Agenda and minutes

Venue: Conference Room, Church Square House, Scunthorpe

Contact: Richard Mell  Email: richard.mell@northlincs.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

1456.

Declarations of Disclosable Pecuniary Interests and Personal or Personal and Prejudicial interests.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest declared at the meeting.

1457.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 316 KB

Minutes:

Resolved - That the minutes of the meeting of Cabinet held on 22 November 2021 having been circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and be signed by the chair.

1458.

COVID19 Update

Presentation of the Director of Public Health (Deputy Chief Executive to present)

Minutes:

The Deputy Chief Executive on behalf of the Director of Public Health gave an oral presentation updating the cabinet on –

 

·         UK level metrics/picture to date

·         North Lincolnshire positivity and testing

·         North Lincolnshire 7-day rolling testing totals (LFT and PCR)

·         North Lincolnshire Cases and Rates Compared with Neighbours

·         7-day case numbers and &-day rates

·         Cases by Specimen Date Age Demographics

·         Vaccinations

·         Death Rates for Covid19

·         North Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust Hospital Activity (to date)

·         Deaths versus Cases by Month

 

The Deputy Chief Executive had earlier circulated a briefing note on the above information, which had been updated by the data presented at the meeting.

 

Resolved – That the update report be noted, and the Deputy Chief Executive be thanked for the presentation.

1459.

Annual Report of Local Arrangements to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Children and Young People 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 931 KB

Report of the Director: Children and Families

 

(Helen Davis, Interim Director of Nursing and Quality, North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group to co-present the annual report)

Minutes:

The Director: Children and Families submitted a report requesting Cabinet to note the publication of the above Annual Report, which was attached as an appendix, and to consider the review in relation to planning, commissioning and budget setting.  The review through the annual report demonstrated that the Children’s Multi Agency Resilience and Safeguarding (MARS) Board: -

 

·         effectively met its statutory obligations

·         benefitted from strong and consistent leadership

·         had made good progress against its ‘shine a light’ areas of focus, and

·         listened to and took account of the voices of children, young people and families.

 

The report stated that North Lincolnshire was aspirational for children, young people and families in this area and there was a long history of working together to improve outcomes.  As early adopters of multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, the North Lincolnshire Children’s MARS arrangements, were originally published on 31 October 2018 and partners had continued to listen, learn, review and adapt and Local Arrangements had been reviewed on an annual basis thereafter.  As per Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018, there was a statutory requirement to publish an annual report, which sets out what has been done as a result of the Local Arrangements and how effective these arrangements have been in practice.  The Annual Report had been endorsed by the Children’s MARS Board on behalf of the three safeguarding partners from North Lincolnshire Council, North Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group and Humberside Police.  The Annual Report was then required to be distributed through relevant governance routes across the three safeguarding partner organisations and relevant partnership arrangements, to be considered in relation to planning, commissioning and budget setting.

 

The Director in her report explained that partners continued to respond to the needs of individuals and diverse communities, prioritising the most in need, to help and protect children, young people and families, while supporting and protecting the workforce.  Under the auspices of our Local Arrangements and through a ‘One Family Approach’ to create a system that works for all children, young people and families, partners had contributed to achieving the ambition for children to be in their families, in their schools and in their communities. This included changing circumstances through the responses during COVID-19 pandemic.

 

The Annual Report provided a review of activity and impacts in respect of Children’s MARS functions, including funding, performance, voice and stakeholder engagement, training, scrutiny and assurance (including independent scrutiny) and child safeguarding practice reviews. It clarified two ‘shine a light’ areas of focus and outlined activities and impacts made in order to reduce the harm from risk outside the home and to respond to COVID-19 and emerging harm, and also outlined further activities and impacts relating to specific ‘line of sight’ areas for focus in relation to domestic abuse and emotional wellbeing and mental health. 

          

The Director’s report also summarised (i) key highlights in relation to performance and populations which indicate the system was working and making a difference to children, young people and families (ii) key activities, impacts and achievements in 2020/21,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1459.

1460.

Local Safeguarding Adults Board (LSAB) Annual Report 2020/21 pdf icon PDF 2 MB

Report of the Safeguarding Adults Board Independent Chair (Moira Wilson)

Minutes:

The Safeguarding Adults Board Independent Chair submitted a report requesting Cabinet to note the publication of the Local Safeguarding Adults Board Annual Report 2020/2021, outlining its work and of its members to carry out and deliver the objectives of the strategic plan. The contents of the report should be considered in relation to planning, commissioning and budget setting. The annual report demonstrated that the LSAB:

 

·         listened and responded to the voices of adults with care and support needs, and adults with the lived experience;

·         was effective in providing help and protection to adults with care and support needs;

·         effectively met statutory obligations;

·         benefitted from strong and consistent leadership, and

·         had made good progress on delivering the strategic objectives laid out within the strategic plan

Director: Adults and Health who co-presented the report stated that the Annual Report had also been distributed through relevant governance routes across safeguarding partner organisations including the local Police and Crime Commissioner, Chief Constable, chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, Healthwatch and other members of the Board.

