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  • Cabinet Member decisions
  • Cabinet Member decisions

    Earlier - Later

    Decisions published

    06/06/2023 - 23/00039 - Countywide Approach to Inclusive Education ref: 2714    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision: 

    Agree the ‘Countywide Approach to Inclusive Education’ be made a strategy for Kent for 2023-28

     

    Reason for the decision:

    The Countywide Approach to Inclusive Education (CATIE) document was first published on KELSI in April 2021, establishing the commitment in Kent to improve inclusion across all phases and settings by means of four core priorities. CATIE was recognised as the approach Kent and its partners would take over the next 5 years, however, it was never formally agreed as a strategy.

     

    Background:

    The priorities within CATIE have been shaped by the current and future context Kent faces, and by the ideas and feedback received from our partners, stakeholders and residents. Each priority includes specific commitments and supporting objectives, and will focus our efforts as a council, and collectively with our partners, to meet those challenges and improve outcomes in mainstream settings for children and young people with SEND. The Priorities are:

     

    1.            Supporting a school led system to deliver the highest quality core inclusive education

    2.            Providing additional intervention and support with engagement and integration

    3.            Inclusive Education is part of a broader, holistic, and joined-up offer of support

    4.            Ensuring smooth transition between education phases

     

    Options (other options considered but discarded):

    The process for developing the CATIE document was iterative and alternative options were considered within this process to ensure the expectations set were the right ones for Kent.

     

    Standards and expectations for inclusive education in Kent were agreed following intensive collaboration with schools, settings, parent/carers, young people, and other key stakeholders.

     

    The CATIE was informed by the SEND Code of Practice, the Kent Strategy for Children and Young People with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities 2021-24, research published in the Local Government Association report ‘Developing and sustaining an effective local SEND system’, as well a local collaboration.

     

    Since CATIE was first developed the SEND and AP Improvement Plan has been published, aligning to many of the principles Kent has already signed up to within CATIE. With the Improvement Plan’s publication and its statements to the ongoing commitment of central government to the ‘right support, right place, right time’ we will update CATIE with confidence in its priorities position centrally.

     

    How the proposed decision meets the objectives of ‘Increasing Opportunities, Improving Outcomes: Kent County Council’s Strategic Statement (2015-2020)’:

    CATIE underpins many principles held by Framing Kent’s Future our strategy for 2022-2026 and will support the Council’s efforts to meet our immediate challenges as well as embedding foundations for long-term success.

     

    Priority One of Framing Kent’s Future, Levelling up Kent, aims to maintain Kent County Council’s strategic role in supporting schools in Kent to deliver ‘accessible, high quality education provision for all families’, this is the cornerstone of the CATIE. Achieving the best possible outcomes within the CATIE framework will positively impact this Council priority. Our Schools Commissioning Plan and placement sufficiency activities support this levelling up priority to improve and maintain choice of school places for Kent’s families.

     

    Elements of priority four in Framing Kent’s Future are also threaded intrinsically through the CATIE, reshaping commissioning, building better partnerships, integrating our planning and having a strong focus on co-production are behind the four core priorities CATIE sets out.

     

    Approving the CATIE as Kent’s strategy for inclusive education will allow us to robustly embed the planned activity in a way that supports the Council wide objectives that make up Framing Kent’s Future.

     

    Legal Implications:

    Legally our duties remain the same if CATIE is a strategy for Kent or not. Section19 of the Children and Families Act 2014 sets out the principles underpinning the legislation and the guidance in [the SEND] Code of Practice. ‘When considering an appeal from a parent or young person the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs and Disability) (‘the Tribunal’) must have regard to this Code of Practice’. Local Authorities ‘must consult children with SEN or disabilities, and their parents and young people with SEN or disabilities when reviewing local SEN and social care provision’ .

     

    ‘As part of its commitments under articles 7 and 24 of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UK Government is committed to inclusive education of disabled children and young people and the progressive removal of barriers to learning and participation in mainstream education. The Children and Families Act 2014 secures the general presumption in law of mainstream education in relation to decisions about where children and young people with SEN should be educated and the Equality Act 2010 provides protection from discrimination for disabled people’

     

    ‘The School Admissions Code of Practice requires children and young people with SEN to be treated fairly. Admissions authorities:

                  must consider applications from parents of children who have SEN but do not have an EHC plan on the basis of the school’s published admissions criteria as part of normal admissions procedures,

                  must not refuse to admit a child who has SEN but does not have an EHC plan because they do not feel able to cater for those needs,

                  must not refuse to admit a child on the grounds that they do not have an EHC plan’ .

