Agenda and minutes

Councillor Roberts for Councillor Stephen Hodgson, Councillor Barnes for Councillor Norfolk.

To receive any declarations of interest.

None.

Up to a total of fifteen minutes can be allowed, each speaker being allocated a maximum of five minutes, for members of the public to present a petition, ask a question, or comment on any matter on the Agenda or within the remit of the Committee.

None.

Of the meeting held on 15^th November 2021 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 15^th November 2021 to be approved and signed by the Chair.

That the Committee recommend to Policy & Resources Committee, the allocation of £100,000 of revenue funding, to recruit an Active Travel Officer on a 3-year fixed term contract.

The Committee considered a proposal for an Active Travel Officer to be employed by the Council. The Head of Community Services presented the report and explained the proposal. In summary, the Committee were asked to recommend to Policy & Resources Committee the allocation of £100,000 of revenue funding to be able to recruit a dedicated Active Travel Officer for a 3-year fixed term period.

Committee Members proceeded to debate the proposal. In the ensuing discussion, the following main points were made:

·        Officers explained that the report does not include case studies from other local authorities as each location is unique. This can be researched for future reference, however the key issue is that active travel is a county-wide initiative and establishing this post will enable the Council to be a stakeholder in this area of activity.

·        Members commented that understanding how the role develops is important and there would be benefit in receiving regular reviews over the next 3 years to establish progress and achievements.

·        It is anticipated that the post holder will report to Deputy Director level and will be connected with colleagues from other District Councils, the County Council, Public Health and other agencies.

It was proposed and seconded and upon being put to the vote it was

RESOLVED: That the Committee agree to recommend to Policy & Resources Committee the allocation of £100,000 of revenue funding to recruit an Active Travel Officer on a 3-year fixed term contract.

Presentation item from Matt Fung, Consultant in Public Health, Worcestershire County Council.

The Committee received a presentation from Matt Fung, Consultant in Public Health, Worcestershire County Council. His presentation covered the Joint Strategic Needs Assessment annual summary of overarching measures for Worcestershire, the impacts and consequences of Covid-19, an overview of red Rag Public Health Indicators for Worcester City, information on employment measures, food insecurity and fuel poverty, and PCN key messages and priorities for Worcester City.

He also highlighted the Worcestershire Health and Wellbeing Strategy Consultation 2022-2032. The formal consultation would run for 12 weeks from 7^th February to 2^nd May 2022 and members were being encouraged to promote the survey and get as many people taking part as possible.

Matt Fung answered questions from Committee Members on a wide range of issues.

In the ensuing discussion, it was proposed that there would be merit in the Committee considering its own formal response to the consultation on behalf of the Council. The Corporate Director – Operations, Homes and Communities  stated that this can be done by way of a report to the March meeting of the Committee and there could also be an All-Member workshop.

The Chair concluded by thanking Matt Fung for his presentation.

Presentation item from Lisa Bedford, Service Development Manager, People’s Directorate, Worcestershire County Council.

Members were advised that this presentation had been deferred to the March meeting of the Committee.

That the Committee review any new budget proposals from Members and make recommendations to Policy and Resources Committee as appropriate.

The Committee considered the proposed budgets for Health and Wellbeing Services for 2022/23. The Corporate Director – Finance and Resources presented the report and explained that Committee does not currently have any specific revenue budget lines allocated. During 2022/23, the allocation of the Council’s services across the various policy committees will be reviewed and those that are relevant to this Committee will be reassigned. The Active Travel Officer had been provisionally included in the budget proposals to be considered by Policy and Resources Committee at its meeting on 8^th February 2022.

In response to questions, the Corporate Director advised Members that a range of resources are currently available to help people who may be facing financial hardship. The Corporate Director – Operations, Homes and Communities added that COMF funding has been available for a number of initiatives. A draft revenue budget for this Committee for 2023/24 will be developed by Officers over the forthcoming months.

There were no new budget proposals from Members for the Committee and it was agreed to note the report.

Which in the opinion of the Chair is of sufficient urgency as to warrant consideration.

None.