Agenda and minutes

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillors Camamile and Mayne.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting of the Finance Audit & Performance Committee held on 23 June 2014.

On the motion of Councillor Moore, seconded by Councillor Mr Hall, it was

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 23 June 2014 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

To receive verbally from members any disclosures which they are required to make in accordance with the Council’s code of conduct or in pursuance of Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992.  This is in addition to the need for such disclosure to be also given when the relevant matter is reached on the Agenda.

No interests were declared at this stage.

Report of Internal Audit.

Tim Ridout of CW Audit introduced his fact finding work regarding fees & charges. He explained that it was not recommending any changes, just highlighting matters to consider for future years. Members requested that in future such information is included in colour.

Members expressed concern with regard to a comment in the report that fees for building control were not known due to staffing changes, however they were reassured that the comment had been included in error and the charges were known and could be provided to members.

It was agreed that a report be brought to the November meeting to explain why there were no charges applied to some areas, or where charges were lower than other authorities.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

This item was deferred to the following meeting.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

In providing an update on sundry debts owing to the authority, it was reported that there was a new officer in post who had done a lot of work to chase debtors in relation to commercial rents. Members were reminded that some of the debts were due to timing of invoices.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

Members received the quarterly Treasury Management report. It was noted that no limits had been breached.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Corporate Direction).

The Committee received an update with regard to business rates. It was reported that the authority would be expressing an interest in re-joining the pool, but at this stage no decision was required.

Members expressed concern regarding the loss of business rates should any large business in the area close, and in response it was reported that the risks were known and monitored regularly.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

Following the request at the previous meeting, members received the first of the programme of service updates which in this instance was for the Planning service. It was reported that during the first quarter income was well above predictions, although this was partly due to the high number of speculative applications received. The Chief Planning & Development Officer reported that performance was reviewed annually and that all except two targets had been met.

Concern was expressed that the increase in applications must have an impact and associated costs in resources, and in response it was reported that a restructure was being considered and additional staff were being appointed. It was requested that a report be brought to the November meeting on the associated salary increases.

Whilst members highlighted the need to consider risk management, they commended the Planning Service for its hard work.

RESOLVED – the report be noted and a further report on salaries be brought to the November meeting.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction).

Following a request at the previous meeting, a report on temporary homeless accommodation was presented to the Committee. Members asked whether accommodation was inspected prior to use and also asked for reassurance that people with mental health issues were suitably accommodated. It was agreed that a response would be sent to members on these matters.

RESOLVED – the report be noted.