A meeting of the OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL (SOCIAL WELL-BEING) will be held in CIVIC SUITE 0.1A, PATHFINDER HOUSE, ST MARY'S STREET, HUNTINGDON, CAMBS, PE29 3TN on TUESDAY, 5 MARCH 2013 at 7:00 PM and you are requested to attend for the transaction of the following business:-
Contact (01480)
APOLOGIES
1. MINUTES (Pages 1 - 6)
To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Miss H Ali Panel held on 5th February 2013. 388006
2 Minutes.
2. MEMBERS' INTERESTS
To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary, non-disclosable pecuniary or non-pecuniary interests in relation to any Agenda Items. See Notes below.
2 Minutes.
3. NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE DECISIONS (Pages 7 - 10)
A copy of the current Notice of Executive Decisions, which was Mrs H Taylor published on 20th February 2013 is attached. Members are invited to 388008 note the Decisions and to comment as appropriate on any items contained therein.
10 Minutes.
4. HINCHINGBROOKE HOSPITAL: PROGRESS AND PLANS (Pages 11 - 30)
To receive an update on Hinchingbrooke Hospital’s progress and plans for the future.
Mr John Pye and Dr J Challener, Non Executive Directors of Hinchingbrooke Trust Board, Ms Liz Pointing, Deputy Chief Executive of Hinchingbrooke Hospital and Mr Michael Watson, Head of Operations, Circle Healthcare, will be in attendance for this item.
All Members of the Council have been invited to attend for discussion on this item.
60 Minutes.
5. HUNTINGDONSHIRE MATTERS
To receive a presentation from the Corporate Team Manager on Mrs H Donnellan Huntingdonshire Matters. 388263
20 Minutes.
6. REVIEW OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY (Pages 31 - 40)
To consider a report by the Working Group established by the D Harwood Overview and Scrutiny Panels outlining the findings of their review of 388115 the effectiveness of Overview and Scrutiny.
20 Minutes.
7. CAMBRIDGESHIRE ADULTS, WELLBEING AND HEALTH OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
To receive an update from Councillor R J West on the outcome of recent meetings of the Cambridgeshire Adults, Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
5 Minutes.
8. WORK PLAN STUDIES (Pages 41 - 48)
To consider, with the aid of a report by the Head of Legal and Miss H Ali Democratic Services, the current programme of Overview and 388006 Scrutiny studies.
10 Minutes.
9. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL (SOCIAL WELL-BEING) - PROGRESS (Pages 49 - 56)
To consider a report by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services Miss H Ali on the Panel’s programme of studies. 388006
15 Minutes.
10. SCRUTINY
To scrutinise decisions as set out in the Decision Digest (TO FOLLOW) and to raise any other matters for scrutiny that fall within the remit of the Panel.
5 Minutes.
Dated this 25 day of February 2013
Head of Paid Service
Notes
A. Disclosable Pecuniary Interests
(1) Members are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests and unless you have obtained dispensation, cannot discuss or vote on the matter at the meeting and must also leave the room whilst the matter is being debated or voted on.
(2) A Member has a disclosable pecuniary interest if it
(a) relates to you, or (b) is an interest of -
(i) your spouse or civil partner; or (ii) a person with whom you are living as husband and wife; or (iii) a person with whom you are living as if you were civil partners
and you are aware that the other person has the interest.
(3) Disclosable pecuniary interests includes -
(a) any employment or profession carried out for profit or gain; (b) any financial benefit received by the Member in respect of expenses incurred carrying out his or her duties as a Member (except from the Council); (c) any current contracts with the Council; (d) any beneficial interest in land/property within the Council's area; (e) any licence for a month or longer to occupy land in the Council's area; (f) any tenancy where the Council is landlord and the Member (or person in (2)(b) above) has a beneficial interest; or (g) a beneficial interest (above the specified level) in the shares of any body which has a place of business or land in the Council's area.
B. Other Interests
(4) If a Member has a non-disclosable pecuniary interest or a non-pecuniary interest then you are required to declare that interest, but may remain to discuss and vote.
(5) A Member has a non-disclosable pecuniary interest or a non-pecuniary interest where -
(a) a decision in relation to the business being considered might reasonably be regarded as affecting the well-being or financial standing of you or a member of your family or a person with whom you have a close association to a greater extent than it would affect the majority of the council tax payers, rate payers or inhabitants of the ward or electoral area for which you have been elected or otherwise of the authority's administrative area, or (b) it relates to or is likely to affect any of the descriptions referred to above, but in respect of a member of your family (other than specified in (2)(b) above) or a person with whom you have a close association
and that interest is not a disclosable pecuniary interest.
Please contact Miss H Ali, Democratic Services Officer, Tel No: (01480) 388006 / email: [email protected] if you have a general query on any Agenda Item, wish to tender your apologies for absence from the meeting, or would like information on any decision taken by the Panel. Specific enquiries with regard to items on the Agenda should be directed towards the Contact Officer. Members of the public are welcome to attend this meeting as observers except during consideration of confidential or exempt items of business.
Agenda and enclosures can be viewed on the District Council’s website – www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk (under Councils and Democracy).
If you would like a translation of Agenda/Minutes/Reports or would like a large text version or an audio version please contact the Democratic Services Manager and we will try to accommodate your needs.
Emergency Procedure
In the event of the fire alarm being sounded and on the instruction of the Meeting Administrator, all attendees are requested to vacate the building via the closest emergency exit. Agenda Item 1
HUNTINGDONSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL
MINUTES of the meeting of the OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL (SOCIAL WELL-BEING) held in Civic Suite 0.1A, Pathfinder House, St Mary's Street, Huntingdon, Cambs, PE29 3TN on Tuesday, 5 February 2013.
PRESENT: Councillor S J Criswell – Chairman.
Councillors R C Carter, R Fuller, Mrs P A Jordan, P Kadewere, M C Oliver, J W G Pethard and R J West.
Mrs M Nicholas – Co-opted Member.
APOLOGIES: Apologies for absence from the meeting were submitted on behalf of Councillors S Akthar and K M Baker and Mr R Coxhead.
87. MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 8th January 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
88. MEMBERS' INTERESTS
No declarations were received.
89. NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE DECISIONS
The Panel considered and noted the current Notice of Executive Decisions (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which had been prepared by the Executive Leader of the Council for the period 3rd February to 31st May 2013. Members were reminded that they had previously requested sight of the Town and Parish Council Charter prior to its consideration by the Cabinet.
90. THE DRAFT ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR BILL
(Dr S Lammin, Head of Environmental and Community Health Services, was in attendance for this item).
Pursuant to Minute No. 12/85 and with the aid of a report prepared by the Head of Environmental and Community Health Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel gave consideration to the implications of the draft Anti-Social Behaviour Bill for the District and was provided with an opportunity to submit a response to the consultation currently being undertaken by the Government on the proposals relating to the Community Remedy.
In introducing the report, the Head of Environmental and Community Health Services reported that the Community Remedy would enable victims to have a say in the treatment of offenders and that the Police
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and Crime Commissioner would be responsible for compiling a list of community sanctions for low level crime and anti-social behaviour. The Remedy would provide victims and the public with an opportunity to express a view on what sanctions would be meaningful. Having expressed their support for the introduction of the Remedy, Members have stressed that, where necessary, victims’ anonymity should be protected.
Members received details of other provisions contained within the draft Bill, which included the Community Trigger. The Trigger would enable victims of persistent anti-social behaviour to prompt relevant bodies to undertake case reviews. The Panel discussed the role of Registered Social Landlords in dealing with anti-social behaviour tenants. The Head of Environmental and Community Health Services then expressed the view that it was likely that significant changes would be made to the Bill before it was enacted. Having noted that the period of consultation on the Community Remedy proposals would close on 7th March 2013, it was
RESOLVED
(a) that the contents of the report now submitted be noted, and
(b) that a response to the Government’s consultation on the proposals for a Community Remedy be submitted from the Panel to include the comments outlined above.
91. ANNUAL EQUALITY PROGRESS REPORT
(a) Annual Progress Report
(Mrs L Sboui, Policy and Performance Officer, and Dr S Lammin, Head of Environmental and Community Health Services, were in attendance for consideration of this item).
With the aid of a report by the Corporate Team Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel received the annual update on progress towards the achievement of the Council’s Single Equality Scheme and associated Action Plan. In introducing the report, the Policy and Performance Officer outlined the legislative background to the report and the current position with regard to the completion of Equality Impact Assessments.
