Councillors and committees

Agenda, decisions and minutes

Venue: REMOTE

Contact: Vicky Hibbert or Angela Guest  020 8541 9075 Email: angela.guest@surreycc.gov.uk

Note: Please note that due to the Covid-19 situation this meeting will take place remotely 

Media

Items
No. Item

82/20

Apologies for Absence

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    Minutes:

    There were no apologies.

83/20

Minutes of Previous Meeting: 26 May 2020 pdf icon PDF 88 KB

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    Decision:

    The Minutes of the meeting held on 26 May were approved as a correct record.

    Minutes:

    The Minutes of the meeting held on 26 May were approved as a correct record.

84/20

Declarations of Interest

85/20

Members' Questions pdf icon PDF 135 KB

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    Decision:

    There were four Member questions, one from Mrs Kay Hammond and three from Mr Jonathan Essex. These and the responses were published as a supplement to the agenda.

     

    Minutes:

    There were four Member questions, one from Mrs Kay Hammond and three from Mr Jonathan Essex. These and the responses were published as a supplement to the agenda.

     

    There was no supplementary question from Mrs Hammond but she wanted, on behalf of her select committee, to pass on the gratitude for the support from all staff who were caring for the most vulnerable.

     

    Mr Essex asked how the council would re-establish youth work and youth centres and highlighted the recent reports of large gatherings of young people.  The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families responded that the youth team were eager to work with distancing measures and were looking at activities that could be undertaken.  Summer activities were being organised for vulnerable children that had missed out on schooling.  She also stated that large gatherings were a matter for the police who were trying to deal with it sensitively.

     

    In relation to Mr Essex’s third question he asked for a further written response to part 2 of that question.  The Cabinet Member for Adults & Health undertook to provide this.

86/20

Public Questions

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    Decision:

    There were no public questions.

     

    Minutes:

    There were no public questions.

     

87/20

Petitions pdf icon PDF 84 KB

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    Decision:

    One petition of 1,348 signatories has been received.   It requested that the Council; a) Halt the demolition of Longmead Adult Education Centre in Redhill, b). Retain the Edwardian character of the building, and c) Develop it into a community hub.  The response to the petition was published as part of the supplementary agenda and on the petitions website.

     

    Ms Maulucci presented the petition.

     

    Minutes:

    One petition of 1,348 signatories has been received.   It requested that the Council; a) Halt the demolition of Longmead Adult Education Centre in Redhill, b). Retain the Edwardian character of the building, and c) Develop it into a community hub.  The response to the petition was published as part of the supplementary agenda and on the petitions website.

     

    Ms Maulucci presented the petition and included the following points:

    ·         That this was a historical building that should not be lost to the area

    ·         The building was structurally sound.

    ·         Local architects had designed a community function and restored the historical features.

    ·         The local council had objected to the demolition.

     

    She also requested a written response to several questions:

    ·         Have you considered using Longmead outside space or another car park or other location to temporarily house Colebrook? Please share you viability study with the public?

    ·         Please can you share publicly full details of the grant form Homes England including which site it is for, what conditions and what type of homes it will deliver?

    ·         Please confirm that this will be for truly affordable homes, NOT shared ownership and NOT feudal and unfair residential leasehold with abhorrent ground rent?

     

    The Cabinet Member for Resources stated that he would provide Mrs Maulucci with the additional information requested and also confirmed that the building was in a significant state of disrepair.

     

    Mrs Natalie Bramhall, as the local Member, stated that The Reigate Society had never taken any interest in this building and Reigate & Banstead Council had locally listed the building, but it was not protected.  It was suitable for provision of affordable housing and a fit for purpose community hub.  She went on to say that council needed to take difficult decision sometimes and that provision of housing was what Redhill really needed.

     

    The Leader added that he accepted that the situation needed better explanation to residents and hoped that Mrs Maulucci would help in that regard.  He also explained that the demolition had stopped whilst the council waited for the determination from Historic England in response to the application.

88/20

Representations received on reports to be considered in private

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    Decision:

    There were none.

    Minutes:

    There were none.

89/20

Reports from Select Committees , Task Groups, Local Committees and other Committees of the Council pdf icon PDF 58 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    That the report received from the Communities, Environment & Highways Select Committee in relation to Item 12 - Rethinking Waste – Surrey County Council’s Waste Commissioning Strategy be noted and recommendations be considered.

    .

