Cambridgeshire Community Services – visit to unplanned care team

A  really good look at CCS today. I spent some very valuable time discussing re-ablement with the team, in Cambridge, before going on to visit a service user.

The lady we visited lived in sheltered accommodation, in Cambridge. At 91 this lady  would put a few people I know, who are a lot younger, to shame in terms of wanting to be independent. Currently she has 4 visits a day, during this phase of getting her up and about after a spell in hospital, but now only wanted some help to get up and to go to bed. Continuing with the four visits would not meet her needs and waste resources that could be helping others.

I have a whole list of questions to ask about process on my return to Shire Hall.

One consistent observation on my visits to our care teams,  they are staffed with keen, caring professionals who put the service users at the top of the agenda. I now need to challenge our processes and structures to make sure these dedicated staff are able to provide this excellent care  in an affordable way.

Mad, Mad world of politics

I’m just pinching myself to make sure today has not been  a dream. Did I hear Cllr Brooks-Gordon, Cambridge City Liberal Democrat County Councillor, on the radio calling for brothels to be opened in Cambridge? I know that I am keen on Cambridgeshire being open for business but that seems to be taking things to extremes.

Then  today at a public scrutiny committee, where I was answering questions on our decision to not allow wind farms on county land, I was astonished to hear ex Liberal Democrat County Councillor Harrison tell the committee she would support a wind turbine on Parkers Piece in Cambridge!!!! This was not a passing comment but made with gusto  and supported by Cllr Kevin Wilkins, also a Lib Dem County Councillor from the city, if vigorous nodding can be seen that way.

Finally, Cllr Kevin Wilkins then insulted me in front of the public. I think respect is important. Clearly if some one gives a different view to Cllr Wilkins he feels the need to resort to name calling. I was pleased that the chairman made him apologise. I think he may need to look into what the words liberal  and democratic mean. As it happens this is the second time he has shouted out insults recently. Not good for democracy or preserving respect in our institutions. On a personal level it felt like being savaged by a cotton bud, weak, pointless and totally without impact.

Talking or doing that is the question?

I am regularly reminded by the Liberal Democrat opposition in the County Council that running the council is not like running a business. It is certainly different but I do believe that common sense, efficiency, listening to the people of Cambridgeshire (customers?) and spending money wisely should be even more important as it is public money  we are spending. Even more important is making sure we do things for the people of Cambridgeshire rather than just talking about it.

I think what the Lib Dems mean is that process, procedure, endless meetings, politicians droning on, accountability, etc etc is more important than outcomes. I happen to believe that elderly folk are more interested in how we help them rather than politicians self importance. I also think that we can  have all the above, in healthy measures, providing we keep focussed on the outcomes. I would like to spend as near to 100% of the public money under our control on the people of Cambridgeshire not on our own internal political preening.

When the Titanic went down I bet it was a Lib Dem in charge organising a meeting to decide if the ship  should go left or right around the iceberg.!

I guess that is the difference between our two parties.

Chief Exec of County Council takes voluntary pay cut

I spoke a lot about the importance of strong political leadership when I became Leader of the Council a few months ago.

There’s lot of ways you can demonstrate this. Being clear about your objectives, making sure the Council’s policies and actions deliver them, never forgetting our promises to the electorate and residents. Deliver on that and residents will trust us to do what is right by them and spend their money as effectively as we can – so important in difficult financial times.

Of course you don’t lead an organisation like the County Council on your own.

Aside from the Leadership which at Cabinet level, through scrutiny and in their division councillors provide, there are our officers, experts in their field, led by our Chief Executive, Mark Lloyd.

As Head of Paid Service, Mark leads the Council’s workforce. It is an incredibly demanding, stressful and hugely responsible role.

His leadership also has to be strong.

One of the most important characteristics of a really good leader, I’ve always felt, is the ability to lead by example.

And when residents are finding life tough, and tightening their belts because money is tight, council’s can’t be out of step with what the people who pay for services are experiencing.

