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:

 

ASC would make a one off payment of £18.9k to Age UK Surrey to reimburse the charity for costs incurred due to purchase of laptops and mobile phones to enable virtual operation of their information and advice service to people aged 50+ and carers across Surrey during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The payment will be outside of the normal payments made to Age UK for the information & advice service and the intention is for this payment to be funded out the COVID-19 funding SCC is receiving from government.

 

It was AGREED that:

 

The amount of £942 was to be paid to Moving on Care to fund additional costs incurred as a result of their response to Covid-19.

It was AGREED that:

 

A total payment of £5,044 be made to Little Angels in two instalments of £2,556 and £2,488.  The second payment in July 2020 will be subject to no further government announcements of funding becoming available which will be assessed by commissioning and finance officers.

 

It was AGREED that:

 

The costs of £4,959 would be reimbursed to Stepping Stones to reflect their costs of providing placements to SCC SEND pupils over Easter.

 

It was AGREED that:

 

A total payment of £8,085 be made to Totterdown Pre School in two instalments of £4,000 and £4,085.  The second payment at the end of July 2020 will be subject to no further government announcements of funding becoming available which will be assessed by commissioning and finance officers.

 

It was AGREED that:

 

The following applications met the agreed criteria for financial support during the COVID-19 pandemic:

 

	£
Elmbridge Citizens Advice	3,880
Age Concern Mole Valley	10,000
Surrey Community Action	29,174
The Lucy Rayner Foundation	11,790
	54,844

A one-off payment of £54.8k will be made to support the above organisations.

 

Decision made:

 

It was AGREED that:

 

The C19 support offer previously communicated to ASC providers would be amended as set out in Summary section above.

 

Reasons for Decision:

 

To sustain Surrey’s ASC market during the C19 crisis, taking into account national guidance and action being taken by other local authorities in the region.

 

It was AGREED that:

 

The C19 support offer to Millbrook be varied as set out above.

 

Decision made:

 

The C19 support offer previously communicated to ASC providers would be amended as set out in Summary section above.

 

Reasons for Decision:

 

To sustain Surrey’s ASC market during the C19 crisis, taking into account national guidance and action being taken by other local authorities in the region

It was AGREED that:

 

1.               Financial support of £0.4m be provided to highway contractors operating within the Kier partnership contract, for costs incurred while works were paused in March and April 2020.

 

Decision taken under delegation by virtue of:

Scheme of Delegation Part 3 – Specific Delegation to Officers EAI16 Highways and Transportation

 

Summary

This report summarises progress with the Local Committee’s programme of Highways works for the current Financial Year 2019-20.

 

The Local Committee’s Highways budgets for next Financial Year 2020-21 have now been confirmed.  Officers have worked with Members to amend the programme of Local Structural Repair (LSR – large scale patching) for next Financial Year 2020-21, of total value £311,000 capital.  All Divisional Members agreed in September 2019 to allocate £2,222.22 from their 2020-21 individual Highways revenue allocations to support Street Smart in 2021-21, a total contribution of £20,000.

 

Officers are preparing a number of bids to Elmbridge Borough Council for CIL funding.

 

These reports are published online here item 9 and annexes A-K:  https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=156&MId=6991&Ver=4

Decision made:

 

It was agreed to:

 

(i)    Approve the construction of the Stoke Road speed management scheme, in accordance with the consultation drawing shown in Annex B [of the Highways Update report], taking into account comments received during the recent public consultation (paragraphs 2.2.5 to 2.2.6 [of the Highways Update report] and Annex B refer);

(ii)   Authorise the Area Highway Manager to apply to Elmbridge Borough Council for CIL funding for the Seven Hills Road cycle route scheme, subject to consultation with local members, local residents, and Elmbridge Borough Council (Table 9 and Annex C refer);

(iii)  Authorise the Area Highway Manager to apply to Elmbridge Borough Council for CIL funding for improvements including new pedestrian crossing facilities in Walton High Street, subject to consultation with local members, local stakeholders, and Elmbridge Borough Council (Table 9 and Annex D refer);

