Agenda and minutes

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The minutes of the meeting held 26 July 2019 were signed as a correct record.

Councillors/Staff to give notice of any disclosable pecuniary interest, other registrable interest or any other interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda, in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

None Declared

To answer questions from members of the public – submitted in writing or by electronic mail no later than 5.00pm, 2 working days before the meeting.

None Received

To hear representations from members of the public on items which appear on the agenda – submitted in writing or by electronic mail no later than 5.00pm, 2 working days before the meeting.

None Received

Following the briefing on 30^th August 2019, the Committee is asked to agree its response

On 30^th August 2019, Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel attended a Housing Strategy Briefing.

Members discussed the strategy and raised queries in relation to the geography of the strategic housing market areas currently used. Clarity will be sought by officers and feedback will be provided to the committee. There will be an opportunity to review the geographies used when the next housing needs assessment is carried out.

The Overview and Scrutiny however did not raise any concerns to take to the Executive.

The Policy Manager (Corporate, Performance and Information) introduced the Quarter 1 performance report for 2019/20 and provided an overview and some background and context in to how the report works in association with the Council Plan. Members were advised that the report details the performance of all the key projects and activities within the Council.

Members expressed concerns over Council Tax and NNDR collection rates and were assured that this is not currently an area of concern for officers and that small variances were expected.

Members were also advised that in relation to procurement, it is acknowledged that the Council can do more in terms of raising awareness of procurement opportunities for local suppliers; and that this is ongoing work likely to be reflected in the new Business Plan

In relation to Customer Service, members pointed out that the communication provided to the public during the bin suspension could have been more consistent, this feedback will be passed onto the Head of Customer Operations and Transformation.

Members also requested further financial information; officers advised that detailed financial information is available in the Quarterly Finance Report.

The Committee is asked to agree setting up this group and the proposed membership

Members agreed to establish a task and finish group to monitor the budget setting process.

The Task and Finish Group will be made up of the following members;

Councillor Alan Pitcher

Councillor Joe Holliday

Councillor Andy Semple

Councillor Elaine Lynch

Councillor Michael Heaslip

Members agreed the recommendations as set out in the report

The Committee is asked to agree a formal request to Council to adjust the time of its meetings

To maximise attendance at meetings, ensuring items of business are

conducted efficiently members agreed to amend the times of meetings from 09:30am to 1:30pm.

A report will be prepared for Council.

Members noted the contents of the Forward Plan

To include an update from the Procurement task and finish group, and consider the potential for a task and finish group to address the implementation of the Local Plan.

Councillor Bell, chair of the procurement Task and Finish Group provided an update to members.

Councillor McCarron-Holmes’ position on the Task and Finish Group was challenged because of her previous role as an Executive member

Councillor McCarron-Holmes left the meeting.

The Head of Policy, Performance and Strategy advised members that the draft Council Plan will be available for the next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Members also discussed climate change topic and how that may be approached – the Committees role in climate emergency considerations will be on the next agenda. In relation to the proposed Stadium, members were advised that there has not been any progress to warrant any formal update at this time

Members noted the contents of the Work Programme.