Agenda, decisions and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Eddie Reeves.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on  18 June 2019 (CA3) and to receive information arising from them.

The Minutes of the Meeting held on 18 June 2019 were approved and signed as an accurate record of the meeting.

Cabinet received the following public addresses (recorded under the item):

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Finance

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/024

Contact: Steven Fairhurst Jones, Corporate Performance & Risk Manager Tel: 07932 318890/Katy Jurczyszyn, Finance Manager (Finance, Strategy and Monitoring) Tel: 07584 909518

Report by Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Finance (CA6).

This report sets out Oxfordshire County Council’s progress towards Corporate Plan priorities and provides an update on the delivery of the Medium Term Financial Plan at the end of May 2019.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)     note the contents of this report;

(b)    approve the virements set out in Annex D – 2a, and note the virements set out in Annex D – 2b.

Cabinet had before it a report which set out Oxfordshire County Council’s progress towards Corporate Plan priorities and which provided an update on the delivery of the Medium-Term Financial Plan at the end of May 2019.

Councillor Liz Brighouse, Chairman of Performance Scrutiny Committee in presenting the comments of the Committee noted that this had been the first time for the Committee looking at the new report. The Committee would explore how best to manage scrutiny of the monthly paper in order to focus on highlights and trends in a way that coincided with Cabinet meetings and to ensure there was an ability to focus on necessary matters. The Committee had welcomed the new format. Referring to the contents of the report Councillor Brighouse highlighted points made by Performance Scrutiny Committee:

·         congratulations to the public health team on their outcomes;

·         a query around the ’local environment protected’;

·         a query why in ‘Strong Investment in Infrastructure the number of new homes had gone from amber to green;

·         Concerns around the timeliness of Education & Health Care Plans;

·         A suggestion that more be done to offer guidance to governors on safeguarding as this was an area that could let schools down during Ofsted inspections.

Councillor Heathcoat, Deputy Leader of the Council in introducing the business, risk and staffing elements of the report commented that the report was still developing but there should be a recognition that the intention was to provide a report that was open, robust and timely. Councillor Heathcoat had attended Performance Scrutiny Committee and thanked the Chairman and Committee for their comments.

Councillor Heathcoat highlighted that nearly all the indicators were either amber or green. She highlighted the red indicator relating to an indicator within children’s services which reflected a national trend. Councillor Heathcoat also made reference to the three inadequate primary schools. In terms of good outcomes, she drew attention to the emergency response targets and the numbers of volunteers in libraries /museums. However, they were not complacent. On staffing Councillor Heathcoat cautioned of the need to investigate behind the figures in order to understand what was being shown. For example, when analysing the data, it was important to acknowledge the double counting that occurs for cover of sickness and maternity leave. Additional information was available on the website.

Councillor Bartholomew, Cabinet Member for Finance, introduced the finance elements of the report commenting that the temporary virement agreed at June Cabinet for SEN Home to School Transport was not included in the figures for CEF which was subsequently showing a greater level of overspend than would be the case once the virement was included in the next report.

During discussion there was agreement that staffing data needed to be treated with caution.

Councillor Corkin added that during the recent practice week he had spent time with the Early Years Team. He commended them on the work they were doing with pre-schools to raise standards and assist them to prepare children for more formal learning.

RESOLVED:  to:

(a)     note the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65/19

Cabinet Member: Finance

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/015

Contact: Katy Jurczyszyn, Strategic Finance Manager (Finance, Strategy & Monitoring) Tel: 07584 909518

Report by Director of Finance (CA7).

The report is the first capital programme update and monitoring report for the year and focuses on the delivery of the 2019/20 capital programme based on projections at the end of May 2019 and new inclusions within the overall ten-year capital programme. 

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)          approve the updated Capital Programme at Annex 2 and the associated changes to the programme in Annex 1c;

(b)          approve the basic need programme up to September 2020 set out in Annex 3;

(c)          approve the School Structural Maintenance Programme for 2019/20 set out in Annex 4;

(d)          approve the revised budget provision of £12.750m for the replacement and expansion of Northfield School project, an increase of £3.250m;

(e)          agree the inclusion of the Watlington Relief Road project in the Capital programme with a budget of £12.508m and release of £0.250m for project development;

(f)           approve the revised budget provision of £16.6m for the Eastern Arc, Access to Headington scheme, an increase of £1.96m; and

(g)          note the approvals made under delegated authority of the Leader of the Council for:

                                   i.    the revised budget provision of £9.015m towards the Barton Park new primary School, an increase of £1.8m,

                                  ii.    release of £1.8m budget provision towards the replacement of the Data Centre Infrastructure.

