ANNEX
Questions
1.
COUNCILLOR MCINTOSH-STEDMAN
Answers
Regarding my attendance at a Briefing on
Sustainable Community Oxfordshire 20/30 held in
Hawkwell House Hotel, Iffley on 8 April 2008 at 2
pm to 5 pm. Re: Falls. Because mastication/
chewing food becomes slower in the aging
process for elderly people, will you be checking
that sufficient staff are on duty to help feeding or
make sure residents do not become
malnourished thereby resulting in physical
weakness attributing to falls? (Eating taking a
long time is a fact).
There is a national minimum standard set for Care Homes in relation to diet
and nutrition. Commission for Social Care Inspection require Homes to
complete a nutritional assessment tool to monitor weight gain and loss and
this is used as a basis for referring residents for additional professional
support as necessary. Continuing Care assessments take into account the
length of time required to assist someone to eat and is one of the domains
that can lead to Continuing Care funding. Monitoring is undertaken by
service development and contract staff to find out residents’ views on food
and mealtimes and action plans are requested if there are any issues.
COUNCILLOR COUCHMAN, CABINET MEMBER FOR SOCIAL &
COMMUNITY SERVICES
Regarding Home Support, internal Home Support monitor on a daily basis
people’s food and liquid intake and report back to Care Management should
there be concerns. If there are concerns regarding someone’s ability to eat
their meal or motivation to eat a meal then the care plan will identify that the
carer should stay with the service user to ensure that food is taken.
In Day Centres we ensure there are sufficient members of staff present in
the dining room to assist service users with eating if this is required and is
part of their care plan. A risk assessment would have been undertaken prior
to any place being given to clients requiring this help in order to ensure that
Day Centre staff have the skills to undertake this task.
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2.
COUNCILLOR MCINTOSH-STEDMAN
Answers
Regarding Fighting Killer Infections (Cabinet 15
April 2008 Page 47 on Public Health Action). Do
you agree that the words "Good Diet and Regular
Body washing Hygiene should be included"?
The statements in the chapter on Fighting Killer Infections are based on
current scientific evidence. While Councillor McIntosh-Stedman’s question is
undoubtedly good common sense, it does not yet pass the “science test” and
so would not be included in a formal report.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
Because we sometimes abuse our bodies, for
example given a kick in the groin, do you agree
that good diet and regular hygiene, so utterly
necessary to life, should be put in the science
test?
I think that Councillor McIntosh-Stedman is actually re-asking the same
question and she also covered it this morning when we were discussing the
Director of Public Health’s report. I think the Director of Public Health has
indicated, because this falls within his jurisdiction, that he would ask his staff
to answer this question. I have little to add to what is actually on the paper
here as the answer. It is a public health matter. There are certain science
tests that need to be satisfied for infections and diseases to be classified as
killer diseases. Undoubtedly good hygiene and good diet are good for our
resistance to killer diseases, but they do not actually constitute killer
diseases themselves.
COUNCILLOR COUCHMAN, CABINET MEMBER FOR SOCIAL &
COMMUNITY SERVICES
3.
COUNCILLOR MCINTOSH-STEDMAN
COUNCILLOR COUCHMAN, CABINET MEMBER FOR SOCIAL &
COMMUNITY SERVICES
As predicted in a letter to the Oxford Mail
(25/4/2008 page 17, 'Get ready for Cuts'), will you No, the services will not be cut.
please inform me if Mental Health Services will be
cut? (see Cllr Olive McIntosh-Stedman with some
70 people at a meeting, Oxford Mail 25/4/2008
Page 7 'Sad Farewell as Centre closes'. I used
Cowley Community Centre for my Surgery April
to October).
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4.
COUNCILLOR MCINTOSH-STEDMAN
Answers
Over the years a number of people have died
having fallen from the multi-storey car park in
Templars Square, Cowley, (see the latest report
Friday 25 April 2008 Page 5 'Funeral date'). Are
you able to check and do what you can please to
provide barriers to prevent falling?
The multi-storey car park is privately owned by the Templars Square
shopping centre. Consequently Environment & Economy (E&E), as Highway
Authority, has no locus here, but the Safer Communities Unit in Community
Safety will look into this matter.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
Will you be able to encourage a speedy reply
because it is urgent that I go back to the people I
serve?
I will certainly ask for a speedy reply on this particular question. As I say it is
not actually a County Council car park so we cannot obviously do anything
about the situation there. I have referred it to the Safer Communities Unit to
see what can be done to stop people falling from this car park. One has got
to question the reasons why people are having this problem. I assume that
the Oxford City Council, being the relevant planning authority, would have
approved the plans for it and so I think it is important that they are involved to
make sure that any building within Oxford City is safe for everybody and
particularly safe when they are parking cars. I will raise it with the Safer
Communities Unit but I will also contact Oxford City Council to see what they
do under planning regulations to ensure that all is safe and sound for people.
5.
COUNCILLOR COUCHMAN, CABINET MEMBER FOR SOCIAL &
COMMUNITY SERVICES
COUNCILLOR MCINTOSH-STEDMAN
Will you please inform me how many cigarette
vending machines there are in the county and
their location?
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COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
As far as I am aware the County Council does not have this information.
Questions
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Answers
Do you agree that this information may be helpful
to some in our community who are concerned
with quality of life rather than death?
