Agenda item

To consider reports from Cabinet Members.

The Council received reports from the relevant Cabinet Members on matters of interest or service developments relating to their remits which had occurred since the previous meeting or were likely to have an impact in the future or on specific issues upon which they had been asked to comment, as set out below:

(a)        Policy & Corporate

Councillor Hart commented, as requested by Councillor Shaw on the request and refusal of permission for the Devon for Europe campaign to use the grounds of County Hall for a rally on 24th March 2018 and also responded to questions on peaceful protests and the use of the campus generally.

(b)        Adult Social Care and Health Services

Councillor Leadbetter circulated a report, as requested by Councillor Hannaford on Continuing Health Care Funding and also on progress being made to develop Wellbeing Hubs across Devon, as asked for by Councillor Aves. He further reported on Accountable Care Organisations, as requested by Councillor Greenslade.

With regard to Continuing Health Care Funding, it was noted that the CCGs and Adult Social Care had agreed joint practice guidance, process and training, meaning that people in Devon should receive an appropriate package of support whilst any issues relating to CHC funding were resolved.

The Cabinet Member added that, in respect of Wellbeing Hubs, the Council worked in partnership with the NHS in its approach to community wellbeing and that the Hubs were part of a wider programme of development of community services. Examples given included

CoLab in Exeter, Torrington Hub, the Budleigh Salterton Health and Wellbeing Hub and progress on new centres in Chudleigh, Bovey Tracey, Teignmouth, Ashburton and Dartmouth.

On accountable care systems the Cabinet Member referred to a recently circulated briefing note for all Members of the Council, which gave an explanation of Integrated Care Systems and collaborative working between a range of health and social care organisations, in terms of sharing working practices such as budgets, staff and resources where appropriate. The Cabinet Member clarified the work in terms of an Integrated Care System rather than an Integrated Care Organisation.

(c)        Highways Management

Councillor Hughes commented, as requested by Councillor Connett on the planned improvements to the environment and enhancing safety for all road users Powderham, progress on improving the A379 through Starcross to better manage traffic flows, the assessment of Mamhead Road for increased use by light traffic, and the potential to impose a weight restriction or ban 'non access' HGVs from the route and the increase in traffic using Doctors Walk and Balls Farm Road and action of the Council to ensure it was a safe route for children and cyclists.

He also responded to questions on a recent survey in respect of vehicles using Doctors Walk and Balls Farm Road.

(d)        Infrastructure Development and Waste

Councillor Davis circulated a report, on subjects requested by Councillor Connett on the

Bridge Road completion of works and those still to be undertaken, the delayed provision of the planned Marsh Barton Rail Station and the impact on the economic growth of Exeter and Teignbridge, the impact on traffic through Alphington/Marsh Barton and on Bridge Road, and the delivery of the South West Exeter development and delivery of a new rail station at Exminster.

The Cabinet Member’s Report outlined that the Works Completion Certificate for Bridge Road was issued on 27th October 2017. Furthermore, the Council was continuing to work on reducing costs and securing additional sources of funding from the DfT and Network Rail in relation to Marsh Barton station. Also, that in the planning of Marsh Barton and timetabling works meant that the Council did not consider a rail halt at Exminster to be feasible. 

She also responded to questions on communication with Teignbridge District Council on Local Plans and vehicles on Bridge Road crossing three lanes of traffic from side entrances.

(e)        Children’s Services and Schools

Councillor McInnes circulated a report, as requested by Councillor Hannaford on work being done with education and training providers, the public and private sectors, and voluntary and charity groups, to promote education, employment and independence for local people with special needs and any links to the Joint Committee’s Productivity Plan.

He further reported on the number of private Children's Homes in Devon; which authorities had oversight of the homes and which were responsible for ensuring residents attended school and the provision of 'parental oversight', particularly in leisure time, as requested by Councillor Connett.

(f)         Community, Public Health, Transportation and Environment

Councillor Croad commented, as requested by Councillor Asvachin on the use of bus passes before 9.30am for people with disabilities who need to get to work or places of education. The Cabinet Member outlined that the Council provided free bus travel under the terms of the National Bus Pass scheme for eligible residents which allowed free travel after 0930 Monday to Friday and anytime at the weekend. The current budget for the scheme in 2017/2018 was £9,265,000. The Council recognised the need for people with disabilities to travel independently and outlined the ‘companion pass’ and also the Independent Travel Training programme for young people. 

He responded to questions on equality impact assessments and the duties of Local Authorities and undertook to look at the reported issues for renewing companion passes.

(g) Resources and Asset Management

Councillor Clatworthy circulated a report, as requested by Councillor Atkinson on the lessons that may be learned from Northamptonshire County Council who recently issued a section 114 notice. The Cabinet Member explained that a section 114 notice was served when it appeared to the section 151 Officer that the expenditure of the authority incurred or proposed to be incurred in a financial year was likely to exceed the resources available to meet that expenditure.