AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 23 July 2007

Chairman:

p Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

Councillors:

Also present: Councillor M.F. Cartwright, A.P. Collett and Mrs P.G. Peskett (part of meeting).

308. APOLOGIES

No apologies for absence were received as all members of the Cabinet were present.

309. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that, where they believed they had a personal or personal prejudicial interest in any matter to be considered at the meeting, they should normally at the time of the debate, declare their interest, and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, consider whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed.

310. MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2007 were confirmed as a correct record.

311. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

(i) Welcomed John Hall who was observing the meeting as part of work
experience shadowing Councillor Kirk.

(ii) Confirmed that Peter Andrews, the Corporate Risk Manager would update the Cabinet on the latest position with flooding in Hampshire.

312. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG OFFENDERS AND HAMPSHIRE OWN GROWN

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Children's Services (Item 5 in the minute book) outlining proposals of how all departments in the County Council could offer employment opportunities for socially excluded young people, including young people who have offended and young people who are looked after by the County Council via foster carers or residential homes. The Head of the Wessex Youth Offending Team expanded on this innovative initiative, its aims, and the suggestion to merge the Youth Offending Team's employment proposals with the Hampshire Own Grown project. The Chief Executive reported that in order to make the most of the employment opportunities that exist, it would be important to have a framework that ensures placements are appropriate so that the right level of support can be given.

During the course of a full discussion during which detailed questions were answered, Members welcomed the proposals contained in the report and were very supportive of the initiative. In support of the report, a leaflet produced by Smart Justice entitled "Recipe for a young offender" containing facts and figures about young offenders, was circulated which Members found very interesting. Specific data about youth offending in Hampshire was also reported and at the request of Members, this data is attached to these minutes as Appendix 1. Members particularly emphasised the importance of partnership working with a wide number of agencies and the private sector to increase both their understanding of, and their contribution to the project, and considered the longer-term funding implications after the pilot has finished. In regard to the Steering Group detailed in paragraph 7.1 of the report, Members recommended the addition of a representative from the Adult Services Department.

In conclusion, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report together with two additional resolutions to reflect the views expressed above. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 1a.

313. IMPROVING HAMPSHIRE'S DIRECT PAYMENTS SCHEME

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Adult Services and the Director of Children's Services (Item 6 in the minute book) outlining proposals to consult on a range of specific areas related to the direct payment process and associated roles and responsibilities. The Deputy Director of Adult Services summarised the key areas of the report and highlighted the need to refresh the current scheme, which has been operating for a number of years in order to modernise and streamline the scheme. The consultation process was also outlined and the Deputy Director highlighted that a further report detailing implementation proposals would be submitted to the Cabinet in early 2008.

During the course of a full discussion, Members were updated on a variety of `smart card' systems which a number of other local authorities and organisations are using. Members highlighted the importance of working with the Scheme's users, to learn from the examples of best practice experienced by others, and to increase the County Council's capacity to improve the Scheme. In conclusion, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 2.

314. CAPITAL STRATEGY 2007

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer and the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 7 in the minute book) setting out the updated Capital Strategy for 2007. The County Treasurer expanded on the report and drew attention to the main changes to the Strategy compared with the 2006 version, as detailed in paragraph 3.2 of the report, with the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services updating on major projects such as the Strategic Property Review, that link to the Capital Strategy.

In regard to the estimated figure of £400m for the backlog of repairs and maintenance of the County Council's built estate over the next five years, as detailed in paragraph 4.3 of the report's appendix, Members noted that this was for all buildings, whereas the figure of £350m detailed in paragraph 11.6 was for schools only. Although the partner organisations that the County Council works closely with on service matters that affect capital issues, as listed in paragraph 8 of the report, was not intended to be inclusive, Members highlighted a number of organisations that might welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with the County Council [if officers were not already exploring the possibility] such as local universities, education Trusts and Government agencies such as the Environment Agency and the Highways Agency.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 3.

315. PLANNING AND ENERGY WHITE PAPERS

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 8 in the minute book) setting out a proposed response to the Government's White Papers on Planning and Energy. In expanding on the key points for consideration of both White Papers, the Director of Environment confirmed that they were part of a raft of consultation documents regarding economic prosperity and climate change and required a response by mid-August. The Director of Environment also reported that the Government had just announced a further Green Paper on housing.

Due to the importance of these consultation documents, the Cabinet decided to deliberate further on the County Council's response to the White Papers, therefore the final response would be agreed by the Leader, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment, the Executive Member for Economic Development and the Director of Environment. The substantive decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 4.