Those at the top, like Mark, are well rewarded for the difficult job they do.

So, it is very pleasing that Mark has chosen to lead by example, and yesterday announced he will be taking a voluntary 5% pay cut from the 1st July. Mark has also chosen not to take any of the pay increases to which he’s been entitled over the past three years. This makes his pay now 5% less than when he started at the Council in March 2008.

It’s an important act, and part of a general picture of wage restraint at the Council that demonstrates it the right thing. There won’t be any performance related pay increases at the Council this year, for example.

The County Council has a strong track record of financial management. But public expectation now goes beyond just good stewardship of public funds. We are meeting those expectations, walking the talk, and in doing so, we are demonstrating that we are doing right by residents.

Huntingdonshire Regional College – annual awards

Sometimes being the Leader of the Council feels really special. Tonight I had the honour to not only attend the Huntingdonshire Regional College annual awards, but to make the motivational speech.
Young people often get a bad press but tonight was all about celebrating their success. It was fantastic to see our civic dignitaries looking resplendent in their chains together with a significant number of sponsors all there to support the youngsters and those not so young.

Talking of special people it was clear Susanne Stent, the relatively new principal was in that category. Her passion and commitment to the college was obvious. I will be helping the college where ever I can.

A fine way to spend some of my time.

Cambridge City. – in your patch

On my return from Fenland I attended an event hosted by the Colleges children centre off Campkin Road, Cambridge. This was attended by city councillors, county councillors and officers.

This children’s centre is yet another great example of providing a service to families. I have a particular interest in this area of Cambridge building on my visit to The Manor School ( see previous posts). I was able to offer my support to sharing buildings and services for the benefit of the community.

I have an ambition to ensure all our services are judged from the customers perspective. From my uninformed position I do not understand the artificial separation of services between adult social care, learning and children and young people. They all represent parts of our communities and the technical separation of services should be sorted out by the council, behind the scenes. I will continue to raise my understanding in these areas.

Fulbourn Division Parish Report – July 2011

Parish Council report from County Councillor Nick Clarke

COUNCIL CHAIRMAN LEADS ARMED FORCES DAY CEREMONY

The Chairman of Cambridgeshire County Council, accompanied by Captain Victor Lucas RN, Deputy Lieutenant for Cambridgeshire, and Nick Clarke, Leader of the County Council lead the County Council’s flag-raising ceremony in recognition of national Armed Forces Day. Capt Lucas inspect the standard bearers of the Royal British Legion and cadets from Kimbolton School. Children from nearby Mayfield Primary School attended to watch the ceremony and talk to the veterans. A special Armed Forces Day flag was raised on the County Council’s flagpole at Shire Hall. The flag-raising ceremony event was one of many being organised to take place simultaneously across the country.

Leader of the County Councillor Nick Clarke said: “I am delighted at the way the whole country comes together to recognise the armed forces and the work they do. The flag-raising at Shire Hall will combine ceremony, celebration and dignity, but more importantly will contribute to a wider understanding of the armed forces and the crucial role they play in our national life.”

COUNCILLORS LISTEN TO PUBLIC ON FUTURE OF GAMLINGAY VILLAGE COLLEGE

Following careful consideration of all the options and local views Councillors have said the failing Gamlingay Village College should become part of a federation – keeping the school open. Cambridgeshire County Council Cabinet, after an extended cabinet session to focus on this important matter, emphasised that their main priority is the future and educational standards of the children at the school which was put in special measures by OfSTED earlier this year.

Councillors considered all the options for the school as well as looking at the results of a public consultation and the impact on the community. After careful consideration and hearing all the arguments as well as the results of community impact assessments the Cabinet agreed a federation should be established with another school – keeping Gamlingay open. The vast majority of respondents to the consultation – 611 – were in favour of keeping Gamlingay Village College open and federating it with Stratton Upper School in Biggleswade.