Having regard to the Action Plan, Members’ attention was drawn to the forthcoming redundancy of the Diversity and Projects Officer on 31st March 2013. The Head of Environmental and Community Health Services explained the duties of this post and reported that Hate Crime reporting would be transferred to the Community Safety Team.
Discussion ensued on the Equality Impact Assessments which had been undertaken in 2012, with particular reference being made to refuse and recycling round rescheduling and charging for emptying a second green bin.
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Having regard to the latter, the Policy and Performance Officer undertook to clarify whether the proposals covered assisted collections. On a more general point, comment was made that the Assessments should only contain matters relating to equalities as defined in equalities legislation. Whereupon, it was
RESOLVED
(a) that the impact of the Council’s work around equalities in helping services to consider and understand the needs of different groups and acting as an aid to decision making be noted; and
(b) that progress be noted against the Single Equality Scheme Action Plan and the findings from the Equality Impact Assessments conducted during 2012 be supported.
(b) Equality Working Group
The Panel received and noted a report by of the Equality Working Group (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) containing details of its deliberations at a recent meeting. Councillor R J West reported that since the meeting, Members of the Working Group had reviewed information relating to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender inequalities within Huntingdonshire and the outcome of the 2012 Employee Opinion Survey. He also indicated that he would be attending the next meeting of the Huntingdonshire Diversity Forum which would be held on 6th March 2013. The Working Group would continue to meet to monitor progress against the Action Plan.
92. CONSULTATION PROCESSES WORKING GROUP
With the aid of a report by the Consultation Processes Working Group (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel received an update on progress with the Working Group’s investigations to date. Councillor R J West reported that further revisions to the Strategy and Guidance had been agreed and that the Working Group would meet again once these changes had been introduced with a view to reviewing their effectiveness.
The Panel’s attention was drawn to two key issues arising from the Working Group’s investigations. Members endorsed the recommendation that Officers should be encouraged to populate the Consultation Calendar and Database with details of consultations that they were undertaking and to evaluate them once they had been completed. In addition, it was agreed that an annual evaluation report summarising the consultations undertaken by the Council each year should be presented to the Panel. Both of these matters would be included within the revised Strategy and Guidance, the final drafts of which would be presented to the Panel and the Cabinet at their meetings in June/July 2013.
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RESOLVED
that the contents of the report now submitted be noted.
93. CAMBRIDGESHIRE ADULTS, WELLBEING AND HEALTH OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
The Panel received and noted the Minutes of the meeting of the Cambridgeshire Adults, Wellbeing and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 13th December 2012 (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book). Councillor R J West reported that a meeting of the Committee had been held earlier that day when further consideration had been given to the Adult Social Care Business Plan 2013/14.
94. WORK PLAN STUDIES
The Panel received and noted a report by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which contained details of studies being undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Panels for Economic Well-Being and for Environmental Well-Being. Members were reminded of the opportunity they had to participate in the studies if they wished.
95. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL (SOCIAL WELL-BEING) - PROGRESS
The Panel received and noted a report by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which contained details of actions taken in response to recent discussions and decisions. A meeting of the Cambridgeshire Adults Well-Being and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee had been held earlier that day when representatives of Hinchingbrooke Healthcare NHS Trust, Circle and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Clinical Commissioning Trust Board were in attendance to deliver an update on the Hospital’s progress and plans for the future. Members of the Hinchingbrooke Hospital Working Group were in attendance at the meeting and the Chairman delivered an account of the discussions which had been held. In doing so, it was reported that in order for Circle to deliver a balanced budget, they had committed £3.7m of their own funding to the management of the Hospital, however, a return on their investment would be expected in later years as the Hospital’s financial and operational performance improved. Members’ attention also was drawn to the fact that the Hospital’s management agreement included a clause enabling either party to terminate the contract.
A discussion then ensued on public perception of Hinchingbrooke Hospital and the fact that the press tended to focus on negative aspects of its performance. Members were mindful of the need to obtain their own evidence from patients and staff on the impact of the changes that had been introduced and the level of service provided with a view to informing the debate when representatives of the Hospital attended their meeting in March 2013. In preparation for this, the Panel requested that an Executive Summary of the terms of the
4
management contract was circulated to Members in advance of the meeting.
The Panel then received an outline of the Member Seminar held prior to the meeting on Local Clinical Commissioning Group Strategic Plans. It was noted that preliminary consideration had been given to how recent health service changes and health matters generally would be scrutinised. Joint working with the County Council was one of the options being considered.
Councillor P Kadewere reported that Rural Cambs CAB was now delivering interim advisory services from the Town Hall, Huntingdon. The Chairman indicated that he would liaise with the Deputy Executive Leader on behalf of the Neighbourhood Forums Working Group on receiving an update on progress of the pilot North Huntingdonshire Local Joint Committee.
96. SCRUTINY
The 131st Edition of the Decision Digest was received and noted.
Chairman
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NOTICE OF EXECUTIVE DECISIONS INCLUDING THOSE TO BE CONSIDERED IN PRIVATE
Prepared by Councillor J D Ablewhite Date of Publication: 20 February 2013 For Period: 1 March to 30 June 2013
Membership of the Cabinet is as follows:-
Councillor J D Ablewhite - Leader of the Council, with responsibility for 3 Pettis Road Strategic Economic Development St. Ives Huntingdon PE27 6SR
Tel: 01480 466941 E-mail: [email protected] Councillor N J Guyatt - Deputy Leader of the Council with responsibility for 6 Church Lane
7 Strategic Planning and Housing Stibbington Cambs PE8 6LP
Tel: 01780 782827 E-mail: [email protected] Councillor B S Chapman - Executive Councillor for Customer Services 6 Kipling Place St. Neots Huntingdon PE19 7RG
Tel: 01480 212540 E-mail: [email protected] Councillor J A Gray - Executive Councillor for Resources Shufflewick Cottage
Station Row Agenda Item3 Tilbrook PE28 OJY
Tel: 01480 861941 E-mail: [email protected] Councillor D M Tysoe - Executive Councillor for Environment Grove Cottage Maltings Lane Ellington Huntingdon PE28 0AA
Tel: 01480 388310 E-mail: [email protected]
Councillor T D Sanderson - Executive Councillor for Healthy and Active 29 Burmoor Close Communities Stukeley Meadows Huntingdon PE29 6GE
Tel: (01480) 412135 E-mail: [email protected]
Notice is hereby given of:
• Key decisions that will be taken by the Cabinet (or other decision maker) • Confidential or exempt executive decisions that will be taken in a meeting from which the public will be excluded (for whole or part).
A notice/agenda together with reports and supporting documents for each meeting will be published at least five working days before the date of the meeting. In order to enquire about the availability of documents and subject to any restrictions on their disclosure, copies may be requested by contacting Mrs Helen Taylor, Senior Democratic Services Officer on 01480 388008 or E- mail [email protected] .
Agendas may be accessed electronically at www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk .
Formal notice is hereby given under The Local Authorities (Executive Arrangements) (Meetings and Access to Information) (England) Regulations 2012 that, where indicated part of the meetings listed in this notice will be held in private because the agenda and reports for the meeting will contain confidential or exempt information under Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 (as amended) and that the public interest in withholding the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing it. See the relevant paragraphs below.
Any person who wishes to make representations to the decision maker about a decision which is to be made or wishes to object to an item being considered in private may do so by emailing [email protected] or by writing to the Senior Democratic Services Officer. If representations are received at least eight working days before the date of the 8 meeting, they will be published with the agenda together with a statement of the District Council’s response. Any representations received after this time will be verbally reported and considered at the meeting.
Paragraphs of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985 (as amended) (Reason for the report to be considered in private)
1. Information relating to any individual 2. Information which is likely to reveal the identity of an individual 3. Information relating to the Financial and Business Affairs of any particular person (including the Authority holding that information) 4. Information relating to any consultations or negotiations or contemplated consultations or negotiations in connection with any labour relations that are arising between the Authority or a Minister of the Crown and employees of or office holders under the Authority 5. Information in respect of which a claim to legal professional privilege could be maintained in legal proceedings 6. Information which reveals that the Authority proposes:- (a) To give under any announcement a notice under or by virtue of which requirements are imposed on a person; or (b) To make an Order or Direction under any enactment 7. Information relating to any action taken or to be taken in connection with the prevention, investigation or prosecution of crime.
Colin Meadowcroft Head of Legal and Democratic Services
Huntingdonshire District Council Pathfinder House St Mary's Street Huntingdon PE29 3TN.