316. COMMUNITY SAFETY SERVICE

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 9 in the minute book) updating Members on the successful second phase of development of the Accredited Community Safety Officer service and outlining adjustments to the Tactical Areas of Responsibility to provide county coverage. The Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services expanded on the key points in the report and answered Members' questions.

The Cabinet welcomed the report and were very supportive of the many excellent results being experienced across the County as a result of the work carried out by, and the commitment of the Accredited Community Safety Officers (ACSOs). During the course of a full discussion, Members expressed concern about the high incidence of fly tipping in most parts of the county and also noted the intention to hold a county-wide seminar in the future to include ACSOs, Police Community Safety Officers (PCSOs) and Community Wardens to further develop partnership working.

In conclusion, the Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 5.

317. STRATEGIC RISK MANAGEMENT AND BUSINESS CONTINUITY

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 10 in the minute book) seeking approval of the Policy, Strategy and Performance Framework for Risk Management 2007-2010, the introduction of a Corporate Risk Register linked to the Corporate Business Plan, and the Business Continuity Management Policy and Strategy. Peter Andrews, the Corporate Risk Manager expanded on the key points covering all three elements of the report as detailed above, and also updated Members on the activity of the County Council's Emergency Planning Team who were responding to recent incidences of flooding in the county. Members noted that the Emergency Planning Team were taking as proactive a stance as possible and emphasised the need for this proactive approach to be continued.

In order to allow for detailed consideration of these important policy matters, the Cabinet agreed to consider the report further at their meeting on 24 September 2007. A copy of the decision sheet is attached to these minutes as Appendix 6.

318. EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC

Resolved:

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the following item of business as it is likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted or the nature of the proceedings, that if members of the public were present during that item there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraphs 4 and 5 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, being information relating to any consultations or negotiations, or contemplated consultations or negotiations, in connection with any labour relations matter arising between the authority and its employees, and information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings. Further, it is considered, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. While there may be a public interest in disclosing this information, namely transparency in the use of public resources, it is felt that, on balance, this is outweighed by other factors in favour of maintaining the exemption, namely the maintenance of good employee relations in the interests of stability in service provision, and the protection of the Council's interests in any legal proceedings which may ensue.

319. PAY AND BENEFITS

The Cabinet received a presentation from the Chief Executive, County Treasurer and Acting Director of Human Resources on the latest position with the Pay and Benefits project following the outcome of a ballot conducted by the Trade Unions. They also outlined options for taking the project forward and the associated financial implications.

The Cabinet agreed the approach being proposed and noted that a full report would be submitted to the next meeting of the Employment in Hampshire County Council Committee, which is the decision-making body for this matter.

Appendix 1

Youth Offending in Hampshire data

(young people defined as aged 10-17 at point of conviction or police warning)

Number of young offenders in Hampshire in 2006/7 2765

Number of offences 5656

% of 10-17 population involved in offending 2765 of 129,437 = 2.14%

% Reoffending within 1 year (all interventions) in 2006/7 34.39%

Number of young people sentenced to custody 122

Number of community penalties 2274

Contact: Steve Crocker, Tel: 01962 876100, email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decisions were made:

That Cabinet:

(a) approves the plan to merge the Youth Offending Team employment
proposals and Hampshire Own Grown project;

(b) approves the plan to work with the Learning and Skills Council and the
Regional Offender Learning and Skills Service (OLASS) team on this
project;


(c) recommends working with other agencies and the private sector to increase both their understanding of, and their contribution to the project; and


(d) recommends the addition of a representative from the Adults Services Department to the project Steering Group referred to in paragraph 7.1 of the supporting report.

2. Reason

2.1 To submit proposals outlining how all departments within Hampshire County Council could offer employment opportunities for socially excluded young people, including young people who have offended and young people who are looked after by the Council via foster carers or residential homes.

2.2 The proposals will contribute towards the corporate objective of `making Hampshire safer and more secure for all', by reducing the re-offending rates of young offenders by enabling them to take advantage of improved employment opportunities. In doing this it will also `maximise well being' both for those young people and the communities in which they live, through reduced levels of offending.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 To deliver a scheme for young offenders only, separate from Hampshire Own Grown scheme.

3.2 To not develop pilot scheme with national Learning and Skills Council funding.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable.

Approved by: Date:
Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE - Chairman

Contact: Lucy Butler, Strategic Commissioning Director Ext (01962)845612

1. Summary:

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That Cabinet approves the proposal to consult on a range of specific areas related to the Direct Payment process and associated roles and responsibilities outlined in Section 6 of the supporting report.

2. Reason

2.1 This decision supports the corporate strategy by:

`Maximising well being' for Adults and Children's Services clients considering and currently electing to receive Direct Payments in lieu of directly provided services by improving access to a wider range of services and better enabling independent living.