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 06/06/2023

    Effective from: 14/06/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, I agree to: ‘Countywide Approach to Inclusive Education’ strategy for Kent for 2023-28.

     

    Division affected: (All Division);


    06/06/2023 - 23/00051 - Post 16 Transport Policy Statement for 2023/24 ref: 2721    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision:

    The Cabinet Member is asked to agree the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement for 2023/24

     

    Further information:

    There is a legal requirement for post 16 learners to stay in education, training or work-based learning until they reach 18 years of age, and as young adults there is an expectation they will contribute to the cost of their travel in most circumstances. Whilst there is no statutory duty to provide transport for Post 16 Learners there is a duty to consider applications for assistance with transport and to enable access to education. There are no planned changes to the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement or this commitment for the 2023/24 academic year.

     

    KCC consulted with current and future service users between 25 January and 21 March 2023 on a Post 16 Transport Policy Statement for 2023/24 in spite of the offer remaining unchanged, as there is a legal requirement to do so annually. It should be noted that this consultation also included proposals for changes to the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement for 2024/25 and a formalisation of Kent’s 4 – 16 Free School Transport Policy for 2024/25. Analysis of responses to these elements of the consultation are currently underway and a separate paper will be presented to CYPE Cabinet Committee in July to determine those proposals. However, it was necessary to consider the Post 16 Transport Policy Statement for 2023 earlier to fulfil our statutory responsibilities for annual review.

     

    KCCs primary method of meeting its obligation in regard to Post 16 Transport will be through the continued offer of the Kent 16+ Travel Saver pass. Where learners can demonstrate that the KCC 16+ Travel Saver pass does not enable access to education, learners can appeal to the Local Authority with a view to accessing alternative assistance.

     

    We also offer a number of Active Travel schemes to allow pupils to make the most of opportunities to walk or cycle to their place of learning, which are especially important this year to help reduce the number of students using the public transport network www.kentconnected.org.

     

    Kent County Council will also aim to improve the independence of learners with a Learning Difficulty Assessment, by providing travel training to students who will then be able to access public transport with the use of the KCC 16+ Travel Saver pass.

     

    The post 16 Transport policy for Kent County Council enables access to education for Kent Learners. To assist Kent’s young adults in accessing their education in schools, colleges and through apprenticeships or work-based training provision.

     

    Kent County Council has provided students with the opportunity to apply for a Kent 16+ Travel Saver pass which is subsidised by the Authority and can be purchased online through Kent County Council’s website. The 16+ Travel Saver pass gives unlimited access to the public bus network and learning providers can choose to further subsidise this charge to their students or trainees if they wish in cases of financial hardship.

     

    With the participation age of 18 years, the 16+ Travel Saver pass will widen the opportunity for Kent’s young adults to access the education provision of their choice at a subsidised cost. This may be at schools, academies, colleges or in the workplace though an apprenticeship or other work-based training provision. Support for accessing education is not prescribed and Kent use the 16+ Travel Saver pass to meet its duty to enable users access to education.

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 06/06/2023

    Effective from: 14/06/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, I agree tothe Kent Post-16 Transport Policy Statement.

     

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: Craig Chapman


    06/06/2023 - 23/00050 - Services provided by The Education People ref: 2722    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision:

    To reduce the value of the core contract with The Education People in 2023/24 by £0.4m through changes to the service specification.

     

    Reason for the decision:

    As part of KCC’s budget setting process discussions have taken place with TEP’s leadership to assess areas of efficiency.  Proposals for £0.4m of savings in 2023-24 have been received.  In summary these include:

     

    Reduction in contract fee for financial year 2023/24 - Description

    Value

    Early Years and Childcare Service

    - £128,825

    Equality Diversity Inclusion Team

    - £45,500

    Governor Services

    - £6,585

    Primary School Improvement

    - £39,000

    School Financial Services

    - £92,940

    Secondary School Improvement, Special Schools and PRU's

    - £87,150

     

    The contract between KCC and TEP is currently subject to formal review by the Education Service and TEP Teams, in line with the contract terms.  This will ensure future service delivery reflects changes in the political and educational landscape, the needs of schools and the LA, and are delivered at a lower cost.  It is expected that through the TEP contract review further savings of £900k (2024/25) and £300k (2025/26) will be achieved. 

