Apologies were received from Councillor RJ Phillips.

To receive any declarations of interest by Members in respect of items on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2013.

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting held on 19 September 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To provide Cabinet with assurance on the robustness of budgetary control and monitoring across the Council, to highlight key financial risks within directorates and identify mitigation to bring the authority within its overall approved budget.

Cabinet considered a report providing assurance on the robustness of budgetary control and monitoring across the Council, highlighting key financial risks within directorates and identifying mitigation to bring the authority within its overall approved budget.

Group Leaders questioned the Cabinet, in detail, on various items within the report and the appropriate Cabinet Member responded.

RESOLVED:

That  (a)  the projected overspend of £3.9m for 2013/14 and the potential impact on reserves and the 2014/15 budget, be noted; and

(b)   the continuing action by Directors to identify further financial savings to mitigate the impact, be supported; and

(c)    Directors and financial resources are focussed on identifying savings for the remainder of 2013/14 and future savings for 2014/15 to 2016/17.

To note the outcome of the recent review of the Council’s priorities, and to confirm the budget and corporate planning arrangements for 2014/15 in light of the ongoing significant financial challenge.

Cabinet was asked to note the outcome of the recent review of the Council’s priorities; and to confirm the budget and corporate planning arrangements for 2014/15 in light of the ongoing significant financial challenge.

RESOLVED:

That    (a)   in light of the outcome of the review of the Council’s priorities, no changes to the Corporate Plan 2013/15 be recommended to Council;

            (b)   the timetable for budget setting, including consultation arrangements as set out at Appendix B to the report be approved; and

            (c)   the Chairmen of the two overview and scrutiny committees be invited to build into their workplans consideration of the budget proposals.

To approve publication of the statutory annual report of the Director of Public Health, on the health of people of Herefordshire as required by the Health and Social Care Act 2012.  

Cabinet considered the statutory annual report of the Director of Public Health on the health of people of Herefordshire; three priority areas for improving the health of the population and reducing inequalities in health; and a proposal that the recommended approach and actions highlighted in the report will inform service development and commissioning aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of the population of Herefordshire.

A discussion took place and the Director of Public Health responded to questions.

RESOLVED:

That (a)     the Director of Public Health Annual Report 2013 be received by the Council and published as required by the Health and Social Care Act 2012;

(b)       the three priorities and recommendations of the Annual Report, which have links to the Health & Wellbeing Strategic Approach and the council’s priority to enable people to be independent and lead fulfilling lives, be noted; and

(c)      the report’s recommendations and the proposed approach and actions highlighted in the report, be used to inform service development and commissioning during the next planning cycle and in the medium term.

To approve the publication of the Local Account of Adult Social Care and Support 2012-13. 

Cabinet was asked to approve publication of the Local Account of Adult Social Care and Support 2012-13.

RESOLVED:  That the draft Local Account (at Appendix A to the report) be approved for publication.