`Hampshire safer and more secure for all' by putting in place greater safeguards against abuse, including a Direct Payments risk assessment which will ensure adult protection is addressed before a Direct Payment is given to a service user.

2.2 Hampshire is bound by the provisions of the Health and Social Care Act 2001 (sections 57 and 58) and accordingly offers service users the option of a Direct Payment as one way of receiving care services. Around 900 children's and adults services users (7% of the total social services customer base) elect to receive Direct Payments, on the basis that this enables them to take control of how their support is arranged. Both the Adults and Children's Service Departments are committed to increasing the range of choices available to customers and see Direct Payments as a key way in which this can be delivered.

2.3 The four key motives for the review include (i) a recognition that the process of setting up and receiving a Direct Payment is currently over-complicated and is a barrier to uptake, (ii) that the current internal business processes are not viable should the number of clients increase by a relatively small amount without significant impacts on the level of resourcing, (iii) a response to the risks and issues highlighted by Internal Audit Report for the period 2005-2006, (iv) for

Adult Services only, there is a need to improve performance, following the closure of Scheme A and the higher national expectations on Local Authorities to deliver services through direct payments.

2.4 In response, the Adult and Children's Services departments have determined the need to undertake a review of the business process to identify a portfolio of changes to address the issues raised.

3. Other Options considered and rejected:

3.1 The alternative option is to do nothing, which would not meet the needs of clients in future years, nor address the issues raised in the Internal Audit Report 2005/06. It would result in further declines in the uptake of Direct Payments (an APA indicator) and operational inefficiencies.

4. Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted - none

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - none

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - none

Approved by: Date:
Councillor T.K. Thornber, C.B.E - Chairman

Contact: Jon Pittam (01962) 847400 [email protected]

Andrew Smith (01962) 847826 [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

To approve the updated Capital Strategy set out in Appendix 1 to the supporting report.

2. Reason

2.1 The Capital Strategy prepared last year needs to be updated for use as background to the forthcoming consultations with stakeholders on the County Council's budget and capital programme.

3. Other options considered and rejected:

3.1 None.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive member consulted

4.1 None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 None.

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable.

Approved by: ................................... ... Date: .........................

Councillor T K Thornber, CBE - Chairman

Contact: Les Herbert, ext 6768 email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision was made:

(i) The Cabinet agreed that the final response to the Planning and Energy White Papers and linked consultation documents as appropriate, be agreed by the Leader in consultation with the Executive Member for Environment, the Executive Member for Economic Development and the Director of Environment to meet the August submission deadline.

2. Reason

2.1 The planning system is an important mechanism for enhancing quality of place. Energy policy is central to tackling climate change and security of supply is crucial to economic wellbeing. This decision seeks to influence Government policy outcomes in these areas by submitting Hampshire County Council's views.

3. Other Options Considered and Rejected

3.1 Decline to provide a response.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or Other Executive Member Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - None.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - None.

Approved by: ..................................... Date: ...................................
Councillor T K Thornber CBE - Chairman

Contact: Andrew Smith Ext: 7826 email: [email protected]

Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE - Chairman

Contact: Peter Andrews, ext. 01962 847309, [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision was made:

That to allow for detailed consideration of these important policy matters, the Cabinet will consider this report further at their meeting on 24 September 2007.

2. Reason

2.1 The County Council's risk management arrangements are designed to ensure the right balance between innovation & change on the one hand, and the avoidance of shocks and crises on the other. Managing the risks faced by the County Council in a systematic and efficient way is vital to the delivery of services that offer value for money, Outcome MP 1 in the Corporate Business Plan. The provision of robust business continuity arrangements form part of the way that the County Council manages its risk and is included in Outcome 1.6 of the Corporate Business Plan, "Hampshire County Council is prepared in the event of a major emergency/disaster and has adequate contingency arrangements to ensure the continued delivery of vital services.

3. Other options considered and rejected

3.1 The framework developed for Risk Management has been based on best practice, both from the private and public sectors. Less robust systems were considered but rejected as being incapable of delivering the maximum business benefits and meeting the detailed requirements of the Audit Commission outlined in the Use of Resources assessment.

3.2 The framework for Business Continuity that the County Council has developed follows the system outlined in the British Standard, BS 25999-1:2006. Less robust approaches were considered but rejected as not being fit to meet the requirements laid on the County Council by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

4. Conflicts of interest declared by the decision maker or other Executive Member consulted - none.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - not applicable

6. Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent - not applicable

Approved by: Date:
Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE - Chairman