Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Camamile, Cope and Smith.

It was noted that, since the agenda had been prepared, Councillor MacDonald had been appointed to the body.

It was moved by Councillor Williams, seconded by Councillor Ward and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 25 September 2017 be confirmed and signed by the chairman.

No interests were declared at this juncture.

To provide an update on the performance of the planning service as part of the programme of service reviews.

The scrutiny group was updated on the performance of the planning service. Members emphasised how well the enforcement service was now working and the positive feedback they had received. In relation to building control, it was noted that local authority building control services were struggling across the country because of private sector competition.

Clarification was sought in relation to the figures in paragraph 3.7 which stated that the authority lost just 17% of appeals in 2016/17 and that the government target was that an authority should not loose more than 10% of all decisions. It was explained that the 17% loss at appeal was of the 29 appeals lodged against decisions, whereas the 10% target was of the total number of decisions made by the authority, which HBBC was well within that target.

A member asked how the arrangement with the Rural Communities Council was working in terms of support for Neighbourhood Development Plans. It was agreed that an update would be sought and sent to members.

To inform members of the treasury management activity in the second quarter of 2017/18.

Members were informed of the council’s treasury management activity during the second quarter of 2017/18.

To inform members of the position on sundry debts as at 30 September 2017.

The scrutiny group received an update on the position in relation to sundry debts as at 30 September 2017. It was explained that there had been a change to the way this was calculated as those debts subject to a repayment agreement were not technically out of date.

Councillor Taylor entered the meeting at 6.47pm.

To inform members of business rates performance during quarter 2 and to provide an update on pooling arrangements.

An update on business rates performance and pooling arrangements was provided. It was noted that more income had been received than had been accounted for in the MTFS which would assist with forthcoming pressures. In relation to the Government’s 100% business rates retention pilot, it was noted that there would still be a tariff to pay and exact details were not known.

The cost to the council in business rates of empty properties such as those in the Crescent and the former Co-op was discussed.

Members were reminded that, at the previous meeting, it was agreed that the March meeting would be moved to 12 March.

It was noted that the budget plan (previously called budget strategy) would be circulated to members of the body by email in the next few weeks.