    Minutes:

    Cabinet considered a report received from the Communities, Environment & Highways Select Committee (CEHSC) in relation to Item 12 - Rethinking Waste – Surrey County Council’s Waste Commissioning Strategy.

     

    Mr John O’Reilly, Chairman of the CEHSC, presented the report and explained the recommendations to Cabinet.  He highlighted that the select committee were of the opinion that the next waste contract should not last for 25 years and should be for a shorter period.  He was aware that the waste strategy was a work in progress and informed Cabinet that the CEHSC were setting up a Waste Task Group to look at the future in regards to waste and recycling.  He wanted the council to be a vanguard in this area and praised the work undertaken so far under the new Leader and Chief Executive.

     

    The Cabinet Member for Waste & Climate Change requested the following change to Recommendation 2 of the CEHSC report which was agreed:

     

    ‘That the Cabinet Member provide assurances due consideration that the recommendations made by the Waste Task Group in September 2019 and reported to Cabinet in October 2019 are inputted into the development of the new Waste Commissioning Strategy’

    She went on to say that many of the recommendations had already been included in the strategy.

     

    The Leader thanked Mr O’Reilly for the work of the CEHSC and that the recommendations would be considered in work going forward.

90/20

Leader / Deputy Leader / Cabinet Member/ Strategic Investment Board Decisions Taken Since the Last Cabinet Meeting pdf icon PDF 102 KB

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    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Transport highlighted the decision taken regarding bus lanes in that they would operate for 24 hours and would only be accessible to buses, bicycles and taxis.  Heavy Goods Vehicles usage had been removed.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

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

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    To inform the Cabinet of decisions taken by Cabinet Members, Strategic Investment Board and the Committee in Common subcommittee under delegated authority.

     

91/20

Cabinet Member update pdf icon PDF 62 KB

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    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Transport presented a portfolio update that detailed some of the work that had been undertaken to support the transport and highways system. Covid-19 and the resulting lockdown had created challenges, but also unlocked new opportunities to promote low and zero carbon modes of transport, enabling the council to be proactive in tackling the climate emergency.

     

    The update was published as a supplement to the agenda.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    The Cabinet Member for Transport portfolio update was noted.

     

92/20

Covid-19 Update pdf icon PDF 138 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That the latest public health situation nationally and in Surrey with regard to COVID-19 and the latest information regarding the government’s Test and Trace programme be noted.

     

    2.    That the financial support being provided to social care providers and Care Homes be noted.

     

    3.    That the support being provided to local businesses through a range of grants, guidance and signposting be noted.

     

    4.    That the activity underway across the county to restore and restart services, activities and the economy, as national lockdown measures were eased be noted.

     

    5.    That a contribution of £200,000 to the Community Foundation Surrey Coronavirus Support Fund was approved to provide additional financial support to the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector, match-funded where possible. 

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    The county and council continue to face unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to response activity, attention is turning to the re-starting, restoration and recovery of services and day-to-day life, as lockdown measures are eased nationally.

     

    The recommendations set out in this report ensure Cabinet are appraised of the work going on across the council to protect, sustain and support our residents and communities and the economy of Surrey.

     

    [Where necessary a waiver for call-in will be sought from the relevant Select Committee Chairman.]

    Minutes:

    The Leader presented a detailed briefing on the work undertaken to support residents during this time and work to do over the coming months.  He highlighted the test and trace system and encouraged anyone with symptoms to get tested.  Those that test positive would be contacted by the test and trace team and whilst voluntary, it was important for those people to give details of contacts.  It was expected that analysed data would be available down to postcode level soon and even more locally in the near future.  If a particular location is identified by the data then the council would post information and advice through social media and mainly via the council’s Facebook page.  Lastly, he explained that there was a Local Outbreak Plan which was to be submitted to Government and would be available on the council’s website soon.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That the latest public health situation nationally and in Surrey with regard to COVID-19 and the latest information regarding the government’s Test and Trace programme be noted.

     

    2.    That the financial support being provided to social care providers and Care Homes be noted.

     

    3.    That the support being provided to local businesses through a range of grants, guidance and signposting be noted.

     

    4.    That the activity underway across the county to restore and restart services, activities and the economy, as national lockdown measures were eased be noted.

     

    5.    That a contribution of £200,000 to the Community Foundation Surrey Coronavirus Support Fund was approved to provide additional financial support to the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector, match-funded where possible. 

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    The county and council continue to face unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis. In addition to response activity, attention is turning to the re-starting, restoration and recovery of services and day-to-day life, as lockdown measures are eased nationally.

