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.

A Leader of the Council

B Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transportation

C Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing

D Cabinet Member for Planning & Environment

E Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

F Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Public Health

G Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

H Cabinet Member for Resources

Leader

Mr M Tett highlighted the following updates:

• The Council had received an announcement from the Secretary of State, James Brokenshire, to establish a single unitary council for Buckinghamshire.
• Meetings had been arranged with District Chief Executives and there had also been a meeting held with Leaders of the District Councils
• A decision regarding the number of Members in the new council was still to be made; the business case stated 98 whereas the announcement stated 147.  Mr Tett confirmed that this would impact the savings set out in the business case and would mean less money devolved to parish and town councils.
• Mr Tett highlighted that there was also concern regarding the legal structure proposed by Central Government which could add a cost pressure of £2m. 
• Representation would be made to the Secretary of State on the Council’s behalf.

In response to Member questions, the Leader highlighted the following:

• Any options for the creation of new Town Councils would be for the new council to decide in consultation with Members and residents.
• All Members agreed the importance of retaining the detail in the business case in relation to 98 Members rather than 147 particularly as the higher number would impact savings.
• A Member raised the need for work to help residents understand how accessible the new council would be.
• All stakeholders were urged to work together to ensure the successful implementation of the business case.
• Equal representation on the Implementation Executive was raised.  Mr Tett stated that he wanted to work in partnership with district colleagues and learnings from other authorities showed that implementation needed to be clearly led by those wanting to implement the changes.

Cabinet Member for Transportation

Mr M Shaw highlighted the following updates:

• £4.6m budget to be spent on roads and road assets by the end of the financial year.  Mr Shaw commented that it was not the most suitable time of the year to be spending money on repairs that would not last the winter weather
• Mr Shaw passed on his thanks to all gritting teams for their hard work
• A recent bid had been submitted for installation of smart data within communities to help grade roads. The presentation was a dragons den style and 10 highway authorities were soon to be knocked down to 6. 

In response to Member questions, the Cabinet Member highlighted the following:

• Mr Butcher thanked the Cabinet Member and Transport for Buckinghamshire (TfB) for the resurfacing and traffic calming on Dean Way. 
• Mr Shaw also confirmed that the plane and patch programme would continue into the new year with LATs managing the programme to ensure local needs were met.
• A Member raised measures taken to stop HGVs using Marlow suspension bridge and reassurances were given regarding the implementation of the Freight Strategy and the measures it would take regarding HGV movements.  It was noted that some HGVs were still using the bridge at Marlow and Members would continue to liaise with the council and TVP to ensure it was used correctly.
• Mr Shaw highlighted the strict criteria for using the additional £4.5m road budget and confirmed the £1.5m budget for the footpath and pavement programme.

Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing

No further questions were raised.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment:

Mr Chapple highlighted the following updates:

• The Council had hosted 60 young engineers from Holland who had cycled and worked around Aylesbury to see how the town could be improved for all modes of transport but particularly bicycles.  Their findings were presented to a team of judges and there were a number of ideas to take forward. 

In response to Member questions, the Cabinet Member highlighted the following:

• A Member congratulated the Fly tipping Enforcement team for the number of successful convictions.  It was noted that it was felt that the penalties imposed by Magistrates were not enough.  Mr Chapple highlighted that most fly tipping was carried out by criminals and not the general public and Bucks caught 1 in 38 against the national average of 1 in 638.  Mr Chapple stated that he had recently met with the Deputy Prime Minster to discuss.
• Mr Chapple also agreed to write to the Lord Chancellor regarding the matter and would send a copy to all Members.

Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

Mr Appleyard highlighted the following points:

• Mr Appleyard had recently attended the opening of a school extension and the breaking of the earth at another, which collectively would add another 400+ school places in the county. 
• In the next five years the Council had to deliver an additional 10k spaces which was why the Capital Programme was £75m a year.

Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Public Health

Mr Brown highlighted the following points:

• Thanked officers for the work that continued to win awards, improving health and welling of residents.
• Highlighted Mirco:bits now available in libraries
• Fundraising efforts by Alderman Peter Lawrence who was swimming 90 lengths for his 90^th birthday to raise money for Bloodwise.

In response to Member questions, the Cabinet Member highlighted the following:

• Mr Brown gave assurances that the wellbeing of officers was being considered as part of the unitary implementation and support was in place.

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services.

Mr Whyte highlighted the following points:

• The Early Help consultation continued and would close on 13 December.  Over 450 responses had been received so far and more information could be found on the website here.
• Three drop in session had been announced to cover North Bucks, Disraeli Wycombe and the Ivers.
• Paper copies of the consultation were available at libraries and children’s centres
• Mr Irwin’s Christmas present appeal was underway and Mr Whyte encouraged all to donate.

In response to Member questions, the Cabinet Member highlighted the following:

• Following a Members concern relating to the terminology used and the promotion of the consultation, Mr Whyte urged all Members to speak to residents to help them understand what the consultation covered and additional paper copies would be available on request.
• Following a question regarding the reduction in the number of adoptions, Mr Whyte agreed to check with the team and report back to Mr D Martin.

Cabinet Member for Resources

No further questions were raised.