This week, Mole Valley Council held several key meetings, focusing on health and wellbeing, pensions, and police oversight.

The first meeting was the Health and Wellbeing Board on Wednesday, 19 June 2024. This meeting was particularly impactful as it covered a range of topics from tobacco control to mental health initiatives. One of the key decisions was the allocation of an additional £1.1 million grant for tobacco control over the next five years. This funding aims to support 15,000 smokers in quitting, focusing on high-prevalence groups such as routine and manual workers and those in substance misuse treatment.

We've been awarded an additional grant of just over £1.1 million for the next five years. This will help us support an additional 15,000 smokers to set a quit date to tackle their nicotine dependence for good. - Emma Jones, Public Health Lead at Surrey County Council

The board also discussed the Surrey suicide prevention strategy, with a consultation planned to revise the strategy by July 22nd. This reflects the council's ongoing commitment to mental health and wellbeing.

The second meeting was the Surrey Pension Fund Committee on Friday, 21 June 2024. The focus was on the financial health and governance of the pension fund. A significant discussion was around the recent Supreme Court judgment on downstream emissions, which could impact the valuation of investments in the fossil fuel sector. The committee emphasized the need for urgent assessment of these investments to avoid potential stranded assets.

Perhaps it is time for Surrey Pension Fund to demand that its investment managers urgently assess the value of any investments in the UK fossil fuel sector to quantify the likely downside impact on valuation and assess the risk of holding potentially stranded assets. - Jackie Macy, Public Question

The committee also reviewed the annual benefit statements and the progress on legacy cases, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and improving service delivery to pension members.

The third meeting was the Surrey Police and Crime Panel on Thursday, 20 June 2024. The panel held a confirmation hearing for the appointment of Ellie Vasey-Thompson as Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner. The hearing focused on her professional competence and personal independence. Vasey-Thompson highlighted her experience in the role, her understanding of the commissioner's vision, and her plans to address key challenges such as finance and political changes.

The commissioner's overarching vision is and always has been to be an accessible representative for the Surrey public and a critical friend to Surrey Police, supporting, holding into account as appropriate. - Ellie Vasey-Thompson, Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Candidate

The panel's recommendation will be communicated to the Police and Crime Commissioner, who will decide on the appointment.

These meetings highlight the council's multifaceted approach to governance, focusing on public health, financial management, and police oversight. The decisions made this week will have significant implications for the community, ensuring better health outcomes, financial stability, and effective policing.

This week, Mole Valley Council held several important meetings, focusing on governance, education, property, and community resilience.

The first meeting was the Audit and Governance Committee on Wednesday, 05 June 2024. This meeting was particularly significant as it covered a range of topics from audit reports to governance issues. One of the key discussions was about the annual complaints performance report, which highlighted the nature of complaints received by the council and the handling performance in 2023-24. The report showed a 5% overall increase in complaints, with notable increases in adult services and corporate services. The committee emphasized the importance of addressing these complaints to improve service delivery.

The key highlights from this report include a positive in that the overall increase of complaints recorded against the council is five percent when compared to the previous year. - Jessica Brook, Customer Relations Manager

The committee also discussed the implementation of actions from previous meetings and the need for timely responses to complaints. This reflects the council's ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in its operations.

The second meeting was the Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Lifelong Learning Decisions on Tuesday, 04 June 2024. The primary focus was on the SEND capital programme budget. The cabinet member approved the use of £19.4 million from the approved SEND capital funding for projects at three sites: Fremantle Schools temporary satellite site, Pond Meadows School, and Phillips Southcote School. This investment aims to create permanent accommodation for 132 additional specialist school places and re-provide 24 existing places.

Investing in Fremantle Schools temporary satellite site in Pond Meadows School and in Phillips Southcote Schools capital projects is going to generate a positive impact on outcomes for children with complex additional needs and disabilities. - Cabinet Member for Children and Families, Lifelong Learning Decisions Meeting Transcript

This decision underscores the council's commitment to improving educational facilities for children with special educational needs and disabilities, ensuring they can be educated closer to their homes.

