Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Kam Kaur

None

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2024.

The minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 16 July 2024 were agreed as an accurate record subject to the inclusion of the attendance of Councillor Jerry Roodhouse.

To note any requests to speak on any items that are on the agenda in accordance with the Council’s Public Speaking Scheme (see footnote to this agenda).

Councillor Isobel Seccombe welcomed Mr Richard Dickson (a resident of Kenilworth) to the meeting to speak on agenda item 2 “2024/25 Financial Monitoring - Forecast position at Quarter 1”.

Mr Dickson advised that he had some questions regarding the cost overruns on the A46 Stoneleigh Junction improvement (project number 11649000).  He noted that the project had been announced in December 2020 and had been programmed to complete in the summer of 2022.  In January 2023, the bridge had been installed but not connected and remained as such.  He believed this provided for a visible symbology representing a level of disconnectiveness in the county. He noted that the report described cost overruns on the project and asked:

1.     Can a breakdown of the cost overruns please be made available;

2.     What level of confidence (in percentage terms) is there that the extra costs will not exceed the figure stated;

3.     What level of confidence (in percentage terms) is there that the project will be complete by 31st December 2024 and that there will be no negative impact of the current delays on the adjacent HS2 bridge work, and

4.     How will the Council review and implement the lessons learned in the management of this project from the cost overruns and delays in delivery of the completed bridgeworks?

Councillor Butlin responded that there were issues with the completion of this project and he would arrange for a detailed response to the questions to be shared by email.

This report outlines the forecast financial position of the organisation at the end of 2024/25 based on the information known at the end of the first quarter.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Peter Butlin

Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Finance and Property) explained to Cabinet that the quarter 1 position reflected a concerning overall picture due to ongoing demand and financial pressures in four key areas, which were also the cause of financial strain on this council last financial year – Adult Social Care; Children’s Social Care; SEND and Home to School Transport.  Cabinet was asked to note the £47.5m overspend which one-off resources reduced to £27m and the 43% shortfall in forecast savings delivery largely relating to these four areas.   Councillor Butlin noted that these four areas were areas of significant financial strain for all upper tier councils across the country and whilst mitigations were being put in place, national policy change and/or additional resources were essential.  There was tension between the Council’s statutory duty to set a balanced budget, and the statutory requirements to provide services in these demand-driven areas to those who were eligible.   However, as a well-run organisation, the Council had acted swiftly to mitigate the pressures in line with pre-existing plans and trigger points, and the long-term financial resilience which meant that there were resources set aside to assist efforts to deal with some of these pressures.  Councillor Butlin advised that the Council had responded quickly and well to the additional controls. 

In the current climate, Councillor Butlin informed Cabinet that the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) would be more challenging for current year and it was expected that additional savings of £10m above those set out in the previous paper to Cabinet (July 2024) would be required.  The Chancellor’s Spending Review and Autumn Budget would provide more clarity on the available resources and potential policy changes to fund and address the pressures identified as the Council progressed its preparations for setting the 2025/26 Budget and MTFS in February 2025.

Councillor Isobel Seccombe (Leader) commented that the Council had already engaged in lobbying the previous government and would continue with those efforts going forward.  She noted that the Local Government Association (LGA) had met with the Minister for Housing, Communities and Local Government to stress the need for funding settlements that were longer than one year but this would not wholly remedy the situation and emphasised the need for legislative change to enable the sector to manage and deliver all the services provided by local government, not just those which were demand-led.  She noted the impact of a growing and aging population on demand for adult social care and welcomed conversations with the government to address these funding issues. 

Councillor John Holland emphasised the need for political parties to work together on this issue and considered that the problem was not the result of budgets being exceeded, rather that they were not big enough.  He noted that the sector was working with a budget set by the previous chancellor and the ability to make in-year changes was somewhat difficult.  He observed that the new government had outlined plans for more house building and an increase in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 2.

