Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2018 be approved as a correct record.

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    Other Interests

Councillor G Wharmby declared an ‘other’ interest in agenda item 6 “Derbyshire Business Rates Pooling Arrangements – 100% Pilot Update” (reason:  member of DCC)

The Committee considered the Council’s overall performance and financial position for the period ended 30 June 2018 (“first quarter 2018/19”). The position was summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the report.

Comments were made around income at Glossop market and an increase in disabled facilities grant.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the First Quarter 2018/19 financial, procurement and performance position as detailed in appendices A, B and C and summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the covering report be noted;

2.    That the Executive be requested to approve the revision to the authorisation thresholds as part of the Council’s Procurement Procedure Rules, which reflects the amendment to the threshold for EU Supplies and Services (increased from £164,176 t £181,302)

The Committee considered an update on the Derbyshire Business Rates pooling arrangements as a result of being designated as a 100% pilot pool by Government.

It was noted that the pool would be making an application to be a 75% pilot for future years, which was supported by the committee.

RESOLVED:

That the proposed arrangements for the operation of the Derbyshire Business Rate Pool 100% pilot status be noted.

The Committee considered an overview of the impact of the closure of the Buxton Magistrates’ Court and County Court in June 2016.  It was noted that the courts service had been requested to provide statistics confirming which court High Peak residents were being allocated, which had not been forthcoming.

Concerns were expressed regarding the impact of greater travelling distances for residents, and an increase in witnesses not attending court to give evidence due to lengthy journeys.  Reference was also made to a lack of magistrates, and the differing approach of magistrates.  There was also an increase in the amount of staff and travel time taken to deal with court attendances.

The view was expressed that for High Peak residents, it would be preferable for cases to be dealt with in Stockport, which had better transport links to the area.  It was agreed that the courts service be invited to attend the next meeting of the committee to provide an overview of the impact of the closure on High Peak residents and the council, and to discuss potential future options.

RESOLVED:

That the Courts Service be invited to attend the next meeting of the Committee to discuss the issues as set out above.

RESOLVED:

That the Select Committees’ Work Programmes, be noted.

To resolve that the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following items of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

RESOLVED:

That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 1, 3, 4 and 5 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972

RESOLVED:

That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 11 June 2018 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered the outcomes from a review of the Council’ strategic land holdings, and agreed a strategy for taking forward a programme of disposals.