Meeting documents

It was proposed by Mr CF Robinson OBE, seconded by Mrs P Birchley, that Mr P Rogerson be elected Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year.

RESOLVED –

That Mr P Rogerson be elected Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year.

It was proposed by Mr P Rogerson, seconded by Mr D Polhill, that Mrs M Aston, be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year.

RESOLVED –

That Mrs M Aston be appointed Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year.

Apologies for absence were received from Mrs M Aston, Mr M Edmonds, Mr T Egleton and Julia Wassell.

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Purpose:       To remind members of the Terms of Reference of the new Committee

Context:        As a newly formed Committee, Members may wish to clarify their Terms Of Reference.

Papers:         Extract from the Regulatory and Audit Committee Report from the meeting held on 21st  September 2007

Prior to the main business of this, the first meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Performance and Resources, members had received a presentation from Jackie Yates, Head of Finance, on Medium Term Financial Planning (MTFP). The presentation gave members an overview of the MTFP and Budget setting cycle, principles and practices.

The Committee noted their terms of reference, which had been agreed by full Council at its meeting on 27 September. They also received a member development pack.

Purpose:       To discuss and agree the Scoping Paper prepared for the Committee’s review of the MTFP process

Context:        The Committee may wish to discuss if the 2006/2007 financial settlement has delivered the outcomes it has set out to achieve.  From its investigations, the Committee may also decide what lessons can be learned and what recommendations can be suggested for 2007/2008 and 2008/2009.  Following this the Committee may wish to make proposals for the 2008/2009 budget allocation.

Papers:         Draft Scoping Paper

Council Aims and Objectives

Medium Term Resource Plan

MTFP Timetable 2008/2009 – 2010/2011

Quarter 1 Performance Report

Quarter 1 Monitoring Report

The Committee received, and agreed, the scoping paper prepared for the Committee’s review of the MTFP process.

Members felt that it was important for all County Councillors to be involved in the budget process, not simply the Cabinet. The Committee would need to  look backwards within the MTFP to establish whether the "money was in the right place". It was emphasised that the MTFP needed to deliver priorities not just savings.

Jackie Yates confirmed the timetable for the annual settlement. A provisional announcement would be made in November. The final figures would not be given until January. The Committee would, therefore, need to intensify its scrutiny work in the latter part of January and early February with its sessions with Cabinet Members and appropriate officers.

The issue of monitoring was very important and there was a need for clear focus and direction. The "look backwards" would be at the Committee’s next meeting in November.

Purpose:       To discuss and agree a work programme for the Committee

Contributor:All Members of the Performance and Resources Committee

Context:        As a newly formed Committee it is important that Members establish which topic areas they will focus on in the coming months.

Papers:         Proposed Work Programme

Additional documents will be included in the member development pack

The Committee discussed, and agreed, its work programme, as submitted. Members emphasised the need for monthly budgeting and performance reports. The Committee recognised the need to be able to ask meaningful questions of Cabinet Members, Strategic Directors and Heads of Service and to challenge where necessary. For the next meeting of the Committee, it was agreed to ask the Cabinet Member for Resources and the Head of Finance to attend.  

Purpose:       Members to note all meeting dates of the Committee

The Committee noted the dates suggested for its meetings for the latter part of 2007 and for 2008.