To receive the Leader’s report, which provides an overview of the Executive’s activity since the last Council meeting.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor RJ Phillips presented his report to Council.

In highlighting aspects of the report, the Leader;

• Emphasised the significant changes to the public sector funding as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review 2010, the detail of which was still awaited.  A substantial number of grants had been absorbed into the Revenue Support Grant. 
• Informed Council that the Cabinet Member ICT, Education and Achievement had met with the Education Minister, Lord Hill, to discuss the safeguarding of cuts from the devolved schools grant and other matters of importance to schools in the county.  Correspondence had also been sent to the Transport Minister and Rural Minister expressing concern about the future resource implications for concessionary travel.
• Advised Council that difficult choices would need to be made and emphasised the importance of having clarity of approach to the provision of services.
• Stated that it was essential for the Council to be mindful of new national policy developments and the implications to local authorities and the public sector as a whole.  Local government would look very different five years hence.

In responding to comments from members, the Leader or appropriate Cabinet Member stated that:

• Support was being provided to staff in transition and whose posts would be at risk; the support would be flexible to meet the needs of the staff but could include redeployment, interview skills, writing a cv etc.  A briefing note would be provided to all Members on the measures adopted which would include an explanation on the legal requirements of the ‘at risk’ processes.  All Council Members were reminded of the importance of complying with the code of conduct when discussing issues of a sensitive nature.
• In terms of seeking efficiency savings several measures had been adopted by the Council including, a freeze on most recruitment, the implementation of new systems and curtailing discretionary spend.  A comment expressed about the time spent by officers in meetings (as opposed to delivering) was accepted and an analysis would be undertaken.  It was additionally stated that the rationalisation of accommodation would assist with reducing officers’ time away from their desks. 
• Overview and Scrutiny would be consulted appropriately on the rationalisation of buildings and the importance of market towns and the development of locality working was emphasised.
• Herefordshire Council was continuing to support the provision of TICs and to comment that this was not the case was incorrect.  It was however stated that the Council had to make hard decisions and that the future financial cuts were massive, as a result it was essential to consider how services were provided across a range of partners and locations and not be too precious about the approach by which this was achieved.  The value and knowledge of those working in the TICs were appreciated.  Herefordshire Council was committed to work with others to address tourism matters within the current budgetary constraints and in relation to meeting the Council’s legal requirements such as the provision of services to the vulnerable.
• Whilst acknowledging the broadband restrictions in the city, the announcement that Herefordshire was to be a pilot for superfast broadband in rural areas was a big achievement which would tackle one of the key infrastructure constraints of the county.
• There was a need for utility companies to be held to account more closely so as not to hamper growth and be encouraged to invest in order to increase their capacity.
• That a letter be sent to the couple from Portugal who raised the alarm on seeing the fire in Hereford City.  The actions of the emergency services, other organisations (including Council officers) and the local businesses were commended.
• Whilst the support of small and medium sized businesses in locating to the city was greatly appreciated, it was also stated that the retention of the larger national stores could not be taken for granted; the centre of Newport had recently lost its Marks and Spencer store.
• The importance of H:Art as an important event in promoting the county was acknowledged and it was stated that this event should continue with private support.
• It was confirmed that the cost of refurbishing Widemarsh Street was £1.4 million.  For the works to have been completed quicker than the 40 weeks taken would have required additional cost.

The Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services and Human Resources advised Council that following the recent approval by Cabinet to the Herefordshire Equality and Human Rights Charter, several members had requested that an additional specific action on age be added to the action plan which would encompass the adequate safeguarding of children, young people, residents in care homes and carers for the elderly who may be themselves elderly and vulnerable.  Agreement of Council was sought to include this action within the Herefordshire Equality and Human Rights Charter.

RESOLVED that Council :

(i)                 Receive the Leader’s report

(ii)               That an additional action on age be included in the Herefordshire Equality and Human Rights Charter.