Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cabinet - Tuesday, 26 May 2015 3.00 pm, MOVED

Venue: Rooms 1&2 - County Hall, New Road, Oxford OX1 1ND. View directions

Contact: Sue Whitehead  Tel: (01865) 810262; E-Mail:  sue.whitehead@oxfordshire.gov.uk

Note: PLEASE NOTE LATER START TIME OF 3.00PM 

Items
No. Item

37/15

Questions from County Councillors pdf icon PDF 90 KB

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 Rooke had given notice of the following question to Councillor Tilly

 

'Can the Cabinet member please explain why, given that an increase in births happened and was known about four years ago, there has continued to be an increasing lack of locally situated primary school places available to Reception pupils in the north of Abingdon (a journey to the southern Abingdon schools can take up to an hour in the rush hour), and what is being done to ensure that this problem is resolved to the satisfaction of the effected families this year and not repeated in 2016?'

 

Councillor Tilley replied:

 

“The Council has a statutory duty to ensure that there are enough school places for every Oxfordshire child whose parents request one. I am proud of our record in making sure that the Council always meets this responsibility, a boast that not all Local Authorities can make. The Council also seeks to ensure that as many parents as possible are able to send their children to their preferred schools; this year nearly nine out of ten had their first preference met, that's over 7,000 children placed in their parents' first preference and over 600 more in either their second or third preference. So although 335 more children were allocated their parents' first preference this year, there are some who unfortunately weren't allocated any of their preferred schools, including, I'm sorry to say, some in North Abingdon.

 

The Council was aware that there had been an increase in live births that would translate into an increased demand for school places in Abingdon, as indeed it has in other areas of the county, and has made sure that there are enough places to accommodate all of them in September. In previous years a number of schools in Abingdon have either admitted 'bulge classes' (Carswell, Dunmore, St.Edmund's & Thameside) or have been permanently expanded (Caldecott ) to ensure that there's an overall sufficiency of places. This year, given that births data indicated there would be an exceptional demand for places in 2015, all Abingdon schools, and particularly those in the north of the town, were asked in November to consider whether they would be able to admit a bulge class, either in their existing accommodation or by having a temporary classroom put on site. The schools at that time did not think that the demand they were then experiencing for nursery places supported the prediction that there would be a shortage of reception places when the same cohort reached school age, and no offers to take more children were forthcoming. Early admissions data also suggested that there would be sufficient places, but once the full set of applications data was available it confirmed the shortage of places. At this point both St.Edmund's and Thameside schools were approached as they were known to have sufficient  accommodation to admit a 'bulge class'; Thameside's head teacher was able to agree this in time for the extra 30 places  ...  view the full minutes text for item 37/15

38/15

Petitions and Public Address pdf icon PDF 77 KB

Minutes:

A petition was submitted by Mr Adams, a local resident, in support of the neighbourhood bus service in Kidlington.

 

Public Address

Item 6 –    Councillor Hards, Shadow Cabinet member for Finance

Item 7 –    Councillor Gill Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Families

Councillor Janet Godden,

Item 8 –    Councillor Gill Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Families

Item 9 -    Councillor Steve Curran, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment

Item 10 – Councillor John Christie, Opposition Deputy Leader

Item 11 – Councillor Liz Brighouse, Opposition Deputy Leader

Item 12 – Councillor Laura Price, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

Item 14 – Councillor John Christie, Opposition Deputy Leader

Item 15 – Councillor John Christie, Opposition Deputy Leader

39/15

Addressing the Council's Future Challenges pdf icon PDF 154 KB

Cabinet Member: Finance

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/032

Contact: Claire Phillips, Senior Policy & Performance Officer Tel: (01865) 323967

 

Report by Chief Finance Officer and Head of Policy (CA6)

 

It is timely, following the General Election, to take stock of both the council's financial position and its policy priorities, reflecting both local drivers and what we now know of the national context. 

 

In particular it is clear that local government will face further reductions in funding over the course of this parliament to deliver the savings required by the UK government to reduce the deficit. At the same time we face rising demand for adult and children’s social care, in part as a result of our growing population.

 

We need to consider what will be required for the council to respond to these challenges, building on the approach that has been taken over the past five years.

 

Cabinet are asked to consider the issues set out in this paper and consider any changes to our financial and corporate strategy that are required at this time. 

