Apologies were received from:

Councillor Izzi Seccombe OBE    

Councillor Sarah Boad

Councillor Jonathan Chilvers

Councillor Bill Olner

Regarding item 10, Councillor Bill Gifford declared a non-pecuniary interest as a Governor at Brookhurst Primary School.

None

The minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2019 were agreed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.

Resolved

         That Cabinet notes the progress of the delivery of the One Organisational Plan (OOP) 2020 for the period April to June 2019.

Councillor Kam Kaur (Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation), having explained that the quarterly performance reports had been split for the sake of clarity, observed that Council performance in quarter 1 had displayed a significant improvement. Referencing paragraph 2.3 on page 2 of the report Councillor Kaur stated that delayed transfers of care had been reduced, that the number of child protection plans has remained low (this being good) and the percentage of Education Health Care assessments completed by their target date has increased.

Regarding sickness levels, these were noted to have reduced albeit slowly.

Councillor Richard Chattaway (Leader of the Labour Group) expressed concern over levels of staff sickness and the slow rate at which these levels are being reduced. He called for greater scrutiny of sickness levels and the underlying reasons for them. Councillor Jerry Roodhouse (Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group) noted that the period of transformation that the Council is currently going through is potentially very stressful for many. This may, in part, explain the high sickness levels.

Regarding Warwickshire’s economic output (Gross Value Added - GVA), Councillor Chattaway observed that whilst this continues to be reasonable, the rate of growth has declined. He asked that Cabinet report on why this is the case and what it intends to do to address it.

Councillor Keith Kondakor noted that Fire and Rescue Service response times had been below target up to June 2019 and asked if matters had improved in July and August. In addition, Councillor Kondakor noted that an appliance from the West Midlands Fire Service had been required to attend an incident in Bedworth. In reply to this latter point Councillor Andy Crump (Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety) informed Cabinet that cross border cooperation such as that witnessed in Bedworth was not unusual.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse stated that as the population ages so the pressure for residential beds will increase. Concerning the reported performance on Education Health Care Plans, Councillor Roodhouse observed that there is little point in meeting targets if in doing some clients do not consider that they have been treated well. It is important to get the balance right on this, he added. Regarding economic output Councillor Roodhouse highlighted the statement in the report that further research is being undertaken into the matter. It was not clear when this was being done and by who.

          In response to comments regarding economic growth Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader – Finance and Policy) stated that the data may be misleading as the government has recently altered the way in which it calculates GVA. It was also recognised that the motor industry has witnessed a downturn which is having an impact on Warwickshire. Nevertheless, Warwickshire continues to perform well and is home to much innovation and investment.

          Regarding comments around levels of sickness, Cabinet was reminded that much work is being carried out to manage this through manager training and health and well-being initiatives.

Resolved

         That Cabinet notes the progress of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2(1)

Resolved

That Cabinet:

a)       Notes the forecast underspend of £6.298m for the 2019/20 financial year on the Council’s revenue budget.

b)       Approves the net transfer of £3.000m from the adults social care underspend to reserves.

c)       Approves the drawdown of the following earmarked reserves to support planned activity:

•         £0.223m for the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) demand management programme;

•         £0.085m for the Warwickshire Bytes project

d)       Notes the consolidation of existing transformation reserves to create a single transformation reserve to support the Corporate Transformation Programme.

e)       Notes the forecast underspend on the capital programme of £17.752m.

f)        Approves the addition to the capital programme of £0.997m for additional   Hawkes Point refurbishment costs and note that this will be funded from revenue or from a contribution from property reserves.

g)       Approves the carry forward of the underspend on the capital programme of    £17.752m into the 2020/21 and future years capital programme and the changes   to the cost and funding of schemes detailed in the report and in Annexes A to M.

Councillor Peter Butlin identified key elements of the report highlighting an overall forecast underspend of £6.298m. Cabinet was informed that whilst this headline figure was encouraging there are some areas where significant overspends are forecast. These include Education Services, Environment Services, Fire and Rescue, the Strategic Commissioner for Communities, Children and Families and the Strategic Commissioner for People.