Cambridgeshire County Council Leader Nick Clarke said: “Gamlingay Village College is a failing school and at the forefront of our thoughts is the welfare and educational achievements of the local youngsters. When we are talking about the future of children it is the strength of argument rather than the strength of voice that we listen hardest to.”

“Clearly doing nothing was not an option but we listened carefully to the arguments for and against closure. We took particular attention of what local people were saying, as any proposals we make will directly affect the lives of their children and the impact of any decision on the community. Equally we listened hard to the people whose job it would be to try and turn this school around and have confidence in their ability and enthusiasm to do their best for the children of Gamlingay. That is why we decided to opt for the federation option.

ALCONBURY –  A NEW ENTERPRISE ZONE

Government is being urged to back a bid to make Alconbury a new enterprise zone – signalling to the world that the greater Cambridge and Peterborough area is open for business. The decision to put forward Alconbury to Government would be a win for the whole area and urges communities to get behind the bid. Cambridgeshire’s economic success is vital for the country. Not only would local jobs and business prosper from an enterprise zone but it is well recognised that Cambridgeshire is an area whose success could kick start and grow the UK’s economy.

The Government’s enterprise zone initiative would see an area set up where businesses are encouraged to grow with the reduction of previously constricting red tape. In return the local communities across the Greater Cambridge Greater  Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership area would benefit as the business rates are reinvested in the area rather than going to the treasury as they do now.

Developers working in partnership with Cambridgeshire County Council are planning a dynamic and innovative employment-led development on the former Alconbury Airfield just to the north of Huntingdon. The Enterprise Zone would cover 150 hectares of what is a very large 575 hectare site in total. Alconbury is ideally placed between Cambridge and Peterborough, and should help to enhance the economic links between the complementary business communities in and around those two cities.

Councillor Clarke, who sits on the Local Enterprise Partnership Board, said: “Although Alconbury was chosen out of the five bids if it is granted enterprise zone status it will benefit the whole area making it a win for everyone. Now is the time for us as councillors, our communities and businesses as well as our MPs to get behind this bid and do what we can to persuade Government that it’s in the local and UK interest to grant us an enterprise zone.

This would see more jobs and prosperity created while money raised locally is kept locally to benefit the area rather than going into a large Government pot. We know that the area is a world beater in innovation and is a leader in driving forward the UK’s economy.

FUTURE JOBS FUND

During the last 15 months Cambridgeshire County Council Adult Careers Service (Next Step) has worked with 35 local employers to support over 200 unemployed young people to find work. This six month job, funded through the Future Jobs Fund, has resulted in many young people moving into full time employment or going into further/higher education.

ROADS DRESSED FOR SUCCESS IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

County Council Contractors have been out and about across Cambridgeshire carrying out an extensive programme of work to improve the roads. Over the past few weeks, the work costing a total of £1.2 million, has seen many miles of road surface dressed to improve the highways for all road users. The team have used recycled granite railway ballast, which will cut costs and protect the environment by re-using materials.

County Councillor Leader Nick Clarke, said: “This extensive programme of work is part of the County Council’s commitment to repair and maintain the highway network in the best possible condition within the resources available to us – by re-using the old railway ballast we can keep costs down and surface dress more miles of road within the same amount of money.”

ALL ABOARD TO PLAN YOUR BUSWAY JOURNEYS

Timetables for The Busway have been released so people can begin to plan how they will use the new reliable, fast and frequent bus service. Stagecoach and Whippet Coaches, who will run the services on The Busway, have now registered the new services and timetables, including maps showing stops the different services will use.  Timetables are now available on The Council’s website by visiting:

www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/thebusway.

Printed timetable booklets will be made available on current bus services between Huntingdon, St Ives and Cambridge before The Busway opens on Sunday 7 August.

The timetables confirm Busway services will run seven days a week, and from Monday to Saturday 7am to 7pm there will be buses running between St Ives and Cambridge at least every 10 minutes. Services to Huntingdon will be every 20 minutes with an hourly evening service running until midnight.

