Archived decisions

AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at The Castle, Winchester on 22 December 2008.

Chairman:

p Councillor T.K. Thornber, CBE

Councillors:

Also present with the agreement of the Chairman:

Councillors M.F. Cartwright; K.G. Chapman; A.P. Collett, B.D. Dash;

P.R. Edgar, Mrs C.A. Leversha; Mrs A.M. McNair-Scott, A. Dowden,

K. Evans and Mrs P.A. West

475. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

All members of the Cabinet were present.

476. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

Members were mindful that where they believed they had a personal or prejudicial interest in any matter considered at the meeting declared that interest at the time of the relevant debate and, having regard to the circumstances described in paragraphs 9, 10, 11 and 12 of the County Council's Code of Conduct, considered whether to leave the meeting whilst the matter was discussed, save for exercising any right to speak in accordance with paragraph 12 of the code.

477. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 November 2008 were confirmed as a correct record.

478. CHAIRMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS

The Chairman noted that this meeting would be the last Cabinet meeting that Kirsty Gunner (Press Officer) would be attending prior to her maternity leave. The Chairman thanked Kirsty for all of the past support that she had given to both him and to other Cabinet members. Cabinet asked that their best wishes to Kirsty be formally recorded.

479. CORPORATE PERFORMANCE REPORT - 2008/09 HALF YEAR

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 5a in the Minute book) which sought the continued engagement of the County Council's departments in relation to the Local Area Agreement (LAA) theme leads and the Local Public Sector Agreement 2 (LPSA 2) target leads that were aimed at improving performance. The report also requested that departments continue to address those areas within the Corporate Business Plan that had been identified as requiring further work, with the progress being reported to the Corporate Performance and Efficiency Group (CPEG).

The Head of Improvement summarised key issues outlined in the report, noting the positive performance that had been achieved in the first half of 2008/09. Good progress had been made in 125 of the 128 actions contained within the Corporate Business Plan. Strong progress had also been made in respect of most of the Local Public Sector Agreement 2 (LPSA 2) targets, for which 2008/09 was the final year.

The Head of Improvement confirmed that positive reports had been received in respect of external audit and inspections that had been undertaken, most notably in respect of Adult Services. A new National Indicator Set (NIS) had been introduced in April 2008 and whilst several of the indicators within the NIS required further definition and clarification in respect of data capture, the County Council was already well positioned in relation to many of the NIS indicators.

During the course of a detailed discussion, Cabinet members welcomed the positive performance outlined in the report. Cabinet members pointed out that the Hampshire Senate had, however, subsumed the work of the LAA Board, saving the costs associated with the operation of that Board. The role played by the County Council's Select Committees, in monitoring performance of both the County Council and its partner organisations, was also formally recognised by the addition of an additional resolution.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report, subject to an amendment to reflect their views detailed above. The decision record is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 1.

480. 2008/09 BUDGET AND WORKFORCE MONITORING UPDATE - HALF YEARLY REPORT

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer and Director of Human Resources (Item 5b in the Minute book) which welcomed the action being taken by all services to contain budget pressure within cash limits but which outlined the need for a review in February 2009 when revised budgets for 2008/09 would be submitted. The County Treasurer advised Cabinet that savings targets were in line to be achieved and drew the Cabinet's attention to the fact that the increase in the staffing headcount came primarily from the statutory transfer of South Central Connexions Service into the County Council.

The Cabinet noted that headcount reporting was based on the number of posts (`heads') on SAP at the time data was extracted from it and that this did not reflect vacancies that were empty or being actively recruited at that time. They further noted that a significant number of part time staff worked for Connexions, which also inflated the headcount figures. Cabinet acknowledged that business processes within SAP were being reviewed to change the recording criteria and ensure that promotion data is clearly visible. Currently, the staff turnover figures currently reported through SAP do not strip out internal promotions and as a result, their inclusion in the turnover figures gave a potentially misleading impression of a higher number of staff leaving the County Council's employment than is actually the case.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report, subject to an amendment to reflect their views detailed above. The decision record is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 2.

481. PROVISIONAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND FINANCE SETTLEMENT AND BUDGET GUIDELINES 2009/10 TO 2011/12

The Cabinet considered the report of the County Treasurer (Item 6 in the Minute book). This sought authority to confirm the budget guidelines set in the medium term financial strategy for 2009/10 previously reported to Cabinet and to make representations to Government with regard to supported borrowing and operation of Private Finance Initiative (PFI) schemes. The County Treasurer circulated a handout to further amplify the observations made in his formal report.

The County Treasurer drew the Cabinet's attention to a number of key issues for the County Council that had been outlined in the 25 November 2008 Pre Budget Report. No extra government grant for the County Council was expected. The government had asked Sir Michael Bichard of the Institute for Government to lead the `local incentives and empowerment work strand' of the Operational Efficiency Programme (OEP) to analyse how best Councils could facilitate frontline service innovation and identify future savings. The Bichard recommendations were expected before the 2009 budget.

The County Treasurer referred to the need for efficiency statements to be included on council tax bills from 2009/10 and to the particular difficulties experienced by floor grant authorities in taking up the nominal level of the government's supported borrowing programmes for capital programmes. Taking into account the true level of inflation, the County Council's 2009/10 grant settlement had increased by just 1.75% in real terms.

Cabinet expressed its concern in relation to recent publicity regarding the Hampshire Pension Fund (and a potential loss of £7m, or 0.3% of the Fund). However, the County Treasurer pointed out that there would be no impact on services, council tax or pensioners in the immediate future and that the extent of losses to the Fund, if any, would only become apparent in 2011/12 after the next Pension fund valuation took place in 2010. Any loss would not be material in the overall valuation at that time.

Cabinet noted with regret the likely difficulties that the low level of grant settlement would cause in terms of the County Council being able to deliver services. They also acknowledged the financial difficulties being experienced by District Councils and partner organisations that the County Council worked with, observing that a number of District Councils were considering withdrawal from partnership arrangements, such as the Improvement Board, as they saw this as a potential cost saving. Cabinet emphasised that they wished to see central government supporting local authorities so that the local authorities could take the lead role in reinvigorating their local economies.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. The
decision record is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 3.

482. ADULT SERVICES PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Adult Services (Item 7 in the Minute book) which sought agreement to publication of the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) Star Ratings and Summary report for Adult Services, along with the development of an Improvement Plan for submission to CSCI in January 2009.

The Cabinet commended the sustained level of performance that had been achieved, the highest level possible, along with the contributions from elected members and staff that had been instrumental in its achievement. In light of the financial difficulties that Adult Services had been experiencing as little as three years ago, Cabinet welcomed the rating as an outstanding success.

Cabinet welcomed the partnership activity that was being undertaken with the local PCT and the improvements for residents that were being derived as a result. They concurred with the County Treasurer's view however, that confirmation of the PCT's financial commitment to schemes that the County Council would wish to see implemented should be obtained prior to the County Council making unequivocal commitments as far as was practicable.

Cabinet asked that the Director of Adult Services convey to her staff the appreciation that Cabinet members had for the quality of their work before adopting the recommendations set out in the report. The Decision record is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 4.

483. REPORT ON COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO PERSONALISATION AND THE PROPOSED MODEL FOR ADULT SOCIAL CARE IN HAMPSHIRE.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Adult Services (Item 8 in the Minute book) that sought approval for the Hampshire Model set out in the Commission's report and which also asked Cabinet to note the submission made in response to the consultation `The case for change - why England needs a new care and support system'. The Director also circulated a full copy of the Commission report for information.

During the ensuing discussion, Cabinet noted that some of the Commission's recommendations could only be implemented once there was national acceptance and relevant policy changes. Notwithstanding this, they commended the Commission's report and the excellent publicity that it had received, offering a commitment to implement the local Hampshire Model as widely as possible, within available resources, with effect from April 2009. Cabinet particularly welcomed the proposal for free urgent care, for up to eight weeks, for all residents either at risk of admission to hospital or when they needed assistance following hospital discharge.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. The
decision record is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 5.

484. ACCREDITED COMMUNITY SAFETY OFFICER (ACSO) SERVICE - DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY EDUCATION ROLE

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Property Business and Regulatory Services (Item 9 in the Minute book) that sought their views on the future direction and development of youth engagement projects, such as Junior Community Teams (JCT).

The Assistant Head of Regulatory Services introduced the report, confirming that since 2007 ACSO's had been working across the county and in all 11 District Council areas. The ACSO's played a key role in addressing anti social drinking and anti social behaviour and excellent relationships had been built up with the Police, District, Town and Parish Councils, Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and other partner organisations. Youth engagement work was being undertaken through a variety of initiatives, with particular attention being placed on those who have been identified as being engaged in crime, or identified as being most at risk of offending, truancy or social exclusion.

Cabinet noted that New Forest District Council had made alternative arrangements in deciding not to renew the contract for 2 ACSO's for New Milton from 2008. However, Cabinet gave an assurance that support would be continued by using the savings that would arise out of the abolition of the South East England Regional Assembly, to ensure continuity of the service in Totton and Eling from April 2009. The Junior Community Team (JCT) initiative was also welcomed by Cabinet which gave its `in principle' support to JCT continuation and further development.

Cabinet welcomed the report and the progress being made in terms of broadening the service's community development role. The decision record is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 6.

485. CORPORATE SERVICES REVIEW INTERIM REPORT

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 10 in the Minute book) which sought approval to the overall progress being made with the various Corporate Services Reviews, the interim proposals highlighted within each review area and endorsement of the organisation of the arrangements and capacity to undertake the reviews. The Cabinet also noted that during preparation of the report, the originally intended format had been amended and that it had not proved necessary to attach an exempt appendix as suggested on the agenda (Item 14).


