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 circulated a Report (appended to the published minutes) and commented, as requested by Councillor Brazil, on Syrian refugees resettlement and unaccompanied asylum seeking children, outlining the limited co-ordinating role of the County Council in implementing the Government funded project and responding to concerns about the pace of placements and the timeliness of assistance available to those who might wish to offer such: undertaking to pursue those issues further with Government.

(b)        Environment and Community

Councillor Croad commented, as requested by Councillor Dewhirst, on action being taken by the Council in relation to littering and fly tipping on and adjacent to highway, acknowledging it was a serious issue, cutting across Council boundaries. He referenced work currently being undertaken by the County Council in practical terms in fulfilling its community leadership role, including liaising with District Councils on their approach to waste collection, monitoring the operations of the Council’s waste contractors, co-ordinating work such as grass cutting with District Council litter picking and regularly meeting with colleagues from other organisations, including Highways England, to ensure consistent messages to visitors and residents alike to prevent polluting the local environment.

(c)        Adult Social Care and Health Services

Councillor Barker circulated a Report  (appended to the published minutes) and commented, as requested by Councillor Westlake, on the potential impact of the Devon Sustainability & Transformation Plan and the Success Regime project, on Adult Social Care budgets and future delivery of services. He reiterated his concerns expressed at Cabinet on fair funding for adult social care and reminded the Council that representations had been made to the Local Government & Communities House of Commons Select Committee on funding and welcomed the involvement of this and other Council’s Scrutiny Committees in examining these matters. The Cabinet Member also commented, as requested by Councillor Greenslade, on the future of care services at Rosebank, Barnstaple. 

[NB: See also responses to Questions referred to at Minute 45 and 47 above and Cabinet Minute 72].

(d)        Highways Management and Flood Prevention

Councillor Hughes circulated a Report (appended to the published minutes) and commented, as requested by Councillors Connett and Owen respectively, on the rollout of restricted night time street lighting and on the Council’s cycling strategy including related planning safety issues. He also  commented, as requested by Councillors Hannaford and Dewhirst, on traffic congestion in Exeter arising from infrastructure works and public utility works and on Chapter 8 training for local community events.

The Cabinet Member also responded to questions on funding and proviso of drop-kerbs, future possible funding for the Tour of Britain, the Road Warden Scheme and pavement parking.

(e)        Children, Schools and Skills

Councillor McInnes circulated a Report (appended to the published minutes) and commented, as requested by Councillor Hannaford, on the Reducing Exploitation & Absence from Home (REACH) Service and ‘missing’ children.

(f)         Resources & Asset Management

Councillor Clatworthy circulated a Report (appended to the published minutes) and commented, as requested by Councillor Greenslade, on the use of the Barnstaple Civic Centre Car Park, confirming that while a number of spaces would be retained for use by County Council staff and visitors in the Taw Vale building the remainder of the parking area was to be included in the sale of the Tower Block rather than leasing or making spaces available on an individual basis to other users.

(g)        Performance & Engagement

Councillor Parsons circulated a Report (appended to the published minutes) on the Youth Service, Member Development, Digital Transformation and Hate Crime Awareness week.

[NB: See also responses to Questions referred to at Minute 47 above].