Notes:- (i) Additions/changes from the previous Forward Plan are annotated *** (ii) Part II confidential items which will be considered in private are annotated ## and shown in italic.
Local Government Cabinet 21 Mar 2013 Julia Barber, Head of Customer Services Tel Councillor B S Economic Well- Finance Act 2012 No. 01480 388105 or e-mail Chapman Being Consequential [email protected] Amendments***
Review of Cabinet 21 Mar 2013 Julia Barber, Head of Customer Services Tel Councillor B S Economic Well- Discretionary Housing No. 01480 388105 or email Chapman Being Payments Policy*** [email protected]
Loves Farm - Cabinet 21 Mar 2013 Chris Allen, Project and Assets Manager Tel J A Gray Economic Well-
9 Request for No. 01480 388380 or e-mail Being Supplementary [email protected] Estimate***
CIL Business Plan Cabinet 21 Mar 2013 Paul Bland, Planning Service Manager N J Guyatt Economic Well- 2013/14 (Policy) Tel No. 01480 388430 or e-mail Being and [email protected] Environmental Well-Being
Revision of the Wind Cabinet 21 Mar 2013 Paul Bland, Planning Service Manager N J Guyatt Environmental Power (Policy) Tel No. 01480 388430 or email Well-Being Supplementary [email protected] Planning Document
Subject/Matter Decision/ Date Documents How relevant Officer Reasons for the Relevant Relevant for Decision recommendation decision to Available can be contacted report to be Executive Overview & to be made by be taken considered in Councillor Scrutiny Panel private
Local Plan Cabinet 16 May 2013 Paul Bland, Planning Service Manager N J Guyatt Environmental (Policy) Tel No. 01480 388430 or e-mail Well-Being [email protected]
Town and Parish Cabinet 20 Jun 2013 Dan Smith, Community Health Manager Tel N J Guyatt Social Well- Council Charter*** No. 01480 388377 or e-mail Being [email protected]
Customer Services Cabinet 20 Jun 2013 Kathryn Sexton, Customer Services Manager B S Chapman Economic Well- Strategy*** Tel No. 01480 387040 or e-mail Being [email protected]
10 Home Improvement Cabinet 20 Jun 2013 Trish Reed, Housing Strategy Manager Tel B S Chapman Social Well- Agency, Shared No. 01480 388203 or e-mail Being Service - Annual [email protected] Operating Service***
A14*** Cabinet 20 Jun 2013 Steve Ingram, Head of Planning Services N J Guyatt Environmental 01480 388400 or email Well-Being [email protected]
Agenda Item 4
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 22 The Hunts Post - Wednesday, January 30, 2013 Post news www.huntspost24.co.uk Newsdesk: 01480 411481 Circle at Hinchingbrooke: WHETHER you think the decision Friday marks the first anniversary of private company Circle taking to franchise Hinchingbrooke was a pioneering deal to save the ailing control of Hinchingbrooke Hospital. CATHERINE BELL met Circle’s head Huntingdon hospital or a costly mis- take that would sound the death knell of operations, Michael Watson, and Hisham Abdel-Rahman, medical of local acute services, one thing is for sure: no-one has stopped talking about director at Hinchingbrooke, to assess the past 12 months. Circle. The healthcare partnership offi- plus, under the terms of the agreement, job losses. the fundamentals right.” cially took the reigns on February 1, Circle won’t receive a penny. And However, with the rough came the Mr Abdel-Rahman said: “I have been after a 13-month procurement process while Circle stands to make a mas- smooth – last week, the hospital’s here for 12 years and I have seen a lot culminated in the firm signing a 10- sive amount of money if it proves suc- emergency department was ranked of ups and downs in the trust. In medi- year contract in November 2011. cessful, it is gambling its own money best in the country for seeing people cine, being consistent is as important The deal sees Circle tasked with – £5m is the amount of cash at risk if quickly and the whole hospital has as being very good. What Circle’s making “unprecedented” savings of Hinchingbrooke adds to its losses. consistently topped regional perform- transformation assures is consistency, £311million over the life-time of the It is fair to say that the past 12 months ance tables. as well as aspiring to excellence.” would work through Circle’s 16-point contract. If successful, it would net the have been a rollercoaster ride for the Michael Watson, who joined the He described the company’s plan, which he described as its “over- firm a franchise fee of £31m. hospital. A damning report into its company nine months ago from global approach to improving the hospital as arching vision”, step-by-step and he In order to receive that payout, Circle colorectal department was published in brand Avon, said he was optimistic “scientific” and said while the hospi- branded as ridiculous fears that Circle must have repaid the hospital’s £38m March and concerns were also raised about the future, while Hisham Abdel- tal would still experience “blips”, they would cut services and reduce quality historic deficit. If it fails to make a sur- about reduced cleaning contracts and Rahman enthused: “I have never been would be easily recoverable. in order to make money. so excited in my whole life.” “It gives people confidence and cre- “I don’t know how that makes good Mr Watson’s buzz words are “effi- ates momentum,” he said. business sense,” he said. “What pri- cient and effective” and it is clear that They both agreed that everyone was vate company would say ‘I’m not he is committed to applying his Avon pleased with the turnaround of A&E. going to look after my customers, I’m business expertise to his new role in Mr Watson said: “Everyone was say- not going to give them what they want health. ing a private company would never run and I will be a success’? That’s not He has a tough task ahead: in the a successful A&E department but we going to work.” first six months of the current finan- have managed as a combined organi- He said the reason Hinchingbrooke’s cial year, the hospital – which had an sation. We have taken it from one of finances were not where they had income of £107m last year – had gen- the worst performing to the best. If hoped to be after the first year was erated a deficit of £4.1m. That was you can’t be proud of that, you can’t because Circle had inherited a bigger £2.2m higher than anticipated. be proud of anything.” financial problem than they antici- However, Mr Watson said Circle’s On the subject of finances, he said no pated but bosses had made a “con- first role was to prioritise what needed one at Circle was yet “claiming vic- scious decision” to focus on improv- to be done and that meant focusing tory” but added: “This is a long-term ing quality rather than addressing the on the “fundamentals” of improving project. It’s disappointing if we are finances. patient experience and putting the going to be judged after 12 months. “The most important thing was to cre- books on the back-burner. Big transformations take at least three ate a safer service,” he said. “We need “This year has very much been focuss- years. The worst thing you can do is to ensure our patients are comfortable ing on the quality and clinical results of try to do everything at once. If every- and happy. We haven’t made, and will the hospital,” he said. “That has taken one goes crazy trying to do it all, you not make, short-term decisions to save money and look good. Some decisions Michael Watson us a lot of time to do. We have been end up achieving nothing.” putting a lot of energy behind getting He said the hospital’s management have cost us money but we will see
focus on safety. It has been adopted by more 4. STOP THE LINE When Circle took over at Hinchingbrooke, it announced its than 1,000 staff at Hinchingbrooke and we ((((((((( ) 16-point plan for improvements. Here’s how the company expect to see greater reductions in pressure THERE are new processes for investigating seri- ulcers, falls and medication errors. At this stage ous incidents with escalation to the chief execu- rates itself on its progress so far. we can report that we have: tive and medical directors within one hour. Sys- – Improved screening for people at risk of pres- tems are in place to improve reaction time – the sure ulcers from 90 to 100 per cent 1. NO HOTSPOTS: recruiting two new surgeons. A full colorectal average investigation time into a safety event – Reduced the harm from falls by 9 per cent in February (pre-stop the line) would take eight ((((((((( ) service has now returned to the hospital follow- (February – November 2012) ing suspension in 2011. weeks, it now takes four weeks with the interim A&E: Hinchingbrooke was previously the worst action within 48 hours. performing trust in the Cambridgeshire area and CANCER TARGETS: Before Circle, cancer 3. COMPASSIONATE CARE targets were last met in June 2010. Since March This has also: ranked 37/46 trusts in the East of England region ((((((((( ) – Reduced serious incidents from 70 (2011/2) for the four-hour target. The department was a the hospital has met all cancer targets for quarter one and quarter three this year. OUR staff said nursing should be about patients, to 27 in 2012/3 safety ‘hotspot’ posing a risk to patient safety not paperwork. They want nurses and care pro- – Improved rating for our investigation of seri- and the Deanery – the body responsible for the CQC: Clean bill of health from the CQC for the first year since inspections began in 2009. viders to spend more time with their patients. ous incidents from the PCT – it was poor in Feb- management and delivery of postgraduate medi- In each clinical team, they want to overhaul ruary/March rising to excellent in May. cal education – was threatening to withdraw jun- their processes so that patient contact time is ior doctor training posts due to concerns raised 2. ZERO HARM SCORECARD: increased to two thirds of nursing time. We have 5. PATIENT CENTRED PATHWAYS about the department. Absenteeism and staff ((((((( ))) seen patient contact time increased from 51 to turnover were high and recruitment was impos- ((((((((( ) THE introduction of Stop the Line (see point 62 per cent in the last six months. All wards are WE promised to re-organise clinical pathways sible due to the hospital’s uncertain future. four) has had a direct impact with increased now doing handovers at the patient’s bedside. Circle approached the problems by collect- to make them more helpful for patients. ing feedback from all patients, creating regular The emergency department made two key forums for staff, implementing a new escalation changes. First, A&E was merged with the Acute process and investing in senior emergency con- Assessment Unit (AAU), a unit where patients sultants. Since March, the emergency depart- are diagnosed by senior clinicians to make ment is now the top performing full service trust sure they receive rapid treatment in the unit or among all hospitals in the Cambridgeshire area. referral to the right place. By merging the two COLORECTAL: Last year, the Royal College units, patient journeys through the department of Surgeons conducted a review of colorectal are streamlined ensuring they don’t spend any surgery and found major failings. In February, unnecessary time in the hospital. the trust publicly apologised for past failings and Second, we introduced a short stay unit, a ward pledged a new era of transparency and patient where patients are treated and released within safety. We brought in an expert team from Not- 48 hours. Patients are assessed daily by a sen- tingham led by a renowned colorectal surgeon, ior doctor and receive intensive nursing, physi- Mr Nicholas Armitage, to fix this service, creat- otherapy and occupational therapy to make sure ing a more patient-centred and larger unit and they stay in hospital only as long as necessary.