     

    Options (other options considered but discarded):

    The alternative to reducing the value of the TEP contract by £0.4m (3.6%) is to secure savings elsewhere in the Education Service budget.  Delivery of the MTFP savings (£0.9m) requires action in addition to the proposals in this paper.  The proposals represent a fair balance as to where savings are being made.

     

    It is feasible to consider finding different savings from within the TEP contract to those included in the proposals.  However, the proposals offer savings where circumstances have changed and activity is no longer necessary, areas where responsibility for funding these should rightly fall to the school receiving the service, and areas which are believed to add least value. 

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 06/06/2023

    Effective from: 14/06/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, I agree to: reduce the value of the core contract with The Education People in 2023/24 by £0.4m through changes to the service specification.

     

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: David Adams


    02/06/2023 - 23/00047 - Cyclopark Operator Agreement (OA) and Funding ref: 2718    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision:

    To approve a retrospective* Deed of Variation to the Operator Agreement between KCC and Cyclopark Trust for the operation of the park and continuation of KCC financial support for the period May 2022 to April 2032 (10 Years).

     

    Reason for Decision:

     A decision is required such that:

     

    (a)  Kent County Council (KCC) shall agree to approve a retrospective* Deed of Variation to the Operator Agreement between KCC and Cyclopark Trust for the operation of the park and continuation of KCC financial support for the period 27 May 2022 to 26 May 2032 (10 Years).

     

    (b)  KCC shall agree that authority be delegated to the Director of Growth and Communities to take appropriate actions in accordance with the terms of the Operator Agreement as necessary to implement this decision.

     

    *  Work commenced October 2021 with Invicta Law Ltd. A draft Deed of Variation for review was received 29 April 2022 and circulated to Cripps solicitors acting for the Cyclopark Trust. Comments were received back, and a final version was agreed in principle 29 June 2022.  It has not been possible to bring this for decision until now. KCC continued to support the Trust during 22-23 under the same terms as stated in the original Operator Agreement to ensure continuity of service provision.

     

    Background:

    Cyclopark is a unique 43-acre sports and community facility built on redundant land made available because of the realignment of the A2 trunk road south of Gravesend and opened in May 2012 as a legacy project to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games.

     

    The park is owned by KCC and operated on KCC’s behalf by a charitable trust (Cyclopark Trust) specifically established for the purpose. KCC as developer of the project on behalf of other local and national funding providers and stakeholders entered into a contractual agreement with Cyclopark Trust, the ‘Operator Agreement’, which covers lease of the land, commuted sum funding from (the then) Highways Agency and wider funding and operating arrangements. Changes to the Operator Agreement require a Deed of Variation to be approved by both.

     

    Options (other options considered but discarded):

    (a)      Extend the Operator Agreement for a further 10 years on existing terms.

    (b)      Extend the Operator Agreement for a further 10 years with option to reduce KCC subsidy.

    (c)       Procure a new Operator.

    (d)      KCC to operate Cyclopark.

     

    Preferred option: (b)

     

    When the original decision was taken in November 2010, the supporting report stated: “The £125k per annum will be required in the longer term for a period of at least 25 years and is part of the financial viability forecasting for the project. The financial viability is necessary not only to the future success of the park but is also required by some of the funding partners as a condition to their capital funding towards the project”.

     

    The Strategic Programme Manager has in discussion with the Cyclopark Trust agreed to the following clause being included in the proposed Deed of Variation (Appendix A):

     

    “The Council agreed to make available, solely upon its discretion, to the Operator funding of up to £125,000.00 (one hundred and twenty-five thousand pounds) per annum for the new extended Contract Period referred to in Recital (C), which shall be made available at the sole discretion of the Council, who shall not be obligated to pay”.

     

    This considers KCC budget pressures going forward and the aspirations of the Trust to increase their profitability going forward and to seek alternate funding, for example Public Health where applicable and not be solely reliant on KCC subsidy.