Cabinet had before it a report which was the first capital programme update and monitoring report for the year.  The report outlined the delivery of the 2019/20 capital programme based on projections at the end of May 2019 and new inclusions within the overall ten-year capital programme. 

Councillor Glynis Phillips, Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, referring to the outline business case for Barton Park Primary School stated she had queried where the funding had come from and had been advised that it was from indexation on the original sum. She sought assurances that similar efforts would be made in respect of funding for the proposed crossing in her Division. Referring to additional funds agreed under emergency procedures she queried whether they could be allocated to individual Cabinet Members for their input in a structured way.

Councillor Hudspeth, Leader of the Council explained the reasons for urgency being the need to ensure the school opened in 2020 and that the matter had been dealt with under normal procedures.

Councillor Roz Smith, local councillor for DIVISION highlighted the project in her Division noting that officers had warned that there might be the need for additional costs and design changes as reported in the paper. Additional off-road parking was required at Hedley Way, but the original design included a dangerous advisory cycle lane. She was pleased to see the new design. Councillor Smith thanked officers for taking heed of comments and for the several briefings.

Councillor David Bartholomew, Cabinet Member for Finance, commented that when he had become aware of the potential overspend on the project he had spoken to officers and had been satisfied with the reasons for the additional costs. It was an example of why money was placed into contingency funds. 

Councillor Bartholomew introduced the contents of the report and moved the recommendations.

RESOLVED: to:

(a)          approve the updated Capital Programme at Annex 2 and the associated changes to the programme in Annex 1c;

(b)          approve the basic need programme up to September 2020 set out in Annex 3;

(c)          approve the School Structural Maintenance Programme for 2019/20 set out in Annex 4;

(d)          approve the revised budget provision of £12.750m for the replacement and expansion of Northfield School project, an increase of £3.250m;

(e)          agree the inclusion of the Watlington Relief Road project in the Capital programme with a budget of £12.508m and release of £0.250m for project development;

(f)           approve the revised budget provision of £16.6m for the Eastern Arc, Access to Headington scheme, an increase of £1.96m; and

(g)          note the approvals made under delegated authority of the Leader of the Council for:

                                   i.    the revised budget provision of £9.015m towards the Barton Park new primary School, an increase of £1.8m,

                                  ii.   release of £1.8m budget provision towards the replacement of the Data Centre Infrastructure.

Cabinet Member: Finance

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/014

Contact: Donna Ross, Strategic Finance Manager Tel: 01865 816343

Report by Director of Finance (CA8).

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA’s) ‘Code of Practice on Treasury Management (Revised) 2009’ requires that the Council and Audit & Governance Committee receives an updated report on Treasury Management activities at least twice per year.  This report is the second report for the financial year 2018/19 and sets out the position as at 31 March 2019. The report will be also considered by Audit and Governance committee on 17 July.

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the report, and to RECOMMEND Council to note the Council’s Treasury Management Activity in 2018/19.

 The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s (CIPFA’s) ‘Code of Practice on Treasury Management (Revised) 2009’ requires that the Council and Audit & Governance Committee receives an updated report on Treasury Management activities at least twice per year.  Cabinet had before it the second report for the financial year 2018/19 which set out the position as at 31 March 2019. The report would be also considered by Audit & Governance Committee on 17 July and Council on 10 September 2019.

Councillor David Bartholomew, Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the contents of the report and moved the recommendations.

Cabinet noted a correction to the date to read 2019 on page 96 Annex 4.

In response to a query as to what assurances the Council had about their financial situation when investing in particular Local Authorities, Cabinet was advised that local authorities were deemed to be at the highest level of credit rating because they were underpinned by government.

RESOLVED:  to note the report, and to RECOMMEND Council to note the Council’s Treasury Management Activity in 2018/19.

Cabinet Member: Transformation

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/091

Contact: Andrew Fairweather, Asset & Investment Team Manager Tel: 07825 790242

Report by Strategic Director for Communities and Director of Finance (CA9).