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28 The Hunts Post - Wednesday, January 30, 2013 23 www.huntspost24.co.uk Newsdesk: 01480 411481 One year o n out next year in a stronger position. to do.” People might say ‘Look they haven’t He said criticism levelled at Circle achieved what they said’, but we knew for reducing the cleaning contract was what we were doing.” unfair and unfounded. One decision that cost them money “You might have the cleanest hospi- was to continue employing locum tal in the world but if the people doing consultants until they found the right the cleaning are the slowest, it’s going people to fill their vacancies. When to cost a fortune,” he explained. “We Circle first took control, job vacancies want the best people, not only doing were attracting zero applications, such the best cleaning but doing it effi- was the uncertainty over the hospital’s ciently. I think that’s a very responsi- future. Now that permanent staff have ble thing to do.” been found, the locum budget has Cleaning contractor Mitie announced more than halved, down to £160,000 in September that 24 employees would a month. lose their jobs and the 11.5-hour But Mr Abdel-Rahman explained the night shift would be cut to six hours, hit wasn’t just financial: “You can’t after hospital bosses renegotiated its get temporary staff to push the bound- £130,000-a-month contract. aries. It was more than just a financial Under the new contract, cleaning in loss, it was an opportunity lost for clinical areas has been maintained, investment in those departments.” while cleaning in offices and residen- Mr Watson said Circle would con- tial areas – where nurses, doctors and NEW IDEAS: One of the staff workshops that have given staff control of the hospital. tinue to ask its 1,700 employees “to managers live – will be reduced. We have to make decisions and not his staff’s disposal: “The access to the “It will be another difficult year for do things differently”. A spokesman for the hospital said everyone is going to agree but if you partnership, the people on the phone, us. We won’t get everything right and “We will be holding a mirror up to the new contract met all operational have a better way of doing it, come has been fantastic,” he said. we will get complaints – you are bound people,” he said. “If there’s a better and infection control requirements. and talk to us. Don’t sit on the side- Mr Abdel-Rahman said anyone to when you’re pushing boundaries.” way of doing it, that’s what we want However, Steve Sweeney, branch lines, saying it’s not working. wanting to see “green shoots” in Mr Watson conceded that at some secretary of Huntingdonshire Trades “The worst thing we can do is let Hinchingbrooke should look at the points in the past year Circle had Union Congress, said: “If you don’t inefficiency carry on. If we continue hospital’s maternity unit, which was “probably overwhelmed” themselves clean offices as often, the staff are to let inefficiency carry on, the hos- already one of the best in the country but he added: “Looking back, I don’t still going to move onto the wards so pital will continue to lose money and but is now also financially stable. He think it could have been that much germs will be transported that way if it continues to lose money it will also said so-called “hot spots” in the different. You always get surprised – it is putting patients at risk of infec- close.” hospital, including breast cancer treat- by things, you always get setbacks tions.” Mr Abdel-Rahman is pleased that ment, A&E and the colorectal depart- and you always get criticised. If you Despite the criticism, Mr Watson Circle’s pledge to hand power to ment, have all been addressed – but expect perfection, you will be disap- said he thinks Circle is making good frontline staff was more than just a Mr Watson was not complacent. pointed.” progress and wouldn’t shy away from “slogan”. He pointed to the fact that “Even though we have accomplished He said the partnership was clear on what he described as the trades union’s doctors and nurses represent 80 per all these things, there is still so much what they were going to do next and “uninformed chit chat”. cent of the hospital’s board and deci- to do,” he said. “That’s what’s so asserted that this time next year the “It’s unreasonable to expect that sions were based on what they want, exciting. If we were saying we were hospital would be back in the black. everyone is going to agree with eve- rather than “going to a text book” for done and finished after one year – that “We can quite clearly say that we rything we do but let’s have a sensi- answers. He praised Circle’s invest- wouldn’t be great. People would be will be in that position,” he said. “We ble debate,” he said. “There’s always ment in Hinchingbrooke – not in mon- saying there must be more you can do will be sitting here with a very long Mr Abdel-Rahman going to be a difference of opinion. etary terms but in the resources put at and there is, a huge number of things. list of what we have accomplished.”
6. PATIENTS DECIDE has increased from 20 per cent in January to hospital board. These units have started to take to diagnose and follow osteoporosis. ((((((((( ) 95 per cent in July. All food fresh rather than ownership of the quality of care, patient experi- WE increased our patient feedback responses frozen and delivered in the same budgets. ence and the costs of delivery at the frontline. 14 AND 15. WAR ON WASTE AND SMART from less than 1,000 feedback forms for the The units went to the next level of empower- PROCUREMENT period March-December 2011, to 15,962 for the 9. INVEST IN SKILLS ment when they embarked on a business plan- (((((((( )) same time period in 2012. ((((((((( ) ning cycle through November to plan for 2013. THE team has worked with every department We promised that within the first six months THE clinical units are up and running and, as in the hospital to find where we can strip out of 2012, all departments’ patient feedback and promised, the frontline leaders have been given 13. HOSPITAL OF CHOICE waste. Up to this point we have banked £1.381m actions against those comments will be pub- the chance to take part in the ‘Circle Leadership (((((((( )) and aim to save £1.804m in this financial year. lished. We stuck to this promise and all feed- Academy’ which will take them through the ORTHOPEDIC: In February a group of doc- Locum spend is down (see main article). back for every clinical unit is now published basics of measuring results, developing plans, tors, nurses, physiotherapists and patients met monthly on the trust’s website. and deciding on wider management issues. to see how they could improve patient experi- 16. EFFICIENT INFRASTRUCTURE Hinchingbrooke topped the ‘friends and fam- ence and quality in the trauma and orthopedic ((((((((( ) ily recommendation’ poll of 46 hospitals in the 10. REALIGNING RESOURCES department. The department has improved PARKING: When Circle took over in Febru- Midlands and East in May. (((((( )))) theatre efficiency and quality of care and as a ary, it asked for feedback from the community WE have made changes to the way resources result it has reduced the length of stay for hip via The Hunts Post . It was unanimous that the 7. PATIENT ENTERTAINMENT and support services are delivered to serve our and knee patients from 5.6 days in February old parking system was a problem. In response (((((((((( clinical units in the most effective and efficient down to 3.1 days (maintained from July to Circle changed the parking operator, stopped WE promised to have a new entertainment sys- way possible. However, as the units evolve, we Dec). £40 fines and capped rates at £2.50. tem in the first 12 months of our partnership. In are tailoring the support services to suit the This has released so much theatre and bed November 2012, a generous donation from the needs of each unit. This process will continue capacity that Hinchingbrooke are now helping CORRIDORS: An interior designer came up Joyce Moss’ Legacy paid for the installation of into 2013. Addenbrooke’s reduce its waiting lists by offer- with plans to make the corridors simpler and 60 patient entertainment systems. Another 40 ing Cambridge-based hip and knee patients more inviting. We implemented these plans and TV screens are due to be installed soon. 11. DEMOCRATIC 360 REVIEWS early slots at Hinchingbrooke. now have fully refurbished upstairs corridors. (((((( )))) This was achieved within budget. 8. PATIENT FOOD UROLOGY: We have brought back the urol- THE 360 degree review system has been ogy service, which means patients don’t have (((((((((( implemented at a senior level and the plan to ROOF: The roof is approximately 30 years old to travel to a neighbouring trust for 23-hour and leaked in many areas which caused seri- IN February, Michelin star chef Andreas Wing- adapt the system to fit Hinchingbrooke is set to stays for treatments. ert worked with hospital chefs to redesign the be rolled out in 2013. ous operational issues. We were able to secure menus. They asked patients for their feedback £1m funding from the Department of Health in BREAST: We have brought back breast serv- the form of a long-term loan. The new roof will on the new menus and adjusted the food based 12. CLINICAL UNITS ices to the trust. on this. As a result, patient satisfaction with (((((((((( not only keep us dry, but also will also reduce food went from 48 per cent in February to 82 energy bills considerably, lowering running THIRTEEN clinical units have been estab- DEXA SCANNING: We have introduced a costs, and reducing our carbon footprint. Work per cent in March (Dec – 88.6 per cent). lished, organised around the patient’s journey new service: Dexa scanning, a way to measure Use of locally-sourced fruit and vegetables started this month and will take eight months of care. Each unit has a representative on the bone mineral density, which is typically used to complete.
