To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet held on 24 August and 1 September 2021.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 August and 1 September 2021 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

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

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Steve Darling, informed Members that he had written to the Home Secretary Priti Patel outlining the issues being experienced by the Council in respect of HGV Drivers and asking for a waiver for EU HGV Drivers.

The Cabinet Member for Customer and Corporate Services, Councillor Carter, highlighted the impact and challenges faced by Torbay’s residents as a result of the ceasing of the £20 Universal Credit top up introduced at the beginning of the Covid-19 Pandemic.  Councillor Carter implored all Councillors to make representations to the Members of Parliament for making the uplift permanent.

Councillor Carter also provided an update in respect of hybrid meetings.

The Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Law, highlighted the publication of a practice review by the Torbay Safeguarding Children Partnership and emphasised that the publication was not a serious case review.  Councillor Law confirmed that all 23 recommendations set out in the practice review had been accepted.

Councillor Law updated Members on the Holiday Activities Food Programme and advised that 1346 children had accessed fun activities and food throughout the summer holidays.  Councillor Law also thanked Sanctuary Housing for providing additional support in order that children who did not qualify for free school meals could also get involved in the holiday activities.

Councillor Law announced that Children’s Services had been shortlisted for the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) – LGC Awards 2021 for ‘Innovation and Delivery at Times of Adversity-The rebirth of an achieving Torbay Children’s Service’.

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

To consider a report that seeks the approval of a capital spend for Torquay harbour to carry out urgent and essential pontoon replacement and repair works to the Torquay Town Dock.

To consider a report that seeks approval to launch consultation on the Torbay Council Strategic Asset Management Plan 2021-2026.

To consider a report on the above.

To consider a report that sets out the Local Government’s Association (LGA) Remote Corporate Health Check Feedback Report and resulting action plan.

To consider a report that provides a high-level budget summary of the Council’s revenue and capital position for the financial year 2021/22 which commenced on 1 April 2021.

To consider a report on the above.

To consider a report on the above.

To consider a report on the above.