Meeting documents

People Scrutiny Committee
Tuesday, 8th April, 2014 6.30 pm

Place:
Civic Suite, Civic Centre, Southend-on-Sea
 

Attendance Details

ItemDescriptionResolution
Part I
928 Apologies and substitutions.
 Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Betson (substitute Cllr Longley) and Ms Clarke (co-opted member, substitute Mr M Gillett).
929 Declarations of interest.
 The following interests were declared at the meeting:

(a) Councillors Courtenay and Salter - interest in the referred/called-in items; attended pursuant to the dispensation agreed at Council on 19th July 2012, under S.33 of the Localism Act 2011;

(b) Councillor Woodley - agenda items relating to - School Term Dates; Free School Meals; in depth scrutiny project - non-pecuniary - Governor at Thorpe Greenways School;

(c) Councillor A J Jones - agenda item relating to Chairman's update - non-pecuniary - company represents Southend Hospital;

(d) Councillor Chalk - agenda items relating to - School Term Dates; Free School Meals; in depth scrutiny project; selective school places - Governor at Friars Primary School and Bournes Green Infant School;

(e) Councillor Dr Caunce - agenda items relating to - School Term Dates; Free School Meals; selective school places - Governor at Barons Court School;

(f) Councillor Kaye - agenda items relating to - in depth scrutiny project; Chairman's update - non-pecuniary - governor at Bournes Green Infants School; Mental Health Act Manager SEPT, Chairman for Hearings;

(g) Councillor Robertson - agenda items relating to - learning disabilities; future provision of in house day services - non-pecuniary - NED with Affinity Trust;

(h) Councillor D Norman - agenda item relating to in depth scrutiny report - non-pecuniary - Governor at Westcliff High School for Boys;

(i) Councillor A P Jones - agenda items relating to - Schools Progress report; Seabrook College; Free School Meals; in depth scrutiny project; selective school places - Governor at Porters Grange and Milton Hall Primary Schools, member of Equalities and Diversity Panel at Sacred Heart Primary School;

(j) Councillor Longley - agenda item relating to in depth scrutiny project - non-pecuniary - Governor at Southchurch Adult Education Centre;

(k) Councillor Godwin - agenda item relating to Seabrook College - non-pecuniary - Governor at College;

(l) Councillor Salter - agenda item relating to Chairman's update - husband is consultant vascular surgeon at Southend General Hospital;

(m) Mr M Gillett - agenda item relating to future provision of in house day services - non-pecuniary - Trustee and Treasurer of the Village which meets at Avro Centre.
930 Questions from Members of the Public.
 There were no questions from members of the public.
931 Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday, 28th January, 2014
 Resolved:-

That the Minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday, 28th January, 2014 be confirmed and signed.
932 Monthly Performance Report (MPR)
Business for item 932
Resolved:-

That the report be noted.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- As appropriate to the item.
933 Item called in from The Cabinet minutes of Tuesday, 18th March, 2014.
 
Accommodation proposal for Seabrook College
Scrutiny Comment for item 933
Business for item 933
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

"1. That the challenges be noted and that the necessary action to improve outcomes for this vulnerable group of young people, including the proposed accommodation changes, be approved.

2. That the Crown College building be acquired on a leasehold basis by the Council and a provision be made in the budget for the estimated rent and running costs of £100,000 per annum to include rent of no more than £50,000 per annum which will be funded from the Schools Revenue Budget. The capital costs of any necessary improvements, alterations and set-up costs will be met by Seabrook College along with the securing of an option to purchase or a right of pre-emption in the lease by officers.

3. That the terms for a lease be agreed with Eastwood School to enable the expansion of the nurture provision there and a provision be made for the estimated rent and running costs of £40,000 per annum to include no more than £20,000 per annum initial rent funded from the Schools Revenue Budget. Any necessary adaptations and improvements to make the available space fit-for-purpose will be funded by Seabrook College. [Note - This Cabinet proposal will no longer be proceeding, as stated in the preamble to this Minute].

4. That once the Shoebury Centre at the Renown is vacated, it be declared surplus and considered for demolition (subject to the Secretary of State's approval) pending disposal and/or the redevelopment of the wider area (including Friars Library and Community Centre).

5. That Seabrook College continues to operate out of Priory School as its main base.

6. That the accommodation at Stock Road be maintained for the foreseeable future for vocational courses and reviewed in the longer term.

