Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest stated.

To consider the Minutes of a previous meeting.

Resolved:     That the minutes of the previous meeting held on 30^th March 2023 be agreed as accurate record.

This item includes an addendum.  (starting at page 39)

The Leader presented the Financial and Performance Review report including the Council’s Financial Position and Key Performance Indicators for 2022-23 which showed that 80% of indicators were on target.

The Leader also presented two supplementary papers that detailed the Council Capital budget and the Officers’ response to sickness absence.

Issues were raised and responses were provided as follows:

-       Cllr Stubbs expressed his concerns over negative trends figures, in particular sickness absences. – These were consistent with trends observed at national level.

-       Cllr Stubbs said that the Council shouldn’t satisfy itself with meeting national average and should instead focus on resolving problems affecting the organisation and staff. – The Chair asked that members willing to raise issues specify what sort of information they would need to assess whether any particular problem needs addressing so that responses can be provided at the next meeting.

-       Cllr Bettley-Smith noted that officers were looking at ways and means of improving statistics and wondered if there may be insight to be gained in looking into other authorities’ practices. – Local government conventions and community forums were a good place for that.

Members discussed further the case of sickness absences and a complementary report was requested from officers to allow for scrutiny at the next committee meeting, including breakdown of causes.

Resolved:     That the contents of the report and appendices be noted, and that the Council’s service and financial performance for this period continue to be monitored and challenged.

A report on sickness absences was requested for the September meeting.

Resolved:    That the work programme be received.

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.

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

There were no urgent business.

Monday 25 September 2023 (7:00pm)

Resolved:     That the next meeting be held on the 25^th September 2023.