Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members of the Council will declare any interests they may have in any item to be considered at this meeting, prior to any discussion taking place on that item.

The other registrable interests of Councillors of Devon County Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes.

For details of District and or Town and Parish Twin Hatters – please see here - County councillors who are also district, borough, city, parish or town councillors

The Chair reminded Members they should declare any interests they may have in any item to be considered, prior to any discussion taking place on that item. The details of District and or Town and Parish Twin Hatters was on the attached list - County councillors who are also district, borough, city, parish or town councillors.

Minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 2024, (previously circulated).

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 2024 be signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 2024 be signed as a correct record.

Items which in the opinion of the Chair should be considered at the meeting as matters of urgency.

The Chair had decided that the Cabinet should consider agenda item 4a as a matter of urgency.

The Chair had decided that the Cabinet should consider agenda item 4a as a matter of urgency.

(An item taken in accordance with paragraph 8 of the Cabinet Procedure Rules and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 with the consent of the relevant Scrutiny Committee Chair).

Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services (LDS/24/5) seeking approval for the retender of insurance coverage and associated service, attached.

An Impact Assessment is also attached for the attention of Members at the meeting and available at Published Impact Assessments - Impact Assessment.

RESOLVED

(a) that the re-procurement process of the Council’s insurance policies, following compliance with public procurement law be noted; and

(b) that delegated authority be given to the Director of Legal & Democratic Services to award a contract to the successful bidders following the outcome of the procurement process, for a contract duration of 3 years with the option to extend by 2 years.

(An item taken in accordance with paragraph 8 of the Cabinet Procedure Rules and the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 with the consent of the relevant Scrutiny Committee Chair).

(In line with paragraph 17.8 and 8 of the Scrutiny Procedure and Cabinet Procedure Rules respectively), the call-in procedure does not apply to this urgent decision)

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Director of  Finance and Public Value (DFP/24/114) which presented the budget monitoring position at Month 4 circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with regulation 7(4) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

The Cabinet noted the statutory requirement for the Council to hold employers liability insurance and third party motor insurance. However, given the wide ranging liabilities linked to Council activities, together with a property portfolio valued in excess of £1 billion, it was considered essential that the Council holds insurances for the following matters.

1.Property, Business Interruption & Contract Works

2.Fidelity Guarantee/Crime  

3.Combined Liability 

4.Personal Accident & Travel 

5. Engineering Services 

These insurances ensure the Council was financially protected in the event of a claim, particularly large loss/catastrophic claims. In addition, the Council received approximately 1,500 insurance claims per annum, with claim values amounting to several million pounds. Therefore, having adequate insurance was vital to ensure the financial protection for the Council.

The Council employed an Insurance Broker who was conducting a tendering exercise on its behalf, in liaison with the Corporate Insurance Manager.

The current policies were due to expire on the 31^st December 2024.

The current total cost for the various insurance policies was approximately £1.5 million per annum. Following the successful retender of the Insurance Policies, it was likely that a saving of approximately £170,000 per annum would be achieved without any loss of coverage or service. The insurance premiums were paid from the Council’s insurance fund, which was ringfenced.

An Impact Assessment had been prepared for the attention of Members at the meeting and was available at Insurance Contracts - Impact Assessment. There were no equality matters that required consideration by the Cabinet.

In summary, the renewal of the Council’s polices was required to ensure the Council was adequately financially protected in the event of any large loss claims. The process had been compliant with procurement regulations and  delegated authority was sought to complete the process and deal with the operational renewals of the policies over the duration of the contracts.

The matter having been debated and the other relevant factors as set out in the Director’s Report having been considered, including the options and alternatives and other relevant factors (e.g. financial, sustainability and carbon impact, risk management, equality and legal considerations and alignment with the Council’s Strategic Plan):

it was MOVED by Councillor McInnes, SECONDED by Councillor Davis, and

RESOLVED

(a) that the re-procurement process of the Council’s insurance policies, following compliance with public procurement law be noted; and

(b) that delegated authority be given to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 632a

There was no announcement by the Chair at this meeting.

There was no petition received from a Member of the Public or the Council.