7. That agreement to detailed terms of any leasing arrangements be delegated to the Head of Finance and Resources in consultation with the Executive Councillors for Children and Learning and Corporate Support Services."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillors:- Courtenay and Moring.
934 Item called in from The Cabinet minutes of Tuesday, 18th March, 2014.
 
Annual Report on the Implementation of Southend on Sea's SEN Strategy 2013-2016
Scrutiny Comment for item 934
Business for item 934
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:-

"1. That the submitted report be noted.

2. That the progress of the Strategy be noted."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Courtenay.
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny on 28th January 2014 (Minute 713 refers).
935 Item called in from The Cabinet minutes of Tuesday, 18th March, 2014.
 
Autism Spectrum Conditions Draft Commissioning Strategy
Scrutiny Comment for item 935
Business for item 935
Resolved:-

That the following decision of Cabinet be noted:-

"That the Autism Strategy and Action Plan be endorsed for formal public consultation and subsequent implementation."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Salter.
936 Item called in from The Cabinet minutes of Tuesday, 18th March, 2014.
 
Draft Commissioning Strategy: Learning Disabilities
Scrutiny Comment for item 936
Business for item 936
Resolved:-

That the following decision of Cabinet be noted:-

"That the Learning Disability Strategy and Action Plan be endorsed for formal consultation and subsequent implementation."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Salter.
937 Item called in from The Cabinet minutes of Tuesday, 18th March, 2014.
 
Outcome of the Formal Consultation on the Proposals for the Future Provision of In house Day Services for People with Learning Disabilities
Scrutiny Comment for item 937
Business for item 937
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:-

"1. That the response from the public consultation as detailed in appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That 49 Alexandra Street and the two satellite units (Ambleside and St. James) be designated as the permanent sites for service provision for the Avro service users and that the Avro service ceases to operate from its current site.

3. That the building work at 49 Alexandra Street be commissioned and funded from the Capital Capacity Grant.

4. That once all service users have transferred to Project 49 and settled in, plans are put in place to discontinue the use of the existing Avro building.

5. That in the short term, no change is made to the service provision at Viking. Options should be explored for relocation to a new building and proposals brought to Cabinet in due course.

6. That, where there is any impact on staff, the Council's Human Resources process will be followed.

7. That the proposed final savings and capital investment as part of the Council's budget process for 2014/15, be noted."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Salter.
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny on 28th January 2014 (Minute 714 refers).
938 Item called in from The Cabinet minutes of Tuesday, 18th March, 2014.
 
School Term Dates 2015/16
Scrutiny Comment for item 938
Business for item 938
Resolved:-

That the following decision of Cabinet be noted:-

"That the school term and holiday dates for 2015/16, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Courtenay.
939 Free School Meals - Update
Business for item 939
Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Courtenay.
940 In depth scrutiny report - Southend primary schools' falling grammar school entry figures
Business for item 940
Resolved:

1. That the report and the recommendations from the in depth scrutiny project attached at Appendix 1 to the Report be agreed.

2. That the Chairman be authorised to agree any final minor/typographical changes to the draft report that may be necessary.

3. That in accordance with Scrutiny Procedure Rule 10 (Part 4 (e) of the Constitution), the Chairman of the Project Team present the final report to a future Cabinet meeting.

Note: This is a Scrutiny Function.
941 Selective School Places 2014
Business for item 941
Resolved:

1. That the report and the significant increase of children gaining a selective place be noted.

2. That the collection of future information be agreed as set out in 5.1 of the report.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Courtenay.
942 Chairman's update
Business for item 942
Resolved:

1. That the report and actions taken be noted.

2. That a letter be sent to the Chief Executive NHS England, Essex Area Team regarding the Committees' concerns about progress with regard to the Essex stroke review.

3. That the Chief Executive of Southend Hospital Trust be requested to provide an urgent update on progress with regard to the A&E service.

Note:- This is a Scrutiny Function.
943 Exclusion of the Public.
 Resolved:

That, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the items of business set out below on the grounds that they involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.
Part II(Confidential)
944 Schools Progress Report
  • (Attachment: 28)Report of Corporate Director for People
Business for item 944
Resolved:

That the report be noted.

