Agenda and minutes

The minutes of the last meeting held on 17 July 2018 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Consideration has been given to the development of a Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) for the North East.

The alternative delivery model options to that being recommended, but which were discounted, included a joint venture between local authorities; a joint venture between the voluntary adoption agencies and the local authorities; and outsourcing to a voluntary adoption agency.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the progress and in particular the outcome of public consultation, with respect to the proposal for the adoption services of Gateshead Council, Newcastle City Council, North Tyneside Council, Northumberland County Council and South Tyneside Council to be combined to create a RAA be noted.

(ii)

That the Business Case associated with the delivery of the RAA and the associated funding arrangements in relation to the local authority hosted model, as set out at appendix 2 to the report be noted.

(iii)

That the preferred business model for the RAA being a local authority hosted model which will operate through the delegation of the Constituent Councils’ Adoption Functions (as detailed in the report) to a host local authority pursuant to Sections 9EA and 9EB of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2012 be approved.

(iv)

That North Tyneside Council will act as the Lead and Host Authority for the RAA and that the new arrangements will commence 1st December 2018 be approved.

(v)

That the Heads of Terms, set out in appendix 3 to the report, for the Shared Services Agreement between the Constituent Councils which will govern the provision of the RAA be approved.

(vi)

That the delegation of the Adoption Functions, as detailed in the report, pursuant to Sections 9EA and 9EB of the Local Government Act 2000 and the Local Authorities (Arrangements for the Discharge of Functions) (England) Regulations 2012, from each of the Constituent Councils be approved.

(vii)

That Strategic Director, Corporate Services and Governance be authorised, following consultation with the Director of Public Health, Service Director Learning and Schools, Service Director Children and Families, Strategic Director Corporate Resources and the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, to negotiate, finalise and complete the Shared Services Agreement between the Constituent Authorities prior to the arrangements set out above commencing.

(viii)

That the RAA being known as “Adopt North East” and that the identity and branding proposal set out in appendix 5 to the report be approved.

The above decisions have been made because the host delivery model option meets the requirements being placed on the Council by the Government in relation to the regionalisation of adoption services and is the most financially and legally efficient available option.

RESOLVED -

That consideration of this item be deferred.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Audit and Standards Committee Annual Report for 2017/18 to full Council.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to endorse the Audit and Standards Committee Annual Report for 2017/18.

The above decisions have been made to strengthen the Council’s arrangements for oversight by councillors of governance, audit, risk management, the internal control framework, value for money and efficiency.

Consideration has been given to recommending the Council to endorse the Annual Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2018/19.

RESOLVED -

That the Council be recommended to endorse the Annual Youth Justice Strategic Plan 2018/19.

The above decision has been made to allow the Youth Offending Team to fulfil its strategic and operational responsibilities.

RESOLVED -

That consideration of this item be deferred.

Consideration has been given to the nomination of local authority governors to schools seeking to retain their local authority governor in accordance with The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations. 

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the following nominations be approved for a period of four years with effect from the date indicated:

School

Nomination

Date from

Barley Mow Primary

Councillor P Foy

18 September 2018

Blaydon West Primary

Councillor K Ferdinand

6 September 2018

(ii)

That it be noted the term of office is determined by the Schools’ Instrument of Government.

The above decision has been made to ensure the school governing bodies have full membership.

Consideration has been given to responses to recent consultations.

RESOLVED -

That the responses to the following consultations be endorsed:

·         Preferred Options Local Plan Document – Durham County Council

·         Draft Local Plan – Northumberland County Council

·         Airport Masterplan 2035 – Newcastle International Airport

The above decision has been made to enable the Council to contribute responses to the consultations.

Consideration has been given to the extension of joint working with Nexus and bus operators to the west of Gateshead with the establishment of the West Gateshead Bus Alliance.

RESOLVED -

(i)

That the Voluntary Agreement for the West Gateshead Bus Alliance through to 30 September 2023, as set out in appendix 2 to the report be approved.

(ii)

That the Service Director, Development Transport and Public Protection be authorised to make any necessary minor changes to this Agreement, following consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport before formal signing.

The above decisions have been made to support a sustainable transport system capable of supporting the borough’s   environmental, social and economic objectives.

Consideration has been given to the latest position on petitions submitted to the Council and the action taken on them.

RESOLVED -

That the petitions received and the action taken on them be noted.

The above decision has been made to keep Cabinet informed of the progress of action on petitions received.