In accordance with the Cabinet Procedure Rules, the relevant Cabinet Members responded to six questions from Members of the Council on the following matters.

1.    Number of general email boxes used by the Council for residents to contact the Council;

2.    Customer service standards to ensure the mail boxes were reviewed regularly so emails were responded to;

3.    Approved or recommended 'auto-responses' so customers know the email is received and will be attended to;

4.    Use of general auto responses, that give no certainty of a response;

5.    Consideration of an urgent audit of general service email boxes; and

6.    The current position with the Connecting Devon & Somerset broadband scheme.

A copy of the questions had been previously circulated and published to the website.

[NB: A copy of the questions and answers are available on webpage for meeting]

In accordance with the Council's Public Participation Rules, the relevant Cabinet Member responded to one question from a member of the public on the following matter.

1.    The Council’s carbon budget overspend and measures to recover this position.

A copy of the question and answer had been sent direct to the questioner who was not present in the meeting.

(NB: A copy of the question and answer was available on webpage for meeting)

Report of the Director of  Finance and Public Value (DFP/24/114) presenting the budget monitoring position at Month 4. This Report will follow.

RESOLVED

(a) that the Month 6 budget monitoring forecast position and the Safety Valve Intervention programme update be noted;

(b) that the Budgets movements to date, as set out in Appendix 1, and the forecast reserves position also be noted;

(c) that the cash flow and external borrowing update including the refinancing of external borrowing be noted;

(d) that the proposed changes to the 2024/25 capital budgets totalling £24.7 million as set out in paragraph 3.39 be approved; and

(e) that the Chancellor’s Budget 2024 (Autumn Statement) update be noted.

(Councillors Brazil and Whitton attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Director of  Finance and Public Value (DFP/24/114) which presented the budget monitoring position at Month 4 circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with regulation 7(4) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

The Report outlined the financial position and forecast for the Authority at Month 6 (to the end of September) at which it was estimated that budgets would overspend by just over £4 million, an improvement of £2 million on the month 4 position. This figure excluded the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) deficit (paragraph 3.24).

The Cabinet noted that financial risks within Integrated Adult Social Care and Children and Young People’s Futures were still being experienced, but the work underway across the whole authority to support these pressures continued to ensure the whole organisation was focused on achieving a break-even position for the end of the year.

Pressures continued to be felt within the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) around demand for Special Educational Needs services. As part of the Chancellor’s Budget on 30th October, Government recognised the pressures and had allocated an additional £1 billion to support Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

Considerable work had also been undertaken since spring 2024 to accelerate and deliver upon a range of Safety Valve and SEND service critical objectives and improvements, including the launch of the Authority’s updated SEND Strategy, the rollout of early help pilot activity in Northern Devon, a range of support work around systems and statutory process improvements to assist and improve the handling of plan development, and agreement and cross organisational working around autism and other health related priorities.

The DSG was forecasting an overspend of £45.8 million at month 6, an increase of £7.3 million from month 4. The continued demand for EHCP plans remained a critical driver of the change from month 4 impacting both mainstream and independent special schools.

The Assistant Director for SEND Implementation gave a presentation to the Cabinet which addressed the shared challenges of SEND. This gave the background to the SEND transformation processes and programme, the current position, budgetary pressures, service demands, the safety valve and work with the DfE, SEND as a corporate priority and the emerging plan of action. The presentation concluded with the priorities for additional support and the next steps.

The table at section 3.1 summarised the Month 6 forecast position by directorate, excluding the Dedicated Schools Grant forecast.

Integrated Adult Social Care services were forecast to overspend by £1.1 million, an increase of £4,000 from month 4. Children and Young People’s Futures services were forecasting an overspend of £7.3 million, an increase of £733,000 from month 4 (excluding DSG funded SEND deficit). At Month 6, the Climate Change, Environment and Transport directorate was forecasting an underspend of £2 million. Public Health and Communities were forecasting an underspend of £131,000 relating to vacancy management and  ...  view the full minutes text for item 637.

Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport(CET/ 24/103) seeking approval to enter into concession contracts, and associated land agreements for the Devon & Torbay Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project, attached.

