Agenda and minutes
PDF 300 KBVenue: County Hall, Oxford, OX1 1ND
Contact: Sue Whitehead Tel: (01865) 810262; E-Mail: sue.whitehead@oxfordshire.gov.uk
Note: On Agenda Item No: Meeting ended
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Apologies for Absence Minutes: Apologies were received from Councillor Louise Chapman. |
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Declarations of Interest - guidance note opposite Minutes: Councillor Fatemian declared a personal interest on Item 6, Home to School Transport Policy as a governor of Warriner School.
Councillor Carter declared an interest in Item 21, Highways Contract – Buy Out of Atkins Highways by Skanska in so far as his wife was about to take up a position with Atkins and took no part in the decision leaving the room.
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Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting held on 18 June 2013 were received and it was agreed they be submitted for approval to the next meeting. |
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Questions from County Councillors Any county councillor may, by giving notice to the Proper Officer by 9 am two working days before the meeting, ask a question on any matter in respect of the Cabinet’s delegated powers.
The number of questions which may be asked by any councillor at any one meeting is limited to two (or one question with notice and a supplementary question at the meeting) and the time for questions will be limited to 30 minutes in total. As with questions at Council, any questions which remain unanswered at the end of this item will receive a written response.
Questions submitted prior to the agenda being despatched are shown below and will be the subject of a response from the appropriate Cabinet Member or such other councillor or officer as is determined by the Cabinet Member, and shall not be the subject of further debate at this meeting. Questions received after the despatch of the agenda, but before the deadline, will be shown on the Schedule of Addenda circulated at the meeting, together with any written response which is available at that time. Minutes: Councillor John Howson had given notice of the following question to Councillor Melinda Tilley:
“How long has it taken for prosecutions started by Oxfordshire County Council since September 2012 in relation to non-attendance of pupils at school to be completed?”
Councillor Tilley replied:
“The length of proceedings in relation to non- attendance of pupils at school (from issue at Court to final hearing), in the period September 2012 to July 2013, is given in the table below. Over this period 34 cases commenced , 33 of which ended in conviction, one of which in acquittal. The average length of proceedings was 11 weeks.
Supplementary: In response to a question Councillor Tilley replied that yes she would continue to press the Minister of Justice to give as much priority as possible to these cases.
Councillor Roz Smith had given notice of the following question to Councillor David Nimmo Smith:
“Consultants White Young and Green, (WYG), were engaged by the Council in early May 2013 to write a Headington Transport Strategy. A strategy to deal with the congestion, rat-running, speeding and to improve cycling and walking in the Headington area is to be welcomed. Could the cabinet member please tell me how and when the decision to employ WYG was taken?”
Councillor David Nimmo Smith replied:
“White Young Green (WYG) were commissioned in May 2013 to work with the county council’s Infrastructure Development team, local members and stakeholders to consider the current and future transport challenges in Headington and develop a strategy for the area.
WYG have worked with the county council on similar projects in Banbury and Bicester, looking at transport and the infrastructure implications of future growth. They were appointed in accordance with Council procurement rules for work under £25,000 in value and have proved themselves to be both technically competent and able to deliver within the required timescales.”
Supplementary: Councillor Smith asked why key local stakeholders such as local councillors were not invited to attend the Steering Group and were not being included in the development of the strategy. Councillor Nimmo Smith replied that he would provide a written response. |
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Petitions and Public Address Minutes: Item 6 - Councillor Lynda Atkins ) Councillor George Reynolds )speaking as a local councillor Councillor Kieron Mallon ) Councillor Glynis Phillips ) Councillor Gill Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Families District Councillor for Garsington, Elizabeth Gillespie Sue Moon, Oxon Bus Action Group Niall McWilliams, Head Teacher, Carterton Community College Graham Speke, Carterton Community College Bob Edward, Carterton, supporting proposals Annabel Kay Head Teacher, Warriner School Andrew Baud, founder of the Shutford Community Association, member of the The Warriner Partnership working party and governor at Sibford Gower Primary School Kathy Haig, Headteacher, Burford School Andrew Pitman, Chair of Governors, Burford School Richard Martin, governor at Burford School John White, Mayor of Burford Mr Rae, Chair of Governors at Brize Norton Primary School Ed Scates Margot Nelson, St Swithens CE Primary School, Kennington resident, parent and Chair of Governors Mrs Katherine Curtis, Head Teacher, Wheatley Park School
Item 8 – Councillor Nick Hards, Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance
Item 9 – Councillor Nick Hards, Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance
Item 10 – Councillor Laura Price, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care
Item 11- Laura Price, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care
Item 12 – Councillor Gill Sanders , Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Families
Item 17 – Councillor Liz Brighouse, Opposition Leader Councillor Lilly, speaking as Chairman of Pension Fund Committee Robin Gill, School Forum
Item 18 – Councillor Liz Brighouse, Opposition Leader
Item 21 - Cllr John Sanders |
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Home to School Transport Policy Cabinet Member: Children, Education & Families Forward Plan Ref: 2013/089 Contact: Neil Darlington, Service Manager – Admissions & Transport Tel: (01865) 815844
Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA6).