(iv)  Authorise the Area Highway Manager to apply to Elmbridge Borough Council for CIL funding for improvements to the junctions at either end of Baker Street, Weybridge, subject to consultation with local members, local stakeholders, and Elmbridge Borough Council (Table 9 and Annex E refer);

(v)   Convene a meeting with the relevant Divisional and Ward Members to review the Walton Road between Esher Road and Avern Road scheme (Table 9 and Annex F refer);

(vi)  Authorise the Area Highway Manager to apply to Elmbridge Borough Council for CIL funding to improve pedestrian facilities at the junction of Grotto Road with Thames Street, Weybridge, subject to consultation with local members, local stakeholders, and Elmbridge Borough Council (Table 9 and Annex G refer);

(vii)Authorise the Area Highway Manager to apply to Elmbridge Borough Council for CIL funding for capacity improvements between Station Road and the Scilly Isles, Esher, subject to consultation with local members, local stakeholders, and Elmbridge Borough Council (Table 9 and Annex H refer);

(viii)Approve the bus stop clearways listed in Table 10, and shown in Annex J, as part of the Brooklands Business Park Accessibility scheme (paragraphs 2.8.1 to 2.8.4 refer);

(ix)  Authorise the Area Highway Manager to apply to Elmbridge Borough Council for CIL funding to implement a quick win scheme in Copsem Lane, Esher, as part of the Esher Optimisation project, subject to consultation with local members, local residents, and Elmbridge Borough Council (Table 9 and Annex K refer);

(x)   Authorise the Area Highway Manager in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and relevant Divisional Member(s) to undertake all necessary procedures to deliver the agreed programmes.

 

Reasons for Decision:

 

The feasibility studies and / or outline designs for a number of schemes have now been completed.  These schemes are now ready for CIL applications, subject to consultation with local members and other interested parties.

 

The public consultation for the Stoke Road speed management scheme is now complete.  Results suggest strong support for the scheme within the local community.  Committee is asked to approve the scheme for construction later this year.

 

A number of options are available for the development of the Walton Road between Esher Road and Avern Road scheme.  These need to be reviewed, and options prioritised for the next stage of this scheme’s development.

 

Committee’s approval is needed to be able to implement a number of new bus stop clearways, which are being proposed as part of the Brooklands Business Park Accessibility scheme.

 

Committee is asked to provide the necessary authorisation to deliver its programmes of work in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and relevant Divisional Member without the need to revert to the Committee as a whole.

 

Decision taken by:                  Nick Healey, Area Highway Manager (NE)

Decision taken on:                  3rd April 2020

To be implemented on:           8th April for the Financial Year 2020-21

 

Alternative options considered

Options are outlined in the reports.

 

Summary of any financial implications

The schemes proposed are within the financial budget for this committee.  Further details are outlined in the report.

 

Declarations of conflicts of interest

None.

 

Consultation/Process Followed

All Members of the Local Committee were given the opportunity to comment on the recommendations, following the cancellation of the formal meeting, via e-mail, the reasons for which are detailed in the respective reports.  All three Members (including the Chairman and Vice-Chairman) who commented were in favour.  No objections were raised by any Members.

 

Background Documents     

Highways Update Report

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s66703/Item%2009%20Highways%20Update.pdf

 