     

    How the proposed decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026:

     (https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/corporate-policies/our-council-strategy)

    Cyclopark works witha range of partners including KCC, Gravesham Borough Council, NHS England and British Cyclingmaking a valid contribution to three of the four priorities, namely:

     

    Priority 1 – Levelling Up

    Priority 3 – Environmental Step Change

    Priority 4 - New Models of Care and Support

     

    to hardwire a preventative approach into improving the health of Kent’s population and narrowing health inequalities. A vital component of levelling up Kent is taking action to narrow the gaps in health outcomes by supporting people to lead healthier lives.

     

    Data Protection implications:

    The trust is currently updating their Privacy Policy which is to be published at: https://www.cyclopark.com/

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Economic Development

    Decision published: 02/06/2023

    Effective from: 10/06/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Economic Development, I agree to:

     

    (a)           approve a retrospective Deed of Variation to the Operator Agreement between KCC and Cyclopark Trust for the operation of the park and continuation of KCC financial support for the period 27 May 2022 to 26 May 2032 (10 Years) and;

     

    that authority be delegated to the Director of Growth and Communities to take appropriate actions in accordance with the terms of the Operator Agreement as necessary to implement this decision.

    Division affected: Gravesend East; Gravesham Rural;


    02/06/2023 - 23/00026 - Old Rectory Management Contract ref: 2715    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision
    To extend the existing Old Rectory Business Centre Management Services contract by a further one year.

    Background and reason for the decision:
    The Old Rectory is a KCC owned facility that has offered high quality office space to SMEs since 2009. The centre is managed by an external supplier. The previous contract for management services was awarded in 2015 for a period of seven years, with an extension granted for a further one year which will end in November 2023.

    The proposal is to extend management services contract at the centre by a further 12 months during which time a review will be conducted to decide the future of the Centre.

    Gross estimated income will be more than £1m if the contract was extended for three years, but current financial circumstances suggest that a more detailed review of all the options should now be undertaken to decide the best value course of action.

    Options:
    1) Extend the contract for the duration of 3-years - to exercise the full extension clause within the existing contract, allowing the current service provider an 11-year term (7 years with up to 48-month provision for extensions). The current provider has proposed a reduction to their share of profits by 25% (from 40% to 30% of the total profit) for the duration of a 3-year contract extension with effect from 31st November 2023. This option would increase KCC’s share of the profits (if other terms remain the same), and by extending the existing contract, it will cut out the disruption/cost of a potential new management company replacing the current provider (IWG/Basepoint). Also, given the volatility of the current market, it may be sensible to go out to tender in 3 years’ time, when conditions could be more favourable to business.

    2) Initiate a full PCR compliant procurement exercise. Whilst The Old Rectory has benefited from the current service provider maximising potential income generation from the centre, a full OJEU process would permit KCC to test the market to ensure both price and value for money. KCC would continue to receive a share of profits. However, any potential change to the service provider could be disruptive to current licensees located at the centre.

    3) Disposal of the asset. If this option is chosen the Council would lose out on future income revenue but would receive an immediate capital receipt which could be put towards other Council resources. This option would potentially be disruptive to existing businesses located at the centre.

    4) Disposal of the asset and transfer of its functions (as a business centre) as an ongoing concern. This option would also ensure that any disruption to existing businesses located at the centre is minimised. As with Option 3, if this option is chosen the Council would lose out on future income revenue but would receive an immediate capital receipt which could be put towards other Council resources.

    The proposed decision meets the objectives of ‘Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026’ by supporting the Kent economy to be resilient and successfully adapt to the challenges and opportunities it faces over the coming years; and by backing SMEs and entrepreneurs to start-up, grow and drive adoption of new technology.

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Economic Development

    Decision published: 02/06/2023

    Effective from: 10/06/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Economic Development, I agree to extend the existing Old Rectory Business Centre Management Services contract by a further one year and delegate to the Director Growth & Communities to take other relevant actions including but not limited to entering into required legal agreements as necessary to implement the decision.

    Division affected: Northfleet & Gravesend West;

    Lead officer: Mark Reeves


    02/06/2023 - 23/00042 - Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-39 and Updated Kent Mineral Sites Plan ref: 2720    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision

    To agree to:

     

    (i)            approve and publish for public consultation evidence relating to an update of the Kent Minerals Sites Plan, for a minimum six-week period of public consultation in line with Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (the Regulations);

     

    (ii)          approve and publish for public consultation further proposed changes to the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-39 and associated supporting evidence, for a minimum six-week period of public consultation in line with Regulation 18 of the Regulations;

     

    (iii)         agree revised timetables for preparation of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-39 and updated Kent Minerals Sites Plan to be published in an updated Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme; and

     

    (iv)         delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport the authority to approve any non-material changes to the consultation documents in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment prior to their publication for consultation.

