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.

8.1        No declarations of interest were made.

Cabinet Members are asked to agree the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2023(cream paper).

9.1        Resolved – that the minutes of the meeting held on 20 June 2023 be approved as a correct record and that they be signed by the Chairman.

Report by the Director of Finance and Support Services and Director of Law and Assurance.

Each of the Scrutiny Chairmen will be invited to speak for up to three minutes on the report.

Each of the Minority Group Leaders will be invited to speak for up to three minutes on the Update on Council Plan and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

The Cabinet will then discuss the report.  

10.1     Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Finance and Support Services and Director of Law and Assurance. The report was introduced by Cllr Jeremy Hunt, Cabinet Member for Finance and Property, who outlined the high-level medium-term look at the Council’s financial position, an early indication of the challenges faced and a refresh of the Council Plan. Work is underway to identify how the budget gap can be closed. The Director of Finance and Support Services added the assumptions in the report will be kept under review as the year progresses and outlined key risk areas such as changes to government funding and various government reforms. The Medium Term Financial Strategy looks over five years with an increased focus on 2024/25 and 2025/26.

10.2     Cllr Kevin Boram, Chairman of the Fire and Rescue Service Scrutiny Committee welcomed the approach in developing the budget and the longer-term planning. He explained the critical role of the Fire and Rescue Service and the broad issues contained within the Community Risk Management Plan and the need to ensure its effective and efficient delivery.

10.3     Cllr Andrew Baldwin, Vice-Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Committee recognised the challenges faced by the service, particularly in demand and complexity of placements for children looked after and the increased demand for Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP). The committee welcomed the introduction of funding for schools at 20 weeks for those awaiting an EHCP. Cllr Baldwin noted the recovery plan for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), the increase in SEND places and Special Support Centres in mainstream schools and improved performance for those not in education, employment or training.

10.4     Cllr Garry Wall, Chairman of the Health and Adult Social Care Committee said the report recognises excellent work and identifies challenges in responding to demand, such as an increased population of older residents. Cllr Wall outlined funding as a core issue and that clarity on this is needed to support the workforce challenges and the expected social care reform.

10.5     Cllr Richard Burrett, Vice-Chairman of the Children and Young People’s Services Scrutiny Committee supported sight of the Council Plan refresh and MTFS at an early stage. He noted that major corporate projects will be considered by the Committee going forward and outlined key risks for the Council such as climate change plans, recruitment and the delivery of savings. Cllr Burrett discussed the reserves and asked how these will be replenished.

10.6     The following points were made by Cabinet Members in discussion:

Ø  Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of the Council outlined three key challenges over and above business as usual; the lasting consequences of Covid-19, the cost of living situation and the conflict in Europe and discussed the associated impacts of these on residents and businesses. Cllr Marshall highlighted the 9.4% population increase compared to neighbouring authorities and the significant impact on demand for services as a result. The Leader set out the role of the budget to deliver the Council Plan and its  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Report by the Director of Place Services.

The Chairman of the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee will be invited to speak for up to three minutes to provide the views of their committee on the Digital Infrastructure Strategy.

Each of the Minority Group Leaders will be invited to speak for up to three minutes on the Digital Infrastructure Strategy.

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

Following consideration of the report the Cabinet resolved to endorse the West Sussex County Council Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2023-2030.

The call-in deadline is 3 August 2023.

11.1     Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Place Services. The report was introduced by Cllr Steve Waight, Cabinet Member for Support Services and Economic Development who outlined the purpose and audience for the report, including those businesses who use digital technology, District and Borough Councils, universities and central government. The report set out the work and ambitions for the Digital Infrastructure Strategy and the many opportunities greater connectivity for residents and businesses can bring. The Director of Place Services added the document contributed to the Council’s wider Economic Strategy and the importance of a digital infrastructure.

11.2     Cllr Richard Burrett, Vice-Chairman of the Performance and Finance Scrutiny Committee welcomed the report as an innovative way forward with many potential opportunities. Cllr Burrett questioned how performance and progress will be measured and when and how those in rural communities could expect to receive the same level of digital service as those in more urban areas. He questioned whether greater funding is required to lay fibre in hard to reach rural areas and whether there is reluctance from investors for such projects.

11.3     The following points were made by Cabinet Members in discussion:

Ø  Cllr Paul Marshall, Leader of the Council welcomed the strategy and the need to ensure that connectivity is future ready. He highlighted the challenges for rural communities, businesses and residents and how important the strategy is to these areas. He discussed the need for an excellent digital infrastructure to underpin and deliver ambitions and the Council’s role in removing barriers for commercial investment. He added the social, environmental and cultural benefits of technology to support communities and unlock opportunities.

Ø  Cllr Amanda Jupp, Cabinet Member for Adults Services commended the team on the Strategy and emphasised the importance for the economy’s growth for residents. Cllr Jupp said that improved mobile connectivity will be important and useful in agricultural and horticultural sectors which occupy rural areas.

Ø  Cllr Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire and Rescue welcomed the strategy and explained the importance for the Council to be with or ahead of the curve in digital advancements. He felt the strategy linked well with the Council Plan priorities particularly in helping people and communities to fulfil their potential.  

Ø  Cllr Joy Dennis, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport commended the Strategy and gave an example of the success it has achieved already with a better connected broadband scheme for a local business.

11.4     Cllr Waight summarised that targets and KPIs are available and progress will be monitored. He said the Strategy will develop as things move forward and agreed with the need for the Council to keep up to date and to continue to be innovative in the digital space as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) develops rapidly.

11.5     Resolved – that Cabinet endorses the West Sussex County Council Digital Infrastructure Strategy 2023-2030.

The next meeting of the Cabinet will be held on 12 September 2023.

12.1     The next meeting of Cabinet will be held on 12 September 2023.