Decisions

On 1st March 2022 the Department for Health & Social Care (DHSC) published details of the ADULT SOCIAL CARE OMICRON SUPPORT FUND.  This was the final specific ASC Covid funding stream.

Surrey County Council (SCC) has received £1m of Omicron Support Fund monies.  Funding was provided so that “Local authorities have discretion to use the funding as needed locally, to support the adult social care sector, including relevant local authority staff, in its COVID-19 response, and in particular increased challenges posed by the Omicron variant”.

The funding was unringfenced and did not have to be spent within a set period.  When the funding was received, the Council was paying out the final allocations of the Infection Control and Testing Fund 3 and Recruitment & Retention Fund round 2 funding streams to ASC providers.  It was agreed therefore that Omicron Support Fund monies would be retained on the balance sheet so they could be utilised to support ASC providers in the early part of the 2022/23 financial year.

As with all previous Covid grant funding streams, the Council consulted with the Surrey Care Association to seek views on the best way to dispense the limited grant funds across Surrey’s broad ASC provider base.  Following this consultation the Adults Leadership Team determined that given this funding stream is unringfenced it would be most appropriate to invite all ASC providers to bid for funds against a set of criteria.  Providers were invited to submit applications for a funding allocation towards:

•The cost of staff sickness in April 2022.

•Hardship payments to pass onto staff members who have suffered loss of earnings due to sickness and/or the need to self-isolate.

•The cost of facilitating safe visiting in April 2022, with the option to submit a claim for the period May-June 2022 as well if funds could accommodate.

•Other cost pressures caused by the pandemic in April 2022, with the option to submit a claim for the period May-June 2022 as well if funds could accommodate.

Due to the limited value of grant funds, a decision was taken to prioritise funding for providers who provide services to residents whose care is funded by the Council.  This was made clear on the application form.

An online form was prepared to gather applications and this form was sent to providers on 20th May 2022 inviting them to apply with a deadline of 10th June 2022.

Applications were received from 165 providers, totalling £3.1m.

It was AGREED that:

The following allocations would be made from Tranches 2 & 3 of the COVID Winter Support Grant:

The Local Committee:

i.        noted the officer’s comment and support the continuation of the Community Speed watch. Rejected the officer’s comments and response and requested officers relook at the possibilities at the location using more up to date data and return their findings to a future Local Committee meeting for further consideration.

Reason for decision:

The above decision was made so officers could further investigate what might be possible at this location to help with vehicular speed management and make the road safer for all users.

The Local Committee:

Noted the officers comments and that officers would work with residents via the local divisional member to start to investigate locations for possible signage and report back to the local committee.

Reason for decision:

The above decision was made so officers could begin the investigative work for sign locations to make the road safer for crossing deer.

The Local Committee (Reigate & Banstead) agreed that:

(i)     Bus stop clearways be introduced at:

The Glebe bus stop in Vicarage Lane, Horley (northbound)

The Glebe bus stop in Vicarage Lane, Horley (southbound)

Lee Street bus stop in Vicarage Lane, Horley (northbound)

Lee Street bus stop in Vicarage Lane, Horley (southbound)

Meath Gardens bus stop in Meath Green Lane, Horley (northbound)

Meath Gardens bus stop in Meath Green Lane, Horley (southbound)

operating for 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday.    

Reason for decisions:

The above decisions were made to ensure that buses servicing these bus stops are able to provide passengers step-free access at all times and ensure that there is good visibility for the bus driver to see waiting passengers as well as aiding journey time reliability.

The Local Committee (Reigate & Banstead) agreed to:

 i.          Approve the planned changes to the traffic signals at the junction of the A240 Reigate Road with Great Tattenhams and Tattenham Way.

ii.          Agree that the additional length of the A240 Reigate Road footway be widened as part of the shared pedestrian cycle path scheme.

Reason for decisions:

To enable improvements to the signalised crossing at the junction of the A240 Reigate Road with Great Tattenhams and Tattenham Way to be included as part of the scheme to provide a shared pedestrian cycle path along the A240 Reigate Road.

The Local Committee (Reigate & Banstead):

General

 i.       Noted that the Local Committee’s devolved highways budget for capital works in 2021/22 is £829,000.

ii.      Agreed that the devolved capital budget for highway works be used to progress both capital improvement schemes and capital maintenance schemes.

iii.      Noted that should there be any changes to the programme of highway works as set out in this report, a report will be taken to a future meeting of Reigate & Banstead Local Committee to inform members of the changes.

iv.      Authorised that the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be able to allocate any additional funding for schemes, in accordance with any guidance issued surrounding that funding.