We do not have the information for what she asks and I doubt that anyone
has that information because currently a cigarette machine does not have to
be licensed.
6.
COUNCILLOR WAINE, CABINET MEMBER FOR SCHOOLS
IMPROVEMENT
COUNCILLOR L SANDERS
The recent Ofsted report on the Oxford Academy,
the former Peers School, was very disappointing.
Is there anything the County Council can do to
help the Trustees to create a successful school?
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
The Local Authority (LA) continues to work closely with the sponsors to
ensure the transition from School to Academy status is as smooth as
possible. The Ofsted Report following the monitoring visit to Peers School
relating to the Academies initiative, acknowledges that the LA has supported
the school well since the last inspection during the period of the ‘Notice to
Improve’, the support during this difficult year being particularly good.
Noting that this is an accelerated Academy, the Ofsted report states that,
‘despite the good intentions of all parties, there remains much to be done’.
The school, the Academy sponsors and the LA are working very closely
together to ensure that progress accelerates.
The capital plans are, inevitably, still at an early stage; architects will be
submitting ideas for approval for the buildings which will be available from
2010 onwards.
There is a regular Programme Steering Group meeting so that progress of
the whole project can be monitored. This involves the LA, as well as the
Headteacher and Chairman of Governors from Peers School, the sponsors,
the Principal Designate and Department for Children, Schools & Families
(DCSF) advisers and the Project managers from Mouchel.
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A Transition Group, comprised of LA officers, the Sponsors, the Headteacher
and the Principal Designate and DCSF officers, is in place to agree actions
and to monitor progress on the transition to the opening of the Academy, and
during the period leading up to the move into the new buildings and beyond.
Plans will continue to be developed in response to the needs of the children
and young people.
During the external examination period the LA has agreed to weekly
Continuing Professional Development sessions with the Academy Principal,
Vice Principals and the sponsors, to provide further opportunity for staff to
work together in securing continuity of practice and driving forward the
developments, and to allow for effective communication both ways.
The TUPE process is almost complete and is on schedule. The LA HR
representative continues to work closely with staff and, with an HR
consultant provided by the sponsors, has made it clear that everyone has the
right to transfer to the employment of the Academy sponsors with the usual
rights of salary protection. Professional associations have been involved in
discussions about procedures at all points. This has been appreciated by
the union representatives. The LA has agreed to handle the contracts of
Academy staff in the period up until the Trust becomes a legal entity to
enable recruitment.
The Academy has agreed to contribute towards the costs of a 14-19 coordinator to work across the city LA secondary schools and the Academy.
The sponsors will be building on the good practice evidenced in the Ofsted
report while gradually introducing new procedures and processes with the
staff in the period of transition from now to 2010, with continuing support
from the LA.
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SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Answers
I would like to thank Councillor Waine for a
comprehensive report which was, I am sure, that
the County Council is actually providing a great
deal of assistance to the sponsors of the Peers
Academy and, from the Ofsted report, it sounds
like they need a lot of assistance. Does this alter
his view of the principles of academies that
schools need to be freed from the clutches of the
local authority?
My view on the policy on academies is pragmatic. I do not own the
government’s policy but I think when we have policies like this policy we
need to use it in situations that demand it. In this Administration’s view,
Peers School demanded something different. Part of my move on this was
to access capital but also to be able to offer the future leadership of the
school, new ways of managing the school and innovative ways of managing
the curriculum. I thank him very much for his comments about support from
the local authority given his response during this interim period. It is also
worth noting that a whole range of Ofsted reports on our schools, particularly
those that have got more problematic situations than others, speaks very
highly of local authority support. Something we have got to sharpen up is
getting that support in before schools go into any form of Ofsted category.
7.
COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
COUNCILLOR BROWN
The Highways Agency has responsibility for the
A34, the main North-South route through the
County. Does the Cabinet Member for Transport
believe that the relationship between the
Highways Agency and the County Council,
particularly in relation to the A34, is adequate to
ensure the flow of ideas and information about
traffic movements and projections in the future?
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SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
The County Council has established excellent relationships with several
sectors of the Highways Agency (HA), and in particular with those officers
who deal on a day to day basis with the A34, with whom we meet regularly.
In addition as part of Access to Oxford, the Council has worked very closely
with both the HA and Network Rail to ensure that the end package provides
a joined up solution to the benefit of all. Unfortunately, there have been a
couple of recent examples of major works on the A34, which are undertaken
centrally by the HA, where communication has broken down, both with the
County Council and internally within the HA. Senior officers have voiced
their concern about this breakdown, and have received assurances that this
will not happen again.
Questions
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Answers
What can we do, as a County Council, to ensure
that the relationship with the Highways Agency is
good and can improve and can we get away from
the situation where we have traffic routed through
parts of the county with no notice, while the A34
is being resurfaced?
We are looking at ways to improve that relationship. The difficulty is that
there appears to be about three or four different levels that we are actually
dealing with. In the particular incident where traffic was due to be rerouted,
the Highways Agency was just looking at the emergency routing used when
something happens between two junctions on the A34. There are prescribed
routes to which traffic is diverted and the Highways Agency proposed to use
a prescribed route, forgetting the impact 20 nights over a period of 3 months
would have on the local residents and in particular the S-bend in Marcham
which could have caused serious problems. Fortunately we were able to
have a dialogue with the Highways Agency and have been able to re-route
the diversion to a route which will not impact so much on people.