It is anticipated around 3.5 million trips will be taken on The Busway each year and the guideway will provide far more reliable journey times for passengers than current services. The timetables include bus services from the new Busway Park & Ride sites in St Ives and Longstanton. The southern section of the Busway will also open on Sunday 7 August and the completely traffic-free route will allow passengers to travel from the Trumpington Park & Ride to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in just four minutes.

Leader of the  County Councillor Nick Clarke, said: “With 7th August opening of the The Busway fast approaching it is great news we have been able to publish the timetables so people can begin planning how they will use the route.  With WiFi, air conditioning and leather seats the buses will offer a high quality rapid transit for journeys in and out of Cambridge. Each week more and more jobs are ticked off the list as anticipation is building to the grand opening.”

TOP NOTCH SURFACE FOR FINAL SECTION OF CYCLING SUPER HIGHWAY

Transport chiefs have announced a super smooth blacktop surface will be added to the final section of the 16-mile path next to the Guided Busway on the section between Swavesey and St Ives. would have an upgraded blacktop surface rather than crushed limestone as originally planned. Work has already begun to add a blacktop surface to the path for cyclists, walkers and horse riders and following the successful bid for £150,000 of Government links to schools funding, held by transport charity Sustrans, every section will now have the highest quality surface.

It has also been agreed to raise the level of the sections of the path next to the guideway between St Ives and Swavesey as approved by the Environment Agency. After the work is completed rain water will no longer collect, flood the path, and make it impassable for much of the year. The cost of raising the level of the defective path will be deducted from former contractor BAM Nuttall as they built the path at too a low level despite independent and official warnings.

The work is scheduled to take place in August and September and does not need to be completed before The Busway opens on 7 August.  As originally planned, the path will be built above the level of the surrounding land.

Leader of the County Councillor Nick Clarke, said: “The path next to The Busway is going to be a fantastic addition for Cambridgeshire and it is great news that we have secured the funding to make sure it as attractive to use as possible. Cyclists I speak to are really excited about the path, which will be part of the national cycle network, and the blacktop on every section is a massive bonus.

KEEPING UP TO DATE

For those of you with computers the best way to see what I am up to is to follow my blog. I keep it up to date (well I try to) and it gives a different perspective on things than the official County Council site.

Blog http://nickclarkeconservative.wordpress.com

Anyone who uses twitter can find me as cllrnickclarke

Or my mobile 07717422447 or email nick.clarke@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Fenland School visit – Burrowmoor Primary

A pleasant trip to March, with the roof down, gave me a chance to reflect on all that I had seen and heard this week on my trips out.

So far my impression is of dedicated, motivated and modern thinking staff who are up for the challenges that lay ahead.  I guess the cliche of council “jobs worths” is just that, a cliche that is wide of the mark. I know some people love to continue to try and keep that image alive but it is so not true.

Burrowmoor Primary school is another example of a well run  establishment dedicated to the local children. A happy place with lots of space both indoors and outside and activities going on all over the place. I bet not a single child has ever said the are “bored” in this school. I was able to get a much better understanding of the issues facing the families in Fenland. Interestingly, it seems that part of the reason that children do  not aspire to higher education is that they can all find work, with or without a GCSE. There is also a strong community spirit that acts against children going “away” to university. Perhaps more distance learning might be the answer. More thinking out loud.

I was able to share some ideas with the head and we explored some of the issues facing the school. Interestingly, the head echoed my positive thoughts on the  children’s locality team which was a different one to the one I met. Two locality teams and two thumbs up, sounds like they are meeting a need effectively.

 

Contact Centre – much more than just call handling

I visited the  council  contact centre in St Ives. It is modern, well supported by effective software and led by a couple of managers who understand the difference between just answering phones and fulfilment of need. I also bumped into an old colleague from my MOD days. We pulled up a sandbag and had a chat  about the “good old days”. Funny how time improves the memories.

