Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors Fear, Frankish and Wright

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting(s)

Resolved:                 That the minutes of the meeting held on 28 January 2016 be agreed as a correct record.

The Executive Director Resources and Support Services introduced this item. He stated that the outturn in respect of the General Fund Revenue Account showed a surplus of £1,648 compared to the budget of £13,830,450.

Whilst there had been adverse variances against some budget heads these had been offset by positive variances against others.

It was agreed that members of this Scrutiny Committee receive a copy of the 4 July 2016 Audit and Risk report containing further information in relation to the areas of variance.

With regard to the Capital Programme position he explained that the variance at the end of quarter four of £1,187,442 was mainly due to the requirement to include budget provision in 2015/16 for the ordering of the new Recycling Fleet vehicles required for the start of the new Waste Service.  Actual expenditure will not be incurred until the vehicles are delivered in 2016/17.

In response to a member question relating to the frozen investment in the Heritable Bank the Executive Director explained that the monies should be returned by way of the legal processes but that this would take some time.

Members went on to examine the data of a financial context within the Corporate Performance Scorecard Quarter 4 2015-2016.

With regard to the visitors target at the museum which would be reduced in line with guidance it was noted that this should not be reduced to a level lower than had been achieved.

Members expressed concern at the performance regarding Planning Applications. 

With regard to the incidents of anti-social behaviour it was noted that Staffordshire Police would be able to offer a more detailed explanation.

Members discussed the low number of patient referrals to organised sporting activities by way of the GP scheme.  It was agreed that Health and Wellbeing be asked to investigate this further and that Health and Wellbeing also be asked to involve Patient Referral Panels in discussions.

Resolved:     That the report be noted and the comments be referred to Cabinet members.

With regard to the Work Programme Councillor Loades requested that members scrutinised the process of managed risk.  It was suggested that as there are regular reports to the Audit and Risk Committee on risk, that a short presentation on how the risk process works be given to this committee

It was agreed that the method and the technology operated by the Borough to communicate with residents be examined. 

Looking at the provision within the current work programme it was requested that a portfolio holder be requested to attend on a quarterly basis to address and report on questions submitted in advance of the meeting.

The procurement process was suggested for inclusion in the programme, together with workforce development and the Newcastle Partnership Strategy.

With regard to membership of the Constitution Working Group and it was agreed that Councillor Holland would lead the group, together with Councillors Proctor and Spence, Councillor Winfield would attend on an ad hoc basis.

Resolved:     That the work programme be amended accordingly.

Any member of the public wishing to submit a question must serve two clear days’ notice, in writing, of any such question to the Borough Council.

There were no public questions.

There was no Urgent Business.