Reserves are forecast to stand at £165.272m by the end of the financial year. Expenditure on the Capital Programme is expected to be lower than planned although the Hawkes Point project will see additional expenditure on roofing works.

Councillor Richard Chattaway questioned why after the first quarter of the financial year a significant underspend was being forecast. Whilst he welcomed the ambitious nature of the Capital Programme, Councillor Richard Chattaway questioned whether the organisation has sufficient capacity to deliver it. It may be necessary to look outside of the Council and secure expertise from elsewhere to provide support. In response to the issues around Hawkes Point Councillor Chattaway questioned whether the state of the roof should have been assessed earlier in the project.

Referencing paragraph 6.7 Councillor Keith Kondakor suggested that smaller capital transport schemes should be favoured over the large ones. He cited the removal of the Hinckley Road bridge in Nuneaton which was scheduled to be removed in 2018 but had not been carried out. Large road projects are contrary to the message around the climate change emergency debated and agreed at Council in July.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse questioned the capacity of the council to take account of the infrastructure requirements of the district and borough council local plans. In addition, Councillor Roodhouse emphasised that the additional money for adult social care announced recently by government has been committed for one year only. Finally, Councillor Roodhouse emphasised the need to provide resources for the drug and alcohol service remembering the impact that substance misuse has on levels of domestic violence.

In response to members’ comments Councillor Jeff Clarke (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning noted that workforce reviews have been undertaken to optimise levels of support for capital projects. The Hinckley Road bridge is set to be removed in October of 2019 and other major road schemes are required to ensure that people can continue to move around the county.

On adult social care funding Councillor Les Caborn (Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health) assured the meeting that the positing adult social care funding was clear and being managed effectively.

The need for Capacity for the delivery of capital transport schemes was acknowledged by Councillor Peter Butlin who stated that the HS2 project had an impact on such capacity. Finally, Councillor Butlin reminded members that some major road schemes such as Stanks island in Warwick aim to improve road safety as well as reducing congestion.   

Resolved

That Cabinet:

a)       Notes the forecast underspend of £6.298m for the 2019/20 financial year on the Council’s revenue budget.

b)       Approves the net transfer of £3.000m from the adults social care underspend  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2(2)

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1)       Approves the process and timetable for developing the Council Plan 2025.

2)       Authorises the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation to finalise the Council Plan engagement tool and the arrangements for engagement.

3)       Notes the progress in developing a five-year Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to support the Council Plan and plans to finalise the MTFS alongside the draft Council Plan which will be presented to Cabinet in December.

Councillor Peter Butlin explained that the evolving Council Plan will set out the Council’s priorities for the period to 2025. Linked to the Council’s financial plan it will be subject to extensive consultation and a roadshow as part of its development. It was agreed that Group Leaders would all be invited to contribute to the plan’s development.

Councillor Richard Chattaway sought and received assurance that the plan will take account of climate change and the recently declared climate emergency. Councillor Chattaway stated that preparing a five-year plan would always be a challenge when the Council works with one-year financial settlements. This was acknowledged.

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1)       Approves the process and timetable for developing the Council Plan 2025.

2)       Authorises the Chief Executive in consultation with the Leader, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation to finalise the Council Plan engagement tool and the arrangements for engagement.

3)       Notes the progress in developing a five-year Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) to support the Council Plan and plans to finalise the MTFS alongside the draft Council Plan which will be presented to Cabinet in December.

Resolved

That Cabinet approve:

1)    The allocation of £0.150m from the Capital Investment Fund to fund the installation of In Cab Navigation/Autosalting technology in WCC gritting vehicles and add the scheme to the Capital Programme

2)    The use of £0.025 of unallocated resources in the Educational Services capital programme to be used for a safeguarding walkway at Westgate Children & Family Centre/Westgate Primary School and add the scheme to the Capital Programme

Following an introduction from Councillor Peter Butlin, Councillor John Holland (Local member for Warwick West) expressed his support for the safeguarding measures proposed at Westgate Children & Family Centre/Westgate Primary School.

