Agenda and minutes

Councillor Jones substituted for Councillor Andrew Lea.

Apologies were received from Councillor Andrew Lea.

None.

The minutes of the meeting held on 3 October were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

None.

Neal Barton, Policy and Performance Manager introduced the report, noting the positive performance for the second quarter with 78% of indicators green, compared to 74% at the same point last year. He also highlighted that the report contained no red indicators, a contributing factor being the improved performance of the Revenues and Benefits service.  Following requests from the Scrutiny Committee the report now contains more information on the reasons for complaints, and more detail has been provided on the work of Legal Services, the use of electric vehicle charging points and progress on purchasing properties to reduce costs associated with temporary accommodation. Flagship activities are also progressing well, with the installation of new parking payment machines in all car parks, and the achievement of a Green Flag award to St John’s Park in Burgess Hill already completed.

A number of Members commented on the positive results contained in the report, particularly in relation to the improvements shown by the Revenues and Benefits Service and progress with Universal Credit implementation. Thanks were expressed to the Officers and Members who had contributed in all areas to ensure that performance levels were high.

In response to a Member’s query on Parking Services, the Policy and Performance Manager confirmed that the Council’s remit covered on-street parking (including double yellow lines). A breakdown of penalty charges specific to this area could be provided in a future report.  He also provided the latest figures relating to Universal Credit, indicating that 1,105 Mid Sussex claimants are signed up. The Council is proactively managing the  migration through partnerships with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and through a grant from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to assist those who need financial advice and are less technically able. It was noted that work is still ongoing to reach the most vulnerable in society who would not usually access services such as the CAB. In response to a Member’s query, the Head of Corporate Resources confirmed that whilst there are seasonal fluctuations and a narrow margin for performance indicators within the Revenues and Benefits team, the current performance reflected systemic improvements.  This was echoed by the Leader who praised the exemplar work carried out by the Business Unit Leader for Revenues and Benefits and the team.

With regards to the CAB, a number of Member expressed a wish for representatives from the service to be invited to the next Scrutiny Committee (subject to availability), to pass comment on how they view the issues being referred to them regarding Universal Credit. It was also requested that more scrutiny be given to the work of the CAB and the advice being provided.  The Leader noted that should they not be available to attend in person, a written report could be requested. The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth confirmed that the CAB is scrutinised significantly at the renewal of funding agreements, with Value for Money and outcomes sought at that time. He noted that this falls under the remit  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Peter Stuart, Head of Corporate Resources introduced the report which sets out a similar format to the 2018/19 consultation process, which worked well. A draft Corporate Plan and Budget will be circulated to Members on 14 December 2018, marking the start of a 6 week consultation process.

The Chairman took Members to the recommendation which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Committee:

(i)         Agreed the proposed approach.

Peter Stuart, Head of Corporate Resources introduced the report which has taken on board the request from Members for a changed layout, and has introduced a RAG system for clarity on how projects are progressing.

Members discussed CCTV installation both at Oaklands and across the District. The Head of Corporate Resources confirmed that the District wide project is not listed in this report as it is managed by the Police. The Business Unit Leader for Community Services, Policy & Performance has visited the control centre at Police Headquarters where the cameras are monitored, is satisfied with the upgrades and is looking to arrange a tour for Members. 

The Head of Corporate Resources confirmed that the fire system replacement at Clair Hall is no longer taking place as it was surveyed and deemed fit for purpose.

Discussion was held on the project to modernise the Council Chamber. The Deputy Leader noted that other modernisation work within the Council had made a positive difference and created a modern and professional environment. This needed to be replicated in the Chamber as improvements in this public space are overdue. The challenges in accessibility levels in the Chamber also needed to be addressed.

The Chairman took Members to the recommendation which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Committee:

(i)         Noted the report and its contents.

Tom Clark, Solicitor to the Council introduced the report, highlighting that the next meeting in January will focus solely on the Draft Corporate Plan and Budget for 2019/20. 

The Chairman took Members to the recommendation which was agreed unanimously.

RESOLVED

The Committee:

(i)         Agreed the Committee’s Work Programme as set out at paragraph 5 of      the report.

None.