Agenda and minutes

In accordance with the Council's Code of Conduct, Councillors of the Council are reminded that it is a requirement to declare interests where appropriate.

Councillors must also declare if they are subject to their party group whip in relation to any items under consideration.

The following disclosures were made:

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Commission held on 25 November 2019.

The minutes of the meeting of the Commission held on 25 November 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair, subject to the following amendment to minute 7 that in order to assist in delivering and accessing suitable and affordable accommodation that the use of Article 4 directives were taken into account to limit permitted development in Crawley where necessary criteria is met.

To answer any questions or hear brief statements from the public which are relevant to the items on this agenda.  The period will end after 15 minutes or later at the Chair’s discretion.

No questions from the public were asked.

To consider report FIN/491 of the Head of Corporate Finance.

The Commission considered report FIN/491 with the Leader of the Council, Head of Corporate Finance and the Chief Accountant.  The Council has a statutory responsibility to set a Council Tax and Budget in advance of the commencement of the new financial year. The Council Tax has to be set by March each year.  During 2019 the Council continued to review its spending plans and considered options to amend spending to meet new priorities.

During the discussion, the following points were expressed:

·        Confirmation was provided that the report set out proposed growth elements and capital programme schemes, along with efficiencies, savings, latest investment interest projections and additional income being proposed.

·        Several queries were raised with regards to the Income Generation Officer growth bid.  It was confirmed that the permanent post was inclusive of on-costs and would cover the wide ranging services the council offered. It was felt important to ensure a balance so as not to limit facilities or services when generating income. It was commented that it would be useful to provide discounts for those in receipt of benefit, however some offers were already provided at certain council facilities and there was a need to generate income through other means. The Commission had within its function, terms of reference and remit to scrutinise the Transformation Plan.

·        It was queried whether the Nuisance and Anti-Social Behaviour Team reduction may affect the current service provision. However it was noted that the council did not always have the power to resolve issues so certain requests were disseminated elsewhere.

·        Specialist HR provision would assist the organisation in reviewing service areas, whilst providing necessary support.

·        Confirmation was provided over the reduced retained business rates, council tax increase and the analysis of risks within the report.

·        Recognition that the flooding programme had been reviewed and some schemes were no longer a priority and resulted in savings.  Any further works required would be undertaken within the flooding emergency work programme.

·        Clarification was provided over queries within the Housing Revenue Account, with particular reference to garages and sheltered major works.

·        There was acknowledgement of the forthcoming budget pressures together with recognition that consultation would take place in the future.

·        Members of the Commission also commended officers from the Finance Team for their excellent work in producing the budget and report and dealing with challenging issues.

·        Some Members expressed their support, with others preferring to abstain and reserve comments for the Full Council meeting later in the month. It was requested that their comments be passed to the Cabinet.

RESOLVED

That the Commission’s views expressed at the meeting be conveyed to the Cabinet and that the Cabinet be advised that 5 Members expressed their support, with the other 4 members preferring to abstain and reserve comments for the Full Council meeting later in the month.

To consider report FIN/493 of the Head of Corporate Finance.

The Commission considered report FIN/493 of the Head of Corporate Finance on the Treasury Management Strategy for 2020/2021 which the Council was required to approve before the start of the financial year in accordance with the CIPFA Code of Practice for Treasury Management and the Council’s financial regulations.

During the discussion with the Leader of the Council, Head of Corporate Finance and Chief Accountant, Councillors made the following comments:

·        Confirmation that the policy of investing according to the principles of security, liquidity, yield and ethical remains.

·        It was confirmed that there had not been any consideration for further additions within the Ethical Investment Policy.

RESOLVED

That the Cabinet is advised that the Commission noted the report and requested the comments discussed be referred to the Cabinet.

To receive a brief update on the Health and Adult Social Care Select Committee (HASC).  The last meetings were 15 January and 27 November.

An update was provided from the most recent HASC meeting.  Key items of discussion included:

·        The take up of the flu vaccinations had been low in certain areas.

·        Mental health liaison teams had been placed in various hospitals which were reporting a good response.

·        A further report on SECAMB had been received and performance had improved.

·        Street triage services were in operation in Crawley and had received positive feedback.

To consider any requests for future items. Those highlighted items have been referred to the Commission.

The Commission confirmed the following reports:

March

·        Three Bridges Improvement Scheme Final Design

·        Crawley Transport Strategy – provisional referral