The Council has undertaken a consultation with the public, headteachers and other interested parties upon a number of proposed changes to the Home to School Transport Policy.
The proposed changes have been made in the light of the current difficult financial situation in the UK, the continuing impact this will have on local government finances, and the need to ensure that the Home to School Transport Policy is equitable.
The report contains an analysis of the responses to the consultation.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to adopt the following proposals:
(a) To increase the charges for concessionary travel and post 16 travel in 2014/15 to £290.40 (£96.80 per two terms of the 6 term year) for those who live under 3 miles from the school attended and £541.20 per annum (£180.40 per two terms of the 6 term year) for those who live over 3 miles from the school attended.
(b) To increase the concessionary fare by 2% per annum from September 2015
(c) From September 2014 to end the waiving of the concessionary charge for the third and subsequent children of families who have more than two children using the same home to school transport service.
(d) From September 2013 onwards to only use the guidance issued by Road Safety GB when making risk assessments of walked routes to school.
(e) From September 2014 onwards to adopt the phased ending of free travel to the designated (catchment) school if the distance from home to school is over 3 miles if aged 8 or over, or 2 miles if less than aged 8 and of school age if it is not the nearest school.
(f) To reassess routes designated as “unsafe walking routes” against the guidance issued by Road Safety GB over 2013/14 and 2014/15.
(g) From 2013 to remove all references to collaborative learning transport from the Home to School Transport Policy.
(h) From September 2013 to use a two stage review/appeal process in accordance with the Department for Education Transport and Travel Guidance of March 2013.
(i) All other parts of the proposed Home to School Transport Policy not covered by proposals a to h for September 2014 onwards. Additional documents:
Minutes: Cabinet had before them a report that contained an analysis of the responses to a consultation with the public, head teachers and other interested parties upon a number of proposed changes to the Home to School Transport Policy. Cabinet further had a note from the Chairman of the Education Scrutiny Committee containing recommendations following consideration of the proposals at their meeting on 4 July 2013 and a further supplementary report containing an update on the analysis of consultation responses in the light of responses received since the circulation of the agenda. Finally Cabinet had before them a supplementary report advising that the new Guidance which had been the basis of consultation had now been withdrawn by the Department for Education and the previous 2007 Guidance reinstated and that therefore it was inappropriate to consider the proposals today.
Peter Clark, County Solicitor confirmed the advice given in the supplementary report no decision on the current proposals be taken today.
Councillor Hudspeth indicated that he would be accepting the advice given but that in any case he had been minded to defer the matter following the letters and emails that he had received and other representations made to him by councillors and the public. He accepted that there would be a need to repeat the consultation and that he did not wish to rush this decision. However he referred to the serious financial challenge that the Council faced and that the whole budget was being considered to see where the savings could be achieved. He noted that the proposals had been in line with the then current guidance, had not affected anyone currently in receipt of free transport and that the majority of parents were not affected. His ambition was that all schools in Oxfordshire would be good or excellent and that there would be no reason not to go to the local school. He referred to a number of existing anomalies, stressed that he would meet with residents and that he had an open mind.
Mrs Nelson, St Swithens CE Primary School, Kennington resident, parent and Chair of Governors submitted a petition against the proposals and in speaking to the petition highlighted 5 areas of concern: she wished Kennington to maintain the diverse social cohorts it currently achieved that she felt would be threatened by the changes to the policy; child safety - it was impractical to expect parents to walk with their children each day; congestion would increase; there were educational concerns and concerns around social equality.
Councillor Lynda Atkins, as Chairman of the Education Scrutiny Committee highlighted the key points set out in her note of the discussion at the meeting on 4 July 2013.
Councillor George Reynolds, speaking as a local councillor expressed concerns over the length of the consultation and the range of people consulted. Parish Councils had not been consulted directly and more information was needed on what the proposals meant to people. He also highlighted the possible implications for the villages, parents, children and schools ... view the full minutes text for item 77/13 |
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Treasury Management 2012/13 Outturn Cabinet Member: Finance Forward Plan Ref: 2013/027 Contact: Gregory Lee, Financial Manager – Treasury Management Tel: (01865) 323978
Report by Assistant Chief Executive & Chief Finance Officer (CA7).