•           Item 09 Annex A - CPE account statement

•           Item 09 Annex B1 - Stoke Road 2020 Consult Letter

•           Item 09 Annex B2 - Stoke Road 2020 Consultation Area

•           Item 09 Annex B3 - Stoke Road 2020 Consultation drawing

•           Item 09 Annex B3 - Stoke Road 2020 Consultation written responses

•           Item 09 Annex C1 - Seven Hills Road Feasibility Report

•           Item 09 Annex C2 - Seven Hills Road

•           Item 09 Annex D1 - Walton High Street Zebra

•           Item 09 Annex D2 - Walton High Street Zebra

•           Item 09 Annex E1 - Baker Street Feasibility

•           Item 09 Annex E2 - Baker Street

•           Item 09 Annex F1 - Walton Road

•           Item 09 Annex F2 - Walton Road

•           Item 09 Annex F3 - Walton Road

•           Item 09 Annex G1 - Grotto Road Feasibility Study

•           Item 09 Annex G2 - Grotto Road

•           Item 09 Annex G3 - Grotto Road

•           Item 09 Annex G4 - Grotto Road

•           Item 09 Annex G5 - Grotto Road

•           Item 09 Annex G6 - Grotto Road

•           Item 09 Annex H1 - Scilly Isles

•           Item 09 Annex H2 - Scilly Isles

•           Item 09 Annex H3 - Scilly Isles

•           Item 09 Annex H4 - Scilly Isles

•           Item 09 Annex H5 - Scilly Isles

•           Item 09 Annex I - Esher SCOOT

•           Item 09 Annex J - Bus Clearway Locations

•           Item 09 Annex K - Copsem Lane

 

Annexes available

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/mgAi.aspx?ID=27471#mgDocuments

           

Decision taken under delegation by virtue of:

Scheme of Delegation Part 3 – Specific Delegation to Officers EAI16 Highways and Transportation

 

Summary

To receive any petitions in accordance with Standing Order 68.  Three petitions were received and officer responses were provided.

 

Petition 1:  Request for speed reduction on Cottimore Lane, Walton

Lead petitioner: Geoff Farndon - Signatures: 40

Petition 2:  Request to improve road safety outside Danesfield School, Walton

Lead petitioner: Lisa Jordan - Signatures: 117

Petition 3: Request to improve road safety to improve road safety outside Westward School and the Forthouse Surgery, Hersham Road, Walton-on-Thames.

Lead petitioner:  Jonnie Parkhurst  - Signatures 215

 

These reports are published online here item 5:  https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=156&MId=6991&Ver=4

 

Decision made:

 

From the Petition response:  Cottimore Lane, Walton report:

 

It was agreed to:

 

(i)    Approve the restoration and protection of the previous grass verge between Terrace Road and Carlton Road, subject to funding being allocated;

(ii)   Refer the short section between the convenience store and Ambleside Avenue to the Casualty Reduction Working Group for review.

 

From the Petition response:  Road Safety Outside Schools – Danesfield Manor report:

 

It was agreed that:

 

(i)    The Parking Team should be asked to consider arranging a Traffic Regulation Order for the “School Keep Clear” road markings outside the school so that these can be enforced;

(ii)   The Safer Travel Team will work with the school to encourage them to take up more of the road safety education and training activities offered by the county council, this will include “Pedals” Year 2 (age 6/7) Scooter and bicycle training, “Bikeability” bicycle training Level 1 Year 4 (age 8/9) and Level 2 Year 6 (age 10/11).  The school also takes part annually in the Golden Boot Challenge: an inter-class challenge to encourage more sustainable travel to and from school.

 

From the Petition response:  Road Safety Outside Schools – Westward Preparatory School report:

 

It was agreed that:

 

(i)    Westward Preparatory School should be asked whether they would be favourable to contributing towards the cost of the suggestion pedestrian refuge island in paragraph 3.2 of the Petition response [Road Safety Outside Schools – Westward Preparatory School report], and;

(ii)   If Westward Preparatory School is favourable to contributing funding, add this site to Committee’s prioritisation list for review later in 2020;

(iii)  The Safer Travel Team will work with the school to encourage them to take up more of the road safety education and training activities offered by the county council, this will include completing a Modeshift STARS Travel Plan.

 

Reasons for Decision:

 

To respond to the issues raised in the petitions submitted to the Committee for consideration by improving Road Safety.

 

Decision taken by:                  Nick Healey, Area Highway Manager (NE)

Decision taken on:                  3rd April 2020

To be implemented on:           8 April 2020 for the Financial Year 2020-21

 

Alternative options considered

See attached reports.

 

Summary of any financial implications

The schemes proposed could be included within the financial budget available to the committee for 2020/21, subject to prioritisation against other schemes.  The scheme proposed for Westward preparatory School is subject to a contribution being made available by the School.  The work of the Safer Travel Team is financed from their allocated budget

 

Declarations of conflicts of interest

None.