The third meeting was the Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure Decisions on Tuesday, 04 June 2024. The key decision was the approval of the freehold disposal of the cottage at Norbury Park, Michelham. The asset was declared surplus to operational requirements, and the sale was approved following an open market campaign. This decision reflects the council's strategic approach to managing its property portfolio and generating revenue from surplus assets.

I would like to approve the sale of the cottage in Norbury Park, Michelham to the party at the sale price agreed and subject to the conditions noted in part 2 of this report. - Cabinet Member for Property, Waste and Infrastructure Decisions Meeting Transcript

The fourth meeting was the Cabinet Member for Fire and Rescue, and Resilience Decisions on Tuesday, 04 June 2024. The focus was on the adoption of the charter for families bereaved through public tragedy. This charter represents a public pledge to ensure the pain and suffering of families affected by tragedies like Hillsborough are not repeated. The adoption of this charter highlights the council's commitment to supporting bereaved families and ensuring transparency and accountability in the aftermath of major incidents.

Adopting this charter and honouring its principles will provide us with a framework to support bereaved families and the community in the aftermath of a major incident. - Tina, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service

Lastly, the Joint Advisory Committee for the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty met on Friday, 07 June 2024. Although the transcript for this meeting was not available, it typically involves discussions on the management and conservation of the Surrey Hills AONB, reflecting the council's ongoing efforts to preserve natural landscapes and promote environmental sustainability.

These meetings highlight the council's multifaceted approach to governance, focusing on improving service delivery, educational facilities, property management, community resilience, and environmental conservation. The decisions made this week will have significant implications for the community, ensuring better services, enhanced educational facilities, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.

This week, Mole Valley Council held three key meetings, with significant discussions and decisions that will impact the community.

The first meeting was the Cabinet Member for Environment Decisions on Tuesday, 28 May 2024. The primary focus was on the adoption of the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Management Plan for 2024-2029. The High Weald AONB, designated in 1983, is the largest in the southeast and one of 46 AONBs across England. It covers historic farmlands and dispersed settlements, with over 60% of the area being farmland. The management plan, prepared by the High Weald AONB Unit, aims to conserve and enhance the landscape.

The High Weald AONB is run by the High Weald AONB Unit, which is responsible for preparing the management plan and carrying out the review. - Cabinet Member for Environment Decisions Meeting Transcript

The council's adoption of this plan is crucial as it fulfills statutory responsibilities under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. Failure to adopt the plan would result in statutory consequences, including the need for the county council to produce its own review and management plan. The decision to adopt the plan was unanimous, reflecting the council's commitment to environmental conservation and resilience.

The second meeting was the Cabinet on the same day, Tuesday, 28 May 2024. While the transcript for this meeting was not available, it typically covers a range of strategic decisions and policy implementations. The outcomes of this meeting will likely be detailed in future communications.

The third meeting was the Planning and Regulatory Committee on Wednesday, 29 May 2024. The committee reviewed a minerals and waste application for land at Dorking West Station Yard. The application sought to retain a materials recovery facility for processing 7,500 tonnes per annum of imported skip waste, primarily construction and demolition waste. The proposal included a waste processing building, an unloading area, skips, an acoustic fence, and parking facilities.

Officers consider that there is a need for the proposal, that the application complies with local plan policies on waste management, ecology and biodiversity, and subject to conditions, landscape and visual impact. - Planning and Regulatory Committee Meeting Transcript

However, the County Highway Authority and the Environment Agency recommended refusal due to access and highway safety concerns and the risk of pollution to controlled waters. The committee ultimately decided to refuse the application, citing the potential harm to the green belt, inadequate access, and environmental risks.