An Impact Assessment has been prepared for the attention of Members at the meeting, is attached, and available on the website at Devon and Torbay Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Project - Impact Assessment

RESOLVED that delegated authority be given to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highway Management, to enter into concession contracts, and associated land agreements for the Devon & Torbay Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project within the funding envelope available.

(Councillors Leaver and Whitton attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport(CET/ 24/103) which sought approval to enter into concession contracts, and associated land agreements for the Devon & Torbay Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project, circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with regulation 7(4) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

The Report highlighted the background to the Council’s climate emergency declaration in 2019 and the publication of Devons Carbon Plan, which set out what needed to be done for the region to meet the climate emergency challenge. The Devon Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy (adopted January 2024)^[1] recognised that a key barrier to the uptake of Electric Vehicles (EVs) was the availability of suitable charging infrastructure. While progress had been made, the scale and speed of delivery needed to significantly increase to support the transition to EVs, particularly for approximately 180,000 households in Devon that did not have access to off-street parking and therefore could not currently charge EV’s at home.

In 2023, the £450 million LEVI Fund was announced by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) to deliver a step-change in the scale and speed of chargepoint delivery, primarily aimed at residents without access to off-street parking.  Following an application process in 2023 and 2024, this Council and Torbay Council had now been awarded the following funding:

·       Devon County Council - LEVI Capital Funding: £7,067,000 (one of the largest allocations in the country). (Note: Approval to spend this capital funding had previously been confirmed as part of the capital programme)

·       Torbay Council LEVI Capital Funding: £958,000. (Note: relevant approvals for this funding sit with Torbay Council)

·       Devon County Council and Torbay Council LEVI Revenue Funding: £660,000, provided by OZEV to cover staff and other costs associated with developing and delivering the LEVI project. 

The full proposal was outlined at section three and outlined the overall aim to deliver 2,000 publicly accessible chargepoints by 2030 in Devon and Torbay an overall aim of 800 publicly accessible chargepoints by the same time period, but the exact number would be confirmed via the procurement process. The types of EV charging equipment to be installed as part of the project was outlined as well as the aims, approach, equipment types, and timescales. The approach had also been developed through engagement with Council Officers, Districts and surrounding authorities, chargepoint suppliers, financial modelling, and input from the LEVI Support Body comprising the Energy Saving Trust, Cenex, and PA Consulting.

In terms of delivery model, the chargepoints would be procured via a single Open Tender led by the Council. The EV Cable Channels would be procured separately. The chargepoint procurement was split into lots in order to give an opportunity for a wide range of suppliers to bid and to add resilience to chargepoint provision in Devon and Torbay. An overview of the lots was presented  ...  view the full minutes text for item 638.

Report of the Chief Executive (CET/ 24/104) seeking approval for the future highways delivery model, attached.

An Impact Assessment has been prepared for the attention of Members at the meeting, is attached, and available on the website at Future Delivery Model for Highway Maintenance Service - Impact Assessment

The Cabinet is also asked to note the role of the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee. The Scrutiny Committee’s meetings, masterclasses, deliberations and outcomes are reflected in the Report at section 7.

RESOLVED

(a) that the Future Delivery Model for the Highway Maintenance Service as a core Term Maintenance Contract supported by a series of other Contracts be approved;

(b) that delegated authority be given to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highway Management authority to progress the procurement process, through to tender evaluation, with contract award by Cabinet in the Summer of 2026, including a review of the scope, term, and specification for the contracts with oversight by the Corporate Infrastructure and Regulatory Services Scrutiny Committee;

(c) recognise that further investment is required in the road network and the levels of service provided and that this is considered through the budget setting process from 2025/26 onwards;

(d) consider the funding of up to £1.3 million set-up costs over the period up to April 2027 as detailed in Appendix 4 section 7, through the annual budget setting process;

(e) that discussions with Dorset Council be endorsed on collaborative working on the procurement process, and given delegated authority to the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highway Management authority to progress this if agreed; and

(f) to ensure that the relevant technology is in place to allow early access to information on highways maintenance matters and issues within divisions.

