Issue - meetings

Dr Sakthi Karunanithi, Director of Public Health, presented a report setting out the County Council's response to the recommendations made by the independent Lancashire Fairness Commission, and the ways in which it was working to address fairness in Lancashire.

In presenting the report, it was noted that the section referring to the finalisation of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Strategic Framework 2016/21 should have referred to an "opt-out" rather than an "opt-in" with the Big Lottery 'Building Better Opportunities'. 

It was reported that arrangements were being made for a "Fairness in Lancashire; One Year On" event in June to bring the organisations involved together for a review and update on the recommendation and work undertaken. It was noted that efforts were being made to ensure that the event was staged at little or no cost to the County Council.

Resolved: That

  i.  the approaches to implement the actions arising from the report of the Lancashire Fairness Commission be noted

  ii.  the proposals for hosting the "Fairness in Lancashire; One Year On" feedback event be approved

The Committee considered an update on the County Council's response to the recommendations made by the independent Lancashire Fairness Commission and the ways in which the Council was working to address fairness in Lancashire. 

The Committee's attention was drawn to Appendix 'B' of the report and in particular to the section referring to the finalisation of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Strategic Framework 2016/21.  It was reported that the first paragraph of that section should have referred to an "opt-out" rather than an "opt-in" with the Big Lottery 'Building Better Opportunities'. 

It was noted that the report suggested the staging of the 'Fairness in Lancashire, One Year On' event in June 2016.  The opportunity would be taken at this event to present the corporate strategy as the County Council's strategic approach to fairness across Lancashire.  Members felt that the event should also be used to highlight successes and achievements, as well as any future risks.

The Committee acknowledged the challenges posed by increased costs and demands, as well as the worsening financial position of the County Council and across the public sector.  The ever changing picture meant that careful consideration needed to be given to ensuring that a proportional level of resource was targeted towards communities and individuals who were most in need.

Resolved:  That the recommendations set out in the report to the Cabinet be noted and that apart from the above, no additional comments or suggested alternative recommendations be made.