Referencing paragraph 1.4 Councillor Keith Kondakor noted the statement that there, “is insufficient unallocated funding remaining in the CIF to cover all pending schemes coming forward” and asked for clarification of the implications of this. In response, Monica Fogarty (Chief Executive) explained that the emerging Capital Strategy will profile spending of capital over the medium term. Councillor Butlin added that as an ambitious local authority there will always be projects that the Council would wish to undertake but which it cannot afford to do.

Resolved

That Cabinet approve:

1)    The allocation of £0.150m from the Capital Investment Fund to fund the installation of In Cab Navigation/Autosalting technology in WCC gritting vehicles and add the scheme to the Capital Programme

2)    The use of £0.025 of unallocated resources in the Educational Services capital programme to be used for a safeguarding walkway at Westgate Children & Family Centre/Westgate Primary School and add the scheme to the Capital Programme

That Cabinet:

1)       Approve the development of the A46 Strategic Link Road scheme, working in partnership with Coventry City Council and Warwick District Council, and authorise the Strategic Directors for Communities and Resources to take all necessary steps to prepare the scheme for implementation including:

(i)             undertaking public consultation;

(ii)            completing detailed feasibility design and determining land requirements;

iii)       negotiating terms for any necessary land acquisitions, alterations to private accesses and any 3^rd party agreements required for the scheme;

iv)       preparing applications for planning permission and any other statutory consents;

v)        determining the procurement strategy; and

(vi)     preparing and submitting applications for funding, or support Coventry City Council in preparing and submitting applications for funding.

2)       Request that further reports be brought to Cabinet and then to Council once the detailed feasibility stage is complete, to confirm the development of the scheme to detailed design, to consider the inclusion of the A46 Strategic Link Road project into the Capital Programme, to invite tenders, to award a contract and to complete the required land acquisition.

Councillor Jeff Clarke (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) summarised the published report.

Councillor Keith Kondakor supported the development of a rail station to serve Warwick University adding that investment in sustainable transport would free up capacity on the highway network. In response, Cabinet was informed that the location of any new station had yet to be agreed, accessibility being a key factor.

Councillor Richard Chattaway stated that the recently expressed uncertainties over the future of HS2 may have an impact on the link road project. He also challenged that the funding shown in para 5.4 relied on funding that is still to be secured. In response to this point Cabinet was informed that all the partners identified have expressed their support for the scheme.

Resolved

          That Cabinet:

1)       Approve the development of the A46 Strategic Link Road scheme, working in partnership with Coventry City Council and Warwick District Council, and authorise the Strategic Directors for Communities and Resources to take all necessary steps to prepare the scheme for implementation including:

(i)             undertaking public consultation;

(ii)            completing detailed feasibility design and determining land requirements;

iii)       negotiating terms for any necessary land acquisitions, alterations to private accesses and any 3^rd party agreements required for the scheme;

iv)       preparing applications for planning permission and any other statutory consents;

v)        determining the procurement strategy; and

(vi)     preparing and submitting applications for funding, or support Coventry City Council in preparing and submitting applications for funding.

2)       Request that further reports be brought to Cabinet and then to Council once the detailed feasibility stage is complete, to confirm the development of the scheme to detailed design, to consider the inclusion of the A46 Strategic Link Road project into the Capital Programme, to invite tenders, to award a contract and to complete the required land acquisition.

Resolved

That Cabinet gives approval to the procurement of a construction contract for the following Section 278 scheme and authorises the Strategic Director for Communities to enter into such contract on terms and conditions acceptable to the Strategic Director for Resources subject to the applicable Section 278 Agreement with the Developer being signed which will provide for 100% of the funding:

• C43 Gallows Hill, Warwick. Developers – L&Q Estates, Galliford Try Partnership and Warwick District Council. Approximate value £3.5 million

Councillor Peter Butlin introduced and summarised the published report.