     

    Reason for the decision

    This Executive Decision addresses the agreement to a revised Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme (LDS).  The LDS is a required component related to the Council’s statutory obligation to prepare a minerals and waste planning strategy (the Local Plan) and, fundamentally, sets the timescale for the plan making work.

     

    Background

    The County Council has a statutory responsibility to plan for future minerals supply and waste management within Kent as set out in the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, National Planning Policy Framework 2021 (NPPF) and the National Planning Policy for Waste 2014 (NPPW). This responsibility is realised through the preparation of a Local Plan, prepared in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (The Regulations).  Amongst other matters, these Regulations set out a legal requirement for public consultation at key stages of the plan making process.

     

    Regulations require local plans to be reviewed every five years to ensure that the policies remain relevant, conform to national policy and guidance and satisfactorily address the needs for waste management and mineral supply. Work on the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan (KMWLP) review commenced in 2021 and in light of this revisions were proposed to principally reflect changes in national policy and guidance since the Plan’s adoption in 2016 and ‘Early Partial Review’ in 2020.  The proposed revisions have been subject to two public consultations. In light of the comments received, some additional draft material changes to the KMWLP are proposed to be published for consultation during June and July 2023.

     

    Draft changes to the KMWLP, which have already been consulted upon, include an extension to the plan period which, following a review of recent data on permitted mineral reserves and supply, has resulted in a need to identify an additional site(s) for the working of hard rock to ensure the necessary steady and adequate supply is maintained over the plan period in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A ‘Call for Sites’ took place last year and a draft update to the Kent Mineral Sites Plan (KMSP) has now been prepared for public consultation that includes subject to detailed technical assessment, a potential allocation of land for the extraction of hard rock. A review of data relating to the supply of other minerals, taking account of national and local planning policy, did not reveal a pressing need for further allocations.

     

    Update to the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme

    The Regulations require local plan making work to be undertaken in accordance with a published timetable or ‘Development Scheme’. The timetable for the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan is set out in the Council’s ‘Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme’ (LDS). The most recent LDS was agreed by Environment and Transport Cabinet Committee (ETCC) in September 2022. An updated LDS is now required that reflects the need for further public consultation on additional changes to the draft KMWLP and the preparation of an updated Kent Mineral Sites Plan to allow for hard rock supply over the extended plan period.

     

    The revised LDS will be reported to ETCC, along with the draft update to the Kent Mineral Sites Plan, the text of further draft changes to the KMWLP and a summary of comments received during the earlier public consultation on the emerging updated KMWLP.

     

    How the proposed decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-26:

    The Mineral and Waste Local Plan, its Vision, Strategic Objectives and planning policies help facilitate the key strategic priorities of an Environmental Step Change and Infrastructure for Communities by supporting the delivery of sustainable growth in Kent’s economy. The KMWLP and KMSP recognise Kent’s environment as a core asset and seeks to adapt to, and mitigate, the impacts of climate change and assist in the delivery of net zero objectives. The proposed planning strategy will reflect recent changes to the environmental agenda including mitigation and adaptation to Climate Change and Kent’s Climate Change Statement, the Circular Economy, biodiversity and measures to support covid recovery. In addition, the proposed updated policies support the protection and creation of a high-quality environment, with accessible local services that reflect the community’s needs.

     

    Data Protection implications

    None

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Environment

    Decision published: 02/06/2023

    Effective from: 10/06/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Environment, I agree to:

     

    (i)    Approve and publish for public consultation evidence relating to an update of the Kent Minerals Sites Plan, for a minimum six-week period of public consultation in line with Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (the Regulations);

    (ii)   Approve and publish for public consultation further proposed changes to the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-39 and associated supporting evidence, for a minimum six-week period of public consultation in line with Regulation 18 of the Regulations;

    (iii) Agree revised timetables for preparation of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2024-39 and updated Kent Minerals Sites Plan to be published in an updated Minerals and Waste Local Development Scheme; and

    (iv) delegate to the Corporate Director of Growth, Environment and Transport the authority to approve any non-material changes to the consultation documents in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment prior to their publication for consultation.

