Agenda, decisions and minutes

Cabinet - Wednesday 13 November 2019 10.00 am

Venue: Cabinet Suite - Shire Hall, Gloucester. View directions

Contact: Jo Moore 

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies

To note any apologies for absence.

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Roger Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care: Commissioning.   

2.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 194 KB

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 2019 (minutes attached).

Minutes:

The minutes of the meeting held on 9 October 2019 were agreed and signed as a correct record of that meeting.

3.

Declarations of Interest

To  declare any pecuniary or personal interests relating to specific matters on the agenda.

 

Please see information note (1) at the end of the agenda

 

Minutes:

No declarations of interest were made at the meeting.  

4.

Questions at Cabinet Meetings pdf icon PDF 61 KB

Up to 30 minutes is allowed for this item.

 

Written questions

 

To answer any written questions from a County Councillor, (or any person living or working in the county, or is affected by the work of the County Council), about any matter which relates to any item on the agenda for this meeting.

 

The closing date for the receipt of written questions was 4.00 pm on Thursday 7 November 2019

 

Questions submitted in writing to jo.moore@gloucestershire.gov.uk

 

A written answer will be provided for each written question received (to be presented to the questioner and to Cabinet in advance of the meeting). The questions and answers will be taken as read at the meeting and need not be read out.

 

At the discretion of the Leader, each questioner (in attendance at the meeting) will be invited to ask one supplementary question at the meeting (in response to the answer given to the original question).

 

A copy of all written questions and answers circulated at the meeting will be attached to the signed copy of the minutes of the meeting.

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

One public question, (relating to item 10 of the agenda), plus 7 member questions were submitted for consideration prior to the meeting.

 

Please refer to the link below to view the responses to the questions: -

 

http://192.168.220.171:9071/documents/b16254/Questions%20and%20Answers%20Wednesday%2013-Nov-2019%2010.00%20Cabinet.pdf?T=9

 

If unable to access the document at the link above, please go to the link below and select the ‘Cabinet Questions and Answers’ PDF document at the top of the web page: - 

 

http://192.168.220.171:9071/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=117&MId=9231&Ver=4

 

The following supplementary questions were asked at the meeting.

 

Member Questions:

 

Question 1: Cllr Paul Hodgkinson

 

Agenda Item 6: Financial Monitoring Report

 

Describing the overspend in the Children and Families Budget as a ‘massive’ overspend, Cllr Hodgkinson asked if it was time to invest in the placement of Gloucestershire’s children in care placements ‘in county’ rather than ‘out of county’? Cllr Hodgkinson referred to the anticipated savings this would make and asked if the Cabinet Member agreed this would be worth looking at?

 

Response by: Cllr Richard Boyles (Cabinet Member: Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years)

 

Cllr Boyles referred to the council’s investment in Trevone House and to the large volume of work that had been undertaken following approval of the Sufficiency Strategy for Children and Young People in January 2019. Cllr Boyles confirmed every effort was being made to ensure the needs of vulnerable children within the county were being met. Working with providers and practitioners, the council was committed to matching children’s needs with the appropriate provision.

 

Question 2: Cllr Paul Hodgkinson

 

Agenda Item 6: Financial Monitoring Report

 

Cllr Hodgkinson questioned the amount of government funding some schools in Gloucestershire were likely to receive following the financial settlement announcement and what was being done to ensure the schools received the funding they deserved.

 

Response by: Cllr Mark Hawthorne (Leader of the Council)

 

Cllr Hawthorne advised that it would be necessary to await notification from the Department for Education (DfE) before confirming the amount of funding awarded to schools in Gloucestershire. Cllr Hawthorne referred to the number of years the council had lobbied government on the national formula for funding and said he was pleased with the commitment from the Prime Minister’s Office on the proposal to award each secondary school pupil with a minimum of £5,000 per pupil and each primary school pupil with a minimum of £3,750 per pupil in 2020 and £4,000 from 2021/22. He said this was good news and clearly a step in the right direction.

 

Question 3: Cllr Paul Hodgkinson

 

Agenda Item 6: Financial Monitoring Report

 

Cllr Hodgkinson expressed concern about the negative feedback he had received in response to the new highway maintenance contract and asked what issues Cllr Smith was referring to when referring to ‘cost pressures’ experienced during the mobilisation stage and bedding in period of the contract? When asked, Cllr Hodgkinson confirmed he had referred the issues reported in his division to the Local Highways Manager for that area. 

