To consider the outcome of the recent public consultation within the County concerning the proposal to establish Public Service Trust arrangements in Herefordshire. 

To agree the next stages in the process which will culminate in the completion of a partnership document.

THAT (a)         the outcome of the public consultation regarding the Council and Herefordshire Primary Care Trust proposal to establish a Public Service Trust arrangement in Herefordshire be noted;

(b)       the Public Service Trust Steering Group’s recommendation to support taking this forward within Option 3 be endorsed;

(c)               the draft roadmap and timetable be approved;

(d)              regular reviews of the process be sustained throughout the period with information shared with all 58 Council Members; and

(e)              the exit strategy to be examined at key stages throughout the process.

This report is in a slightly different format from the usual Cabinet report because it incorporates the attached report which will be reported in the same format to both the Primary Care Trust and the Council.   The supporting information is therefore enclosed in the attached report and appendices.  It is important to point out that the report takes forward the proposal to appoint a Chief Executive who will act both as Chief Executive of the Council and Chief Executive of the Primary Care Trust.  The Council’s involvement in that appointment is in accordance with the Council’s constitution and in accordance with the constitution the appointment will have to be approved formally by Council.

            The alternative options are set out in the report attached but include:

1.         to maintain the status quo

2.         to delay the timetable and devote further time to detailed preparation.