Agenda and minutes

To receive and note any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor DC Bill, and Councillor Ashman.

Under the code of conduct members are reminded that in declaring interests they should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is a disclosble pecuniary interest, registrable interest or other interest.

No interests were declared at this meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.

It was moved by Councillor Bayliss, seconded by Councillor Dann and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 24 November 2022 be confirmed as a correct record.

The report of the Section 151 Officer

The draft budget was presented for 2023/24.

In response to a question from members around other contributors, it was

confirmed that the BID areas were also making contributions to the scheme.

It was

                        RESOLVED - the 2023/24 budget proposals for the Partnership were approved.

The report of the Section 151 Officer

The report presented the financial performance of the Partnership for the period April to December 2022 and it was confirmed that the budget showed an underspend on the current year. A further report would be submitted to this committee at the July meeting with the final financial position and what to do with the savings over the coming year.  It was

                        RESOLVED – the financial performance report be noted.

The report of the Head of Partnership

The report presented the service plan 2023/24 for the three Local Authorities within the Partnership.

Better use of IT along with automated systems was an objective for the Partnership and those projects were already underway looking at alternative methods not requiring human intervention.

A number of risks were also identified within the report and this included the effects of the cost of living crisis on collection and increase in benefit claims. The Head of Partnership confirmed they would continue to promote the availability of council tax support and discretionary discounts to mitigate these issues.

In response to a question from members around their concern for self service options, it was confirmed that although some people wanted digital options of choice there were still those vulnerable people that would require help and support and there would still be options for staff to be able to provide this support. It was

                        RESOLVED – the service plan report be noted.

The report of the Head of Partnership

This report provided data from April to November 2022 on the performance of the Partnership.

It was confirmed that there was an increase in caseload, with no budget for additional staffing and there were already significant issues with recruitment to the team.

In addition the Partnership was expecting two new schemes coming into effect (“Alternative Energy” and “Alternative Funding”) and these schemes would also have significant impact on resources.  It was

                        RESOLVED – the performance report be noted.

To note the joint committee’s forward plan.

Members discussed the forward plan. It was

                        RESOLVED – the forward plan be noted.

Thursday, 30 March 2023 – HBBC

Thursday,  6 July 2023 - NWL

Members discussed the dates and venues for future meetings and it was

                        RESOLVED – the dates and venues of future meetings be noted.

To consider the passing of a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 excluding the public from the undermentioned item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 and 10 (the public inerest test) of Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act.

Verbal update from the Head of Partnership

The Head of Partnership provided an update. It was

                        RESOLVED – the verbal update be noted.

The meeting closed at 16.08.