     

    Division affected: (All Division);


    02/06/2023 - 23/00040 - Adoption of Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocation Policy ref: 2719    For Determination

    Proposed decision:

    The Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee is asked to consider and endorse or make recommendations in relation to the proposed decision to be taken by the Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, to adopt the Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocation Policy and Application Form.

     

    Reason for the decision:

    The Pitch Allocations Policy was last updated in 2012 and is pivotal to the good management of Gypsy and Travellers sites owned by KCC. The review is to ensure pitches are allocated in a fair, transparent, and consistent way across all sites.

     

    Background:

    The Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocation Policy was last updated in 2012 and it sets out how the County Council will establish an applicant’s need for a pitch on a site it owns, and how vacant plots will be allocated. 

     

    The draft revised Policy was consulted upon from 30th November 2022 to 7th February 2023, following its endorsement by the Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee in November 2022. The results of the consultation have been received and incorporated into the revised Policy as appropriate, and the Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocation Policy is now considered ready for adoption.

     

    This policy is pivotal to the good management of sites and ensuring that our sites provide a safe environment for Gypsy Roma Traveller communities and needs a review and refresh to ensure that it includes learnings from recent enforcement and compliance actions, as well as good practice adopted by other Local Authority Gypsy and Traveller teams.

     

    How the proposed decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026:

    (https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/corporate-policies/our-council-strategy)

    Priority 2: Infrastructure for Communities. Good management of sites offers a safe and quality environment for the Gypsy and Roma Community.

     

    Options (other options considered but discarded):

    The option of not revising the policy was considered but rejected due to the significance of this Policy in effective site management and the need to ensure that Council owned sites provide a safe environment for Gypsy Roma Traveller communities.

     

    Data Protection implications:

    The DPIA has been updated following the revisions made to the Policy from the Consultation feedback and is pending approval from the DPO at the time of writing.

     

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services

    Decision published: 02/06/2023

    Effective from: 10/06/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, I agree to adopt the revised Gypsy and Traveller Site Pitch Allocation Policy and Application Form and delegate to the Director Growth & Communities any further decisions that may be appropriate to deliver the policy.

    Lead officer: Natalie Liddiard


    02/06/2023 - 23/00038 - Fastrack Electrification - Land matters ref: 2717    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision

    To authorise the Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Growth Environment and Transportation, to agree all necessary contractual arrangements relating to land and property matters to facilitate the Fastrack Electrification schemes at Thameside and Dover.

     

    Reason for the decision

    Under decision 22/00086 the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport agreed the delivery of three Fastrack Electrification Sites, two for Fastrack Thameside and one site for Fastrack Dover.

     

    It has become apparent that several of the property and land related decisions may fall outside of the usual delegations outlined in KCC’s Constitution, specifically its Property Management Protocol.

     

    As a precaution, and to ensure that the project can progress to time, a further decision is required, delegated to the Director of Infrastructure, whose team will conduct negotiations as necessary on behalf of KCC’s public transport team, to ensure that all property related decisions can be made efficiently.

     

    Background

    Fastrack is Kent County Council’s Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The decision to progress with the procurement process using ZEBRA funding was taken by David Brazier, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport on 30 September 2022.

    This further decision is requested to allow KCC Fastrack team and the KCC property team to progress and finalise land matters and enter into legal agreements with relevant District Councils, Network Rail and other parties to allow the electric bus charging solution to be installed and energised as per the proposed timeline.

    The Electric Bus charging infrastructure is proposed to be installed at:

    1.     Acacia Hall car park, Dartford

    2.     Gravesend Bus Hub, Gravesend

    3.     Dover Priory Station, Dover

    Fastrack electrification land matters include but is not limited to :

    ·           Land leases

    ·           Land Agreements for the duration of the Fastrack EV charging solution contract

    ·           Easements/wayleaves

    ·           Various license arrangements

    ·           Other legal land matters documentation as required

     

     

    Options (other options considered but discarded)

    The property management protocol already delegates authority for certain transaction types - this delegation would not be required for these. Returning for a Member Decision for each matter not covered by the property management protocol would introduce delay and additional unnecessary administration.

     

    How the proposed decision supports Framing Kent’s Future 2022-2026: (https://www.kent.gov.uk/about-the-council/strategies-and-policies/corporate-policies/our-council-strategy)

     

    Infrastructure for Communities

     

    Commitment to support the development of zero emission/new technology public transport projects, for example zero emission buses, to increase efficiency and sustainability of public transport options.

