Archived decisions

AT A MEETING of the CABINET of HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL held at the Castle on 23 November 2009.

Chairman:

p Councillor T. K. Thornber, CBE

Councillors:

Also present with the agreement of the Chairman: C. Carter; B. D. Dash; P. R. Edgar; A. Gibson; K House; Mrs M. Tucker; J. Wall

49. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mel Kendal who was representing the County Council at a European conference on Climate Change.

50. 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.

51. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

The minutes of the meeting held on 26 October 2009 were confirmed as a correct record.

52. CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

(a) The Chairman offered the County Council's support to Cumbria
County Council in the wake of the difficulties they were currently
experiencing due to severe flooding. The Chief Executive would
contact Jill Stannard, Chief Executive of Cumbria County
Council to extend the offer of help and establish what assistance
may be required. It was noted that Hampshire Fire and Rescue
Authority were in the process of offering their support.

(b) The Chairman announced that Fiona Mettam, Head of Corporate Services for the South Downs National Park Establishment Team was due to attend the meeting for Item 11 on the agenda.

53. HEALTHIER HAMPSHIRE - HEALTH AND WELLBEING PARTNERSHIP STRATEGY

Councillor Keith Mans declared a personal interest as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Oakhaven Hospice in Lymington and a Trustee of the Air Ambulance Trust. Councillor Felicity Hindson declared a personal interest as joint Chairman of the Health and Wellbeing Partnership Board.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Adult Services (Item 5 in the Minute Book) providing information on the process taken to develop Healthier Hampshire - Health and Wellbeing Partnership Strategy, the key messages gained from the consultation and the Partnership Strategy document. The Director of Adult Services expanded on the key areas of the Strategy and highlighted the strong links the Strategy has to the Children and Young Peoples Plan in regard to reducing inequalities. Children's Services had been fully engaged with, and contributed to the Strategy.

The Cabinet welcomed the Strategy and recognised that it was borne out of strong partnership working including the involvement of NHS Hampshire and one of the joint Chairmen, Jonathan Montgomery, to support the wellbeing agenda particularly as the key determinants of health was not the sole responsibility of the NHS but of a number of partners working together. It was also recognised that other County Council departments such as Culture, Communities and Rural Affairs have a role to play in providing community activities such as keep fit classes in village halls and walking activities through the Country Parks Service, all of which are crucial to helping keep people healthy. The Cabinet also expressed the view that areas of urban deprivation such as Basingstoke, North Andover, Borden and Netley View should not be lost sight of.

Following the re-establishment of the Hampshire Action Teams (HATs) at a meeting of the County Council on 19 November 2009, the Cabinet emphasised the important role HATs would have in adding value to the Strategy through one of their key strands of work to monitor the performance of the Local Area Agreement (LAA). The Cabinet therefore proposed that the Strategy should reflect the HATs role by expanding the last sentence of Section 3 of the Strategy `Healthy Communities' to read: "accountable to the Hampshire Senate, the Board will develop and implement a performance framework, monitored by HATs, to track progress towards delivery of the Strategy.

In concluding a full discussion, the Director of Adult Services noted the issues raised and proposed that they be reported to the next meeting of the Health and Wellbeing Board for consideration and identification of the appropriate course of action.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to receiving a briefing on the final strategy document once it has been agreed by the Health and Wellbeing Partnership Board.

54. REVIEW OF RELATIONSHIP WITH VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR - IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR CONSULTATION

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive (Item 6 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to publish, for consultation, the draft version of the improvement plan setting out the County Council's approach to "Improving the Relationship with the Voluntary and Community Sector". The Head of Policy expanded on the key points in the report, particularly highlighting the main aims of the proposed improvement plan, as detailed in paragraph 1.3 and the crucial role that Members have in regard to the improvements together with the proposal to appoint a voluntary sector champion.

The Cabinet welcomed the work that is currently being done to put in place improved commissioning practices to ensure it is clear to the County Council's partners as to what outcomes are expected to ensure that value for money is obtained from the significant investment the County Council makes through the grants it awards. Robust business practices together with an effective and strong working relationship with the Voluntary and Community Sector was very important to support areas of work such as the personalisation agenda and to encourage innovative projects, large and small. It was recognised however that a balance should be struck to ensure that robust and effective monitoring did not lead to an overly bureaucratic system which could be burdensome to the County Council's partners.