 

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to consider the issues set out in this paper and consider any changes to our financial and corporate strategy that are required at this time.

 

Minutes:

Following the General Election, the Cabinet considered a report taking stock of both the council's financial position and its policy priorities, reflecting both local drivers and what was known of the national context.

 

Councillor Hards, Shadow Cabinet Member for Finance, acknowledged that the report was an important reminder of the situation but that it did not mean that he was happy or accepted that it was inevitable and the only way to proceed. He queried the implications of information contained in the report drawing attention to the graph on page 10. With regard to the capital programme he considered that investment was required and not cuts. He expressed concern at the national system of financing which he considered needed reform.

 

Councillor Stratford introduced the contents of the report and emphasised that the most vulnerable would continue to be protected and the Council would need to plan to meet statutory responsibilities. He had some sympathy with the desire for reform noting that the County Council received some of the lowest levels of comparative funding. He commended the work of staff particularly those providing frontline services.

 

During discussion Cabinet commended the report for providing a useful and comprehensive snapshot of the position. It was suggested that a further report would be needed in July once more information was available.

 

RESOLVED:           to consider the issues set out in this paper and consider any changes to our financial and corporate strategy that are required at this time.

40/15

The Council's Response to the Findings of the Serious Case Review for Children A-F and Further Action Taken in Response to Child Sexual Exploitation in Oxfordshire pdf icon PDF 282 KB

Cabinet Member: Children, Education & Families

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/017

Contact: Hannah Farncombe, Safeguarding Manager Tel: (01865) 815273

 

Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA7)

                                                                          

Thereport, sets out the council's response to the findings in the serious case review, which have been accepted in full, and also provides a summary of the action that the council has taken since 2010 when Operation Bullfinch was launched.

 

The Committee is RECOMMENDED to note the Council's response to the findings of the Serious Case Review into Children A-F, published in March 2015; and the further actions in progress.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cabinet had before them a report that set out the council's response to the findings in the serious case review, which have been accepted in full, and also provided a summary of the action that the council has taken since 2010 when Operation Bullfinch was launched.

 

Councillor Godden, commented that she had attended all the briefing sessions for councillors and had read the report. It was a thorough and searching review and clearly set out what went wrong but noted that the council had sought to improve. She emphasised a number of points in the report and stated that a debt of gratitude was owed to the girls whose actions had allowed convictions to be secured. The Leader thanked Councillor Godden for her comments and echoed her praise of the victims who had had to relive their harrowing stories.

 

Councillor, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, commented on the importance of the report as the cases had rocked the Local Authority and it had needed to know what went wrong and to have assurance that it would not happen again. She commented that the Labour Group was concerned at the rise in sexual exploitation and slavery and were suggesting that central government look into it nationally. Councillor sanders paid tribute to the work of Jim Leivers and highlighted the importance of the next steps as set out in the report. She noted that many Local Authorities did not acknowledge the problem.

 

Councillor Tilley, Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Families in introducing the contents of the report thanked both speakers for their support on the Corporate Parenting Panel.

 

During discussion Cabinet queried whether with the number of areas of operation where there was some overlap with District Councils it would be better if there was a more unified approach. In particular with planning and the taxi and private hire licensing. Jim Leivers responded that generally one authority was easier than five but that the district councils had worked well with the County council on this issue. Cabinet also considered the role of GP’s with regard to safeguarding.

 

On the statement from Performance Scrutiny Committee, Cabinet noted the comments made, recognised the key roles of the Corporate Parenting Panel and scrutiny but did not accept the recommendation that the Need to Know report be shared more widely than with the Lead Member in order to provide that member with support.

 

RESOLVED:           to note the Council's response to the findings of the Serious Case Review into Children A-F, published in March 2015; and the further actions in progress.

41/15

Support for Children Looked After and Leaving Care into Employment, Education & Training pdf icon PDF 256 KB

Cabinet Member: Children, Education & Families

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/012

Contact: Tan Lea, Early Intervention Manager (Central) Tel: (01865) 815902

 

Report by Director for Children’s Services (CA8)

 

The report draws Cabinet's attention to the Education, Training and Employment Strategy for chilren who are looked after and leaving care and seeks approval for it .

 

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to approve the strategy

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval to the Education, Training and Employment Strategy for children who are looked after and leaving care.

