Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies

There were no declarations of interest

Resolved:     That the minutes of the meeting held on 26 September 2018 be agreed as a correct record.

The Interim Director of Resources and Support Services submitted, for comment by this Committee prior to consideration by Cabinet, the Treasury Management Strategy for 2019/20.  The report included the Minimum Revenue Provision Strategy.

Whilst there was no significant divergence from the format presented in previous years and members were assured that a prudent approach had been taken, it was noted that it may be necessary to undertake short term borrowing of less than 12 months.

In response to scrutiny questions concerning the value of land at Ryecroft  the Interim Director confirmed that, after taking into account the demolition costs associated with the former civic offices there would be a cost neutral position.  

Agreed:         That the report be noted.

Report to follow

The Interim Director of Resources and Support Services submitted, for comment by this Committee prior to consideration by Cabinet, proposals to balance the 2019/20 revenue budget, taking into account the revised budget gap of £2.159m.

The intention to reflect income from the raising of summons relating to council tax debtors within the current year’s budget was confirmed. It was also confirmed that requests for flexible retirement were considered on a case by case basis and the target was expected to be achieved.

Estimated savings due to Good Housekeeping were considered to be a risk due to less scope as the budget diminished.  The anticipated household take up rate of the new green waste collection service was on target to ensure financial viability.

The Chair questioned the funding provision for a new leisure centre in Kidsgrove.

In relation to the use of capital receipts the Interim Director explained how flexibility could be used to generate future savings or income for example by providing pump priming and opportunities for feasibility studies.

Agreed: That the report be noted.

Report to follow

The Interim Director of Resources and Support Services submitted a report on the proposed scale of fees and charges from 1 April 2019, for comment by this Committee prior to consideration by Cabinet.

No comments were raised on the proposed changes to the costs.

Agreed:         That the report be noted

Agreed:         (i)         That an additional meeting of this Scrutiny Committee be held on 24 January to give members the opportunity to scrutinise updated financial reports prior to consideration by Cabinet and Full Council.

                        (ii)        That a joint meeting of this Committee and Health, Wellbeing and Partnerships be held to scrutinise the agreement relating to the Guildhall.

                        (iii)       That the Chair be authorised to agree up to 3 performance targets (previously circulated to members of the Committee) for scrutiny by this Committee.

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 questions from members of the public.

An additional meeting will be held on 24 January. 

To consider any business which is urgent within the meaning of Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972

There were no items of urgent business.

To resolve that the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following report because it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 in Part 1 of Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Resolved:     That members of the public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following report as it is likely that there will be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 in Part 1 of Schedule 12 A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Report to follow

Agreed:         That the scale of fees and charges in relation to trade refuse be noted.