Capital Improvement Schemes

v.       Agreed that the capital improvement schemes allocation for Reigate & Banstead be used to progress the Integrated Transport Schemes programme set out in Annex 1.

vi.      Authorised that the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be able to vire money between the schemes agreed in Annex 1, if required.

vii.      Agreed that the Local Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Area Highway Team Manager, together with the local divisional Member are able to progress any scheme from the Integrated Transport Schemes programme, including consultation and statutory advertisement that may be required under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, for completion of those schemes.  Where it is agreed that a scheme will not be progressed, this will be reported back to the next formal meeting of the Local Committee for approval.

Capital Maintenance Schemes (LSR)

viii.       Agreed that the capital maintenance schemes allocation for Reigate & Banstead be divided equitably between County Councillors to carry out capital maintenance works in their divisions, and that the schemes to be progressed be agreed by divisional members in consultation with the Area Maintenance Engineer.

Revenue Maintenance

ix.      Noted that the members will continue to receive a Member Local Highways Fund (revenue) allocation of £7,500 per county member to address highway issues in their division; and

x.       Agreed that the Member Local Highways Fund be managed by the Area Maintenance Engineer on behalf of and in consultation with members.

Reasons for decisions:

The above decisions were made to agree a forward programme of highways works in Reigate & Banstead for 2021/22 – 2023/24, funded from the Local Committee’s devolved budget.

The Local Committee (Surrey Heath) agreed to:

i)              Note the progress with schemes and revenue funded works for the 2020/21 financial year.

ii)             Note the budgetary position.

iii)           Note that a further Highways Update will be brought to the next meeting of this Committee.

iv)           Agree that authority is delegated to the Area Highways Manager to agree the ITS capital works programme for 2021/22, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman and the full Committee.

v)            Agree that authority is delegated to the Area Highways Manager to agree the capital maintenance programme for 2021/22, in consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman.

vi)           Authorise the Area Highways Manager to undertake all necessary actions to deliver the capital works programme, consulting with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Divisional Members where necessary.

Reason for decision

The above decisions are made to enable progression of all highway related schemes and works.

The Local Committee (Surrey Heath) agreed:

(i)            The proposed amendments to on-street parking restrictions in Surrey Heath as described in this report and shown in detail on drawings in annex A. This would also include additional double yellow lines in the vicinity of Maulthouse Farm, Benner Lane, West End - the restrictions to be drawn up in consultation with the divisional member and Cllr Alleway, prior to advertisement. 

(ii)           That the local committee allocate the funding as detailed in paragraph 5.1 of this report to proceed with the introduction of the parking amendments.

(iii)          That the county council make an order under the relevant parts of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to impose the waiting and on street parking restrictions in Surrey Heath as shown on the drawings in annex A to be advertised and that if no objections are maintained, the orders are made.

(iv)          That if there are unresolved objections, they will be dealt with in accordance with the county council’s scheme of delegation by the parking strategy and implementation team manager, in consultation with the chairman/vice chairman of this committee and the appropriate county councillor. An additional member may be invited for comment.

Reasons for decisions

The waiting restrictions detailed in Annex A would make a positive impact towards:-

·         Road safety

·         Access for emergency vehicles

·         Access for refuse vehicles

·         Easing traffic congestion

·         Better regulated parking

·         Better enforcement

·         Better compliance

The Local Committee agreed to note:

1.    That the installation of a yellow box at this junction will not be effective at reducing congestion on Vincent Lane or the A25 Westcott Road and will likely lead to further congestion.

2.    There are no plans to install KEEP CLEAR markings on South Street, which could lead additional queuing/congestion on South Street.

2.

Reason for decisions

The above decisions were made as the local committee agreed, on officer recommendation, that the installation of a yellow box junction or KEEP CLEAR markings were not viable solutions to the issue at hand.

The Local Committee (Mole Valley):

General

      i.        Noted that the Local Committee’s devolved highways budget for capital works in 2021/22 is £537,000.

     ii.        Agreed that the devolved capital budget for highway works be used to progress both capital improvement schemes and capital maintenance schemes.

    iii.        Noted that should there be any changes to the programme of highway works as set out in this report, a report will be taken to a future meeting of Mole Valley Local Committee to inform members of the changes.

   iv.        Authorised that the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be able to allocate any additional funding for schemes, in accordance with any guidance issued surrounding that funding.