(Councillors Brazil, Leaver, Letch and Whitton attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Chief Executive (CET/ 24/104) which sought approval for the future highways delivery model, circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with regulation 7(4) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

The Cabinet noted that the Council’s Highway Term Maintenance Contract with Milestone Infrastructure terminated in March 2027 with no options to further extend the contract. It was one of the largest contracts the County Council commissions and the current Delivery Model for the Highway Maintenance Service was a combination of the Term Maintenance Contract, complementary Frameworks and Termed Contracts delivering planned works, and an In-House Design Service.

The Report explained the work that had been undertaken on how the overall Highway Maintenance service could be delivered beyond March 2027, considered the short list of 5 Delivery Model options, and recommended the preferred future Delivery Model.

It was further recognised that there was a clear frustration in the current condition of the network, particularly the carriageway asset. The current maintenance backlog was in excess of £200 million and continued to grow and this was against a national backlog that was estimated to have reached £16.3 billion.

Details of the process to select the shortlist of five options was contained in the Project Business Case in Appendix 4. However, since the initial development of the short list, it was felt that there was insufficient time to establish and mobilise a Joint Venture Company and as such the option had been discounted. The Project Business Case (Appendix 4) outlined cost estimates of the ongoing annual financial values of the significant issues including profits, taxation, pensions and buying power. In addition, it had looked at the likely one-off upfront costs associated with establishing the various options as well as the Council’s varying exposure to risk and liability associated with the different models.

This options assessment process had identified that the cost differences between establishing and operating the various models was limited but a Term Maintenance Contract limited the exposure to risk for both the Council and by extension the residents of Devon and was therefore the preferred option.

There were a number of Risk Management Considerations and these were outlined in full at section 5 of the Report, noting that balance of risk was one of the key factors in determining the Future Delivery Model.  There were of course inherent risks associated with the maintenance of live highway assets, relating to safety and performance, the volatility of the construction and highway maintenance business sector, as well as the safe use of the network by the travelling public. The tables in section 5 highlighted the challenges associated with each model and then the operational risks and liability of risk for each delivery model.

Section 6 outlined the consultation and market engagement questionnaire that had been made available to the supply chain, and promoted  ...  view the full minutes text for item 639.

Report of the Head of Communities (SC/24/50) seeking a modification of the service contract for Youth Services by extending the current term, attached.

An Impact Assessment is also attached for the attention of Members at the meeting and is also available on the website https://www.devon.gov.uk/impact/published/

RESOLVED

(a) that the modification of the service contract for Youth Services, by extending the current term by one year to cover the period from 1st April 2025 through to 31st March 2026, be approved; and

(b) that delegated authority be given to the Director of Public Health & Communities and Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Equality to deal with any ancillary matters relating to the contract modification.

(Councillors Leaver and Whitton attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Head of Communities (SC/24/50) which sought a modification of the service contract for Youth Services by extending the current term, circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with regulation 7(4) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

The Cabinet noted that the Council currently contracted with DYS-Space to deliver Youth Services across the County from 8 Youth Hubs in line with the Statutory Duty (section 507B of the Education Act 1996). The Report outlined the Devon service specification and areas of delivery, which included, open access youth sessions at 8 Youth Hub buildings around the County, targeted 1-2-1 and group work, management of the Community Youth Group grant fund, digital hub, detached youth work through street-based delivery, education support and S106 funded support in the new town developments (Cranbrook and Sherford).

During the preparation of a tender for re-procurement, and discussion across the Council, it became apparent that a more joined up approach to support for young people would be beneficial going forward to maximise the outcomes, through the range of services that the Council provided.

The national context showed that the number of qualified Youth Workers had reduced over the last 10 years, with the National Youth Agency stating that since 2019 Local Authorities had reduced spending on Youth Services by 70%. However, the Government direction of travel had pledged to deliver the Young Futures Hubs programme, which would have youth workers, mental health support workers, and careers advisers on hand. The Head of Communities, at the meeting, updated on the Culture Secretary’s recent announcement regarding the creation of a new strategy, which would be backed by £185 million of funding.