This report seeks the addition of new education projects to the education capital programme.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder - Councillor Peter Butlin

Councillor Peter Butlin (Deputy Leader of the Council) opened this item and set out the further additions to the Education Capital Programme as detailed in the report: Shipston High School, delivery of a New Primary School at Callendar Farm Nuneaton, Early Years Schemes at Kenilworth Nursery School, Little Learners Day Nursery (Nuneaton), Happy Days Nursery (Southam) and Shipston Pre-School, and the former radio station mast site at Houlton in Rugby.

Councillor Sarah Feeney asked if the Council had considered the impact of the government’s proposals for increased nursery places and Councillor Butlin replied that he would seek a response to this question from the Portfolio Holder who had given apologies for the meeting.

Councillor Yousef Dahmash welcomed the collection of developer contributions towards school facilities at Houlton.  Councillor Butlin responded that Urban and Civic had done a good job on the site.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.     Recommends to Council the addition to the capital programme of £2.188m to the capital programme to deliver the scheme at Shipston High School. This will be funded by developer contribution;

2.     Recommends to Council the addition of £16.500m to the capital programme to deliver the new primary school at Callendar Farm to be funded by developer contributions and education capital funding from the Education Capital Investment Fund;

3.     Approves the addition to the capital programme of £0.418m to the capital programme to deliver the Early Years schemes at Kenilworth Nursery, Little Learners Day Nursery (Nuneaton), Happy Days Nursery (Southam) and Shipston Pre-School to be funded by developer contributions and the DfE Childcare Expansion Capital Grant; and

4.     Approves the addition to the capital programme of £1.660m to be transferred to Urban & Civic towards the delivery of Houlton School to be funded by collected developer contributions.

To receive a report providing a retrospective summary of the Council’s performance at the end of Quarter 1 (April 2024 - June 2024) against the strategic priorities and Areas of Focus set out in the Council Plan 2022-2027. The paper sets out a combined picture of the Council’s delivery, performance, HR, and risk.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Yousef Dahmash

Councillor Yousef Dahmash (Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation) introduced the published report which presented a combined picture of the Council’s delivery against corporate objectives, performance indicators, human resources, and risk.  Councillor Dahmash noted that the Council’s overall performance remained strong, despite the challenging financial environment which had an impact on resources and demand.  There also remained some uncertainty regarding the government’s policy direction and clarification on this was awaited.  However, 80% of Council Delivery Plan actions were on track and in terms of the Performance Management Framework, 55 of the 67 Key Business Measures were available for reporting with 76% on track and an overall forecast of stability.  Staff sickness levels remained an area of challenge and work to address this was ongoing.

Councillor Tim Sinclair highlighted the interest that Resources and Fire and Rescue Overview and Scrutiny Committee had taken regarding staff absence, which received a positive response from Cabinet.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse noted that the statistics regarding Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) reflected the level of pressure.  In terms of workforce, he noted that there was some stabilisation regarding mental health and stress but overall this was still above performance levels.  He noted that work was in progress but with more pressure in sight, it was important to do more to support staff and keep focus on this area.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.     Notes the Quarter 1 2024/25 organisational performance; and

2.     Agrees to refer the report to Overview and Scrutiny Committees to consider, in detail, the information relevant to their individual remits.

Prior to presentation at Council, this report seeks endorsement for approval to add the Warwickshire Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA)2 Scheme into the Capital Programme.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Jan Matecki

Councillor Jan Matecki (Portfolio Holder for Transport and Planning) explained that following a successful bid to support provision of 27 electric buses on routes operated by Stagecoach Midlands and the provision of depot charging infrastructure, it was recommended that Council make an addition to the Capital Programme of £13.864m to be funded from Department for Transport (DfT) grant funding (£4.577m), Stagecoach Midlands and Section106 developer contributions in respect of the Warwickshire Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA)2 Scheme.  The Warwickshire ZEBRA2 Scheme was being funded entirely by external partners.  The new fleet would support Carbon net-zero targets and have environmental benefits in terms of improving air quality.

Councillor Sarah Boad, a member of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) Working Group, welcomed this positive news.  She noted that Stagecoach had attended a recent meeting of the Working Group and had advised that there had been increased bus usage, rising to levels above those seen pre-Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillor Tim Sinclair echoed these comments, and further commented on the need to encourage more older people to make use of bus services. He noted the diligence of the Council’s Bus Team.  Whilst welcoming the scheme, he was disappointed that Statford-upon-Avon’s Park and Ride Scheme had not been included which may have attracted more usage to this service.

