Agenda and minutes

8.1       The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 6 June 2017 were agreed as a correct record.

9.1       Copies of the reports referred to below are included in the minute book.

Report by Chief Executive

10.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive

10.2     It was RESOLVED – to note the end of year outturns for the Council Plan and Finance and to approve the proposed use of the General Fund surplus as set out in paragraph 2.8 of the report

Reason

10.3     The report set out the Council’s position and year end provisional outturns for the Council Plan targets, Revenue Budget, Capital Programme, Savings Plan together with risks at the end of March 2016.

Report by Chief Executive

11.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive

11.2     It was RESOLVED to:

            1) note the evidence base on demographics and the policy and resources outlook (Appendix 2);

2) review the priority outcomes which form the basis of the Council’s business and financial planning and recommend that County Council agree the change suggested in paragraph 2;

3) note the anticipated financial context for the period 2018/19-2020/21 set out in Appendix 3;

4) agree to the continued development of a three-year business and financial plan based on proposed priority outcomes and operating principles;

5) approve the amended Medium-Term Financial Plan and note that the 2017/18 Budget has been amended to take account of the additional Adult Social Care Grant announced in March 2017, as set out in paragraph 3.7 and Appendix 3, paragraph 4.1 to 4.5;

6) agree to continue to develop plans for savings of £21.9m in 2018/19 on the basis set out in Appendix 4 and to bring back high-level proposals for savings allocations in 2019/20 and 2020/21 to Cabinet in October 2017;

7) approve the updates to the current Capital Programme 2017-2023 as set out in Appendix 3 and paragraphs 12.24 to 12.39; and

8) approve the updated Reserves Policy as set out at the end of Appendix 3

Reason

11.3     The report begins the Council’s Reconciling Policy, Performance and Resources process for 2018/19 and beyond

Report by Director of Children's Services

12.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Children’s Services

12.2     It was RESOLVED – to approve the publication of statutory notices in relation to a proposal to close Rodmell CE Primary School by 31 August 2018

Reason

12.3     The governing body has been unable to find an alternative partnership model to deliver a sustainable future for its children.  As a result, the governing body has agreed that the school should move to closure by 31 August 2018.  Pupil numbers at the school continue to decline, with only 18 children on roll at the beginning of Term 6.  No children have been allocated a Reception year place at the school for September 2017. The local authority’s view is unchanged from last year in that it remains very concerned about the long term sustainability of the school in terms of its financial stability, securing good outcomes for pupils and the absence of demand for places from within its community area.  The local authority supports the governing body’s decision to move to closure.  This view is shared by the diocese.

Report by Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

13.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Environment

13.2     It was RESOLVED to:

(1)           note the results of the public consultation in relation to the draft strategy;

(2)           agree the continuation of discussions with external groups in relation to future ownership/management of countryside sites; and

(3)           approve the strategy and to delegate the implementation stage of the strategy to the Lead Member for Transport and Environment.

Reason

13.3     The majority of the consultation feedback is positive, and the Cabinet has therefore approved the strategy. The Cabinet are also agreed to delegate the strategy’s implementation stage (e.g. potential arrangements for the handover of sites) to the Lead Member for Transport and Environment.

14.1     The Cabinet agreed that items 5 and 6 should be reported to the County Council.

[Note: The items being reported to the County Council refer to minute numbers 10 and 11]