     

    Fastrack is already a community asset and the electrification contracts will create a new generation of a ‘zero emission’ Fastrack.

     

    Electric Fastrack led by KCC’s public transport team is expected to be the first fully electric bus fleet in Kent when it goes live during 2024 leading the way for future electric buses across Kent.

     

    This decision is to ensure the land and property matters for the Fastrack electric bus charging infrastructure do not delay the installation and energisation of the Fastrack electric charging solution which in turn delay the commencement of the new Fastrack electric operator service.

     

    Environmental Step change

     

    Commitment to turn the curve on transport emissions and road pollution by developing approaches to road space, parking, public transport and electric vehicle infrastructure with a presumption towards more sustainable and low carbon travel modes.

     

    Fastrack Thameside is now exceeding pre-covid levels of bus patronage leading the Covid bus recovery in the UK.  Fastrack’s ambition for electrification is to further increase modal shift to electric public transport from private car use.

     

    Use of Zero emission buses means reduced transport CO2 emissions and reduced air pollution in the Thameside area.  Dartford Homes Gardens bus corridor is the third worst for severity of air pollution in Kent and Medway, therefore Fastrack electric bus fleet will help tackle air pollution where is it most needed.

     

    Commitment to support Kent to become a leading county for carbon zero energy production and use.

     

    Fastrack is moving from a diesel bus fleet to a fully electric bus fleet with supporting OppCharger bus charging infrastructure during 2024. Fastrack intends to source its electricity from renewable energy sources and aims to supplement the electricity by solar panels at strategic locations on the Fastrack Thameside bus shelter network and work towards sourcing locally generated solar or wind power when possible during the contract.

     

    Tackling the climate emergency and protecting the natural environment continues to be an urgent priority for Kent, as well as investing in the built environment and creating communities to be proud of.

     

    Commitment to consider Kent’s environment as a core asset that is valued, strengthened and protected.

     

    Fastrack already led the way encouraging pollinators on its estate with Fastrack wildflower verge planting with Phase 2 due to be rolled out during 2023. The Fastrack team is procuring a Living Roof bus shelter contractor during 2023 to supply and install Living Roof bus shelters on the Fastrack Thameside BRT network.

     

    The Fastrack team work with Kent’s Plan bee team and wildflowers used on the Fastrack network including on the land we require for the Electric bus chargers will attract the rare shrill carder bee & increase biodiversity of pollinators in the local areas of the three electric charging sites.

     

    Data Protection implications

    N/A

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport

    Decision published: 02/06/2023

    Effective from: 10/06/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport, I agree toauthorise the Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Corporate Director of Growth Environment and Transportation to agree all necessary contractual arrangements relating to land and property matters to facilitate the Fastrack Electrification schemes at Thameside & Dover.

     


    24/05/2023 - 23/00036 - School Term Dates 2024-25 ref: 2712    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision

     

    The Cabinet Member for Education and Skills is asked to determine the School Year dates for community and voluntary controlled schools, by the local authority (LA).

     

    Further information

     

    Schools are required by statute to provide schooling for 190 days. Teaching staff are required by their terms and conditions to complete 195 days including 5 development days.

     

    Term dates and holidays, in England, are set:

           for community and voluntary controlled schools, by the local authority (LA)

           for foundation, voluntary aided schools, academies and free schools by the governing body.

     

    The government’s policies to promote academies and free schools will mean that increasingly school governing bodies will be determining the school term dates for their schools.

     

    The proposed calendar will be considered by Children’s, Young People and Education Cabinet Committee and following this the Cabinet Member for Education and Skills will take the final decision. Following the consultation and approval, the agreed school term dates calendar for 2024-5 will be published.

     

    Setting school term dates has a relationship to one of the priorities in Delivering Vision and Priorities for Improvement 2018 – 2021.  The priority states KCC will ‘ensure that the maximum number of children and young people of statutory school age are enabled to attend education provision on a full-time basis.’

     

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Education and Skills

    Decision published: 24/05/2023

    Effective from: 01/06/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, I agree to:

     

    (1)       Agree the school term dates for KCC community and voluntary controlled schools for the school year 2024-25.