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30 Agenda Item 6 OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY PANEL
ECONOMIC WELL-BEING 07/03/2013 ENVIRONMENTAL WELL-BEING 12/02/2013 SOCIAL WELL-BEING 05/03/2013
REVIEW OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY (Report by the Working Group)
1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1 A working group of 12 consisting of the Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen, three other Members (including one representative of the Liberal Democrat group) and three Co-opted Members of the three Panels meet on 22 October 2012 to undertake their own ‘critical friend’ challenge.
1.2 Whilst the group focussed on considering current practices, they identified opportunities to further develop and improve practices and procedures. Whilst these developments are important, they should not detract from the group’s view that they are genera lly acting effectively in discharging their responsibilities and fulfilling their terms of reference.
1.3 Whilst a number of the issues identified could be classed as pertaining to the work of the Panels only, there were a number of opportunities for improvements that would benefit all Members. These included:
a) Reports being written in plain English without reference to technical or local government jargon. b) Amending the current reporting style, by introducing a short executive summary setting out the key issues, risks and recommendations. This would allow Members and the public to quickly understand the implications of a report. Supporting detail would be contained within annexes. c) Reports should present a range of options for Members to consider, rather than direct them towards one particular outcome. d) Increasing the frequency of press releases to engage with and seeking greater public involvement with the affairs of the Council.
1.4 Opportunities for improvement relating to the Panel only included:
e) Chairman of the Panels and the Executive Leader should discuss opportunities to involve the Panel at earlier stages of policy formulation. f) Update reports on service developments and agreed actions arising from reviews should be presented to the Panel so that they could note and evaluate the benefits gained.
31 2. RECOMMENDATIOINS
2.1 It is recommended that the Panel:
i. note the outcome of the effectiveness review
ii. consider the opportunities for improvement identified in Annex B and the comments they wish to make to the Working Group
iii. Instruct the Working Group to discuss with the Executive Leader the opportunities for earlier scrutiny and involvement with the formulation of policy.
3. SUPPORTING INFORMATION
3.1 The review was conducted by the working group, assisted by the Internal Audit & Risk Manager and Scrutiny Manager. Issues within three main themed areas of administration and structure, work programme and the review and scrutiny process were discussed. A summary of these areas is attached at Annex A.
3.2 One of the areas that the working group discussed and felt could be improved, for the benefit of all Members, was the structure and format of written reports. They requested that this report be prepared in a different format – an executive summary followed by recommendations and supporting information.
3.3 Annex B is a summary of the issues identified from the review. Due to the open discussion format of the working group’s meeting, Officers have had some difficultly in capturing all the issues raised and considered. Officers have already said that they will take account of this, when planning the format of, and undertaking, future reviews.
4. NEXT STEPS
4.1 Following discussion of the report at all three Overview & Scrutiny Panels, an action plan will be developed. Whilst it is likely that a number of the actions will require Officers to make changes to current working practices, Panel Members will also be requested to fully support the changes that are agreed.
4.2 The outcome of the effectiveness review will be reported to the Corporate Governance Panel and taken into account during the annual governance review.
Background Information Notes of working group meeting
Contact Officer: David Harwood, Internal Audit & Risk Manager ( 01480 388115
32 Annex A Issues considered by the Working Group
Administration & structure 1. Are the Panels terms of reference (attached) still appropriate? 2. Is the Panel currently working within its terms of reference and considering/dealing with all the issues they cover? 3. Are Members clear about the differences between the overview and scrutiny roles they perform? 4. Is the Panel satisfied that it has sufficient authority and resources to fulfil its terms of reference and perform its role effectively? 5. Panel membership has to conform to proportionality requirements. Bearing that in mind, is the Panel satisfied that its membership demonstrates independence?; and that its meetings are free and open without political influences being displayed? 6. Is the Panel content that it has access to proper technical and professional advice when necessary? 7. Is the dedicated Officer support provided to the Panel sufficient? 8. Are the Panel agendas of appropriate length to allow sufficient debate to take place on all the items? 9. Are meetings held frequently enough to allow the Panel to consider items of topicality as well as its normal business? ( I understand that there has previously been a suggestion that the number of Panels should be reduced to save money. Would this allow for sufficiently robust overview and scrutiny to take place?). 10. Do the reports presented to the Panel contain sufficient details to allow decisions to be reached promptly? Are the reports too long/sufficiently well summarised? 11. Do members of the public engage with the work of the Panel?
Work programme 12. Does the Panel determine its own work programme? 13. Is the Forward Plan clear and informative? Does the Panel feel it is complete? 14. Does the Panel feel that it receives timely and sufficient information on policy initiatives/strategic decisions to allow it to: include these issues into its work programme?; and contribute (during the drafting stages) and influence (pre- decision)?
15. Does the Panel regularly and robustly review arrangements for performance and (Economic Panel) financial management? 16. Does the Panel receive timely and sufficient information about key and delegated decisions? Are these considered for inclusion in its work plan? 17. Is there active use of the call-in process to debate and challenge executive decisions, either before or after they are taken? 18. Has the Panel considered how it: integrates with other Panels?;
33 Annex A Issues considered by the Working Group ensures that duplication of effort is avoided?; (e.g. changes to housing benefits are in the remit of the Social Panel because it is responsible to housing but there are significant financial implications for the Council that fall to the Economic Panel). could use the work already performed (across the Council) to influence its programme?
19. Does the Executive utilise the skills and capacity of the Panels by actively seeking their views? 20. Do all Members receive regular information on planned and on-going scrutiny reviews? 21. Are all Members invited to contribute to the scrutiny process?
Review & Scrutiny process 22. Does the Panel have a scheme that allows it to consider and then prioritise reviews? Are clear and concise terms of reference, review and reporting timescales for reviews always agreed by Panel prior to commencement? 23. Does the Panel Specifically consider how the review will ‘ make a difference ’ to service delivery and/or improve customer satisfaction? Find that reviews are completed and reports issued on a timely basis? Consider reports in an reasonable timescale? 24. Is the Panel satisfied with the support received from Officers?; and that the information they receive is always complete, accurate and without ambiguity? 25. Is there any formal assessment or reporting back to the Panels on the impact of the scrutiny reviews?; or the monitoring of the implementation of any recommendations which are accepted? 26. When issues are referred to the Panel for review prior to consideration by Cabinet, do the Panel feel that they have sufficient time to consider the issues raised before the Panel meets? 27. Do the Panel feel that they hold Executive Members to account (as against Senior Officers)? 28. How robust are the discussions with Executive Members and Senior Officers when they are invited to participate in discussions and provide information? 29. How does the Panel satisfy itself that its recommendations and views are considered by Cabinet, Council, Leadership? (Are there any examples of Panels views being incorporated into the final decision ?) 30. Is there sufficient liaison/feedback/communication from the Executive (either formal or informal) to the Panel on the recommendations it makes and decisions ultimately taken? 31. Is the Panel sufficiently challenging to the Executive? .