The Chief Executive advised that the Democratic Services Review Group Leader would be seeking to establish Member focus groups early in 2009 as part of the specific Democratic Services Review. Members were encouraged to participate to enable their views to be taken into account.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. The
decision record is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 7.

486. HAMPSHIRE'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: COUNTY COUNCIL CAPACITY, POLICIES AND OUTCOMES

Cabinet received a presentation from the Chief Executive having previously been advised that a presentation was felt likelier to provide greater clarity.

The Chief Executive reminded Cabinet of the new economic assessment duty for upper tier authorities that had been proposed by central government. Upper tier authorities would be placed under a duty to work closely with District Councils in their area in completing their assessment. With this proposal linking with other initiatives that could have an impact on the role, influence and work of the County Council, along with that of some of its partner organisations, the Chief Executive indicated that the Cabinet may wish to make its position clear on such policy proposals.

The creation of statutory sub-regional economic development authorities, to be known as Economic Prosperity Boards, would allow local authorities to `opt in' around skills, transport and community regeneration. To further increase the range of options for sub-regional co-operation the government was also planning to allow for the creation of Multi-Area Agreements (MAA's) with statutory duties, although the existing less formal MAA approach could also be retained.

Legislation was also expected to establish a new regional strategy in each region that would build on existing regional spatial and economic strategies. Local authorities, acting collectively through new Local Authority Leaders Boards would provide input to the strategy development process and monitor its subsequent implementation. Regional Assemblies, such as the South East England Regional Assembly (SEERA,) would cease to exist. In South East England a South East England Councils (SEEC) group of 74 authorities, to be run on a non subscription basis, would however be established. SEEC would have an Executive comprising 7 County, 7 District and 5 Unitary Council Leaders and Councillor Thornber , Leader of Hampshire County Council, had been elected on to the SEEC Executive. SEEC would take on responsibility for the staff employed by SEERA Ltd.

Cabinet members indicated that they saw a key role for Hampshire County Council, particularly in relation to transport and skills development. Cabinet members also accepted that land within the control of Hampshire County Council and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) provided considerable scope for future economic development possibilities.

While keen to be provided with greater clarity and detail on the Government's proposals and the administrative operation of any newly created bodies, Cabinet indicated its `in principle' agreement to

(i) the establishment of an Economic Prosperity Board for Hampshire, paying particular attention to transport issues, but residing within an overall economic development duty;

(ii) the establishment of a Hampshire Skills and Learning Board and;

(iii) requested that a further report on these issues and the impact on PUSH and other economic development related activities be prepared for Cabinet.

The decision record is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 8.

487. EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

Resolved:

That the public be excluded from the meeting during the following items 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 there would be disclosure to them of exempt information within Paragraphs 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972, and further that in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, for the reasons set out in the report.

488. ROWNER RENEWAL PROJECT

Councillor Mrs M. D. Snaith declared a personal interest as Chairman of the local Neighbourhood Management Board and as local County Councillor.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Acting Director of Property, Business & Regulatory Services (Item 13 in the Minute book) which set out the current position in respect of the Rowner Renewal Project and proposed a restructuring of the County Council's financial contribution to help address the changed economic and financial conditions that now existed. The Assistant Head of Estates indicated that by rescheduling payments that the County Council had already committed to the project, the positive outcomes which the County Council wished to see could be protected and the chances of a successful development maximised.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report. The
decision record is attached to these Minutes as Appendix 9.

489. CORPORATE SERVICES REVIEW - INTERIM REPORT

Cabinet noted that this item (agenda Item 14) had been withdrawn.

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Record of an Executive Decision: Appendix 1

The following decisions were made:

1.1. That Cabinet requests departments to engage with Local Area Agreement (LAA) theme leads, to enable performance information to be available at local (district) levels in order to assist partners to assess, monitor and manage performance.

1.2. That Cabinet requests that departments continue to support LPSA2 (Local Public Sector Agreement 2) target leads in improving performance, particularly in relation to the target areas that are still able to be influenced.

1.3. That Cabinet requests departments to continue actions to address three areas within the Corporate Business Plan identified as requiring further work and report progress to the Corporate Performance and Efficiency Group (CPEG).

1.4. That the opportunity given by the relaxation in the statutory requirements around an annual Performance Plan be taken so as to develop an `Annual Report of the County Council'.

1.5. That Cabinet formally acknowledges the importance of the role played by the County Council's Select Committees in monitoring the performance of both County Council partner agencies and the County Council itself.

1) Reasons for the decision:

1.1. Cabinet is asked to agree the above recommendations (outlined in paragraph 1.1 - 1.3 above) in order to ensure that the County Council continues to make excellent progress in relation to its own and partnership priorities.

