Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Maggie Rae, Corporate Joint Director of Public Health & Wellbeing

To confirm and sign the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 19 October 2010.

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 October 2010 were presented.

Resolved:

To approve as a correct record and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 19 October 2010.

By-election

The Leader announced that the by-election for a unitary councillor for Bromham, Rowde and Potterne will take place on 21 December 2010 following a request from two members of the public.

To receive any declarations of personal or prejudicial interests or dispensations granted by the Standards Committee.

There were no declarations of interest

The Council welcomes contributions from members of the public. This meeting is open to the public, who may ask a question or make a statement. Written notice of questions or statements should be given to Yamina Rhouati of Democratic Services by 12.00 noon on 12 November. Anyone wishing to ask a question or make a statement should contact the officer named above.

Item 6 – Family and Parenting Support Commissioning Strategy.

The following representatives of Home Start addressed Cabinet:

Belle Crampton

Sarah Holden

Becky Stephens

Lynn Hiscock

Report of the Service Director Commissioning & Performance (DCE) is attached

Councillor Lionel Grundy Cabinet member for Children’s Services presented the report which sought approval of the Family and Parenting Strategy.

During the debate it was emphasised that this was not a cost cutting exercise but a way to work more closely and effectively with the service providers and volunteers.

The Leader thanked volunteers and expressed appreciation for the work carried out through their work with family and parenting support.

Resolved:

1. To approve the Family and Parenting Support Commissioning Strategy including the commissioning intentions outlined in the strategy and highlighted in section 8, 9 and 10 of the report.

2. To ask the Head of Strategy – Community and Voluntary Sector Support to contact service providers to see how Wiltshire Council can support them in their bids to develop a new family and parenting support service.  Also to contact those service providers who will not be bidding to see how they can be supported in the future.

Reason for decision:

On 10^th March 2010 the Wiltshire Children’s Trust Executive agreed to develop a Family and Parenting Support Commissioning Strategy as parenting and family support is relevant to 9 out of the 10 priorities identified in the current Children and Young People’s Plan.  In addition, the Children’s Trust Executive was also aware that a number of family and parenting support services provided by voluntary sector agencies under contract were due to end on 31 March 2011.  The Family and Parenting Support Strategy provides a framework for making decisions on future services.  

Report of the Service Director, Performance is circulated

Councillor Fleur de Rhe Philipe Cabinet member for Finance, Performance and Risk presented the report and highlighted the key issues.    

A debate ensued during which concern about the low level of affordable housing completions were raised.   The Leader confirmed that the Council is looking at other ways to work with house builders.

Resolved:

To note progress for the second quarter of 2010/11.

Reason for decision:

To keep Cabinet informed about progress and to provide an update on the PRG Scheme for Area Boards

Any other items of business, which the Chairman agrees to consider as a matter of urgency

There were no urgent items