Agenda, decisions and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

No apologies were received.

To approve the minutes from the previous meeting.

The minutes of the Executive meeting held on 4 October 2023 were agreed upon and signed by the Chair.

To receive and note any declarations of interests in respect of any matters included on the agenda for consideration at this meeting.

(The other registrable interests of Councillors of Somerset Council, arising from membership of City, Town or Parish Councils and other Local Authorities will automatically be recorded in the minutes: City, Town & Parish Twin Hatters - Somerset Councillors 2023 )

COUNCILLORS WHO ARE ALSO CITY, TOWN AND/OR PARISH COUNCILLORS SOMERSET COUNCILLOR CITY, TOWN AND/OR PARISH COUNCIL

Theo Butt-Philip - Wells City Council

Adam Dance - South Petherton Parish Council

Mike Rigby - Bishop’s Lydeard and Cothelstone Parish Council

Dean Ruddle - Somerton Town Council

Federica Smith-Roberts – Taunton Town Council

Ros Wyke - Westbury-sub-Mendip Parish Council

The Chair to advise the Committee of any items on which members of the public have requested to speak and advise those members of the public present of the details of the Council’s public participation scheme.

For those members of the public who have submitted any questions or statements, please note, a three minute time limit applies to each speaker and you will be asked to speak before Councillors debate the issue.

We are now live webcasting most of our committee meetings and you are welcome to view and listen to the discussion. The link to each webcast will be available on the meeting webpage, please see details under ‘click here to join online meeting’.

Public questions were received from:

•        Nigel Behan – Item 6 - General Fund Revenue Budget Monitoring Report –Month 5

•        Eva Bryczkowski – Item 6 - General Fund Revenue Budget Monitoring Report – Month 5

•        David Redgewell – Item 6 - General Fund Revenue Budget Monitoring Report –Month 5 and Item 12 - Award of contract for Highways Services

•        Rossa Kell – Item 12 - Award of contract for Highways Services

•        David Mears – Item 9 - Policy for the Disposal of Assets

All questions were considered under the relevant agenda item. The questions and responses provided are attached to the minutes in Annex A.

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, referred to storm Ciaran and its impact on the County, thanked Officers of the Council and acknowledged their work to keep Somerset residents safe.

To note the latest Executive Forward Plan of planned key decisions that have been published on the Council’s website.

Browse plans - Executive, 2023 - Modern Council (somerset.gov.uk)

The Executive noted the Forward Plan.

To consider the report.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive:??

a. Noted the forecast overspend of £27.3m (5.5%) for the year and the recovery actions being taken to address this.

b. Approved that it will continue to receive a monthly update on the financial position and actions being taken to address it. 

c. Noted that the format of the Budget Monitoring will be changed from month 6.

d. Approved a £0.3m budget virement from the Corporate Contingency budget to Strategic Asset Management to carry out the RAAC (Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete) surveys.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources and Performance, Cllr Liz Leyshon, to introduce the report.

The Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources and Performance, Cllr Liz Leyshon, introduced the report, highlighting: that the report detailed the month 5 budget position; that the projected overspend is £27.3m, the majority of which relates to Adults and Children’s Services; the national financial situation across the sector; that the Council is faced with serious challenges and a serious financial deficit that requires urgent and decisive action; the open and transparent strategy and communication required to address the viability of Somerset Council; the continued use of reserves and the impact of the financial sustainability of the Council; the local and national impact on Local Government Reorganisation, including: the global Covid pandemic, the vaccination programme, the end of multiple Government grants and funding, Brexit and its impact on European workers, the Fair Cost of Care, the Ukraine War, rising energy and food costs, high inflation, increased interest rates and the reduction in value of commercial assets; the income from and disposal of the amalgamated portfolio of commercial assets; the scale and focus of actions and that the Council is committed to ensuring its financial sustainability, delivery of key services, as well as the wellbeing and safety of staff and customers; the full engagement and work across the Council to challenge the financial assumptions which are being forecast, understanding those assumptions and working together to mitigate overspends where possible; and the budget monitoring consideration across the Scrutiny Committees and Audit Committee.

The Director of Resources and Corporate Services, Jason Vaughan, added to the above points, highlighting: the complex challenges aligning the five predecessors Councils and setting a budget for a Unitary Council; the impact of the agreed national pay award; the revised Scrutiny Committee – Corporate and Resources dates; the change in budget monitoring reporting from month 6; the spending controls previously put in place and the financial focus group established to provide focus with a clear programme of activity to address the budget overspend in the current year and the forecast budget gap for next year; the three control boards set up to monitor and oversee the following areas: establishment and recruitment, commercial and procurement, any other spending over £100; that the cost pressures will continue into the 2024/25 financial year; and that the Council cannot rely on reserves to cover the budget gap as the Council would not be financially sustainable.

The Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Dean Ruddle, further added to the above points commenting on the improvement in home and domiciliary care, the impact of high interest rates, the historic Adult Social Care financial challenges and pressures, and the work to balance the overspend.

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included:  thanks to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 61.

To consider the report.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed:??

a.        That Somerset Council faces a financial emergency and acknowledges that urgent actions need to be taken to address the position including the setting up of the Financial Focus Group and the introduction of further financial controls to limit spending.  

b.        To approve that the Council should continue its discussions with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) following the letter from the Section 151 officer to them concerning the councils’ financial challenges and the initial meeting.

c.        That there should be a special meeting of the Audit Committee in December to consider the council’s financial sustainability and the issues raised in the letter from Grant Thornton.

d.        To approve the disposal of the commercial investment portfolio, delegated the appointment of external agents to the Director of Strategic Asset Management in conjunction with the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, and uses the Property & Investment Executive sub-committee to oversee the disposal programme.

e.        To receive an update report on the actions being taken and progress in closing the budget gap for the 2024/25 Budget at the 6 December Executive 2023 meeting.

f.         To receive a report on the review of Earmarked Reserves at the 6 December Executive meeting. 

g.        To task the Asset Management Group with bringing forward asset disposals including council office rationalisation proposals, with an update to the Executive on 6 December 2023. 

h.        Agreed to receive a report on the vision for a sustainable Somerset Council at the 6 December 2023 Executive meeting.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources and Performance, Cllr Liz Leyshon, to introduce the report.

The Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources and Performance, Cllr Liz Leyshon, introduced the report, highlighting: the critically important report outlining the scale of challenge and complexities faced by Somerset Council financially and as a new organisation; that all Councils are facing the same challenges but with varied financial starting points; summarised and outlined the direct and challenging recommendations in the report, including declaring a financial emergency, that at their meeting 26 October 2023, the Audit Committee considered the section 151 officer’s letter to DLUHC on Somerset Councils Financial Challenges and the letter from Grant Thornton on the Financial Sustainability of the Council but was not assured that arrangements were in place to address the current years forecast overspend or to close the 2024/25 budget gap, as a result, they have called a special Audit Committee in December 2023; the essential review and work on Council reserves with the Amalgamated Report to be considered by Executive on 6 December 2023; the vision for a sustainable Somerset Council at 6 December 2023 Executive meeting; and the changing, developing and emerging emergency situation and programme of work required at pace to avoid the requirement for the S151 Officer to issue a Section 114 Notice.

The Director of Resources and Corporate Services, Jason Vaughan, added to the above points, highlighting: that the new Council faces a very stark and challenging financial position; summarised the complexities of Local Government finance, including revenue, taxation, investments reserves and grants; that the increase in costs at the same time as income has been restricted has resulted in a fundamental imbalance and a very considerable budget gap between the costs of providing services and the income the Council receives; summarised the range of actions being taken to close the £100m forecast budget gap, including: the Service Director challenge sessions, deep dive sessions for Adult and Childrens Social Care, the review of the existing capital programme, staffing review, reviewing the inherited commercial investment portfolio and developing a disposal programme; the rationalisation of the council offices and other asset disposals to generate capital receipts and reduce running costs; the development of a transformation programme to reshape the Council’s services; the upcoming Autumn Statement and financial settlement; and the updated position and progress on these actions to be reported to the 6 December 2023 Executive.

The Lead Member for Children, Families and Education, Cllr Tessa Munt, further added to the above points, highlighting: the challenges faced in Children's Social Care, the statutory requirements; the increase and complexity of demand; the school transport challenge session outcomes, focus and ongoing work; The County Council Network and the Society of County Treasurers report of financial pressures; and the continuing work to reduce the overspend.

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62.

To consider the report.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive noted and approved the decision of the Leader of Council to establish a Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee with the Terms of Reference set out in Appendix 1 of the report, with effect from 9 November 2023.    

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, introduced the report, and invited the Monitoring Officer, David Clark, to present the report.

The Monitoring Officer, David Clark, proceeded to present the report, highlighting; the details of the proposed sub-committee and the key step in the management of the disposal of the Council’s commercial investment portfolio; that Somerset Council had inherited a portfolio of commercial investments from the predecessor District Councils, and that with the current economic climate, and in the light of the financial pressures, the proper management of these investments pending any disposal is crucial to the financial wellbeing of the Council.

