To elect a Chairman for the meeting.

Councillor Mills was elected as Chairman for the meeting.

Councillor Mills in the Chair.

To consider the current position in relation to the Autism Self Assessment Framework.

The Policy Development and Decision Group considered and noted the submitted report which provided an update on progress made in implementing the Autism Self-Assessment Framework action plan, which measures how local services are performing.  Members noted that since the report had been written progress has been made in 2 areas: a for workforce development lead has been appointed by the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and meetings have been set up to progress training.  Work on accommodation is in train with completion of the supported accommodation strategy and meetings with supported living providers to prepare for commissioning a framework of providers in September.  The report included the following actions:

·       Arrangements to be finalised for a joint Autism Board and Learning Disability Partnership Board;

·       Establish working relationships with new officers in partner organisations; and

·       Progress development of multi-agency training plan.

Resolved:

That the Director of Adult Services be requested to provide an update on the meeting with clinicians to the Health and Wellbeing Board on 6 July 2017 and to keep the Policy Development and Decision Group updated on progress made in implementing the Autism Self Assessment Framework.

To note the submitted report on the above.

Members noted a report that provided an update on the work being undertaken by Torbay Council’s Joint Commissioning Team and partners to support and improve the quality of care provided to residents of care homes in Torbay.

It was noted that officers, with assistance from the Torbay Culture Board would work with residents, relatives, care home providers and staff and ICO staff and elected members to come up with a care homes charter setting out shared expectations of what good care should look like.  The Policy Development and Decision Group would be kept informed on the progress of this work.

To consider the proposed Accessibility Strategy for Torbay.

The Policy Development and Decision Group considered the Accessibility Strategy 2017-2021 as set out in the submitted report.  The Strategy had been developed by the Head of Education, Learning and Skills in consultation with key partners and stakeholders.  The Strategy is supplemented by model documents to enable schools to develop a site specific accessibility plan, while the strategy itself will be supported by a detailed action plan to ensure it meets the needs of disabled pupils and helps to raise their attainment.

The Policy Development and Decision Group made the following recommendations to the Mayor:

(i)       that the Accessibility Strategy 2017-2021 be approved and included in the pack given to parents when they make first contact to request an Education and Health Care Plan; and

(ii)      that the Head of Education, Learning and Skills be authorised to develop an action plan in consultation with schools, key partners and stakeholders.

The Mayor considered the recommendations of the Policy Development and Decision Group set out above at the meeting and his decision, together with further information is attached to these Minutes.

To consider the submitted report on an update on the Sustainability and Transformation Plan.

The Policy Development and Decision Group considered the submitted report which provided the background of the Sustainability and Transformation Plan (STP), the progress achieved during the first year of the STP, the plans for 2017/18 and the STP programme.

The Policy Development and Decision Group made the following recommendations to the Mayor:

          (i)       that the Executive Lead for Adults and Children and the Director of Adult Services be authorised to maintain executive oversight and influence over the emerging Sustainability and Transformation Plan programme on behalf of Torbay Council, with normal scrutiny processes in place; and

          (ii)      that the Council commits to a model of a single, strategic commissioning voice for Devon and considers any changed staffing or accountability of management arrangements arising from any proposal.  That the Council works with partners to establish Accountable Care Delivery Systems/Accountable Care Organisations and that this development is overseen by the Collaborative Board (with representation from all participating organisations in Devon).

The Mayor considered the recommendations of the Policy Development and Decision Group set out above at the meeting and his decision, together with further information is attached to these Minutes.

To consider the submitted report on the above.

The Policy Development and Decision Group considered a report that set out the arrangements for the pooling of funds for the 2017-2019 Better Care Fund.

The Policy Development and Decision Group made the following recommendation to the Mayor:

        that the approach being adopted in relation to the Better Care Fund be endorsed subject to future guidance from NHS England.

The Mayor considered the recommendation of the Policy Development and Decision Group set out above at the meeting and his decision, together with further information is attached to these Minutes.

To consider the submitted report in respect of the above.

The Policy Development and Decision Group considered a report which proposed that the Council should explore and establish a suitable partnership arrangement for the delivery of Development Management and Spatial Planning functions with a nearby Local Planning Authority following a recent Development Management Service Peer Review.

The Policy Development and Decision Group made the following recommendations to the Mayor:

(i)     that the Executive Head of Business Services further explore how we could work with other Local Planning Authorities in relation to the delivery of the Development Management Service to maximise value for money and improve overall resilience of the service; and

(ii)    that the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Mayor and Executive Lead for Planning, Transport and Housing and the Executive Head of Business Services, be given delegated authority to explore and establish a suitable partnership arrangement for the delivery of Development Management and Spatial Planning functions with a nearby Local Planning Authority, so that Torbay Council can drive forward, at pace, the necessary modernisation needed to achieve a more sustainable and resilient planning service.

The Mayor considered the recommendations of the Policy Development and Decision Group set out above at the meeting and his decision, together with further information is attached to these Minutes.

To consider the submitted report on a review of the above Policy Framework document.

The Policy Development and Decision Group considered a report which proposed a few minor changes to the Investment Fund Strategy in light of lessons learned on previous investments.

The Policy Development and Decision Group made the following recommendation to the Mayor:

that, subject to the level of the Investment Fund remaining at £50m, the Council be recommended to approve the revised Investment Fund Strategy, set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report.’

The Mayor considered the recommendation of the Policy Development and Decision Group set out above at the meeting and his decision, together with further information is attached to these Minutes.