Devon had, so far, remained committed to supporting young people through qualified youth work practice and was well placed to meet future demands. At this stage, proposals for its Youth Service should remain flexible and agile in order to capitalise on national opportunities, policy and funding anticipated in the months and years ahead.

A number of options had been explored, outlined in full in the Report, but it was proposed to extend the existing contract with DYS-Space beyond the current term by 1 year through to 31^st March 2026, and work with the provider reviewing options for buildings and community grant fund. This would create a period of stability whilst the Council worked closer with transformation programmes, Family Hub development and internal and external partners to develop an integrated youth work specification over the next 8 months.

The 1-year delivery plan would move towards a more integrated commissioning and delivery model working with colleagues in Public Health and Childrens Services. Consultation with young people accessing youth services in Devon had been held in February 2024 and the results had been included in the updated Impact Assessment.

The proposal aligned with the vision and priorities in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 640.

In considering the Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport (CET/24/46) (Minute 42), the South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee at its meeting on 9 July 2024 had RESOLVED ‘that whilst noting the Report advised against a change in speed limit between the A385 and The Bourtons, this Committee supports the request for a reduction of the speed limit to 40mph and refers it to Cabinet for determination. 

Recommendation

Whilst the Cabinet is minded to not to proceed with a change in the speed limit on the A381 between the A385 and The Bourtons, on the periphery of Totnes, it is recommended a site visit be arranged, prior to this matter being determined.

RESOLVED that whilst the Cabinet is minded not to proceed with a change in the speed limit on the A381 between the A385 and The Bourtons, on the periphery of Totnes, it is recommended a site visit be arranged, prior to this matter being determined.

The Cabinet noted that at its meeting on 9 July 2024, whilst considering the Report of the Director of Climate Change, Environment and Transport (CET/24/46) (Minute *42), the South Hams Highways and Traffic Orders Committee had RESOLVED ‘that whilst noting the Report advised against a change in speed limit between the A385 and The Bourtons, this Committee supports the request for a reduction of the speed limit to 40mph and refers it to Cabinet for determination. 

It was then MOVED by Councillor Hughes, SECONDED by Councillor McInnes, and

RESOLVED that whilst the Cabinet is minded not to proceed with a change in the speed limit on the A381 between the A385 and The Bourtons, on the periphery of Totnes, it is recommended a site visit be arranged, prior to this matter being determined.

In considering the Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services (LDS/24/28) on the Children’s Scrutiny Committee visits to the Council’s Front Door, Assessment Teams and Public Health Nursing staff (Minute *170 refers), the Children’s Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 16 September 2024 had RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Committee

(a) Commend the report to Cabinet for Cabinet to consider the findings as part of the Council’s improvement journey in Children’s Services; and

(b) Ask that Cabinet has due consideration of the following key points for improvement and responds to the Children’s Scrutiny Committee at its Committee meeting in March 2025:

·       The widespread acknowledgement of the impact of improvements in the Front Door on the wider service.

·       The continued need to reduce the number of agency staff in the Assessment Teams.

·       The need to create more pace in the recruitment process so that staff can be recruited quickly into posts.

·       How the Council can further support staff, through the supervision and counselling offer, who experience difficult or upsetting cases which affect the emotional wellbeing of staff.

·       Consideration of amending the duty week to ensure a more equitable allocation of cases between Assessment Teams.

·       The support from Staff for the re-tendering of the case management system.

·       The need to ensure that on joint visits, the Police are always present to support our staff.

·       The need to lobby the Government and the Department for Health and Social Care for a better funding formula for Public Health that reflects Devon’s current needs.

Recommendation

(a) that the Children’s Scrutiny Committee be thanked for their Report and its commitment to seek the views and feedback from frontline staff across the County; and

(b) that the recommendations of the key areas raised in the Report, which are under the remit of the Council, as part of the Council’s improvement journey be accepted, and progress will be reported to a future Children’s Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED

(a) that the Children’s Scrutiny Committee be thanked for their Report and its commitment to seek the views and feedback from frontline staff across the County;

(b) that the recommendations of the key areas raised in the Report, which are under the remit of the Council, as part of the Council’s improvement journey be accepted, and progress reported to a future Children’s Scrutiny Committee; and

(c) that the recommendations under the remit of other partnership organisations be raised and considered with them, and to be taken forward as appropriate.