 

Response by: Cllr Vernon Smith (Cabinet Member: Highways and Flood)

 

Disappointed to hear  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

5.

Scrutiny Report: Youth Strategy Task Group pdf icon PDF 3 MB

To consider a report, (including recommendations), from the Youth Strategy Scrutiny Task Group Review.

 

The report to be presented by Cllr Lesley Williams.

Minutes:

Cllr Lesley Williams, presented the findings, (including recommendations), of the Youth Strategy Scrutiny Task Group Review. The review had been undertaken following a motion to full council in March 2019 requesting the development of a ‘Youth Strategy’ for 8 to 24 year olds in Gloucestershire.

 

The membership of the task group included; Cllrs Carole Allaway-Martin, Stephen Davies, Terry Hale, Colin Hay, Steve Robinson, Eva Ward, Lesley Williams and Suzanne Williams. The task group had received support from the Children and Families Commissioning Team.

 

Drawing attention to the task group recommendations, Cllr Williams said that the work of the task group had been very positive, and had helped to identify a number of young people who, without the work of the task group, might not have received the attention they required to address the issues they were experiencing. Work was ongoing to consider several areas of concern. These included, an insufficient number of social workers, training needs and fragmented youth work.

 

Cllr Williams questioned the level of preventative work by the council and urged Cabinet to consider the negative impact of not investing in a more proactive approach to improving the life chances of young people across the county.

 

Thanking officers for their support, Cllr Williams proposed that the following recommendations be agreed:

 

  1. That the direction of travel of council youth support services and council-supported youth provision, becomes more preventative. This means reaching out to groups of young people who may be on the cusp but have not yet been referred by police, education, health or social care for specialist youth support;

 

  1. That the council works with its partners to organise a programme of regular events for people and organisations working in the youth sector (from whatever angle) for the purpose of networking, collaboration and continuous professional development. Some of these are countywide, others specific to a district.

 

  1. That the council works with its partners to agree a new common approach to the youth work training pathway, from youth leadership to volunteer training to degree-level professional qualification. To support this, the council to build in to any specification for youth support services a requirement to offer and support full youth work apprenticeships at various levels.

 

  1. That an investment is made into council youth support services to enhance outreach and street-based youth work delivery across the county, and to bring professional youth work expertise into supporting community initiatives. The minimum number of full-time JNC-qualified youth workers in the YST is one per district, each supported by at least five part-time workers (i.e. approximately double current levels).

 

  1. That an investment is made into council-supported youth provision through an adequately resourced grant programme devolved to division or district level, and supported by officers, to support and sustain the valuable preventative youth work by local voluntary and community sector organisations.

 

Cllr Richard Boyles, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years, thanked the task group for its work. He also thanked officers for the extensive work they had provided in supporting the task  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

6.

Financial Monitoring Report pdf icon PDF 138 KB

To receive an update on the year-end forecast for the council’s revenue and capital budgets 2019/20.

Decision:

Cllr Lynden Stowe, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, gave an update on the year end forecast for the 2019/20 County Council’s Revenue and Capital Budgets.

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

           

RESOLVED to

 

1.    Note the forecast revenue year end position as at the end of September 2019 for the 2019/20 financial year of a net £5.141 million overspend against the revenue budget of £429.661 million.

 

2.    Authorise the Cabinet Member for Finance and Change to work with the Director of Corporate Resources to identify options for meeting the overspend including reviewing revenue reserves and any in year efficiencies.

 

3.    Note the forecast capital year end position as at the end of September 2019 of £108.655 million and agrees to re-profile the capital budget to match the forecast.

 

4.    Approve the changes in the capital programme as outlined at paragraphs 59 to 62 of the report, which include £14.261 million on Highways, £0.028 million on Libraries, £0.151 million on Fire & Rescue, £0.270 million on AMPS.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Lynden Stowe, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, gave an update on the year end forecast for the 2019/20 County Council’s Revenue and Capital Budgets.

 

Cllr Stow reported a forecast revenue year end position as an overspend of £5.141 million, on a net budget of £429.661 million, (1.20% of the budget).

 

Cllr Stowe stated that the council’s current revenue spend on children’s services was now closer to the national average for the UK. Reflecting on the challenges presented from the highest number of children living in care across the county since April 2019, Cllr Stowe reported a significant forecast overspend in the Children and Families budget, of £10.732 million. He confirmed that this reflected the current national issue and was creating pressures on the external placements and safeguarding staff budgets. In spite of an efficiency plan being in place to reduce the overspend, the target of keeping the overspend below £5.0 million by the year end remained a very challenging target.

