To receive any communications or announcements from the Civic Mayor, the Leader of the Council, the Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinator or the Chief Executive.

The Leader of the Council:

a)         informed Members that, on 26 February 2026, he welcomed 10 contestants from around the country to Torbay as the Council was hosting the second leg of the Local Government Challenge.  The Challenge developed the next generation of local government leaders and the Leader of the Council advised he would be part of the panel of judges; and

b)         was pleased to announce that Ofsted had rated Torbay’s Children’s Services as good, and, with the consent of The Worshipful The Mayor of Torbay, the Leader of the Council invited the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services to provide further information on Ofsted’s report.  The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services outlined the good rating was a great achievement for Torbay and the rating covered all areas of the inspection including:

·         the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families;

·         the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection;

·         the experiences and progress of children in care;

·         the experiences and progress of children care leavers; and

·         overall effectiveness.

On behalf of the Council, the Cabinet Member, expressed thanks to the Children’s Services Team, the voluntary sector and foster carers for the difference that they make for children and young people.

The Overview and Scrutiny Co-ordinator reported that the call-in procedure had been initiated for the Cabinet’s decision on the implementation of the English Riviera Beach Standards (ERBS), which would replace the Blue Flag scheme.  The call-in would be presented at the scheduled Overview and Scrutiny Board on 11 March 2026.