To receive any apologies for absence.

There were apologies from Councillors Chowns, Crockett, Durkin, Fagan, Hurcomb, Mason, Proctor and Stark.

To receive declarations of interests in respect of Table A or Table B, or Other Interests from members of the committee in respect of items on the agenda.

None.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 27 June 2024.

The minutes are to follow.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 27 June 2024 will be considered at the next Cabinet meeting. 

To receive questions from members of the public.

Questions received and responses given are attached as appendix 1 to the minutes.

There are no questions from members of the council.

No Councillor questions were received. 

No reports from scrutiny committees have been received.

There were no reports from scrutiny committees for consideration at this meeting.

To recommend to Council for approval the addition of a £5m capital budget to enable delivery of housing provision.

The cabinet for finance and corporate services introduced the report.  It seeks approval of an additional £5m budget to the capital programme to enable delivering of housing provision.  This administrations housing strategy will be delivered in Autumn and will provide an element of affordable housing.  It is clearly aligned with the Place theme in the Council Plan, to support the right housing in the right place and as per the objective set out under the Growth scheme in the Delivery Plan, to secure accommodation for vulnerable people at risk of homelessness.  It also supports the Homelessness prevention and rough sleeping strategy 2025 which is aligned with central government policy in the Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.  It was noted that these statutory obligations impose a resource and financial burden on Herefordshire Council that has increased by almost 100% over the last two years in 2023/24.  It was confirmed that Housing Solutions spent £3,415,832.27 on temporary accommodation.  The current units available to accommodate homelessness were set out and it was noted that this £5m will establish a fund to enable Herefordshire Council to respond to opportunities to acquire and develop further housing provision to meet demand and decrease costs spent on temporary accommodation. 

The capital programme was approved by full Council in February 2024 and this report now proposes an in-year change to the approved programme.  The additional £5m to the capital programme is to enable Cabinet to take decisions when properties or land become available.  The £5m is added on the basis that any rental income will cover the running costs and provide a surplus to repay the cost of borrowing.  Homes England Grants will also be applied, as applicable, to reduce the overall borrowing costs and be added to the capital programme by the s.151 delegated powers. 

It was emphasised that inclusion in the capital programme is not approval to proceed. Each project will be subject to its own governance and a full business case will be presented, and in full compliance with contract procedural rules.  The aim of capital expenditure is to benefit the community through improved facilities and promoting economic growth.  It was confirmed that any project within the Delivery Plan will seek to minimise any adverse environmental impact.  It was further stated that the addition of £5m to the capital programme is on the basis that any borrowing requirement will be funded from surplus income and there are no financial implications for the revenue budget. 

Cabinet members discussed the report, it was noted that the report provides a degree of nimbleness to respond to need.  It was confirmed that it is not an agreement to spend but to look at opportunities as they become available. It was further noted that during Covid there was a period of time when the Council were seeking to make similar acquisitions but the Council were not able to do so due to constraints and therefore this report was welcomed.   

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. The report was welcomed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

The purpose of this report is to seek approval of the Herefordshire All Age Carers Strategy 2024-2029

The cabinet member for adults, health and wellbeing introduced the report and highlighted that in September 2023 work began to review and update the unpaid carers strategy.  In 2021 census identified just under 17,000 unpaid carers across Herefordshire but the actual number is likely greater.  A working group was formed in September with membership from a wide range of groups and organisations that support carers as well as individuals with lived experiences.  Between October and May there has been series of engagement events and all member briefing was held. 

It was noted that the All Age Carer Strategy identified 6 areas to focus (1) value and recognition, (2) young carers, (3) assessment and support, (4) technology enabled care, (5) staying healthy, (6) information and resources.

In May 2024 a coproduction event took place and the priorities were discussed by attendees and feedback was provided which was incorporated into the final version of the strategy.  The vision strategy was also agreed as ‘Herefordshire is a carer friendly County where carers of all ages are recognised, valued, heard and enabled to live a healthy fulfilling family life’. 

There were comments from Cabinet members. The reference to young carers and young adult carers was welcomed and noted it provides a good opportunity to better understand all caring that is delivered.  Also, to ensure young carers are able to engage with education and it provides the opportunity to have conversations with primary schools.  It was noted that young carers face challenges and an Early Help officer in the Council had queried how young carers could be supported with free bus travel for shopping, attending health appointments and accessing young carers groups.  Also, how young carers could be supported to engage in activities.  It was queried how young carers will be supported in practice in the context of the strategy overall.   It was confirmed that an action to deliver this strategy is being put in place and its objectives are being drafted, this will form the work plan for the partnership board which will be established once the strategy is approved.  It was recognised that young carers face particular challenges and specific actions will be incorporated to support them based on the feedback received during the strategy consultation.  It was confirmed that this will include admission to various venues and transport concessions.  It was raised by the Leader if a child friendly document of this strategy would be produced for young carers and it was confirmed a more child friendly document would be provided.   

Group leaders gave the views of their groups. The delivery of this strategy was welcomed and the fact it is an all age carers strategy was positive, particularly that the strategy identified the impact on young carers. It was noted that the holistic approach to families was welcomed and the need for targeted support through the Early Help service. It was noted that the Carers Partnership Board will hopefully assist in coordination. 

Concern was raised regarding the strategy’s implementation and financial  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.