The Cabinet highlighted the importance of the role of individuals being recognised such as people who are good neighbours; that the work carried out by Faith Groups is also recognised as is the vast array of diverse activities that are supported from the Community Development Grant. There was also an opportunity for the longer term unemployed to get involved in voluntary and community work to provide focus and the possibility of learning new skills.

In conclusion the role of HATs was discussed, particularly in terms of the Local Area Agreement. It was proposed that prior to the Plan being published for wider consultation, the reference to performance relating to the LAA priority "to ensure there is an environment for a thriving third sector" be expanded to read "will be overseen by the Hampshire Senate and monitored by HATs."

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report subject to the points raised above being reflected in the Plan published for wider consultation.

55. SOUTH COAST STREET LIGHTING PRIVATE FINANCE

AGREEMENT

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment and County Treasurer (Item 7 in the Minute Book) setting out the approvals required by the lawyers acting for the banks providing the private finance for the South Coast Lighting Project. The Cabinet noted that although delegated authority had been given to finalise the contract within the approved limits, that delegation was now over a year old and not sufficiently precise to meet the requirements of the finance providers for the final legal agreements and hence this further report had been submitted. The County Treasurer expanded on paragraph 7.2 (ii) of the report and confirmed that the swap rate was not expected to result in the affordability limit set by the County Council being exceeded.

In considering the report, the Cabinet also queried the design of the street lighting columns, taking into account the historic areas they were also being placed in. Cabinet would be briefed on the design of lighting columns in due course.

At this point in the proceedings, the Chairman called forward Item 11 on the agenda "South Downs Joint Committee - Memorandum of Agreement Revision" to allow Fiona Mettam, Head of Corporate Services for the South Downs National Park Establishment Team to observe the debate.

56. SOUTH DOWNS JOINT COMMITTEE - MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT REVISION

Councillors Felicity Hindson and Dr. Ray Ellis declared a personal interest as members of the South Downs Joint Committee.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Environment (Item 11 in the Minute Book) seeking approval to an amendment to the Agreement constituting the South Downs Joint Committee (SDJC) to enable it to continue to deliver operational services until the end of March 2011 whilst the South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) operates in shadow form.

In considering the report, the Cabinet emphasised the importance of lessons learnt from setting up the New Forest National Park Authority be taken into account by the SDNPA, particularly in regard to democratic accountability and responsibility. The SDJC had been a strong partnership working collaboratively and Cabinet therefore expressed their hope that strong partnership working would continue with the Shadow NPA, followed by the SDNPA and that it be applied when dealing with such matters as planning and rights of way. The Cabinet also expressed a view that the SDNPA should make provision for larger authorities to be able to appoint two representatives and, in line with their consideration of an earlier paper, that there would be a smaller Executive Committee. The County Council has a strong community leadership role and looks forward to contributing to the new NPA.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report.

57. UPDATE ON SWINE FLU ISSUES

The Cabinet received the verbal update of the Chief Executive (Emergency Planning Officer) (Item 8 on the Agenda) concerning the measures taken by the County Council to respond to swine flu issues.

The Emergency Planning Officer reported that 53,000 new cases had been reported in the last week nationally although this represented a slight decrease from the previous week. There had however been a substantial increase in the number of under 5's being hospitalised nationally. In terms of the County Council's workforce, six members of staff were currently absent due to influenza which was significantly lower than might be expected at this time of year. In terms of direct service delivery, Cabinet were pleased to note that there was no impact on front line services. All front line staff were being made aware of how to access the swine flu vaccination service in a range of clinics should they need to. The position would continue to be carefully monitored.

At this point in the proceedings, the Chairman called forward Item 10 on the agenda, "Corporate Procurement Strategy".

58. CORPORATE PROCUREMENT STRATEGY

Councillor Peter Edgar declared a personal interest in respect of being a shareholder in a local taxi firm.

The Cabinet considered the report of the Director of Property, Business and Regulatory Services (Item 10 in the Minute Book) seeking approval of the Corporate Procurement Strategy for the County Council and its associated procurement improvement plans.

The Cabinet welcomed the Strategy which recognised the importance of departments working in partnership with Property, Business and Regulatory Services to ensure effective procurement frameworks are developed to meet service needs and to make the best use of procurement skills and expertise across the organisation. This approach will be particularly important with the continued drive to make significant efficiency savings in the future.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendation set out in the report and expressed their appreciation to all the staff involved in developing the Strategy.

