Issue - meetings

Councillor L M Simpson, Deputy Leader and Vice-Chairman of the Cabinet presented the Report of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 26th June, 17th July and 4th September 2008.

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Councillor T V Rogers, Executive Councillor for Finance and Environment presented the report and recommendations referred to in Item No. 21.  In response to questions from Councillors W T Clough and G S E Thorpe, Councillor Rogers replied that the Council was able to project it’s financial forecast for the next 15 years by drawing on Government advice and by estimating Council Tax and reserve levels over that period.  He added that revenue reserves would exceed the recommended minimal level of £3 million due to the receipt of grants but that these would not necessarily recur on an annual basis.

On the same subject, Councillor P L E Bucknell reported that the District Council had allocated 23,000 bus passes to date but that the precise additional cost implications associated with concessionary fares still was not available.

On the same subject and having offered his compliments to the staff of the Financial Services Division on the format and the content of the report, Councillor P J Downes questioned whether it was appropriate to anticipate the changes that might occur in local government finance if there were to be a change of Government in 2010.  Whilst, there had been little indication thus far of the direction of policies under an alternative administration, Councillor Rogers replied that the Council would be advised accordingly as policy changes emerged.

The Council, having noted the contributions made to the process by the Overview and Scrutiny Panels and by the Executive Councillor, on being put to the vote, the recommendation contained in Item No. 21 was declared to be CARRIED.

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In connection with Item No. 22, Councillor A Hansard, Executive Councillor for Policy and Resources, presented the Huntingdonshire Sustainable Community Strategy, adding that the Strategy had been subject to rigorous consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Panels, partners and stakeholders.

On the same subject and in response to a question from Councillor P J Downes on the mechanism to be established for delivery of the strategic themes, the Executive Councillor replied that the Strategy would be subject to quarterly and annual reviews and that he would reply to the questioner in greater detail after the meeting.

On the same subject, the Executive Councillor noted the suggestion made by Councillor J E Garner that the Strategy also should focus attention on the rural communities.  Whereupon, on being put to the vote, the recommendation contained in Item No. 22 was declared to be CARRIED.

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In connection with Item No. 25 and having been reminded by Councillor Mrs M Banerjee of the difficulties currently experienced by vulnerable, old and disabled people in the District as a result of delays to occupational therapy assessments, the Deputy Leader, Councillor Simpson, acknowledged that the issue would be investigated by a group appointed by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Service  ...  view the full minutes text for item 41

To consider a report by the Head of Policy and Strategic Services seeking approval for the Sustainable Community Strategy.

Recommended to full Council that the revised Sustainable Community Strategy for Huntingdonshire be approved.

Further to Minute No. 08/36 and by way of a report by the Head of Policy and Strategic Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet were invited to consider the content of a revised Sustainable Community Strategy for Huntingdonshire. Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Council be recommended to approve the revised Sustainable Community Strategy for Huntingdonshire.

To consider a report by the Head of Policy and Strategic Services on the Huntingdonshire Sustainable Community Strategy and Local Economy Strategy.

(Councillor A Hansard, Executive Councillor for Resources and Policy, was in attendance for this Item).

With the assistance of a report by the Head of Policy and Strategic Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel were acquainted with the background to the production of the Huntingdonshire Sustainable Community Strategy and the work that had been undertaken to refine the outcomes and objectives contained within the document and to develop delivery plans for each of the strategic themes.

By way of introduction, the Executive Councillor for Resources and Policy reported that the Action Plans had yet to be finalised and that comments by Members on them were invited. He also reported that the Strategy had links to regional initiatives. Additionally, the Executive Councillor for Resources and Policy informed Members that following their request at a previous meeting to review the Action Plan associated with the Local Economy Strategy for Huntingdonshire, new statutory powers had become available with which to pursue this work and that the Plan would be used to attract funding and to influence regional activities.

The Head of Policy and Strategic Services reported that completed Action Plans would be presented to the Panel in September and that any comments on their content should be submitted before that date. Furthermore, it was reported that the Local Strategic Partnership structure was currently under review and that Members would be informed of the resulting changes at a seminar in July 2008.

With regard to the strategic theme for Growth and Infrastructure and in response to a comment by a Member on the need to improve the provision of school and health facilities, the Panel were advised that it was intended to produce an Investment Strategy for Huntingdonshire, which would be used to address such areas for development. Members noted that the Strategy would be based on evidence and would include likely costs for proposed schemes. Having reviewed the content of the Action Plan for this particular theme, Members commented on the need to include surface drainage water under Item 6 of the Plan. In response to a question by the Chairman, the Panel were advised that communities not experiencing growth would be addressed through parish plans.

In terms of the Action Plan for the Environment strategic theme, the Panel were advised that the Plan was the same as the Council’s Environment Strategy.

In respect of the Children and Young People’s strategic theme, comment was made on the fact that contact with some statutory organisations, such as Connexions, was not compulsory for young people. Following questions, the Panel were advised that the Inclusive, Safe and Cohesive Communities strategic theme included reference to community transport and that the Council had appointed Councillor Hansard as its Champion for Children and Young People. Members were encouraged to note the range of work already undertaken by the Council to incorporate children and young people’s views into its policies and services. Questions were raised regarding the cost of schemes in the Plan.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4