Officers do not consider that there are sufficient very special circumstances that clearly outweigh the potential harm to the green belt by reason of inappropriateness and any other harm. - Planning and Regulatory Committee Meeting Transcript

These meetings highlight the council's ongoing efforts to balance environmental conservation, community needs, and regulatory compliance. The adoption of the High Weald AONB Management Plan underscores the council's commitment to preserving natural landscapes, while the refusal of the waste facility application reflects a cautious approach to development in sensitive areas.

This week, the Mole Valley Council held its annual meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2024. This meeting was particularly significant due to the election of the Chair and Vice Chair for the civic year 2024-2025, along with discussions on various council matters and key appointments.

The most notable event was the election of Sajus Ains as Chair of the Council. He was nominated by Robert Evans OBE and seconded by Jonathan Essex, both of whom praised his previous term and leadership qualities. The council unanimously re-elected Sajus Ains, who expressed his gratitude and commitment to serving impartially. Tim Hall was elected as Vice Chair, with nominations from Claire Curran and Will Foster, who highlighted his dedication and experience.

The council also discussed the recent Offstead report on children's services. While the report noted improvements, it highlighted areas needing further attention, such as the quality of letters sent to vulnerable families and the consistency of direct work with children. The leader emphasized the council's commitment to continuous improvement in these areas.

Another significant topic was the proposed closure of Banstead Fire Station. Concerns were raised about the impact on fire coverage and response times. Kevin Dinnis, the cabinet member for communities, explained that the station was not fit for purpose and that the fire service's dynamic risk-based approach would ensure adequate coverage. He also mentioned the possibility of a member seminar to explain the mapping and decision-making process in more detail.

The issue of potholes and road maintenance was also addressed, with questions about the high number of claims for damage and the criteria for compensation. David Lewis, the cabinet member for transport, explained that the criteria are necessary to protect council finances and that the current system is fair.

Discussions on the provision of school places, particularly for disadvantaged children, and the sustainability of small schools were also held. Claire Curran, the cabinet member for education, emphasized the importance of working in partnership with schools to address these issues.

The council noted the appointment of Michael Coughlin as interim head of paid service following the departure of Lee Whitehouse. The leader thanked Lee Whitehouse and Katie Stewart for their contributions and welcomed the new Chief Executive, Terrence Herbert, who will join later in the summer.

Lastly, the council discussed the importance of addressing climate change and the need for increased funding for local government to support essential services. The leader committed to continuing to lobby the government for more support and funding.

Overall, the meeting focused on leadership elections, improvements in children's services, fire station closures, road maintenance, school place provision, and the council's ongoing commitment to addressing climate change and securing adequate funding.

There was another meeting on Tuesday, 21 May 2024, but no video broadcast was available for this session.

This week, the Mole Valley Council held several meetings, with the most notable being the Resources and Performance Select Committee on Wednesday, 15 May 2024. The focus was on health and safety issues within Mole Valley, particularly in schools and care homes.

The most significant topic was the corporate health and safety update. Kevin Deen, the cabinet member for fire and rescue, along with Shella Smith, Glen Woodhead, and Leslie Graham, provided an overview of the health and safety function's transition and the actions taken following the Orbis internal audit. The audit, published in October 2023, highlighted weaknesses in the system, and the council has since made improvements to comply with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) improvement notice issued in April 2023. This notice followed an inspection at a Surrey Community School, focusing on asbestos management. The council has committed to a two-year monitoring program for schools, with 25 schools already inspected and another 25 scheduled for inspection.

David Lewis, the cabinet member for finance, emphasized the cabinet's involvement in the health and safety improvement strategy, with regular reviews and updates provided to the informal cabinet. Each portfolio lead within the cabinet has a nominated health and safety lead to ensure active participation in health and safety matters.

Hazel raised questions about the effectiveness of the corporate health and safety KPIs and the reporting system. Leslie Graham explained that the new KPIs provide more detailed reporting and trend data, helping to identify areas for improvement. The KPIs are reviewed quarterly and reported to the central joint health safety and wellbeing committee.