To review Treasury Management activity in 2012/13 in accordance with the CIPFA code of practice.
The Committee is RECOMMENDED to note the report, and to RECOMMEND Council to note the Council’s Treasury Management Activity in 2012/13. Minutes: Cabinet considered a report reviewing Treasury Management activity in 2012/13 in accordance with the CIPFA code of practice.
RESOLVED: to note the report, and to RECOMMEND Council to note the Council’s Treasury Management Activity in 2012/13. |
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2013/14 Financial Monitoring & Business Strategy Delivery Report - May 2013 Cabinet Member: Finance Forward Plan Ref: 2013/002 Contact: Kathy Wilcox, Principal Financial Manager Tel: (01865) 323981
Report by Assistant Chief Executive & Chief Finance Officer (CA8).
This report focuses on the delivery of the Directorate Business Strategies which were agreed as part of the Service and Resource Planning Process for 2013/14 – 2016/17. Parts 1 and 2 include projections for revenue, reserves and balances as at the end of May 2013. Capital Programme monitoring and update is included at Part 3. Changes to Fees and Charges are included in Part 4.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to: (a) note the report; (b) approve the virement requests set out in Annex 2a; (c) note the updated Treasury Management lending list at Annex 7; (d) approve the updated Capital Programme at Annex 9 and the associated changes to the programme in Annex 8c and the proposed programme of works for the additional £3.551m of highways maintenance funding set out in Appendix D of Annex 9; (e) approve the changes to charges for Trading Standards and note the change in charges at Hill End Outdoor Education Centre as set out in Part 4 and Annex 10. Additional documents:
Minutes: Cabinet considered a report that focused on the delivery of the Directorate Business Strategies which were agreed as part of the Service and Resource Planning Process for 2013/14 – 2016/17. Parts 1 and 2 included projections for revenue, reserves and balances as at the end of May 2013. Capital Programme monitoring and update was included at Part 3. Changes to Fees and Charges were included in Part 4.
Councillor Nick Hards, Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance drew attention to the level of overspend in respect of children’s social care and the Older Peoples Physical Disability Pooled budget.
RESOLVED: to: (a) note the report;
(b) approve the virement requests set out in Annex 2a;
(c) note the updated Treasury Management lending list at Annex 7;
(d) approve the updated Capital Programme at Annex 9 and the associated changes to the programme in Annex 8c and the proposed programme of works for the additional £3.551m of highways maintenance funding set out in Appendix D of Annex 9; and
(e) approve the changes to charges for Trading Standards and note the change in charges at Hill End Outdoor Education Centre as set out in Part 4 and Annex 10. |
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Impact of the 2015/16 Central Government Spending Round Cabinet Member: Finance Forward Plan Ref: 2013/105 Contact: Lorna Baxter, Deputy Chief Finance Officer Tel: (01865) 323971
Report by Assistant Chief Executive & Chief Finance Officer (CA9).
This report outlines the key features and implications of the 2013 Spending Round announced on 26 June 2013, which sets out public spending totals for the financial year 2015/16.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the report. Minutes: Cabinet considered a report that outlined the key features and implications of the 2013 Spending Round announced on 26 June 2013, which sets out public spending totals for the financial year 2015/16.
Councillor Nick Hards, Cabinet Member for Finance expressed concerns at the possible consequences of the measures imposed by central government.
Responding Councillor Fatemian confirmed the Council’s awareness that Council assets not be neglected and highlighted the impact of the new measures that increased the savings needed.
RESOLVED: to note the report.
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Joint Carers Strategy Cabinet Member: Adult Social Care Forward Plan Ref: 2013/023 Contact: Alan Sinclair, Lead Commissioner for Older People Tel: (01865) 323665
Report by Director for Social & Community Services (CA10).
This report sets out the Oxfordshire Carers' Strategy 2013 - 2016. This replaces the previous Carers' Strategy which ran from 2009 - 2012. It details Oxfordshire's commitment to the support of unpaid carers who support relatives, neighbours and friends across Oxfordshire.
The strategy is a joint commitment from Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group to continue and further develop their support to carers of all ages, along with their partners in the voluntary sector and other commissioned services. A period of consultation with carers and carers' services from November 2012 to March 2013 led to the drafting of the revised Carers' Strategy.
The Strategy is underpinned by an Implementation Plan which will support the delivery of the intentions laid out in the Strategy during it's lifetime to ensure good outcomes for carers.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to agree the Oxfordshire Carers' Strategy 2013 - 2016. Additional documents: Minutes: Cabinet had before them a report setting out the Oxfordshire Carers' Strategy 2013 - 2016. This replaced the previous Carers' Strategy which ran from 2009 - 2012. It detailed Oxfordshire's commitment to the support of unpaid carers who support relatives, neighbours and friends across Oxfordshire.
