Agenda and minutes

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 6 November.

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2017 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

No interests were declared at this stage.

Report of the Director (Environment and Planning) as part of the programme of frontline service reviews.

Members received a report about the food hygiene rating scheme and pest control services as part of the programme of frontline service reviews. In response to members’ questions, the following points were noted:

·         94.3% of businesses were inspected in 2016/17

·         The time taken to inspect a new business was dependent upon whether or not they approached the council for advice prior to commencing operation

·         Officers worked closely with those food businesses achieving less than a level 3

·         The pest control service focussed on pests that had a public health significance

·         Fees for certain pest control services were reduced or waived for those on some benefits

·         Our pest control contractor carried out three visits as a general rule, and after those visits may refer the matter back to the council to investigate whether there was a wider issue.

It was requested that other areas of the Environmental Health service be reviewed in future, for example noise and pollution.

To update members on the performance and risk outturn at the end of the third quarter.

The performance and risk management third quarter summary was presented to members. It was noted that 13 of the 56 indicators were not on target. During discussion and in response to members’ questions, the following points were raised:

·         The improvement in the number of lost calls, which members were pleased to see

·         The need to include in the report actions to be taken to address those areas where performance had not met the target

·         The suggestion of benchmarking sickness absence against the private sector. It was agreed that this could be benchmarked at the year end. It was also suggested that reasons for any differences be explored

·         The problem of recruitment and retention in the Building Control service which resulted in a business case for a shared service now being worked on.

To inform members of the council’s treasury management activity in the third quarter of 2017/18.

The treasury management activity for the third quarter of 2017/18 was presented. Discussion ensued on the historic situation in relation to the HRA buyout.

To inform members of the position on sundry debts as at 31 December 2017.

Members were updated on the position in relation to sundry debts as at 31 December 2017. In response to a member’s question, it was noted that each case was considered on its own merits.

To inform members of business rates performance from 1 April – 31 December 2017 and to provide an update on pooling arrangements.

The quarterly business rates and pooling update was presented to members. The need to set budget aside for pending appeals was discussed.

Consideration was given to the work programme. It was noted that the Customer Services review would be brought to the March meeting.