The Cabinet of Portsmouth Council convened on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to discuss a range of significant issues, including the appointment of members to outside organisations, support for residents with the cost of living, and responses to various scrutiny reviews. Key decisions were made on the modern slavery statement and the productivity plan.

Continuing to Support Residents with the Cost of Living

The council reviewed the ongoing support for residents struggling with the cost of living, particularly in light of the impending end of the Household Support Fund in September 2024. Mark Sage, the Tackling Poverty Coordinator, highlighted that despite a reduction in inflation, essential goods and services remain high. The council has received 1,800 calls to the cost of living helpline and 94,000 views of the online cost of living hub between April 2023 and March 2024. Councillor Chris Atwell suggested that the leader write to the government to request an extension of the Household Support Fund and greater flexibility in its use. The council noted the report and the suggestion.

For more details, refer to the Continuing to Support Residents with the Cost of Living document.

Response to Housing and Social Care Scrutiny Review

James Hill, Director of Housing, Development and Building Services, presented the council's response to the scrutiny review on landlords' practices in dealing with damp and mould. The review was timely, following the coroner's findings on the death of Awab Ishak due to prolonged exposure to mould. The council's housing service had already initiated a review of its practices, and the scrutiny panel's recommendations have been integrated into the updated damp and mould policy. The council noted the panel's report and the officer's responses.

For more details, refer to the Response to Review into LA and landlords to issues of damp and mould in social and private rented ho document.

Appointments to Outside Bodies and Member Champions

The council discussed and approved various appointments to outside organisations and member champion positions for the 2024/25 municipal year. Notably, Councillor Hugh Mason was appointed to the King's Theatre Trust, despite historical issues regarding the number of council representatives. The council also approved the appointment of Councillor Susie Horton as the LGBTQ+ Young Persons Champion, with Councillor Mary Vallalie as a deputy.

For more details, refer to the Appointments to Outside Bodies and Member Champions document.

Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Caroline Gloster presented the annual Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement, highlighting the council's progress in training staff and raising awareness. The council approved the statement for publication and noted the importance of working with partners like Portsmouth City of Sanctuary to address modern slavery.

For more details, refer to the Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Annual Statement document.

Productivity Plan

Paddy May presented the council's Productivity Plan, a government requirement to demonstrate efficient use of resources. The plan references various council documents, including the corporate plan and medium-term financial strategy. Councillor Matthew Winnington criticised the government's requirement as inefficient but acknowledged the thoroughness of the council's plan. The council approved the plan for submission.

For more details, refer to the Productivity Plan document.

Response to Scrutiny Reviews

The council discussed responses to several scrutiny reviews, including education, employment, and training opportunities for care-experienced young adults, and the economic development and regeneration strategy focusing on high streets. The council noted the recommendations and officer responses, highlighting the importance of supporting care-experienced young people and revitalising local high streets.

For more details, refer to the Response to Review into Education Employment and Training for care experienced young adults aged 18 and Response to Review into Economic Development Regeneration Strategy focusing on High Street directi documents.

Adult Social Care Self-Assessment Improvement Plan

Andy Biddle presented the Adult Social Care Self-Assessment Improvement Plan, which aligns with the council's business plan for the financial year. The plan addresses areas for improvement identified in the self-assessment and aims to ensure the council is prepared for future inspections by the Care Quality Commission. The council endorsed the improvement plan.

For more details, refer to the ASC Self-assessment for inspection Improvement Plan document.