Capital Improvement Schemes

     v.        Agreed that the capital improvement schemes allocation for Mole Valley be used to progress the Integrated Transport Schemes programme set out in Annex 1.

   vi.        Authorise that the Area Highway Manager, in consultation with the Local Committee Chairman and Vice-Chairman, be able to vire money between the schemes agreed in Annex 1, if required.

  vii.        Agree that the Local Committee Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Area Highway Team Manager, together with the local divisional Member are able to progress any scheme from the Integrated Transport Schemes programme, including consultation and statutory advertisement that may be required under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, for completion of those schemes. Where it is agreed that a scheme will not be progressed, this will be reported back to the next formal meeting of the Local Committee for approval.

Capital Maintenance Schemes (LSR)

 viii.        Agree that the capital maintenance schemes allocation for Mole Valley be divided equitably between County Councillors to carry out capital maintenance works in their divisions, and that the schemes to be progressed be agreed by divisional members in consultation with the Area Maintenance Engineer.

Revenue Maintenance

   ix.        Note that the members will continue to receive a Member Local Highways Fund (revenue) allocation of £7,500 per county member to address highway issues in their division; and

     x.        Agree that the Member Local Highways Fund be managed by the Area Maintenance Engineer on behalf of and in consultation with members.

Reason for decisions:

The above decision were made in order to agree a forward programme of highways works in Mole Valley for 2021/22 – 2023/24, funded from the Local Committee’s devolved budget.

RESOLVED:

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

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 Resources and Performance Select Committee]

RESOLVED:

1.    That approval for the sites listed in Annex 1 to be used for Extra Care Housing accommodation is given in principle. Business cases will be presented to Cabinet to confirm final approval for the development of these sites for Extra Care Housing.

2.    That approval is given in principle to the programme on the basis that approval is subject to satisfying all surveys, site investigations, planning, environmental and legal reports.

Reason for Decision:

The proposal delivers and supports the Adult Social Care’s (ASC) Accommodation with Care and Support Strategy to deliver accommodation with care and support by 2030 that will enable people to access the right health and social care at the right time in the right place, with appropriate housing for residents that helps them to remain independent, achieve their potential and ensures nobody is left behind.

The design and nature of extra care settings means that in the vast majority of cases people should be able to live there throughout their elderly life and will not need to go into residential and nursing care homes when their care needs increase. 

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

RESOLVED:

1. That Capital funding of £3m (Excl. VAT) for associated activities across eight sites to develop the 415 units of Extra Care Housing to the point of achieving planning approval while enabling market delivery engagement to be determined in preparation for full capital Cabinet approval at the next stage be approved.

2. That the sites listed in the Part 2 report, to be used for Extra Care Housing accommodation be approved in principle. Business cases will be presented to Cabinet to confirm final approval for the development of these sites for Extra Care Housing.

3. That approval be given to procure the appropriate supply chain partners to enable delivery of all services and works associated with the above recommendations, in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Standing Orders.

4. With regard to procurement of supply chain partners, it be agreed that, within the +/-5% budgetary tolerance level, the Executive Director Resources and Director of Land & Property are authorised to award such contracts in consultation with the Leader.

Reason for Decision:

In addition to the eight sites identified, the development of Extra Care Housing set out in this paper along with the five previously approved sites will realise the Council’s strategic objective to expand affordable Extra Care Housing provision by 2030.

Capital funding of £3m is requested to undertake all preliminary design and associated surveys and investigations to demonstrate the viability of the new growth Extra Care Housing sites, seek pre-Application planning advice and undertake detailed cost planning, procure contractors and secure planning approval.  Contractors will be engaged in early works to design out risk and ensure buildability and deliverability and once appointed to complete the detailed designs. 

Following feasibility work further cabinet approval will be sought for the delivery of these sites and capital investment needed as set out the business cases for each site. 

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

RESOLVED:

See Minute 43/21

Reason for Decision:

See Minute 43/21

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

RESOLVED:

1. That £2.2m is allocated (excluding VAT) for the delivery of a children’s home on part of the Former Adult Learning Centre (ALC) site in Dorking from the designated capital pipeline budge for Care Leaver Accommodation and Children’s Homes.
2. That £30m is allocated (excluding VAT) from the designated Care Leaver Accommodation and Children’s Home pipeline budget for the delivery of a programme of 150 beds for care leaver accommodation at a target cost of approximately £200k per bed (development cost). This provision will be across a number of sites, the locations of which are to be approved by the Service and under consultation with the local Member with delegated authority for individual schemes within overall budget constraints being given to the Executive Director for Children, Young People and Families, in consultation with the Executive Director for Resources, Cabinet Member for Resources and Corporate Support, Cabinet Member for All-Age Learning and Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families.

