Agenda and minutes

To sign as a correct record the minutes of the meetings held on 14 and 24 June 2022.

The minutes of the meetings held on 14 June and 24 June 2022 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 on a working day, allowing two clear working days before the day of 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.

To receive verbal updates on each Programme.

Kevin Kerrigan, Programme Director for Workington provided a verbal update on the Workington Town Deal. Members were advised that the funding will be released as scheduled which enables programme delivery. The Programme Director then provided an update on each of the five key projects:- Digital Accelerator, Public Realm improvements, Port of Workington, Sports Village and Innovation Centre.

Members asked questions relating to timescales and funding, the officer advised that the Digital Accelerator should be in completed by the end of this financial year and that funding agreements were being drafted and finalised for the other projects. Members were advised that inflation in construction costs is causing challenges but officers were confident that all projects will be delivered within budgets.

Members then asked questions about related projects such as the Ramsey Brow infrastructure project and the Workington Cycling/Walking Plan.

Debate then ensued in relation to the shared prosperity fund.

Jeremy Hewitson, Strategic Advisor - Programmes Maryport then provided an update presentation on the regeneration programme for Maryport.

An overview was provided on the projects including the Wave Centre, Carlton, Christchurch and a video was shown outlining the proposed Boardwalk. Members were advised that due to issues with multiple ownership, the Empire Yard project is not deliverable.

As with the Workington projects, costs had increased but savings from the Empire Yard project would be used on the other projects.

Members shared concerns about future revenue generation for the Carlton and the reduction of specification for the proposed pool at the Wave Centre.

Questions were asked around local contractors, budgeting, procurement and risk.

Agreed

That the update presentations be noted.

The Chair advised that the Capital and Revenue Outturns 2021-22 was added as an agenda item for information and to provide members the opportunity to raise issues and ask questions.

Members asked questions in relation to disabled facilities grants and were advised that a plan was being developed to resolve the issues which will be shared with members.

Agreed

Members noted the Capital and Revenue Outturn 2021-22 reports.

The Assistant Chief Executive (Policy, Performance and Economic Strategy) provided members with a verbal update on LGR.

New boards have been created to support the programme as it moves into the implementation phase and the Shadow Executive have agreed both the process to approve the Council Plan (October 2022) and the blueprints for each service. Interviews were also held w/c 18/07/22 for the Cumberland Chief Executive Officer.

Members then asked questions on staffing and the location of the new Council.

Resolved

That the update be noted.

Consideration of Draft Annual Report for recommendation to full Council.

The Chair introduced the draft annual summary report on the work of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and associated Task and Finish Groups during 2021-22.

Agreed

That the Annual Report be approved and forwarded to the next meeting of Council.

The Forward Plan was noted.

Members noted the work programme as per the last meeting and the Chair advised that the ‘safer streets’ presentation will be delivered but without the opportunity for Questions and Answers at the 16 September 2022 meeting.

Councillor McCarron-Holmes advised that the access to health services Task and Finish Group would focus on GPs/Dentists only and the group are looking to involve patient and stakeholder groups including Healthwatch.

Members then discussed whether the other two Task and Finish Groups (Customer Services and Democratic Participation in Voting) would run parallel not separate. Officers would review and report on the running of the groups at the next meeting.

Members noted the update.