Conclusions 32. How do you judge whether the Panels are effective are not? 33. How could the Panel become more effective in meeting its terms of reference?
34 Annex B Opportunities for improvement identified by the Working Group ISSUES IDENTIFIED
Administration and Structure Current practice Opportunity for improvement
Improving the 1 Panel members, both elected and appointed, have a wide effectiveness of breadth of knowledge and experience to share. They are a the Council valuable resource that the Council cannot afford to waste. There was, in the main, a lack of party politics at meetings, allowing issues to be considered and challenged in an open manner without consideration of ‘political’ agendas. Getting the 2 The Social Well-Being Panel meetings are becoming longer The Chairman to be consulted before the agenda is greatest benefit due to the number of items being considered. Whilst each published on the order of papers to be discussed from the agenda item has ‘time allocated for discussion, the length of and the time to be allotted to each item. meetings the agenda means that discussion etc has sometimes been curtailed. The Panel Chairman together with Officers, consider 35 the overall number and frequency of meetings with a (The working group are aware that in the recent past view to increasing the number of meetings to allow consideration was given to reducing the number of Panel the Panels sufficient time to consider and debate meetings for financial reasons. This is not supported. It is felt business. that the ‘democratic deficit ’ through having fewer meetings would not be off -set by the financial savings obtained). 3 In accordance with Council practice, agenda papers are Reports should be written in plain english without dispatched to Panel members usually 10 days prior to a reference to technical or local government jargon. meeting. Agendas for the last three meetings of each Panel All acronyms should be explained in full. were on average; 65 pages : Economic To allow Members to quickly understand the 103 : Environmental implications of a report, consideration should be 104 : Social given to introducing a short executive summary setting out the key issues, risks and The practicalities of publishing agenda papers earlier was recommendatio ns. Supporting detail should be discussed but discounted. (Increasing pre-scrutiny is dealt with contained within annexes. There was a strong at point 16). Discussion about report content and format suggestion that Members should see reports earlier. reached a consensus that current practices could be improved. A variety of alternative options were discussed. Annex B Opportunities for improvement identified by the Working Group
Current practice Opportunity for improvement
4 Questioning of Officers and Members is generally of a good If requiring specific information relating to a report, standard and continues to improve. Members should be encouraged to submit written It was felt that more cou ld be done in this area, to both questions to the appropriate Officer or Cabinet improve questioning, the management of the meetings and Member in advance of the meeting. obtain a fuller understanding of the issues that are being discussed. An Action Log should be maintained containing minor issues (e.g. unanswered questions) that require follow up action.
All members involved in O&S should seek opportunities to improve their questioning skills. Officer support 5 Support from Democratic Services was good, across both meeting management & administration and the support provided to individual scrutiny reviews.
36 6 Technical and professional input f rom Officer’s to scrutiny The working group would like Chief Officers ’ reviews etc was generally of a good standard. Forthright Management Team to remind Officers that scrutiny discussion on this area concluded that some senior Officers reviews should not be viewed as hostile or being appeared overly defensive and reticent to provide full undertaken with any motive other than benefiting responses. and improving service provision.
Officers below H ead of Service appeared to welcome the opportunity to explain to Panel what they and their service do. Officers at this level should be invited to Panels more frequently.
How well do the 7 The engagement of the public with the Panels was Press releases (including the use of social media) Panel’s engage considered. Various differing views were expressed. saying ‘what’s been done’ should be issued with the public? Disappointment was expressed that little was gained when regularly as a way of engaging with and seeking Panel met across the District whilst Pathfinder House was greater public involvement. being constructed.
The lack of press interest in the work of the Panel and the Council in general was also considered. Serious concerns were expressed about this. Annex B Opportunities for improvement identified by the Working Group
Work programme Current practice Opportunity for improvement
Deciding 8 All the Panel’s determine their own workload. Forward Plan workload information is clear. This allows policy initiatives/strategic decisions to be included in the work programmes. 9 The working group did have some concerns about receiving The timing of reports that are to be considered by reports only a few days before they were to be considered by both Cabinet and Panel to be investigated to Cabinet (e.g. Report on the contribution of agriculture…in the consider the practicalities of allowing Panel more context of planning policies. Environmental Well -Being on 11 time to consider Policy matters. September and Cabinet on 13 September).
10 Whilst the call-in process had not been used regularly used, when it had been, it was considered beneficial. How well do the 11 The three Panels work well together in considering how they Without losing the opportunities that are currently 37 Panel’s work are going to examine issues and take lead responsibilities. available for each Panel to undertake their together? The meetings between Panel Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen ‘overview’ role, consideration be given to joint Panel have been effective in developing this ap proach. meetings as & when required to discuss ‘contentious’ items (e.g. green -bin charging). The Economic Panel take the lead on main financial and budgetary matters. Whilst there has been some involvement Whilst appreciating why reports are presented to with the other Panels across this area, it has been limited. In more than one Panel, the working group would like the current difficult financial times, the working group would to see reports only being presented to one Panel if like to see all Panels robustly challenge finances and financial at all possible. (The Working Group a cknowledged decisions within reports. the difficulties that this may cause and suggest that each Panel consider how this could work Formal meetings do not take place with other Panel or effectively). Committee Chairman. Nothing of substance could be thought of that had ‘slipped through the net’ due to this lack of Each Panel should be mindful of the communication. financial/economic benefits of issues being discussed and comment accordingly to the Economic Panel.
Annex B Opportunities for improvement identified by the Working Group
Review and scrutiny process Current practice Opportunity for improvement
Conduct of 12 Panel’s have undertaken a number of scrutiny reviews and scrutiny reviews these were considered to be successful in the main. Occasionally there has been some confusion as to the methodology that should be used, or how suitable evidence can be obtained, to allow the review to be undertaken as effectively as possible.
13 Social Panel review on the NHS proposals for changes to Mental Health Services was particularly effective as the questions that needed to be addressed were shared with the NHS prior to Panel meetings. This allowed full responses to be provided and allowed good discussion and evidence to be obtained to support the report’s findings. 38 14 The group recognise that Panels have few powers to compel Reports should present a range of options for Panel people to introduce what they recommend but consider that to consider, rather than direct the Panel to one they have influence and the support of the Executive. particular outcome . Recommendations are acted upon. The group felt that on occasions, the reports presented had pre -determined outcomes, leaving the Pane l little option to support the recommendations being proposed. 15 Contact is maintained with a service following completion of a Update reports on service developments and review. Member ‘Champions’ are appointed to maintain agreed actions arising from revi ews should be contact with the service and retain oversight of the service presented to the Panel after six months (and then at developments. The group felt that this could be further a frequency to be decided by the Panel) so that they improved. could note and evaluate the benefits gained.
Annex B Opportunities for improvement identified by the Working Group
Current practice Opportunity for improvement
Overview of the 16 The working group were aware that the ir role was not to The Chairman of the Panels and the Executive decision making duplicate the work of the Executive, rather influence its Leader should discuss whether there are process decision making. opportunities for the Panels to receive information earlier; allowing the Panels a greater opportunity to The group, in considering their relationship with the influence, but not direct, decision making. Executive, considered that a greater involvement in pre - decision would be useful so that they had the pote ntial to When considering the Forward Plan, seek a influence executive decisions. Concerns were expressed volunteer or nominate a Panel Member to speak to however, that if this was pursued, then changes need to be the appropriate Officer about a particular item that is made to the current process whereby reports presented to due to be considered. The Member to report back to both Panel and then Cabinet appeared on Panel agendas the Panel and lead a discussion on the level of pre- without any forewarni ng, leaving the Panel no time to conduct scrutiny that may be required. their own research or consult with key stakeholders, examine alternative approaches or make sufficiently meaningful
39 contribution .
17 The group were concerned that some Executive Members appeared to rely on Officers too much when explaining policy. Panel wanted to hear the views of the Executive Councillor and question them.
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40 Agenda Item 8
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANELS (SOCIAL WELL-BEING) 5TH MARCH 2013 (ECONOMIC WELL-BEING) 7TH MARCH 2013 (ENVIRONMENTAL WELL-BEING) 12TH MARCH 2013
WORK PLAN STUDIES (Report by the Head of Legal and Democratic Services)
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The purpose of this report is to inform Members of studies being undertaken by the other Overview and Scrutiny Panels.
2. STUDIES
2.1 The Council has a duty to improve the social, environmental and economic well- being of the District. This gives the Overview and Scrutiny Panels a wide remit to examine any issues that affect the District by conducting in-depth studies.
