Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 October 2016 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered a report which set out the council’s overall performance and financial position for the period ended 30 September 2016 (“second quarter 2016/17”). 

In respect of finance, the general fund budget was forecast to be £215,100 overspent which related to slippage in the efficiency programme which could be partially funded by using the earmarked reserves established one off / short term costs.  The HRA was forecast to be in surplus by £349.260 and the general fund capital programme was forecast to be £203,650 overspent and the HRA Capital Programme was forecast to be on track.

Regarding performance 25% of key indicators were off track and 5 of the priority action have been completed.  It was queried whether the 5% contamination rate amongst dry recyclables was accurate.

Concern was expressed regarding confidence in the savings programme, to which Members were advised that reserves were being used this year to catch up with the programme and that the medium term financial plan demonstrates how the savings target will be met from activities undertaken now and in the future.

Reference was also made to the trading activities at Pavilion Gardens, to which members were advised that services had been reviewed and a number of short term measures put in place but that in terms of the projected outturn for 2016/17, the Pavilion Gardens were ahead of budget. 

It was requested that given the recent heavy rain, that particular attention be paid to the gully emptying schedule and that the budget be adjusted if necessary to ensure all necessary works were undertaken.  It was queried whether information around which gullies had been emptied, but then referred to DCC for further work was available.

RESOLVED:

That the second quarter 2016/17 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.

The Committee considered the Council’s updated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP) which presented the Council’s priorities in the context of the likely resources available and provided a financial context to future decision making.

The MTFP identified an increased deficit for the general fund which was primarily as a result of inflation, pension and revised New Homes Bonus assumptions.  A series of actions to address this issue prior to consideration of the budget in February 2017 was set out in paragraph 3.14 of the report and included a complete review of the Council’s transformation programme, further development of the HRA Business plan and an assessment of the impact of the Autumn Statement.

Reference was made to the review of the council’s leisure assets in view of the expiry of the existing leisure management contract, and it was requested that steps be taken to find a solution around the empty shops held by the Council.

RESOLVED:

That the updated Medium Term Financial Plan be endorsed and recommended to the Executive for approval.

The Committee received an update on the Government’s implementation of Universal Credit insofar as it affects residents of High Peak Borough Council.

In addition to the report, it was reported that the Government had advised that Buxton Job Centre would be going digital from May 2018 as part of the rollout of the digital service.

In response to a query regarding staffing resources, members were advised that as part of the service review process, the current workforce was to be maintained with the posts being made more generic.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted, together with the approach taken to Universal Credit to date.

The Head of Regulatory Services made a presentation to the committee, which provided an overview of the Housing and Planning Act which provided key reforms around affordable housing, starter homes, plan making intervention, brownfield register, permission in principle, alternative providers and performance.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation be noted.

RESOLVED:

That the report 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 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 17 October 2016 be approved as a correct record.