Agenda and minutes

The Chair confirmed that the meeting was being broadcast live to the internet via the Council’s website and was capaable of repeated viewing. The images and sound recording may be used for training purposes within the Council.  All were asked to keep to the speaking guidelines which were outlined.  Any views expressed by any speakers in the meeting are the speaker’s own and do not necessarily reflect the view of High Peak Borough Council.

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    Other Interests

There were no disclosures of interest.

None

With reference to minute 24/56, it was confirmed that a site visit to public toilets had taken place and the Leader advised that an Individual Executive Decision would be issued shortly concerning initial works to toilets in Buxton, Chapel-en-le-Frith and New Mills.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2024 be approved as a correct record.

It was confirmed that the next meeting of the Asset Management Working Group is on 24 June.

In response to a request, the Chair of the Community Select Committee agreed that the DCC Consultation around the Proposed redesign of residential care and day opportunities for older people be considered at the next meeting of Community Select Committee.

RESOLVED:

That the Select Committee Work Programme, be noted.

This item had been deferred pending consideration by the Performance Framework Workshop on 20 June. Both the Annual Report and new performance framework would then be considered at the next meeting of Corporate Select Committee on 15 July.

The Committee considered the outcomes from the Corporate Peer Challenge which took place in February 2024.

The Leader highlighted comments from the Peer Review Team as set out in paragraph 3.5 of the report which found that the Alliance is impressive and continues to be effective, with sound financial management, good governance arrangements and attention to risk.  Both organisations deliver services that are high performing and low cost with a value for money focus.  The key recommendations were set out in paragraph 8.6 of the report, and an action plan will be presented to a future meeting.  The progress review is expected by the end of this year.  It was also noted that the outcome of the recent Housing Inspection report is expected to be available in July/August.

The Chief Executive provided an update on progress with the implementation of the Digital Strategy and Alliance: Our Future projects with further resources and investment being required to assist in the development of middleware and updated technology.

Work is also on-going around developing alternative performance management and benchmarking measures around climate change.

In response to a query around funding for the CPC, the Leader advised that as part of the Government’s improvement work, the reviews are funded by the Government and co-ordinated by the LGA.

RESOLVED:

That the findings from the Corporate Peer Challenge be noted.

The Head of Democratic Services provided the committee with an Efficiency Programme Update in respect of Income and Charges.  The presentation set out the background to the efficiency programme; the objectives around income and charges; the Council’s gross income, of which fees and charges contributed £7,341,790 in 2023/24; the charging structure which included details of charging policies and their objectives;  and next steps which includes continuing to work with service areas to ensure income charges are appropriate and to review the costs of providing chargeable services.

Discussion ensured around efficiencies within council companies, which can be generated through their ability to trade, as well as on-going savings through reduced pension liabilities.    Reference was made to potential commercial opportunities for AES in the light of the revised waste and recycling strategy.  It was commented that it would be helpful if Parish Councils were able to have more direct contact with AES to obtain quotations for the delivery of works.

Regarding public toilets, alternative provision may need to be examined, including the use of automated units which may incur a charge.  Consideration may also be given to a trial of charges to implement improvements or to deter vandalism which would be examined on a case by case basis.

It was commented that administrative charges incurred by voluntary groups in providing public events should be examined in view of the wider benefit to our towns.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

The Leader provided an update around the Cultural Fund.  In partnership with stakeholders across the borough, an investment plan has been drawn up and submitted to support initiatives at Victoria Hall, Buxton Opera House, Rock Mill Centre and Milestone Studio. The largest element is focused on Victoria Hall which will enable the ground floor to be fully utilised and to also bring the second floor back into use.  Some previously ringfenced funding has also been released to establish a small culture fund to assist other organisations to kick start projects.  Any impact on approval of the final investment plan due to the timing of the election  was discussed.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

The Chair provided an update around a project to examine how the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help to make an organisation more efficient and to ensure the authorities technical solutions and fit for the future. Reference was made to work done by unitary authorities and opportunities that there may be for borough councils.  Ways in which AI could be utilised were discussed, together with the potential benefits, negatives and risks both to the customer and the organisation.

RESOLVED:

That the update be noted.

None

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 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 exempt minutes of the meeting held on 15 April 2024 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered an update on progress with the implelmentation of the Council’s Empty Property Strategy.

The Committee were provided with a verbal update on The Springs project.