To receive any written questions from Councillors.

1.1       Question from Councillor RI Matthews to Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources

 

1.1       During the past twelve months, extensive internal alterations have been carried out within the Council Headquarters at Brockington, also a new disabled access ramp was constructed.  Could we please be informed how much this work, including any new equipment and furnishings that were required, has cost?

 

Answer from Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources

 

1.1      Total cost to the Council in the last 12 months has been £152,076 of which approximately £92,000 was for maintenance and system upgrades and compliance with regulations

 

1.2       Question from Councillor RI Matthews to Councillor JG Jarvis, Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing.

 

1.2       Can the Cabinet Member for the Environment and Strategic Housing confirm that Section 106 obligations no longer apply to developers engaged in the construction of Business/Industrial premises on the Council’s industrial estates?  If that is the situation, can he please explain to us why the same conditions do not apply to all commercial developers within the county?

 

Answer from Councillor JG Jarvis, Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing.

 

1.2Yes I can confirm that I have reviewed the requirement for Section 106 obligations across the County.  In light of current economic circumstances I have recently agreed to suspend the requirement for Section 106 contributions from commercial developers at Leominster Enterprise Park, Rotherwas Business Park and Model Farm in Ross.  In all these cases it has been quite clear that there has already been significant investment in respect of the transport infrastructure requirements on these estates.  This council is currently looking at mechanisms for a suspension, until further notice, of Section 106 requirements on commercial/industrial developments; in the meantime the current policy does allow for exceptions to be made on the basis of an individual business case.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor RI Matthews

The Member expressed disappointment in the answer provided as he stated that the suspension of Section 106 requirements for commercial development did not provide a level playing field for the domestic construction industry and builders merchants, who, due to the current economic climate were in terrible state at present.  It was requested that the Cabinet Member reconsider the suspension of Section 106’s for housing development.

 

Answer from Councillor JG Jarvis, Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing.

 

The Cabinet Member stated that he was surprised by the Member’s disappointment and that he had considered the issues in great detail. 

 

This was an appropriate opportunity to announce that the Council was currently considering the suspension, for twelve months, of Section 106 requirements on business developments (however this would not apply to agricultural developments).

 

With respect of housing developments the authority was looking into measures which could support the stimulation of the housing industry by giving consideration to development of four or more houses, however it was stated that it was important that planning applications were not banked by developers and that a time constraint of 12 months would be considered for such applications.

 

 

1.3       Question from Councillor RI Matthews to Councillor LO Barnett, Cabinet Member Social Care Adults.

 

1.3       Government research suggests that a large number of elderly people suffer physical or emotional abuse whilst in care, and a recent check of Local Authority records showed that very few of these cases are investigated by Social Services.  Can the Cabinet Member for Social Care Adults inform us of what the situation is within this authority, and what procedures are in place to deal with such incidents?

 

Answer from Councillor LO Barnett, Cabinet Member Social Care Adults.

 

1.3       All reported incidents of physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse suffered by vulnerable people in care are investigated by the Local Authority acting in partnership with other key agencies such as the Police, PCT, Probation.  From the urgent initial investigation, a strategy meeting of key stakeholders will be convened to evaluate the findings and agree a course of action.

 

Where the allegation relates to a Residential or Nursing home a visit would also be undertaken separately to the specific investigation to look at the overall performance of the home. Herefordshire Council has also initiated a process for senior management to have oversight of all reported cases. 

 

It is important to be clear that all allegations reported to the Council or its partner agencies are investigated appropriately, and that the Council is proactive in encouraging a culture that supports the reporting of concerns.

 

The Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) regulate all Homes, requiring Homes to demonstrate that their policies and processes for responding to incidents are in place, and all staff are trained in adult safeguarding procedures.  They are routinely invited to strategy meetings, and would certainly have raised concerns with Herefordshire council if they felt there were incidents not being investigated.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor RI Matthews

 

Councillor Matthews thanked the Cabinet Member for the response on this emotive issue.

 

Answer from Councillor LO Barnett, Cabinet Member Social Care Adults.

 

The Cabinet Members stated that the Council was beginning to take extra precautions around older and vulnerable people in the community.

