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 Connett, on how the impact of the UK's departure from the EU upon the Council and the county more widely would be assessed and corresponding action to protect services; indicating that in advance of any detailed negotiations between HM Government and the EU it was too early to say with any certainty what the impact of the referendum would be on the Council and the County at large. He acknowledged that work was being undertaken by the Council’s Officers to assess the likely financial impact of leaving the EU and also under the auspices of the Heart of the South West  Devolution Deal to  look at the impacts more widely.  The Leader undertook to ensure Members were kept up to date on any emerging information arising therefrom.

[NB: See also responses to Questions referred to at Minute 27 above]

(b)        Community and Environmental Services

Councillor Croad commented, as requested by Councillor Hannaford, and in his capacity as Chairman of the Police & Crime Panel on the enforcement by the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary of 20 mph speed limits.  Notwithstanding the fact that this was an operational issue which was the responsibility of the Chief Constable, he undertook to raise Members’ concerns about parking and enforcement, particularly in the vicinity of schools, with the Police & Crime Commissioner.

The Cabinet Member also reported, as requested by Councillor Hook, on the Council’s use of Glyphosates currently used only as a targeted herbicide which had been fully approved by the various regulatory bodies and confirmed there were no plans to prohibit its use at this time.

(c)        Highways Management and Flood Prevention

Councillor Hughes commented, as requested by Councillor Way, on progress with the Wray Valley Cycle Trail, outlining the significant progress had that been made over the past 2 years with, variously, the opening of new sections, planning permission having been secured for other sections, contracts let or about to be let for sections and with design work. Land negotiations continue, to deliver the Wray Valley Trail and the Teign Estuary leisure, and commuter routes to which the Council remained committed.  He also responded to questions on the completion of finishing works on the A39 near Bideford and community self help schemes.

(d)        Economy Growth and Cabinet Liaison for Exeter

Councillor Leadbetter circulated a Report and commented on, as requested by Councillor Westlake, progress with the Peninsula Rail Group’s review of additional routes into the South West, drawing the attention of Members to an earlier Report (PTE/16/30) to the Place Scrutiny summarising the work undertaken to date by the Peninsula Rail Task Force (PRTF) and Devon Metro rail projects in relation to rail infrastructure.

He also responded to questions on continuing resilience works on the Dawlish to Teignmouth  line (including the possibility of additional cross-over points and off-shore works), on the Tarka Laine, new railway stations and the re-opening of the line to Okehampton.

(e)        Education & Learning

Councillor McInnes circulated a Report and commented on, as requested by Councillor Greenslade, on the Council’s Small Schools Protection Factors and funding formula changes, confirming representations were being made to the Secretary of State for Education on the impact of the funding formula and re-affirmed that schools would continue to be alerted to issues that might affect them, including the Small Schools Protection Factors. 

He also responded to a number of the points raised by the petitioners relating to West Exe Childrens Centre referred to at Minute 26 above: the Petition Organiser would, as previously indicated receive a full response in due course.