 

Councillor Gill Sanders, Shadow Cabinet Member for Children, Education & Families, spoke in support of the proposed Strategy.

 

RESOLVED:             to approve the strategy.

42/15

Supported Transport Programme Public Consultation - Transport Hub & Subsidised Bus Services pdf icon PDF 133 KB

Cabinet Member: Environment

Forward Plan Ref: 2014/161

Contact: Josephine Elliott, Programme Manager (Supported Transport) Tel: 07920 084242

 

Report by Director for Environment & Economy (CA9).

 

This report outlines proposals to deliver £6.25m of savings from the Council's supported transport services by 2017/18. It's estimated that £3.69m of this can be delivered through greater efficiency, brought about by the introduction of a new Transport Hub. We propose to deliver the remaining £2.56m by reducing subsidies to commercial bus operators, while prioritising services used by older people and people with disabilities. If Cabinet permission is granted, this proposal will be subject to a full 12-week public consultation beginning in mid-June, at which point a consultation document including further details will be released.

 

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

 

(a)            Note progress with making efficiencies through the introduction of the ‘Transport Hub’, and plans to make further such efficiencies; and

 

(b)            Grant permission to consult on the proposals outlined in the paper. 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered a report that outlined proposals to deliver £6.25m of savings from the Council's supported transport services by 2017/18. It's estimated that £3.69m of this can be delivered through greater efficiency, brought about by the introduction of a new Transport Hub with the remaining £2.56m being delivered by reducing subsidies to commercial bus operators, while prioritising services used by older people and people with disabilities.

 

Councillor Curran, Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment, recognised the difficult position the Council faced and commented that officers had done a good job in replacing Dial-a-Ride with Aspire and felt that it had the potential to bring benefits County wide. He felt it was important to involve users in shaping services and suggested regular meetings involving users.

 

During discussion Cabinet agreed that given the current financial situation it was important to explore all options and that therefore the consultation include a further option removing all bus subsidies within the County.

 

RESOLVED:           to:

(a)            note progress with making efficiencies through the introduction of the ‘Transport Hub’, and plans to make further such efficiencies; and

 

(b)            grant permission to consult on the proposals outlined in the paper;

 

(c)            to consider a further consultation option to remove all bus subsidies within the County subject to meeting the Council’s statutory duty.

43/15

Provision of HR and Finance Services by Hampshire County Council pdf icon PDF 182 KB

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/020

Contact: Graham Shaw, Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Customer Services Tel: 07939 069084

 

Report by Chief Finance Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer (CA10).

 

In July 2014, Cabinet agreed to join the Hampshire partnership as an operational partner for the provision of back office support services through their Integrated Business Centre with an expected go-live date of 1 July 2015. The report updates Cabinet on the progress to date, confirms the services transferring and the savings that will be achieved both as a direct result of the partnership and those that are achieved as a consequence of the partnership.

 

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to note the progress made in joining the Hampshire partnership as an operational partner for the provision of back office support services with a confirmed go-live date of 1 July 2015.

 

Minutes:

In July 2014, Cabinet agreed to join the Hampshire partnership as an operational partner for the provision of back office support services through their Integrated Business Centre with an expected go-live date of 1 July 2015. Cabinet considered an update on the progress to date, that confirmed the services transferring and the savings that will be achieved both as a direct result of the partnership and those that are achieved as a consequence of the partnership.

 

Councillor Christie, Opposition Deputy Leader, commented that he understood that Unison had raised some questions over the medium and long term future and he sought an assurance that such concerns will be discussed in full. It was important to have a review of progress after 6 months and suggested that going forward an annual review be considered by Performance Scrutiny committee.

 

During discussion Cabinet supported the suggestion of a 6 month review.

 

RESOLVED:           to:

 

(a)             note the progress made in joining the Hampshire partnership as an operational partner for the provision of back office support services with a confirmed go-live date of 1 July 2015; and

(b)            agree that a review be held after 6 months with the information also being considered by Performance Scrutiny Committee.