 

 

2.1       Question from Councillor AT Oliver to Councillor JP French, Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources

 

2.1       Would the Cabinet Member please advise for the 2008/9 financial year the number of council employees receiving a full time equivalent salary of :-

 

a)                 £150,000 plus per annum

b)                 £100,000 - £150,000 per annum

c)                  £70,000 - £100,000 per annum

d)                 £10,000 – £15,000 per annum

 

Answer from Councillor JP French, Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources

 

2.1      I should point out for clarity that the figures are based on current employees only.

 

           

From	To	Non school	Schools	Total
£10,000	£15,000	96	581	677
£70,000	£100,000	15	6	21
£100,000	£150,000	4	0	4
£150,000	up	1	0	1
		116	587	703

 

Supplementary Question from Councillor AT Oliver

 

Are the relatively low number (96) of non school employees in receipt of a salary in the range of £10,000 - £15,000 due to positions being contracted out, or for any other reason?

 

Answer from Councillor JP French, Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources

 

More analysis would be undertaken to assess the reason, however it was not necessarily true that the relatively low number of staff on this salary range was due to contracting arrangements.

 

2.2       Question from Councillor AT Oliver to Councillor PD Price, Cabinet Member ICT Education and Achievement

 

2.2       In respect of any new contract being prepared for the completion of Riverside Primary School has the Council considered a clause enabling all sub-contractors employed on the site to be paid directly by the Council. 

 

Would the Cabinet Member confirm that any extra costs incurred by the Council on the collapse of the main contractor, Pettifers, have been covered by the bond that they had to deposit with the Council.

 

What was the amount of the bond and how long before the actual collapse of this contract were the Council aware that Pettifers had serious financial problems.

 

Answer from Councillor PD Price, Cabinet Member ICT Education and Achievement

 

2.2       It would be unwise for the Council to consider employing sub-contractors direct.  The normal approach is to have one main contractor who co-ordinates all the sub-contractors and is responsible to the Council for the execution of the contract.  If there are any issues during the contract, (or any what are known as "latent defects"), that occur after the contract is completed, the Council has only one party to deal with.

 

The only time a sub-contractor would be engaged direct would be for very specialised works.  In these instances they are known as a "nominated sub-contractor" and the Council has a responsibility to pay them even if the main contractor went into administration.

 

The bond concerned is a conditional bond guarantee.  It covers breach by the contractor which, in this instance, is failure to perform.  Negotiations are on-going with the consultants appointed by Norwich Union Insurance who provided the bond.  The full costs of the delay and the extra costs for defective workmanship are part of these negotiations.

 

The bond deposited was 10% of the contract figure i.e. £673,989.00.  At the time of placing the contract (15.2.07) a financial check was undertaken on Pettifer Construction and a 'sound' rating with a 'low risk' status was obtained.

 

During the last 6 months of the contract, prior to Pettifer Construction going into administration, the Asset Management and Property Service (AMPS) became aware of concerns regarding the contractor. The situation was closely monitored by  the AMPS  which also ensured that the site was made secure immediately and that steps were taken as quickly as feasible to resolve with the Receivers the completion of the contract.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor AT Oliver

 

The contractor, employed to deliver two large contracts (Riverside Primary School and the Rose Gardens) has gone into administration owing £100,000 to local contractors and who to date remain unpaid.  Would the Council consider not assigning two large projects to the same contractor to mitigate against such failure?

 

Answer from Councillor PD Price, Cabinet Member ICT Education and Achievement

 

The Cabinet Member stated that he would respond to the Member outside of the meeting regarding the specific issue of assignment of contracts.  With respect of the monies owed to local contractors, it was anticipated that the bond deposit would cover these outstanding invoices and that this would be activated due to the contractor’s failure to perform.  Members were advised that the Riverside Primary School contract would be retendered shortly.

 

 

3.1       Question from Councillor MAF Hubbard to Councillor DB Wilcox Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation.

 

3.1       How many current notices have been served against Herefordshire Council under Section 89 Environmental Protection Act 1990 and how many under Section 91(5)?

 

3.2             Is it a criminal offence to fail to comply with such notices?

 

3.3             Assuming a summons is issued for each notice not complied with, what is the maximum fine that the court could impose against Herefordshire Council, and what therefore is the maximum possible fine in respect of all the notices?

 

3.4             What contact has been made with Mr Waistell (issuer of the notices and a retired lawyer) to resolve the matter?

