Agenda item

1.           Mr Vye introduced his Select Committee Proposal on the Kent Support

 & Assistance Service (KSAS).    He explained that the main points to be addressed were identifying appropriate priorities for continuing the support in light of funding cuts, that the risk register should cross-reference the growing numbers of people dropping below the poverty threshold with associated risks such as health and wellbeing implications.

2.           A Select Committee would be able to establish a baseline of evidence

for use in future needs assessments and assist in identifying the best uses of available resources.

3.           Mr Gibbens responded as the relevant Cabinet Member, stating that he

supported the idea of finding a way to continue KSAS’ work but that it would be premature to set up a Select Committee at this time as the future of KSAS is uncertain and the Adult Social Care and Health Cabinet Committee would be considering alternative plans that were currently being developed to remodel this welfare assistance.

4.         Responding to questions, Mr Gibbens stated that a future Select

Committee to assess the success of the processes adopted to meet the demand after KSAS funding expires would be beneficial. 

Select Committee Proposal – Property Management

5.           Mr Wedgbury introduced his Select Committee proposal on Property

Management, suggesting that KCC should conduct a significant review into whether all KCC properties were still fit for purpose, not too expensive to maintain and represented good use of KCC assets.  He explained that carrying out such a detailed review would offer opportunities to identify potential savings, income generation and demonstrate to the public that KCC placed people before buildings.

6.           Mr Cooke responded as the relevant Cabinet Member, stating that the

proposal was sound but the timing was not appropriate.  He explained that KCC had just adopted a new corporate landlord programme and that numerous other reviews were already taking place around KCC property assets.  He commented that such reviews and oversight into property management were an ongoing process in order to ensure that KCC got best value from its assets.  Although he fully supported the goals of the proposal, he advised that these would be better achieved through the ongoing processes already in place.

Select Committee Proposal – Biodiversity

7.           Mr Whybrow introduced his Select Committee proposal on biodiversity,

which had been prompted by approaches from concerned residents who wish to see the excellent natural environments in Kent preserved. He explained that biodiversity captured the variety of life present in Kent and that Kent has excellent habitats that were now threatened by increasing development.  This has caused wildlife to disappear as their natural environment altered.  He explained that his initial work in this area revealed that KCC did not have a biodiversity strategy and that this meant there was too little consideration given to how biodiversity impacts on a whole range of other issues in which KCC already has a stake.

8.            Mr Whybrow hoped that a Select Committee would improve awareness

of the issues and promote better use of KCC estate management, resulting in a better approach to maintaining and encouraging biodiversity.

9.           Mr Balfour, responding as the Lead Member, supported Mr Whybrow’s

comments.  He noted that nature and the green environment were extremely important to Kent both for their intrinsic natural beauty and the economic benefits of eco-tourism.  Kent’s location between London and Europe, with extensive countryside close to large conurbations, meant that biodiversity was a key trait of the county and must be preserved. He also referred to the practical benefits to health and wellbeing of spending time in green spaces and the outdoors was reason enough to require further work in this area.

10.        Mr Balfour supported the proposal to establish a Select Committee on

this topic and commended the proposal to the Committee.

Select Committee Proposal – Energy Security

11.         Mr Wedgbury introduced his Select Committee proposal on energy

security, explaining that as a critical resource, it was vital that KCC took steps to ensure sustainability on a scale that would meet demand.  He stated that as the economy and population grows, the challenge of meeting demand was increasing and the health and safety risks arising from a power loss were similarly rising.  With growing pressure for alternative energy sources, it was important to first ensure security of existing supplies.

12.        Mr Brazier, responding as the relevant Cabinet Member, supported the

proposal, stating that while this was a global issue there were steps that could be taken at a local level to consider a variety of sources and their different qualities, including alternative energies.  He confirmed that continuity of supply to meet the growing demand for energy was a significant concern and agreed that KCC should take action to minimise the risks.

13.        A Member questioned whether appropriate Officer resources could be

provided to this potential Select Committee given the level of technical detail involved.  Mr Brazier confirmed that he and relevant officers would be happy to provide appropriate support.

Select Committee Proposal – Role of Elected Members as Corporate Parents

14.        Mrs Crabtree introduced her Select Committee proposal on the role of

the Elected Members as a Corporate Parents.    She highlighted the need for Elected Members to understand their role as Corporate Parents and to make a   commitment to children in care that was equal to that which parents had for their children.   It was important to look at this role is currently carried out and what could be learnt from other local authorities.

15.        Mrs Crabtree suggested that identifying the best training plan to

address these issues was vital.

16.        Mrs Allen, responding in place of Mr Oakford, supported the proposal.

As Chairman of the Children’s Champions Board, she explained the importance of Elected Members having an understanding of the Corporate Parenting model which had helped highlight some of the key risks facing children in care.  Mrs Allen stated that this was the responsibility of all Elected Members, with cross-cutting themes and legal obligations.  She wanted to ensure that all KCC staff and Members were fully aware of their responsibilities and to be assured that best practice is being followed.

17.        Mrs Allen stated that she was pleased that young people were now

more involved in improving the service but that she was sure that more research was needed to help Kent understand where other authorities are doing things better and what mistakes have occurred in the UK that KCC should avoid.

18.        Mrs Allen confirmed her support for the Select Committee topic,

commenting that it was significant issue that had to be addressed.

19.        Several Members commented on the proposal, the majority expressing

support. 

20.      The Chairman called for votes on each proposal, with the most popular

being selected as the first Select Committee to be launched, and then another vote was held to select the second Select Committee to be planned.  The first Select Committee would submit its report to the May County Council meeting with the second Select Committee approved started its work after the first Select Committee had produced its report.

RESOLVED that the Select Committee on the Role of Elected Members as Corporate Parents be established and that the following Select Committee be on Energy Security.