Councillor Sarah Feeney endorsed the comments made and thanked Councillor Sinclair for the role he had played on the Marketing Strategy Group.  She commended the work of officers.

Councillor Martin Watson welcomed the initiative and requested that consideration be given to bus provision in North Warwickshire as the scheme was rolled out further.

Councillor Heather Timms welcomed this step forward to Carbon Net-Zero, commending the role of Stagecoach.

Councillor Jan Matecki thanked Officers, Stagecoach Midlands and Warwick District Council for their contribution.  Regarding Stratford-upon-Avon Park and Ride he noted that there were issues with the depot at Stratford-upon-Avon for Stagecoach and, although the District Council had requested electrification, when asked for a contribution a response had not been forthcoming.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.     Recommends to Council the addition to the Capital Programme of £13.864million to be funded from the confirmed Department for Transport (DfT) grant funding, Stagecoach Midlands and Section106 developer contributions in respect of the Warwickshire Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas (ZEBRA)2 Scheme; and

2.     Authorises the Executive Director for Communities, subject to Council’s approval of the addition to the Capital Programme, to conclude all agreements that he considers necessary to implement the scheme on terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director for Resources.

Approval is sought to commence a procurement process for the provision of Day Opportunities for Older People and People with Dementia.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Margaret Bell

Councillor Margaret Bell (Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health) introduced this report which requested approval to commence procurement for the provision of Day Opportunities for Older People and People with Dementia.  The contract would be for an initial period of three years, with options to extend for periods up to 24 months. 

Councillor Marian Humphreys noted that respite facilities and facilities to ensure individuals could stay independent at home for as long as possible were very much needed by the community.

Councillor Jerry Roodhouse linked this to previous discussions about what it was possible to do in communities or do differently, for example around the use of buildings and he expressed hope that this tender process would bring this to light.

Councillor Bell welcomed enthusiasm for these services, noting the benefits of respite in particular.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.     Authorises the Executive Director for Social Care and Health, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care and Health, to commence a procurement process for the provision of Day Opportunities for Older People and People with Dementia by Warwickshire County Council as set out in the report; and

2.     Authorises the Executive Director for Social Care and Health to enter into all relevant contracts for the provision of Day Opportunities for Older People and People with Dementia on terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director for Resources.

A report outlining the Council’s participation in the WorkWell programme in partnership with the Integrated Care Board and the commencement of activity required to support better outcomes for Work & Mental Health.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Martin Watson

Councillor Martin Watson (Portfolio Holder for Economy), explained that WorkWell was a programme to deliver the Government’s vision to create a healthier nation where an individual’s disability or health should not define whether they remained in the workplace.  The Council, with Coventry City Council and the Integrated Care Board (ICB) were successful in May 2024 in becoming one of 15 Vanguards to receive funding to mobilise local work and health integration across the ICB area.  The programme was a pilot lasting 18 months from October 2024. 

£1.75m had been secured from the Department for Work and Pensions with the accountable body being the ICB for Coventry & Warwickshire. This funding would be shared with the Council via the variation to the Better Care Fund Section 75 agreement.  Subject to the terms of the variation, 60% of the funding would be passed to the Council, with the other 40% being related to performance-based payments and the report identified the mitigations in place to manage this risk.

Councillor Sarah Feeney expressed the view that this was a key step to support individuals back into work and asked for more information about how the service would be delivered.

Councillor Marian Humphreys welcomed the scheme, noting the different causes and levels of stress and further welcomed the societal changes which were removing the stigma associated with talking about stress.

Councillor Isobel Seccombe noted that there was a lot of good work for the Council to build upon in delivering this programme, including the Thrive to Work scheme across the West Midlands.

In response, Councillor Watson advised that the programme would build upon the Council’s existing offer and it was planned to visit workplaces to meet with individuals face-to-face.