 

3.5             Has the litter and gum been removed?

 

3.6       What plans have been set in place to deal with the accumulation of litter, gum and graffiti within Hereford’s city centre?

 

Answer from Councillor DB Wilcox Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation.

 

3.1       As of 30 January 2009 there have been 43 notices of complaint which are warnings of possible applications for litter abatement orders under section 91 of the EPA 1990.  Two of these have been withdrawn and six concern private land.  Nineteen notices of intention to apply for litter abatement orders have been received.

 

3.2       It is not an offence in itself if such notices are not complied with.  They are warnings about possible future actions.  Offences are committed if the magistrates’ court issues litter abatement orders and they are not complied with.

 

3.3       The Council would comply with any summons to attend a magistrates’ court.  Should the court be satisfied that land is defaced or wanting on cleanliness, the court may make an order.  If that order is not complied with, then on summary conviction a fine is liable to an amount currently not exceeding £2,500, with a further daily sum of £125 for any delay in complying.  However one order may cover several applications of small or adjoining areas and each would be contested as the Council has cleaning regimes and responds to specific problems as they arise. 

 

3.4       Mr Waistell, has issued 40 of the 43 notices of complaint.  The Council has contacted Mr Waistell on a number of occasions and explained the actions the Council is undertaking. 

 

3.5       Litter has been cleared from the areas that are under the Council’s control, and efforts are made to keep the streets clear of chewing gum through combinations of surface treatments and cleaning regimes. 

 

3.6       The systems for reporting litter through to its clearance are constantly monitored and improved.  It is anticipated that the establishment of a new model of service delivery with Amey as a result of the recent Service Delivery Review will provide opportunities for an increased focus on delivering improved outcomes in this regard.

 

No supplementary question was posed

 

 

4.1       Question from Councillor TM James to Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources.

 

4.1             Can the Cabinet Member inform Members of the total cost of the building works and refurbishment of the offices and meeting rooms at Brockington which have taken place over the last twelve months?

4.2                   Were the works put out to competitive tender?

 

Answer from Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources

 

4.1/2   Total cost to the Council in the last 12 months has been £152,076 of which approximately £92,000 was for maintenance and system upgrades and compliance with regulations. In all cases corporate procurement processes were complied with.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor TM James

 

A comment was made comparing the cost of providing 10 more meeting rooms with the other matters for consideration on the agenda.

 

Answer from Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources

 

It was important for the authority to have a fully functioning headquarters.  By having additional meeting rooms, the authority is minimising the impact of sending officers/members around the county for meetings (reducing travel cost, carbon footprint).  The accommodation also provided additional capacity for Members use and to accommodate additional meetings such as briefings, additional scrutiny reviews etc.

 

 

5.1       Question from Councillor PJ Edwards to Councillor PD Price, Cabinet Member ICT Education and Achievement.

 

5.1       When Cabinet closed the local Education Authority Swimming Pool it confirmed "the requirement for monitoring to ensure the needs of Schools and other users be met" so will the Cabinet Member for ICT, Education & Achievement acknowledge that since the Pool closed, opportunity for children to attain previous levels of achievement badges has been considerably reduced?

 

Answer from Councillor PD Price, Cabinet Member ICT Education and Achievement.

 

5.1I do not believe that the opportunities for children to attain previous levels of achievement badges has been considerably reduced.  I am aware that there is a range of information circulating about the number of badges that children have passed.  I have also been informed that the national standards which Halo follow are of a higher standard than those traditionally used at the LEA pool.  Indeed, Halo has achieved the highest possible level of accreditation within the Amateur Swimming Association’s Aquamark scheme, a quality scheme to which the LEA Pool was not accredited.  Children and young people are able to learn to swim in the current arrangements and the Cabinet takes the matter of swimming provision very seriously.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor PJ Edwards

 

Councillor referred to national curriculum requirement outlined in the National Curriculum Programme of study in November 1999 which referred to the requirement for children at Key Stage 2 to swim 25 meters unaided and to have knowledge of water safety matters.  Could the Cabinet Member provide assurance that pupils were being provided the opportunity to attain this target and what number of children were attaining this requirement this year and the previous two years?

 

Answer from Councillor PD Price, Cabinet Member ICT Education and Achievement.