The strategy is a joint commitment from Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group to continue and further develop their support to carers of all ages, along with their partners in the voluntary sector and other commissioned services. A period of consultation with carers and carers' services from November 2012 to March 2013 led to the drafting of the revised Carers' Strategy.
The Strategy is underpinned by an Implementation Plan which will support the delivery of the intentions laid out in the Strategy during it's lifetime to ensure good outcomes for carers.
Councillor Laura Price, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care expressed her thanks for the time given by carers and welcomed the measures to increase identification of carers. She suggested that there was an omission with no mention of financial wellbeing that could undermine a lot of the other work outlined here.
Councillor Heathcoat introduced the contents of the report highlighting the demanding and diverse role of carers and the importance of valuing both the giver and receivers of care.
RESOLVED: to agree the Oxfordshire Carers' Strategy 2013 - 2016.
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Cabinet Member: Adult Social Care Forward Plan Ref: 2012/174 Contact: Andrew Colling, Quality & Contracts Manager Tel: (01865) 323682
Report by Director for Social & Community Services (CA11).
The cost of adult social care and how it should be funded has for many years been the subject of discussion and much media attention. These discussions have taken place at both a national and a local level and in many respects have focused on the cost of care home services
Over the last twelve months or so Social and Community Services had conducted a review of Care Home Fees for Older People in Oxfordshire.
On 19 January 2013 Cabinet considered a paper from the Director for Social & Community Services that proposed new arrangements for Care Home Fees in Oxfordshire.
Cabinet agreed the report and recommended that the Director for Social & Community Services should consult care home providers again on the proposals for 2013/14.
This report now provides feedback on the consultation on Care Home Fees that ended on 18 June 2013.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the proposals set out in the report. Additional documents:
Minutes:
Cabinet considered a report that provided feedback on the consultation on Care Home Fees that ended on 18 June 2013. The consultation with care home providers was approved following consideration by Cabinet on 19 January 2013 on proposed new arrangements for Care Home Fees in Oxfordshire in 2013/14.
Councillor Laura Price highlighted the dismal response rate and expressed concern at the unwillingness of providers to discuss the financial position.
John Jackson explained the context to the report and the efforts taken to engage with providers.
RESOLVED: to approve the proposals set out in the report.
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Placement Strategy for Children In and On the Edge of Care Cabinet Member: Children, Education & Families Forward Plan Ref: 2013/035 Contact: Matthew Edwards, Corporate Parenting Manager Tel: (01865) 323097
Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA12).
This paper outlines the vision, approach and scope of the Placement Strategy for Children in and on the edge of care. The strategy is based on the fundamental principle of ‘keeping our riskiest and most vulnerable children closest". Some children will require very specialist placements out of county but for the large majority we need to be able to place, educate, and provide therapeutic support within Oxfordshire. Whilst improving outcomes is Oxfordshire County Council's primary concern an important driver is also recognizing that high quality saves and poor quality costs in terms of expenditure on our looked after children . The Placement Strategy sets out how Oxfordshire County Council along with key partners will strengthen edge of care interventions to keep children with their families, support friends and family care arrangements, increase in-house fostering for harder to place children and build on the work that has been so successful in achieving permanency for many of our looked after children. One critical work stream of the placement strategy requires capital investment to move forward: increasing in-house, in-county residential provision. The proposal is for the creation of an additional 12 assessment beds in 2 homes [6 beds in each] and 8 ‘move-on’ beds for 16-18 year olds in 2 further homes [4 beds in each] This will create an overall in county in-house residential pathway capacity of 32 beds It is proposed that surveys will be conducted on already identified sites within the County’s existing property estate. Estimates suggest that this initial survey work will cost £150k. The estimated overall spend to build the 4 homes is £7M but this will be exactly quantified post survey results.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to: (a) approve the placement strategy; and
(b) endorse the initial approach to increase in-county residential capacity and give approval for a detailed survey of potential sites to be undertaken followed by more detailed costings and return to cabinet for consideration. Minutes: Cabinet considered a report that outlined the vision, approach and scope of the Placement Strategy for Children in and on the edge of care. Councillor Gill Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Families supported the strategy and spoke of the need to build additional capacity in Oxfordshire. RESOLVED: to: (a) approve the placement strategy; and
(b) endorse the initial approach to increase in-county residential capacity and give approval for a detailed survey of potential sites to be undertaken followed by more detailed costings and return to cabinet for consideration.