 

Helen Rose, Safeguarding Adults Board Manager on behalf of the Independent Chair of the Board, Moira Wilson (who was unable to attend the meeting) introduced and summarised the annual report. The annual report was attached as an appendix. She explained that the LSAB has a statutory requirement to publish an annual report, which offered assurance that local safeguarding arrangements and partnerships helped and protected adults with care and support needs in its area. The annual report detailed the work of the LSAB during the year to achieve its main objectives, and deliver the strategic plan priorities, as well as detailing the findings of any Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs) that may have been undertaken. Key achievements and future priorities were also summarised. The 2020/21 annual report had been approved by the Safeguarding Adults Board and would be published on its website. 

           

Members commented on the contents of the annual report and thanked everyone involved for their work. The Leader/chair also informed Cabinet that Moira Wilson was stepping down as Independent Chair of the local Safeguarding Adults Board and on behalf the cabinet, and all members and officers of North Lincolnshire Council thanked her for her hard work over the years.

 

Resolved – (a) That Helen Rose be thanked for attending the meeting and summarising key aspects of the annual report; (b) that the LSAB Annual Report for 2020/2021 be received and it be considered where relevant in relation to planning, commissioning and budget setting processes; (c) that submission of the report to the following –

 

   Leader and Chief Executive of North Lincolnshire Council

   Police and Crime Commissioner and Chief Constable of Humberside Police

   Healthwatch

 

via board members to consider the contents of the report and how they can improve their contributions to both safeguarding throughout their own organisation and to the joint work of the board be noted, and (d) that Moira Wilson be thanked for all her hard work over the years as Independent Chair  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1460.

1461.

Humber Freeport pdf icon PDF 116 KB

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive

Minutes:

Further to minute 1426, the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report requesting Cabinet to support the ‘sign off’ of the Humber Freeport Full Business Case provided information on, and sought necessary approvals associated with the governance and funding arrangements of the Humber Freeport and set out how the Council would be expected to support the Humber Freeport in its early stages of operation.  

 

The report explained and requested Cabinet to agree to support option 2 set out in paragraph 3.1 of the report – that being the submission of the Full Business Case, as summarised in the report including governance and funding and to delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive in consultation with the appropriate Cabinet Member to develop and approve the relevant documentation to allow submission and agree to guarantee a loan to the Freeport Company along with the other Humber authorities.would allow the Humber Freeport to move forward to the next stage.  This would allow for the potential benefits of the Freeport around trade and investment opportunities, decarbonisation, increased high value jobs and supply chain opportunities to begin to be realised.

            

Resolved - (a) That the development of the Humber Freeport be supported; (b) that option 2, as set out in paragraph 3.1 of the report be approved, and (c) that the financial package to support the development of the Humber Freeport Company, along with the other Humber Authorities be approved and that the Director: Governance and Communities (section 151 officer) be authorised to enter into appropriate financial arrangements associated with the Humber Freeport.

1462.

Green Futures - Our Plan for Positive Change pdf icon PDF 1 MB

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive

Minutes:

Further to minute 1420, the Deputy Chief Executive submitted a report proposing that the policy document ‘A Green Future’, as set out in appendix 1, be adopted as a non-statutory statement of policy intent relating to all matters concerning environmental wellbeing for North Lincolnshire. ‘A Green Future’ aimed to deliver the positive change needed to create a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable North Lincolnshire centred on a vision –

 

North Lincolnshire is a ‘net zero’ area.  The environment is integral to all our decision making and everyone has a positive relationship with the environment.  We all play our part in making our area a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable and attractive place to live, work and visit’.

         

The report explained that by adopting ‘A Green Future’ the council would ensure that it used its decision making, influence and direct actions to best support everyone to play their part in achieving the best environmental outcomes for North Lincolnshire.  This was critical if everyone was to work to the same environmental outcomes, take responsibility for achieving those outcomes and be enabled to take positive action on the environment. ‘A Green Future’ took an outcome-based approach to achieving net zero, decarbonisation, economic prosperity, environmental protection and enhancement and personal wellbeing.  ‘A Green Future’ was the plan to deliver the positive change needed, centred around eight key aims: -

         

Aim 1: By 2030, North Lincolnshire Council will achieve ‘net zero’ and we will end the council’s contribution to global warming.

         

Aim 2: Clean Growth - net zero industry and commerce and good air quality.

         

Aim 3: The shift to net zero embeds decarbonisation in our economic growth.    We use decarbonisation as the foundation of our future prosperity.