(Councillors Leaver and Whitton attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

The Cabinet noted that at its meeting on 16 September 2024, in considering the Report of the Director of Legal and Democratic Services (LDS/24/28) on the Children’s Scrutiny Committee visits to the Council’s Front Door, Assessment Teams and Public Health Nursing staff (Minute *170 refers), the  Scrutiny Committee had RESOLVED that the Committee;

(a) Commend the report to Cabinet for Cabinet to consider the findings as part of the Council’s improvement journey in Children’s Services; and

(b) Ask that Cabinet has due consideration of the following key points for improvement and responds to the Children’s Scrutiny Committee at its Committee meeting in March 2025:

·       The widespread acknowledgement of the impact of improvements in the Front Door on the wider service.

·       The continued need to reduce the number of agency staff in the Assessment Teams.

·       The need to create more pace in the recruitment process so that staff can be recruited quickly into posts.

·       How the Council can further support staff, through the supervision and counselling offer, who experience difficult or upsetting cases which affect the emotional wellbeing of staff.

·       Consideration of amending the duty week to ensure a more equitable allocation of cases between Assessment Teams.

·       The support from Staff for the re-tendering of the case management system.

·       The need to ensure that on joint visits, the Police are always present to support our staff.

·       The need to lobby the Government and the Department for Health and Social Care for a better funding formula for Public Health that reflects Devon’s current needs.

It was MOVED by Councillor McInnes, SECONDED by Councillor Davis, and

RESOLVED

(a) that the Children’s Scrutiny Committee be thanked for their Report and its commitment to seek the views and feedback from frontline staff across the County;

(b) that the recommendations of the key areas raised in the Report, which are under the remit of the Council, as part of the Council’s improvement journey be accepted, and progress reported to a future Children’s Scrutiny Committee; and

(c) that the recommendations under the remit of other partnership organisations be raised and considered with them, and to be taken forward as appropriate.

In considering the Report of the Director of Children’s Services / Head of Service of Commissioning and Resources (CS/24/25) on the draft Sufficiency Strategy for Children in Care and Care Leavers 2024 – 2029 (Minute *168 refers), the Children’s Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 16 September 2024 had RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Committee;

(b) asks Cabinet to consider the use of the second home council tax premium to invest in housing for both key workers and care leavers. 

Recommendation

Cabinet thanks the Childrens Scrutiny Committee for their contribution to the debate on Sufficiency, however, the Cabinet is not in a position to make any commitments about where additional investment from second home council tax premiums might be made. This is a matter for the Council to consider at its meeting in February 2025. However, Cabinet encourages all Scrutiny Committees to make recommendations regarding budget allocations at their respective meetings in January. These will be presented to the Cabinet meeting in February, where Cabinet must recommend a draft budget proposal to the Council, where the full debate will take place.

RESOLVED that the Childrens Scrutiny Committee be thanked for their contribution to the debate on Sufficiency, however, the Cabinet is not in a position to make any commitments about where additional investment from second home council tax premiums might be made. This is a matter for the Council to consider at its meeting in February 2025. However, Cabinet encourages all Scrutiny Committees to make recommendations regarding budget allocations at their respective meetings in January. These will be presented to the Cabinet meeting in February, where Cabinet must recommend a draft budget proposal to the Council, where the full debate will take place.

(Councillors Leaver and Whitton attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

In considering the Report of the Director of Children’s Services and the Head of Service of Commissioning and Resources (CS/24/25) on the draft Sufficiency Strategy for Children in Care and Care Leavers 2024 – 2029 (Minute *168 refers), the Children’s Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 16 September 2024 had RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Committee;

(b) asks Cabinet to consider the use of the second home council tax premium to invest in housing for both key workers and care leavers. 