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Expansion of Queensway Primary School, Banbury to 2 Form Entry Cabinet Member: Education Forward Plan Ref: 2013/046 Contact: Diane Cameron, School Organisation Officer Tel: (01865) 816445
Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA13).
The proposal is to permanently increase the school admission number at Queensway Primary School to 60 from 30. This means that each year group would consist of up to 60 places, taught in two classes of 30 children each, making a maximum total of 420 pupils.
This proposal is to formally change the admission number to 60 on a permanent basis from September 2014. This proposal is related to a concurrent option appraisal on how the necessary accommodation required might be provided.
The current capacity of the school is 250 and the proposed capacity will be 420. The current admission number for the school is 30 and the proposed admission number will be 60.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the publication of a statutory notice for the expansion of Queensway Primary School, Banbury. Additional documents:
Minutes: Cabinet considered a proposal to permanently increase the school admission number at Queensway Primary School to 60 from 30 from September 2014. This means that each year group would consist of up to 60 places, taught in two classes of 30 children each, making a maximum total of 420 pupils.
RESOLVED: to approve the publication of a statutory notice for the expansion of Queensway Primary School, Banbury.
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Expansion of St Joseph's Catholic (VA) Primary School, Oxford to 2 Form Entry Cabinet Member: Children, Education & Families Forward Plan Ref: 2013/087 Contact: Diane Cameron, School Organisation Officer Tel: (01865) 816445
Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA13).
The proposal is to permanently increase the school admission number at St Joseph's Catholic (VA) Primary School, Oxford to 60 from 45. This means that each year group would consist of up to 60 places, taught in two classes of 30, making a maximum total of 420 pupils.
This proposal is to formally change the admission number to 60 on a permanent basis from September 2014. This proposal is related to a concurrent option appraisal run by the Birmingham Catholic Archdiocese, on how the necessary accommodation required might be provided.
The current capacity of the school is 315 and the proposed capacity will be 420. The current admission number for the school is 45 and the proposed admission number will be 60.
The expansion is proposed due to increase in population and over-subscription of the school.
The final decision on whether to proceed approve expansion is referred to the Cabinet at the meeting on 16 July 2013.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the permanent expansion of St Joseph’s Catholic (VA) Primary School, Oxford with effect from 1 September 2014. Additional documents:
Minutes: Cabinet considered a report that sought approval to permanently increase the school admission number at St Joseph's Catholic (VA) Primary School, Oxford to 60 from 45 from September 2014. This means that each year group would consist of up to 60 places, taught in two classes of 30, making a maximum total of 420 pupils.
RESOLVED: to approve the permanent expansion of St Joseph’s Catholic (VA) Primary School, Oxford with effect from 1 September 2014. |
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Expansion of Watchfield Primary School to 2 Form Entry Cabinet Member: Education Forward Plan Ref: 2013/059 Contact: Diane Cameron, School Organisation Officer Tel: (01865) 816445
Report by Director of Children’s Services (CA15).
The proposal is to permanently increase the school admission number at Queensway Primary School to 60 from 45. This means that each year group would consist of up to 60 places, taught in two classes of 30 children each, making a maximum total of 420 pupils.
This proposal is to formally change the admission number to 60 on a permanent basis from September 2014. This proposal is related to a concurrent option appraisal on how the necessary accommodation required might be provided.
The current capacity of the school is 315 and the proposed capacity will be 420. The current admission number for the school is 45 and the proposed admission number will be 60.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the publication of a statutory notice for the expansion of Watchfield Primary School. Additional documents:
Minutes: Cabinet considered a report on a proposal to permanently increase the school admission number at Queensway Primary School to 60 from 45 from September 2014.
RESOLVED: to approve the publication of a statutory notice for the expansion of Watchfield Primary School. |
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Expansion of Wolvercote Primary School, Oxford to 1.5 Form Entry Cabinet Member: Children, Education & Families Forward Plan Ref: 2013/085 Contact: Diane Cameron, School Organisation Officer Tel: (01865) 816445
Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA16).
The proposal is to permanently increase the school admission number at Wolvercote Primary School to 45 from 30. This means that each year group would consist of up to 45 places, taught in mixed-age classes, making a maximum total of 315 pupils.
This proposal is to formally change the admission number to 45 on a permanent basis from September 2014. This proposal is related to a concurrent option appraisal on how the necessary accommodation required might be provided.
The current capacity of the school is 210 and the proposed capacity will be 315. The current admission number for the school is 30 and the proposed admission number will be 45.
The expansion is proposed due to proposed housing development in the area and increase in population.