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the sub-committee governance process and the importance of collective wisdom and transparency of decisions; the planned disposals over a period of time; and the long programme of work and the use of external professional advice and internal skills, experience and expertise.

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.?

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive noted and approved the decision of the Leader of the Council to establish a Property and Investments Executive Sub-Committee with the Terms of Reference set out in Appendix 1 of the report, with effect from 9 November 2023.  

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

To consider the report.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed

a.        The approval of the Policy for the Disposal of Assets. 

b.        To note that a subsequent Framework for Service and Asset Devolution will provide further supplemental guidance covering the devolution of Assets to City, Town and Parish Councils.

c.        A delegation to the Service Director for Strategic Asset Management, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, to make any minor amendments to the Policy for the Disposal of Assets.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, Cllr Ros Wyke, to introduce the report.

The Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, Cllr Ros Wyke, introduced the report, highlighting: the published amended Policy and recommendations; the policy wording to clarify that a Framework for Asset and Service Devolution will be brought forward early in 2024, to provide supplementary guidance on how City, Town and Parish Councils can assist with some of the financial pressures to protect service delivery and to clarify that City, Town and Parish Councils are important strategic partners for Somerset Council; that discussions on asset disposals will be held with individual Local Councils as appropriate; the clear, transparent and robust policy and the importance of collective decision making; the importance of local knowledge and engagement with local Councillors and the continued building of relationships to ensure the input of local knowledge, and the challenging commercial market across Somerset.

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the continued work to foster and develop the relationships, partnerships and collaboration between City, Town and Parish Councils and the strong voice for the sector; the communication and availability of asset information awareness and land ownership through Local Government and Central Government sources, including websites, ward members, local Councillors; the legal and property team internal resource capacity, challenges and management of public expectations regarding response times; Local Community Networks engagement; the developing framework for the new service and asset devolution to clarify consultation and discussion as appropriate with Parish Councils; the importance of managing a policy designed to cover the range of commercial and local assets; and the Standards Committee Member Code of Conduct work with City, Town and Parish Councils.

Having been duly proposed and seconded, the Executive unanimously agreed to add an additional recommendation:

c. A delegation to the Service Director for Strategic Asset Management, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, to make any minor amendments to the Policy for the Disposal of Assets.

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.?

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed

a. The approval of the Policy for the Disposal of Assets.

b. To note that a subsequent Framework for Service and Asset Devolution will provide further supplemental guidance covering the devolution of Assets to City, Town and Parish Councils.

c. A delegation to the Service Director for Strategic Asset Management, in consultation with the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, to make any minor amendments to the Policy for the Disposal of Assets.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

To consider the report.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed:

a.        That Taylor Woodrow SWH Contracting be identified as the preferred main contractor to deliver the works with formal appointment being subject to the successful outcome of further officer and contractor discussions to value engineer and de-scope elements of work to bring an agreed contract price to within project budget levels.

b.        That a delegation be provided to the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets in consultation with the Service Director Economy, Employment and Planning to confirm contractor appointment following the discussions and which must result in assurance that the project will not require additional top up funds from Somerset Council.

c.        The work to de-scope and value engineer the project will include the following; a reduction in the area identified for enhancement, alternative materials to replace natural stone such as granite and removal of the proposal to create new facades in the colonnade area of Angel Crescent. 

d.        The case for exempt information in Appendix B and Appendix D of the report to be treated in confidence, as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

The Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets, Cllr Ros Wyke, introduced the report, highlighting: that the project budget is delivered via Government Towns Fund grant; the procurement process, financial and delivery options for the Celebration Mile in Bridgwater; the public realm improvement scheme and the enhancement and delivery of streetscape improvements from the railway station through to the docks.

The Regeneration Project Manager, Stuart Martin, presented the report, highlighting: the identified preferred main contractor to deliver the works with formal appointment being subject to the successful outcome of further officer and contractor discussions to value engineer and de-scope elements of work to bring an agreed contract price to within project budget levels; the procurement process and contingencies; the enhancement of Bridgwater town centre through accessibility to pedestrians and cyclists, creating a better trading environment for the businesses and match the expectations of the major investors already in the area; and the extensive consultation undertaken.

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the change in town deal project undertaking and government funding requirements; the importance of Tell Local Councillor and the sharing of information and involvement of local members; and the planned all member regeneration briefing and communication learnings through previous projects.

