Agenda, decisions and minutes

Members and officers must declare any pecuniary or personal interest in any business on the agenda. They should also make declarations at any stage such an interest becomes apparent during the meeting. Consideration should be given to leaving the meeting if the nature of the interest warrants it. If in doubt please contact Democratic Services before the meeting.

28.1            No declarations of interest were made.

Cabinet Members are asked to agree the minutes of the meeting held on 31 January(cream paper).

29.1            A request was made for the amendment of minute 24.7 from the meeting on 31 January to read ‘Cllr AmandaJupp described the budget as positive with the increased investment in the portfolio to meet demand from population increases and people with complex care needs. Government funding from the delayed Adult Social Care reforms will be used to mitigate pressures as well as continue preparation for the reforms.’

29.2            Resolved – that, subject to the inclusion of the above amendment, the minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2023 are approved as a correct record and that they be signed by the Chairman.

Report by the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Support Services.

Each of the Scrutiny Committee Chairmen will be invited to speak for up to three minutes to provide the views of their Committee on respective parts of the Quarter 3 Performance and Resources Report.

Each of the main Minority Group Leaders will be invited to speak for up to three minutes on the Quarter 3 Performance and Resources Report.

The Cabinet will discuss the report prior to taking any decision.

Following consideration of the report the cabinet resolved to:

1.   Note the information contained in the Q3 Performance and Resources Report in Annex B, and

2.   Agree the allocation of £4.409m from the contingency budget to service portfolio budgets to fund the nationally agreed £1,925 pay award for NJC, HAY, SMG and Public Health staff from April 2022.

The call-in deadline is 23 March 2023.

30.1            Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive and Director of Finance and Support Services. The report was introduced by Cllr Jeremy Hunt, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property who outlined a slight increase in performance since Quarter 2 and the continuing pressures, particularly those in the social care areas. The Cabinet Member outlined key achievements this year across the portfolios and the investment in capital projects to support the infrastructure in the county. The Director of Finance and Support Services advised work is ongoing where savings are showing as amber rated to understand whether these are on track to achieve or not. The position at end of year is forecast to be balanced and whilst current and emerging pressures will continue into 2023/24, these will continue to be carefully monitored.

30.2            Cllr Kevin Boram, Chairman of the Fire and Rescue Service Scrutiny Committee congratulated the service on their performance for the Quarter with all Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) forecast as green by the year-end. The availability of retained firefighters remains a concern for the Committee which it will continue to monitor. Cllr Boram suggested KPIs for 2023/24 are reviewed to ensure a drive of improved performance in the service and in the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan (CRMP). Concerns around culture hope to be resolved although these measures may take some time to show results. The Committee noted that cost pressures within the service could impact the deliverability of some measures in the CRMP.

30.3            Cllr Garry Wall, Chairman of the Health and Adult Social Care Scrutiny Committee advised the Committee recognised the minimal changes from Quarter 2 to Quarter 3 but that the current environment remains challenging. The Committee noted the number of registered carers and welcomed the increase in paid employment of adults with learning difficulties. The accuracy and collection of data relating to KPIs was raised. Workforce issues remain challenging and the recruitment, retention and wage pressures on the care sector were noted by the Committee. Delivery of savings continues to be demanding and the recent budget decisions are supported. The Committee is concerned that the public health grant remains unconfirmed and the corporate risks 58 and 74 were noted.

30.4            Cllr Paul Linehan, Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Committee advised the Committee discussed the percentage rise in re-referrals to Children’s Social Care between Quarter 2 and Quarter 3, noted the complexity of reporting and received assurance. The Committee noted the reduction in staff vacancy gap meaning that families will have shorter waiting times to access a social worker. Demand and impact on resources in relation Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) were discussed and placement costs pressures were a concern. The Committee is confident in progress being made across the Children and Young People Service improvement journey. The Committee were reassured plans are in place to reduce the attainment gap at Key Stage 2 (KS2) and noted the continued Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) pressure. The Committee welcomed the future  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

Cabinet Members are invited to provide any verbal updates on current significant issues for their respective portfolios which may benefit from discussion.

31.1            Cllr Nigel Jupp updated Cabinet that a bid to central Government for a new specialist provision free school in West Sussex has been successful. He explained this is an important milestone for the county and that the school will provide much needed additional capacity for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The next meeting of the Cabinet will be held on 26 April 2023.

32.1            The next meeting of Cabinet will be held on 26 April 2023.