The final decision on whether to approve expansion of Wolvercote Primary School is referred to the Cabinet at the meeting on 16 July 2013.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the permanent expansion of Wolvercote Primary School with effect from 1 September 2014.
Additional documents:
Minutes: Cabinet had before them a report on a proposal to permanently increase the school admission number at Wolvercote Primary School to 45 from 30 from September 2014.
Councillor Tilley in moving the recommendations commented that in future it was intended that if possible decisions such as this would be dealt with as a delegated decision. Cabinet supported this move but stressed that it was important that where there were serious objections that they could still be considered by Cabinet.
RESOLVED: to approve the permanent expansion of Wolvercote Primary School with effect from 1 September 2014. |
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Future Direction of Oxfordshire Customer Services and School Facing Services Cabinet Member: Business & Customer Services Forward Plan Ref: 2013/082 Contact: Andy Bell, Programme Manager Tel: (01865) 323221
Report by Deputy Director – Oxfordshire Customer Services ( CA17).
Minutes: Cabinet had before them two reports on the future direction of Oxfordshire Customer Services and school facing services. |
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Oxfordshire Customer Services - School Support and Back Office Services Report by the Director for Environment and Economy (CA17a)
Since October 2012, work has been underway to develop a strategic direction for the future of school related support and back office services generally, including those in CEF which have been prepared to an internally commissioned specification model for delivery of service functions 2013/14. In summary:
•Scope for consideration is OCS provided schools back office (HR, Finance , ICT) schools support and school improvement where CEF has responsibility •One driver is that back-office services and some school support services are not the Council’s core business. There are some school support services that provide a statutory function However, there is a reduced capacity within schools improvement services to meet the needs of schools in a timely way or to manage supply and demand • Need to improve and secure educational outcomes for all young people • Reduced grants from the DfE requiring increased trading • Changes to the schools funding formula with effect from April 2013 •The default position is that services should no longer be provided directly by the County Council unless there is clear strategic value to retain •We need to ensure that schools and academies continue to have access to the services they need and where possible, these services should be based locally.
In June 2013, these proposals have taken on added significance because the Comprehensive Spending Review requires further savings – potentially up to 10% of current spend. This is not achievable within the current CEF budget and delivery model.All services in scope have been subject to internal review. Arrangements undertaken by other Local Authorities have been reviewed. Work has been undertaken to confirm the actual cost of services and the risks and challenges ahead. On the basis that services will be externalised, the review has also given consideration to possible delivery models.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to agree the following
(a) Subject to any changes following soft market testing, services listed in section 3 should continue to be delivered in-house
(b) Subject to any changes following soft market testing, remaining back office and schools support services listed in section 4 should be prepared for externalisation
(c) All service specifications should be reviewed as to the business case for continuing wholly or in part from April 2014.
(d) Updated service specifications alongside externalisation proposals should at the heart of service and resource planning from now onwards and as such should be the basis for updating and delivering business strategy.
(e) Subject to soft market testing results, externalisation proposals should be prepared in September 2013 for Cabinet decision on outsourcing and/or joint venture with a view to procuring and implementing the decisions necessary by 31st March 2015. Minutes: Cabinet considered a report that referred to work undertaken since October 2012 to develop a strategic direction for the future of school related support and back office services generally, including those in Children, Education & Families (CEF) which have been prepared to an internally commissioned specification model for delivery of service functions 2013/14. Cabinet noted that in June 2013, these proposals had taken on added significance because the Comprehensive Spending Review required further savings not achievable within the current CEF budget and delivery model.
Councillor Brighouse, Opposition Leader although not suggesting that the proposals not go forward felt that more time and consideration was needed to ensure this was the right move. She referred to the amount of change faced by schools already and the problems faced by them with the current outsourced service.
Mr Gill as the governor of a primary school stressed the need to preserve the values of the current Schools Support Service. As a member of the Schools Forum he expressed disappointment that they had not been consulted as they could have helped develop the model and he strongly urged that the matter be forwarded to them for consideration. He was concerned at the possible loss of services and urged Cabinet to look at alternative models of provision.
Councillor Carter responding to the points made commented that consideration would be exhaustive but that the Council did not have the luxury of a huge amount of time
RESOLVED: to agree the following:
(a) subject to any changes following soft market testing, services listed in section 3 should continue to be delivered in-house (b) subject to any changes following soft market testing, remaining back office and schools support services listed in section 4 should be prepared for externalisation. |
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Oxfordshire Customer Services - Externalisation of Back-Office and Support Functions Report by the Director for Environment & Economy (CA17b)
This paper is concerned primarily with proposals for the externalisation of back-office support services currently delivered from Oxfordshire Customer Services (OCS).
