To provide an overview of the Executive’s activity since the last meeting of Council and over the period of the administration.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor RJ Phillips, presented the Leader’s report which provided an overview of the Executive’s activity since the last meeting of Council and over the period of the administration.

In highlighting aspects of the report, the Leader;

• Advised Council that he had further corresponded with Government about the rise in fuel prices and the impact this was having on families, communities, businesses and the public sector.
• Outlined that whilst £10.3million of cuts needed to be made in the 2011/12 budget, £15m cashable efficiency savings had been delivered over the course of the administration.
• A number of reforms had been undertaken in the county as a result of the close partnership with NHS Herefordshire.  These included; the single integrated care organisation which would bring together the hospital, community health and adult social care services; the selection of 2gether as the new mental health and learning disability provider; a joint venture company to deliver shared back office support services; the development of locality working.
• Outlined the significant changes ahead for education and in particular a potential increase in the number of academy schools.
• Commented on the need to continue to prepare for new reforms as a result of the Health Bill and the Localism Bill.    Caution would be needed in ensuring that any changes to responsibilities to parish councils were clearly articulated and understood as those taking on e.g. planning responsibilities would also be taking on the legal responsibilities.  A new charter between Herefordshire Council and the town and parish councils was being developed and would provide the framework for future discussions about devolution of local services.
• Stated that the establishment of a Police and Crime Panel would enable elected members to monitor the police commissioner and also be able to veto and control the appointment of the Chief Constable.
• Advised Members that European funding, previously administered by Advantage West Midlands, would move to CLG and DEFRA.  A close eye would be needed to ensure that funding was appropriately drawn down.
• Expressed frustration that a meeting was yet to be held between the Leaders of Herefordshire and Shropshire with the Leader of the Welsh Assembly.  There were clear cross border issues which impacted on the public sector which needed to be understood.
• Thanks were expressed to staff, volunteers and the wider communities in relation to the examples of how local services or assets could be managed effectively by the community e.g. Tudorville and District Community Centre.
• Reported that Herefordshire was expecting around £1million from Government towards the road infrastructure following the severe winter weather, this money would be in addition to that already accounted for in the budget.  It was stated that priority should be given to the ‘c’ and unclassified roads.  Amey and FOCSA were congratulated on a job well done during the severe winter weather.
• Drew attention to work being carried out within the Local Enterprise Partnership.  Council was also advised that work would continue to ensure that AWM’s assets remained in the public domain where relevant.
• Acknowledged that the meeting was to be the last under the present administration and would be the last for him as Leader as he had chosen, after eight years, to stand down from this position.  Council was advised that the he would stand as a candidate within his ward and hoped to provide an active support role in the future.  Thanks were expressed to all Members and staff for their support during his time as Leader.

In discussion the following points were raised:

• In recognising the valuable work of the gritters during the sever winter weather, it was suggested that animal welfare (on a large scale) should be a consideration when prioritising gritting of roads or when distributing salt.
• Whilst the repair of ‘c’ and unclassified roads was to be welcomed some potholes remained on principal roads.
• Concerns were raised regarding the reduction in the provision of the county music service.
• Clarification was sought as to the types of goods which would be sold in the Department Store provisionally proposed for Hereford.

Responding to the point made specifically in relation to the county music service, the Cabinet Member ICT Education and Achievement assured Council that everything was being done to retain some elements of the county music service.  A debate had been held at a recent Schools Forum which agreed to support an option to change to an accredited teacher scheme; however it was emphasised that retaining the status quo would not be an option.

Responding to comments from Members of the Council, the Leader stated that:

• In relation to severe winter weather, it would be incumbent on communities and the county to prepare for harsher, longer winters with possibly 5-6 weeks of snow.
• Whilst the development of a department store would be dependent on other processes, should such a development be granted, he was confident that a department store would sell a variety of goods (not solely household goods).

The Chairman, on behalf of the Council, thanked the Leader for his service over the past eight years and stated that he had been a powerful and articulate advocate for the county and had raised the profile of Herefordshire on both a regional and national basis.

RESOLVED:  That the Leader’s report be received.