The new KPIs provide more detailed reporting and trend data, helping to identify areas for improvement. - Leslie Graham

John inquired about the internal audit and the delay in health and safety training for senior management. Leslie clarified that the training would be conducted once the new Chief Executive starts, as there are changes in the corporate leadership team.

Steve asked about anticipated improvements from the follow-up internal audit. Leslie expressed confidence that the council would achieve reasonable or substantial assurance, having completed most of the internal audit actions.

The discussion then shifted to asbestos management in community schools. Leslie explained the process for contacting schools not in the buyback scheme and the steps taken to ensure compliance. Tim, a school governor, praised the buyback scheme and suggested better promotion to schools. Natalie Bramwell, the cabinet member for property, highlighted the importance of the scheme and the efforts to improve it.

Hazel asked about the joint approach to auditing and monitoring asbestos management plans. Leslie detailed the inspections conducted and the plans to increase the number of school visits with the help of Tetra Tech, the council's asbestos contractor.

David raised concerns about the burden on schools regarding asbestos management. Leslie and Glen assured that the asbestos management plans are tailored to each school's needs, balancing safety and practicality.

The meeting also covered health and safety in children's homes. Leslie reported that all homes had health and safety inspections, with action plans provided where gaps were identified. The homes have good systems in place, and the health and safety advisors maintain strong relationships with home managers.

Finally, the committee discussed the recommendations, including the need for cabinet endorsement of the health and safety strategy, representation of executive directors on the central joint health safety and wellbeing committee, and the inclusion of health and safety KPIs in performance monitoring reports. The importance of training was also emphasized, and it was agreed that the members' induction booklet should refer to health and safety procedures.

The meeting concluded with a note of thanks to Julie, the outgoing scrutiny officer, for her excellent work and contributions to the committee.

Other meetings this week included the Strategic Investment Board on Monday, 13 May 2024, which was brief and procedural with no significant discussions or decisions made. Additionally, the Surrey Local Pension Board and the Joint Health and Overview Scrutiny Committee (Frimley Park Hospital) both met on Friday, 17 May 2024, but summaries for these meetings are not yet available.

The focus on health and safety, particularly in schools and care homes, continues to be a critical theme in council discussions. The council's proactive approach in addressing these issues, as seen in the Resources and Performance Select Committee meeting, underscores its commitment to improving safety and compliance standards across the district.

This week, the Mole Valley Council convened for several meetings, with the most notable being the Adults and Health Select Committee which focused on enhancing health services and safeguarding for adults. Here are the key discussions and decisions from this meeting:

1. Transformation Plan for MindWorks: The committee deliberated on a transformation plan for the MindWorks program, which is designed to support individuals with neurodiversity. The current system's challenges, such as responsiveness and integration with educational and social services, were highlighted. The proposed improvements aim to streamline services, potentially leading to better outcomes for those with neurodiversity. This follows a recurring theme we've seen in council discussions about improving efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery.

The need for a comprehensive transformation plan to address service gaps and inefficiencies in the MindWorks program was discussed. - Adults and Health Select Committee Meeting Transcript

1. Adult Safeguarding Improvements: The committee addressed the need to strengthen adult safeguarding measures. This includes enhancing training for staff and implementing a more robust monitoring system. These improvements are expected to lead to more timely and effective interventions, reducing instances of neglect and abuse, echoing the council's ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable adults.

The discussion highlighted ongoing challenges such as communication gaps and the need for better training and resources for staff. - Adults and Health Select Committee Meeting Transcript

1. Whistleblowing Policies: The absence of whistleblowing terms in the initial safeguarding report prompted a decision to emphasize these policies in future documents. This decision highlights the council's intent to protect those who report misconduct or abuse, fostering a safer and more transparent care environment.

The term 'whistleblowing' was not initially included in the safeguarding report, leading to a decision to review and emphasize whistleblowing policies in future documents. - Adults and Health Select Committee Meeting Transcript

Other meetings this week included the People, Performance and Development Committee Appointment Sub-Committee and the People, Performance and Development Committee, which focused mainly on procedural matters with no substantial discussions or debates.