Since October 2012, work has been underway to develop a strategic direction for the future of back-office services and school related services generally. In summary:
•Scope for consideration is the whole of OCS
•The primary driver is that back-office services and school support services are not the Council’s core business
•The default position is that services should no longer be provided directly by the County Council unless there is strategic value to retain
•We need to ensure that schools and academies continue to have access to the services they need and where possible, these services should be based locally.
•Customer Service Centre (CSC) needs to remain in-house because of the need to retain strategic control and oversight.
In June 2013, these proposals have taken on added significance because:
•The current business strategy anticipates savings for OCS that from 2015/16 onwards are now considered to be undeliverable
•The Comprehensive Spending Review requires further savings – potentially up to 10% of current spend – which is not achievable with the current OCS delivery model.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to agree the following
(a) Updated service specifications alongside externalisation proposals and actions should form the basis for updating and delivering the Business Strategy as regards OCS and should therefore be at the heart of service and resource planning from now onwards.
(b) All service specifications should be reviewed as to the business case for continuing wholly or in part from April 2014.
(c) Subject to any amendments following soft market testing results, services listed in section 3 should continue to be delivered in-house
(d) Subject to any amendments following the soft market testing results, HR, Financial and ICT back-office services listed in section 4 should be in scope for externalisation.
(e) Subject to soft market testing results, externalisation proposals should be prepared in September 2013 for Cabinet decision on outsourcing and/or joint venture with a view to procuring and implementing the solutions necessary by 31st March 2015
(f) As recommended in Annex 1, to agree to the further exploratory work needed to develop a full business case for the future merger of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire LGPS Funds, including detailed discussions with the Department of Communities and Local Government Minutes: Cabinet had before them a report on proposals for the externalisation of back-office support services currently delivered from Oxfordshire Customer Services (OCS). The Comprehensive Spending Review required further savings which is not achievable with the current OCS delivery model.
Councillor Stewart Lilly, Chairman of the Pension Fund Committee referred to recommendation (f) and commented that during discussion of the proposal at Pension Fund Committee they had stressed that this only go forward if it was right for the members of the Pension Fund.
RESOLVED: to agree the following:
(a) updated service specifications alongside externalisation proposals and actions should form the basis for updating and delivering the Business Strategy as regards OCS and should therefore be at the heart of service and resource planning from now onwards;
(b) all service specifications should be reviewed as to the business case for continuing wholly or in part from April 2014;
(c) subject to any amendments following soft market testing results, services listed in section 3 should continue to be delivered in-house;
(d) subject to any amendments following the soft market testing results, HR, Financial and ICT back-office services listed in section 4 should be in scope for externalisation;
(e) subject to soft market testing results, externalisation proposals should be prepared in September 2013 for Cabinet decision on outsourcing and/or joint venture with a view to procuring and implementing the solutions necessary by 31st March 2015; and
(f) as recommended in Annex 1, to agree to the further exploratory work needed to develop a full business case for the future merger of the Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire LGPS Funds, including detailed discussions with the Department of Communities and Local Government
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Corporate Plan Performance Report for the 4th Quarter 2012 Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader Forward Plan Ref: 2013/004 Contact: Alexandra Bailey, Senior Performance & Improvement Manager Tel: (01865) 816384
Report by County Council Management Team (CA18).
Quarterly performance monitoring report against the Corporate Plan priorities - Quarter 4. This report also introduces proposals for performance monitoring for 2013-14, as discusses by the Performance Scrutiny Committee on 27th June.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to: (a) to note this report; and (b) to approve the performance indicators for 2013/14 Minutes: Cabinet considered a quarterly performance monitoring report against the Corporate Plan priorities - Quarter 4. This report also introduced proposals for performance monitoring for 2013-14, as discussed by the Performance Scrutiny Committee on 27t June 2013. RESOLVED: to: (a) to note this report; and (b) to approve the performance indicators for 2013/14. |
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Forward Plan and Future Business Cabinet Member: All Contact Officer: Sue Whitehead, Committee Services Manager (01865 810262)
The Cabinet Procedure Rules provide that the business of each meeting at the Cabinet is to include “updating of the Forward Plan and proposals for business to be conducted at the following meeting”. Items from the Forward Plan for the immediately forthcoming meetings of the Cabinet appear in the Schedule at CA19. This includes any updated information relating to the business for those meetings that has already been identified for inclusion in the next Forward Plan update.
The Schedule is for noting, but Cabinet Members may also wish to take this opportunity to identify any further changes they would wish to be incorporated in the next Forward Plan update.
The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings. Additional documents: Minutes: The Cabinet considered a list of items for the immediately forthcoming meetings of the Cabinet together with changes and additions set out in the schedule of addenda.
