Venue: Virtual Meeting. View directions
Contact: Rachel Rourke Telephone: 01298 28400 ex. 2139 Email: rachel.rourke@highpeak.gov.uk
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Chair's Announcement 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.
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To receive Disclosures of Interest on any matters before the Committee 1. Disclosable Pecuniary Interests 2. Other Interests Minutes: There were no discloures of interest. |
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Any matters referred to the Committee under the call-in procedure Minutes: None |
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To approve the minutes of the previous meeting Minutes: There will be a joint meeting of Corporate Select and Economy & Growth Select Committee on 12 November, followed by a Special Meeting of The Executive on 19 November to consider the Revitalising Buxton project.
RESOVLED:
That the minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2024 be approved as a correct record. |
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Select Committee Work Programme Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the Select Committee Work Programme be noted. |
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First Quarter Finance, Procurement and Performance Report Additional documents:
Minutes: The Committee considered a report that set out the Council’s overall performance and financial position for the period ended 30th June (“First Quarter 2024/25"). Detailed analysis is provided within the appendices to the report.
The Executive Councillor presented the report and made specific reference to the position as summarised at paragraph 3.3 of the report, as well as providing further detail around the projected outturn for the General Fund Revenue Account, service areas with projected under and over spends, and collaborative arrangements including with AES and Alliance Norse and The Springs. Regarding the Council’s Treasury Management arrangements, it was noted that a shortfall of £150,000 is forecast on investment income due to a smaller than average portfolio size, partly due to continued internal borrowing as well as other cash flow fluctuations.
Reference was made to the Council’s ambition to use local suppliers which is at about 30% currently, and Members were advised that, although all contracts are advertised locally, local suppliers are not always able to offer the required services. There are significant changes within the procurement processes coming into force and it was suggested that a presentation outlining the new processes be made to a future meeting.
Regarding The Springs, ways in which to minimise voids are being investigated and budget is available to facilitate the take up of leases.
Clarification was sought around what is included in the spend off contract with AES as set out in Appendix A, which will be circulated.
Around performance, reference was made to the need to increase attendance at council leisure centres. In response to comments around the housing service, members were advised of the result of the recent housing inspection where the Council gained a grade of C2 which was recognised as a fantastic outcome, and that the stock condition survey is on-going and will provide detailed information around the housing stock. Detailed information is provided to the Housing Board.
RESOLVED:
1. That the First 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;
2. An item around procurement be added to the work programme; and
3. Information around the spend off contract with AES be circulated.
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Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan A link to the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan can be found here
Minutes: The Committee considered the Joint Action Plan developed following the Corporate Peer Challenge (CPC). The 8 recommendations arising from the CPC were set out together with details of action already planned prior to the CPC, progress as at June 2024, ongoing actions and timescales for completion. It is expected that the CPC will be followed up in November.
Members commented that it would be useful if the recommendations and actions could be ranked in order of priority, which will be discussed during the CPC in November.
RESOLVED:
That the Joint Action Plan be noted. |
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Efficiency Programme Update - Council Controlled Companies (presentation) Minutes: The Head of Leisure and Environmental Services made a presentation to the Committee which provided an update around the Efficiency Programme in respect of Council Controlled Companies, particularly, Alliance Environmental Services (AES). A further update around Alliance Norse will be considered at a future date.
The presentation provided information around the background to the efficiency programme and the approach with AES, which is to develop an agreed and collaborative programme of efficiencies without compromising service standards to residents. The AES Efficiency Programme for 2024/25 is to achieve a total of £28,000 in savings, gained through a revised programme of pavement sweepers procurements and the introduction of an organic waste collection in High Peak, and an update on progress towards this target was provided.
Reference was made to the new waste collection legislation due to be implemented by April 2026, and work is on-going around developing options for rounds, vehicles and bins which will be considered in more detail at the Joint Waste Working Group.
RESOLVED:
1. That the presentation be noted; and 2. That information about the organic waste collection service be circulated. |
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Artificial Intelligence Update (Verbal) Minutes: The Executive Director (Resources) provided an update on the opportunities for the Council to use Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the provision of services. To date, AI has benefitted local authorities with a high volume of transactions, and although initial discussions have been held with systems providers, the transactional volume at HPBC does not warrant investment at this time. Opportunities will continue to be monitored.
RESOLVED:
That the update be noted. |
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Any questions referred to the Executive Member (Member Services to be advised of any questions at least 4 days prior to the meeting) Minutes: None |
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Exclusion of Press and Public 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 Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during consideration of the following item of business as there may be disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972. |
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Exempt minutes of the previous meeting Minutes: RESOLVED:
That the exempt minutes of the meeting held on 15 July 2024 be approved as a correct record. |
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Applications for Write Off of Non-Recoverable Debts Minutes: The Committee considered applications for the write off of non-recoverable debts.
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Strategic Asset & Estates Management Resourcing Minutes: The Committee considered a recent IED concerning Strategic Asset and Estates Management Resourcing as well as an update on the Glossop Market Hall project. |