A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Council and councillors

Agenda item

CORPORATE PLAN

Members to consider the Corporate Plan that was agreed by Cabinet on the 14th October 2019 (as attached) and make comments/recommendations to Council.

 

Minutes:

The Chair of the Committee noted that the recommendation of the report was for the Children and Young People’s Scrutiny Committee to note the contents of the Rutland County Council Corporate Plan 2019-2024 and make recommendations to Council on the 11th November 2019. He explained that Members had been able to access the draft Corporate Plan since had been circulated to them in August 2019.

 

It was noted that due to the entering the pre-election period, the Council meeting on the 11th November 2019 had been cancelled.

 

The Chair noted that some of the figures in the Corporate Plan were both in values and in percentages and asked for them to be consistent in future.

 

In response to questions asked, the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, Highways & Transportation & Road Safety reported that they were currently working on a public transport strategy and emphasis would be placed on ensuring that there would be adequate provisions for children and young people in rural areas.

 

The Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services and Education responded to questions raised and noted that as a small County, it was easier and less onerous for the Council to monitor children’s placements and every effort was and would be continued into safeguarding children against exploitation. He further explained that 2 priorities had been completed:

 

·         By November 2019: Implement a revised performance and quality management approach for Children’s Services to improve consistency of practice and compliance.

 

·         By December 2019: Deliver a quality improvement plan for Children’s Service that address recommendations by Ofsted and secures improved inspection outcomes

 

 

In response to further questions, it was noted that by the Portfolio Holder that should anyone be aware of a young person who is homeless in the County they should make contact with him so that provision could be made and support offered.

 

Concerns were expressed that there had been some incidents that had been reported within the private school system and it was noted that the Council had a duty of care to all children. It was noted by the Portfolio Holder that the Council had a good rapport with the schools and that when any safeguarding training was offered, the invite was extended to them and noted their statutory duty to protect children.

 

It was suggested that some of the ‘aims’ were considered to be too vague and if they were more specific they would become more measurable. However, it was explained that a quality improvement plan had been developed and whilst there was a need to check the targets it was difficult to make them more specific and emphasis should be placed on continuing to strive to improve results and improve services.

 

In reference to the protection and enhancement of healthcare within the community, it was reported that this included mental health.

 

Members questioned whether the ‘Universal Offer’ to children and families would place additional pressures on services and asked for improvements in the connectivity of children be included in the passenger transport strategy. It was noted that there was a substantial need for children looked after and care leavers to be provide with placements within the County when possible.

 

 

In response to a question asked the Portfolio Holder for Culture and Leisure, Highways & Transportation & Road Safety confirmed that there was mapping and signposting on the Council’s website for activities for young people in Rutland which was available for parents of primary school children and that the progress they hope to make over the next 5 years would significantly improve services.

 

The Chair thanked the Portfolio Holders and the Members for their contributions.

 

RESOLVED:

 

That the Children and Young People Scrutiny Committee noted the contents of the Rutland County Council Corporate Plan 2019-2024 and would make recommendations to a future Council meeting.

Supporting documents: