Agenda and draft minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider any matter referred to the Committee for a decision in relation to the call in of a decision.

There were no call-ins to be considered.

To note the performance and financial management framework used to support the business planning and budget setting process.  This is in accordance with all of the Council’s priorities.

Members noted the performance and financial management framework used to support the business planning and budget setting process. This was in accordance with all of the Councils priorities.

To consider proposals for the business plan, revenue budget estimates, capital programme and proposed fees and charges in respect of the Council’s priority area of Housing.

The Committee considered the proposals for the business plan, revenue budget estimates, capital programme and proposed fees and charges in respect of the Council’s priority area of Housing. The priorities and objectives for Housing were a good quality home for everyone, to build more houses, more quickly on under-used or derelict land, to invest to ensure our homes are safe and more energy efficient, and to regulate housing effectively and respond to housing needs. Key lines of enquiry from Members were:

• Any potential impacts of the recent Regulator of Social Housing judgement of the Council’s consumer standards rating.
• Housing Revenue Account vacancy savings and repair cost capitalisation.
• Modernisation programme.
• Average relet times and void rent loss.
• Comparison of the Council’s yearly rent increase to that of other authorities.

To consider proposals for the business plan, revenue budget estimates, capital programme and proposed fees and charges in respect of the Council’s priority area of Business Growth.

The Committee considered the proposals for the business plan, revenue budget estimates, capital programme and proposed fees and charges in respect of the Council’s priority area of Business Growth. The priorities and objectives for Business Growth were to invest in our towns and people, develop and implement area regeneration, and support business employment, skills and connectivity. Key lines of enquiry from Members were:

• The budgets for and performance of markets and retail events, and whether spend increases have the desired effect.
• Usage and expenditure relating to car parks, compared to periods when some free parking has been provided.
• Appeals to council planning decisions, including cost implications and targets.

To consider proposals for the business plan, revenue budget estimates, capital programme and proposed fees and charges in respect of the Council’s priority area of Resources and Support Service Areas.

Members considered proposals for the business plan, revenue budget estimates, capital programme and proposed fees and charges in respect of the Councils priority area of Resources and Support Services Areas. Key lines of enquiry from Members were:

• The measurement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for industrial and retail units.
• The target for days lost due to sickness and whether comparators require updating.
• The percentage of stage-two complaints that are upheld and the fact that it is uncommon for the Ombudsman to disagree with the findings of the Complaints and Compliments Officer.
• Budgets for multi-functional print devices and the attempt to move to being a ‘paper-lite’ authority.
• The likely impacts of LGR on certain Council-wide programmes and rationales for progression in this context.

To inform the Committee of items on the Cabinet’s work programme, from which items for scrutiny may be identified.

The Committee noted the Cabinet work programme.

Committee is asked to approve its Work Programme, including identifying topics for scrutiny, that will help to achieve the Council’s key priorities and associated objectives.

Members consider the scrutiny work programme in accordance with all of the Council's priorities.

          RESOLVED that the work programme be approved.