 

Consultation/Process Followed

All Members of the Local Committee were given the opportunity to comment on the recommendations, following the cancellation of the formal meeting, via e-mail, the reasons for which are detailed in the respective reports.  All three Members (including the Chairman and Vice-Chairman) who commented were in favour.  No objections were raised by any Members.

 

Background Documents     

 

Request for speed reduction on Cottimore Lane, Walton.

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s66692/Item%2004%20Petition%201%20response%20-%20Cottimore%20Lane.pdf

 

Request to improve road safety outside Danesfield School, Walton

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s66693/Item%2004%20Petition%202%20response%20-%20Danesfield%20Manor%20School%20and%20RSOS.pdf

 

Request to improve road safety to improve road safety outside Westward School and the Forthouse Surgery, Hersham Road, Walton-on-Thames.

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s66694/Item%2004%20Petition%203%20response%20-%20Westward%20Preparatory%20School.pdf

Decision taken under delegation by virtue of:

Scheme of Delegation Part 3 – Specific Delegation to Officers EAI16

 

Summary

This report provides an update on the 2019/20 programme of highway works funded by this committee, an update on other centrally funded projects being promoted in the local area, as well as details of expenditure on the budgets allocated to the committee in 2019/20. In addition it details the committee devolved allocation for 2020/21 and how it is proposed to be allocated. Online report: Item 13 https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=751&MId=7103&Ver=4

 

Decision made:

 

It was AGREED that:

1.       The committee approved allocations and works progressed during 2019/20 be noted.

2.       The recommendations in paragraphs 2.1.7 – 2.1.14 for utilising available highways funding for 2020/21 be approved

3.       The current national speed limit in The Avenue, Compton be reduced to a 30mph speed limit.

4.       The Area Highways Manager be delegated the authority to resolve any problems encountered to facilitate scheme delivery throughout the year, in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and Divisional Member.

 

Reasons for Decision:

The Committee was asked to agree the recommendations so that the schemes could be delivered in the 2020/21 financial year.

 

Decision taken by:                  Frank Apicella, Area Highways Manager

Decision taken on:                  2 April 2020

To be implemented on:           7 April 2020

 

Alternative options considered

The Committee’s Infrastructure Task Group considered a range of schemes that could have been funded through the committee’s funding. These were assessed against a scoring criteria. The Task Group proposed the schemes to the committee through the officer report.

 

Summary of any financial implications

The schemes proposed are within the financial budget for this committee.

 

Declarations of conflicts of interest

None

 

Consultation/Process Followed

•        The Infrastructure Task Group (of members of the Joint Committee) considered all the schemes to be proposed through the officer report (link above).

•        The Joint Committee considered the recommendations at its informal meeting in January 2020

•        The Joint Committee members were further consulted through a virtual meeting (email circulation) in the preparation for the decision, following the cancellation of the scheduled meeting.

 

Background Documents

 

Highways Update Report

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s66686/Item%2013%20Highways%20update.pdf

 

Highways Update Report – Annex 1

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s66687/Item%2013%20Highways%20update%20Annex%201.pdf

 

Highways Update Report – Annex 2

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s66688/Item%2013%20Highways%20update%20Annex%202.pdf  

Decision taken under delegation by virtue of:

Scheme of Delegation Part 3 – Specific Delegation to Officers EAI16

 

Summary

Guildford Borough Council has secured Enterprise M3 Local Economic Partnership funding towards the creation of a Sustainable Movement Corridor in Guildford between Gill Avenue and Guildford Park Road. As part of the improvements, Traffic Regulation Orders for Phase 2b on Guildford Park Road are required. Online report: Item 11 https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=751&MId=7103&Ver=4

 

Decision made:

 

It was AGREED that in respect to the Phase 2b works (Waiting Restrictions):

1.       Authority is delegated to the Transport Development Planning Team to finalise and confirm a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) the effects of which will be to allow the alteration and creation of waiting restrictions along Guildford Park Road to support the proposed scheme based on the outcomes of the detailed design work which is currently being undertaken, in consultation with the Chairman, Vice Chairman and the Local Division Members.

