Agenda and minutes

The Chair introduced John Betts, who had appointed as Interim Executive Director for Finance to replace Claire Hazledene who was to leave the authority shortly to take up a new role.  The Chair thanked Claire for all her work and wished her well for the future.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 29 March 2021 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered a report which proposed a policy methodology to enable the Council to purchase additional housing stock to the Housing Revenue Account (HRA). This includes properties previously sold under the Right to Buy, former Council properties advertised on the open market and bespoke purchase of properties for families with complex needs.

Clarification was sought around the meaning of ‘maximum net expenditure of £300,000”, and it was suggested that this be made clearer within the report.  Other ways of spending right to buy receipts should also be investigated.

That the Executive be recommended:

1.    To approve the policy methodology;

2.    To delegate approval of purchasing suitable properties to the Executive Director (Finance & Customer Services) in liaison with the Executive Councillor for Housing & Licensing and Executive Councillor for Corporate Services & Finance, with a maximum net expenditure of £300,000;

3.    To approve that prior to formal appointment of the Executive Director (Finance & Customer Services), delegation will be to the Executive Director & Monitoring Officer and Interim Executive Director & S151 Officer.

The Committee considered a report which provided the Committee with detail of the Business Grants process and mitigation measures in regard to the potential risk of fraud or mis-payment.  Specific reference was made to paragraph 8.14 of the report which summarised the number and value of grants paid out under each scheme and demonstrated the magnitude of the process undertaken.

It was noted that Government required Local Authorities to make weekly returns outlining the total grants paid, separated for each category of grant, and a reconciliation process would need to be undertaken.

Members congratulated officers for their fantastic work in administering the grants scheme.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

The Committee considered a report which set out the requirements of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountancy (CIPFA) Financial Management Code, which identifies risks to financial sustainability and introduces a framework of assurance.  

It was commented that both Audit & Regulatory and Corporate Select Select Committees need to be mindful of those issues given an amber RAG rating, and that further information aimed at councillors would be welcomed.

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted.

It was suggested that a meeting of Select Committee Chairs be convened once the Chairs had been re-appointed.  Consideration was also given to the Assets Management Plan, Customer Services Strategy and further updates around the Future High Street Fund, including clarity around the decision making process and timescales were requested.

RESOLVED:

That, subject to the above, the Select Committee 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 items of business as there may 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 29 March 2021 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered an update on the Glossop Town Hall Complex project and made recommendations to the Executive.

The Committee considered an update on the Future High Street Fund project.