1.2. Regarding the recommendation in 1.4 above, the statutory requirements around an annual Performance Plan have been relaxed, allowing the opportunity for the County Council to develop an `Annual Report of the County Council'. This will provide an annual summary of the performance, financial and workforce position and achievements of the Council and will flow from implementation of the new `Driving Success' corporate Performance Management Framework.

2) Other options considered and rejected:

None

3) Conflicts of Interest:

3.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision-Maker:

a) None

3.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive members consulted:

a) None

4) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

None

5) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with urgently:

None

6) Statement from the Decision Maker:

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Record of an Executive Decision: Appendix 2

1) Summary:

The following decisions were made:

1.1. That the action being taken by all services to contain budget pressures within cash limits be welcomed and that the position in February be reviewed when revised budgets for 2008/09 are submitted.

1.2. That the turnover figures in the next report exclude internal promotions.

2) Reasons for the decision:

2.1. The report considers whether any action is required in response to budget monitoring in the first half of 2008/09, reviews corporate workforce trends, and is being considered in conjunction with a report on performance over the same period

2.2. Budgets must be monitored against cash limits to enable all services to be provided in accordance with the three corporate aims.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Other options would not meet corporate reporting requirements and best practice in budget monitoring.

4) Conflicts of Interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision-Maker:

a) None

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive members consulted:

a) None

5) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

None

6) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with urgently:

None

7) Statement from the Decision Maker:

None

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Record of an Executive Decision: Appendix 3

1) Summary:

The following decisions were made:

1.1. That the budget guidelines set in the medium term financial strategy for 2009/10 to 2011/12 (Cabinet 27 October 2008) be confirmed since, as expected, there have been no changes in the provisional local government finance settlement.

1.2. To make representations to Government to facilitate supported borrowing and to review the flexibility of private finance initiative schemes because of the economic downturn and the need to support the infrastructure and economy in Hampshire.

2) Reasons for the decision:

2.1. To set firm budget guidelines as the basis for Executive Members to prepare draft revenue budgets and draft capital programmes for consideration by the Cabinet on 6 February 2009.

2.2. To respond to the consultation on the provisional local government finance settlement because of the Council's inability to resource the whole of the Government's `supported borrowing' capital programme.

3) Conflicts of Interest:

3.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision-Maker:

a) None

3.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive members consulted:

a) None

4) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

4.1. None

5) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with urgently:

5.1. None

6) Statement from the Decision Maker:

6.1. None

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Record of an Executive Decision: Appendix 4

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Record of an Executive Decision: Appendix 5

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Record of an Executive Decision: Appendix 6

1) Summary:

The following decisions were made:

1.1. That subject to the availability of resources, Cabinet offers its `in principle' support to continuation of the Junior Community Team (JCT);

1.2. That Cabinet members look to explore possible funding options with the County Treasurer that could provide additional resources in partnership with schools for the expansion of Joint Community Teams;

1.3. That through savings that will arise from the discontinuation of the South East England Regional Assembly, support be given to ensure continuity of the ACSO service in the Totton and Eling Town Council area.

2) Reasons for the decision:

2.1. The ACSO service was established in 2004 to tackle community safety issues, such as anti-social behaviour and nuisance, which were highlighted as areas of concern in the MORI residents survey. The service meets each of the corporate priorities and youth engagement projects will further enhance the service.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. Option 1:

a) To maintain the current balance of resources within the service and keep JCT in one school per district area.

3.2. Option 2:

To seek to expand JCT to more schools in Hampshire by seeking partnership arrangements with Hampshire Constabulary and by external funding.

4) Conflicts of Interest:

4.1. Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision-Maker:

None

4.2. Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive members consulted:

None

5) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

5.1. None

6) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with urgently:

6.1. None

7) Statement from the Decision Maker:

7.1. .

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Record of an Executive Decision: Appendix 7

1) Summary:

The following decisions were made:

1.1. That the overall progress with the Corporate Service Reviews and the interim proposals highlighted within each review area be approved.

1.2. That the organisation of the arrangements and capacity for the reviews be endorsed.

2) Reasons for the decision:

These are the reasons for this decision being made, including any links to the corporate strategy:

2.1. To update Cabinet on progress with the Corporate Services reviews and enable any interim actions to support the individual reviews to proceed.

3) Other options considered and rejected:

3.1. None.

4) Conflicts of Interest:

4.1 Conflicts of interest declared by the Decision-Maker:

a) None

4.2 Conflicts of interest declared by other Executive members consulted:

a) None

5) Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee:

None.

6) Any reasons for the matter being dealt with urgently:

None.

7) Statement from the Decision Maker:

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Record of an Executive Decision: Appendix 8

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

Record of an Executive Decision: Appendix 9