Agenda and minutes

1.    Disclosable Pecuniary Interests

2.    Other Interests

There were no disclosures of interest.

There were no matters referred to the committee under the call in procedure.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2024 be approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the Select Committee Work Programme be noted.

The Committee considered the Council’s overall performance, procurement,  and financial position for the period ended 30^th September 2024 (“Second Quarter 2024/25”), as set out in Appendices A, B and C and summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the covering report.

Discussion ensued around The Springs project, including managing the impact of works and it was noted that any profits will be ringfenced into financing the project’s costs. Reference was also made to making space available for charitable usage.  Comments were made about other council assets, including Buxton Town Hall, which will be considered by the Asset Management Working Group.

Members were presented with detailed information around the Transforming Public Procurement Reforms, as set out in Appendix B of the report, and it was noted that implementation of the new regime has been deferred nationally until 24 February 2025.  The focus on local suppliers was welcomed, and the Leader advised that EMCCA has now agreed its procurement arrangements, and made reference to the Social Value Charter which may be of interest to members.

Around performance, it was requested that AES operatives receive training for dealing with damaged bins.  Reference was also made to a useful training session for members of DC Committee from DCC Highways.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Second Quarter 2024/25 financial, procurement and performance position detailed in Appendices A, B and C and summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the covering report be noted; and

2.    That the Executive be recommended to approve the write offs as set out in Appendix D (part II of the agenda).

The Committee considered the Council’s updated draft Medium Term Financial Plan (MFTP).  The MTFP presents the Council’s priorities in the context of the likely resource available, providing a financial context to future decision-making.  It is reflective of the current financial position of the Council part way through the 2024/25 year and contains a large number of assumptions that will be refined and quantified to inform a final version of the MTFP for approval in February 2025, and to this extent, the report and its contents should be considered indicative.

Members were presented with the detail of the General Fund and HRA headlines and aims, together with the key assumptions and principle MTFP risks as set out at section 8 of the report.  It was noted that the draft Plan contains numerous assumptions ahead of the Local Government Settlement to be announced in December and did not reflect any impacts from the Autumn budget.

RESOLVED:

That the updated draft Medium Term Financial Plan (Appendix A) be endorsed, and recommended to the Executive for approval prior to being refined in advance of full approval in February 2025.

The Committee considered the Annual Health and Safety Report which provided an update on the key health and safety activity which occurred across the two Councils during the period from April 2023 to March 2024.  The report also provides detail on training information, emerging risks and supporting statistical information within the appendices.

In response to comments, further updates were provided in respect of inspections undertaken on Gamesley and Norfolk Square.  Further comments were made regarding the personal safety of Councillors and the Corporate Health and Safety Manager provided advice and also advised that a personal safety training session is to be extended to all members.

The Corporate Health and Safety Manager was thanked for his on-going work for the Alliance and congratulated on his 35 year role within local government.

RESOLVED:

That the 2023/24 Annual Health and Safet report, be noted.

The Committee received a presentation around two of the themes in the Efficiency Programme, namely, Recruitment & Retention and Project Management. 

The Vision for the Alliance’s approach to Programme and Project Management was set out, together with the aims of the strategy, the current position, plan and future state.  Consideration was also given to the project management framework.  It was noted that there is a £15,000 saving required in 2024/25 as part of the efficiency strategy, which it is anticipated will be met. Measures implemented as part of recruitment and retention included a revised paygrade, employee benefits and investment in staff.  A workforce report will be considered at the meeting in February.

Members thanked the Head of OD and Transformation and team for their work, particularly around staff welfare.

RESOLVED:

That the presentation 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 maybe 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 9 September 2024 be approved as a correct record.

The Committee considered applications for the write off of non-recoverable debts.

The Committee considered the draft proposed Fees and Charges which form part of the draft Medium Term Financial Plan report considered during Part I of the agenda.

The Committee reviewed a recent IED concerning the Pavilion Gardens Heating System.