It was MOVED by Councillor McInnes, SECONDED by Councillor Davis, and

RESOLVED that the Childrens Scrutiny Committee be thanked for their contribution to the debate on Sufficiency, however, the Cabinet is not in a position to make any commitments about where additional investment from second home council tax premiums might be made. This is a matter for the Council to consider at its meeting in February 2025. However, Cabinet encourages all Scrutiny Committees to make recommendations regarding budget allocations at their respective meetings in January. These will be presented to the Cabinet meeting in February, where Cabinet must recommend a draft budget proposal to the Council, where the full debate will take place.

The following Notice of Motion submitted to the County Council by Councillor Letch has been referred to the Cabinet in accordance with Standing Order 8(2) for consideration, to refer it to another Committee or make a recommendation back to the Council:

(a)  Young Carers Covenant (Councillor Letch)

RESOLVED that Council be recommended to;

(a) support the proposed review of the existing contract so that the contract delivers a more dynamic approach to supporting our young carers and their families; so that young carers receive the right help from the right service at the right time;

(b) acknowledge the work of the Place Called Home Board in undertaking their best practice consultation;

(c) support progression of actions through the existing Steering Group reporting into the Place Called Home Board, so that the Council can evidence what it is delivering against the key changes identified by young carers and submit the application for the Covenant once the new contract has been developed and awarded; and

(d) ask the Childrens Scrutiny Committee Members to monitor progress against the actions identified by the Young Carer’s Steering Group and update Cabinet next year on the proposal for the new contract.

(a)      Young Carers Covenant (Councillor Letch)

(Councillor Letch attended in accordance with Standing Order 8 and Councillors Leaver and Whitton attended in accordance with 25(2) and spoke to this item).

The Young Carers Covenant is a UK-wide commitment to young carers and young adult carers, setting out ten key outcomes that young carers from across the UK have said are key to improving their lives. It was drawn up by Carers Trust and members of the Young Carers Alliance and was launched on Young Carers Action Day 2024.

Any organisation or individual in a position to take action to help achieve these outcomes is urged to sign up to the Covenant.

The work to date by the Council on supporting the covenant is welcomed, but the Council and its Members are asked to continue this journey, sign the young carers covenant and undertake to implement its aims.

Members considered the Officer’s factual briefing note on the matter (LDS/24/39) which referred to the numbers of young carers and the Young Carer’s Covenant (final-young-carers-covenant.pdf) which set out ten key outcomes that young carers had said were key to improving their lives. The Cabinet noted the number of young carers known to the Young Carers Service had significantly increased over the time the contract had been in place (the contract had commenced in May 2018 and ended in March 2026). The briefing note highlighted the current sources of funding for the contract and the work required to review the current contract was integral to any considerations the Council may need to make. It was therefore recommended that the Council waited to formally sign up to the Covenant until the details of the new contract were confirmed, and progress was driven by a steering group to deliver on the workstreams that supported the Council’s commitment to the Covenant. 

The Cabinet considered the recommendation now before them and the actions now proposed and already undertaken and any other relevant factors:

It was MOVED by Councillor McInnes, SECONDED by Councillor Davis, and

RESOLVED that Council be recommended to;

(a) support the proposed review of the existing contract so that the contract delivers a more dynamic approach to supporting our young carers and their families; so that young carers receive the right help from the right service at the right time;

(b) acknowledge the work of the Place Called Home Board in undertaking their best practice consultation;

(c) support progression of actions through the existing Steering Group reporting into the Place Called Home Board, so that the Council can evidence what it is delivering against the key changes identified by young carers and submit the application for the Covenant once the new contract has been developed and awarded; and

(d) ask the Childrens Scrutiny Committee Members to monitor progress against the actions identified by the Young Carer’s Steering Group and update Cabinet next year on the proposal for the new contract. 

Report of the Director of Performance and Partnerships presenting the quarterly performance report for Autumn 2024, attached.

RESOLVED

(a) that the updated performance work including the strategic plan indicators, and progress on corporate and directorate improvement plan priorities for 2024-25 be noted; and

(b) that a Performance Board for the Council drawing together finance, governance, workforce and risks be established.