59. THE FUTURE OF HAMPSHIRE ACTION TEAMS

The Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive and Director of Culture, Communities and Rural Affairs (Item 9 in the Minute Book) setting out proposals to re-launch Hampshire Action Teams (HATs) following completion of the pilot. A report had been considered at a meeting of the full Council on 19 November 2009 approving the Terms of Reference for Hampshire Action Teams (HATs) and appointing Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen. The Director of Culture, Communities and Rural Affairs expanded on the key points in the report, particularly highlighting the important leadership role that all County Councillors have in getting things done to make a difference in their community. The Director also drew attention to paragraph 3.4 of the report emphasising that "one size need not fit all" and that each HAT should reflect the "personality of the area", focussing on its local needs and the effectiveness of strong partnership working with the County Council's district, parish, and voluntary and community partners to achieve tangible results together.

The Cabinet agreed that some valuable lessons had been learned during the course of the HATs pilot providing good foundations on which to build. The appointment of Councillor Keith Mans as the Executive Member for Communities provides HATs with an advocate who will ensure that investment is being targeted appropriately and in line with the three key priorities that have been identified and keep the Executive Members informed about the work of the HATs and how this fits with decisions they may be taking in their areas of responsibility. It was recognised as important to focus on `action' and not `meetings' so that HATs can influence, enable, lead, and listen effectively to achieve the right results. Looking at deprivation/quality of life in each HAT area, as one of the three key objectives, to identify tangible improvements and build capacity would be important. It was however emphasised that small pockets of deprivation exist in a number of areas across the county which do not influence the overall statistics that are compiled. Use of the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) can be a somewhat blunt instrument and use of this tool to assist with the allocation of funding should be used with caution. Recognised areas of deprivation do receive various amounts of funding from a number of organisations therefore it would be prudent for HATs to take the overall funding position into consideration when deciding on projects being put forward for what might potentially be additional funding.

Members welcomed the re-establishment of the HATs which provides an opportunity to look at a number of issues and to help, for example, young people who are not in education, employment or training and to look at the wider skills agenda. The work of HATs will also help to strengthen local contacts and influence partnership relationships such as Local Strategic Partnerships (LSPs) and Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs). Cabinet noted that a number of Senior Managers across the organisation had been identified to work with the HATs together with high level business management from the HAT Officers in Business Advice and Member Support (BAMS), and support from members of the Futures Group thus providing them with developmental opportunities.

In conclusion the Cabinet requested that the Chief Executive, in liaison with the County Treasurer and Head of Governance, investigate the possibility of a Scheme of Delegation/Devolution relating to decisions regarding expenditure.

The Cabinet adopted the recommendations set out in the report.

60. ACCESS TO EXEMPT INFORMATION AND REVIEW OF BUSINESS PRACTICES

The Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive (Item 12 in the Minute Book) concerning members access to exempt information and a review of business practices including members attendance data. The Chief Executive introduced the report, followed by the Head of Governance who expanded in detail on the complex position surrounding members access to exempt information which is a combination of statute and common law. The report also advised members of the outcome of a report to Standards Committee on 30 October 2009 regarding the Head of Governance and Monitoring Officer's investigation into an unauthorised disclosure of exempt information. The report proposed a suggested way forward that as a matter of good governance, the County Council develop from the legal position a set of business protocols relating to the distribution of exempt information, consistent with it being a modern business providing public services. The report also proposed that as a matter of good governance and in the interest of the effective delivery of the County Council's business, the Chief Executive with the advice of the Head of Governance and Monitoring Officer [as the "Proper Officer"], put in place an `interim' procedure so as to advise the Council until such protocols are agreed. The Head of Governance and Monitoring Officer also drew attention to paragraphs 4.4 to 4.7 of the report which outlined some suggestions as to good governance and how the County Council might wish to operate.

In considering the report, the Cabinet were of the view that it was absolutely essential that what constitutes exempt information is fully understood and business protocols adhered to in order to avoid members of the public becoming seriously alarmed if inappropriate information were disclosed. Robust business protocols to underpin this approach were therefore very important.

In conclusion the Cabinet adopted the recommendation set out in the report subject to some strengthening to reflect the discussion.