Meeting documents

To approve the minutes of the Resources Overview Committee held on 5 March 2019 and 15 May 2019.

The minutes of the Resources Overview Committee held on 5 March 2019 and 15 May 2019 were approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record. 

There were no declarations of interest.

It was noted that the Chiltern Lifestyle Centre Scrutiny Sub-Committee were meeting on 31 July 2019 and 7 August 2019 to discuss the Public Open Space consultation, the Business Plan and appointment of the Leisure Operator.

RESOLVED

To note the 28 Day Notices.

It was reported that most of the Performance Indicators (PIs) were on target or only slightly off target.  There were 4 of the 47 PIs off target and these were discussed in more detail.  With regard to CdHS4, the number of private sector dwellings vacant for more than 6 months, the members asked for more information about work done to bring empty properties back in to occupation, and any relationship with work done by the council tax service on the district’s tax base.  It was agreed that more detail would be provided in future reports to Services and Resources Overview Committees.

The number of missed assisted collections was also discussed and it was advised that there seemed to be a high number of reports of missed collections.  It was also noted that the new tender for the waste contractor was progressing.

Members noted that the PI’s off target were mainly due to a shortage of available staff and discussed the effect of the forthcoming Unitary Council on recruiting and retaining staff.  There was also some concern that the Unitary process was particularly taking up senior officer time and impact on those staff in having to work on the new Council set up and maintain current services.

There was a requirement to present an annual report on the Capital and Repairs & Renewals budget each year.  In appendix A it could be seen that some projects were being carried forward, including work to reduce fire risks at King George V House.  It was asked why this hadn’t been completed within the present year but it was advised that these were a two year programme and were well on track to complete in the current year.

With regard to Mill Bridge it was noted that there wasn’t a need to carry out extensive work as originally assumed.  The parking changes at King George V House had not proceeded as Members hadn’t considered the project to be value for money.

There was a general request for future reports to be accompanied by a more extended written narrative to explain the issues and give context to projects.  The delays to the maintenance programme had not been due to the unitary work as the work was being undertaken by the facilities contractor.

It was noted that the budget had not been spent on public conveniences and there was a request for the work to be done before the unitary council.

A report was required under the code of practise.  Members were asked to note that there had been no additional new borrowing.  The average rate of return was 1.9% which was better than expected when the budget was set the year before.

It was advised that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government had produced a statutory guidance document on overview and scrutiny that would be taken into account when designing the overview and scrutiny arrangements for the new unitary District Council.