Agenda item

Maggie Scott, Head of Policy introduced the annual refresh of the Corporate Plan, highlighting that it set out some fundamental changes to the way the Council achieved its objectives.

During general discussion the Committee referred to the large scope of the plan and queried how it could respond to changing circumstances such as the recent flooding. There was some discussion on the inclusion of information on the Strategic Housing Market Assessment. It was felt that there was a mismatch between the references to size of economic growth and to infrastructure. Individual examples were given which Maggie Scott agreed to take back to Environment & Economy for consideration as part of the Strategic Economic Plan. It was noted that there was no mention of agriculture. The Council needed to focus on prevention and this needed to be reflected in the report. A member highlighted the role of the Scrutiny Committee and noted that the Plan was a good statement of intent but that there was no way to use it directly to further the work of the Committee. The audience of the report was recognised with it aimed at informing the wider world. The substance beneath the Plan would appear elsewhere.

Environment & Economy

Sue Scane, Director for Environment & Economy highlighted the role of the Local Enterprise Partnership and its close working with the County Council. The City Deal was testament to that and in refuting comments that there were little infrastructure plans South of Oxford she indicated that Science Vale was a major beneficiary. Sue Scane highlighted the indicators set out in the Annex and flagged that on property they wanted to work with the localities to see what information would be useful.

(1)            The Chairman referred to the Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) going to Cabinet and urged all members to read it. Sue Scane added that flooding was a key priority in the SEP.

(2)            The Chairman raised the issue of getting the best skilled people and in particular the issues around skills and adult social care workers.

(3)            Members recognised the complexity of the challenge around property management.

(4)            There was some discussion around the target in relation to customer satisfaction and whether it was sufficiently stretching. The Committee was advised that the target was realistic based on where they currently were.

Children, Education & Families

Frances Craven, Deputy Director Education & Early Intervention, highlighted key issues in the Plan and the range of targets aimed at keeping children safe. There was more detailed information available behind the indicators.

During discussion the following points were made:

(5)            Following a number of comments relating to indicators on the work load of social workers and the complexity of this area it was AGREED that this be included for discussion at the next meeting.

(6)            In relation to comments about the lack of information about the good work done in local areas by voluntary groups it was explained that the figures focussed on the Council’s statutory responsibilities. It was suggested that information on voluntary groups could be considerd at locality meetings.

(7)            In relation to education targets it was explained that the position was changing and councillors would need to be briefed.

(8)            A member highlighted the issue of ethnicity and gender and narrowing the gap. Frances Craven replied that it was something that could be looked at if identified by the Committee.

 Adult Social Care

Sara Livadeas and John Dixon attended to respond to questions.

During discussion the following points were made:

(9)            Sara Livadeas responding to comments on the growth in safeguarding issues commented that a very high proportion of safeguarding issues were related to friends and family. It was rare for there to be deliberate abuse linked to  a care environment. The issue was part of the overall contract monitoring and a huge amount of work went on. Asked how the Committee could be assured about individual contracts the Chairman highlighted the work of the Adult Safeguarding Board. She suggested that looking at the outcomes of that Board might be a way to give Members the assurance they sought.

(10)        There was discussion around the indicators relating to home care placements.

(11)        Members discussed extra care housing and the point was made that some control was needed as to where it was placed. Sarah Livadeas referred to the basis of need on which the housing was developed and expressed the authorities pride at the work done.

(12)        It was suggested that the word inappropriately be added to item 2.

Public Health

Val Messenger attended.

During discussion the following points were made:

(13)        Val Messenger explained how Public Health was pioneering the healthy weight strategy. She referred to the work of school nurses which was to incorporate height/weight of primary school children. The scheme did not extend to secondatry school pupils but school nurses would work proactively with the secondary age students.

(14)        In response to concern that smoking cessation had been removed as a target Val Messenger replied that she would be happy to add it back in.

Oxfordshire Fire & Rescue Service

Dave Etheridge Chief Fire Officer attended and highlighted the unique role for the fire service in Oxfordshire compared to other areas which came through in the plan. As part of the County Council they were able to add value through work in areas such as road safety.

He added that there was an annual report that provided detailed performance information and the quarterly reporting focussed on specific outcomes.

Responding to comments on targets Dave Etheridge explained the way in which the 365 Alive targets had been developed.