Having been duly proposed and seconded, the Executive unanimously agreed to delete ‘The result of this process to be brought back to Executive for ratification’ from recommendation b, and amend to:

b. That a delegation be provided to the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets in consultation with the Service Director Economy, Employment and Planning to confirm contractor appointment following the discussions and which must result in the assurance that the project will not require additional top-up funds from Somerset Council.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed:

a. That Taylor Woodrow SWH Contracting be identified as the preferred main contractor to deliver the works with formal appointment being subject to the successful outcome of further officer and contractor discussions to value engineer and de-scope elements of work to bring an agreed contract price to within project budget levels.

b. That a delegation be provided to the Lead Member for Economic Development, Planning and Assets in consultation with the Service Director Economy, Employment and Planning to confirm contractor appointment following the discussions and which must result in assurance that the project will not require additional top up funds from Somerset Council.

c. The work to de-scope and value engineer the project will include the following; a reduction in the area identified for enhancement, alternative materials to replace natural stone such as granite and removal of the proposal to create new facades in the colonnade area of Angel Crescent. 

d. The case for exempt information in Appendix B and Appendix D of the report to be treated in confidence, as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 65.

To consider the report.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive:

a.     Approved the outcome of the procurement process to award contracts to the suppliers named in Tender Evaluation Report Confidential Appendix B of the report, to provide home care services via a guaranteed block contract for a period up to 10 years.

b. Approved the establishment of an open framework for the Provision of new care and support at home for an initial period of 5 years, with an option to extend by two further periods of up to 2 years each and one further period of up to 1 year (up to 10 years in total). The annual value of the open framework is estimated at £26m in year 1. This figure will be adjusted for inflation annually as part of the Council’s MTFP process.

c. Agreed the case for applying the exempt information provision as set out in the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A and therefore to treat the attached confidential Appendix B in confidence, as it contains commercially sensitive information, and as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Dean Ruddle, to present the report.

The Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Dean Ruddle, introduced the report, highlighting: that the report included a conclusion and recommendations from a procurement process to award a number of block contracts to successful applicants to secure the supply of quality care and support at home services; that the approach will help to develop a market that delivers a wide range of sustainable high-quality care and support services in difficult to source or high demand areas; that this service will deliver better outcomes for people, enabling them to continue living at home for as long as it is safe to do so; and the contribution to reducing hospital admissions, delayed discharge or long-term care home placements and associated costs.

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included:  the need for good quality support arrangements to enable people to stay in their own homes; and the collaborative approach to meeting needs at local levels with commissioned care providers working alongside micro providers to provide a choice of delivery.

The Executive proceeded to vote on the recommendations, which were agreed unanimously.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive:

a.     Approved the outcome of the procurement process to award contracts to the suppliers named in Tender Evaluation Report Confidential Appendix B of the report, to provide home care services via a guaranteed block contract for a period up to 10 years.

b. Approved the establishment of an open framework for the Provision of new care and support at home for an initial period of 5 years, with an option to extend by two further periods of up to 2 years each and one further period of up to 1 year (up to 10 years in total). The annual value of the open framework is estimated at £26m in year 1. This figure will be adjusted for inflation annually as part of the Council’s MTFP process.

c. Agreed the case for applying the exempt information provision as set out in the Local Government Act 1972, Schedule 12A and therefore to treat the attached confidential Appendix B in confidence, as it contains commercially sensitive information, and as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 66.

To consider the report (to follow).

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive:

The Executive:

a.        Approved the award of a 4 year contract with the option of a four year extension to Supplier B as identified in the confidential Appendix A of the report; for the provision of Highway Surface Treatments services from 1st April 2024.

b.        Approved the award of a 4 year contract with the option of a four year extension to Supplier B as identified in the confidential Appendix B of the report; for the provision of Highway Surfacing services from 1st April 2024.

c.        Approved the award of a framework contract for a period of 4 years to Supplier D as identified in the confidential Appendix C of the report; for the provision of Highway New Assets services from 1st April 2024.

d.        Delegated the future decision regarding the extension of the contracts beyond their initial term to the Lead Member or equivalent responsible for Highways Services having due regard to the contract terms.

e.        Agreed that Appendices A, B and C be treated in confidence, as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information.  

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Cllr Mike Rigby, to introduce the report.

The Lead Member for Transport and Digital, Cllr Mike Rigby, introduced the report, highlighting: the contract awards for Highway Surfacing, Highway Surface Treatments, and Highway New Assets, including contract periods and costs.

The Strategic Manager of Highways and Transport, Mike O’Dowd-Jones, presented the report, highlighting the robust procurement process, the capital budget funding, and the forward funding from the Department of Transport.