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
Recently the A40 cycle path had to be re-routed. The Highways Agency did
a safety assessment, as the south-bound section of the A40 cycle path had
to be closed, on whether it was safe to cross at the junction by the
Wolvercote Roundabout. Some cyclists who use the cycle path along the
A40 were concerned about that. However, this morning when I cycled in, I
crossed at the A40 Wolvercote junction and I was quite happy about the
safety of it. Because of the concerns of these cyclists, we were able to get it
rerouted. We also got temporary traffic lights installed at a location further
westwards, so they can cross from the south-bound to the north-bound
carriageway safely.
If you remember a few years ago we were promised an upgrade of Junction
9 and for no reason at all it was withdrawn due to lack of Government
funding. This shows the relationship with the Highways Agency is on
different levels. At the ground level, the officers work together but
communication from the Highways Agency to us at a higher level needs to
be improved. I am always willing to talk to the Highways Agency so that we
are fully aware of what is going on because ultimately what the residents of
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Oxfordshire want to know is who is in charge of transport. As you know, I
am asked questions which are not within my remit. I will work with the
Highways Agency to improve this relationship.
8.
COUNCILLOR MATHEW
In the light of the continuous infringement of the
18 tonne maximum gross weight on Newbridge
(A415) by heavier vehicles, can the Cabinet
Member for Transport tell me as the local
member, what action he intends to take to deter
infringement of the law and to prevent further
damage of the fabric of this famous twelfth
Century crossing of the Thames?
COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
From a structural point of view, E&E Transport (Bridges) have some remote
monitoring in place now and are also looking at this bridge regularly and
would hope therefore to get some advanced warning of significant signs of
distress developing and could take appropriate action at that point. Weight
limits are never a perfect way of managing a weak bridge as there is never
100% compliance. The passage of each overweight HGV passing over
Newbridge is inevitably contributing to its continuing deterioration and
therefore discouraging more overweight vehicles from doing so would be
desirable. In that regard we are looking at the feasibility/merits of installing
camera enforcement at the bridge and believe this would cost around
£70,000 to install.
In addition Bridges are looking further into the feasibility of strengthening
Newbridge and are also advancing a scheme looking into the feasibility of
providing an alternative A415 crossing of the Thames, and this work has
currently progressed as far as finding that the most suitable position for such
a crossing would be around 250m west of the existing bridge.
Trading Standards will continue to carry out regular (weekly) checks at
Newbridge for breaches of the Weight Restriction and consider prosecution
of the drivers in appropriate cases. They also advise businesses and drivers
of the restriction and what the alternative routes are - this is done both via
the website or face to face by their Enforcement Officers. The local
community is also involved in reporting breaches to them for action via the
Neighbourhood Weightwatch scheme.
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Foreign vehicles and their drivers are more problematical in that there is no
mechanism as yet to find out who the driver is and take action but evidence
based on our officers’ observations is that this is not a major problem at
Newbridge.
Other authorities are known to have cameras on bridges but it is important to
ensure the system is suitable to record the number plates accurately. Once
Trading Standards have those details they obtain information from DVLA
which tells them the maximum gross weight of the vehicle and the owner and
thus the driver can be identified.
Trading Standards have probably had in the region of 30 successful
prosecutions so far with several more in the pipeline. Numerous written
warnings have also been given.
9.
COUNCILLOR MATHEW
In the light of some recent lack of adherence to
conditions allocated to decisions by the County
Council, can the Cabinet Member for Sustainable
Development advise me what steps he will take
to strengthen the monitoring and enforcement
regime to ensure adherence to any such
decisions in the future?
COUNCILLOR BELSON, CABINET MEMBER FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
The County Council enforces breaches in planning control in accordance
with its adopted Monitoring and Enforcement Policy.
There is a schedule of inspection of all minerals and waste planning
permissions in Oxfordshire. The number of inspections each site receives in
any given year is determined on a risk assessed basis; ensuring that
resources are targeted at the sites that are likely to give rise to the most
environmental harm.
The regular inspection of sites is now well established and a handful of sites
across the county have been identified as requiring more formal enforcement
action involving the serving of either an enforcement notice or a breach of
conditions notice. The County Council has recently appointed a Monitoring
and Enforcement Officer on a temporary two year contract; one of this
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officer's primary roles will be to instigate formal enforcement action against
operators who are found to be repeatedly breaching planning conditions and
agreements.
10.
COUNCILLOR VINEY
COUNCILLOR MITCHELL, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
What stance are the South East Councils taking
to the Sub-National Review (SNR)?

The Sub-National Review proposes:







Local government duty to carry out an economic assessment of its area.
The Regional Spatial Strategy and the Regional Economic Strategy to be
merged into a Single Integrated Regional Strategy with the Regional
Development Agency (RDA) to lead on this
RDAs to work with local councils in preparing the integrated strategy
RDAs to devolve powers and funding to local government
Strengthening co-operation in city regions
Forum of council leaders to sign off integrated regional strategy
Forum of council leaders to scrutinise RDA’s delivery
Parliament to consider strengthening regional scrutiny through
Parliamentary Regional Select Committees
The South East Councils have met as a group and expressed strong
opposition to the transfer of planning, housing and transport powers to an
unelected quango. They have constituted a cross-party Task and Finish
Working Group to work up a detailed response to the SNR.
