Agenda item

Report from Leader of the Council.

The report summarises the decisions from the Cabinet meeting on 21 November 2023.

Council received the report of Cabinet covering the meeting held on 21 November 2023.

On item 1, the Care Homes Purchasing Framework, Councillor Middleton asked if the Cabinet Member could give an assessment of how the tougher VISA rules unveiled by the government last week would impact the staffing levels in adult social care. Councillor Bearder responded that the government’s announcement last week further compounded the lack of preparation on migration issues that had been apparent since the UK took the decision to leave the European Union. Cllr Bearder thanked all of the hard-working staff in the adult social care sector and stressed the need for proper pay, skills training, and protections for all adult social care workers, wherever they come from.

On item 2, the Business Services Transformation Programme Business Refocus, Councillor Bartholomew asked how much money had been wasted on the decision for functions to remain with Hampshire County Council’s Integrated Business Centre, after the administration had previously sought to bring these services back in-house. Councillor Fawcett responded that he was unsure of the specific answer but was happy to find out and provide a written response.  He highlighted the pragmatism with which the administration dealt with this situation, due to the changing situation that would have had significant costs for the Council.

Councillor Phillips questioned what the new recruitment process outlined in the report would look like, given that there was a lack of information in the report. Councillor Fawcett noted that the point of the exercise was to ascertain the best practice to improve the recruitment process.

Councillor Pressel asked about the news that County Hall would close for 12* days over the Christmas period and if it would also affect registration services. Councillor Fawcett responded that he was happy to check this.

* The offices were actually proposed to be closed for 10 days (23 December to 1 January).

On item 3, the Treasury Management Mid-Term Review, Councillor Bartholomew asked what approach the Cabinet Member would take next year, when there was a risk of underachievement given that the base rates of interest rates may fall faster than expected. Councillor Levy reflected the point that the Treasury team had to capitalise on favourable conditions, such as interest rates being higher than expected, and stated that he trusted the Treasury team to take the necessary decisions.

Councillor Baines asked that, given the Treasury team expects interest rates to fall in the medium to long term, why was the building of further new children’s homes, special schools and sheltered housing not included in the capital programme. Councillor Levy responded that all projects that the Council wants to do were discussed in the budget, but the Council had to be selective due to the lack of proper central government funding.

On item 4, the Budget and Business Planning Report 2024/25, Councillor Bartholomew raised the new financial strategy for children and social care, but questioned the achievements of the current year given that the overspend continued to rise. Councillor Levy replied that he appreciated the current difficulties in adult social care and that the expenditure was greater than forecast, but reflected upon the progress made, which the new Director of Children Services will hope to build on. Councillor Howson also added some of the areas of improvement in the sector.

Councillor Baines asked why there was not the same ambitiousness to deliver improvements in adult services, as there was in children’s services and if he considered demographic changes, as well as a cost-of-living crisis as important factors in stopping this. Councillor Levy replied that the administration was trying to be efficient and caring within adult and children’s social care, reflecting upon the different nature of each sector.

Councillor Corkin questioned, in his view, the unnecessary expensiveness of the administration’s policies on tree-planting and the 20mph speed limit provisions, challenging the Cabinet Member to make better choices within the next budget cycle. Councillor Levy reflected how the choices to be made were complex and multi-faceted, with challenges made having to be accepted and answered by the Council.

Councillor Hicks asked if there was any way for the Council to greater invest in digital to boost public sector productivity and provide better value for money. Councillor Levy noted a number of investments made by the administration, before reflecting upon the time needed to see these improvements.

On item 5, the Business Management and Monitoring Report, Councillor Bartholomew asked, in light of the projected overspend, when the administration was going to accurately forecast financial decisions. Councillor Levy said that he shared his frustrations, stating that the Children’s Services directorate and the two new Cabinet members were working to improve both forecasts and outcomes.

Councillor Baines asked if the Cabinet Member could explain how the administration could find the savings to keep this Council solvent. Councillor Levy responded that the normal budget process was underway and that the added pressures on the Council would be reflected in the process.

On item 6, the Capital Programme Approvals, Councillor Bartholomew asked what costs were incurred when submitting bids for active travel funding. Councillor Levy noted that officers made active travel funding bids as a normal part of their work.

Councillor O’Connor asked for an outline on who was on the board that oversees and monitors capital projects and when it last met. Councillor Levy responded that it comprised senior officers and was chaired by the Chief Executive, but that he would provide a written response outlining the full details to the Councillor.

Councillor Rouane asked if there were the funds and enthusiasm for the project to relieve congestion in Didcot. Councillor Roberts noted that it was on the programme and that she looked forward to being able to approve this project in the near future.