Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2020 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered the council’s overall performance and financial position for the period ended 31^st March (“Fourth Quarter”).

The effect of Covid 19 on the surplus reported was queried, to which the Executive Councillor advised that £200,000 was being moved from reserves to mitigate the potential costs and a recovery plan was being developed.

A written response would be circulated in respect of a query regarding whether the works to Whaley Bridge War Memorial would be completed in time for November.

It was commented that there was a need to monitor the S106 processes to ensure value for money and that no monies were being lost.  

Regarding the underspend on disabled adaptations, it was queried whether the funding could be used to mend and maintain equipment that has already been installed.

The view was expressed that some of the information around AES in the report was overcomplicated which would be reviewed going forward.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the Fourth Quarter 2019/20 financial, procurement and performance position detailed in Appendices A, B and C and summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the covering report, be noted;

2,         That the Executive be recommended to approve the allocation in the surplus on the General Fund Revenue Account to reserves as explained in Appendix A (paragraph 2.10)

3.         That the Executive be recommended to approve the proposal to carry forward unspent revenue budget as described in Appendix A (paragraph 2.13)

4.         That the Executive be recommended to approve the proposals to carry forward unspent capital budget as set out in Appendix A (paragraph 6.5 and 7.4)

The Committee considered a report which identified the impact of COVID-19 on service delivery and set out the plans that are being put in place for recovery. 

Members conveyed their thanks to staff for their contribution during this period.

The view was expressed that there was a need for members to be able to take an holistic response to meeting the challenges arising from COVID-19, and it was suggested that a joint working group be established to enable committees to work together on this issue.  The Leader commented that this would be considered in due course.  Preparations in anticipation of a second wave were also queried.

The possibility of road closures in town centres to help traders was raised, and members were advised that discussions were on-going.

Issues around the public toilets in Hope Valley were raised, to which the Leader advised that discussions were on-going with DCC to ensure that the facilities were safe to use and clean.  It was noted that the provision to toilets was an optional service and although important, costs still need to be considered.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the details of the Council’s recovery of the COVID-19 pandemic as outlined in the report be noted; and

2.         That the proposed recovery plans outlined in the report be noted.

The Committee considered a report which presented the proposed financial planning process in order the review the longer term impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on the financial position of the authority.

In response to concerns expressed regarding the use of reserves, members were assured that the position would be monitored and that regular meetings were being held with other Derbyshire authorities.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the committee with to express their thanks to all staff involved in the response to COVID-19;

2.         That the proposed process be noted.

The Select Committee Work Programmes were to be developed following any comments from members.

It was requested that a further report around financial planning be submitted to Corporate Select.

It was requested that the calendar of meetings be circulated as soon as possible.

RESOLVED:

That the updated 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 the consideration of the following item of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as set out in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

RESOLVED:

That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2020 be approved as a correct record.