Agenda and minutes

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    Other Interests

None

None

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2023 be approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the Select Committee Work Programmes be noted.

The Committee considered a report which provided information on the Council’s overall performance and financial position for the period ended 30 June (“First Quarter 2023/24”).

The Executive Councillor introduced the report and referred to the summary position as set out at paragraph 3.3 of the report, specifically, performance against budget, the HRA and capital programme, treasury management, as well as the budgetary positions of AES, Norse and the planning service.  With reference to planning, members were advised that the planning fees are being reviewed and there may be grants available from central government to help with the costs of running planning teams.

In response to a query regarding The Springs, members were advised that the financial key performance indicators (KPIs) that were agreed by the Committee previously will be reported on a quarterly basis, and the regeneration aspects and outputs of the project will be reported to the Economy & Growth Select Committee.  The Leader advised that once the High Peak Plan is approved by Full Council, the KPIs will be reviewed.

Regarding the reduction in revenue from recycling, members were advised that the key factor to the variance is the unit rate received for recycling but that there are also lower volumes being collected and AES is doing further work in this area.

Reference was made to the efficiency programme, and members were informed of the 5 themes of the efficiency programme and the work being undertaken in each area to ensure that the efficiencies will be achieved.   It was also commented that bidding opportunities need to be evaluated to ensure potential outcomes represents the best use of resources.

Regarding staff retention, members were advised of measures that had been implemented such as the agile working policy, flexible retirement etc, and it was noted that recruitment and retention has improved.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the First Quarter 2023/24 financial, procurement and performance position as detailed in Appendices A, B and C and summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the report be recommended to the Executive for approval;

2.      That the Executive be recommended to approve the 2022/2023 CFO Review of reserves as set out in item 12 of Appendix A;

3.    That the Executive be recommended to approve the write-offs set out in Appendix D in part 2 of the agenda; and

4.    That the approach to be taken for the governance and oversight of the efficiency programme be noted.

The Committee considered a report which detailed the draft HPBC Asset Management Framework and considered the establishment of an Asset Management Working Group to monitor progress and make recommendations on the implementation of the framework linked to the corporate priorities and aims of the council. 

It was noted that, as set out in paragraph 3.2 of the report, that this framework was concerned with the General Fund property and a strategy for the HRA properties will be considered alongside the development of the HRA business plan.

It was noted that members were due to have a tour of the borough which would help members to identify the location of particular sites.  It was also suggested that membership of the working group be drawn from across the area.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Executive be recommended to approve the draft Asset Management Framework;

2.    That an Asset Management Working Group be established as set out in Section 11 of the report.

This item was deferred until the meeting in November.

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 item 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 17 July 2023 be approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the Executive be recommended to approve the write-offs as set out in the report.