The emerging position of the South East Councils is as follows:



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Support for the concept of a single integrated strategy;
A view that the single strategy should extend to skills and health;
A clear view that planning should be carried out by democratically
accountable politicians and not quangocrats;
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


11.
COUNCILLOR BROWN
A welcome for the devolution of funding and programmes by RDAs to
local government;
Council Leaders require 50% of the seats on the RDA Board to be SE
council leaders. Without this, SE councils will not provide support to the
RDA in preparing the integrated plan;
SE Councils are unclear how leading members can contribute to the
policy development, sign off (or not) the resulting integrated strategy and
then scrutinise delivery of the plan.
COUNCILLOR MITCHELL, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
As one of the most prominent businesses in the
county has achieved a significant landmark that
underlines the contribution that the company
continues to make to the local economy and to
Oxfordshire's growing reputation for technological
excellence, will the Leader of the Council write
and congratulate Sir Frank Williams and the
Williams Formula 1 team, which recently passed
the milestone of its 600th Grand Prix race?
Yes – with great pleasure.
12.
COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
COUNCILLOR R SMITH
Would the Cabinet member give an update on the
negotiations regarding funding for the upgrading
of the shared footway and cycle way between
Sandhills and Wheatley?
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Discussions over improving the cycle track to Wheatley are still ongoing.
The Area office has estimated the costs for minor repairs over the whole
length to be approximately £50k, vegetation removal a further £25k and the
provision of a white line at £7.5k. Any widening or other more substantial
improvement would cost considerably more. Whilst some funding could be
made available from developer contributions (possibly up to £25k) and
indeed from Oxford Brookes directly, we have yet to define a fundable
scheme.
Questions
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Answers
I am pleased that officers are still looking at this
particularly important cycle track connecting
Oxford East and Wheatley. I am disappointed not
to see in the response that officers or you, being
transport spokesman, are considering using
school travel plans or developer money. I know
that Wheatley Park School is very interested in
seeing an upgrade to this particular cycle route. I
do not think we want to see cyclists on the A40
itself as one member I think mentioned when I
had a motion to Council about this particular
cycleway. Could you let me know if the travel to
school plan money has been considered for the
work on this route? Would you join me on that
cycle route at some stage so that I can point out
to you exactly what needs to happen to improve
it?
In answer to your last question, I am more than happy to join you at some
stage. I have been to several other areas with other people (not just with
Conservative members but also with members of the opposition) and walked
around to see the problems that they consider are occurring in their area.
13.
COUNCILLOR MITCHELL, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
COUNCILLOR ARMITAGE
Do the Cabinet members feel themselves bound
by the same customer service standards as
officers?
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SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
On the use of developer funding, we are looking at all forms of funding for
this. I assume that the school has actually put in a travel plan. If the travel
plan has identified this as part of the issue to encourage people to get onto
their bikes/to use scooters to go to school and we can do something to
reduce the morning rush hour traffic (because 1 in 5 journeys in the morning
are actually for the school run) that is fine. The officers will be looking at all
avenues of funding.
The Cabinet has not debated this issue and therefore does not have a view.
All Cabinet members aspire to offer a high customer service but it should
also be remembered that they are not full-time employees, work in a variety
of settings and do not have the same level of support structures as an
employee in a council department.
Questions
14.
COUNCILLOR JOHNSTON
Answers
Could the Cabinet Member for Sustainable
Development explain why in the context of the
Judicial Review in respect of the Radley Lakes
the Council has decided to employ the services of
a Queen's Counsel? Could he also tell us what is
the maximum financial exposure to which the
Council Tax Payers of Oxfordshire are now
exposed should the case be lost?
Applications to the Council as Commons Registration Authority have become
increasingly complex involving a detailed knowledge of this area of law.
There are only a limited number of Counsel who specialise in this area.
COUNCILLOR BELSON, CABINET MEMBER FOR SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT
In relation to the application itself we instructed Vivian Chapman QC to act
as the Planning Inspector. As a result of the Inspector's decision, the group
Save Radley Lakes instructed another QC to advise. That QC raised a
number of issues which Vivian Chapman answered in his second report.
When proceedings were commenced by the Town Council, Legal Services
considered those barristers who had been involved in litigation on Village
Green cases (excluding those who had already been consulted). Jonathan
Karas was contacted as he had been involved in similar cases acting for
Central Government. Legal Services contacted him to advise on the case.
Financial exposure
It is difficult to estimate the maximum financial liability the Council could be
exposed to should the Council lose as this would be subject to a detailed
assessment procedure on legal costs. The Court will now consider the
application on the papers and decide whether it can proceed. It is hoped
that in putting forward a robust defence the Council may bring to a close the
proceedings and thus save costs.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
I have taken advice on this question. I am a little
disappointed with the answer about financial
exposure. Could the Cabinet Member provide
I will need to consult the Solicitor to the Council and do my best to get back
to you with an answer.