Resolved

That Cabinet gives approval to the procurement of a construction contract for the following Section 278 scheme and authorises the Strategic Director for Communities to enter into such contract on terms and conditions acceptable to the Strategic Director for Resources subject to the applicable Section 278 Agreement with the Developer being signed which will provide for 100% of the funding:

• C43 Gallows Hill, Warwick. Developers – L&Q Estates, Galliford Try Partnership and Warwick District Council. Approximate value £3.5 million

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1)    notes the outcomes of the six-week Draft Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) Action Plan 2019/20 communication, engagement and consultation process and invites the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider and comment on the Action Plan.

2)    approve the IRMP Action Plan 2019/20.

3)    approve an allocation of £602k from general reserves to address the issues identified by the HMICFRS report related to the work of the fire protection team. These funds will be held in an earmarked reserve to be drawn down by the service.

Councillor Andy Crump (Portfolio Holder for Fire & Rescue and Community Safety) explained that the report before Cabinet did not present a new IRMP rather it was the action plan to the existing IRMP that was being considered. Regarding the proposal for a new fire station at Rugby, Cabinet was informed that general support had been expressed via the consultation for this to be to the south west of the town. This location will cover new areas of housing and the M45 motorway. Discussions regarding a new fire station in the north of Warwickshire have yet to identify a location. Any new site will be fully consulted on.

In response to comments made by Councillor Chattaway regarding the need for further consideration of the action plan it was agreed that the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee be invited to undertake this. 

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1)    notes the outcomes of the six-week Draft Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) Action Plan 2019/20 communication, engagement and consultation process and invites the Resources and Fire & Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider and comment on the Action Plan.

2)    approve the IRMP Action Plan 2019/20.

3)    approve an allocation of £602k from general reserves to address the issues identified by the HMICFRS report related to the work of the fire protection team. These funds will be held in an earmarked reserve to be drawn down by the service.

Resolved

That Cabinet approves the Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy for 2020-2025.

Councillor Heather Timms (Portfolio Holder for Environment and Heritage & Culture) explained the value of the voluntary and community sector in terms of the support it provides. Staff were thanked for their hard work in producing the strategy.

Councillor Richard Chattaway welcomed the report and strategy adding that it will help to ensure value for money and the delivery of services by groups supported by the County Council.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse observed that consideration will need to be given to how elected members are supported in their role delivering the strategy. In addition, Councillor Roodhouse noted that geographical borders and constant changes to how partners are structured, and work serve to complicate the landscape that the voluntary and community sector work in.

Resolved

That Cabinet approves the Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy for 2020-2025.

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1)    Approve four projects to be funded from the Early Intervention, Prevention and Community Capacity Fund at a cost of £454,000 as follows:

• Parents in mind (£74,000),

• Development of a perinatal mental health Health Visitor cadre (£200,000)

• Community capacity building (£100,000)

• Community health champions (£80,000)

2)    Note the approval, under delegated authority, of an allocation to support Community pop-up hubs for visually impaired adults at a cost of £14,000.

Referring to the four projects identified for support in recommendation 1. Councillor Peter Butlin observed that these were identified as part of the February 2019 Council budget-setting resolution. The proposals were endorsed by Councillor Les Caborn.

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1)    Approve four projects to be funded from the Early Intervention, Prevention and Community Capacity Fund at a cost of £454,000 as follows:

• Parents in mind (£74,000),

• Development of a perinatal mental health Health Visitor cadre (£200,000)

• Community capacity building (£100,000)

• Community health champions (£80,000)

2)    Note the approval, under delegated authority, of an allocation to support Community pop-up hubs for visually impaired adults at a cost of £14,000.

Resolved

That Cabinet gives consent to the governing body of Brookhurst Primary School, Leamington to become the sole member of a new company being established to run the on-site nursery at the school’s premises.

Councillor Colin Hayfield explained that the proposal before Cabinet offered a specific solution to a particular issue, the objection being to ensure the continuation of nursery provision at the site. Cabinet’s attention was drawn to paragraphs 1.4 and 1.5 of the report which set out the rationale behind the proposal. Councillor Bill Gifford emphasised that the scheme before members would benefit the school, the nursery and the Council.