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Courtenay.
945 Vote of Thanks
 The Chairman thanked the Committee for their support and participation at the meetings over the last Municipal Year. In response members of the Committee thanked the Chairman.
18.30 / 21.25

Attendance Details

Present:
Councillor Kaye (Chairman), Councillors Flewitt (Vice-Chair), Carr, Dr Caunce, Chalk, Crystall, Day, Grimwade, Hadley, A J Jones, A P Jones, Longley*, Morgan, Norman, Robertson, Walker and Woodley

Ms Semmence and Mr Keay (co-opted members) and Mr Gillett (substitute co-opted member)

(*Substitute in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 31)
In attendance:
Councillors Courtenay and Salter (Executive Councillors)
Councillor Godwin
D Simon, F Abbott, S Leftley, Dr Atherton, K Marks, M Singleton, S Bingham and P Warner

Scrutiny Comment

ItemComment
933 Called in by Councillors I D Gilbert and M L Borton.
Final call on 26/03/2014 at 10:56
Supported by G Longley, P Collins
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:

"1. That the challenges be noted and that the necessary action to improve outcomes for this vulnerable group of young people, including the proposed accommodation changes, be approved.

2. That the Crown College building be acquired on a leasehold basis by the Council and a provision be made in the budget for the estimated rent and running costs of £100,000 per annum to include rent of no more than £50,000 per annum which will be funded from the Schools Revenue Budget. The capital costs of any necessary improvements, alterations and set-up costs will be met by Seabrook College along with the securing of an option to purchase or a right of pre-emption in the lease by officers.

3. That the terms for a lease be agreed with Eastwood School to enable the expansion of the nurture provision there and a provision be made for the estimated rent and running costs of £40,000 per annum to include no more than £20,000 per annum initial rent funded from the Schools Revenue Budget. Any necessary adaptations and improvements to make the available space fit-for-purpose will be funded by Seabrook College. [Note - This Cabinet proposal will no longer be proceeding, as stated in the preamble to this Minute].

4. That once the Shoebury Centre at the Renown is vacated, it be declared surplus and considered for demolition (subject to the Secretary of State's approval) pending disposal and/or the redevelopment of the wider area (including Friars Library and Community Centre).

5. That Seabrook College continues to operate out of Priory School as its main base.

6. That the accommodation at Stock Road be maintained for the foreseeable future for vocational courses and reviewed in the longer term.

7. That agreement to detailed terms of any leasing arrangements be delegated to the Head of Finance and Resources in consultation with the Executive Councillors for Children and Learning and Corporate Support Services."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillors:- Courtenay and Moring.
934 Called in by Councillors I D Gilbert and M L Borton.
Final call on 26/03/2014 at 10:56
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:-

"1. That the submitted report be noted.

2. That the progress of the Strategy be noted."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Courtenay.
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny on 28th January 2014 (Minute 713 refers).
935 Called in by Councillors I D Gilbert and M L Borton.
Final call on 26/03/2014 at 10:56
Resolved:-

That the following decision of Cabinet be noted:-

"That the Autism Strategy and Action Plan be endorsed for formal public consultation and subsequent implementation."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Salter.
936 Called in by Councillors I D Gilbert and M L Borton.
Final call on 26/03/2014 at 10:57
Resolved:-

That the following decision of Cabinet be noted:-

"That the Learning Disability Strategy and Action Plan be endorsed for formal consultation and subsequent implementation."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Salter.
937 Called in by Councillors I D Gilbert and M L Borton.
Final call on 26/03/2014 at 10:57
Resolved:-

That the following decisions of Cabinet be noted:-

"1. That the response from the public consultation as detailed in appendix 1 to the submitted report, be noted.

2. That 49 Alexandra Street and the two satellite units (Ambleside and St. James) be designated as the permanent sites for service provision for the Avro service users and that the Avro service ceases to operate from its current site.

3. That the building work at 49 Alexandra Street be commissioned and funded from the Capital Capacity Grant.

4. That once all service users have transferred to Project 49 and settled in, plans are put in place to discontinue the use of the existing Avro building.

5. That in the short term, no change is made to the service provision at Viking. Options should be explored for relocation to a new building and proposals brought to Cabinet in due course.

6. That, where there is any impact on staff, the Council's Human Resources process will be followed.

7. That the proposed final savings and capital investment as part of the Council's budget process for 2014/15, be noted."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Salter.
This matter had previously been subject to pre-Cabinet scrutiny on 28th January 2014 (Minute 714 refers).
938 Called in by Councillors G Longley and P Collins.
Final call on 26/03/2014 at 12:12
Resolved:-

That the following decision of Cabinet be noted:-

"That the school term and holiday dates for 2015/16, as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report, be approved."

Note:- This is an Executive Function.
Executive Councillor:- Courtenay.

