Agenda and minutes

(a)          This meeting is to be webcast;

(b)        Members are reminded of the need to activate their microphones before speaking; and

(c)        the Chairman will read the following announcement:

“I would like to remind everyone present that this meeting will be broadcast live to the Internet and will be capable of subsequent repeated viewing, with copies of the recording being made available for those that request it.

By being present at this meeting, it is likely that the recording cameras will capture your image and this will result in your image becoming part of the broadcast.

You should be aware that this may infringe your human and data protection rights. If you have any concerns then please speak to the Webcasting Officer.

Please could I also remind Members to activate their microphones before speaking.”

The Chairman reminded everyone present that the meeting would be broadcast live to the Internet and that the Council had adopted a protocol for the webcasting of its meetings.

(Director of Governance) To report the appointment of any substitute members for the meeting.

The Committee noted that Councillor A Lion would substitute for Councillor H Whitbread for the duration of this meeting.

To declare interests in any item on this agenda.

There were no declarations of interests pursuant to the Council’s Code of Member Conduct.

To confirm the minutes of the last meeting of the Committee held on 26 September 2019 (previously circulated).

            RESOLVED:

That the minutes from the meeting held on 26 September 2019 were read and signed as a correct record by the Chairman.

To consider the attached report.

The Strategic Director, N Dawe reported that in revenue terms, the Authority currently had a £3 million underspend with a forecast year-end position of break-even.

The following points were noted;

·         The charge variances for car parking income was below target following the previous years increase and a report had been submitted to Cabinet on 6 January 2020.

·         The underspend of £343,000 relating to a number of issues included 60 vacancies that were being held, to off-set 40 at risk staff under the staff restructuring, which was to be completed by the end of December 2019.

·         Two thirds of saving programmes had been achieved and action was now required to deliver the outstanding schemes or to find alternatives scheme by the end November 2019.

·         The housing  scheme delay was the main reason for the underspend and a report would be submitted to Cabinet 6 January 2020.

·         The Directorates required no further action although the Housing and Business Services variances required monitoring.

·         There were no actions required for long-term assets and liabilities, current assets and liabilities and reserves.

The Committee commented that the report was very easy to read and understand.

RESOLVED:

(1)           The Committee noted the new format of summary financial report; and

(2)           The Committee noted the six month financial report to the end of September 2019.

To consider the attached report.

The Strategic Director, N Dawe presented the report for quarter 2 performance in relation to the Key Performance Indicators & Work Programmes within the Corporate Plan. 

The exceptions report provided the Committee with the relevant key updates as follows;

Stronger Communities

·         Increased Customer Satisfaction – The annual target and progress was being made within Customer Services as the Customer Promise and service standards were introduced.

·         Improved Customer First Contact – The annual target was hoped to be achieved by the end of the year as more services moved into the contact centre, which would enable more calls being resolved at first point of contact.

The Customer Services Portfolio Holder advised that the contact centre was in the process of taking on more service areas, to ensure a first contact resolution. There would also be an external satisfaction survey completed every six months to monitor the service going forward.

Stronger Place

·         Local Plan Programme – Progress had been slower than expected and relied on external factors.

·         St John’s Road Programme – The programme remained on track however the change in date of the Cabinet meeting from the 11 December 2019 to 6 January 2020 had occurred due to the General Election on 12 December 2019.

·         Increase in Recycling/Reduction in household waste - Targets were exceeded in relation to increased recycling and the reduction in household waste.

Stronger Council

·         People Strategy Programme – It was in the final stages although some areas had received a further consultation period.

·         Accommodation Strategy Programme – Further details on the refurbishment designs were required which would be addressed following the Cabinet decision on 29 October 2019.

The Committee asked that the figures within the corporate objective 6. Provide culture & leisure be consistent with the first table, so that members could compare the quarters values and target with regards to the status of the direct debt figures and casual swimmers.

            RESOLVED:

That the Committee noted the quarter 2 performance in relation to the Key Performance Indicators & Work Programmes within the Corporate Plan.

Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, requires that the permission of the Chairman be obtained, after prior notice to the Chief Executive, before urgent business not specified in the agenda (including a supplementary agenda of which the statutory period of notice has been given) may be transacted.

It was noted that there was no urgent business for consideration by the Committee.