2.2 Studies are allocated according to the Overview and Scrutiny remits. Details of ongoing studies being undertaken by the two other Panels are set out in the attached Appendix.
2.3 Members are reminded that if they have a specific interest in any study area which is not being considered by their Panel there are opportunities for involvement in all the studies being undertaken.
3. RECOMMENDATION
3.1 The Panel is requested to note the progress of the studies selected.
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS
Minutes and Reports from previous meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Panels.
Contact Officers: Miss H Ali, Democratic Services Officer 01480 388006
Mrs C Bulman, Democratic Services Officer 01480 388234
41 ONGOING STUDIES
STUDY OBJECTIVES PANEL STATUS TYPE
th Leisure Centre Financial To consider the future Economic Well-Being Working Group met on 28 Joint Working Group Performance and business model for “One and Social Well-Being February 2012. Agreed to Employment Structure Leisure” and the split into two sub groups to development of a investigate each area. methodology for the quantification of Social Sub-Group looking at the
Value. Social Methodology will focus on three key areas; namely social, health and financial benefits of the Council’s activities. Meeting of the Working Group being arranged.
42 The One Leisure Business Plan was considered by the Economic Well-Being Panel at their January meeting. The Panel has decided not to pursue its study into the business model.
A14 improvements. To review the implications Economic Well-Being The Panel has requested a Whole Panel Study. to the local economy of presentation on the decision not to developments relating to proceed with the A14 the A14 for all Members of improvements. the Council at an appropriate time. An update
was presented to theth Council Meeting on 19 December.
Updates on recent developments to continue to be provided by email.
Great Fen To monitor the latest Environmental Well- Site visits undertaken by the Whole Panel. developments in respect Being Panel in July 2010 and of the Great Fen. October 2012. A Socio- Economic Study has been completed and will be presented to the Panel at its March 2013 meeting.
Tree Strategy To form a strategy in Environmental Well- Work is yet to commence Working Group. conjunction with the Tree Being on the Draft Tree Strategy. Officers for the retention Owing to resource and planting of trees. constraints within the Planning Department alternative ways of finalising 43 the Tree Strategy are being considered. A proposal for a programme of work to complete the Strategy is awaited from the consultant. Likely timescales to be advised in due course.
Land Use for Agricultural To review the lack of Environmental Well- Study now completed by Working Group. Purposes in the Context of promotion and protection Being the Working Group. Planning Policies and its of land for this purpose. Members are satisfied that Contribution to the Local all issues raised have been Economy. incorporated within the Draft Local Plan.
Rural Transport To review the provision of Environmental Well- Transport for To be determined. transportation in rural Being Cambridgeshire report areas. received in July 2011. Comments conveyed to Cabinet. Cllr Mrs Banerjee, as the Panel’s appointed representative, will attend a Cambridgeshire Future Transport meeting on 27th March 2013 at the County Council. Maintenance of Water To receive a presentation Environmental Well- Following consideration of Working Group Courses on the maintenance Being the St Neots Surface Water arrangements in place for Management Plan and Water Courses within the discussions on widespread District. drainage problems within the District, a working group was convened to engage with Anglian Water in order to establish their general powers, responsibilities and
44 the limitations on its ability to prevent flooding.
Meetings have been held with representatives from Anglian Water and the Environment Agency. The Working Group has produced a report on its findings. Panel has received an update on the outcome of negotiations between Anglian Water and the County Council on drainage in Yaxley. This was delivered to the Panel at its January 2013 meeting and regular updates will continue to be provided. District Council Support To review the services Economic Well-Being The report of the Working Working Group Services provided by the District Group will be considered by Councils Document the Cabinet at their March Centre to form a view on meeting. its efficiency and cost effectiveness.
Design Principles for To examine issues that Environmental Well- The Working Group has Working Group. Future Developments have arisen at Loves Being produced a report detailing Farm, St Neots and to its findings to date. The make recommendations to Working Group will now inform future focus on detailed aspects of developments. the design guide with the Council’s Urban Design, Trees and Landscape Team Leader. This is expected to be made available to the Working Group shortly.
45 The Council’s Emergency To be acquainted with the Environmental Well- Requested by the Panel Whole Panel Planning Arrangements Council’s Emergency Being following an update on the Planning arrangements to November and December include the Council’s use 2012 floods. Report to be of sand bags. submitted to the Panel in March 2013.
Economic Development To be determined. Economic Well-Being The findings from the Local Whole Panel. Economic Assessment were presented to the Panel in November.
The Panel will consider the new Local Economy Strategy at their meeting in April.
Corporate Plan To assist the Corporate All O&S Panels Executive Leader’s Strategy Working Group Office with the Group considered the development of a new Council Delivery Plan on Corporate Plan. 14th January 2013 with a view to taking responsibility for the actions contained therein. A programme of bi- monthly meetings of the Working Group will be arranged over the course of the next year with a view to holding Executive Members to account. The Delivery Plan is currently undergoing refinement by the Corporate Office.
Community Infrastructure To consider the Economic Well-Being Managing Director To be determined.
46 Levy (CIL) implications of planning (Communities, Partnerships social housing & Projects) to discuss with requirements on Councillor M F Shellens Community Infrastructure directly. Levy income and the
housing waiting list. The Business Plan will be considered by the Economic Well-Being Panel at their meeting in March.
Waste Collection To identify options for Environmental Well- The Working Group has Working Group improving the Council’s Being decided to focus on how waste collection and best to engage with recycling arrangements residents as to what should and for enhancing public be placed in which bin. The satisfaction with the Group may go on to study service. waste collection procedures in more detail, this is dependent on the work of RECAP.
The Panel expressed its support for the use of wheelie bin stickers to convey messages with community benefits, such as speed restrictions. In January 2013, representatives of Speedwatch and Hilton Parish Council presented a proposal intended to reduce speeding within the village to the Panel. A written proposal will be submitted at a future meeting. Members also wish to 47 discuss the matter further with the Head of Operations and the Executive Councillor for Environment.
Council Borrowing Agreed to establish a Economic Well-Being. The matter will be Working Group. Working Group to develop discussed further by the an understanding of the Panel at their Meeting in District Council’s approach April 2013. to borrowing.
Budget Savings To identify possible Economic Well-Being An Informal Meeting of the Whole Panel
Budgetary Savings Panel was th held on Thursday 29 November 2012. A number of recommendations were subsequently presented to the Executive Leaders Strategy Group.
A further meeting to
examine the Capitalth Budget was held on 30 January.
The Liberal Democrats were invited to present their views on the Budget to the Panel in January. The Chairman and other Panel representatives will meet
with thend UKIP Group Leader on 22 January 2013.
The Panel will discuss the issues raised at these meetings in April. Green Waste and Energy To consider what Environmental Well- Scoping report on green To be determined.
48 Generation opportunities the Council Being waste and energy might have in terms of generation requested for generating energy from submission to a future green waste. meeting. Head of Operations will be delivering a presentation to Executive Leaders Strategy Group at their meeting on 26th February with a view to bringing a report before the Panel thereafter. Report anticipated March/April 2013. th Customer Services To contribute to the Economic Well-Being First meeting held on 13 Working Group Strategy production of the new February 2013. Further Customer Services and meetings to be arranged in Channel Migration due course. Strategy.
Panel Date Decision Action Response Date for Future Action
Management of Hinchingbrooke Hospital
5/04/11 & With effect from 1st February 2012, Circle took over Invitation extended Members have expressed concerns 5/03/13 2/10/12 the management of Hinchingbrooke Hospital. to the Hospital to over the Hospital’s reported financial Representatives of Circle and Hinchingbrooke attend the Panel’s deficit and agreed to raise this with attended the Panel’s meeting to deliver the Hospital’s March 2013 meeting representatives of the Hospital. This Business Plan. Agreed to come back to report on item appears elsewhere on the progress against the Business Plan in the future. Agenda.
6/11/12 A meeting between relevant County Members and the Panel was held on 5th November 2012 to share information and issues relating to services at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. A report to this effect was tabled to Members at the meeting.
49 4/12/12 & Presentation received from Mrs S Shuttleworth, The Working Group An update on the outcome of the 5/02/13 representative of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough has been invited to County Council’s meeting was Clinical Commissioning Group on the Group’s role in attend a meeting of delivered to the Panel at its February monitoring the financial and operational performance the Cambridgeshire 2013 meeting. of the Hospital. A Joint Working Group with the Adults, Wellbeing County Council’s Cambridgeshire Adults Wellbeing and Health Overview and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee was and Scrutiny established comprising Councillors S J Criswell, P Committee on 5th Kadewere, M C Oliver and R J West together with Mr February 2013 to Agenda Item9 R Coxhead. The Working Group will receive regular consider issues updates on the Hospital. surrounding the Hospital further.