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me, and I am quite happy to have this in writing
and also on a confidential basis, on the likely
level of the fees to be offered to Mr Karas for his
services? I ask this question in the light of the
fact that he has not always been on the winning
side.
Answers
15.
COUNCILLOR CHAPMAN, CABINET MEMBER FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG
PEOPLE & FAMILIES
COUNCILLOR FOOKS
The Joint Area Review of Children’s Services
recommended that the findings should be
disseminated to children and young people. How
will this be done and can we have their feedback
reported to Children’s Scrutiny Committee?
A formal feedback meeting with all children and young people who met the
Inspectors has been planned for 8 July. The Director for CYP&F has sent a
letter inviting them to the meeting and we are producing a child-friendly
version of the report - 4 sides on: ‘Ten things we do well. Ten things we
could improve on … What we’re doing next’
This report will be disseminated widely through: spired.com; ChYPIN
networks; and school councils.
We would be delighted to report the children and young people's response to
Children's Services Scrutiny Committee in due course.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
Could you reassure me that it will be at the next
Scrutiny Committee in September if possible?
Yes. We have heard a lot this morning about the joint area review and that
there may have been some areas which we were picked up on. We were
outstanding on consultation with children and young people. We were doing
extremely well for our sounding boards, our youth forums and our school
councils and we are held up nationally for that. This information will go back
to those young people in the way that I have answered in the question.
There were some other good things that came out of the joint area review on
which I think all of the Council will join with me in congratulating our staff.
There was strong partnership working between the Council and the PCT and
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good services for looked-after children and our care leaders. We have also
heard a lot about mental health issues in this morning’s debate and our
mental health service has been nominated for a MJ award next Thursday
(one of the highest local government awards). One thing the Director and I
always tell the young people at sounding board meetings and ChYPIN
sessions is how they have actually changed and informed the decisionmaking process of the Council.
16.
COUNCILLOR ARMITAGE
COUNCILLOR MITCHELL, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
Does the Leader consider that money [£130,000]
invested in OX1, the City centre management
company, during the period in which he has been
the County’s representative on the Board,
represent good value for money for the Council
taxpayers of Oxfordshire?
As a matter of accuracy, on Tuesday 17 June, I will have been the County
Council’s representative on the OX1 Board for 56 days. Our annual
subscription to OX1 is £45,000 so the 56 days for which I have been a Board
member would equate to £6,900. I believe OX1 has an extremely important
role to play in improving the environment of the City Centre. The company
has recently recruited a new Chief Executive; it is promoting a Business
Improvement District bid which the County Council is supporting. I joined the
Board because I see a step change in activity and ambition and I believe
Oxford needs a significant improvement in the quality of the urban
environment which a successful BID should help to bring about.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
How does the Leader, as a representative of the
County Council on the Board of OX1, intend to
involve and inform county councillors who
represent the areas directly affected by the
proposal for a business improvement district in
central Oxford?
It is my view that all 74 members of this Council are directly affected by the
quality of the centre of this City, the county town of Oxfordshire. I will do my
best to make sure that all 74 are fully aware of what OX1 is doing. The first
and most important step is the business improvement district bid which is
currently being balloted for. I do hope that is a success and, if it is, it will
lead to a long-needed significant improvement in the quality of the City
Centre and I see no other route of delivering that. I will ensure that all 74
members are kept abreast of proceedings.
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17.
COUNCILLOR FOOKS
Answers
Given the criticism in the Joint Area Review of
Children’s Services that there was no countywide
transport strategy to enable young people from
rural areas to access education or leisure
provision adequately, can the Cabinet Member
tell us when this will be developed?
Children, Young People & Families are considering the implications of the
Joint Area Review and are working with E&E Transport to identify
opportunities for improving access for young people living in rural areas.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
I should like a little more time on this session.
Can we have a target date please?
On brief answers to questions, surely the idea of this session is to give
informative answers or we will be accused of not givng full answers. The
Transport and the CYPF directorates are currently looking at this particular
strategy and will be coming forward with proposals but I cannot say at the
moment when that will be.
18.
COUNCILLOR MITCHELL, LEADER OF THE COUNCIL
COUNCILLOR PATRICK
COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
It was reported that the Leader said we were not
playing a full part in scrutiny; I have provided
evidence that we are. Will he now withdraw his
statement?
No. This issue arose when the Liberals quoted national guidance from their
Party that they should not take part in Fundamental Service Reviews. I am
not aware that the Liberals are now willing to take part in Fundamental
Service Reviews.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
It is clear from the answer that the Leader has
given me that he has not taken note of my letter.
I had mentioned that there are members of the
Liberal Democrat group who are willing to take
part in all levels of scrutiny. However I am aware
Well I know there is a rumour that ‘Keith says’ and it happens but if Keith
says to scrutiny members ‘You will do this’ I will guarantee you the reverse
will be the effect. In terms of selecting who does what work in scrutiny
committees, I will direct your attention to the Scrutiny Co-ordinating Group,
the Chairman of the Group or the chairman of the relevant scrutiny
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that they have not been asked to do so. I would
like his assurance that those members who have
put their names forward will now be asked to take
part in the fundamental service reviews.
Answers
19.
COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
COUNCILLOR R SMITH
committee which is where the decision is taken. This Cabinet has no ability,
I wish it did, to influence how scrutiny conducts itself.
