To receive apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Long.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 21 September 2021.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 21 September 2021 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman subject to the ‘Reason for Decision’ section of the Record of Decision on the Member Champion Annual Report - Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence being amended as follows:

‘The review the previous activity of the Armed Forces Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Member Champion and to approve targets for the next 12 months.’

To receive any communications or announcements from the Leader of the Council.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Law raised awareness of the Children’s Society petition requesting Government to prioritise funding for children in the autumn spending review. 

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Steve Darling advised Members he had been liaising with the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall Police to raise the need for Torbay to be a police command area like Plymouth and Exeter, whilst also working with Torbay Together Strategic Partnership to develop a task force to address the use of drugs and alcohol within Torbay.

The Cabinet Member for Infrastructure, Environment and Culture, Councillor Morey provided feedback on a positive visit to Torbay by the Arts Council.

The Cabinet considered the following matters, full details of which (including the Cabinet’s decisions) are set out in the Record of Decisions appended to these Minutes.

To consider a report that outlines the emerging findings of the Safe Accommodation Needs Assessment and the draft Safe Accommodation Strategy action plan. 

To consider a report that seeks permission for the foundation of an independent Development Foundation with charitable status to support Torre Abbey.

To consider a report that seeks agreement to the principles, and general support for the publication, of the first Torbay Bus Service Improvement Plan, as part of the ongoing process in response to the National Bus Strategy.

To consider the annual report of the Member Champion for Volunteers.

To consider the report of the Member Champion for Mental Health and Wellbeing.