 

The swimming facilities made available is coping with the additional numbers.  Of 3,600 children attending Halo facilities, 2,000 were undergoing the Amateur Swimming Association accredited standards.  The cabinet Member had written confirmation that 800 badges had been given to children who had met the accredited standards since the closure of the LEA pool and that the HALO pool was meeting the necessary criteria.

 

 

5.2       Question from Councillor PJ Edwards to Councillor DB Wilcox, Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation.

 

5.2       I am regularly approached by Belmont Ward pedestrians and cyclists who complain that their Tow-Path approach to the City appears unsafe due to its mudded surface which also cambers toward the River.  Will the Cabinet Member for Highways & Transportation please ensure that basic improvements to this strategic City route are carried out ASAP?

 

Answer from Councillor DB Wilcox, Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation.

 

5.2       We have only received one complaint regarding this matter from a member of the public. Having looked into concerns regarding the camber of the surface, the substantial verge between the path and the river would act as a safety barrier to help prevent a cyclist falling into the river.  The camber does perform an important function in terms of ensuring drainage off the route, particularly during heavy rain and following flooding from the adjacent River Wye.

 

In the longer term we would wish to upgrade the route to provide a wider surface but this would be dependent on funding and Environment Agency approval.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor PJ Edwards

 

Can the future planned upgrade be entered into the programme of activities so that the public can view progress of the upgrade?

 

Answer from Councillor DB Wilcox, Cabinet Member Highways and Transportation.

 

The tow and cycle paths would be prioritised in turn according to the agreed priorities of the budget.  All paths would be monitored accordingly.

 

 

6          Question from Councillor NL Vaughan to Councillor RJ Phillips, Leader of the Council

 

6          Some residents in Aylestone Ward are concerned about the impact on local road networks of the proposed ESG Transport Hub to be built at the bottom of Aylestone Hill. The Ward already suffers from (a) high numbers of commuter traffic coming in from Worcester and (b) traffic going to and from the number of schools and colleges in the Ward.

 

I applaud efforts by the ESG to engage the community but will the Leader attend my own consultation event in the ward - so he can listen to residents' concerns in person?

 

Answer from Councillor RJ Phillips, Leader of the Council.

 

6        I would be delighted to meet local residents in Aylestone to discuss the Transport Hub in Hereford.  Proper consultation and explanation of the issue is important to ensure the concerns of residents and users are properly evaluated and addressed.

 

No supplementary question asked

 

 

7.1       Question from Councillor ACR Chappell to Councillor JA Hyde, Cabinet Member Children’s Services

 

7.1       How many county children are waiting to be assigned a social worker?  With so many school children exposed to domestic problems and other influences, should a review be undertaken to ensure that the best possible personal care is taken of our children through our schools?  Is it possible to have social workers and associated disciplines based in high school pyramids?

 

Answer from Councillor JA Hyde, Cabinet Member Children’s Services

 

7.1       Children’s Services have on average around 200 new referrals per month. All urgent child protection cases are allocated immediately. At any one time there are referrals which following screening wait for an initial assessment.

 

We currently have 411 open cases, of these 17 children are awaiting allocation to a social worker. These children have all had an initial assessment and the cases are monitored by the relevant Team Manager who will ensure that a duty social worker carries out necessary work until they can be allocated to a named social worker.

 

With regard to the association with high school pyramids, we are currently developing new locality multi disciplinary teams who will be associated and linked to schools in their locality.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor ACR Chappell

 

In referring to high school pyramids and the linked multi-disciplinary teams, it was stated that many child protection issues were highlighted during pupil’s attendance at primary school, therefore it was important to ensure appropriate links were made.  The multi-disciplinary teams should also consider involving housing associations, citizen’s advice bureau, charitable organisations and local councillors, many of whom were school governors.

 

Answer from Councillor JA Hyde, Cabinet Member Children’s Services

 

In response, it was stated that a consultation document, ‘No Wrong Door’ was being published on the development of the multi disciplinary locality teams.  The document’s title summed up what was trying to be achieved by establishing these teams.  All relevant organisations and individuals would be involved in ensuring the safeguarding of the county’s young people.