 

Cllr Stowe reported a forecast overspend of £0.575 million in the Communities & Infrastructure budget. This was largely due to the council’s waste budgets forecasting an overspend of £0.563 million. Other areas within the Communities & Infrastructure budget were forecast to be on (or close to) budget. Cllr Stowe informed members that, working closely with officers, he was confident the council would be able to achieve its revenue budget forecast.

 

The forecast year end position for the Capital Budget was forecast at £108. 655 million. This represented a slippage of £17.436 million against the current budget of £126.091 million. Cllr Stowe proposed an increase of £14.710 million being added to the capital programme. He believed this would help re-profile the budget inline with the current forecast, with no anticipated impact on the life cost of the council’s capital schemes.

 

Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, thanked Cllr Stowe and the finance team for their hard work in managing the council’s budget, particularly the work attributed to managing the Children’s and Families Budget. 

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

           

RESOLVED to

 

1.    Note the forecast revenue year end position as at the end of September 2019 for the 2019/20 financial year of a net £5.141 million overspend against the revenue budget of £429.661 million.

 

2.    Authorise the Cabinet Member for Finance and Change to work with the Director of Corporate Resources to identify options for meeting the overspend including reviewing revenue reserves and any in year efficiencies.

 

3.    Note the forecast capital year end position as at the end of September 2019 of £108.655 million and agrees to re-profile the capital budget to match the forecast.

 

4.    Approve the changes in the capital programme as outlined at paragraphs 59 to 62 of the report, which include £14.261 million on Highways, £0.028 million on Libraries, £0.151 million on Fire & Rescue, £0.270 million on AMPS.

 

7.

Procurement of Children's Social Care Casework Management System ("Liquidlogic") Support and Maintenance Contract pdf icon PDF 112 KB

To seek approval to procure a new contract for the maintenance of the Liquidlogic Children’s Social Care Casework Management System.  

Decision:

Cllr Lynden Stowe, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, sought approval of a new software support and maintenance contract to support the Liquidlogic Children’s Social Care Casework Management System, following expiry of the contract in March 2020.

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

           

RESOLVED to:-

 

Delegate authority to the Director of People, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance and Change, to:

 

(1)  Conduct a procurement process, using a Crown Commercial Service framework agreement (RM3821), for the award of a three-year software support and maintenance call-off contract in respect of the product known as the “Liquidlogic” Children’s Social Care Casework Management System”.  The proposed contract will include an option to extend its term by up to two further years;  

 

(2)  Award such call off contract to the supplier evaluated as in accordance with the terms of the said CCS Framework (RM3821); and   

 

(3)  Review the current Liquidlogic components on an annual basis to confirm whether all components continue to be required by the council and if any can be removed under the framework’s change control mechanism.

Minutes:

Cllr Lynden Stowe, Cabinet Member for Finance and Change, sought approval of a new software support and maintenance contract to support the Liquidlogic Children’s Social Care Casework Management System.

 

Cllr Stowe informed members that the Liquidlogic Children’s Social Care Casework Management System contract was due to end on 31 March 2020. Integral to the safeguarding of Gloucestershire’s young people and the recording of care and health assessments for care leavers and young people in care, the system is also used for the recording of visits of referred children and the recording of statutory assessments within statutory timescales.

 

Proposing that the council continue to work with the current provider, Cllr Stowe confirmed that the funding for the new contract was already included in the budget.  

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

           

RESOLVED to:-

 

Delegate authority to the Director of People, in consultation with the Cabinet Member Finance and Change, to:

 

(1)  Conduct a procurement process, using a Crown Commercial Service framework agreement (RM3821), for the award of a three-year software support and maintenance call-off contract in respect of the product known as the “Liquidlogic” Children’s Social Care Casework Management System”.  The proposed contract will include an option to extend its term by up to two further years; 

 

(2)  Award such call off contract to the supplier evaluated as in accordance with the terms of the said CCS Framework (RM3821); and  

 

(3)  Review the current Liquidlogic components on an annual basis to confirm whether all components continue to be required by the council and if any can be removed under the framework’s change control mechanism.

8.

Gloucestershire Childcare Sufficiency Assessment pdf icon PDF 90 KB

To approve the outcomes of the Gloucestershire Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2019 and associated action plan.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Cllr Richard Boyles, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years, sought approval of the Gloucestershire Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2019.

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

           

RESOLVED to: -

 

Approve the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2019 and to delegate authority to the Director of Education, (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Early Years), to make any final changes prior to publication.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Richard Boyles, Cabinet Member for Children’s Safeguarding and Early Years, sought approval of the Gloucestershire Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2019.

