Decisions made

Cabinet considered a report of the Chief Executive setting out an update to the Transformation to 2019 (T19) work programme.

The report was introduced and it was confirmed that £107 million of savings had been secured, whilst strong initial progress had also been made on the Transformation to 2021 (T21) programme which was now running concurrently. Cabinet noted that future reports would focus on progress within T21, with updates on the conclusion of T19.

The progress on a number of specific areas of both T19 and T21 programmes were highlighted and discussed, including the consultation on the future operation of Orchard Close, our shared services work with the three London Boroughs, looked after children and the forthcoming consultation on the Library service. Cabinet acknowledged the significant extent of Transformation progress over the last decade and noted in particular, the differences in Government funding support levels between Local Authorities and the NHS for this period.

The recommendations in the report were agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Economy, Transport and Environment outlining progress of the development of the climate change strategy and action plan.

The Chairman noted the level of public interest in this item, welcoming a number of observers to the meeting.

With the agreement of the Chairman, Councillor Tod addressed Cabinet and expressed how pleased he was with the response to the issue and the initial proposals. He noted the schedule of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 was a longer period than set by other local authorities and whilst accepting that moving ahead of national targets may not be easy, asked that acceleration of the County Council’s targets be considered. He highlighted the leadership role of the County Council and called on highest impact areas, particularly transport, to be focused on with the greatest urgency.

Cabinet considered the report and noted the approach of delivery focused practical environmentalism  could be both stretching and achievable. The 2050 target was proposed to align with national targets and the dependence on government action made this achievable rather than aspirational. It was noted that the County Council ambition was to bring the target  forward if this was practically and financially achievable .

Members acknowledged key strands of the strategy including community engagement, local leadership and working with partners. The importance of addressing resilience against the impact of climate change alongside mitigation of future change was recognised. It was explained that much focus would be on the biggest sources of carbon emissions; transport and domestic properties. The imminent review of the County’s transport plan would give a significant opportunity to increase sustainable modes and reduce car dependence. Reducing domestic emissions was historically  linked with national incentive schemes for home improvement that were no longer available. Success in both areas would be dependent on Government action and working locally with partners. The County Council had an important role to lead on change and engagement with parish councils, environmental groups and other partners.

It was acknowledged that to achieve positive outcomes, action was needed across the whole of the County Council and not limited individual departments.

Agreeing that Cabinet should continue to receive regular updates the recommendations in the report were agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

Financial update report covering the latest revenue monitoring position for the current year and setting the framework for the 2020/21 budget setting process

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Corporate Resources regarding the budget setting process and provisional cash limits 2020/21.

The report was positively received and Members particularly noted the position regarding the pension fund valuation. It was recognised that this appeared to be a very strong position, but remained subject to stock market fluctuations and therefore any bonus, although welcome, could not yet be assumed.

The recommendations in the report were agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

[Councillor Reid declared a personal interest in this item by virtue of being the County Council’s representative on the Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust]

Cabinet received a report of the Director of Adults’ Health and Care regarding the NHS Long Term Delivery Plan for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The report was introduced and welcomed by Members. The effectiveness of local councils in improving quality of life was noted and it was agreed that for most individual circumstances, prevention of illness should be the desired outcome. With this in mind, the potential benefits of more NHS money being put into community services and further empowerment of Public Health was recognised. 

The recommendations in the report were agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Adults’ Health and Care regarding the Hampshire County Strategy Group for Community Safety.

In introducing the report, the Director gave assurance that the County Council was meeting its responsibilities and tackling risks with partners. The size and breadth of the Group was noted and welcomed. It was questioned whether this reduced its ability to respond and it was explained that the Group oversaw the actions of respective partners and in doing so was able to co-ordinate and share innovation.

The recommendations in the report were agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Adult’s Health and Care with the annual report on the County Council’s PREVENT duties and responsibilities.

The report was introduced and Cabinet acknowledged the County Council’s role in the local leadership of the duty to prevent people being drawn into terrorism. It was noted that further updates would be provided on an annual basis.

The recommendations in the report were agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Adults’ Health and Care presenting the annual safeguarding report.

The report was introduced and welcomed by members who noted key points relating to activity over the past year, including a reduction in both referrals and in the overall number of cases which had been achieved as a result of working with partners to keep people safe.

The recommendations in the report were agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.

Cabinet considered a report of the Director of Children’s Services presenting the annual safeguarding report.

The key areas of the report, including the positive judgement by Ofsted were introduced. It was noted that growth in referrals had continued, but there were fewer children in care and that positive outcomes for Hampshire children had increased. Cabinet noted that work with other local authorities had been supported by Ofsted in their inspection and judgement.

The recommendations in the report were agreed. A decision record is attached to these minutes.