3. That approval be given to procure the appropriate supply chain partners to enable delivery of all services and works associated with the above recommendations, in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Standing Orders.

4. With regard to procurement of supply chain partners, it be agreed that, within the +/-5% budgetary tolerance level, the Executive Director Resources and Director of Land & Property are authorised to award such contracts in consultation with the Leader.

Reason for Decision:

• The proposal will provide a third new family sized children’s home in an area of identified need.
• The proposed delivery method for care leaver accommodation offers an opportunity to maximise the development of existing Surrey County Council (SCC) freehold assets and potentially release assets for repurposing.
• The delivery model will reduce the Council’s overall revenue expenditure for care leaver accommodation.
• The delivery of care leaver accommodation will make a positive difference to the lives of young adults in care and provide access to local facilities.

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

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Surrey Infrastructure Prioritisation Framework be approved.

2.    That further engagement with key stakeholders, including the Districts and Boroughs to review the assessed schemes to develop a prioritised list of projects be approved.

3.    It be agreed that individual schemes are submitted to cabinet seeking approval for implementation when the Outline Business Case has been developed and funding identified as necessary.

Reason for Decision:

The recommendations will enable the development and delivery of an Infrastructure Plan that includes schemes that meet a wide range of outcomes as well as demonstrate deliverability and affordability. The long list of schemes that have already been identified following discussions with officers from Surrey’s district and borough councils since late 2019 will be assessed using the Prioritisation Framework and will lead to the creation of a prioritised shortlist of schemes. Further feasibility work undertaken can then be undertaken to produce an Outline Business Case (OBC) for each scheme. Subject to a positive OBC and the identification of funding schemes will then be reported back on an individual basis to Cabinet seeking approval to implement as necessary.

The process is intended to remain ongoing with new schemes added to the long list as they are identified, and a continuous programme of schemes developed taking them from concept through to delivery.

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

RESOLVED:

See Minute 41/21

Reason for Decision:

See Minute 41/21

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

RESOLVED:

1. That £2.025m of capital funding from existing pipeline allocations to complete the Woodhatch masterplan feasibility study and develop the scheme up to submission of the planning application be approved.

2. That £500,000 of capital funding from existing pipeline allocations for preconstruction services from a preferred contractor to provide cost, buildability, logistics and programming advice for the development as a whole and to inform the feasibility study be approved.

3. That £300,000 from the Feasibility Fund be approved to progress feasibility work for key worker housing and explore opportunities for further services provision.

4. That requests to release further pipeline capital funding to enable critical early works orders are approved and proposed through the monthly budget monitoring reports to Cabinet. Further approval(s) will be required for subsequent stages of the design and main contract works. This will require additional capital programme funds and will be brought to Cabinet for approval.

5. That approval be given to procure the appropriate supply chain partners to enable delivery of all services and works associated with the above recommendations, in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Standing Orders.

6. With regard to procurement of supply chain partners, it be agreed that, within the +/-5% budgetary tolerance level, the Executive Director Resources and Director of Land & Property are authorised to award such contracts in consultation with the Leader.

Reason for Decision:

By approving this recommendation Surrey County Council will:

·         Reduce its future maintenance liability and replace the existing Reigate Priory School site, which is no longer fit for purpose, with a brand new 600-place junior school.

·         Make an essential contribution towards the Council’s strategic objective to expand affordable Extra Care Housing provision by 2030.

·         Support the 2020-2025 Reigate and Banstead Housing Delivery Strategy to secure the delivery of homes that can be afforded by local people and which provide a wider choice of tenure, type and size of housing.

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

RESOLVED:

1. That £2.5m (excl. VAT) of capital funding from the pipeline allocation be agreed for the Corporate Asset Capital Programme Spend for:

·         Feasibility fees up to detailed planning applications for both developments, and

·         The remaining activities relating to delivery/development of the replacement Bookham Youth and Community Centre.

2. It be noted that the Strategic Investment Board will make any future decisions required in respect to the residential development on Site 1.