This report is a covering paper to support the draft Investment Strategy. In line with revised statutory guidance (April 2018) the Council is formally required to have a Capital and Investment Strategy in place. This draft Investment Strategy (which would form a sub-section of the Capital & Investment Strategy) sets out a new investment framework, under which the Council can undertake investments.

Cabinet are asked to provide feedback on the draft strategy and are RECOMMENDED to endorse the draft strategy ahead of final consideration by Council in September 2019 (subject to any necessary amendments made).

The Cabinet had before it a report which set out the draft Investment Strategy. In line with revised statutory guidance (April 2018) the Council is formally required to have a Capital and Investment Strategy in place. This draft Investment Strategy (which would form a sub-section of the Capital & Investment Strategy) outlined a new investment framework, under which the Council could undertake investments.

Councillor Liz Brighouse, Chairman of Performance Scrutiny Committee, stated that the Committee had welcomed the opportunity to be able to comment on the report and were very supportive of the proposals.

Referring to the climate change emergency motion passed at Council Councillor Brighouse commented that if the Council was to show it meant it then response to climate change needed to be embedded in all the different strategies. She would have liked to have seen more stress on that in this strategy. She thanked officers for taking up the suggestion of the Committee to include a diagram in the report showing how the investment strategy fits in with other aspects.

Councillor Brighouse sought clarity over the approval process for Category C investments. Councillor Bartholomew explained that where necessary the process would include approval from the Chairman of Performance Scrutiny Committee. He did not expect the process to be used frequently.

RESOLVED:   to endorse the draft strategy ahead of final consideration by Council in September 2019 (subject to any necessary amendments made).

In the event that any Member or Officer wishes to discuss the information set out in Annex 1 and 2 to Item 11, the Cabinet will be invited to resolve to exclude the public for the consideration of those Annexes by passing a resolution in relation to that item in the following terms:

"that the public be excluded during the consideration of the Annexes since it is likely that if they were present during that discussion there would be a disclosure of "exempt" information as described in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972 and specified below the item in the Agenda".

NOTE: The report does not contain exempt information and is available to the public. The exempt information is contained in the confidential annexes.

THE ANNEXES TO THE ITEM NAMED HAVE NOT BEEN MADE PUBLIC AND SHOULD BE REGARDED AS ‘CONFIDENTIAL’ BY MEMBERS AND OFFICERS ENTITLED TO RECEIVE THEM.

THIS ALSO MEANS THAT THE CONTENTS SHOULD NOT BE DISCUSSED WITH OTHERS AND NO COPIES SHOULD BE MADE.

The following item was discussed in public.

Cabinet Members: Education & Cultural Services

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/050

Contact: Chris Hilliard, Consultant Deputy Director for Education Tel: 07881 518322

Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA10).

The information contained in the annex is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category:

:

2.    Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

3.    Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

and since it is considered that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, in that disclosure would infringe the rights of the individual to privacy

Report from the SEND Home to School Transport Cabinet Advisory Group formed to consider the proposed changes to post-16 SEND home to school transport policies considered by Cabinet in June and July 2018 and Performance Scrutiny on the 5 July 2018.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the recommendations of the Cabinet Advisory Group (CAG) and to identify those recommendations it wishes to adopt, reject, or postpone pending further consideration.

Cabinet discussion was held in public session without detailed reference to the information contained in the annexes, that remains exempt.

The information contained in the annex is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category:

:

2.    Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual.

3.    Information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

and since it is considered that, in all the circumstances of the case, the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, in that disclosure would infringe the rights of the individual to privacy

Cabinet had before it for a report from the SEND Home to School Transport Cabinet Advisory Group, which had been set up to consider the proposed changes to post-16 SEND home to school transport policies considered by Cabinet in June and July 2018 and Performance Scrutiny on the 5 July 2018.

Councillor Turnbull, Shadow Cabinet Member for Education expressed relief that they had reached the current position. She thanked officers and members. They had found a way to manage the overspend that did not impact on vulnerable families by working closely with a number of schools to deliver the service in a different way.

Councillor Turnbull commented that it had not been possible to explore how far this approach could be taken. This was vital work that should be included in the transformation work in order to protect the most vulnerable. Councillor Turnbull expressed disappointment at the initial way the matter had been dealt with and that it had taken scrutiny involvement and a Council motion to bring about the CAG review.

