To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 29 November 2016 and to note actions taken since that meeting.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Corporate Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 29 November 2016 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

None.

The Chairman announced a Member workshop would take place following the Committee meeting to discuss the future shape of Scrutiny.

None.

None.

None.

None.

To receive a brief verbal update from the Executive Member for Corporate Resources.

The Executive Member for Corporate Resources advised the Committee of activities that were not included on the agenda, these included:-

·         The reduction in Revenue and Benefits processing time to 16.8 days.

·         An increase in the number of claimants using E forms for housing benefit and council tax matters.

·         Proposals by Human Resources to introduce an updated SAP system and new recruitment model in May this year. 

·         That plans to maximise the Apprenticeship levy of 5%, £400,000 in 17/18 and budgeted for in MTFP last year were in hand.

·         Key Procurement projects included the new housing service build programme, Swift software replacement and care home reprovision.

In response to the update, a Member queried whether the Council would achieve the maximum number of apprenticeships under the scheme?  In response the Director of Resources advised that as well as young apprentices, the Council would look to upskill current staff, however, plans were at an early stage.

To consider the relevant aspects of the draft Budget and updated Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP).    Members are requested to review the report and provide their comments, observations and recommendations in respect of the Executive’s proposals with particular reference to those aspects within the remit of the Committee, to the meeting of the Executive.

To reduce printing papers copies of the Executive report on the draft Budget and updated MTFP the reports are available online at the following address:-

http://centralbeds.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=5232&Ver=4

Hard copies of these papers will only be provided on request in advance of the meeting.

Executive papers can also be accessed by using the mod.gov. app on devices.

The Chairman drew Members’ attention to appendices F and G which detailed the primary statutory provisions relevant to the services provided by each directorate and the Chief Finance Officer’s assessment of Council Reserves. Members were reminded of the importance of their understanding of each of these elements so that when making recommendations they were doing so on a fully informed basis.

In light of the report Members discussed the following in summary:-

·         That a cautious approach be taken to future budget provisions in view of the NNDR localisation proposals.

·         That concerns on pressures to pension contributions be noted.

·         The efficiencies proposed through transformation programmes ensure improved services for our residents.

·         That current reserves held were adequate but not excessive.

·         That Members supported the 3%, 3%, 0% social care precept proposal over the next three years.

·         The majority of Members supported the revised proposal of a 1.5% increase in Council Tax.

Recommended

1.      That the Committee recognise the financial challenges and proposed efficiencies presented in the Draft Budget and Medium Term Financial Plan.

2.      The Committee agreed that the Executive consider increasing the general element of Council Tax by 1.5%. 

3.       That the Executive consider increasing Council Tax by 3% for the Adult Social Care precept for two years with a 0% increase in the third year.

To consider the relevant aspects of the draft Capital Programme pertaining to remit of all OSC Committees.  Information relating to those aspects of the budget outside of the Committee’s remit will be considered by the other relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committees.  Members are requested to review the report and provide their comments, observations and recommendations in respect of the Executive’s proposals with particular reference to those aspects within the remit of the Committee, to the meeting of the Executive.

To reduce printing papers copies of the Executive report on the draft Budget and updated MTFP the reports are available online at the following address:-

http://centralbeds.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=5232&Ver=4.

Hard copies of these papers will only be provided on request in advance of the meeting.

Executive papers can also be accessed by using the mod.gov app on devices.

The Executive Member Corporate Services introduced a report outlining proposals to the 4 year Capital Programme and the timeline for public consultation. Members were advised that their recommendations would form part of the final report, which was due to be considered by the Executive on 7 February 2017.

Recommended the Executive receive and approve in full the draft Capital Programme 2017/18 – 2020/21.

To consider the relevant aspects of the draft Budget for the Housing Revenue Account (Landlord Business Plan).  Members are requested to review the report and provide their comments, observations and recommendations in respect of the Executive’s proposals with particular reference to those aspects within the remit of the Committee, to the meeting of the Executive.

To reduce printing papers copies of the Executive report on the draft Budget and updated MTFP the reports are available online at the following address:-

http://centralbeds.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=577&MId=5232&Ver=4  

Hard copies of these papers will only be provided on request in advance of the meeting.

Executive papers can also be accessed by using the mod.gov app on devices.

The Executive Member Corporate Resources delivered a report that outlined the Draft Budget for the Housing Revenue Account (HRA), that included the Landlord Business Plan summary and Investment Plan 2017-2023.  Of particular note was the decrease by 1% of rents and the consequential reduction in the budget. 

A summary of the efficiencies and pressures were highlighted and Members raised their concerns regarding the extension of the Right to Buy scheme to Housing Association stock and the need to mitigate the diminishing housing stock in Central Bedfordshire.  The Committee would seek to establish an effective route to maximising its own assets through the various asset strategy reports to be considered. The Committee also noted the self financing debt repayment proposal also outlined in the Business Plan.

The Committee were satisfied that the HRA budget was achievable and endorsed the proposals in the report.

Recommended the Executive receive and approve in full the draft Budget for the Housing Revenue Account (Landlord Services) 2017/18 – 2020/21 and Business Plan as set out.

To consider the outcomes of the scrutiny enquiry into Council Responsiveness in order to make recommendations to the Executive.

The Head of Governance delivered a report on the Outcomes of the Responsive Council Enquiry and highlighted the key findings and recommendations. Proposals included investment in a mechanism to enable information to monitor and track customer complaints in addition to the complaints, compliments and comments currently provided. 

Residents had raised the need for enhanced engagement and this had tied up with the work of the Deputy Executive Member for Communities to develop additional joint committees.

Recommended

1.    The Committee endorsed the report and the recommendations to Executive.

2.    A report on proposed additional joint committees be submitted to a future meeting of the Committee.

To receive the Social Care Health and Housing relevant fees and charges information, noting the Executive proposals and influencing where appropriate changes to Fees and Charges prior to Council.

The Executive Member for Corporate Resource introduced a report that outlined the proposed Fees and Charges 2017/18 for the Social Care Health and Housing (SCHH) Directorate.  Members supported the proposals, subject to further consideration of the planned fees for guest room hire and venue hire for residents at Priory View raised by a public speaker at the SCHH OSC meeting.

Recommended the Executive receive and approve the Social Care Health and Housing Fees and Charges for 2017/18 subject to further consideration by the Executive Member on the charges for guest room and room hire at Priory View.

Cllrs Barker and Chapman left the meeting

To receive the relevant quarterly budget monitoring information.  To reduce printing paper copies of the Executive report on the quarterly budget monitoring information, the reports are available online at the following address:- http://centralbeds.moderngov.co.uk/mgChooseDocPack.as

px?ID=5159

Hard copies of these papers will only be provided on request in advance of the meeting.

The Director of Resources updated Members on the current financial position along with areas of underspend, overspend and outstanding debt for Quarter 2.

NOTED the update.

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The Executive Member for Corporate Resources introduced the annual Treasury Management Strategy and Treasury Policy.  There had no changes to the policy statement framework, however, changes were proposed to the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP).  Pre 2011 debt would be moved to an annuity method subject to the  approval of External Auditors.

Recommended the Committee endorse the Treasury Management Policy and Strategy and the proposed change to the Minimum Revenue Provision (MRP) policy  to Executive.

Agreed the Work Programme as set out in Appendix A subject to the addition of an update on Human Resources activities to the June meeting.