Agenda and minutes

- to receive minutes

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th September, 2004 be agreed as a correct record.

- to receive minutes

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting of the above Board held on 25^th August, 2004 be received.

- to receive minutes

Resolved:-  That the minutes of the meeting of the above Panel held on 27^th July, 2004 be received and the content noted.

- to note the forecast balanced outturn for 2004/05

Consideration was given to a report of the Strategic Finance Officer which gave details of the second Budget Monitoring Report for the Programme Area in 2004/05 with a current forecast to spend to budget for the financial year.  However, there are potential underlying pressures currently under investigation.  These related to:

·                    Education Transport

·                    Human Resources (Schools Traded Service)

Members discussed several aspects in respect of these pressures.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the forecast balanced outturn for 2004/05, based on actual costs to 31^st July and forecast costs to the end of March 2005, be noted.

(2)  That the potential underlying pressures which are currently being investigated regarding transport costs and Schools HR buy-back income under the Strategic Contract with RBT, be noted.

(3) That further information on transport costs  be provided along with the next Budget Monitoring report.

(4) That the Cabinet Member and Advisers be provided with a guide to Schools HR buy-back income under the Strategic Contract with RBT.

- to note performance at the end of the 1^st quarter 2004/05

Consideration was given to a Performance Indicator report for 2004/05, which outlines performance at the end of the 1^st quarter 2004/05 against targets, with comparisons against 2003/04 actuals and 2002/03 All England top quartile authorities.

Members’ attention was drawn to the “Risk” column, representing the probability of these components not meeting their 2004/05 published target.

Where risk is highlighted as “High”, action plans to address performance are in place and an update will be reported to Members within the 2^nd quarter report. Members made particular comment in respect of visits to libraries and to schools with serious weaknesses.

In addition, Members’ attention was also drawn to seven developments from which issues were emerging.

Resolved:-  (1) That the Performance Report be received.

(2) That the Cabinet Member and Advisers be informed of the up to date situation regarding schools with serious weaknesses.

(3) That future reports on Performance Indicators be amended, as discussed, particularly in respect of trends in performance and separating the complaints category.

- to note the contents of the Lifelong Learning Best Value Action and Improvement Plan

Consideration was given to a first termly monitoring report of the Action and Improvement Plan arising from the recommendations of the Best Value Review of Lifelong Learning completed in June, 2004. 

The report set out the Council’s lifelong learning objectives, incorporating key outcomes that have been identified as being essential to achieving the aims as set out in the Best Value Review Report.

The report identifies areas for improvement and development within the age profiles into which the Review was divided, as follows:-

0-4

4-14

14-19

16-24

Adults

50+

Cross-Cutting:  All Phases

The Review has been concerned to highlight the extent to which the Council’s current and future planned activities and initiatives will further contribute to the achievement of Best Value in the development and extension of lifelong learning opportunities, rather than identify significant financial savings.

Suggested improvements concentrate on more efficient, more effective and customer-focused service delivery, with the aim of raising levels of school and service performance and levels of learners’ achievement and attainment.

Many activities and initiatives are well advanced such as the establishment of a Children’s Centre, the development of Children and Young People’s Services and the Extended Schools agenda.

It was reported that many of the outcomes and objectives had been achieved.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the contents of the Lifelong Learning Best Value Action and Improvement Plan and the measures undertaken to monitor its recommendations be noted.

(2)  That this and future monitoring reports be presented to the Lifelong Learning Opportunities Scrutiny Panel.

Consideration was given to the nomination of a representative to serve on the following Committees:-

(a)                South Yorkshire Joint Advisory Committee on Archives

(b)                South Yorkshire Archaeology Committee

Resolved:-  That consideration of this item be deferred.

(The Chairman authorised consideration of the following item to enable the matter to be processed without delay)

Consideration was given to correspondence from the Yorkshire Museums, Libraries & Archives Council to inform of a vacancy in the Local Authority (South Yorkshire) category on the Board of Management of the YorkshireMuseums, Libraries and Archives Council.

Resolved:-  That Councillor Boyes be nominated for consideration to fill the vacancy on the Board of Management of the Yorkshire Museums, Libraries & Archives Council.