Solihull Council

supported the Local Strategic Partnership’s draft Strategic Framework for Health Inequalities; and

endorsed the comments made by the Health Scrutiny Panel, namely:

action should be taken to challenge portfolio holders on plans to improve health inequalities as part of the budget cycle;

the LSP should set a number of specific targets that are significant to plugging the health inequality gap;

action plans should be developed setting out specific action to be taken;

monitoring processes must be rigorous, transparent, robust and deliverable; and

the Health Scrutiny Panel to consider this issue and action taken on a quarterly basis.

noted the publication of the draft Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004; and

considered the potential implications for the Council

(i)  agreed the submission of the feasibility study to the DfES by Mr Edmiston and supported his request for a funding agreement with the Secretary of State for Education and Skills;

(ii)  approved the agreement for land occupation and transfer by way of lease of 20 acres for 125 years;

(iii) agreed to close Whitesmore Secondary School with effect from  August 2006, and to seek the approval of the School Organisation Committee;

(iv)  authorised Chief Officers to take such action as may be necessary to facilitate the opening of the new Academy in place of Whitesmore Secondary School; and

(v)   noted the potential financial costs of transition to the Academy and the current state of negotiations with the DfES, and authorised Officers to make representations through the LGA and local MP’s.

 noted the final costings for SCIL and the options for funding the project;

agreed a base budget of £7 million for the SCIL project - subject to confirmation by the Corporate Director of Resources of the Local Authority Capital Element; and  directed officers to pursue £2.8 million of additional funding through BSF.