 

Cllr Boyles explained that the County Council had a statutory duty to secure childcare provision for children aged 0-14 and up to 18 for disabled children. One of the requirements of this duty was for local authorities to carry out an annual assessment of the childcare in their area and to produce an annual report on how the duty is being met. The aim of the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2019 was to provide the council with an analysis of childcare supply and demand in Gloucestershire, including information about the quality, accessibility and affordability of local childcare provision and identifying any gaps that might exist.

 

Cllr Boyles confirmed that there were 784 childcare settings and over 16,500 places available for children aged 0-5 years in the county. The quality of childcare in Gloucestershire was high, with 88% of 2 year olds and 92% of 3 and 4 year olds who access their funding entitlement in Ofsted rated ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ provision.

 

The issue of increasing staffing costs and funding levels, however, continued to create challenges for providers in sustaining and developing provision. Cllr Boyles advised that, for a number of years, the proportion of children in Gloucestershire achieving a good level of development or ‘school readiness’, (a key ‘early years’ performance indicator), had been lower than the national average.  Intensive work during the past year had reversed this trend, with the 2018/19 data showing a 2.8% increase in the ‘good level of development’ indicator for children living in Gloucestershire. This placed the county above the national average at 71.9%.

 

Cllr Boyles reinforced the need for children to have the best possible start in life. He reported that, whilst the take up of funded early education provision for 2 year olds remained 3% higher than the national average at 71%, this continued to remain a priority for the council’s Early Years Team. The take up of universal funded early years education for 3 and 4 year olds was currently broadly in line with national averages and had remained fairly consistent in recent years.

 

Cllr Boyles stated that the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment would provide a reassurance that there was sufficient provision to meet the needs of children requiring childcare across the county; with the greater majority of provision being good or outstanding.

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

           

RESOLVED to: -

 

Approve the Childcare Sufficiency Assessment 2019 and to delegate authority to the Director of Education, (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Children's Safeguarding and Early Years), to make any final changes prior to publication.

 

9.

M5 Junction 10 Improvement Scheme; Capital budget approval, recruitment resource allocation, delivery and construction pdf icon PDF 137 KB

To consider proposals, (including budget proposals), relating to the M5 Motorway (Junction 10) Improvement Scheme.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, sought approval of proposals relating to delivery of the M5 Motorway (Junction 10) Improvement Scheme.

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

           

RESOLVED to: -

 

Delegate authority to the Lead Commissioner, Highway Authority, (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning), to:

 

  1. Authorise an increase of £220M to the Highways Capital Budget, pending approval from the Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF);

 

  1. Recruit a dedicated project management team to the GCC Major Projects Team;

 

  1. Conduct competitive procurement processes in respect all necessary contracts required by Gloucestershire County Council for the supply of construction contracts relating to each phase of the Scheme;

 

  1. Award such contracts to the successful tenderers.

Minutes:

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, outlined the strategic importance of the M5 Motorway (Junction 10) Improvement Scheme to overcoming challenges to the county’s vision for economic growth. Particular emphasis was placed on the benefits to housing development and creating job opportunities.

 

Cllr Moor referred to the business case submission to Homes England, (via the Housing Infrastructure Fund), in March 2019, seeking funding for this, (plus several other important schemes), as investment in making extensive improvements to the county.

 

Cllr Moor explained that the M5 (Junction 10) improvement scheme would increase, accelerate and enhance housing delivery in the Joint Core Strategy area plus support the economic growth of Gloucestershire. The proposed scheme would provide greater capacity for securing planning permission for 8,000 houses at West Cheltenham, (in addition to supporting proposals relating to the recently successful Garden Village bid for Cheltenham), and assist in delivering the Cyber Central Project.

 

Pending approval of funding by the Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF), Cllr Moor proposed an increase to the Highways Capital budget; the recruitment of a dedicated project management team; and the procurement of the necessary contract agreement.

 

Drawing attention to the Due Regard Statement for the decision, Cllr Moor informed members that cabinet approval would avoid the scheme being further impeded should funding from the HIF not be granted within the required timelines. A funding announcement was anticipated by the end of the year.

 

Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, emphasised the importance of the scheme to Gloucestershire, describing the investment as ‘key to the growth plans of Gloucestershire’.  Referring to the recent announcement about the creation of a Western Gateway, the Leader confirmed that the council would continue to work with Homes England to unlock the economic prosperity of the county. Cabinet members spoke in support of the proposals, stating that the benefits of the investment extended much wider than the improvement to Junction 10 of the Motorway.

