Decision details

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Public Health regarding the development of a strategic partnership between the County Council and the Isle of Wight Council.

With reference to the report, it was explained that initially an interim arrangement would exist between the two Councils in order that the options for a longer term partnership could be explored. The different phases of this were outlined and it was confirmed that there would be no detriment to the provision of public health in Hampshire. Furthermore, the Isle of Wight Council would retain full political control for provision on the Island. The partnership would be on a cost recovery basis.

With the agreement of the Chairman, Councillor Jackie Porter addressed Cabinet. She expressed some concern that based on her experience of the Children’s Services department, such partnership activity, including the travel requirements had the potential to stretch officers beyond their capacity and therefore did pose a risk to service delivery. Highlighting areas such as breastfeeding, vaccination rates and children’s mental health where improvements were needed in Hampshire, Councillor Porter suggested that consideration should be given as to whether a long term partnership was right to enter into.

The Executive Member for Public Health confirmed that she was confident partnership working with the Isle of Wight Council would not be to the detriment of Hampshire. She explained that the initial position was for a six month period and a further report would come to Cabinet in the autumn. She offered to meet with Councillor Porter and the Director to discuss her concerns.

Cabinet clarified that the cost recovery mechanism did not leave Hampshire vulnerable and recognised that partnership work in the Children’s Services department had provided opportunities for officers to develop. It was also agreed that using the Council’s scale and capacity to support a neighbouring authority was the right thing to do.

With regard to the specific areas identified by Councillor Porter, the Director provided clarification around the work being undertaken to support emotional wellbeing in young people, working with schools. She explained that vaccinations were delivered by Public Health England and there was close and pro-active work from the Hampshire team to provide reassurance support to this. It was acknowledged that in Hampshire, as in many areas, breastfeeding was challenging to support and for this reason was a high priority. It was confirmed that the partnership with the Isle of Wight would not reduce any work in Hampshire.

The Chief Executive provided further context, explaining that there was a shift in the delivery and commissioning of services across the country and it was in the County Council’s interests to use its scale and capacity to become an authority that others could call upon for support. Underpinning this strategy was the priority of protecting the delivery of service provision in Hampshire.

The recommendations in the report were proposed and agreed. The decision record is attached.