 

 

7.2       Question from Councillor ACR Chappell to Councillor JG Jarvis, Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing

 

7.2       Are there any plans for Herefordshire Council in partnership with Herefordshire Housing to buy homes from owner occupiers who are forced to sell their homes because they default on their mortgage?

 

Answer from Councillor JG Jarvis, Cabinet Member Environment and Strategic Housing.

 

7.2             Herefordshire Council has, for a number of years, operated a Mortgage Rescue Scheme in partnership with Elgar Housing Association under which householders at risk of repossession can remain in their own homes and retain some equity. Herefordshire’s model was part of the inspiration for a new National Mortgage Rescue package and Herefordshire Council is fully engaged with preparations to use the new national scheme.  The national scheme is funded by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) who have nominated preferred partners, called ‘Home Zone Agents’, to work in partnership with the Local Authorities to draw down funding.

 

Because of Herefordshire’s unique position in having a current and successful partnership with Elgar Housing Association special dispensation is being given by the CLG and Homes and Communities Agency for Herefordshire Council to continue to work with Elgar Housing Association, rather than the Home Zone Agent for the region. Herefordshire Housing do not form part of any plans to operate Mortgage Rescue in Herefordshire and are not Home Zone Agents.

 

7.3       Question from Councillor ACR Chappell to Councillor RJ Phillips, Leader of the Council.

 

7.3       Could the Leader tell me what the rateable value of the racecourse is and its value on the open market?  Does the Leader consider that the rent of £20,000 pa paid by the present tenant is a reasonable rent for such a valuable asset?  I understand that a recent health and safety inspection was undertaken on the racecourse, can the Leader tell me the result of that inspection?

 

Answer from Councillor RJ Phillips, Leader of the Council.

 

7.3      The Rateable Value of the racecourse is currently £37,000.

The rates payable for the current financial year 08/09 are £8,560.48. The House is assessed for Council Tax as Band D and the tax payable currently is £1,402.50. The current asset valuation as noted in the Council's Asset Register is £200,000 as at 2006. The property is not due for revaluation until 2011.

The racecourse is let to Hereford Racecourse Company on a 50 year lease from 01 January 1979 with 5 yearly rent reviews on the basis of open market value or existing rent whichever is higher.  The last review was carried out in 2004 when the Council employed DMP Chartered Surveyors licensed leisure and business property specialists to act on our behalf.

The rent is due for review this year and again we will employ specialist valuers to act on our behalf.  The rental therefore does reflect the market rent at the date of review of 2004. Given the current financial circumstances, it is difficult to estimate at this time how the market rental may have been affected. 

Any Health and Safety inspection results would be issued to the Racecourse  Company direct.

 

Supplementary question from ACR Chappell

In reference to the final sentence of the original question, as the race course belonged to the people of Herefordshire, any health and safety concerns should be made known to the Strategic Monitoring Committee and Community Services Scrutiny Committee for consideration.

 

Answer from Councillor RJ Phillips, Leader of the Council.

There was a need to make sure that officers are informed and to ensure the long term viability of the property was maintained and assurance provided for the public’s safety.

 

8          Question from Councillor GFM Dawe to Councillor AJM Blackshaw, Cabinet Member Economic Development and Community Services.

 

I note from the published Edgar Street Grid (ESG) accounts that Herefordshire Council gave £555,000 to ESG in 2007/8 and £302,000 in 2006/7. (£857,000 in total.)

 

8.1       How much is Herefordshire Council's payment for the year 2008/9?

 

8.2       Is this level of expenditure, nearly £1m, justified in the UK's present economic circumstances?

 

8.3       Hereford people consider that ESG is causing planning blight in Hereford City.  Does this Council not think that this recession is not a good opportunity to stop paying ESG and have a breathing space of two years to reconsider the whole plan?

 

Answer from Councillor AJM Blackshaw, Cabinet Member Economic Development and Community Services.

