Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Stokes.

There were no declarations of interest received.

The minutes of the meeting held on 21 March 2016 were agreed as a true and accurate record, subject to the addition of Councillor Fitzgerald and Councillor Lamb in the list of attendees.

There were no petitions presented to Cabinet. 

Cabinet received a report which followed consultation on the Peterborough Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2016-19 between 1 February 2016 and 30 April 2016.

The purpose of the report was to seek Cabinet’s approval of those elements of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy, which were the executive responsibility of Peterborough City Council, before it was submitted to the Peterborough Health and Wellbeing Board in July for final approval.

The Chairman introduced the report and advised that while there was no statutory requirement for Cabinet to approve the Strategy, as public health was a strategic priority for the Council, it was considered Cabinet oversight was important.

The Director of Public Health introduced the report and advised that the purpose of the Strategy was to address the health issues presented in the area. The Strategy was a collaborative work, with contributors from across the health and City Council services. The next stage of the process was to develop detailed implementation plans.

Cabinet debated the report and in summary, key points raised and responses to questions included:

·         Cabinet were pleased to see that the Strategy covered other portfolios and directorates, with particular regard to planning and the Local Plan.

·         There was no timed implementation plan currently. The priorities within the Strategy would cut across a number of areas and may run concurrently to each other. These priorities would be established through this discussion, consultation with the Health and Wellbeing Board, and other stakeholders.

·         The plans for future delivery of mental health services for children and young people. The Cabinet were advised of the ‘i-thrive’ model, which would provide a flexible engagement opportunity for those young people with most need. A website had been launched that was targeted at providing relevant information to children.

·         The correlation between rural and urban living, and an individual’s quality of life was discussed. The Director of Public advised that this was a complex issue, which was a result, not only of health, but also the area’s economy.

·         It was discussed that the demand for acute mental health care in Peterborough was linked to the city’s demographics. Mental health issues were often associated with socio-economic status, deprivation, unemployment, and income security. It was further noted that people with severe mental health problems were generally attracted to cities. Issues of young female isolation were recognised.

·         It was considered key that work be done within diverse communities to ensure that resources were directed to what communities felt would be the best approach.

·         A question was raised in regard to what age was considered ‘adulthood’ in relation to smoking. The Director of Public Health advised that, for the Strategy, it was considered 18 years or older. Public Health England were considering examining smoking between the ages of 15 and 18, and this would be further investigated.

·         The joint initiatives between the Council and the NHS were discussed, such as the Lifestyle Service and the Healthy Peterborough campaign; these would continue. It was proposed to review the NHS and Council offer  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

Cabinet received a report as a monitoring item. The report was also to be submitted to Audit Committee on 29 June 2016 as part of the closure of accounts process.

The purpose of the report was to provide Cabinet with the outturn position for both the revenue budget and capital programme for 2015/16, subject to any changes required in the finalisation of the Statement of Accounts. The report also contained performance information on treasury management activities, payment of creditors and collection performance for debtors, local taxation, and benefit overpayments. 

The Cabinet Member for Resources introduced the report and advised that the Council had seen a reduction in funding of 44% since 2010/2011. Income had been generated from number of joint services. In 2016/2017 it was planned to deliver a saving of £23 million without cuts to services. Work had already commenced on next year’s budget process.

Cabinet debated the report and in summary, key points raised and responses to questions included:

·         The ‘equalisation reserve’ was in place in order to aid the Council in meeting the financial challenges of future years.

·         It was expected that devolution would benefit the area by bringing in additional fund. It was noted that the establishment of a university would enhance the local economy. Overall, it was not anticipated that devolution would have a negative effect on the city.

Cabinet considered the report and RESOLVED:

1.    To note the final outturn position for 2015/16 (subject to finalisation of the statutory statement of accounts) of a £1.0m underspend on the Council’s revenue budget;

2.    To note the outturn spending of £81.8m in the Council’s capital programme in 2015/16;

3.    To note the reserves position, including the position on the Grant Equalisation reserve;

4.    To note the performance against the prudential indicators; and

5.    To note the performance on treasury management activities, payment of creditors, collection performance for debtors, local taxation and benefit overpayments.   

          REASONS FOR THE DECISION

The monitoring report formed part of the 2015/16 closure of accounts and decision making framework culminating in the production of the Statement of Accounts and informed Cabinet of the final position. 

          ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED

          No alternative options were considered.

          The Chairman took the opportunity to thank the Electoral Services team for their work throughout the recent elections and the referendum.

          Cabinet requested that a letter of thanks be sent to the Electoral Services team for running a successful election and referendum.