Issue - meetings

Development of Strategy in Response to Coalition Government plans and Public Sector Finances

Councillor John Bull made a statement reminding Cabinet that a number of years earlier, the previous Minister Nicholas Ridley had envisioned that councils would merely hand out contracts.  He felt that this day was closer as a result of the actions of the current government.  He asked the Cabinet to ensure that all proposals to cut services were debated openly and fairly.

Councillor Paul Crossley made a statement in which he pointed out that the report acknowledged that change was already ongoing.  He felt that the Cabinet should have consulted on their proposals sooner.

Peter Duppa Miller (Secretary to B&NES Local Councils Group and Clerk to Combe Hay Parish Council) made an ad hoc statement explaining that the North East Somerset Town and Parish Councils Association was keen to engage with the Council by developing the provision of local services by local councils.  He said that Combe Hay Council, for example, was prepared to man a local library service if adequate funding could be negotiated with the Council.

Councillor Malcolm Hanney introduced the proposals.  He explained that the country had inherited a deficit of £157Bn and that while bankers, business and government should all share their portion of the blame, what was important now would be to live within our means.  He agreed that it was necessary to reduce the Council's management structure but observed that it was the existing management which had delivered the high performing Council under the leadership of Cabinet.  He felt that the market had begun to recover, so there were opportunities to benefit from this.  He regretted that there had been no credible alternatives from other Groups on the Council.  There would be specific proposals to Council in November but what was needed from Cabinet was to provide a steer.  He welcomed the offer from Peter Duppa-Miller, which was very welcome.

Councillor Francine Haeberling seconded the proposal. She thanked Councillor Hanney for his hard work in preparing the report.

Councillor Chris Watt said that one of the most significant changes would be the way in which education was delivered.  He assured the Cabinet that the transition was being carefully managed and that the proposals would protect vulnerable people.

On a motion from Councillor Malcolm Hanney seconded by Councillor Francine Haeberling it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE the report on a response to public sector finance pressures;

(2) To CONFIRM the strategic steer in the report relating to key areas of the Council's business;

(3) To NOTE that a report and proposals will be submitted to Council relating to certain immediate issues (such as the Joint Health & Social Care Provider and the Commercial Estate);

(4) To ASK the Chief Executive to continue to prepare options for a revised management structure in the light of the proposals.