Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive that provided an update on the implications of the Coalition Government’s policy programme, major policy developments and announcements and provided an analysis of the implications for the Council and County Durham (for copy see file of minutes).

The Assistant Chief Executive highlighted the most significant announcements since the last report to Members which relate to the following:

• Spending Review
• Local Government Finance Settlement Consultation
• Investing in Britain’s Future
• The Future of High Streets
• Transport Funding
• Regional Growth Fund
• European Funding
• NHS Reform
• Care and Support Reform
• Integration of Health and Social Care
• Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Bill
• Children and Families Bill
• National Curriculum Review
• Primary Education Reform
• Education Qualifications Reform
• WRAP Funding Review
• Public Services Reform
• Transparency
• Local Government Pensions Reform
• Employment Tribunals and Judicial Review

Councillor S Wilson referred to the capping of legal aid and enquired if any further detail was available on the impact this would have. The Assistant Chief Executive replied that the impact had been considered and detailed in a previous report which she would provide him with a copy.

Councillor R Bell commented on the Local Government finance settlement consultation and the top slicing of Local Authorities Revenue Support Grants which was risking driving deeper cuts than necessary. The Assistant Chief Executive advised that there was a general passing of risks to local authorities and gave examples of council tax benefit and business rate retention. The Chairman expressed concern regarding the pressure officers are under to second guess the risks associated with the settlement.

In response to Councillor Shield’s comments regarding the Local Council Tax Support Scheme and the process for appeals against decisions to refuse payments, the Assistant Chief Executive referred to the detailed Welfare Reform report that was considered by Cabinet on 11 September 2013 where the recommendation to Council would be to extend the current scheme for a further year for 2014/15.

Resolved:

That the information contained in the report and the actions taken to anticipate and respond to the government’s reforms be noted.