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 Community Engagement & Public Health

D Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

E Cabinet Member for Education & Skills

F Cabinet Member for Planning & Environment

G Cabinet Member for Health & Wellbeing

H Cabinet Member for Resources

Leader

Mr Tett highlighted that following the motion that was passed at the last Council meeting relating to Kashmir, he had written to MPs and their responses had been circulated to members.  There had also been a motion passed opposing The Expressway that was to run through Buckinghamshire and that there had been a subsequent statement by the Secretary of State regarding a future review of The Expressway that he found encouraging.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport

Mr Shaw announced that Transport for Bucks (TfB) had been awarded a national award from the Institution of Asset Management for the asset management and customer service.  The award was a fantastic achievement and full credit and congratulations was given to TfB.

In response to Members’ questions the following main points were noted:

• Following unprecedented rain fall all efforts were being made to clear as many gullies as possible to elevate any flood risks.  It was an area that was highlighted for further investment.
• Painting white lines in winter months was not effective hence the programme to start again in April.  Mr Shaw however did say that he would ask TfB to look into particular areas raised.
• Mr Shaw agreed to visit Desborough Road in Wycombe with Mrs L Clarke.
• Mr Collingwood to contact Local Area Technician in relation to yellow junction box.
• Mr Shaw would discuss failed roads with the Asset Management team.
• Mr Shaw confirmed the budget for footpaths had been reinstated as an important area of focus particularly in areas leading to schools, doctors etc.  It was also noted that any law to change parking on pavements would have to be considered nationally.

Cabinet Member for Community Engagement and Public Health

Mr Williams highlighted the recent Emotional Wellbeing Conference that took place which promoted mental health in schools.  95 colleagues from over 50 schools had attended.

In response to Members’ questions the following main points were noted:

• Residents of Winslow were reassured that their concerns regarding the community library were being listened to and would remain open.
• Mr Williams would meet with Mr Hussain to discuss any support that may be available to help reopen the Healthy Living Centre café on Walton Court.

Cabinet Member for Children’s Services

Mr Whyte highlighted the following points from his report:

• Fostering and Care Awards evening that had recently taken place and the next round of information events taking place were on 18 December in Buckingham and 15 January in Aylesbury.  To book and to find dates for 2020 information events visit the council’s website https://www.buckscc.gov.uk/services/care-for-children-and-families/fostering/fostering-information-event/
• A new adoption readiness checker had been launched and adoption information events would take place on 5 December in Chesham and the 8 January in Aston Clinton.  Mr Whyte encouraged members to promote these events.
• Excellent results had been received from the Virtual School. 
• The Christmas present appeal would run again this year and Mr Whyte urged staff and members to donate.
• A successful Action 4 Youth event had been hosted by the County Council which involved students from Buckingham School.  Mr Whyte thanked all those involved and officers who had organised the event.

In response to Members’ questions the following main points were noted:

• Mr Whyte agreed to feedback to Mrs Clarke help and support that was in place for young carers to ensure they did not get left behind in their education.

Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

Mrs Cranmer highlighted recent A-level results which were above national average, that the county were 5^th nationally for GCSE’s and scored across the board higher than national average in reading and writing skills.  Mrs Cranmer highlighted the excellent programmes in place to support schools which included the Side by Side programme which covered up to 100 schools and provided up to 18 days of expert skills to them. 

In response to Members’ questions the following main points were noted:

• Mrs Cranmer also agreed to feedback to Mrs Clarke help and support that was in place for young carers to ensure they did not get left behind in their education.
• There still needed to be a focus on supporting those children in care or from troubled families that were not performing to the national average.
• Mrs Cranmer assured members that there was no outstanding Home to School Transport cases to be resolved and that a thorough review of the process was underway.  Mrs Cranmer stated that the changes in place for post 16 SEN young people, where they would have to contribute to their travel, had been postponed until September as it had been recognised that communications had been lacking.  Following the meeting it was confirmed that it was in fact the procurement of the service that had been delayed to September and not the changes implemented.
• Mrs Cranmer confirmed there were policies and procedures in place to help the most challenged schools and was happy to discuss any particular concerns members had outside of the meeting.

Cabinet Member for Planning and Environment

Mr Harriss deputised for Mr Chapple in giving an update and highlighted the success of the recently installed wood leaky barriers which were a natural flood barrier and had held up against recent rainfall.

In response to Members’ questions the following main points were noted:

• Mr Harriss would write to the Canal and River Trust regarding the state of the steps and tow path on the Wendover arm of the Grand Union Canal.
• It was highlighted that the work following the climate change motion passed at the previous council was ongoing and was a continuation of work at the council for some time. 
• Mr Harriss would respond to Mr Reed regarding his question relating to the enforcement of commercial fly tipping.
• Mr Tett confirmed that those local plans that had been approved and adopted would go through to the new council; in relation to the Chiltern and South Bucks plan, the timescales indicated adoption would be after vesting day.
• Mr Harriss would speak to household waste recycling centre operatives and make arrangements for those carrying out community litter picking and disposing of fly tipping not to be charged.

Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing

No further update to that given in the report.

Cabinet Member for Resources

Mr Chilver highlighted that the Employer Branding Team were thrilled to win an award of ‘Social Media Superstars’.

In response to Members’ questions the following main points were noted:

Mr Chilver confirmed that a working group had been set up to discuss the IT provisions for members of the new council and that he was happy for members to feed in any comments or issues.