Councillor John Howson, Deputy Chairman of  Education Scrutiny Committee, explained that Councillor Waine, Chairman of Education Scrutiny Committee, was unable to attend and sent his apologies. On his behalf he passed on the pride that Councillor Waine felt at the work of the Extraordinary Scrutiny Committee held on 18 June 2018 and subsequent efforts that had led to the CAG being set up. Councillor Waine wished to thank those involved and in particular to thank members and Mr John Riches, Head Teacher of Bardwell School. Councillor Howson speaking on his own behalf stated that the approach and recommendations were a helpful way forward. The work had demonstrated a spirit of co-operation. The recommendations introduced an innovative new scheme that recognised the respite care element in SEN transport.

Councillor Lorraine Lindsay-Gale, Cabinet Member for Education & Cultural Services thanked both Councillors Waine and Howson for their scriutiny and CAG work and gave an assurance that there would be ongoing work and the approach would be embedded as part of all they did.

Lucy Butler, Director for Children’s Services commended the work done and highlighted the respite scheme that was a real plus for parents.

Councillor Stratford, referred to a recent event ‘Buddies at Bleinham’ and asked that his congratulations be passed on to all involved.

RESOLVED:  to note and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 70/19

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/070

Contact: Craig Rossington, Senior Transport Planner Tel: 07880 945891

Report by Strategic Director for Communities (CA12).

In the light of the monitoring of the operation of Queen Street since the reopening of the Westgate, it is not recommended to progress a scheme to remove any more buses from Queen Street due to the:

·         challenges in delivering suitable alternative bus routeing and associated likely negative impacts on bus operation, passenger experience and the environment of other streets

·         lack of any recorded accidents in Queen Street and

·         very low likelihood that the remaining buses is Queen Street prevent Westgate visitors from continuing their journeys into the rest of the city centre

The situation in Queen Street should continue to be monitored so that any clear changes in the levels of pedestrian safety are identified and action taken if necessary – the council’s position in relation to the removal of buses can of course be revisited at any time.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to allow up to 30 buses an hour to continue to use Queen Street and therefore agree that in updating the Oxford Transport Strategy as part of developing the Council’s new Local Transport & Connectivity Plan (LTP5), the county council’s policy is proposed to be changed so that, subject to the outcome of the LTP update process, it will not be actively pursuing the full pedestrianisation of Queen Street.

The Cabinet had before it a report which considered bus access in Queen Street, Oxford. In the light of the monitoring of the operation of Queen Street since the reopening of the Westgate, it was not recommended to progress a scheme to remove any more buses from Queen Street due to the:

·         challenges in delivering suitable alternative bus routeing and associated likely negative impacts on bus operation, passenger experience and the environment of other streets

·         lack of any recorded accidents in Queen Street and

·         very low likelihood that the remaining buses is Queen Street prevented Westgate visitors from continuing their journeys into the rest of the city centre

The situation in Queen Street should continue to be monitored so that any clear changes in the levels of pedestrian safety were identified and action taken if necessary – the council’s position in relation to the removal of buses could be revisited at any time.

John Paine, Oxfordshire NPC Group, supported the recommendation to continue to allow buses to use Queen Street. They were disappointed at the lack of mention of users with a disability. He sought clarification on a number of points:

·         During the collection of data in 2018 a wider range of factors were looked at and a number of submissions were made by voluntary groups and the public. When is a fuller report on information and submissions made by voluntary group during the collection of data in 2018 to be published by the Council?

·         Does OCC intend to do any further work, in conjunction with Oxford City Council in addressing issues of congestion, pollution, movement of vehicles and difficulties experienced by pedestrians of all kinds in the near future?

·         The Group believe that issues would benefit from benefit from a review of where bus stops are located. In the light of the recommendation made to Cabinet today will OCC explore this?

Councillor John Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Envirnment, welcomed maintaining the status quo. However, the report did not address other issues such as cyclists versus pedestrian safety. He highlighted the number of cyclists cycling through the area despite regulations to the contrary. The regulations were not enforced. He suggested that either tactile cycle lanes were needed, or the regulations should be enforced. On bus stops Councillor Sanders felt that the distances involved were difficult for the elderly or disabled. He suggested an investigation into the use of Norfolk Street and that it would be helpful for a group of councillors to a have a look at the siting of bus stops in the city centre.