3. That approval be given to procure the appropriate supply chain partners to enable delivery of all services and works associated with the above recommendations, in accordance with the Council’s Procurement and Contract Standing Orders.

4. With regard to procurement of supply chain partners, it be agreed that, within the +/-5% budgetary tolerance level, the Executive Director Resources and Director of Land & Property are authorised to award such contracts in consultation with the Leader.

Reason for Decision:

• The proposals will provide a modern, flexible, and accessible multi-use space to meet local community requirements, including Early Years provision and also accommodation designed for the provision of youth work by an external provider
• The space will enable the use by other external operators providing and promoting active and healthy lifestyles
• Releasing an existing asset for other uses and delivers the Asset and Place Strategy
• Delivers the Greener Future agenda through efficient construction
• Capital receipt from residential sales providing capital investment into Council-owned asset
• Reduces reactive maintenance costs by providing a new modern and compliant facility
• The scheme will deliver much needed residential accommodation
• The proposal will improve the quality of resident’s lives and community provisions within Bookham

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

RESOLVED:

See Minute 47/21

Reason for Decision:

See Minute 47/21

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

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet make the following recommendations to the Council on 16 March 2021.

1.    That Cabinet recommends that Council endorse the Annual Report of the Strategic Investment Board.

Reason for Decision:

To inform the Council about the activities of the Strategic Investment Board.

The Strategic Investment Board has been established in accordance with best practice governance to ensure effective oversight and alignment with the strategic objectives and values of the Council.

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

RESOLVED:

1. That the significant demands, issues, concerns and performance associated with the mental health system in Surrey, particularly arising from the additional pressures created by Covid-19, and the impact this is having on Surrey residents be noted.

2. That the range of multi-agency work going on and being initiated to address the situation, including through the Surrey Heartlands Mental Health Partnership and Improvement Board and Health and Wellbeing Board be approved and supported.
   
   
3. That Cabinet receive a further report on the issue of mental health outcomes, experiences and services in Surrey in July 2021.

Reason for Decision:

Tackling health inequality is one of the Council’s four strategic priorities. Poor mental health is a key factor in a range of conditions and personal situations, such as substance abuse, unemployment, poor physical health, that create and/or worsen health inequality. The mental health system in Surrey is under great stress and struggling to manage the demands made upon it. This report and its recommendations, the work to date and the work proposed are intended to support the mental health system deal with the immediate demands and pressures as well as building an effective and sustainable improvement programme. 

[The decisions on this item can be called in by the Adults and Health Select Committee]

RESOLVED:

1. That the progress of the SEND Transformation programme and its impact for children and young people with SEND and their families be noted.

2. That the focus and priorities for the programme for 2021-22 to embed and accelerate change be agreed.

Reason for Decision:

The Council has invested significant resources into the SEND Transformation programme, and it is important that the return on this investment makes a demonstrable difference and is targeted for maximum benefit. The programme has made great progress already in introducing the foundations of early help and targeted support for children in mainstream settings and committed a further £79m capital investment to increase specialist provision in Surrey.

Despite the continued challenges of the pandemic and new lockdown arrangements, work continues to ensure that the vital projects and pathways introduced by the programme are delivering the benefits anticipated, including additional places for children with SEND closer to home and early support without the requirement for a statutory Education, Health and Care plan. In December 2020, following a meeting to monitor work to improve the attendance of children with SEND, the Department for Education and NHS England concluded that the Council and its partners have demonstrated clear and sustained progress on SEND and that six monthly monitoring of the action plan is no longer required.

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

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet make the following recommendations to the Council on 16 March 2021.

1. The Cabinet recommends that the County Council approves the School Organisation Plan 2020-2030.

Reason for Decision:

The School Organisation Plan is a key document used by schools and education stakeholders in considering medium and long term plans. 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 to encourage collaborative and collegiate planning.

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

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member update be noted.

RESOLVED:

1. That the Surrey County Council EDI Action Plan 2021-22 be endorsed and the new EDI Policy Statement be agreed.

Reason for Decision:

The EDI Action Plan is key to delivering the equality objectives in the Organisation Strategy 2021-26 and plays a pivotal role in supporting the council’s wider aim to tackle inequality to ensure no-one is left behind. Moving to a fairer, more compassionate and inclusive culture will inform how we develop policy, take decisions and serve residents so everyone who lives, works and studies in Surrey is supported to thrive.

