Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Assistant Chief Executive that provided an update on the implications of the 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 Head of Policy and Communications highlighted the most significant announcements since the last report to Members which relate to the following:

·                     The Budget;

·                     Welfare reform;

·                     National minimum wage;

·                     Transformation Challenge Fund;

·                     Transparency in local government;

·                     Public Services (Social Value) Act;

·                     Vocational qualifications and apprenticeships;

·                     Planning;

·                     North East Local Enterprise Partnership and North East Combined Authority;

·                     Regional Growth Fund;

·                     Local bus services;

·                     Community energy;

·                     NHS, public health and care and support reform;

·                     Community safety;

·                     Free school meals for infant pupils;

·                     Children and Families Act 2014;

·                     Child poverty strategy.

The Chairman asked if there had been any announcement on who would be leading the LEP. The Head of Policy and Communications responded that an announcement would be made shortly.

Councillor R Bell referred to the Regional Growth Fund and requested that a cumulative figure be provided.

Councillor T Nearney referred to the Welfare Reform and asked if there was a formal structure for partnership working with AAPs and housing providers. The Head of Policy and Communications responded that a steering group had been set up that would then feed into further groups to ensure that all parties work collectively to provide a single approach. The Council also work closely with social housing providers to help identify those people in need of extra support. He added that the approach had been successful in joining services together to be able to manage Welfare Reform.

Councillor Wilson requested further information on the provision of free school meals in particular the figures to support the scheme and questioned whether it would be enough to cover every school in the county. Councillor Hopgood added that all school kitchens in County Durham are up to standard from the previous pilot therefore would not receive any additional funding allocated to expand kitchen and dining facilities. The Chairman suggested that the matter be referred to the Corporate Director, Children and Adults Services to provide a breakdown of figures.

Resolved:

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