Councillor John Howson, local councillor for St. Margaret’s highlighted the complex nature of public transport in Oxford. Some bus routes were necessary to maintain the city centre loop. Groups opposing had not been able to suggest a viable alternative. It was important to improve connectivity. Councillor Howson referred to the Pick Me Up service. He referred to the problems of cyclists coming across Queen Street at right angles at the junction  ...  view the full minutes text for item 71/19

Cabinet Member: Children & Family Services

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/071

Contact: Vince Clark, Interim Service Improvement Lead Tel: 07586 478703

Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA13).

The report describes the Family Safeguarding Plus (FSP) model and sets out a business case supporting implementation in Oxfordshire. This includes examination of the key features and benefits of the model alongside the costs of implementing it. It also explores how FSP will contribute to the wider transformation of children’s services.   

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to support the implementation of the Family Safeguarding Plus (FSP) model as part of Children’s Service transformation programme; and in doing so:

(a)          approve additional funding to meet project costs in 2019/20 of £0.8m to be met from corporate contingency

(b)          agree   that funding required for 2020/21 and beyond will be included in the proposed Budget for 2020/21 and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) as part of the Service & Resource Planning process;

(c)          acknowledge that there will be a shortfall in savings against the MTFP that will be achieved in 2019/20 of £0.8m and to fund this from corporate contingency

(d)       that the profile of savings in the existing MTFP for 2020/21                     and beyond will need to be amended in the proposed                          Budget for 2020/21 and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP)                  as part of the Service & Resource Planning process.

Cabinet had before it a report which outlined the Family Safeguarding Plus (FSP) model and set out a business case supporting implementation in Oxfordshire. This includes examination of the key features and benefits of the model alongside the costs of implementing it. The report further explored how FSP would contribute to the wider transformation of children’s services.

Councillor Gill Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services spoke in support of the proposals. It was necessary to invest to keep high risk families together. Partnership working was a vital part of the model and it was vital to ensure that partners were able to share information. Councillor Sanders believed that schools should be able to access safeguarding information.

Councillor Steve Harrod, Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services introduced the contents of the report and moved the recommendations. Lucy Butler, Director for Children’s Services added that she was delighted to be bringing the proposals forward. They were based on the Hertfordshire model but would be a uniquely Oxfordshire model. She was excited about working with CDC partners and wanted to work closely with families.

Cabinet in welcoming the proposals:

·         Highlighted the phenomenal job done by school nurses and that they often were one of the places where problems were first spotted.

·         Referred to the innovative nature of the proposals. It was based on getting the best people across a range of bodies to work across a range of issues. It would give a lead to OCC’s partners and allow them to be involved earlier.It was a focus on prevention rather than cure and if successful would lead to real benefits.

RESOLVED: to support the implementation of the Family Safeguarding Plus (FSP) model as part of Children’s Service transformation programme; and in doing so:

(a)      approve additional funding to meet project costs in 2019/20 of £0.8m to be met from corporate contingency;

(b)      agree   that funding required for 2020/21 and beyond will be included in the proposed Budget for 2020/21 and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) as part of the Service & Resource Planning process;

(c)       acknowledge that there will be a shortfall in savings against the MTFP that will be achieved in 2019/20 of £0.8m and to fund this from corporate contingency;

(d)      that the profile of savings in the existing MTFP for 2020/21 and beyond will need to be amended in the proposed Budget for 2020/21 and Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) as part of the Service & Resource Planning process.

Cabinet Member: Education & Cultural Services

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/064

Contact: Lara Patel, Deputy Director – Safeguarding Tel: (01865) 815850

Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA14).

In Oxfordshire, there has been a 90% increase in Looked After Children since 2013.  This has resulted in contributed to an increased number of children being placed out of county in Independent Foster Placements.  Children and young people achieve better outcomes when living closer to their parents, family and friends. It should also be noted that placements out of county in Independent Foster Placements (IFAs) also cost the council significantly more than in-house provision due to the fees payed to agencies. OCC require has therefore developed a refreshed strategy and plan to stem the increased number of out of county placements and to meet the increased demand on services that has been realised over the past 5 years.

Following extensive research from national fora, co-production with foster carers and validation with other 'Good' local authorities, our new strategy and plan has been developed to ensure Oxfordshire County Council become the fostering provider of choice for new and existing foster carers in order to improve outcomes for our Looked After Children.  The plan to do this is detailed under Option 3 (Section 5.3).

