RESOLVED: That
(1) having considered the submission and additional recommendation proposed by the Corporate Director of Children and Families at appendix 5 to the report, and having reconsidered the decision of the Cabinet meeting held on 11 April 2013 set out at appendix 3 to the report as a result of the decision of the Call-in Sub-Committee, the original decision of Cabinet be amended, as follows:
That, given that trades unions and staff members had expressed significant interest in the key decision to externalise a greater percentage of the service, Cabinet reconsider the Key Decision in relation to SNT3 in September 2013 to allow fuller consultation with trades unions, staff and service users and for the decision to be made with the benefit of the consultation responses.
(2) a report outlining the process of drawing up and approving Equality Impact Assessments (EqIAs) for Cabinet level decisions be submitted to a future Cabinet meeting.
Reason for Decision: To reconsider the decision at the earliest opportunity following the referral by the Call-In Sub-Committee and to allow progress to be made on the SNT3.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: To confirm the decision made by Cabinet on 11 April 2013.
Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted: None.
RESOLVED: That
(1) the progress on the SNT3 Programme be noted;
(2) the Corporate Director of Children and Families, in consultation with the Portfolio Holders for Children, Schools and Families, Property and Major Contracts, and Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing, be authorised to:
a) procure, select and award contracts to the preferred transport services suppliers on such terms as agreed, acting in the best interests of the Council and in doing so promoting local social enterprises and private organisations;
b) consult on a new transport eligibility policy;
(3) a further progress report with a final draft policy be received for approval in Autumn 2013.
Reason for Decision: The MTFS provided a need and a timeframe for delivering further savings of £540k from special transport. The SNT3 programme would deliver the required savings whilst maintaining the service required by residents.
To deliver savings within the timescales required delegated authority to identify best providers and award contracts to the best placed provider.
A broader, more flexible delivery would future proof the service for the direction of government policy. The preferred option would seek solutions that were delivered by local suppliers and local social and community enterprises.
Alternative Options Considered and Rejected: As set out in the report.
Conflict of Interest relating to the matter declared by Cabinet Member / Dispensation Granted: None.