44/15

England's Economic Heartland - Tri-Counties Prospectus pdf icon PDF 198 KB

Cabinet Member: Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/031

Contact: Sue Scane, Director for Environment & Economy Tel: (01865) 816399

 

Report by Director for Environment & Economy (CA11)

 

In December 2014 the Leaders of the three County Councils set out their proposal for a Tri-County Strategic Alliance.  With a population of 1.9m and an economy valued at £46.6bn the area of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Northamptonshire is an economic powerhouse that rivals any other outside of London.  We are an area that is at the heart of science and technology innovation in the UK, one whose market focus is global. the commitment made by the three County Council leaders at Silverstone was in recognition of the fact that in order to continue to prosper there is a need for strategic leadership targeted at addressing barriers to economic growth. 

 

The new Government’s commitment to devolution provides the opportunity to seek a new Growth Deal through which we can implement a new delivery model: one that brings together a range of powers, responsibilities and resources in a way previously unseen. 

         

The emerging framework for our proposition has the flexibility to be extended to adjoining areas where there is common cause.  At the same time the framework explicitly recognises that whilst partners chose to work together on strategic issues, they retain their own identity and their roles and responsibilities in local issues.  We have set out the framework for our proposition in a new brochure – which is being promoted as ‘England’s Economic Heartland’

 

The reports sets out engagement and work to date and seeks agreement to the next steps.

 

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

 

(a)  endorse the engagement and work that has taken place with Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire/Northamptonshire County Councils and the Local Enterprise Partnerships;

 

(b)  agree to the formation of a Strategic Leaders Board comprised of the three County Councils and three Local Enterprise Partnerships with the remit to:

 

                i)          Take forward the engagement and work in order to develop specific proposals that address the barriers to economic growth

              ii)          Enter into initial dialogue with the Government in respect of seeking devolution of powers, funding and accountability for functions that support economic growth; and

 

(c)  agree that a further report be submitted to Cabinet and Local Enterprise Partnership Boards once this further work has been undertaken.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

In December 2014 the Leaders of the three County Councils set out their proposal for a Tri-County Strategic Alliance. The emerging framework has the flexibility to be extended to adjoining areas where there is common cause. At the same time the framework explicitly recognises that whilst partners chose to work together on strategic issues, they retain their own identity and their roles and responsibilities in local issues. The framework is set out in a brochure being promoted as ‘England’s Economic Heartland’

 

Cabinet had before them a report that set out engagement and work to date and sought agreement to the next steps.

 

Councillor Brighouse, Opposition Leader, highlighted two issues in respect of the paper. Firstly with regard to democracy and democratic accountability the proposals did have the potential to bring some benefit. It was about how in taking it forward the Council worked in the local communities. Secondly it was a question of how the proposals would engage back bench councillors. Both issues linked back to localities, the use of locality meetings and questions of local community and empowerment.

 

The Leader moved the recommendations and Cabinet in welcoming the recommendations emphasised the importance of engaging with local MP’s. Councillor Hudspeth confirmed that he was talking with MPs.

 

RESOLVED:           to:

 

(a)        endorse the engagement and work that has taken place with Oxfordshire/Buckinghamshire/Northamptonshire County Councils and the Local Enterprise Partnerships;

 

(b)        agree to the formation of a Strategic Leaders Board comprised of the three County Councils and three Local Enterprise Partnerships with the remit to:

 

            i)                Take forward the engagement and work in order to develop specific proposals that address the barriers to economic growth

           ii)                Enter into initial dialogue with the Government in respect of seeking devolution of powers, funding and accountability for functions that support economic growth; and

 

(c)        agree that a further report be submitted to Cabinet and Local Enterprise Partnership Boards once this further work has been undertaken.

45/15

Help to Live at Home - Home Care Business Case pdf icon PDF 295 KB

Cabinet Member: Adult Social Care

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/017

Contact: Shaun Bennett, Commercial Services/Market Development Manager Tel: 07917 211068

 

Report by Director of Adult Social Services (CA12)

 

The current model of home care in Oxfordshire will not be able to deliver the capacity and capability required to meet future needs, as providers do not have the security of future business to employ sufficient care staff.