     

    The recommendations set out in this report ensure Cabinet are appraised of the work going on across the council to protect, sustain and support our residents and communities and the economy of Surrey.

     

    [Where necessary a waiver for call-in will be sought from the relevant Select Committee Chairman.]

     

93/20

Children's Improvement Update pdf icon PDF 178 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1. That the revised priorities and directorate plan for the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture directorate be agreed.

     

    1. That the overall findings and feedback from the recent quality assurance activity included in this report and the impact on frontline children’s services resulting from delivery of the Children’s Improvement Plan be noted.

     

    3.    That a further report to come to the September 2020 meeting was agreed – to include an update on the children’s improvement programme and the next steps for the re-inspection of Surrey’s children’s services by Ofsted.

    Reason for decision:

     

    It is not yet known when the next Ofsted Monitoring Visit or full re-inspection will take place following cancellation of the 7 & 8 April 2020 visit. The ‘Annual Conversation’ with Ofsted is scheduled for 11 June 2020 when we expect to have further clarity on how the inspection programme will proceed.

     

    The revised directorate plan has been updated to reflect the evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. While significant effort and resources are working to manage and mitigate the impact of the pandemic, we are committed to delivering the vital improvement priorities also included in the directorate plan. 

     

    As outlined in the main section of the report, the improvement programme is progressing well with Surrey’s children’s services successfully delivering the actions from the improvement plan to address Ofsted recommendations from the 2018 full inspection. There are comprehensive scrutiny arrangements already in place for 2020 with involvement from Surrey County Council (SCC) officers, Members, partner agencies, the Department for Education (DfE) and other key stakeholders.

     

    [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & CultureSelect Committee]

     

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families gave a detailed precis of the submitted report and highlighted that since last reporting to Cabinet at the 28 January 2020 meeting, the fifth scheduled Ofsted Monitoring Visit had been cancelled as all Ofsted inspections were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The improvement programme was continuing to be delivered at pace despite the impact from the pandemic and shift of resources to support frontline services.

     

    The submitted report provided further information on the impact of the pandemic on the improvement programme and the priorities for the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture (CFLLC) directorate. The directorate plan had been revised this month and further detail was included in the report.

     

    The Cabinet Member for All-Age Learning stated that it was a strong report detailing the improvements made and the planned activities, highlighting the 1000 day programme, our graduated response model and early help and support services enabling children to live, learn and grow up locally and achieve their full potential, due to the right support being available in education settings.

     

    In response to a question put by a Deputy Cabinet Member regarding improving handovers the Cabinet Member for Children, Young People & Families explained that there were still some inadequate cases identified where handovers were not good between social workers and team managers.  She explained the ongoing improvements in management oversight and stated that supervision levels were up.  Vacancy levels were reduced  which would help to eliminate inadequate practices and there was a robust induction programme in place.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1. That the revised priorities and directorate plan for the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning & Culture directorate be agreed.

     

    1. That the overall findings and feedback from the recent quality assurance activity included in this report and the impact on frontline children’s services resulting from delivery of the Children’s Improvement Plan be noted.

     

    3.    That a further report to come to the September 2020 meeting was agreed – to include an update on the children’s improvement programme and the next steps for the re-inspection of Surrey’s children’s services by Ofsted.

    Reason for decision:

     

    It is not yet known when the next Ofsted Monitoring Visit or full re-inspection will take place following cancellation of the 7 & 8 April 2020 visit.

     

    The revised directorate plan has been updated to reflect the evolving situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. While significant effort and resources are working to manage and mitigate the impact of the pandemic, we are committed to delivering the vital improvement priorities also included in the directorate plan. 

     

    As outlined in the main section of the report, the improvement programme is progressing well with Surrey’s children’s services successfully delivering the actions from the improvement plan to address Ofsted recommendations from the 2018 full inspection. There are comprehensive scrutiny arrangements already in place for 2020 with involvement from Surrey County Council (SCC) officers, Members, partner agencies, the Department for Education (DfE) and other key stakeholders.

     

    [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Children, Families, Lifelong Learning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 93/20

94/20

Covid-19 delegated and urgent decisions taken pdf icon PDF 103 KB

95/20

Housing Infrastructure Fund Forward Funding - Funding Allocation of £41.8 Million to the A320 North of Woking pdf icon PDF 109 KB

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    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That an appropriate and suitable design consultancy be appointed to undertake the preliminary design work, with an estimated cost of £0.73m incurred by Surrey County Council, in advance of a full funding agreement being entered into with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

     

    2.    That a further report be brought to Cabinet in September 2020 regarding progress with the terms and conditions of the funding agreement and to seek full approval for the scheme.