The centre deals with a range of services from children’s services, adult social care, highways, blue badges and much more. I had a great discussion about using the information collected in the contact centre to better shape how our services provide assistance. For example we could provide even more self help information on our website for the most often asked questions into the contact centre.

I am  keen to use this intelligence even more effectively to improve efficiency and to provide a better service to the folk of Cambridgeshire. My feeling is their is a lot more potential here.

 

Full Council – 17th May 2011

The big day had arrived. After having been in the role of leader designate since 15th April, it was with a huge amount of excitement and sense of relief that the day had arrived when I would officially take up the role of Leader of the Council. In the last few weeks I had been working 12 hour days putting together my new cabinet, thinking through strategies and being briefed by senior officers on the many responsibilities that the leader has.

I seemed to have far too many papers, all referenced and collated. I had to buy a new pilots case especially for the day as my previous briefcase was simply not big enough. Still, prior planning prevents poor performance. All  went well to begin with. Agenda items 1 – 6 witnessed the new Chairman, John Powley take over proceedings supported by his new deputy Kevin Reynolds. Agenda item  7 was the election, by full council, of me to leader. It is a great honour and I don’t think their is any bigger job in Cambridgeshire. I was proposed by Ian  Bates and seconded by Fred Brown. The vote was taken and suddenly I was leader. I rose to make my acceptance speech which gave me the opportunity to  thank Jill Tuck for all her efforts over the last 3 years. I was also able to set out my plans which included changing the constitution a little later in the agenda.

Before I say much more, I have to explain about Full Council. It is where the most significant decisions are taken. Cabinet meetings, also held in public, are where the rest of the decisions are taken. For some time papers that have already passed through the cabinet decision making process were being added to full council papers for “information” only. These information only items seem to stretch out the council meeting for as much as an extra 3 hours and have no impact on the people of Cambridgeshire at all. The decisions already taken have been taken. What these information items do is to allow lazy politics to take place. Instead of members engaging with the process where they can affect change, either at the policy development groups (Lib Dems have boycotted for 2 years) or speaking at cabinet these documents encourage opposition members to re-run all the arguments and debates that have already taken place for no benefit for anyone except the person who wants to talk in full council for self publicity reasons. This is the worse kind of politics. It wastes a lot of money, achieves nothing and means that the hard working members of all parties that have engaged with the policy development process have to go through it all again, even though the decision has already been made and won’t be reversed.

So, in short, my constitutional changes were going to make the council more efficient, save a lot of senior officers time, remove duplication and force the Lib Dems to engage with the council on behalf of their voters. Shock horror, they were all upset. So upset that I had to sit in the chamber and absorb nearly 2 hours of personal abuse including being likened to a nazi in the Germany of the 1930′s. My comfort was that if all they could do was to abuse me personally then they were not thinking about the policies. I guess the title Liberal does not apply to the words they use or their thinking.

I didn’t witness any Lib Dems rolling on the floor screaming but they were indicating that it “was not fair” and then continued the childish theme  outside of Shire Hall by standing with duct tape across their mouths. They were trying to infer I had in some way gagged them because oral questions were to be limited to one hour. The comments of readers of the CEN were interesting. The vast majority wanted the efficiencies I put through and thought the Lib Dems were childish and self publicists. This really back fired on them.  Putting to one side all the other points in the councils process where they can ask questions if they had stopped and thought rather than “kicking off ” they would have realised that the one hour limitation had already existed and I had done nothing to change it.

Interestingly, a number of Lib Dems have spoken to me since and privately agreed with the changes. It seems that in the hot house of the chamber they are more interested in publicity than making things better for the people of Cambridgeshire. Perpetual opposition must do this to a party.

In summary, I want to make things more efficient, focus on the people of Cambridgeshire and not councillors and the Lib Dems don’t. You decide.