 

The intention is to develop a new model of home care that will enable people to maximise their independece. The model will will involve the following:

 

           Contracting with a smaller number of providers that supply the Council’s commissioned services (i.e. in the region of 10 providers across the county, but no more than 15) so that the level of future  business can be assured;

           Approving a small number of providers to work within each of the five geographical localities, which will mitigate the risk of any provider going into liquidation or being placed on safeguarding alert as we don't purchase from providers where they have been 'red' rated (i.e. up to 5 providers within each locality with some working across more than one locality);

           Use of sub-contracting, where appropriate, to ensure that the existing capacity within the home care market is effectively utilised and to encourage the participation of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs);

           Adopting flexible cost and volume contracts which guarantee business based on actual delivery, with the option of increasing volume on the same terms;

           Developing outcomes based support plans to enable service users to acquire independent living skills to become more independent, where possible;

           Developing a simple incentivisation model (i.e rewarding providers for delivering outcomes which enable people to become more independent);

           Developing a long list of home care providers as part of the eMarket place, which can be used by those with a Direct Payment and self-funders and which will meet the expectations of the Care Act 2014 to facilitate and shape the wider care market.

 

It is RECOMMENDED that Cabinet agrees the proposed Oxfordshire model for home care.

Minutes:

The current model of home care in Oxfordshire will not be able to deliver the capacity and capability required to meet future needs, as providers do not have the security of future business to employ sufficient care staff.

 

The intention is to develop a new model of home care that will enable people to maximise their independence.  Cabinet considered a report that sought approval to the proposed model for home care.

 

Councillor Price, Shadow Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, welcomed the new approach, with a smaller number of providers and block purchasing. She highlighted 2 key elements essential to drive standards: firstly it was important to do everything possible to ensure care worker had a recognised professional status; secondly providers needed to recognise the importance of good HR practices.

 

Councillor Heathcoat, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care introduced the contents of the report.

 

RESOLVED:           to agree the proposed Oxfordshire model for home care.

46/15

Section 75 Agreement pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Cabinet Member: Adult Social Care

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/004

Contact: Benedict Leigh – Strategic Commissioner – Adults Tel: (01865) 323548

 

Report by Director of Adult Social Services (CA13).

 

The purpose of this report is to seek approval for  variations to the legal agreement under Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006 that governs the existing formal joint working arrangements and pooled budgets between Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Oxfordshire County Council from April 2015 onwards.

 

The report sets out

 

How the variations to the pooled budget agreement would better support the delivery of Health & Wellbeing Board targets, and support the joint response to national and local strategic challenges.

 

How the pooled budget agreement will monitor and assure the impact of the Better Care Fund and outcomes based contracting for mental health and older people and ensure compliance with the requirements of the Care Act 2014.

 

How the pooled budget agreement would support the development of effective integrated commissioning in Oxfordshire.

 

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to

 

(a)            approve the proposed changes to the pooled budget arrangements with Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, including changes to the Section 75 Agreement for All Client Groups (as set out in Annex 1)  to reflect this, subject to the inclusion of any necessary changes in the text as agreed by the Director OF Adult Social Services after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care

 

(b)            approve the permanent virement of £0.657m into the Physical Disability Pool in respect of physical disability client contribution budgets as discussed by the physical disability JMG

 

(c)            RECOMMEND to County Council the permanent virement of £5.481m into the Learning Disability Pool in respect of learning disability client contribution budgets as discussed by the learning disability JMG; and

 

(d)            Delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officers of Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group to agree and implement technical changes in the accounting treatment for the Better Care Fund.

 

(e)            Cabinet is asked to approve a reduction in the contribution to the Older people’s pool by £0.53m and a temporary virement of this amount to the Council’s Strategic Measures budget.

 

Minutes:

Cabinet considered a report seeking approval for variations to the legal agreement under Section 75 of the NHS Act 2006 that governs the existing formal joint working arrangements and pooled budgets between Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Oxfordshire County Council from April 2015 onwards.

 

Councillor Stratford referred to the way the NHS had been funded over many years, with the ability to write off debts each year and hoped that the Council would lobby government. He supported the recommendations and it provided more flexibility in funding but the Council should argue against 1 year plans.

 

RESOLVED:           to

 

(a)            approve the proposed changes to the pooled budget arrangements with Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, including changes to the Section 75 Agreement for All Client Groups (as set out in Annex 1) to reflect this, subject to the inclusion of any necessary changes in the text as agreed by the Director OF Adult Social Services after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care;

 

(b)            approve the permanent virement of £0.657m into the Physical Disability Pool in respect of physical disability client contribution budgets as discussed by the physical disability JMG;

 

(c)            RECOMMEND to County Council the permanent virement of £5.481m into the Learning Disability Pool in respect of learning disability client contribution budgets as discussed by the learning disability JMG;

 

(d)            delegate authority to the Chief Finance Officers of Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group to agree and implement technical changes in the accounting treatment for the Better Care Fund.