Business

ItemBusiness
932The Committee considered Minute 851 of Cabinet held on 18th March, 2014, together with the Monthly Performance Report (MPR) covering the period to the end of February 2014, which had been circulated on 2nd April 2014.
933The Committee considered Minute 856 of Cabinet held on 18th March, 2014, which had been called in to scrutiny, together with a report of the Corporate Director for People which provided an update on the current challenges facing the accommodation for Seabrook College and proposing changes which would facilitate on-going improvements.

The Committee noted that the item had also been called in to the Policy & Resources Scrutiny Committee meeting on 10th April 2014.

The Executive Councillor explained that unfortunately the Cabinet proposal in (3) below regarding Eastwood School could no longer proceed and would be subject to a further report to Cabinet, which will be subject to shadow portfolio member consultation and will be eligible for call in.
934The Committee considered Minute 858 of Cabinet held on 18th March, 2014, which had been called in to scrutiny, together with a report of the Corporate Director for People which provided an update on the implementation plan for the strategy for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities.
935The Committee considered Minute 859 of Cabinet held on 18th March, 2014, which had been called in to scrutiny, together with a report of the Corporate Director for People which outlined the key principles of the Autism Spectrum Conditions Strategy.

The Corporate Director for People agreed to adopt the comments made about there being better ‘linkages' expressed in the Strategy between children and adults.
936The Committee considered Minute 861 of Cabinet held on 18th March, 2014, which had been called in to scrutiny, together with a report of the Corporate Director for People which outlined the key principles of the Learning Disability Strategy.

In response to questions, the Corporate Director for People agreed to add to the strategy ‘person centred care' and to adopt the comments made about the wording of sections 6.8 and 6.9 of the covering report. The Council's Head of Adult Services also confirmed that the action plan will be finalised at the end of the 3 month consultation period.
937The Committee considered Minute 862 of Cabinet held on 18th March, 2014, which had been called in to scrutiny, together with a report of the Corporate Director for People which presented the outcomes and findings of the public consultation which ran from 21st October 2013 to 12th January 2014 on the proposals for the future provision of in-house day services for people with a learning disability.
938The Committee considered Minute 863 of Cabinet held on 18th March, 2014, which had been called in to scrutiny, together with a report of the Corporate Director for People detailing the proposed school term and holiday dates for the 2015/16 academic year.
939Further to Minute 711 of the meeting held on 28th January 2014, the Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director for People which updated members on the progress of schools in meeting the requirement for providing Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) from September 2014.

The Committee noted that the Corporate Director for People agreed to provide a monitoring report for consideration by the October meeting of the Committee which would include information on how schools are meeting the requirements / serving meals.
940The Committee considered a report by the Corporate Director for Corporate Services seeking formal approval to the draft report of the scrutiny project on "Southend Primary Schools' Falling Grammar School Entry Figures".

The Executive Councillor undertook that a report would be presented to Cabinet with an action plan on how the ‘Pledges' would be delivered which the Scrutiny Committee would be able to consider by way of pre Cabinet scrutiny and the Corporate Director for People agreed to provide the Scrutiny Committee with regular updates on progress thereafter.
941The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director for People which updated members on the allocation of places to Southend selective schools 2014.

Section 5.1 of the report set out details around the collection of future information, as follows:

• In what area pupils live;
• For Southend pupils, what type of school attended;
• Changes to the numbers gaining a place by primary school;
• A meeting with CSSE annually to establish the number of pupils taking the selective test. Appendices 1 and 2 of the report provided an indication of how this data would be presented.
942The Committee received a report of the Corporate Director for People which updated Members on some scrutiny matters, as follows:

(a) Information on Essex Stroke review - set out in 3.1 of the report and at Appendix 1 - noted.

The Committee had major concerns about the progress of this review and asked that NHS England be requested to provide an urgent update on progress / plans, including issues concerning the Ambulance Trust. The Committee also requested that the response to be circulated to members of the Committee. Alongside this the Committee asked that the Chief Executive of the Hospital be asked to provide an update on issues around A&E service.

(b) Update on use of pupil premium - set out in section 3.2 of the report - noted;
(c) Inspection programme for Care Quality Commission (CQC) - set out in 3.3 of the report and at Appendix 2 - noted;
(d) Planned approach for Quality Accounts 2013 / 14 - set out in 3.4 of the report - agreed;
(e) Update on 2 regional events attended - set out in 3.5 of the report - noted.
944The Committee received a report of the Corporate Director for People. This advised Members on measures taken to support, challenge and intervene in schools identified as causing concern and also advised Members of the impact of those measures.

In response to questions, the Executive Councillor said that he would be happy to include peer / comparator authority information in future reports.

 

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