2.       Authority is delegated to the Transport Development Planning Team to advertise in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, the effects of which will be to allow the alteration and creation of waiting restrictions along Guildford Park Road to support the proposed scheme

3.       Any objections to the TRO should be considered and resolved by the Chairman, Vice-Chairman and the Local Divisional Member in consultation with the Transport Development Planning Team Leader (West), and that this issue only be returned to Committee if any objections prove insurmountable.

4.       The Order be made once any objections have been considered and resolved.

 

It was AGREED that in respect of the Phase 2b Works (Taxi rank Removal)

5.       A local authority can adopt areas on streets or private land as taxi ranks for either continual or part-time use under section 63 of the Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976.  The statutory process provides that the local authority must obtain the permission of the Highways Authority, give notice to the Police, publish a public advertisement in a local paper and consider any objections or representations received within 28 days of publication before a rank is appointed.  The Council’s Executive has the authority to appoint a rank after the necessary approvals and consultation. Section 63(5) of the Act states that the power to appoint ranks includes the power to revoke such appointment and requires the same statutory process to be followed.

6.       Highways Authority approval is provided for the removal of the of the current taxi rank on Guildford Park Road, outside Guildford Station.

7.       Any objections and consultations be dealt with through the local authority process outlined in (1) above.

 

Reasons for Decision:

Recommendations (1) to (4) are made to revise the parking restrictions for the proposals. These will include changing the parking restrictions on the corner by the shops, which will mean the loss of some residents parking bays. The bus stop locations are also being more conveniently located for passengers. Recommendations (v) to (vii) are made to remove the current taxi ranks for the proposals. The rank is not well used and there are planned improvements to travel across Guildford as part of the wider Sustainable Movement Corridor which will deliver potential benefit to a greater number of customers. Directional signage within the station directs customers wishing to get a taxi to the front of the station.  Customers are still able to hail or book a taxi in advance from the back of the station. The SMC works will in their entirety provide a balanced package of works that will provide improved sustainable travel choices between Guildford Rail Station, Royal Surrey County Hospital, the Research Park and University of Surrey. Measures comprise improved pedestrian and cycle facilities, enhanced bus priority and bus stops, whilst also creating an improved highway network aimed at reducing congestion and journey time delays.

 

Decision taken by:                  Lucy Monie, Director Infrastructure and Delivery

Decision taken on:                  11 May 2020

To be implemented on:           16 May 2020

 

Alternative options considered

The Committee’s Infrastructure Task Group considered a range of schemes that could have been funded through the committee’s funding. These were assessed against a scoring criteria. The Task Group proposed the schemes to the committee through the officer report.

 

Summary of any financial implications

The schemes proposed are within the financial budget for this committee.

 

Declarations of conflicts of interest

None

 

Consultation/Process Followed

·           The Infrastructure Task Group (of members of the Joint Committee) considered all the schemes to be proposed through the officer report (link above).

·           The Joint Committee considered the recommendations at its informal meeting in January 2020

·           The Joint Committee members were further consulted through a virtual meeting (email circulation) in the preparation for the decision, following the cancellation of the scheduled meeting.

·           Following comments from a Committee member, the report was amended and recirculated for comment

 

Background Documents

 

Highways Update Report

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s66686/Item%2013%20Highways%20update.pdf

 

Highways Update Report – Annex 1

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s66687/Item%2013%20Highways%20update%20Annex%201.pdf

 

Highways Update Report – Annex 2

https://mycouncil.surreycc.gov.uk/documents/s66688/Item%2013%20Highways%20update%20Annex%202.pdf

 

RESOLVED:

 

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

 

Reason for decision:

 

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

 

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

 

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

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.

 

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.

 

There was one question from Mr Chris Botten and four questions from Mr Jonathan Essex, these and the responses were published as a supplement to the agenda.

 

The Minutes of the meeting held on 31 March 2020 were approved as a correct record.

 

This will be a standing item, until further notice, to cover any approvals needed to adopt relevant pieces of new guidance, legislation, etc. that has come through from Government in response to the Covid 19 pandemic.. It will also include the need to adopt temporary revisions to the Council’s policies, procedures and practices.

