of children and young people's needs and the budget. There had been no cost benefit analysis of the options and taking account of the significance of the decision, it was felt further investigation was needed.
The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning explained that a briefing note had been sent to Members on 18 April and the item in question had appropriately been placed on the Cabinet Forward Plan in time for a decision. ... view the full minutes text for item 90/24 |
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Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
· Continued investment in the Council’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Capital Programme and the Alternative Provision (AP) Capital Programme 2024/25 to 2027/28 delivery tranches will generate a positive impact on outcomes for Surrey resident children with complex additional needs and disabilities, as well as improving the Council’s financial sustainability. This is aligned with Surrey’s partnership Inclusion and Additional Needs strategy, Safety Valve Agreement with the Department of Education and local area post-inspection improvement plans.
· The 33 remaining committed and planned SEND capital projects and five AP capital projects that are proposed to progress are business critical to ensure Surrey County Council (the Council) discharges its statutory duties under Section 3 of the Local Government Act 1999, Sections 13 and 14 of the Education Act 1996 and Part 27 Section 3 of the Children and Families Act 2014.
· The additional capital liabilities for the proposed new special free school, four new mainstream secondary age specialist Centres and confirmed cost increases against 15 committed and planned SEND ... view the full decision text for item 91/24 Minutes: The report was introduced by the Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning who explained that the report set out the changes to the SEND Capital programme. Between 2019/20 and 2023/24, Cabinet approved capital investment of approximately £217m for Surrey’s Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Capital Programme and around £43m for the Alternative Provision (AP) Capital Programme, a total of £260m overall. The aim of the SEND and AP Capital Programmes was to create a fit for purpose state-maintained estate with more places for Surrey resident children with special educational needs, reducing reliance on out of county and Non-Maintained Independent (NMI) placements. The main goals are to increase the availability of Centres in mainstream schools, and to create additional places in specialist school provision within Surrey to provide local children with the most complex profiles of need the best opportunities for improved outcomes. So far 43 permanent construction projects had been successfully completed, delivering 1,058 additional built places with around £71m spend to year end 2023/24.
The programme is subject to an annual health check. Challenges including safety standards updates, new conservation liabilities and legislative changes, and ongoing global economic turbulence which affect the construction sector and the costs of all of the Council’s capital programmes have continued to increase significantly, impacting the original programmes’ delivery within allocated capital budgets. Six of the projects could not be progressed. The Leader expressed the importance of continuing with the projects already in motion.
RESOLVED:
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2024/25 MONTH 1 (APRIL) FINANCIAL REPORT
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes the risks and opportunities identified in relation to the Council’s budget position for the year. 2. That Cabinet approves the increase in the net revenue budget to £1,208.4m due to the additional funding announced as part of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement (paragraphs 14-16). 3. That Cabinet allocates up to £8m of Council reserves to fund the Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships transformation & improvement programme over the period 2024/25 to 2026/27, as set out in paragraphs 19–21. 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 Cabinet Member for Finance and Resources introduced the report which provided details of the County Council’s 2024/25 financial position as at 30th April 2024 (M1), and the expected outlook for the remainder of the financial year. On 6th February 2024, Council approved a revenue budget of £1,197.1m. The Final Local Government Finance Settlement provided details of the Council’s specific allocations, which amounted to an additional £11.3m, including the subsequent increase to the Public Health Grant. Cabinet was asked to approve the increase to the Council’s revenue budget to £1,208.4m for 2024/25 and the proposed use of the additional funding.
At Month 1, the Council was forecasting an overspend of £7.4m against the 2024/25 revenue budgetapproved by Council in February 2024. The forecast overspend relates to increasing Home to School Travel Assistance (H2STA) pressures. The home to school transport team continued to work on a number of activities to try to contain and mitigate against the rising transport costs, as set out in paragraph 6. An Oversight Board will be reconstituted for HTSTA to monitor progress. In February 2024 Council approved a capital budget of £404.9m for 2024/25. At this early stage in the financial year, not all risks and opportunities to delivering the capital programme budget can be identified. The capital programme will likely be re-phased before detailed budget monitoring is reported for May month end. RESOLVED:
1. That Cabinet notes the risks and opportunities identified in relation to the Council’s budget position for the year. 2. That Cabinet approves the increase in the net revenue budget to £1,208.4m due to the additional funding announced as part of the Final Local Government Finance Settlement (paragraphs 14-16). 3. That Cabinet allocates up to £8m of Council reserves to fund the Adults, Wellbeing & Health Partnerships transformation & improvement programme over the period 2024/25 to 2026/27, as set out in paragraphs 19–21. 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)
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EXCLUSION OF THE PUBLIC
Additional documents: Minutes: RESOLVED: That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information under the relevant paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.
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SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DISABILITIES (SEND) AND ALTERNATIVE PROVISION (AP) CAPITAL PROGRAMMES AND SPECIALIST SUFFICIENCY TO 2031/32
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
1. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
2. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
3. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
4. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
5. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
6. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
Reasons for Decisions:
Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Lifelong Learning gave details on the reprofiling of the capital programme and updated the Cabinet on the projects not being progressed. A brief update was given on the appendices to the report.
A separate part 2 minute was done for this item.
RESOLVED:
1. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
2. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
3. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
4. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
5. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
6. Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
Reasons for Decisions:
Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 88/24)
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)
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WINSTON CHURCHILL SCHOOL- REPLACEMENT CLASSROOMS
Additional documents: Decision: RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 89/24)
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)
Minutes: The Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure asked Cabinet to approve the capital funding for the project which was agreed.
A separate part 2 minute was done for this item.
RESOLVED:
Reasons for Decisions:
Same as Part 1 report (See Minute 89/24)
(The decisions on this item can be called-in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture Select Committee)
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PUBLICITY FOR PART 2 ITEMS
Additional documents: Minutes: It was agreed that non-exempt information may be made available to the press and public, where appropriate. |