Agreed that regular reports on the financial and Reports to be Next update to be received in June 4/06/13 operational performance of Hinchingbrooke Hospital presented in June 2013. should be presented to the Panel every six months. and December each year. Panel Date Decision Action Response Date for Future Action
Delivery of Advisory Services Within the District
2/10/12 & Executive Leader addressed the Panel on the Panel requested to 6/11/12 announcement by Huntingdonshire CAB to go into be kept informed of voluntary liquidisation. The situation is being recent managed but the Panel is concerned over the developments. implications of the announcement to residents of the District and its effect on the Council. Further update received in November.
4/12/12 At its December meeting, it was agreed that the former Voluntary Sector Working Group, comprising Councillors Mrs P A Jordan and R J West, together with Mrs M Nicholas, would meet with Officers in
50 October and April each year to review the grant agreements established under the Council’s new voluntary sector funding arrangements.
8/01/13 Further update received on the decisions relating to the 2013/14 grant aid awards and the interim arrangements for advisory services during January to March 2013.
Grant Aid
04/09/12 Annual Report on organisations supported by grants Next monitoring report expected 5/11/13 through Service Level Agreements received and November 2013. noted by the Panel. Requested future reports under the new grants system to include evidence of need and demand for voluntary services. Panel Date Decision Action Response Date for Future Action
Corporate Plan
16/05/12 Councillors S J Criswell and R J West appointed to Corporate Plan Working Group.
7/06/11 The Panel expressed their wish for continued Meetings of the The Executive Leaders Strategy
involvement by overview and scrutiny in monitoring Corporate Plan Group considered the Deliveryth Plan the performance of the new Council Plan. Working Group held at their meeting on 14 January on 1st and 28th 2013 with a view to taking August 2012. Draft responsibility for the actions considered by contained therein. A programme of Executive Leaders bi-monthly meetings of the Corporate Strategy Group on Plan Working Group will be arranged 10th September over the course of the year with a 51 2012. view to holding Executive Members to account.
Consultation Processes
6/03/12 Update received on a previous study undertaken by Panel to appoint the Panel. Panel to partake in the review of the Members to Consultation and Engagement Strategy. undertake this work.
12/06/12 Councillors Mrs P A Jordan, P Kadewere, J W G Meeting of the Strategy and Guidance in the 4/06/13 Pethard and R J West appointed on to the Working Group held process of being reviewed. Expected or Consultation Processes Working Group. on 5th September to be presented to the June/July 2/07/13 2012. 2013 meetings of the Panel and Cabinet. The Working Group will meet prior to this to ensure that they are satisfied with the refreshed Strategy and Guidance. Panel Date Decision Action Response Date for Future Action
Social Value
03/01/12 This study emerged following completion of a joint study with the Economic Well-Being Panel on One Leisure. Working Group tasked with the development of a methodology for the quantification of Social Value.
03/07/12 Councillors S J Criswell and R J West appointed to Working Group has Officers have been tasked with the Social Value Sub-Group, together with Mr R agreed to focus on making some enquiries and Coxhead. Meeting held on 2nd August and 23rd three key areas; undertaking investigations on behalf November 2012. namely the social, of the Working Group. Meeting of the health and financial Working Group in the process of benefits of social being arranged.
52 value.
Future of the CCTV Service
1/11/11 Update received on the options for the future operation of the CCTV service. Efforts made to reduce the cost of the service to the Council was noted by the Panel.
7/02/12 Further update delivered to the Panel following Request submitted Report expected at Panel’s April 2/04/13 discussions with Town Councils. Panel requested for to the Head of 2013 meeting. a further report on service changes in 2012/13 to be Operations. submitted to a future meeting.
Panel Date Decision Action Response Date for Future Action
Review of Neighbourhood Forums In Huntingdonshire
03/07/12 & At the request of the Cabinet, the Panel completed a Deputy Leader met 04/09/12 study reviewing the Neighbourhood Forums in with the existing Huntingdonshire. Cabinet agreed that a pilot scheme Neighbourhood will be trialled in the Norman Cross County Division Forum Chairmen on for a twelve month period with the existing 1st November 2012. Neighbourhood Forums being subject to urgent Pilot meeting held review by the Deputy Executive Leader. Panel has on 7th November been requested to undertake a review of the Norman 2012. A further Cross Pilot during its twelve months of operation. informal meeting is expected to be held shortly.
53 8/01/13 The Panel has suggested that the Working Group Chairman agreed to should meet with the Deputy Executive Leader to liaise directly with discuss progress of the pilot to date and the Working the Deputy Group’s role in the review process. Executive Leader – outcome of liaison awaited.
Equality Framework for Local Government – Peer Assessment
12/06/12 Noted the recent accreditation achieved by the Meetings of the Annual Equality Progress Report Council as an “Achieving” authority under the Working Group held presented to Panel in February. The Equality Framework for Local Government. on 29th August 2012 Working Group will continue to meet Councillors Mrs P A Jordan, P Kadewere and R J and 23rd January to monitor progress against the West appointed on to a Working Group to review the 2013. Action Plan. action plan arising from the assessment. Panel Date Decision Action Response Date for Future Action
Housing Benefit Changes and the Potential Impact on Huntingdonshire
7/06/11 Requested a background report to be provided on the emerging issue of homelessness arising as a result of changes to the Housing Benefit system.
6/12/11 & Report considered by the Panel. Further report on Request submitted Members of the Economic Well- 2/04/13 12/06/12 & the wider housing policy implications arising from the to the Head of Being Panel will be invited to attend 8/01/13 Government’s Welfare Reform Bill submitted to the Customer Services. for this item. Next quarterly report Panel in June 2012. Quarterly updates will continue anticipated April 2013. to be provided.
54 Local Plan 2036 – Provision of Social and Affordable Housing and Impact Upon Homelessness
8/01/13 An outline of how the new Local Plan would help to Panel requested for Next update expected July 2013. 2/07/13 address housing and homelessness needs within the 6 monthly updates to District was delivered by the Head of Planning and be delivered to them Housing Strategy. The Panel is concerned over the at future meetings. increasing levels of homelessness and the pressures placed upon the Housing Register for social housing.
Panel Date Decision Action Response Date for Future Action
Notice of Executive Decisions
04/09/12 Town and Parish Council Charter and 6/11/12 Panel requested sight of the report prior to its Request submitted Report expected to be presented to 4/06/13 submission to the Cabinet. An update on the to the Head of Panel and Cabinet in June 2013. Charter’s development was presented to the Panel at Environmental and its November 2012 meeting. Community Health Services.
8/01/13 Home Improvement Agency Shared Service – Annual Operating Service
Panel requested sight of the report prior to its Request submitted Report expected in June 2013. 4/06/13 submission to the Cabinet. to the Head of 55 Planning and Housing Strategy.
Huntingdonshire Strategic Partnership (HSP)
The Panel has a legal duty to scrutinise the work of the HSP, with three thematic groups of the HSP falling within its remit.
03/04/11 Huntingdonshire Community Safety Partnership
Annual review of the work of the Partnership Due for consideration by the Panel in 4/06/13 undertaken. Members have expressed their June 2013. satisfaction that appropriate accountability and reporting mechanisms are in place.
Panel Date Decision Action Response Date for Future Action
6/11/12 Feedback received from the Partnership on the findings of a joint Member-led review on domestic abuse with the County and Fenland District Councils. Some concerns exist over the action plan developed for the Domestic Abuse Steering Group and the lack of funding currently available for the service. Panel wishes to have sight of the County Council’s review next year and agreed that they will revisit the matter as part of its annual scrutiny of the Partnership.
05/10/10 Children and Young People
Details of the thematic group’s outcomes and Invitation extended TBC objectives have been received together with the to the Lead Officer latest report of the group, outlining its terms of of the thematic
56 reference, membership and current matters being group in due course. discussed.
7/02/12 Health and Well-Being
Background information received on the thematic Invitation to be Annual report being produced by the 4/06/12 group’s outcomes, terms of reference, membership extended to Chair of this Group and will be going and Action Plan. representatives of before the Cambridgeshire Health the Group. and Well-Being Board on 16th April 2013.