     

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: Ian Watts


    24/05/2023 - 23/00034 - Technology Enabled Care Service Contract Award ref: 2713    Recommendations Approved

    Proposed decision:

          i.        Award the contract to the successful bidder identified as part of the procurement process, for the provision of a countywide Technology Enabled Care Service for a maximum of seven years (initial five-year contract with a two-year extension option).

        ii.        Delegate authority to the Corporate Director Adult Social Care and Health, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health and the Corporate Director Finance, to agree the relevant contract extension as required.

       iii.        Delegate authority to the Corporate Director Adult Social Care and Health to take other relevant actions, including but not limited to finalising the terms of and entering into required contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary to implement the decision.

    Background:
    Technology Enabled Care is a key area of Making a Difference Every Day; Our Strategy for Adult Social Care 2022 – 2027 and aligns with Framing Kent’s Future Strategy: “we have real opportunities to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of our adult social care services by making full use of new technology and innovations that mean we can better manage demand and focus resources where they are most needed.”

    Technology Enabled Care is a term to describe a range of personalised IT and digital solutions which can be used to support outcomes for people who draw on care and support and carers. Innovative technology solutions and data are allowing people to remain independent for longer, identifying risk, preventing incidents and ensuring quick and appropriate responses to avoidable events such as falls.

    The data harnessed from these technologies will not only support people more effectively at an individual level and has the potential to support management of health and wellbeing at a population-level and provide insights which support future service planning.

    Technology Enabled Care has been evidenced in other local authorities to improve outcomes for people and achieve significant financial and non-financial benefits. The objective of the Technology Enabled Care Service is to fully embrace the range of technology now available in the market and embed a technology-focused and data-led approach in adult social care.

    To gain a better understanding of the Technology Enabled Care Service needed in Kent, a Build and Test project was commissioned in the East Kent area which began in April 2022. The project trialled different models of delivery, a wide range of technologies and gathered feedback from people drawing on care and support. The live Build and Test period ran from June 2022 until February 2023. During this period 133 people were supported by technology and 97% reported an improvement in the areas of daily living that were most important to them after 8 weeks.
    The design of the Technology Enabled Care Service and procurement approach was co-produced, along with learning from other local authorities. This approach recently won Kent County Council an iESE Public Sector Transformation award for innovative use of digital and technology and creating a new and dynamic service that will lead to improved outcomes.

    The procurement for the countywide Technology Enabled Care Service began in December 2022 and has involved a range of stakeholders from Adult Social Care, the wider council, partner representatives from the Integrated Care Board, Co-production Groups and district and borough councils, ensuring that the service is shaped by people with the right expertise and experience.
    Following completion of the procurement process it is proposed to award the contract, to the successful bidder, for the provision of the countywide Technology Enabled Care Service for a maximum of seven years (Initial five-year contract with a two-year extension option).
    The contract will start on 1 June 2023 and end on 31 May 2028 (initial five-year contract) with an option to extend, subject to robust contract monitoring, for a further two years from 1 June 2028 to 31 May 2030.

    Data Protection implications:

    A full Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) has been developed following the completion of the initial screening. The DPIA has been informed by engagement with KCC’s Data Protection Office and the Adult Social Care Information Governance Lead. However, some of the mechanisms on how the data will be processed will not be known until the preferred provider is selected. Further work will be undertaken to develop the DPIA in partnership with the provider during the contract mobilisation phase in July and August 2023.

     

    The preferred provider will also be required to undertake DPIAs to manage any devices and systems delivered under sub-contracting arrangements. The DPIA will be updated once a provider is appointed to reflect their specific processing arrangements.

     

    Decision Maker: Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

    Decision published: 24/05/2023

    Effective from: 02/06/2023

    Decision:

    As Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, I:

    a) AWARD the contract to the successful bidder identified as part of the procurement process for the provision of a countywide Technology Enabled Care Service for a maximum of seven years (1 June 2023 to 31 May 2028 (initial five-year contract) with an option to extend, subject to robust contract monitoring, for a further two years from 1 June 2028 to 31 May 2030).

    b) DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director Adult Social Care and Health, after consultation with the Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health and the Corporate Director for Finance, to agree the relevant contract extension as required; and

    c) DELEGATE authority to the Corporate Director Adult Social Care and Health to take other relevant actions, including but not limited to finalising the terms of and entering into required contracts or other legal agreements, as necessary to implement the decision

     

    Division affected: (All Division);

    Lead officer: Helen Gillivan