     

    3.    That authority be given to officers to commence early discussions with landowners with respect to the acquisition of third-party land, it being understood that this may need to progress to compulsory purchase where necessary, which would be subject to both the signing of the Funding Agreement by the Council and a further Cabinet Member resolution.

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    The decisions recommended will enable the early work to develop the project to commence in a way that will ensure that the project has the best opportunity to meet the challenging HIF spend timetable of March 2024. It will also enable some of the currently identifiable risks to be better understood and mitigated before Cabinet are asked for a decision for SCC to give full approval for the scheme and to sign the proposed funding agreement.

     

    [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee]

     

     

    Minutes:

    The Deputy Leader introduced a report that explained how Surrey County Council (SCC) in conjunction with Runnymede Borough Council (RBC) submitted a bid to the HIF in March 2019 to facilitate the provision of 3,687 additional homes currently included within the Runnymede Local Plan. He explained that there were several risks currently with the project that needed to be mitigated and which officers were working to resolve before SCC signs the Funding Agreement. 

     

    However, in the interim, there is a need to commence work on the project as early as possible, to ensure the project could be delivered to the required timetable. Approval was sought to incorporate the Scheme within the Council’s capital delivery programme to allow preliminary design to be undertaken in the development of the scheme prior to the signing of the Funding Agreement with MHCLG.  A further report would be brought to Cabinet in September 2020 with recommendations on the signing of the Funding Agreement.

     

    A discussion was had about the wording of the third recommendation and it was agreed that the following changes be made:

     

    Authority be given to officers to commence initial negotiations early discussions with landowners in respect  of the for the acquisition of third-party land, it being understood that this may need to progress to compulsory purchase where necessary, which would be subject to both the signing of the Funding Agreement by SCC and a further Cabinet Member resolution.’

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That an appropriate and suitable design consultancy be appointed to undertake the preliminary design work, with an estimated cost of £0.73m incurred by Surrey County Council, in advance of a full funding agreement being entered into with the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government.

     

    2.    That a further report be brought to Cabinet in September 2020 regarding progress with the terms and conditions of the funding agreement and to seek full approval for the scheme.

     

    3.    That authority be given to officers to commence early discussions with landowners with respect to the acquisition of third-party land, it being understood that this may need to progress to compulsory purchase where necessary, which would be subject to both the signing of the Funding Agreement by the Council and a further Cabinet Member resolution.

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    The decisions recommended will enable the early work to develop the project to commence in a way that will ensure that the project has the best opportunity to meet the challenging HIF spend timetable of March 2024. It will also enable some of the currently identifiable risks to be better understood and mitigated before Cabinet are asked for a decision for SCC to give full approval for the scheme and to sign the proposed funding agreement.

     

    [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee]

     

     

96/20

Rethinking Waste - Surrey County Council's Waste Commissioning Strategy pdf icon PDF 116 KB

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That the development of a Waste Commissioning Strategy be approved;

     

    2.    That the proposed outcomes for the Waste Commissioning Strategy be approved, to:

     

    a)    Meet Surrey County Council’s Waste Disposal Authority (WDA) statutory duties.

    b)    Maximise the financial sustainability of waste management in Surrey.

    c)    Reduce the carbon impact of waste collection and disposal.

    d)    Maximise the integration of waste management in the county.

     

    3.    That the programme proposed for the development of the strategy and re-procurement of the waste disposal contract be approved; and

     

    4.    That the review of the variable elements of the funding mechanism through which the county council funds the Surrey Environment Partnership and the Waste Collection Authorities, within this programme, be approved.

     

    Reason for decision:

    The development of a Waste Commissioning Strategy as set out will enable the Council to fulfil its statutory obligations as a Waste Disposal Authority more effectively and will set a framework in which to work with partners and districts and boroughs in achieving a more efficient and financially sustainable approach to the management of waste in the county.  Further, it will enable the Council to properly assess and identify ways of achieving the carbon reduction targets set out in the Council’s recently adopted Climate Change Strategy.