RESOLVED: to note the items currently identified for forthcoming meetings. |
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Exempt Items Minutes: RESOLVED: that the public be excluded for the duration of item 21 and 22 in the Agenda since it is likely that if they were present during those items there would be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended) and specified in relation to the respective items in the Agenda and since it is considered that, in all the circumstances of each case, the public interest in exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information. |
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Adult Social Care Management System
Cabinet Member: Adult Social Care Forward Plan Ref: 2013/057 Contact: Lindsay Russell, ICT Business Services Manager Tel: (01865) 816239
Report by Deputy Director – Adult Social Care (CA20).
The information contained in the report and annexes is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category: 3 – information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) It is considered that in this case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, in that such disclosure would distort the proper process of free negotiations between the authority with another party for the purposes described and would prejudice the position of the authority in those negotiations and other negotiations of a similar nature in future.
The purpose of this report is to set out the reasons for the procurement of a new Adult Social Care Management System.
Minutes: Cabinet considered a report seeking approval for the procurement of a new Adult Social Care Management System.
The information contained in the report and annexes is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category: 3 – information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information) It is considered that in this case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, in that such disclosure would distort the proper process of free negotiations between the authority with another party for the purposes described and would prejudice the position of the authority in those negotiations and other negotiations of a similar nature in future.
Cabinet agreed the approach to be taken. |
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Highways Contract - Buy Out of Atkins Highways by Skanska Cabinet Member: Environment Forward Plan Ref: 2013/111 Contact: Mark Kemp, Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Commercial & Delivery Tel: (01865) 815845
Report by Director for Environment & Economy (CA 21).
The information contained in the appendices is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category:
5 - Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings
It is considered that in this case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, in that disclosure would be to the detriment of the Council’s ability properly to discharge its fiduciary and other duties as a public authority.
Atkins was awarded the Oxfordshire Highways Partnership contract in April 2010. The approximate annual value is between £20M to £25M. The scope of the contract covers highway maintenance, design services and construction.
Atkins notified the Council in September of its intention to restructure its business by seeking a purchaser of its local highways contract. On 28 February, Atkins issued a briefing to the City and its staff about its proposal to sell the operational services part of the UK Highways & Transport business to Skanska. It hopes to complete the sale during the summer. Clearly this course of action will have a very significant impact for the Council.
Cabinet is recommended to:-
(a) approve in Principle to the transfer of the performance of the Highways Contract from Atkins to Skanska subject to the following details being agreed: · Publish a Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency (VEAT) Notice · Suspend entry into the arrangement/transfer for a 10 days standstill period following publication · Agree appropriate indemnities to mitigate the risk for the Council from Atkins and Skanska · Secure the necessary Parent Company Guarantee from Atkins and Skanska · Completion of due diligence
(b) approve to delegate the decision on the proposed transfer of the performance of the Highways Contract from Atkins to Skanska to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Director for Environment & Economy along with the Executive Member for Highways and the County Solicitor. Additional documents:
Minutes: Cabinet considered the implications to the County Council of Atkins decision to restructure its business and its proposal to sell the operational services part of the UK Highways & Transport business to Skanska. It hopes to complete the sale during the summer..
The information contained in the appendices is exempt in that it falls within the following prescribed category:
5 - Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings
It is considered that in this case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information, in that disclosure would be to the detriment of the Council’s ability properly to discharge its fiduciary and other duties as a public authority.
Atkins was awarded the Oxfordshire Highways Partnership contract in April 2010. The approximate annual value is between £20M to £25M. The scope of the contract covers highway maintenance, design services and construction.
Atkins notified the Council in September of its intention to restructure its business by seeking a purchaser of its local highways contract. On 28 February, Atkins issued a briefing to the City and its staff about its proposal to sell the operational services part of the UK Highways & Transport business to Skanska. It hopes to complete the sale during the summer. Clearly this course of action will have a very significant impact for the Council.
RESOLVED: to:-
(a) approve in principle to the transfer of the performance of the Highways Contract from Atkins to Skanska subject to the following details being agreed: · Publish a Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency (VEAT) Notice · Suspend entry into the arrangement/transfer for a 10 days standstill period following publication · Agree appropriate indemnities to mitigate the risk for the Council from Atkins and Skanska · Secure the necessary Parent Company Guarantee from Atkins and Skanska · Completion of due diligence
(b) approve to delegate the decision on the proposed transfer of the performance of the Highways Contract from Atkins to Skanska to the Chief Executive in consultation with the Director for Environment & Economy along with the Cabinet Member for Environment and the County Solicitor. |