         

Aim 4: Net zero living is easy and accessible.  It benefits the environment and improves people’s lives.

         

Aim 5: Resources are used more efficiently.  The amount of waste North Lincolnshire produces is minimised.

         

Aim 6: Everyone is connected with our environment.  We enhance and protect it.

        

Aim 7: Everyone has a stake in our environment, and everyone can feel the benefit.

         

Aim 8: A Network to achieve our vision for ‘A Green Future’

          

‘A Green Future’ was also driven by the Council Plan.  It took an outcome focused approach to making North Lincolnshire a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable and attractive place to live, work and visit.  Key to this was: -

 

·         We will end our contribution to global warming - this help will keep North Lincolnshire safe

·         We are protecting our places and spaces and helping people to make the most of them - this will help keep North Lincolnshire well

·         We are making sure we grow in a sustainable way - this will help keep North Lincolnshire prosperous, and

·         We are bringing people together to make North Lincolnshire the best it can be - this will help keep North Lincolnshire connected.

            

Resolved - That ‘A Green Future’, as set out in appendix 1, be adopted as the council’s non statutory  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1462.

1463.

2021/22 Q3 Financial Management and Medium Term Financial Plan Update pdf icon PDF 338 KB

Report of the Director: Governance and Communities

Minutes:

The Director: Governance and Communities submitted a report providing Cabinet with an update on the Council’s in-year financial position, requested members to note the latest revenue budget and approve the revised capital programme and set out the Council’s updated medium term financial planning position and options for consideration for funding strategy.

 

The Director in her report explained that on 25th February 2021, the Council approved a Financial Strategy which set the framework for its revenue and capital investment plans in 2021/22 and over the medium term. The financial strategy was designed to enable successful delivery of the Council Plan and the Local Plan, maximising outcomes for the people and place of North Lincolnshire.  The principles guiding our financial planning process were set out in Appendix 1.  The Council continued to adapt to operating with Covid-19 and maximising opportunities for future renewal alongside embracing its responsibility for health protection of the workforce and residents. A risk-based approach remained with regards to the safety measures incorporated into our operating models, responding to national and local measures, until such time that the threat to public health was sufficiently diminished.

 

The report informed Cabinet on how the approved budget was progressing based on the first three quarters of the financial year. Cabinet would receive a further update in March (indication of outturn). The final outturn would then be brought before Cabinet in summer 2022. The purpose of this report was to take stock of the in-year financial position and provide an update on the financial planning process. The Council’s forecasts continued to be based on the best information held at that point in time. A summary explanation with supporting appendices were provided for the following –

 

·         Revenue 2021/2022

·         Capital 2021/22

·         Budget Adjustments 2021/22

·         Treasury Management 2021/22

·         Medium Term Financial Plan Update

·         Funding Strategy: Spending Power

·         Funding Strategy: Reserves, and

·         Investment Planning

Resolved – (a) That the revenue and capital budget monitoring position for 2021/22 set out at Appendix 3 be noted; (b) that the medium-term financial plan update in Appendix 2 be noted; (c) that the revenue budget adjustments approved under delegated powers and the revised budget position for 2021/22, summarised at Appendix 4 be noted; (d) that the revised capital investment programme 2021/24, set out in Appendix 5 be approved, and (e) that the progress against the approved Treasury Management Strategy in Appendix 6 be noted.

 

1464.

Regulation of Investigatory Powers (RIPA) 2000 - Update pdf icon PDF 822 KB

Report of the Director: Governance and Communities

Minutes:

The Director: Governance and Communities submitted a report informing members of the Council’s activity relating to surveillance matters under the RIPA regime for the period 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2021.

 

The report explained that RIPA provided a legislative framework which detailed a system of authorisation which existed to secure the lawfulness of surveillance activities and ensure that they were consistent with obligations under the Human Rights Act 1998.  The different types of authorisations included covert surveillance directed at a person(s); the use of a "covert human intelligence source" (CHIS) which involved the establishing of a relationship for the covert purpose of obtaining information and access to communications data such as telephone subscriber details and itemised phone logs.

 

Between 1st January 2020 and 31st December 2021, the Council presented one RIPA application to the Authorising Officer which was authorised and approved by the Magistrates Court in accordance with the Council’s RIPA Policy.  This surveillance had assisted in the discovery of a large quantity of illicit tobacco and was assisting an ongoing investigation. 

 

The Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office advised that as a good practice measure officers who regularly use RIPA should receive refresher training.  Although a proportionate approach to training had been taken to date with training being provided internally, this year external training would be sought for officers and this learning cascaded to relevant teams within the Council.

          

Resolved - That the report be noted, and the existing RIPA Policy (found at NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL (northlincs.gov.uk) be approved.