Meeting documents

To note the written report of Cabinet Members, and any written questions & responses received.

 

To receive any additional verbal updates from Cabinet Members on their reports, as well as provide an opportunity for any oral questions from Members.

 

9a. Leader of the Council

9b. Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transportation

9c. Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

9d. Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing

9e. Cabinet Member for Education & Skills

9f.  Cabinet Member for Community Engagement & Public Health

9g. Cabinet Member for Resources

9h. Cabinet Member for Planning & Environment

9a. Leader of the Council

 

In response to a question from a Member, the Leader of the Council Mr M Tett confirmed that the Sub-national Transport Body (STB) was not a regional group.  Mr Tett explained that the STB was a bottom-up defined coalition which stretched across regional boundaries.

 

In response to a question about the expectation of the Brexit task and finish group, Mr Tett explained that the group was led by a senior officer who was working closely with the LGA to discuss which powers should be returned to local government.

 

9b. Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transportation

 

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transportation Mr M Shaw reported that the Secretary of State had reconfirmed his commitment to deliver the East/West Rail project.  Mr Shaw showed his support for Project Edward Day (European Day Without A Road Death) and encouraged other Members to support this initiative.

 

Mr Shaw read out a message from Mr B Bendyshe-Brown who was recovering in Hospital.

 

In response to Members’ questions, Mr Shaw made the following points:

 

·         The A4 cycle way strategic link had been discussed at two public consultation meetings and a written response to the consultation had been prepared.  Mr Shaw confirmed that he had listened to the local views and substantial changes had been made to the scheme.

·         The Governance Board was chaired by the Deputy Cabinet Member and going forward any changes to the charging policy would be discussed with the local Member.

·         Mr Shaw agreed to follow-up the contract of work between Ringway Jacobs and Wycombe District Council.

·         The consultation around the proposed parking scheme in Marlow would be commencing soon.

·         There was a small budget of £1.5m for repairing footways.

·         Mr Shaw stressed that taxi ranks were a District Council responsibility but the Council had worked closely with the taxi groups and other key partners to make Aylesbury a thriving town.

·         The Council had devolved grass cutting to certain parishes and the Council continued to work closely with Parish Councils to enhance facilities for their local areas.

·         The congestion on the London Road had been a challenge for some time but Mr Shaw welcomed the local Member involvement in shaping the plans.

 

(Mr C Etholen left the meeting)

 

9c. Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

 

The Deputy Cabinet Member, Mrs J Teesdale highlighted the success of the "Looked After Children" event at Green Park.

 

In response to Members’ questions, the Deputy Cabinet Member for Children’s Services made the following points:

 

·         The Early Help consultation was due to finish on 16^th October and the results would help shape the delivery of services.

·         Mrs Teesdale asked the senior officer to respond after the meeting to concerns raised about the progress made from Ofsted’s last monitoring visit.

·         The Council was expecting an Ofsted inspection shortly.

·         In terms of Children’s Centres, the aim was to put resources in the right place where those most in need would have access to them.

·         Mrs Teesdale would look into why Walton Court had not been listed as a Children’s Centre.

 

9d. Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing

 

In response to Members’ questions, the Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing, Ms L Hazell made the following points:

 

·         There were some care homes that were not sustainable but the Council did believe that it was paying the correct rates.

·         Regular meetings took place between the Council and Seeley’s House, including the users of the facility.  The recent CQC report rated Seeley’s House as "required improvement".  Ms Hazell confirmed that the Council would continue to run the facility until an alternative could be found.  Day services were also available across the County.  Any further changes in the provision of respite care would be shared with Members.

·         Ms Hazell confirmed that she had not yet engaged with the Dementia Action Alliance but would be doing so.

 

9e. Cabinet Member for Education & Skills

 

Mr A Hussain, Deputy Cabinet Member for Education & Skills, made the following points in response to questions from Members.

 

·         The Council would work hard to continue funding the Erasmus programme post-Brexit.

·         Mr Hussain said he would come back to the Member about the response from the Council on Aylesbury Vale Academy’s recent Ofsted report.

·         The Council recognised the increased pressures and demands placed on Headteachers and support and advice was provided by the Council when required.

 

A Member commended the work of the Aylesbury Study Centre.

 

9f. Cabinet Member for Community Engagement & Public Health

 

Mr N Brown, Cabinet Member for Community Engagement & Public Health reported on the County Show and thanked all those involved in making the event such a success.  He paid particular thanks to his Deputy Cabinet Member, Mrs A Wight.

 

A Member congratulated the County Museum Trust on their recent funding success.

 

In response to a question about the National Trading Standards Scams team, Mr Brown reported that the joint trading standards team between the Council and Surrey County Council had been very beneficial and receiving national involvement would only help to strengthen this area of work.

 

9g. Cabinet Member for Resources

 

The Cabinet Member for Resources, Mr J Chilver responded to an earlier question and explained that the value of risk was a complex formula that measured volatility of investments.  Members were told that the Council’s risk was minimal as most investments were cash deposits with only a small amount being invested in property funds and that risk management was covered in the Treasury Management Strategy.

 

Mr Chilver made the following points in response to Members’ questions:

 

·         The importance of contract management was acknowledged and an extensive training programme would be rolled out shortly, including best practice across the Council.

 

9h. Cabinet Member for Planning & Environment

 

Mr B Chapple OBE, Cabinet Member for Planning & Environment reported on the Government’s recent housing figures.

 

In response to questions from Members’, Mr Chapple made the following points:

 

·         He confirmed that he would be happy to visit Marlow to see the flood system.

·         There was a national agreement to increase housing and Buckinghamshire had to take a share of the increased housing but he would continue to lobby MPs.

·         The Energy from Waste plant had been deemed a success but local concerns were acknowledged.  Mr Chapple would be attending Parish meetings to listen to the local concerns.

·         Infrastructure would be looked at in light of the Infrastructure Strategy which included schools and roads.

·         The flooding prevention scheme at the Willows appeared to be working well.  He acknowledged the work of County Councillor Steven Lambert.

·         An initial meeting had taken place to discuss Aylesbury Garden Town and the intention would be to consult with many key stakeholders as the plans develop, including the Town Council.

 

The Leader of the Council added that housing was a District Council responsibility and he urged Members to make representations to their District Council Leaders.  Mr Tett told Council that there was a £2.3bn national infrastructure fund and the County had put bids together for part of this funding.

 

The Chairman commented on the flowers in Aylesbury and wished to record her thanks to the Town Council.