If any

The Chairman announced that Item 10 relating to the Business Transformation Strategy would be considered as the first agenda item, followed by Item 11.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 23 November 2009.

(to follow)

It was noted that the minutes from the meeting held on 23 November 2009 were to date not available and would therefore be considered at the next meeting of this Committee, to be held on 25 January 2010.

To receive petitions in accordnace with the scheme of public participation set out in Annex 2 in Part 4 of the Constitution.

The Chairman announced that no petitions had been referred to this meeting.

To receive any questions, statements or deputations from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 1 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

The Chairman announced that no questions, statements or deputations has been received.

To consider any matter referred to the Committee for a decision in relation to the call-in of a decision.

The Chairman announced that no call-ins had been referred to this Committee.

There were no disclosures of exempt information.

To review the draft strategy following initial work undertaken by the Task Force and prior to Executive consideration on 12 January.

(to follow)

The Committee received and considered a report of the Director of Business Transformation that was circulated subsequent to the despatch of the Agenda.

The report provided a detailed update on the current progress of the Total Place Pilot as a forerunner to and an illustration of the principles which would be embedded within the Business Transformation Strategy.

The Committee noted a detailed presentation outlining Total Place, a copy of which is attached to these minutes.

Following on from the presentation, the Committee noted that the final report was due to be submitted to the Leadership Centre for Local Government by at the latest 5 February 2010.

Significant concern was expressed by many Members of the Committee that the Total Place strategy was a positive global model but unfortunately did not focus upon Central Bedfordshire Council.  Therefore, Members were concerned at how the model would transform and move Central Bedfordshire forward in terms of its business strategy.  In response the Director of Business Transformation advised the Committee that it was essential for Central Bedfordshire to encompass a global model and work alongside external organisations and across agencies in order to move forward and that Central Bedfordshire could not embark on such a project in isolation.  Following a question from a Member of the Committee, the Director of Business Transformation advised that £250,000 had been issued in order to set up the pilot from the CLG, Treasury and National Insight Research Project.  Work was within the target budget to date.

The Committee agreed that the Draft Business Transformation and Improvement Strategy report be circulated to the Business Transformation Task Force during early January 2010 and then considered by this Committee at its meeting scheduled to be held on 25 January 2010.

RESOLVED

The report presents an overview of the results from recent surveys conducted with both customers and staff of Central Bedfordshire Council.

Members considered the report of the Director of Business Transformation, which set out an overview of the results from the surveys conducted with both customers and staff of Central Bedfordshire Council.

A copy of the presentation is attached to these minutes.

Mrs K Aspinall, Consultation Manager was in attendance, who had assisted and conducted the survey on behalf of the Council and would now assist the Committee with any concerns they may have.

The Committee noted that 3,500 residents had randomly been issued with the survey, 1,353 of which had responded and that all of Central Bedfordshire Council had been issued with the staff survey.

It was now felt that the results of both surveys provided the basis on which strategies can now be built upon.  It was anticipated that similar surveys would be conducted in two years, which would enable strengths and weaknesses to be built upon in that time.

The Committee noted that a detailed Communications strategy would now be written, which would be shaped by both the resident and staff surveys.  The strategy would accordingly be considered by this Committee at the appropriate time.  In the meantime the Committee agreed that the results of both surveys should be communicated throughout the Authority, in order to shape and develop many emerging policies, strategies and plans of the Council.

RESOLVED

The report proposes the draft budget Medium Term Financial Plan for 2010/11 to 2014/15 for consideration by the Committee.

The Committee received and considered a report of the Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources, which set out the proposed Draft Budget Medium Term Financial Plan for 2010/11 to 2014/15.  The report further set out an update on the current economic position and the specific impacts on local government funding at the current time.

The Committee discussed in detail issues as detailed in the report, including: Council priorities, current economic outlook, prospects for Local Government, financial impact from the legacy authorities, budget objectives, emerging positions and growth priorities and the updated medium term financial plan.

During consideration of the growth proposals relating to the Business Transformation Portfolio, the Committee asked that the Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing, explore the viability and undertake a cost benefit analysis of the costs incurred on recruitment advertising and whether savings could be made if such advertising was undertaken in, for example, News Central.

RESOLVED

That the proposed draft budget proposals for 2010/11 be noted.

The report provides Members with details of the currently drafted work programme.

The Committee considered the Business Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2009/10.

It was noted that reports relating to the ‘Climate Change Strategy’ and ‘Comprehensive Area Assessment’ (CAA) outcomes would not be considered at the January meeting of this Committee as set out in the work programme.

In addition, it was noted that the report on the draft Business Transformation and Improvement Strategy Transformation Implementation Strategy would be considered at the January meeting.

RESOLVED

That the work programme for the Business Transformation Overview and Scrutiny Committee be approved.