Agenda and minutes

No apologies for absence were received.

Members are requested to give notice of any disclosable pecuniary interest, which is not already included in their Register of Members' Interests and the nature of that interest, relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the Members Code of Conduct, before leaving the meeting room during the discussion on that particular item.

No declarations of any disclosable pecuniary interests or personal interests were received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2019

Decision Made:

That the minutes of the Cabinet meeting held on 23 May 2019 be confirmed as a correct record.

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

Reasons for the Decision:

The Cabinet has delegated powers set out in Chapter 5, Paragraph 40 of the Constitution to appoint the Council’s representatives to serve on Outside Bodies.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

Reason for the Decision:

To provide leadership, clear direction and priority for the Council it is proposed that a Business Continuity Policy setting out the Council’s approach and commitment is presented to the Cabinet for approval.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

None.

Report of the Head of Locality Services

Reasons for the Decision:

Following the previous insourcing of the Parks & Landscapes grounds maintenance function, now operated by Green Sefton, the opportunity exists to deliver another important grounds maintenance function across the Burials & Cremation service via the same operational unit.  This will provide additional opportunities for community involvement and development, as well as providing greater flexibility and additional support to the Burials & Cremation service as and when required.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Undertaking a new procurement exercise to continue with the service being delivered by an external contractor.

Report of the Head of Economic Growth and Housing

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Economic Growth and Housing in relation to the acceptance of the Adult Education Budget grant to support Sefton Adult Community Learning Service.

The report set out that the level of grant available and offered from Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) to Sefton had been increased from the 2018/19 allocation of £787,000 to the 2019/20 allocation of £820,000.

The Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Skills, Councillor Atkinson paid tribute to the work undertaken by the Leader of the Council, Councillor Maher, in his previous role as Portfolio Holder for Employment and Skills at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Decision Made:  That:

(1)           the offer of £969,724 Adult Education Budget funding available to Sefton Council from LCRCA, ringfenced to the delivery of adult community learning provision for residents aged 19 and over, be noted; and

(2)           the Head of Corporate Resources be requested to, when received, accept a formal offer of funding from LCRCA by way of entering into a contractual agreement with the LCRCA.

Reasons for the Decision:

Sefton Council is requested to undertake this key decision at this time in order to maintain continuity of service for adult learners and to allow the Service to make necessary arrangements for service planning and resource decisions for the year ahead.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

The only alternative option would be to not accept the offer of Adult Education Budget. Refusal of the grant would result in Sefton Council being unable to deliver this important service for adults who need introductory or second chance learning to improve their wellbeing and employability. The Service is well established and well regarded; it fulfils a considerable need within our communities and directly contributes to the Council’s Vision and values and is central to the achievement of our corporate objectives. The option to discontinue a Community Learning Service has therefore been rejected.