Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and note any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillor Bray and Councillor Graves.

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 additional interests were declared at this meeting.

To confirm the minutes of the previous meeting.

It was moved by Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Woodman and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 14 September 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

Report of the Section 151 Officer

Members were presented with the financial performance for the Partnership for the period April 2023 to September 2023.

After a question from members regarding the reported £15,000 savings on postage, it was confirmed that the Partnership were still communicating by sending out letters, but they were also communicating in other ways, but it was felt that the majority of the savings reported would be savings on postal charges.

Report from the Head of Partnership

Members received a performance report up to September 2023.

As part of the update members were also informed that the DWP’s phased managed migration process from tax credits to universal credit had started last year under a discovery phase. A detailed report would be presented to a future meeting and current advice from DWP was that Local Authorities should not be getting involved with issues. Officers confirmed that communication would be going out to local residents.

As part of the internal audit plan for the Partnership members were informed that Housing Benefits, Council Tax and Business Rates would be the key risks reviewed over the course of the detailed plan.

To note the joint committee’s forward plan.

Members noted the forward plan.

Thursday 18 January 2024 – 3.30pm NWL, Coalville

Thursday 21 March 2024 – 3.30pm HBBC, Hinckley

Thursday 13 June 2024 – 3.30 pm HDC, Harborough

Members noted the future meeting dates.

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.

On the motion of Councillor Lynch, seconded by Councillor Woodman, it was

                        RESOLVED – in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local                     Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the following                  item of business on the grounds that it involves the disclosure of                        exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 and 10 of                              Schedule 12A of the 1972 Act.

Update from the Head of Partnership

Members received a verbal update