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

           

RESOLVED to: -

 

Delegate authority to the Lead Commissioner, Highway Authority, (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning), to:

 

  1. Authorise an increase of £220M to the Highways Capital Budget, pending approval from the Homes England Housing Infrastructure Fund (HIF);

 

  1. Recruit a dedicated project management team to the GCC Major Projects Team;

 

  1. Conduct competitive procurement processes in respect all necessary contracts required by Gloucestershire County Council for the supply of construction contracts relating to each phase of the Scheme;

 

  1. Award such contracts to the successful tenderers.

10.

The Procurement of Highway Construction Services relating to the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme and UK Cyber Business Park (Phases 1 and 2) pdf icon PDF 112 KB

To consider proposals relating to the commissioning of construction works in respect of the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme and UK Cyber Business Park (Phases 1 and 2) and the making of any Ancillary Orders in relation thereto.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, sought approval of proposals for the commissioning of construction works relating to the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme, including UK Cyber Business Park (Phases 1 and 2).

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

           

RESOLVED to: -

 

Delegate authority to the Lead Commissioner, Highway Authority, (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning), to:

 

  1. Conduct a competitive procurement process for the supply of highway construction works in relation to the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme; and UK Cyber Business Park Phases 1 & 2; and award such contract(s) to the successful tenderer;

 

  1. Make any other ancillary traffic regulation orders that might be required to successfully implement the scheme such as temporary traffic regulation orders (TTRO’s for speed limits etc.) during the construction phase of the project.

 

Minutes:

Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning, presented proposals seeking the commissioning of construction works relating to the West of Cheltenham Transport Improvement Scheme, (including the UK Cyber Business Park Phases 1 and 2).

 

Cllr Moor outlined the background to the decision. Referring to the A40 as ‘a key strategic route for local and national traffic exiting Junction 11 of the M5 Motorway and travelling between Gloucester and Cheltenham’, Cllr Moor drew attention to the congestion and traffic delays experienced along this busy route, particularly at peak periods.

 

Cllr Moor confirmed that the County Council was highly supportive of the UK Cyber Business Park proposals, including the proposed redevelopment of 45 hectares of employment land. Expanding on how the development would assist in promoting the economic prosperity of the County, Cllr Moor explained that the Cyber Park required access along the A40 to enter/leave Junction 11 of the M5. 

 

Members noted that a package of works had been identified to improve the capacity of the A40; reduce journey times and unlock land for future development. The four phases of the proposed scheme had an estimated total value of £22million, for which it was proposed £13.7million would be allocated by the County Council to carry out Phases 1 and 2 of the scheme.

Cllr Moor confirmed that the Outline Business Case for the scheme had been approved by the GFirst LEP to fund Phases 1 and 2. A Full Business Case was currently in the process of being finalised, with a view to seeking full approval of the following works: -

 

1)    Provision of an additional circulatory lane at the Arle Court roundabout, (including associated widening of the approaches/exit routes to the roundabout);

2)    Improvements to the Arle Court Park and Ride; (to include Westbound entrance/exit routes for vehicles travelling between the roundabout and Gloucester);

3)    Bus lane modifications to support public transport and cycle improvements; 

4)    Widening of the Eastbound carriageway at Junction 11 of the M5, heading towards Cheltenham/Arle Court Roundabout;

 

Pending approval of the decision, the Council would commence a competitive tender process for the supply of highway construction works in relation to Phases 1 and 2 of the scheme. Authorisation would enable the Council to engage with suppliers in securing a highways construction contract and provide best opportunity to meet the timescales set out in the LEP Full Business Case.

 

Cllr Moor thanked the Major Projects Team for the hard work and technical input in setting out this major ambition. Cllr Patrick Molyneux, Cabinet Member for Economy, Education and Skills, concurred with this sentiment and highlighted the importance of the proposals in conjunction with progressing the council’s other major schemes, including the Cyber Business Park and Fastershire Broadband projects.

 

Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, stressed the value and importance of this huge investment and thanked officers for their hard work in securing funding which would place Gloucestershire at the forefront of regional development. 

 

Having considered all of the information, including known  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

11.

Upgrade to the Vision Mobilising System for Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service pdf icon PDF 136 KB

To consider upgrades to the Fire and Rescue Service mobilising system in order to maintain an effective and efficient response to emergency incidents.