     

    [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee]

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Waste & Climate Change presented a report that explained how the current Waste PFI contract with Suez provided for the treatment and disposal of all local authority collected waste arising within the county. That contract expired in 2024, and Surrey County Council (SCC) needed to commission new service arrangements. In order to ensure that SCC commissioned an effective approach to the treatment of waste moving forward, it was proposed that a Waste Commissioning Strategy be developed to identify how to minimise the amount of residual waste treated, the infrastructure required, and options for delivering waste management system efficiencies with district and borough councils, to deliver the desired outcomes, the procurement process, and a timeframe.   The Cabinet Member also explained the distinctions between the Strategy and the Waste Local Plan.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1. That the development of a Waste Commissioning Strategy be approved;

     

    1. That the proposed outcomes for the Waste Commissioning Strategy be approved, to:

     

    a)    Meet Surrey County Council’s Waste Disposal Authority (WDA) statutory duties.

    b)    Maximise the financial sustainability of waste management in Surrey.

    c)    Reduce the carbon impact of waste collection and disposal.

    d)    Maximise the integration of waste management in the county.

     

    1. That the programme proposed for the development of the strategy and re-procurement of the waste disposal contract be approved; and

     

    1. That the review of the variable elements of the funding mechanism through which the county council funds the Surrey Environment Partnership and the Waste Collection Authorities, within this programme, be approved.

     

    Reason for decision:

    The development of a Waste Commissioning Strategy as set out will enable the Council to fulfil its statutory obligations as a Waste Disposal Authority more effectively and will set a framework in which to work with partners and districts and boroughs in achieving a more efficient and financially sustainable approach to the management of waste in the county.  Further, it will enable the Council to properly assess and identify ways of achieving the carbon reduction targets set out in the Council’s recently adopted Climate Change Strategy.

     

    [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee]

     

97/20

Surrey Lane Rental Scheme pdf icon PDF 148 KB

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Surrey County Council undertake a consultation as prescribed in the Department for Transport Lane Rental Schemes Guidance for English Local Highway Authorities with a view to introducing a lane rental scheme. Subject to the results of that consultation having been taken into account and a scheme being considered appropriate to make a submission to the Secretary of State for an Order to bring a scheme into legal effect.

     

    2.    That delegated authority be given to the Director for Infrastructure and Delivery in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport to approve the commencement of a lane rental scheme once the Secretary of State approval has been obtained.

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    Surrey County Councils’ Community Vision for Surrey in 2030 has an aspiration that “Journeys across the County are easier, more predictable and safer”.  A lane rental scheme will help us achieve this aspiration.  Analysis from pioneer lane rental schemes, introduced by Transport for London (2012) and Kent County Council (2013) demonstrate clear benefits from a scheme. These benefits are derived from behaviour changes by organisations undertaking works, to avoid lane rental charges, and additional control by both Authorities to coordinate works.

     

    [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee]

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Transport introduced a report that described how Surrey suffered with traffic congestion during peak periods, particularly at congestion hotspots.  Surrey’s congestion levels were 25% higher than the average for the South East region as a whole.  This congestion was exacerbated when utility companies and highway authorities, undertook works on the highway, closing or limiting traffic flows, particularly at peak times.  It was therefore proposed to introduce a lane rental scheme, by which organisations working on the highway paid into a fund for such usage, and could be applied to the most congested sections of the road network.  He cited the positive outcomes for both Transport for London and Kent County Council who had both introduced lane rental schemes.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That Surrey County Council undertake a consultation as prescribed in the Department for Transport Lane Rental Schemes Guidance for English Local Highway Authorities with a view to introducing a lane rental scheme. Subject to the results of that consultation having been taken into account and a scheme being considered appropriate to make a submission to the Secretary of State for an Order to bring a scheme into legal effect.

     

    2.    That delegated authority be given to the Director for Infrastructure and Delivery in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Transport to approve the commencement of a lane rental scheme once the Secretary of State approval has been obtained.

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    Surrey County Councils’ Community Vision for Surrey in 2030 has an aspiration that “Journeys across the County are easier, more predictable and safer”.  A lane rental scheme will help us achieve this aspiration.  Analysis from pioneer lane rental schemes, introduced by Transport for London (2012) and Kent County Council (2013) demonstrate clear benefits from a scheme. These benefits are derived from behaviour changes by organisations undertaking works, to avoid lane rental charges, and additional control by both Authorities to coordinate works.

     

    [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee]

     

98/20

2020/21 MONTH 1 (APRIL) FINANCIAL REPORT pdf icon PDF 148 KB

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That the Council’s forecast revenue and capital budget positions for the year be noted.

