Strategy Committee Preview - 11 September
A few comments prior to this meeting:
Item 5. Learning Disability Day Services
a) I have already commented on the disappearance of the Fellowes Road Day Centre from the project. I just think there should be some explanation (cost?) for the record at Strategy Committee.
b) Many of the proposals seem broadly sensible and take account of the likely expansion of direct payments. The plan for Hallmead has been around for a number of years. It would be helpful to be clear now what will be the plan for the entire Hallmead site after the reprovision. Is there any chance of linking it with development of the Pobjoy Mint site?
c) In terms of the models set out in para 2.29, I am concerned that there seems to be stark difference implied between models 1 and 2. I would have thought there was scope for negotiation with staff representatives for a far more evolutionary approach that responds to the evolving level of take up of direct payments. I am pleased that there is a recognition that we can be a enabler and a provider of choice in a mixed market. I also welcome the rejection of Model 3 as that would meant we had much less influsence on the market.
Item 7 - Building Schools for the Future
It makes sense to support Stanley Park as the school most in need. Whilst a land swap with the PCT for part of Orchard Hill might be a good idea, I suspect it might take too long to achieve. Rebuilding on the current site might be the only option in the end. In terms of the future it would make most sense to rank Carshalton Sports College as next for investment with Carshalton Girls as third. The idea of a joint bid might be worth looking at, to perhaps develop a Carshalton Schools Federation in due course?
Item 8 - Sustainable Town Centre Project.
Sounds very nice, but it would be nice to see the money also spent on quick wins such as increasing bus frequencies and the time the 470 runs ins the evening. It is certainly better to do something rather than pin our hopes on a future Tram link.
Item 10 - Care Centre Building Programme
I welcome the proposed investment in Franklin House in view of previous concerns about the future of this site (we know Bawtree and Ludlow are due to go). However it is still unclear whether this is a long-term investment. Indeed the PCT rep at Health Scrutiny last night also seemed to query its long-term future. Perhaps we should have a clear statement on this at Strategy?
Item 11 - 14-19 Strategic Plan
This is very welcome but does not seem to cover the status of weaker sixth forms which may need extra support.
Item 13 - Local Nature Reserves
The new reserve at Belmont Pastures is welcome as it clearly states the future of this site. Hopefully the status of the northern end will soon be resolved. Councillor Geiringer last night at Health Scrutiny mentioned the proposed health facility on that site.
Item 14 - Parking Review
We all know the parking waive scheme is expensive, but the Lib Dems should continue to honour their commitment on this and this time even Tory Councillors will probably all sing from the same hymn sheet on this issue (ie no differences between Cllrs Shields and Pinfold).
Item 15a - Rights of Way Officer
I hope an exisiting Council Officer can take on this role as the proposal seems sensible.
Item 18 - Urgency Procedure
I have previously speculated what this item is (see below). All may be revealed soon?
Item 5. Learning Disability Day Services
a) I have already commented on the disappearance of the Fellowes Road Day Centre from the project. I just think there should be some explanation (cost?) for the record at Strategy Committee.
b) Many of the proposals seem broadly sensible and take account of the likely expansion of direct payments. The plan for Hallmead has been around for a number of years. It would be helpful to be clear now what will be the plan for the entire Hallmead site after the reprovision. Is there any chance of linking it with development of the Pobjoy Mint site?
c) In terms of the models set out in para 2.29, I am concerned that there seems to be stark difference implied between models 1 and 2. I would have thought there was scope for negotiation with staff representatives for a far more evolutionary approach that responds to the evolving level of take up of direct payments. I am pleased that there is a recognition that we can be a enabler and a provider of choice in a mixed market. I also welcome the rejection of Model 3 as that would meant we had much less influsence on the market.
Item 7 - Building Schools for the Future
It makes sense to support Stanley Park as the school most in need. Whilst a land swap with the PCT for part of Orchard Hill might be a good idea, I suspect it might take too long to achieve. Rebuilding on the current site might be the only option in the end. In terms of the future it would make most sense to rank Carshalton Sports College as next for investment with Carshalton Girls as third. The idea of a joint bid might be worth looking at, to perhaps develop a Carshalton Schools Federation in due course?
Item 8 - Sustainable Town Centre Project.
Sounds very nice, but it would be nice to see the money also spent on quick wins such as increasing bus frequencies and the time the 470 runs ins the evening. It is certainly better to do something rather than pin our hopes on a future Tram link.
Item 10 - Care Centre Building Programme
I welcome the proposed investment in Franklin House in view of previous concerns about the future of this site (we know Bawtree and Ludlow are due to go). However it is still unclear whether this is a long-term investment. Indeed the PCT rep at Health Scrutiny last night also seemed to query its long-term future. Perhaps we should have a clear statement on this at Strategy?
Item 11 - 14-19 Strategic Plan
This is very welcome but does not seem to cover the status of weaker sixth forms which may need extra support.
Item 13 - Local Nature Reserves
The new reserve at Belmont Pastures is welcome as it clearly states the future of this site. Hopefully the status of the northern end will soon be resolved. Councillor Geiringer last night at Health Scrutiny mentioned the proposed health facility on that site.
Item 14 - Parking Review
We all know the parking waive scheme is expensive, but the Lib Dems should continue to honour their commitment on this and this time even Tory Councillors will probably all sing from the same hymn sheet on this issue (ie no differences between Cllrs Shields and Pinfold).
Item 15a - Rights of Way Officer
I hope an exisiting Council Officer can take on this role as the proposal seems sensible.
Item 18 - Urgency Procedure
I have previously speculated what this item is (see below). All may be revealed soon?
posted by Charlie Mansell at 1:21 pm
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