 

8.1       I can confirm that in the 2008/09 financial year the Council will make a contribution of £350K.

 

8.2 - 3Yes I do believe that this level of expenditure is entirely justified.  The redevelopment of the 100 acres of land which comprise the Edgar Street Grid area is an essential element of our future vision for Hereford as the key economic driver for the County.  The Edgar Street Grid redevelopment is one of a package of measures aimed at ensuring that Hereford fulfils this role.  A successful Herefordshire needs a successful Hereford.  It is quite clear that in the current economic climate the Council and Advantage West Midlands and the Edgar Street Grid Board will have to reconsider the timing and phasing of the development.  We have the funding in place to do develop key elements of infrastructure which will enable the long term development of this land to the benefit of the City.  It is right that we should proceed with the relocation of the Livestock Market, the implementation of a flood relief scheme and the commencement of construction of the new access road.  We have to think long term, we have to plan for the future of Hereford and not just think about the next 12 months.  This investment in the City is crucial for future generations and future prosperity.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor GFM Dawe

 

Should not the money currently being spent by the Council on the ESG project be spent on supporting the future of existing small businesses?

 

Answer from Councillor AJM Blackshaw, Cabinet Member Economic Development and Community Services.

 

The ESG project was not on standstill but the timescales had been redefined, as stated in the recent edition of Herefordshire Matters.  It was a vital initiative to regenerate the City and the county as a whole.  Work was being done with Hereford City Partnership to deliver the aims of this crucial project. 

 

Question from Councillor GFM Dawe to Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources.

 

The Council's smallholdings

 

8.4       How many are there in total and what is the average size of a smallholding?

 

8.5       How many have recently been sold and what was the total price raised?

 

8.6       How many remain and are there plans to sell any more during 2009/10?

 

 

Answer from Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources.

 

8.4      There are 73 smallholding tenancies, 2 cottage tenancies and 2 business tenancies.  Overall there are 77 in total.  The average size of a smallholding tenancy is 60 acres.

 

8.5      Since 2005 there have been 12 disposals, mostly of buildings with some small parcels of adjacent land.  Total receipts are £3.99m.

 

8.6      There are 77 tenancies.  There are no current proposals for disposal in 2009/10 financial year.

 

Supplementary question from Councillor GFM Dawe

 

What had the £3.99million been spent on and why was it raised – had it been used to service the council’s debt?

 

Answer from Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources

 

Members would be aware of the budgetary pressures with capital bids made in respect of the Council’s priority areas.

 

9          Question from Councillor JD Woodward to Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources.

 

9.1       How much money has been saved in efficiency savings since the current Conservative administration came to power in May 2007?

 

9.2       In what areas were these efficiency savings made?

 

9.3       Financially how much of these savings has been redirected back into frontline services?

 

9.4       To what areas have these savings been specifically redirected?

 

Answer from Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources

 

9.1       In terms of the Gershon efficiency savings the following savings have been made;

 

2007/08 £2.67m cashable

2008/09 £5.05m cashable (projected)

 

9.2                   The 2007/08 savings were in the following areas;

 

Adult Social care                               £0.27m

Children's services                           £0.27m

Community Services                        £0.14m

Environment                                       £0.26m

Transport                                            £0.14m

Supporting people                            £0.14m

Corporate services                           £0.18m

Procurement                                      £0.32m

Benefits & Exchequer                       £0.95m

£2.67m

 

The projected 2008/09 savings are in the following areas;

 

Corporate costs                                £0.1m

Vacancies                                          £0.5m

Supplies and Services                     £0.3m

Agency staff                                       £0.1m

Cross directorate process and       £0.75m

Procurement efficiencies

inflation absorbed by directorates  £3.3m

£5.05m

 

9.3       In 2007/08 the savings contributed towards £3.524m for Invest to Save initiatives, the majority of which was allocated to Adult Services.

In 2008/09£275k was invested in Mental Health services and Learning Disabilities services in Adult Social Care. Also, £1.65m was used to avoid the need for service cuts or increased council tax.

 

9.4             As 9.3

 

Supplementary question from Councillor JD Woodward

 

If considered together, the savings for 2007/08 and 2008/09 (projected) would equate to over £7million.  In the November 2008 edition of Herefordshire Matters, the Leader stated ‘that in the last three years, the Council achieved almost £14 million in savings … much of which had been directed to provide support to the most vulnerable’.  The £3.8million of efficiencies spent collectively in 2007-2009 on specific service delivery to support the vulnerable was only a relatively modest proportion of the overall £14 million.  This therefore meant that the current administration was no more efficient than when in joint administration arrangements.

 

Answer from Councillor JP French, Acting Cabinet Member Resources

 

The Cabinet Member noted the comments.