The updated EDI Policy Statement will provide a clear, definitive commitment to staff and communities against which the council’s actions can be held to account in its effort to become a fairer and more inclusive organisation. It responds to feedback from staff that they want EDI to be integral to how we work and for Members and senior officers to show greater leadership on this agenda. It also recognises how EDI needs to underpin all we do to tackle inequalities facing residents.

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

RESOLVED:

That both Option 1 and 2 be approved to enable Land & Property flexibility to acquire the Aperdele Rd (former Leatherhead Trinity Children’s Centre) site on either a Freehold or Leasehold basis, and capital funding to reorganise the buildings to support the provision of 60 SEND places.

OPTION 1 Freehold Acquisition of the Site

1.    Cabinet delegate approval to the Leader of the Council in consultation with the  Cabinet Member for All Age Learning, the Executive Director of Resources and the Director of Land & Property of up to [E-4-21] capital funding for the acquisition of the Aperdele Road site in Leatherhead. This includes all acquisition, fees, and reorganisation costs of [E-4-21] to support the provision of 60 SEND places. 

OPTION 2- Lease of Aperdele Rd Site

2.    Cabinet delegate approval to the Leader of the Council in consultation with the Cabinet Member for All Age Learning, the Executive Director of Resources and the Director of Land & Property to enter into a 10-year lease at a maximum of [E-4-21] of the Aperdele Road site in Leatherhead, with the possibility to acquire the freehold during the lease term subject to the maximum capital figure in recommendation 1.  In addition, delegates approval to agree capital funding of [E-4-21] of reorganisation costs to support the provision of 60 SEND places. 

Reason for Decision:

SCC spends up to £70m/pa for SEND places in the non-maintained independent sector.  A strategy has been established to reduce the number of pupils in these placements by increasing the number of placements within SCC’s control.  This will reduce the revenue spend on non-maintained independent sector SEND places. 

A target has been set to reduce this number by 200 places in September 2021.

Acquiring the Aperdele Rd site (former Leatherhead Trinity Children’s Centre) will enable the creation of 60 SEND places for September 2021.

RESOLVED:

1. The latest public health situation with regard to Covid-19, nationally and in Surrey be noted.
2. That the actions being delivered through Surrey’s Local Outbreak Control Plan, including the vaccination roll out, and the ongoing support to vulnerable residents, including through the council’s Community Helpline and the Covid Winter Support Grant scheme be noted and endorsed.
3. That the enacting and success of surge testing in two Surrey localities, with the support and co-operation of local residents be noted.
4. That the latest impacts on Adult Social Care and Children’s, Families, Lifelong learning services be noted.
5. That the continued lobbying for prioritisation of key workers, including teachers, to have access to the vaccination programme as soon as possible be noted and endorsed.
6. That the ongoing preparation for the local elections in May 2021 and associated risks be noted and endorsed.

7. That the work and planning going on in respect of the transition into recovery from the pandemic be noted and endorsed.

8. That the use of the council’s Holiday Activities and Food Programme allocations in 2020/21 and 2021/22 be noted and endorsed.

Reason for Decision:

The county and council continue to face unprecedented challenges due to the Covid-19 crisis. We are simultaneously managing response activity and work with our partners to enable recovery within the county, looking ahead to a return to day-to-day life for communities following the end of national lockdown.

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

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

RESOLVED:

That the two decisions taken by officers since the last meeting be noted.

Reason for decision:

To inform the Cabinet of decisions taken by officers under delegated authority.

[This decision is subject to call-in by the relevant Select Committee Chairman dependent on the recommendation.]

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.

RESOLVED:

That the customer experience task group report be noted and recommendations agreed.

There were none

There were none.

There were no public questions.

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

The Leader made a short announcement before the start of the formal meeting agenda. The following key points were made:

·         The Leader explained that the Prime Minister had made an announcement regarding the roadmap to lifting covid-19 restrictions. It was important that residents continue with washing hands, covering their face and maintaining social distance.

·         The vaccination programme in Surrey was progressing well and positive feedback had been received from residents. The Leader encouraged all residents to take the vaccine.

·         The council budget for 2021/22 was approved by Full Council on 09 February and would support the four key priority areas of the refreshed organisation strategy.

·         The council would ensure that organisations and residents impacted by the pandemic would be supported through the recovery phase.

·         The council tax increase for the year was also contained due to the council’s strong financial position.

There were none.

The Minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 26 January 2021 were approved as a correct record of the meeting.

There were no apologies.