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.     Authorises the Executive director for Communities in consultation with the Executive Director for Social Care and Health to vary the existing Better Care Fund Section 75 agreement with the Integrated Care Board to accommodate WorkWell on terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director for Resources;

2.     Approves the Council acting as lead delivery partner for elements of the WorkWell funding and for the Council to lead on the commissioning of joint programmes across Coventry & Warwickshire;

3.     Authorises the Executive Director for Communities to carry out appropriate procurement activity and/ or competitive calls for projects to deliver the priorities of the WorkWell Funding; and

4.     Authorises the Executive Director for Communities to negotiate and enter into all necessary contract and agreements required to deliver the approved recommendations on terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director for Resources.

A report seeking approval of a refreshed Local Councils’ Charter and the appointment of a Parish Champion.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Heather Timms

Councillor Heather Timms (Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate and Culture) introduced this report which presented a refreshed Local Council’s Charter.  The existing Charter had been approved in April 2015 and set out the expectations of how the County Council and the District and Borough Councils would work with the Town and Parish Councils.  This was a mutually beneficial working relationship that focussed on partnership working to benefit local people.  The changes included related to enhanced communication, strengthening partnerships, increased support for local councils and improved accountability.   Outcomes would be reviewed on a 12 month cycle.

Councillor Sarah Boad, a director of WALC, commented on the importance of local councils to democracy and expressed her opinion that Nuneaton and Bedworth would benefit from the introduction of town and parish councils.

Councillor Sarah Feeney welcomed the document and the formal appointment of Councillor Timms as Parish Champion to support engagement across the council tiers.

Resolved:

That Cabinet

1.     Approves the refreshed Local Councils’ Charter attached to the report at Appendix 1; and

2.     Approves the appointment of the Portfolio Holder for Environment, Climate, and Culture as the Warwickshire County Council Parish Champion.

This report summarises the complaints made to the Local Government & Social Care Ombudsman about Warwickshire County Council and decisions made by the Ombudsman in the year 2023/24.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Yousef Dahmash

Councillor Yousef Dahmash (Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation) introduced the annual report observing that there were 14 upheld complaints in Warwickshire in 2023/24, giving an upheld rate of 67% which was lower than the national average for county councils (85%).  The LGSCO had also started to measure the rate of upheld decisions per 100,000 residents. For 2023/24, the rate of upheld decisions in relation to Warwickshire was 2.3 per 100,000 residents for Warwickshire, which was low compared to the average for county councils (4.5 per 100,000 residents). The Council was therefore performing well in comparison to local authorities of a similar nature.

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 2023/24.

This report seeks approval of the County Council’s updated Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for the financial year 2023/24 and its publication on the Central Government’s Registry of Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statements for the UK.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Isobel Seccombe

Councillor Isobel Seccombe (Leader) introduced this statement which was produced annually and published through central government.  The statement set out what steps the Council had taken during the previous financial year to ensure that modern slavery was not taking place in any part of the Council's business or supply chain.  Section 2 of the report highlighted the changes that had been made to the statement since the previous year relating to the sections covering High Risk areas, Responsibility (investigations/due diligence), Relevant Policies, Training and Partnerships.

Councillor Sarah Feeney welcomed the Statement, particularly the inclusion in the High Risk section of reference to the government Sponsorship Licence scheme and the work of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) to limit abuse in the care sector. 

Resolved:

That Cabinet:

1.     Approves the Council’s updated Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement for the financial year 2023/24; and

2.     Authorises the Executive Director for Resources to publish the Council’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement on the Central Government Register alongside the estimated income for the Council in the year covered by the statement.

To consider passing the following resolution:

‘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 Schedule 12A of Part 1 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 Schedule 12A of Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1972.

To consider the exempt minutes of the 16 July 2024 meeting of Cabinet.

The exempt minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 16 July 2024 were agreed as an accurate record.

A report seeking approval to commence procurement for a client records and information system for use across Children's Social Care, Adult Social Care and Education.

Cabinet Portfolio Holder – Councillor Margaret Bell

Councillor Yousef Dahmash (Portfolio Holder for Customer and Transformation) introduced this item and summarised the exempt report.

Resolved:

The recommendations as set out in the exempt report were agreed.