Resolved

That Cabinet gives consent to the governing body of Brookhurst Primary School, Leamington to become the sole member of a new company being established to run the on-site nursery at the school’s premises.

Resolved

That Cabinet notes the outcomes of the consultation process and

1)             approves the final strategy.

2)             agrees that progress on the implementation of the Careers Strategy be incorporated into the Annual Review of the wider Warwickshire Education Strategy.

Councillor Colin Hayfield (Portfolio Holder for Education and Learning) reminded Cabinet that it had previously considered and agreed for the Careers Strategy to be consulted on. Members welcomed the Strategy adding that it had been long-awaited.

Resolved

That Cabinet notes the outcomes of the consultation process and

1)             approves the final strategy.

2)             agrees that progress on the implementation of the Careers Strategy be incorporated into the Annual Review of the wider Warwickshire Education Strategy.

Resolved

That Cabinet notes the annual review and summary of upheld complaints issued by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in the financial year 2018/19.

Councillor Kam Kaur introduced the report observing that upheld complaints in Warwickshire in 2018/19 had increased by 2 over the previous year. Nevertheless, compared to some similar local authorities the overall number is low. So far for the first quarter of the year only one complaint has been received by the County Council.

Resolved

That Cabinet notes the annual review and summary of upheld complaints issued by the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman in the financial year 2018/19.

Resolved

That Cabinet supports the Warwickshire Youth Justice Plan for referral to Council for final approval.

Councillor Jeff Morgan (Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services) explained that the report being considered by Council will be required to be considered by Council in October. He thanked the Youth Justice team for its hard work noting that everyone on the team shares a philosophy of “children first and offenders second”. Cabinet was informed of good performance with re-offending levels and first-time entrant levels falling. Children in care are not overly represented nor are unaccompanied asylum-seeking children. Particular attention was drawn to the table on page 14 of the report which set out the relative contributions to the costs of running the service.

Councillor Richard Chattaway welcomed the report and commended the work of the Youth Justice Service. It was however noted that overall levels of crime are rising and that this may in time impact of youth offending levels.

Councillor Keith Kondakor observed that each client of the Youth Justice Service costs, on average, £8000 per annum. This compares favourably with the cost of custodial measures.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse requested more information on restorative justice. Councillor Morgan agreed that this could take the form of a briefing note or member development session.

Resolved

That Cabinet supports the Warwickshire Youth Justice Plan for referral to Council for final approval.

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1)    approves the proposed contribution by the Council to the Better Together Care Plan for 2019/20 and the plan for resources.

2)    delegates authority to the Strategic Director People to enter the proposed section 75 NHS Act 2006 agreement, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Strategic Director Resources, with Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group, South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Warwickshire North Clinical Commissioning Group for the delivery of the Better Care Fund Plan once completed.

3)      approves the County Council continuing as the pooled budget holder for the fund.

Councillor Les Caborn (Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health) drew members’ attention to paragraph 2.2 of the report which sets out the four conditions that are required to be met. It was noted that the recent spending review has provided a cash injection into adult social care but this is temporary.

Resolved

That Cabinet:

1)    approves the proposed contribution by the Council to the Better Together Care Plan for 2019/20 and the plan for resources.

2)    delegates authority to the Strategic Director People to enter the proposed section 75 NHS Act 2006 agreement, on terms and conditions acceptable to the Strategic Director Resources, with Coventry and Rugby Clinical Commissioning Group, South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Warwickshire North Clinical Commissioning Group for the delivery of the Better Care Fund Plan once completed.

3)      approves the County Council continuing as the pooled budget holder for the fund.

None

Resolved

That members of the public be excluded from the meeting for the items mentioned below on the grounds that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Resolved

That members of the public be excluded from the meeting for the items mentioned below on the grounds that their presence would involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

The exempt minutes of the meeting held on 11 July 2019 were agreed as an accurate record and signed by the Chair.

The meeting rose at 15.24