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to support the Outlined Strategy and  service improvement plan at Option 3 of the report; and in doing so:

(i)           agree that £1.0m of ongoing funding required for 2020/21 and beyond will be included in the proposed Budget for 2020/21 and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) as part of the Service & Resource Planning process;

(ii)          agree that the profile of savings in the existing MTFP for 2020/21 and beyond will need to be amended in the proposed Budget for 2020/21 and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) as part of the Service & Resource Planning process.

In Oxfordshire, there had been a 90% increase in Looked After Children since 2013.  This had resulted in and contributed to an increased number of children being placed out of county in Independent Foster Placements.  Children and young people achieved better outcomes when living closer to their parents, family and friends. It should also be noted that, placements out of county in Independent Foster Placements (IFAs) also costed the council significantly more than in-house provision due to the fees payed to agencies. OCC had therefore developed a refreshed strategy and plan to stem the increased number of out of county placements and to meet the increased demand on services that has been realised over the past 5 years.

Following extensive research from national fora, co-production with foster carers and validation with other 'Good' local authorities, The Cabinet had before it a report which set out a new strategy and plan which had been developed to ensure Oxfordshire County Council become the fostering provider of choice for new and existing foster carers in order to improve outcomes for our Looked After Children.  The plan to do this was detailed under Option 3 (Section 5.3).

Councillor Gill Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, supported Option 3. She asked whether it would be possible to ask for a report in 12 months-time looking at the impact on young people and fostering families.

Councillor Harrod in moving the recommendations, welcomed the cross-party agreement on the proposals.

During discussion Cabinet:

·         Commented that there were two strands to the information that needed to be communicated: more publicity about the value of foster carers and that not all foster children were problem children.

·         Noted that Councillor Bartholomew as Cabinet Member for Finance stated that he had paid particular attention to the finance aspects of the proposals. He was content that it was the correct way forward and that the investment was necessary.

RESOLVED:  to support the Outlined Strategy and service improvement plan at Option 3 of the report; and in doing so:

(a)      agree that £1.0m of ongoing funding required for 2020/21 and beyond will be included in the proposed Budget for 2020/21 and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) as part of the Service & Resource Planning process;

(b)      agree that the profile of savings in the existing MTFP for 2020/21 and beyond will need to be amended in the proposed Budget for 2020/21 and Medium-Term Financial Plan (MTFP) as part of the Service & Resource Planning process.

Cabinet Member: Children & Family Services

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/084

Contact: Sarah Breton, Head of Children’s Commissioning Markets Tel: (01865) 323554

Reports by Director of Children’s Services

The report seeks approval to adopt the Joint Housing and Homelessness Strategy for Vulnerable Young People and Families for the following reasons:

1.There is common agreement that safe and suitable housing is a basic human right for children, young people and families.  Conversely transient lifestyles and inappropriate housing have been identified as one of the risk factors on the pathway to harm.

2. The needs analysis (Annex 1) on which the strategy is based, highlighted the need for adequate support and housing for vulnerable families and a variety of housing options for vulnerable young people, some of whom have complex needs or disabilities.

The strategy seeks to address these needs through a countywide programme involving early prevention work, partnership working, review and co-commissioning of the Young People's Supported Housing Pathway and support to landlords.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to adopt the Joint Housing and Homelessness Strategy for Vulnerable Young People and Families

The Cabinet had before it a report which sought approval to adopt the Joint Housing and Homelessness Strategy for Vulnerable Young People and Families.

The strategy sought to address the issues through a countywide programme involving early prevention work, partnership working, review and co-commissioning of the Young People's Supported Housing Pathway and support to landlords.

Officers presented the contents of the report.

Cabinet in welcoming the approach set out in the Strategy made the following points:

·         The numbers of people in Oxfordshire referred to at paragraph 3.5 of the Appendix to the Strategy needed tom be corrected.

·         Councillor Bartholomew whilst supporting overall commented that the wording on page 204 of the agenda on Universal Credit seemed to reflect political bias. Councillor Corkin commented that in Cherwell District the description of the impact of Universal Credit was not wrong.

·         In particular Councillor Bartholomew commended the support to good landlords.

·         It was good to see the partnership working with Cherwell District Council. There was a hope that lessons could be learnt for working with other District Councils.

Councillor Steve Harrod, Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services moved the recommendations.

RESOLVED: to adopt the Joint Housing and Homelessness Strategy for Vulnerable Young People and Families.

