Minutes:
The Leader echoed the praise for the Civic Service and thanked the Chairman for his efforts in making it a success.
He noted that significant progress had been made with the progression of the 6th Form College provision at the site in Harlands Road. On Friday officers will be meeting with stakeholders and FE commissioners to receive presentations from the final three bidders to run the college from that site. It is hoped that an announcement will be made before Christmas and he thanked officers in this authority who led from the front in an area of work not usually part of Mid Sussex District Council’s remit.
With regards to the proposed financial cuts at West Sussex County Council (WSCC) he noted that the Health and Social Care Select Committee (HASC) met today to discuss the proposed cuts to their housing support funding. He said that Councillors Jones and Edward Belsey also attended this meeting. He noted that the funding supported the most vulnerable members of the community and that representations were considered from charity and voluntary groups, probation, police, health, District and Boroughs. A report from the Leaders and Chief Executives of the District and Borough Councils was presented by Nigel Lynn, Chief Executive of Arun, supported by Mid Sussex District Council’s Assistant Chief Executive. The quality and validity of the report was noted by the Leader and the committee recommended to the WSCC Cabinet Member that the proposed cuts are not implemented for 12 months to provide time for the Council to work with WSCC and supported housing providers, which is good news for those who rely on the service. A decision will be taken on this by the WSCC Cabinet Member on 18 December 2018.
Reflecting on the last 12 months, the Leader commented that the National picture has given the Council resolve to focus on the business at hand. A District Plan is now in place, the Council has vision, with the plans for the Burgess Hill redevelopment and the Council’s finances are under control. The Council continues to improve service delivery and recent reports to the Scrutiny Committees demonstrates that the Council is performing well. Progress has also been made on the provision of temporary accommodation. However, he acknowledged that there should not be complacency as Members have set challenges around future strategies, for example around parking, town centres and parks and open spaces.
The Leader noted that the Council plays a lead role on a strategic level with a strong voice at the Greater Brighton Economic Board (GBEB), Gatwick Diamond, Coast 2 Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), and the Shadow Transport for South East Board. Recent meetings of these show they are working well and are taken seriously by Government and are bringing forward investment into Mid Sussex and the region.
He concluded by noting that the Council has an eye on the national picture but remains focussed on what is best for the residents of Mid Sussex.
A Member agreed that the HASC meeting went well.