Cornwall Councillors are refused a debate on the STP process
Councillor James speaking up for local people
Cornwall Councillors are refused a debate on the STP process that is being proposed as a “Once in a generation opportunity to change the way we provide health and social care services for the people of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly” (introduction to the Shaping Our Future survey).
On 2 January, concerned with how things were developing in Cornwall, I requested that Full Council on 24 January have the chance for a debate on the STP process and the Councils role and strategic direction in it. This is what my email said to request the debate:
“I would welcome a debate on Cornwall Council’s role, contribution and strategic view on the STP process and emerging direction“. I went on
“I believe this would meet 2.2 of the constitution as there is considerable public interest and concern regarding this and a few of us as Councillors are concerned that the Chief Executive, other senior officer and a small number of Councillors are getting involved without a mandate or clear steer from Council. The Sustainability and Transformation Plans could be a huge opportunity or risk to the future of Health & Social Care in Cornwall, depending on your perspective. Equally, both Nationally and locally there appears confusion over whether we, as a Council, are stakeholders/ consultees within a Health Service driven process or whether we are partners.”
Tonight I have been told there will not be a debate at Full Council and that
“There is an established governance process in place for the Council to review the development of the STP and any decisions will go through the usual democratic processes. You can, of course, attend meetings of the Heath and Adult Social Care Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee established specifically to consider the STP and, with permission of the Chairman of that Sub-committee, raise any concerns and participate in the debate.”
I’ve just gone to that page of the Council’s website and this is what is says:
“Sustainability and Transformation Plan Sub-Committee
This page lists the meetings for Sustainability and Transformation Plan Sub-Committee.