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the welcome climate change and sustainability considerations.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive:

The Executive:

a.        Approved the award of a 4 year contract with the option of a four year extension to Supplier B as identified in the confidential Appendix A of the report; for the provision of Highway Surface Treatments services from 1st April 2024.

b.        Approved the award of a 4 year contract with the option of a four year extension to Supplier B as identified in the confidential Appendix B of the report; for the provision of Highway Surfacing services from 1st April 2024.

c.        Approved the award of a framework contract for a period of 4 years to Supplier D as identified in the confidential Appendix C of the report; for the provision of Highway New Assets services from 1st April 2024.

d.        Delegated the future decision regarding the extension of the contracts beyond their initial term to the Lead Member or equivalent responsible for Highways Services having due regard to the contract terms.

e.        Agreed that Appendices A, B and C be treated in confidence, as the case for the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing that information.  

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

To consider the report (to follow).

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed:

1.    To a three-year core funding agreement (Early Help and Prevention) for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027 (with options to extend 1 plus 1), for Citizens Advice Somerset (CAS) and Citizens Advice West Somerset (CAWS).

2.     To a total core funding (Early Help and Prevention strand) allocation of £629,000 in year one followed by funding of £600,000 in subsequent years for Citizens Advice Somerset and Citizens Advice West Somerset, allocated as follows -

                 i. £629,000 – CAS £581,137; CAWS £47,863

                 ii. £600,000 – CAS £552,137; CAWS £47,863

3.    To up to five-year contract, jointly funded with Somerset ICB, to support VCFSE infrastructure and sector engagement with Spark Somerset for 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027 (with options to extend 1 plus 1), with a combined value of up to £750k per annum.

4.    To allocate a minimum £250k local authority contribution to VCFSE infrastructure per annum for 3 years.

5.    To delegate responsibility to the Service Director Partnerships and Localities in consultation with the Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources to finalise and agree a mechanism to support a small grants process.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED: As set out in the officer report

REASON FOR DECISION: As set out in the officer report

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited the Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources, Cllr Theo Butt-Philip, to introduce the report.

The Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources, Cllr Theo Butt-Philip, introduced the report, highlighting: that the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector (VCFSE) is an acknowledged key partner for the Council and broader Integrated Care System (ICS) as underlined by the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding on 28 September 2023; the value of the longer term multi-year funding settlement; that the report relates to core funding for two key strategic partners for the Council: Citizens Advice Somerset and Spark Somerset; and that the agreement will enable the two organisations to continue and provide a wider range of services.

The Service Director – Partnerships and Localities, Sara Skirton, presented the report, highlighting: the work led by the Partnerships and Localities service to review and consolidate agreements with the VCFSE sector to develop a more strategic, sustainable and efficient approach; and that the multi-year agreements will provide greater security of funding and enable VCFSE organisations greater flexibility in the delivery of outcomes, to support innovation, ensure consistency of service provision across the county, provide greater coherence and enable efficient monitoring, planning and administration for the organisation and the Council.

The Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Governance and Communications, Cllr Bill Revans, invited comments from other Members present, questions and points raised included: the welcome support of the voluntary sector; the importance of a vibrant VCFSE sector for Somerset Council and Somerset residents; the small community grants and two predecessor District Council lotteries; the process and implications of a Section 114 Notice; and the resilience of the voluntary sector and the focus on strategic relationships with key partners to communicate regarding the financial situation.

Following consideration of the officer report, appendices and discussion, the Executive agreed:

1.    To a three-year core funding agreement (Early Help and Prevention) for the period 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027 (with options to extend 1 plus 1), for Citizens Advice Somerset (CAS) and Citizens Advice West Somerset (CAWS).

2.     To a total core funding (Early Help and Prevention strand) allocation of £629,000 in year one followed by funding of £600,000 in subsequent years for Citizens Advice Somerset and Citizens Advice West Somerset, allocated as follows -

                 i. £629,000 – CAS £581,137; CAWS £47,863

                 ii. £600,000 – CAS £552,137; CAWS £47,863

3.    To up to five-year contract, jointly funded with Somerset ICB, to support VCFSE infrastructure and sector engagement with Spark Somerset for 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2027 (with options to extend 1 plus 1), with a combined value of up to £750k per annum.

4.    To allocate a minimum £250k local authority contribution to VCFSE infrastructure per annum for 3 years.

5.    To delegate responsibility to the Service Director Partnerships and Localities in consultation with the Lead Member for Transformation and Human Resources to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.