(Councillors Leaver and Whitton attended in accordance with Standing Order 25(2) and spoke to this item).

The Cabinet considered the Report of the Director of Performance and Partnerships which presented the quarterly performance report for Autumn 2024, circulated prior to the meeting in accordance with regulation 7(4) of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

The Cabinet noted that on 13 December 2023 (Min 433) it had agreed the development of a new Corporate Performance Framework. The Report described the development and introduction of that Framework.

It was also the first quarterly performance Report and included the following elements:

• An update of the strategic plan indicators aligning to the “Best Place” Strategic Plan 2021 – 2025, as introduced in the annual Corporate Performance Report presented to Cabinet in July 2024. This was summarised in section 3 of the Report and included in full in appendix 1.
• An update on progress on the six corporate plan priorities for 2024-25. This was summarised in section 4.
• An update on progress on the individual directorate improvement plan priorities for 2024-25, summarised in section 5 of the Report and appendix 2.

As this was the first report of its type, the focus was on establishing an initial baseline, identifying relevant leads and contacts for priority areas which could refine collection and performance reporting processes going forwards, as reflected in the recommendations.

The new Performance and Partnerships Directorate, established in June 2024, brought together existing staff to pool skills and expertise, including in relation to performance management, data and intelligence. The directorate would also support the development of a local interactive dashboard later in 2025 to reflect the strategic plan, as well as supporting corporate and directorate priorities, identifying and refining available indicators and including breakdowns by equality characteristics where available.

The first quarterly report provided an update on strategic plan priorities and provided a comparison with the South West and neighbours. It highlighted areas where performance was falling behind peers and included some refinements to measures. The report provided an update on progress to meet the Council’s Corporate Plan priorities for 2024/25 and Directorate improvement priorities. It also set out the impacts being achieved by and each Directorate’s improvement focus for the next quarter.

It was noted that the indicators and reporting processes would be refined as required. However, the Report set out the direction of travel for performance management and was part of a suite of documents setting out the arrangements that would improve corporate grip, control and delivery in the drive for continuous improvement.

The matter having been debated and other relevant factors (e.g. financial, sustainability and carbon impact, risk management, equality and legal considerations and alignment with the Council’s Strategic Plan) as set out in the Director’s Report having been considered:

it was MOVED by Councillor McInnes, SECONDED by Councillor Davis, and

RESOLVED

(a) that the updated performance work including the strategic plan indicators, and progress on corporate and directorate improvement plan priorities for 2024-25  ...  view the full minutes text for item 645.

Minutes of the bodies shown below are circulated herewith for information or endorsement as indicated therein (i.e. any unstarred minutes):

[NB: Minutes of County Council Committees are published on the Council’s Website:

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the following be endorsed. There were no recommendations to Cabinet requiring approval.

Land and Property Committee – 10 October 2024

Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee - 15 October 2024

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education – 4 November 2024

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the following be endorsed. There were no recommendations to Cabinet requiring approval.

Land and Property Committee – 10 October 2024

Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee - 15 October 2024

Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education – 4 November 2024

The Register of Decisions taken by Members under the urgency provisions or delegated powers is available on the website in line with the Council’s Constitution and Regulation 13 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.  The decisions taken and associated information can be found here.

The Registers of Decisions taken by Members under the urgency provisions or delegated powers were available for inspection, in line with the Council’s Constitution and Regulation 13 of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012. Decisions taken by Officers under any express authorisation of the Cabinet or other Committee or under any general authorisation within the Council’s Scheme of Delegation set out in Part 3 of the Council’s Constitution.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the Cabinet is requested to review the list of forthcoming business (previously circulated) and to determine which items are to be defined as key and/or framework decisions and included in the Plan from the date of this meeting.

The Forward Plan is available on the Council's website.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the Cabinet reviewed the Forward Plan and determined those items of business to be defined as key and framework decisions and included in the Plan from the date of this meeting onwards reflecting the requirements of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution, the Cabinet reviewed the Forward Plan and determined those items of business to be defined as key and framework decisions and included in the Plan from the date of this meeting onwards reflecting the requirements of the Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012.