 

RESOLVED:

 

Cabinet resolved to note:

 

1.    the latest public health situation with regard to COVID-19 and the latest informationon Surrey’s response,

2.    the updated guidance on changes to local authority powers under the Coronavirus Act, including powers available to the County Council should the system for managing the deceased risk becoming overwhelmed,

 

3.    the efforts being made to source, procure, supply and distribute Personal Protective Equipment to employees, in accordance with national guidance and the potential sanctions and liabilities in this respect,

 

4.    the updated assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on Surrey County Council’s short and medium-term financial position, and the impact on services, and

 

5.    the measures being taken through the Surrey Local Resilience Forum Recovery Coordinating Group to plan and prepare for the immediate, operational Recovery of services from lockdown and COVID-19. 

 

Reason for decision:

 

The county and Council continue to face unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 emergency. The focus of response activity remains: i) delay and suppress the progress of the virus in Surrey, ii) save lives, iii) support our most vulnerable residents and communities through the delivery of core services, iv) reduce pressure on the NHS.

 

These priority objectives are guiding our decisions and ensuring our response and emergent recovery strategies and work remain tightly focused. The recommendations set out in this report will support our efforts across the Council to protect, sustain and support our residents and communities and the economy of Surrey.

 

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

 

Approval of Tree Strategy and its strategic objectives

Approval of actions contained within the New Tree Action Plan (appendix to strategy)

Support the creation of the New Trees officer task group, which will meet every two months to review progress to date.

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the New Tree Strategy be approved.

 

2.    That the continued engagement with partners in order to develop a delivery plan which will support the strategy and our ambition to facilitate the planting of 1.2 million trees by 2030 be supported. This will be completed by September 2020 to align with the start of the tree planting period.

 

3.    That engagement with partners to develop a wider Land Use Framework, to be completed by March 2021 be supported.

 

Reason for decision:

 

Implementation of the Strategy will result not only in reductions in carbon emissions, thereby helping to mitigate climate change, but it will also have numerous co-benefits for residents’ health and wellbeing. Trees and woodland have been proven to be good for both our mental health by minimising anxiety and stress for those able to enjoy green spaces, and our physical health by improving air quality through the same carbon capture that makes them so beneficial to the mitigation of climate change.

 

In addition, trees play an important role in climate change adaptation by providing areas of shade in built up urban areas during heatwaves as well as providing a source of natural flood risk management. Increasing tree cover in the county will create biodiversity benefits and increased habitats, provided that the right trees are planted in the right places.

 

Finally, it is important to note that other types of natural capital also play an important role in sequestering CO2 and minimising the impacts of climate change. The proposed Land Use Framework will provide a mechanism that enables the Council and our partners to understand the condition and full potential and value of our natural environment, as well as how we can best support that environment.

 

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

 

Approval of Climate Change Strategic Priorities

Approval of actions contained within the accompanying action document

Recommendation to continue working on scoping the delivery plan – timelines, costs and ownership

 

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the Surrey’s Climate Change Strategy be endorsed, and its associated actions approved.

 

2.    That the continued development of the actions contained within the strategy to identify clear ownership, appropriate levels of funding and a set of key performance indicators (KPIs) by 2021 that can provide for robust monitoring be supported. Where required any respective projects and programmes will be brought back to Cabinet with costed delivery plans for approval.

 

3.    That the continued engagement of the Council with boroughs and districts, with the intention of achieving joint endorsement across the 12 authorities be supported.

 

4.    That further engagement of residents and key stakeholders with the Strategy and actions, so that collective action may be taken to achieve the outlined ambition be supported.

 

5.    That the publication of our progress annually against our targets, with a complete review of the Strategy every five years be supported. Any minor changes outside this time frame will be approved by the leader in consultation with the borough and district authorities.

 

6.    That the Select Committee recommendation to investigate mechanisms for joint oversight and monitoring of the Climate Change Strategy impact and delivery be supported.

 

Reason for decision:

 

Surrey’s Climate Change Strategy enables us to deliver on Surrey’s net zero carbon emissions ambition and build the resilience of our communities to the impacts of climate change.

