Agenda and minutes

21.1     The minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 18 July 2017 were agreed as a correct record.

22.1     An apology for absence was received from Councillor Simmons

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

Report by Chief Executive

24.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Executive.

24.2     It was RESOLVED – to note the latest position for the Council

Reason

24.3     The report sets out the Council’s position and year end projections for the Council Plan targets, Revenue Budget, Capital Programme, Savings Plan together with Risks for 2017/18 quarter 1.

Report by Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

25.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Director of Communities, Economy and Environment together with the comments of the Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy Review Board.

25.2     It was RESOLVED – to agree the draft Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy is publicly consulted on for a 12 week period from September to December 2017

Reason

25.3     The report presents proposals for the implementation of the draft Libraries Strategic Commissioning Strategy (LSCS) that could achieve £653k of savings and create a modern, sustainable library service for East Sussex, which prioritises the needs of the county and is able to adapt to future needs.  This would deliver total savings for the Libraries Transformation Programme of £1.903m against a target of £2m and is considered to be the most appropriate strategy to prioritise resources in order to meet the needs which have been identified at the current time.

25.4     In addition to providing a core library offer that would retain a very high level of accessibility to all those who live, work and study in East Sussex, by re-prioritising and developing new, more targeted services the draft LSCS presents a key opportunity for us to support and empower those with the greatest needs to make potentially transformational changes to their life chances.  If the proposed needs- based library service were to be implemented following the consultation, resources would be targeted to communities where we have identified these highest needs and, in partnership with others, we would develop and expand our services, including an enhanced eLibrary and Home Library Service, a new Children’s and Young People’s Offer to support literacy, and increased outreach work in our most disadvantaged communities.There would be a smaller network of library buildings, with 17 libraries in appropriate locations across the county according to need, and 92% of members of the current 24 libraries would be unaffected.  Over 86% of East Sussex residents would be within a 20 minute journey time to a library by public transport and over 99% within a 20 minute journey by car.

25.5     The draft LSCS will undergo a public consultation during September to December 2017.  The findings of the public consultation will be analysed and the draft LSCS and the supporting appendices, which form the statutory assessment of needs, including the full EqIA, will be reviewed. The outcome of the consultation and a draft LSCS will be presented to Cabinet in March 2018, with a view, should it be agreed, to implementation from April 2018.

Report by Director of Children’s Services

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

26.2     It was RESOLVED – to approve the closure of Rodmell Chief Executive Primary School on 31 August 2018 or sooner if at such time as no children remain on roll at the School

Reason

26.3     The governing body been unable to find an alternative model to deliver a sustainable future for its children.  As a result, the governing board has agreed that the school should move to closure by 31 August 2018.  Pupil numbers at the school have continued to decline, with only three children currently on roll. It is not considered that the school is sustainable in the long term, will be financially stable or will secure good outcomes for pupils, particularly given the absence of demand for places from within its community area.  The Cabinet supports the governing board’s decision to move to closure.  This view is shared by the diocese. No comments or objections were received during the representation period following the publication of notices.

26.4     The Cabinet agreed to approve the closure of Rodmell CE Primary School on 31 August 2018  or sooner at such time as no children remain on roll at the School.

Report by the Chief Operating Officer

27.1     The Cabinet considered a report by the Chief Operating Officer

27.2     It was RESOLVED – to agree to rescind the previous list of officers authorised to sign cheques drawn on the County Council’s main bank account and to authorise the officers set out in paragraph 2.2 in their place

Reason

27.3     The report fulfils the requirement in Financial Regulations that the Cabinet has to approve the list of authorised officers (set out in paragraph 2.2) to sign cheques drawn on the County Council’s bank accounts. 

28.1     The Cabinet agreed that item 5 should be reported to the County Council

[Not: The item being reported to the County Council refers to minute number 24]