Is the County Council still willing to fund 50% of
the cost of a Dial-A-Ride service for South
Oxfordshire should South Oxfordshire District
Council agree to fund their 50%?
Oxfordshire County Council welcomes any willingness on the part of South
Oxfordshire District Council to join the Octabus consortium, and would be
willing in principle to part-fund any extension of the service to that District on
a similar basis to that provided to the original funding partners.
20.
COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
COUNCILLOR R SMITH
What is the current estimate of when the County
will be able to build the Watlington Relief Road?
A B4009 Watlington Relief Road was recommended for construction in the
2016-2021 period in the Council’s Transport Network Review approved in
2005. This position was repeated in the current Local Transport Plan.
Delivery of the scheme is dependent upon securing funding for it. The
scheme is unlikely to secure Regional Prioritisation for specific major
scheme funding since this is targeted at schemes which help with delivery of
the development targets in the South East Plan. If funding in our Integrated
Transport Settlements remains at current levels then a Watlington Bypass
could be afforded, probably spread over two years but at the cost of severe
restrictions on other improvements at that time. A number of development
sites in Watlington have been suggested in South Oxfordshire’s Local
Development Framework process, and if any of these are included in the
final plan then there may be an opportunity to part-fund or part-provide
sections of the Relief Road.
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21.
COUNCILLOR R SMITH
Answers
What lobbying has the County Council done to
encourage the Highways Agency to implement
noise abatement measures along the M40 in
Oxfordshire?
In August 2007, Peter Mann, Assistant Head of Transport wrote to the
Highways Agency (HA) seeking a commitment to improving the noise
barriers in the vicinity of Junction 7 M40 where there were bridge
strengthening works planned. The HA replied in September 2007 saying
that they have used a Noise Severity Index to assess noise impacts of the
strategic road network and have advised that, in accordance with their policy,
funding will not be made available to progress any noise mitigation measures
on the M40. Instead, the HA will continue with their policy of using low noise
surfacing material.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
Can he now confirm that no further action has
been taken after August 2007 to pursue the noise
abatement work on the M40?
There were works being conducted at Junction 7 and we were working with
the Highways Agency to try and do some other works at the same time.
However, they have not got the funding and say they will not do the work and
so what can we do?
22.
COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
COUNCILLOR R SMITH
COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
Could the Cabinet Member tell us how many
miles he has cycled since his appointment as
cycling champion?
I am afraid my bike is not equipped with a milometer so I am unable to give
an accurate figure.
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
Now you are the County Council cycling
champion, perhaps you ought to think about
purchasing one, especially if you are undertaking
journeys on Council business, so that you
actually have a correct record for your claims for
Are the Liberal Democrats now encouraging us to increase the spending of
the Council - for what purpose? I do not normally log my mileage and why
should I because I have come into Oxford, I do not know, three or four times
perhaps, since I have been cycling champion. The big problem with my job
is that, for instance, in March I attended 16 parish council meetings in the
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transport costs?
Answers
23.
COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
COUNCILLOR J SANDERS
At the Council meeting on 3 April last year I
asked the Council to consider the potential
danger to schoolchildren of cars stopping at
zigzags at school gates to drop off or collect
children. I pointed out that the Council could
justify using part of its government Better Ways to
School grant to run a pilot scheme in a few
schools to prohibit cars stopping on the zigzags
at certain hours because some parents would
thereby be discouraged from driving their children
to school.
I subsequently contacted the headteachers of all
the local authority maintained schools in the
county and received considerable
encouragement from them including expressions
of interest in taking part in such a pilot from 40
schools. Will the Cabinet Member for Transport
now consider implementing such a pilot?
evening, only two of which were actually in my division so that means that I
had to go to 14 different parish council meetings across the district. If you
are suggesting that I start cycling to all those parish council meetings then,
by the time I get there, I will not be able to answer the questions.
Work is on track for the pilot to be launched in September 2008.
Approximately 12 schools will be involved from around the County, selected
from those who have recently identified parking-related difficulties outside
the school gates as an issue which needs to be addressed. Experience
elsewhere in the UK suggests that young people could play a role in
educating parents about the danger of inappropriate parking, particularly on
zigzags.
The intention is therefore to introduce a refreshed version of the former
“Junior Road Safety Officer” scheme, by establishing a communication link
between a student body within the school (such as the School Council) and
school travel related County Council Officers. This will allow a wide range of
travel-related issues to be given prominence, with students involved in
identifying or providing solutions. OCC will provide resources such as
leaflets, posters, banners etc to assist the school community in tackling the
zigzag issue in a consensual manner. If appropriate, they will be
encouraged to involve local police and Police Community Support Officers
(PCSO) to assist.
The pilot will last for twelve months, and be subject to continuous review.
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SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
Answers
I have been campaigning for 18 months to have
school zigzags enforced and now the Council is
to ask 10 and 11 year olds to hand out leaflets to
offending drivers in 12 pilot schools. Teachers
have been threatened and bullied by parents who
have parked dangerously. Can the Cabinet
Member assure Council that this has been fully
risk assessed? Why has the Cabinet Member
been so reluctant to implement enforcement on
this issue?
Enforcement is for the police and the police are not interested in enforcing.