 

(e)            to approve a reduction in the contribution to the Older people’s pool by £0.53m and a temporary virement of this amount to the Council’s Strategic Measures budget.

47/15

Equalities - Annual Update pdf icon PDF 163 KB

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2015/005

Contact: Alison Finnimore, Senior Policy Officer Tel: (01865) 815214

 

Report by Head of Policy (CA15)

 

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to making Oxfordshire a fair and equal place in which to live, work and visit. We want our services to effectively meet the needs of all local residents, including those in rural areas and areas of deprivation. We also aim to ensure that our staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the diverse needs of customers, that our services are accessible, and to encourage supportive and cohesive communities through our service delivery.

 

These goals are integral to the work of the council and are ones that we aim to meet regardless of the requirements presented in legislation. The obligations under the Equality Act 2010 present us with an opportunity to highlight examples of our on-going activity in relation to these goals and reinforce our commitment to them.

 

In 2012 we launched our Equality Policy setting out how we meet our obligations under the Equality Act 2010.  In January 2013 and 2014 we published our annual updates on our progress. Both documents can be read here: http://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/public-site/equality-and-cohesion. A third annual update is included in this report in Annex 1.

 

We have also refreshed the actions against which we are measuring our progress, to ensure that we are reflecting the work of all our service areas and the priorities of the council, as set out in the latest Corporate Plan and directorate Business Strategies. These new actions are the focus of Annex 2.

 

The council is also required to show it has an adequate evidence base for its decision making. We hold extensive data sets about the Oxfordshire population, which are publically available,  on Oxfordshire Insight: http://insight.oxfordshire.gov.uk/cms/

 

The Cabinet is RECOMMENDED to agree to the new Equality Policy Actions for 2015/16 (Annex 2)

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Oxfordshire County Council is committed to making Oxfordshire a fair and equal place in which to live, work and visit. We want our services to effectively meet the needs of all local residents, including those in rural areas and areas of deprivation. We also aim to ensure that our staff are equipped with the knowledge and skills to meet the diverse needs of customers, that our services are accessible, and to encourage supportive and cohesive communities through our service delivery.

 

In 2012 Oxfordshire County Council launched its Equality Policy setting out how we meet obligations under the Equality Act 2010. Cabinet had before them a third annual update together with updated actions against which to measure progress.

 

Councillor John Christie, Opposition Deputy Leader, supported the recommendations and highlighted the need to kep under review the Joint gic needs assessment and to improve the way in which service and community impact assessments (SCIA’s) are done.

 

Councillor Hibbert Biles, Cabinet Member for Public Health and the Voluntary Sector indicated that the JSNA was a living document and went into a lot of detail.

 

Councillor Rose in moving the recommendations stated that the Council had done well in the past but must continue to do well.

 

RESOLVED:           to agree to the new Equality Policy Actions for 2015/16 (Annex 2).

48/15

Staffing Report - Quarter 4 - 2014 pdf icon PDF 85 KB

Cabinet Member: Deputy Leader

Forward Plan Ref: 2014/192

Contact: Sue Corrigan, County HR Manager Tel: (01865) 810280

 

Report by Chief Human Resources Officer (CA16)

 

This report provides an update on staffing numbers and related activity during the period 1 January 2015 to 31 March 2015. Progress is also tracked on staffing numbers since 31 March 2014 as we continue to implement our Business Strategy.

 

The cabinet is RECOMMENDED to:

(a)            note the report; and

(b)            confirm that the Staffing Report meets the requirements in reporting and managing staffing numbers.

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cabinet had before them a report that provided an update on staffing numbers and related activity during the period 1 January 2015 to 31 March 2015. Progress is also tracked on staffing numbers since 31 March 2014 as we continue to implement our Business Strategy.

 

Councillor Christie, Opposition Deputy Leader, noted that agency staffing was slightly down. He emphasised the importance of regularly reviewing the information given the level of change in the Council.

 

RESOLVED:           to:

 

(a)            note the report; and

(b)            confirm that the Staffing Report meets the requirements in reporting and managing staffing numbers.

 

49/15

Forward Plan and Future Business pdf icon PDF 98 KB

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 CA16.  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.