Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting(s)

Resolved:                 That the minutes of the meeting held on 14 June 2017  be agreed as a correct record.

The Executive Director (Resources and Support Services) submitted a report which provided members of the Committee with the opportunity to scrutinise the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS). 

A link to the previous year’s document was provided along with the covering report to Cabinet.

Members asked for an explanation and clarification of the assumptions in a number of areas within the MTFS Summary including:-

Employee incremental increases

Pay awards

Superannuation and National Insurance increases

Premises

Fees and charges

Other costs (including energy)

New pressures

The Executive Director responded and addressed each of the points raised. 

Discussions moved on to the use of credit cards by residents to pay council tax.  In this respect it was clarified that the Council currently charges 1.3% on credit card transactions which generates about £8,000 of income annually.  This amount will be lost post January when the new regulations come into force.

A member raised the slightly confusing representation of increased collection rates and how this resulted in a budgetary pressure. The Executive Director clarified the reasons and agreed that this item should receive a more detailed explanation in the final report to Cabinet.

The Executive Director responding to a question on savings following the move to all-out elections explained that this would be reported back as part of the overall savings plan

The Chair suggested that all the Chairs of Scrutiny be invited to attend future meetings of this Scrutiny Committee to observe the budgetary setting process and especially in respect of the services within their remit.  This was supported by the Committee. 

Agreed          That the Scrutiny Committee recommend to Cabinet approval of the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2018/19 to 2022/23.

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With regard to the report of the investigation by the Association of Election Administrators into the 8 June election process the Chair pointed out that this had not yet been received and clarified that the role of this scrutiny committee would be to examine any recommendations.

In respect of the November meeting it was agreed that, due to the need for staff to concentrate on the move to Castle House, a report on the time taken to answer calls to the Contact Centre would be considered at the January meeting.

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 members of the public present at the meeting.

There was no Urgent Business.

The next meeting will be held on 1 November 2107