01/09/08 Key decisions from Cabinet

Here are the decisions made by Southampton City Council’s Cabinet at its meeting on Monday, September 1:

Modernisation of Southampton Day Services: Phase 3

Cabinet agreed to accept the £749,000 capital grant from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to fund the third phase of the programme to improve facilities at Woolston Community Centre and to extend the scope of provision at Freemantle Community Centre.

The centres provide a range of crucial services to adults with learning disabilities. The funds will help realise the council’s objectives as set out in the Government white paper ‘Valuing People’.

New Bus Shelter Contract

Cabinet approved the proposal to end the present contract with Clear Channel (formerly Adshel) and to obtain a new one by tender to cover all bus shelters in the city. A new contract would see increased revenue for the council from advertising which could improve public transport across the city.

The council currently owns around 330 bus shelters which it maintains and replaces where necessary using its own funding.

Vision for culture, arts and heritage

Southampton City Council has unveiled its vision for the future of culture and the arts in a far-reaching report approved by the Cabinet yesterday.

The Arts and Heritage strategic vision – entitled Towards an International City of Culture – places people and culture at the heart of the city and connects existing arts and heritage initiatives.

The report highlights the importance of the arts and their contribution to a rich cultural life and also maps out a route towards Southampton becoming an international city of culture by 2026. This will be achieved by making the most of the city’s rich arts and heritage assets, including maritime and aviation history, the medieval old town, visual arts sector and green open spaces.

Wessex Youth Offending Team (YOT) Annual Youth Justice Plan

Cabinet approved the Wessex Youth Offending Team (YOT) Annual Youth Justice Plan 2008/9 as part of the council’s Policy Framework.

As a result of an inspection report and the findings of the Children’s Services Annual Performance Assessment (APA), it was reported that the YOT was significantly underfunded. A further £60,000 was awarded as part of the council’s 2009/10 and 20010/11 financial forecast.

Solent University sports and activities pilot programme approved

Cabinet approved an award of £50,000 to Southampton Solent University to deliver a pilot programme of sports, learning and recreational activities in schools.

From September, coaching staff and students studying for sports degrees at the university will teach everything from athletics to rugby to pupils at a number of schools across the city. It is hoped the partnership will increase physical activity and participation in team activities, as well as allowing students to pick up important leadership experience.

Acceptance of £675,000 Train to Gain Funding from the Learning Skills Council (LSC)

Cabinet was pleased to approve the Train to Gain contract from the Learning and Skills Council (LSC). Up to 450 workers across the city will receive extra ‘on the job’ training thanks to a successful funding bid. The £675,000 from the LSC will be used by local employers to boost workers’ skills.

Full details of all the Cabinet decisions are available in the meeting papers.