 

The potential implications if we do nothing to address climate change in Surrey include increased risk of flooding and extreme heat, disruption to our critical infrastructure, networks and businesses, and increased risk to our health and wellbeing.

 

Not only will the implementation of the actions contained within the strategy help to reduce the potentially negative and far-ranging impacts of climate change, it will also have substantial co-benefits including improved health and wellbeing, e.g. from reductions in air pollution, the potential for job creation and investment in Surrey’s green economy, and more local, sustainably produced food.

 

Further, baseline emissions research for Surrey, produced by researchers at Leeds University, has identified that there are a number of proven cost-effective and technically viable carbon reduction options that Surrey’s local authorities could deliver in addition to the County Council’s existing capital programme to reduce carbon emissions. These savings will be achieved across a range of stakeholders, from residents to businesses and public sector partners and could total £1.32 billion per annum by 2050 in savings on energy bills against a Business as Usual scenario (BAU).

 

Whilst the impacts of COVID19 on the County and the Government’s response, including the facilitation of social distancing, will not change the ambition of the strategy, they will need to be considered against the actions identified to deliver the strategy.

 

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

 

Cabinet approval to:

Step One

Publish a PIN notice as a call for competition as this will allow us to test the market and see if there are any other providers who have an interest in delivering the required service.

Step Two

If there are expressions of interest and it is clear that there are other providers who want to/can deliver this service, we will procced with process A. If there are no expressions of interest we will proceed with process B.

·         Process A: Carry out a tender under the Light Touch Regime

·         Process B: Direct award to incumbent provider

This approval will allow us to put a new contract in place for Combined Sensory Services for Adults and Children.

RESOLVED:

 

1.    That the commissioning and procurement strategy developed by Adult Social Care, Children’s Services and Procurement for the re-procurement of Children’s Vision and Sensory Loss Support and Adults’ Combined Sensory Services contract or contracts be approved.

 

2.    That the procurement of the sensory services contract(s) to commence on 1 April 2021 be approved. The new contract will be in place for three years with an option to extend for up to a further 36 months.

 

Reason for decision:

 

We are requesting approval of the commissioning and procurement strategy for the contracts for:

    a.        Children’s Vision and Sensory Loss Support, of value £132,000 from the Vulnerable Learners element within the Education budget, and

    b.        Adults’ Combined Sensory Services, of value £1,376,004.

 

This will enable Adult Social Care and Children’s Services to continue providing the services required in accordance with the relevant regulations.

 

This strategy incorporates publishing a Prior Information Notice (PIN), which will allow us to test the market with regard to the provision of these services. The outcome of the PIN notice will determine the actual procurement route: if there is no interest in the services other than the incumbent provider, SCC might consider whether a direct award the incumbent provider might be desirable rather than continuing with a full re-procurement.

 

The new contract(s) will ensure continued delivery of these services to the adults and children in Surrey who require these support services and addressing SCC‘s responsibilities under the Children Act 1989, the Children and Families Act 2014 and the Care Act 2014.

 

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

 

 

To approve recommendations for purchase and sale of assets and terms of leases over £1m.

 

To consider the month end budget report and make any recommendations as appropriate.

 

RESOLVED:

 

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

 

Reason for decision:

 

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

 

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

 

Approve the business case for the project to provide a replacement teaching block to improve the educational facility for the pupils attending the school, into the future. 

The replacement block has been identified via the Department for Education’s PSBP2 works. 

 

RESOLVED:

 

That, subject to the agreement of the detailed financial information for the project as set out in the Part 2 annex to the submitted report, the business case for the reprovision of the school building be approved. 

 

Reason for decision:

 

The current block is dilapidated and beyond economic repair. The funding from the Department for Education (DfE) affords the opportunity to replace the existing block and provide children with a new education facility to use for another 60+ years rather than an old, outdated and worn out building.

 

If this is not undertaken SCC will lose the PSBP2 funding from DfE, and will need to carry out the same project at a later date at its own cost while suffering on going inefficient maintenance costs.

 

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