The discussions in the Adults and Health Select Committee meeting are particularly significant as they directly impact the well-being and safety of vulnerable adults in the community. The council's proactive approach in addressing these issues is consistent with its broader strategy of enhancing service delivery and safeguarding within the community.

This week, the Mole Valley Council convened for the Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee meeting, which tackled significant issues concerning environmental sustainability and community welfare. The discussions were particularly focused on the Sustainable Food Strategy and the Land Management Framework, reflecting the council's ongoing efforts to integrate environmental considerations into its operations.

The debate on the Sustainable Food Strategy was intense, highlighting a divide in perspectives on how to approach public health and environmental sustainability in council-operated facilities. The council's decision to refine the motion for inclusivity and clarity shows a balanced approach, aiming to educate rather than mandate. This decision is crucial as it aligns with previous council actions to promote environmental sustainability while considering community needs and opinions.

The decision was to refine the language of the motion to ensure clarity and inclusivity, emphasizing education over mandates. - Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee Meeting Transcript

The discussion on the Land Management Framework revealed a strong consensus on using council land to promote biodiversity and community access. This framework is a strategic move to utilize public assets in a way that benefits both the environment and the community, a theme we've discussed in previous emails regarding the council's approach to public resource management.

There was strong support for using council land to promote biodiversity, support local food production, and enhance community access. - Communities, Environment and Highways Select Committee Meeting Transcript

However, the decision to proceed with an unrestricted Advertising and Sponsorship Policy, despite concerns about potential conflicts with environmental and social goals, indicates a prioritization of revenue generation. This decision could have significant implications, possibly affecting the council's public image and its commitments to sustainability goals.

The council's active engagement with various stakeholders during this meeting underscores its commitment to inclusive decision-making. This approach is consistent with the council's broader strategy of community involvement in governance, as seen in previous discussions on local infrastructure and community welfare.

Overall, this week's meeting was a critical platform for advancing discussions on sustainability and community engagement, with decisions that could shape the council's approach to environmental and community issues in the long term.

This week, Mole Valley Council held several key meetings, addressing a range of issues from local infrastructure to community welfare. Here's a summary of the most impactful discussions.

The Cabinet meeting on Tuesday was particularly significant, focusing on funding for community projects and the council's financial health. Notably, the council approved funding for the renewal of utility blocks at the Calima Gypsy Roma Traveller Camp, aiming to improve living conditions for the camp's residents. This decision reflects the council's ongoing commitment to supporting marginalized communities.

The decision underscores the council's commitment to supporting marginalized communities. - Cabinet Meeting Transcript

Additionally, the council addressed local transportation and safety issues in the Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth Decisions meeting. Community members actively participated, with proposals for disabled parking spaces and traffic calming measures. The council's response, however, highlighted budgetary constraints, underscoring the challenges of balancing community needs with financial limitations.

The council acknowledged the need but cited budget constraints and existing road safety commitments. - Meeting Transcript

Another critical discussion took place during the Planning and Regulatory Committee meeting, where the council decided to register certain lands as a village green under the Commons Act 2006. This decision ensures the preservation of the land for public use, preventing potential development. The involvement of an independent inspector and detailed community input via a public inquiry illustrated the thoroughness of the process.

The council's decision-making was heavily reliant on the inspector's findings, reflecting the legal intricacies involved in such cases. - Meeting Transcript

Lastly, the Surrey Local Firefighters' Pension Board meeting focused on enhancing service delivery for pension administration. Decisions were made to purchase new software and enhance communication strategies, aiming to improve efficiency and member satisfaction.

These meetings collectively highlight the council's efforts to address community needs, manage financial constraints, and improve service delivery. The proactive involvement of community members and the council's response to their concerns are crucial in shaping Mole Valley's development and ensuring the welfare of its residents.