     

    2.    That the confirmed increase to the Public Health grant due to the initial Agenda for Change (AfC) uplift and the revision to the Public Health budget approved by the Executive Director – Resources be noted.

     

    3.    That the transfer of the school surplus balance relating to Darley Dene Primary School to its successor academy of £427,554 revenue and £11,543 capital was supported.

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    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 Performance & Resources Select Committee]

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Resources gave a detailed overview of a report that provided details of the County Council’s 2020/21 financial position as at 30 April 2020 (M1) for revenue and capital budgets, and the expected outlook for the remainder of the financial year. M1 is a high-level review focussing on risks, opportunities and the impact of COVID-19.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.    That the Council’s forecast revenue and capital budget positions for the year be noted.

     

    2.    That the confirmed increase to the Public Health grant due to the initial Agenda for Change (AfC) uplift and the revision to the Public Health budget approved by the Executive Director – Resources be noted.

     

    3.    That the transfer of the school surplus balance relating to Darley Dene Primary School to its successor academy of £427,554 revenue and £11,543 capital was supported.

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    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 Performance & Resources Select Committee]

     

99/20

Finance Improvement Plan update pdf icon PDF 849 KB

    Additional documents:

    Decision:

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.      That the closure of Finance Improvement Programme be approved.

     

    2.      That the continued focus of the Finance Service on improvements (both people and process), learning from others and a culture of no complacency was endorsed.

     

    3.      That the importance of the organisation’s continued focus on its financial discipline was recognised and the further development of the Finance Academy to continue to address and develop financial management capabilities across the organisation was endorsed.

     

    4.      That the progress made on the Digital, Business & Insights programme and recognises the importance of this programme in the further work required to improve financial processes and data insights was noted.

     

    5.      That thanks be extended to the members of the External Assurance Panel, recognising the importance of their involvement, honest feedback, experience and expertise throughout the programme was agreed.

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    The collective commitment to stabilising the financial position of the Council was demonstrated when the finance improvement plan was supported by the Cabinet in September 2018.  Since then a new medium-term financial strategy has been developed, aligned to the Community Vision for Surrey and a balanced budget has been set for consecutive years that does not rely on the use of reserves. 

    Having achieved the ambitions of the action plan and addressed the issues raised by the CIPFA report, these recommendations enable the closure of the programme and ensure a continued focus on the development of, and investment in, financial management skills across the whole organisation, to ensure that excellent financial management is at the heart of all our decision making. 

     

    [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Performance & Resources Select Committee]

     

    Minutes:

    The Cabinet Member for Resources presented a report that gave details of why the Finance Improvement Programme was set up alongside a performance board and an external assurance panel.  It also detailed improvements made and the success of the Finance Team who had been nominated for the Finance Team of the Year Award.  The report sought closure of the Programme.

     

    Several Members thanked the Finance Team, Director of Resources and Cabinet Member for Resources highlighting the improved change of culture and driving through efficiency savings. 

    Thanks was also extended to the external chairman, Mike Lockwood.

     

    RESOLVED:

     

    1.      That the closure of Finance Improvement Programme be approved.

     

    2.      That the continued focus of the Finance Service on improvements (both people and process), learning from others and a culture of no complacency was endorsed.

     

    3.      That the importance of the organisation’s continued focus on its financial discipline was recognised and the further development of the Finance Academy to continue to address and develop financial management capabilities across the organisation was endorsed.

     

    4.      That the progress made on the Digital, Business & Insights programme and recognises the importance of this programme in the further work required to improve financial processes and data insights was noted.

     

    5.      That thanks be extended to the members of the External Assurance Panel, recognising the importance of their involvement, honest feedback, experience and expertise throughout the programme was agreed.

     

    Reason for decision:

     

    The collective commitment to stabilising the financial position of the Council was demonstrated when the finance improvement plan was supported by the Cabinet in September 2018.  Since then a new medium-term financial strategy has been developed, aligned to the Community Vision for Surrey and a balanced budget has been set for consecutive years that does not rely on the use of reserves. 

    Having achieved the ambitions of the action plan and addressed the issues raised by the CIPFA report, these recommendations enable the closure of the programme and ensure a continued focus on the development of, and investment in, financial management skills across the whole organisation, to ensure that excellent financial management is at the heart of all our decision making. 

     

    [The decisions on this item can be called in by the Performance & Resources Select Committee]