You have got to ask the question: who is parking on the zigzags and it is
parents dropping off their children at school. If you go to any school, and all
the schools across the county suffer very similar problems, they are blocked
up in the mornings and evenings because parents are parking
inconsiderately on the zigzags. Is it better to use a stick and say no you
cannot park there or to ask the children to provide the answer for the parents
because it is the parents who are parking on the zigzags. Yes, there will be
a full risk assessment. I have seen parents parking on the zigzags at
schools when I have visited them in the mornings and I would say that we
should all do our bit to discourage parents from parking on them. What we
need is the PCSO and the Police doing the job they should be doing.
COUNCILLOR CHAPMAN, CABINET MEMBER FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG
PEOPLE & FAMILIES
24.
COUNCILLOR PATRICK
How much does the County Council spend on
youth services in each District/City area and how
much is contributed to youth provision by town &
parish councils and voluntary organisations?
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
The data given below show Youth Support Services (YSS) income from
district, town and parish councils and voluntary sector sources, divided into
North, South and Central (in line with the structure of YSS and its normal
financial monitoring structures). Please note that the deadline for final
audited accounts for 2007/08 is the end of July after which more precise
figures will be available.
Funding streams for this area of work are complex. Much of the money
received via district, parish and town councils originates from elsewhere and
it is, therefore, difficult to be precise about funding sources. For example,
town and parish councils receive OCC 'Chill Out' funding which often finds its
way back to the YSS . Some of the money provided is ring fenced for
specific projects which the districts, towns and parishes are asking the YSS
to deliver. In addition, funding is provided via the Youth Opportunity Fund
(YOF) and Youth Capital Fund (YCF). The awards made from all three funds
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contribute to a mixture of OCC units and external bodies, all supporting
youth work in the county, but not all of which are, necessarily, delivered by
Youth Support Services directly. Finally, it should be noted that three years
ago the YSS received an increase of £150,000 OCC funding to maintain
staffing levels.
North
Carterton Town
£6,000
Bampton Parish
£1,800
Bicester District Council
£1,300
Safety)
Bicester Court Yard
£30,000
Bicester Town Council
£12,000
West Oxon District Council £7,600
(from Community
(from Community Safety)
Also, North received £20,000 from Bicester Village - Private donation.
South
Chalgrove Parish
£3,600
Chinnor
Parish
£3,200
Cholsey and Goring Parish £22,000
(50% of which is Chill Out Funding
paid to parishes by OCC)
Woodcote Parish
£12,000
(50% of which is Chill Out Funding
paid to parishes by OCC)
Abingdon Town
£5,000
Grove Parish
£1,000
Wallingford
£2,000
Sonning Common Parish £3,600
Central
Oxford City Council
Blackbird Leys Parish
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£49,333
£800
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Answers
Oxfordshire Youth Mentoring Scheme
RAINER (Voluntary Sector)
£12,000
25.
COUNCILLOR PATRICK
COUNCILLOR SHOULER, CABINET MEMBER FOR FINANCE
Could the Cabinet Member please assure me that Marywood House is a County Council redundant site in Leiden Road, East
a decision regarding the future use of the
Oxford, formerly a hostel for people with learning disabilities which was
Marywood House site on Woodfarm Estate will be closed in 2003.
made this year?
The alternative use for Marywood House is dependent upon agreement with
Oxford City Council, as planning authority, which has been unwilling to agree
any alternative use until appropriate alternative community facilities are
provided as part of the joint project at Woodfarm School. That project is
monitored through the Woodfarm Working Group which is attended by
officers of the County and District Councils and the PCT. At a meeting on 9
June, the Working Group agreed a timetable for the Woodfarm development
which should ensure that a feasibility study is completed and a preferred
option agreed by October 2008.
A planning application for change of use of Marywood House will be
prepared so that it can be considered by the City Council within the same
timescale so it would be hoped that there will be a decision in October or
shortly after. This will be dependent upon the current programme for the
Woodfarm scheme progressing as planned, and the City Council planning
processes.
26.
COUNCILLOR ARMITAGE
COUNCILLOR HUDSPETH, CABINET MEMBER FOR TRANSPORT
For decades, residents living alongside the Botley I am surprised at the words Councillor Armitage has used as nobody has
Road in Oxford have parked their cars and those expressed that opinion to me and it is certainly not the impression I would
of their visitors on the driveway extensions and
wish the Council to give. However, where individuals have significant
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sometimes the grass verges in front of their
houses, causing no nuisance to other vehicles,
cycles or pedestrians.
Answers
problems the Council will work with residents to try to come up with an
appropriate resolution.
In April, the County Council's parking contractor
began to harass and fine these residents, without
forewarning or consultation. Some disabled
residents who rely on visitors for regular personal
care and other help are unable to offer them
parking for more than a few minutes at a time.
Representatives of the County Council have
suggested that these residents should obtain
permits for Binsey Lane, though this is almost half
a mile away from most of the houses affected.
Does the Cabinet Member agree that it is
unfortunate that these residents now have the
impression that this County Council is a stalinist
and merciless bureaucracy?
Would he also like to suggest where disabled
residents and their visitors can park their cars
within reasonable walking distance of these
homes?
SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION
SUPPLEMENTARY ANSWER
Councillor Hudspeth says that nobody has
expressed an opinion to him on the lines of what I
said with regard to this matter. I can only suggest
that he has not been listening because I have had
a lot of opinions in these terms. He says that, if
I will just reaffirm that no-one has expressed that opinion to me. One thing
that is factually incorrect is that these traffic regulations orders (TRO’s) have
been in force since 1997 when there was decriminalisation of parking in
Oxford City and during that first year there was enforcement. For some
reason, enforcement stopped - I do not know why. People are complaining
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residents have a problem, then the Council will try
to help them. I would like to know who to
approach in that case because all the officers I
have approached on this matter have been at
best difficult and at worse obstreperous and I am
finding it extremely difficult to get anything in the
way of an encouraging response. I would like to
know who should I contact?
Answers
27.
COUNCILLOR COUCHMAN, CABINET MEMBER FOR SOCIAL &
COMMUNITY SERVICES
COUNCILLOR GODDEN
about parking on the verges and so we address the situation. The residents
were notified over a two week period, which perhaps should have been
longer, that enforcement would start. We are simply enforcing what was
already there. There have been no new parking TRO’s on the Botley Road.
It is just simply enforcing to make it equitable across the county because why
should we decide not to enforce in one area when there are other areas
where we do enforce. On who to contact I suggest you contact Steve Smith
who will be more than happy to try and sort out the problems.
Councillors’ Information has carried no report of
the activities of the Council’s Older People’s
Champion since December 2006. Is this an
indication of the importance that the
administration attaches to this role, and if not can
a more transparent reporting method be
introduced?
Councillor Peter Skolar is the Champion for Older People. He has done an
excellent job in his role of Chairman of the Oxfordshire Joint Health Overview
& Scrutiny Committee, as a member of the Social & Community Services
Scrutiny Committee and in his leadership of the Joint Scrutiny Review of the
Demographic Challenges. In addition our commitment to improving the lives
of older people is demonstrated by the improvements we have made to
services and the investments we have made.
28.
COUNCILLOR CHAPMAN, CABINET MEMBER FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG
PEOPLE & FAMILIES
COUNCILLOR DHESI
There has been a recent case highlighted by the
media of a child who appears to have been
starved to death after being removed from school
for home education purposes. How often are
such children monitored by the local authority to
ensure that an appropriate education is provided
and that they are not at risk? Do local authority
staff actually see and speak to the children?
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 There are currently (at 27 May 2008) 229 children known to Oxfordshire
County Council who are being educated by Elective Home Education
(EHE)
 Each family is asked to complete an EHE outline plan, illustrating the
education philosophy and programme for the child.
 Each family is allocated an EHE visitor (all are qualified teachers)
 The EHE visitor makes contact with the family and arranges a visit within
the first three months (or sooner if concerns have been expressed by
other agencies). If the parent does not consent to a visit, then the home
Questions
Answers
visitor arranges to meet at a neutral venue or to see evidence of the child’s
work
 Visits are carried out annually as a general rule unless there are concerns,
in which case they are carried out more frequently.
 If the EHE visitor finds that education is not suitable to the child’s age,
aptitude and ability and any special needs he may have, then the EHE
visitor refers the case to the Education Social Work Service (ESWS) who
may issue a school attendance order.
 Since September 2008, 10 referrals have been made to the ESWS.
29.
COUNCILLOR DHESI
COUNCILLOR CHAPMAN, CABINET MEMBER FOR CHILDREN, YOUNG
PEOPLE & FAMILIES
How does the local authority monitor children who OCC has a Children Missing Education (CME) Strategy for schools and
have come off school rolls especially with
agencies.
reference to forced marriages?
The strategy is implemented through early identification systems, named
points of contact for referrals, notification routes for children missing
education, register audits, truancy sweeps and the brokering of provisions to
re-engage disaffected pupils. The overall management and oversight of
cases of children missing education (CME) is facilitated through a developing
Local Authority (LA) database.
This CME list gathers information from schools and agencies about children
and young people missing or at risk of missing education. The list ensures
that there is effective information sharing between agencies to provide early
identification of high priority CME pupils.
The LA does not, however, necessarily have all the information relating to all
the children/young people about whom there is concern. The CME list relies
on referrals being made through the appropriate channels. In the case of a
forced marriage, the reason for removal from roll may be obscured. A child
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may be removed from school roll to go abroad legitimately and would not,
therefore, be reported on the CME list. It is possible that there are children
and young people in Oxfordshire who are in a forced marriage situation of
whom the LA is not aware.
If the LA is made aware of a forced marriage through CME or through antibullying work, we recommend that the Department for Children, Schools &
Families (DCSF) Guidance for Education Professionals in Dealing with
Forced Marriage is followed. The Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) of the Foreign
& Commonwealth Office is a very effective and swift acting team.
All schools have been reminded of this information.
30.
COUNCILLOR D TURNER
Has the Cabinet Member for Schools
Improvement been consulted on a proposal for
Culham European School to become an
Academy?
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COUNCILLOR WAINE, CABINET MEMBER FOR SCHOOLS
IMPROVEMENT
I met representatives of the school on one occasion at their request, as have
the Director for Children, Young People & Families and one of her officers. I
understand that the school has submitted an application for Academy status
which is currently being processed by the Department for Children, Schools
& Families.