The report is to update members on the high-level outcomes of an extensive review of the current Young People's Supported Housing pathway (YPSHP) which has identified that services should work differently and in order to do this effectively, OCC will need to work in partnership with District Council and City Council colleagues to co-commission the pathway from 2020.

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to support the recommissioning of Young People’s Supported Housing Services through co-commissioning these services with District Councils, with the County Council as the lead commissioner.

The Cabinet had before it a report which provided an update on the high-level outcomes of an extensive review of the current Young People's Supported Housing pathway (YPSHP) which had identified that services should work differently and in order to do this effectively, OCC would need to work in partnership with District Council and City Council colleagues to co-commission the pathway from 2020.

Councillor Steven Harrod, Cabinet Member for Children & Family Services, introduced the contents of the report and highlighted the work done with stakeholders and collaboratively with partners to reach the current position.

RESOLVED: to support the recommissioning of Young People’s Supported Housing Services through co-commissioning these services with District Councils, with the County Council as the lead commissioner.

Cabinet Member: Local Communities

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/092

Contact: Samantha Shepherd, Senior Policy Officer Tel: 07789 088173

Report by Policy & Performance Service Manager (CA16).

In February 2016 the council agreed to set aside £1m to create a 'one off' fund to provide pump priming to support the provision of open access children's services. 

Following 7 bidding rounds, an outstanding sum of £218,889 was identified. A final bidding round invited those organisations previously in receipt of Transition funding to apply to the fund for schemes to support their long-term sustainability.

In this round 30 bids were submitted for consideration, a cross-party panel of councillors has assessed the applications against the criteria outlined in the guidance notes, and brought their recommendations to Cabinet for decision.

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)          Approve the recommendations of the cross-party panel for grant awards totalling £198,268.70 against a total available budget of £218,889 (see Appendix A for a summary of recommendations, and Annex 1 for the full rationale for panel decisions).

(b)          Approve the proposal of the panel to utilise the remaining £20,620.30 to provide a training and support package to all groups delivering open access children’s services, which seeks to increase the long-term sustainability of these services.

(c)          Give delegated authority to the Policy & Performance Service Manager to agree training and support packages in consultation with the cross-party panel and Cabinet Member for Local Communities.

In February 2016, the council had agreed to set aside £1m to create a 'one off' fund to provide pump priming to support the provision of open access children's services. 

Following 7 bidding rounds, an outstanding sum of £218,889 was identified. A final bidding round invited those organisations previously in receipt of Transition funding to apply to the fund for schemes to support their long-term sustainability.

In this round 31 bids were submitted for consideration, including the bid set out in the addenda. Cabinet had before it a report and addenda which set out the findings of a cross-party panel of councillors who had assessed the applications against the criteria outlined in the guidance notes and brought their recommendations to Cabinet for decision.

Anne Purse, speaking on behalf of The Maple Tree children’s centre stated that the Centre was not alone in feeling that the County Council had fallen below their usual standards of fairness, rationality and consistency in this process. She stated that the Council had been swamped by demand and had changed and adjusted their criteria in the light of that. This was unfair in general and she felt that it had worked against The Maple Tree in particular. The Centre had sought advice about the acceptability of a capital bid and had been advised that it would be acceptable if other criteria were met. Ms Purse outlined the bid that had been made.

In response to questions from cabinet members Ms Purse reiterated that they had sought advice and been advised that a capital bid was acceptable. The Centre was still in discussion about whether they could obtain funding through the Councillor Priority Fund.

Councillor Gray, as Chairman of the cross-party panel confirmed that the Panel did not feel that the bid met the criteria. They had agreed only one very small capital bid and turned down other capital bids. The out reach work was seen as new business.

Ben Threadgold, presented the contents of the report and addenda.

Councillor Gray in moving the recommendations highlighted that the focus of the panel had been very much on sustainability. He thanked all involved in the panel.

RESOLVED: to:

(a)         approve the recommendations of the cross-party panel for grant awards totalling £198,268.70 against a total available budget of £218,889 (see Appendix A of the report for a summary of recommendations; and

(b)         approve the proposal of the panel to utilise the remaining £20,620.30 to provide a training and support package to all groups delivering open access children’s services, which seeks to increase the long-term sustainability of these services;

(c)          give delegated authority to the Policy & Performance Service Manager to agree training and support packages in consultation with the cross-party panel and Cabinet Member for Local Communities.