 

Decision:

Cllr Dave Norman, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Parking and Libraries, sought approval to make necessary upgrades to the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service mobilising system.

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

 

RESOLVED to: -

 

Delegate authority to the Chief Fire Officer, (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Parking and Libraries), to award a five year contract for the supply of an upgrade to the Fire and Rescue Service mobilising system to include hardware, software and the provision of maintenance and support through the KCS Provision of Managed Services for Business Solutions Framework (Y16018) without further competition, (direct award).

Minutes:

Cllr Dave Norman, Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Parking and Libraries, sought approval to invest in necessary upgrades to the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service (GFRS) mobilising system in order to maintain an effective and efficient response to emergency incidents.

 

To meet the requirements of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004, (‘to be able to respond when the call comes’), Cllr Norman informed members that the upgrading of the mobilising system was designed to fulfil the fire authorities legal obligations, in conjunction with supporting delivery of the Council Strategy 2019/22. The upgrade would meet the aims of the GFRS’s Mission Statement, in addition to achieving the strategic aims of fire service. The proposal would also ensure the highest possible standards are met when considering community safety and delivering response services to the communities of Gloucestershire.

 

Cllr Norman confirmed that capital funding of £300,000 had been approved as part of the 2018-19 MTFS process for the procurement and implementation of the mobilising system. On-going maintenance would continue to be met through existing GFRS funding streams. The cost of the maintenance contract would be £189,755 over the proposed five year life of the (mobilising system) contract.

 

Leader of the Council, Cllr Mark Hawthorne, welcomed the proposal and informed members that the decision formed part of the council’s commitment to investing in the Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

 

RESOLVED to: -

 

Delegate authority to the Chief Fire Officer, (in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Public Protection, Parking and Libraries), to award a five year contract for the supply of an upgrade to the Fire and Rescue Service mobilising system to include hardware, software and the provision of maintenance and support through the KCS Provision of Managed Services for Business Solutions Framework (Y16018) without further competition, (direct award).

12.

Gloucestershire County Council Responses to the Draft Gloucestershire Local Industrial Strategy (LIS) Consultation pdf icon PDF 117 KB

To seek endorsement of the proposed Gloucestershire County Council response to the GFirst LEP consultation on the Draft Gloucestershire Local Industrial Strategy.

Additional documents:

Decision:

Cllr Patrick Molyneux, Cabinet Member for Economy, Education and Skills, (in consultation with Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning), informed Cabinet of the outcomes of the consultation process on the Draft Gloucestershire Local Industry Strategy and proposed formal response to the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). 

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

 

RESOLVED to: -

 

Approve the submission of the proposed formal Gloucestershire County Council response to GFirst LEP to help shape the final version of the Local Industrial Strategy for Gloucestershire.

 

 

 

Minutes:

Cllr Patrick Molyneux, Cabinet Member for Economy, Education and Skills, (in consultation with Cllr Nigel Moor, Cabinet Member for Environment and Planning), advised of the outcomes of a consultation process on the Draft Gloucestershire Local Industry Strategy (LIS) and the council’s formal response to the GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). 

 

The purpose of the LIS was to i) increase productivity and ii) encourage communities to contribute towards and benefit from the economic prosperity of Gloucestershire. The LIS would be used to provide guidance and support future funding bids.

 

The drafting of the Gloucestershire LIS began in 2018, with the target for the government to agree the LIS’s for England set at March 2020. Currently in the final wave (Wave 3) of work undertaken by the County Council and GFirst Local Enterprise Partnership, GCC officers would remain on the GFirst Task and Finish Group to assist in the drafting of the final version of the LIS, (for publication by March 2020).

 

An open call for evidence consultation exercise had been undertaken during March to May 2019, with over 270 pieces of evidence submitted. An extensive youth engagement programme had also been commissioned, resulting in over 5,000 survey responses from young people aged between 14 and 25. Cllr Molyneux referred to the responses from this important ‘young demographic’, (outlined in Appendix A to the report), as a ‘vital piece of work’.

 

Cllr Moor described how the Gloucestershire LIS represented an ‘holistic approach’ to producing this important document. Although the LIS was not a bidding document, the strategy provided a useful and important reference framework from which to realise Gloucestershire’s economic ambitions.

 

Having considered all of the information, including known proposals, alternative options and reasons for recommendations, Cabinet noted the report and,

 

RESOLVED to: -

 

Approve the submission of the proposed formal Gloucestershire County Council response to GFirst LEP to help shape the final version of the Local Industrial Strategy for Gloucestershire.