Agenda and minutes

To note the names of apologies given and deputy members who are attending the meeting in place of appointed members.

(Audio Recording)

Apologies were noted as above.

To receive any disclosure of interests from Members and Officers in matters to be discussed.

Note:  Councillors are reminded of their obligations to declare disclosable pecuniary interests, personal and/or prejudicial interests in accordance with legislation and the Council’s Code of Conduct.      

If you require advice, please contact the appropriate Democratic Services Officer, prior to the meeting.

(Audio recording)

Councillor Hiscock declared a non pecuniary interest in relation to all reports on the agenda due to his role as a County Councillor.

(Audio Recording)

The Chairperson advised that the meeting of the Committee on the 12 March 2020 would be discussing two items; the Safety Partnership Review and a review of the issues with the roll out of glass recycling service and bins. The review of glass recycling issues would be a 1-hour session in order to produce a positive, constructive action plan. 

Minutes of the meeting held on 9 September 2019.

(Audio Recording)

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the previous meeting held on the 9 September 2019 be approved and adopted.

(Audio Recording)

RESOLVED:

That the Scrutiny Work Programme for 2019/20 and the Forward Plan for February 2020 be noted.

To receive and note questions asked and statements made from members of the public on matters which fall within the remit of the Committee.

(Audio Recording)

No comments or questions were made during public participation.

(Audio Recording and Report ref: SC016 & CAB3211)

Councillor Cutler, the Strategic Director: Services (Interim) and the Finance Manager (Strategic Finance) set out the key proposals within the report. Councillor Cutler made specific reference to central Government funding, the changes in recycling credits and the Councils “transition budget”.

The Committee asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers and Councillor Cutler accordingly. At the conclusion of questions and debate, the Committee agreed that the following action points would be forwarded to Cabinet for their February meeting.

1. When approving the closure of the public conveniences at Middlebrook St and Worthy Lane consideration be given to demand and availability of 24hr public toilet provision in Winchester

2. Members to have regard to the action plan arising from the internal audit undertaken into the implementation of the glass recycling bins when considering the introduction of an enhanced garden waste service.

3. That the budget for 2020/21 as set out recommends a 3% increase in Council Tax despite forecast ‘windfall’ savings

RESOLVED:

That the Medium Term Financial Strategy, Budget and Council Tax 2020/21 report be noted.

(Audio Recording and Report ref: SC017 & CAB3209)

Councillor Cutler, the Strategic Director: Services (Interim) and the Finance Manager (Capital & Treasury) set out the key proposals within the report. Councillor Cutler updated the committee regarding the linkage to the new council plan, the current position regarding council borrowing and the increase in borrowing costs.

The committee asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers and Councillor Cutler accordingly. At the conclusion of questions and debate, the Committee agreed that there were no particular matters that it wished to raise for Cabinet to further consider.

RESOLVED:

That the Capital Investment Strategy 2020-2030 report be noted.

(Audio Recording and Report ref: SC019 & CAB3218)

Councillor Cutler, the Strategic Director: Services (Interim) and the Finance Manager (Capital & Treasury) set out the key proposals within the report. Councillor Cutler advised that following the council’s declaration of a Climate Emergency the Investment Strategy now included a commitment not to make investments either directly or indirectly in companies directly involved in the fossil fuel industry.

The committee asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers and Councillor Cutler accordingly. At the conclusion of questions and debate, the committee agreed that there were no particular matters that it wished to raise for Cabinet to further consider.

RESOLVED:

That the Capital Investment Strategy 2020-2030 report be noted.

(Audio Recording and Report ref: SC018 & CAB3214)

Councillor Learney, the Strategic Director: Services (Interim) and the Housing Finance and Resources Manager set out the key proposals within the report. Councillor Learney updated the Committee regarding fire safety proposals and climate change initiatives relating to the Council’s housing stock.

The Committee asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers and Councillor Learney accordingly. At the conclusion of questions and debate, the Committee agreed that there were no particular matters that it wished to raise for Cabinet to further consider.

RESOLVED:

That the Housing Revenue Account Budget 2020/21 & Business Plan be noted.

(Audio Recording and Report ref: SC020 & CAB3222)

Councillor Tod set out the key issues within the report and reminded members that the updates provided were reporting against the previous Council strategy outcomes and key performance issues.

The Committee asked questions and raised comments which were responded to by officers and Councillor Tod accordingly. At the conclusion of questions and debate, the Committee agreed that the following action points would be forwarded to the Cabinet meeting in February.

1. That a member briefing be arranged to take place before consideration of the next quarterly monitoring report to cover the new key performance indicators (KPIs)
2. Cabinet members responsible for projects be asked to endeavour to attend Scrutiny Committee and to answer member’s questions.
3. That details of the review of the Partnered Home Purchase (PHP) pilot scheme be shared by email with members in a report.
4. That the Cabinet Member for Built Environment and Wellbeing confirm custom house build initiatives is being considered and included in the development of the Local Plan. 

RESOLVED:

That the Quarter 3 Finance and Performance Monitoring be noted.