Cabinet Member: Adult Social Care & Public Health

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/056

Contact: Rebecca Lanchbury, Commissioning Officer (Older People) Tel: 07584 481255

Report by Director for Adult Services (CA17).

This report relates to the Innovation & Sustainability Funds for Support; administered by Adult Social Care to support the development of daytime opportunities for adults in Oxfordshire. These funds help support people to live well at home and in their communities.

It was agreed at Cabinet on March 19, 2019, that a review of the Innovation and Sustainability Funds process and timeline for future grant funding takes place prior to re-opening, and that this should include some detailed recommendations.

The amounts available for the period of April 2020 to March 2021 are £100,000 for the Innovation Fund and £250,000 for the Sustainability Fund.

Both funds have increased in popularity and it was deemed an appropriate time to review the application forms, criteria and process to enable us to improve our offer and to meet increased demand.

The review included holding a listening workshop, an on-line survey, meeting with colleagues whom support the grant process from beginning to end and obtaining specific feedback from the first cohort of successful applicants to the Innovation Fund, for an update on their progress to date and future plans, as they near the end of their funding period.

The information gathered from the above activities has enabled us to make these recommendations, for final decision by Cabinet on July 16, 2019, which will shape and improve the grant applications, guidelines, and the award selection and decision-making processes.

Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)      Approve the recommendations set out under 27 (a-h)

(b)      Reallocate the remaining amount, as set out under 27 (h) to the next round of the Innovation Fund.

Cabinet had before it a report with recommendations following a  review of the Innovation & Sustainability Funds for Support; administered by Adult Social Care to support the development of daytime opportunities for adults in Oxfordshire. These funds helped support people to live well at home and in their communities.

The review included holding a listening workshop, an on-line survey, meeting with colleagues whom support the grant process from beginning to end and obtaining specific feedback from the first cohort of successful applicants to the Innovation Fund, for an update on their progress to date and future plans, as they neared the end of their funding period.

Cabinet was advised of a correction to Annex 2 where refernce to minisub should be corrected to read minibus.

Councillor Lawrie Stratford, Cabinet Member for Adult Social care & Public Health moved the recommendations

RESOLVED:  to:

(a)      approve the recommendations set out under 27 (a-h);

(b)      Reallocate the remaining amount, as set out under 27 (h) to the next round of the Innovation Fund.

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader of the Council

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/099

Contact: Karen Edwards, Deputy Director – Human Resources Tel: 07825 521526

Report by Deputy Director – Human Resources (CA18 (to be circulated separately)).

To note the proposal to appoint two senior joint posts so as to facilitate further joint working with OCC and CDC and to ask the Joint Shared Service & Personnel Committee to convene as soon as practicable to proceed with the recruitment and appointment of the most suitable candidate.

Cabinet had before it a report which invited members to note the proposal to appoint two senior joint posts so as to facilitate further joint working with OCC and CDC and to ask the Joint Shared Service & Personnel Committee to convene as soon as practicable to proceed with the recruitment and appointment of the most suitable candidate.

Councillor Ian Corkin, Cabinet Member for Cherwell Partnership, in moving the recommendations advised that Cherwell District Council Executive had agreed the recommendations at their meeting the previous evening. The proposals were an important milestone in the partnership working following on from the comprehensive report to Council in July.

RESOLVED: Subject to Cherwell District Council Executive endorsing the proposals as set out below on 15 July 2019, to:

(a)      note the proposals to appoint two senior joint posts so as to facilitate further joint working between OCC and CDC;

(b)      to request the Joint Shared Services and Personnel Committee to convene as soon as practicable to approve the proposed management structure and proceed with the recruitment and appointment of the most suitable candidate.

Cabinet Member: Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2019/018

Contact: Sue Whitehead, Prinicpal Committee Officer Tel: 07393 001213

Report by Director of Law & Governance (CA   ).

To report on a quarterly basis any executive decisions taken under the specific powers and functions delegated under the terms of Part 7.2 (Scheme of Delegation to Officers) of the Council’s Constitution – Paragraph 6.3(c)(i).  It is not for Scrutiny call-in.

RESOLVED:             To note the following executive decisions taken under the specific powers and functions delegated under the terms of Part 7.2 (scheme of Delegation to Officers) of the Council’s Constitution – Paragraph 6.3(c)(i).  It is not for Scrutiny call-in.