To elect a Chairman of the Board for the 2016/2017 Municipal Year.

Councillor Chris Lewis was elected Chairman of the Board for the 2016/17 Municipal Year.

                                    Councillor Lewis in the Chair

To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Board.

It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Liberal Democrat Group, the membership of the Board had been amended to include Councillor Doggett in place of Councillor Darling (S).

To consider the appointment of a Vice-chairman of the Board for the Municipal Year.

Resolved: that Councillor Stockman be appointed Vice-chairman of the Board for the 2016/17 Municipal Year.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 27 April 2016.

The minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 27 April 2016 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the outcome of the consultation in relation to the future of Baytree House short breaks unit for people with learning disabilities in Torbay.

The Board was updated on the proposals in relation to Baytree House.  This included an update on how service users have been found alternative service provision, with the exception of three service users.  Members of the Board had attended engagement events and been to visit alternative provision in order that they can be reassured as to the availability, suitability and cost of alternative provision.

The Board thanked Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust for their work in securing alterative provision and were reassured as to the availability, suitability and cost of this provision.

Resolved: that the Board receive an update in early June on the progress of finding alternative provision for the remaining three service users.

To receive an update on the consultation on the proposed re-provision of services at St Kilda, Brixham.

The Board was updated on the consultation activity which has been undertaken with key stakeholders in relation to the proposal for St Kilda’s. The Board also heard from Councillor Stockman on the feedback of the task and finish group which was set up to gather feedback from the community.

The Board discussed the capacity and quality of alternative service provision in Brixham and considered this against whether the current facility at St Kilda is fit for purpose.

Resolved: that the Board accept the conclusion outlined in paper presented, namely:

“As stated the building is such that it is not suitable for redesign or refurbishment in terms of fit for future service provision which means that the present spend on maintenance of St Kilda means that money is being spent on repair not care.

The over-riding question is will people have services that are as good or better than they are presently receiving if St Kilda was to close and that in doing so money is being spent on care rather than unnecessarily spent on repairs.  The proposals are designed to have people receive services more locally and in establishments that are more modern.  It is considered that these proposals are able to meet the concerns raised and enhance the well-being of those that require the service provided.”

Note:  Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 6, Councillor Bye declared a non-pecuniary interest as a close family member was a service user at St Kilda.

To consider a report from South Devon and Torbay Clinicial Commissioning Group on the proposed reconfiguration of community services.

The Board received an update on the process of consultation for the Reconfiguration of Community Services. The Board heard that the proposals for consultation are currently with NHS England for authorisation and the Board were asked to feedback any comments in relation to the process for consultation.

Resolved: that the Board accept the recommendation set out in the report presented and raise no formal objections to South Devon and Torbay Clinical Commissioning Group proceeding with public consultation once NHS England authorisation has been received.      

To consider and agree the Work Programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Board for 2016/2017.

The Board considered a report which set out the proposed Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme for 2016/17.

Resolved: that that Work Programme for 2016/17 be approved and that it be noted that, over the course of the year, further issues will be added as they arise and that issues may be escalated through to the Board if deemed appropriate.  

To consider passing a resolution to exclude the press and public from the meeting prior to consideration of the following item on the agenda on the grounds that exempt information (as defined in Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended)) is likely to be disclosed.

Prior to consideration of the item in Minute 10 the press and public were formally excluded from the meeting by resolution on the grounds that items involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act, 1972 (as amended).

To consider the above and make any recommendations to the Mayor.

The Board considered a report on a proposed investment at Torbay Business Park.

Resolved: that further information on the holding company be reported to members of the Board within the next week.