Agenda and minutes

None.

Apologies were received from Councillor Rawlinson and Councillor Mockford.

Councillor Andrew Lea declared that he is a West Sussex County Councillor.

The minutes of the meeting held on 14 November were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. The minutes of the Joint Scrutiny Meeting held on 18 December were tabled with two minor amendments which were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

None.

The Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance was invited to provide an introduction to the report. She acknowledged the progress of the flagship activities over the past year and noted that the draft plan for 2019/20 allows for the progression of the Council’s economic strategy.

The Chief Executive reminded Members that following scrutiny of the draft Service Plans and budget for 2019/20, the Cabinet would consider the plans and that ultimately Council would agree them and set the Council Tax at its meeting in February.  She drew Members attention to two items of note – the Fair Funding Review 2018 which could have a profound effect on the budget, and the West Sussex County Council’s budgetary reductions which could result in the Council incurring extra costs.

Discussion was held on the risks to the draft Corporate Plan and Budget. The Leader noted the Council’s well embedded risk management arrangements.  Assurance was provided that the funding for disabled facilities grants is not affected by the proposed WSCC reductions as it is ring-fenced funding from central government. However it was acknowledged that WSCC’s future funding to the Health and Wellbeing team was a concern.

Members commented on the Council owned sites identified for disposal and discussed the need to address homelessness with potential funds generated from their sale. The Deputy Leader confirmed that receipts generated by the disposal of land can be used to assist with housing, and a significant sum has already been invested in providing housing options. The Chief Executive noted that whilst the Council has forecasted a reduction in spend on Bed and Breakfast accommodation, it is a demand led service so it is not possible to guarantee that using the Council’s own properties will lead to a reduction in spend on temporary accommodation, particularly in the light of the new Homelessness Reduction Act and ongoing welfare reform.

Information on rental income and asset protection was discussed.  The Head of Corporate Resources confirmed that rental income is increasing and as an example; details of the site at Wicks is included in the medium term financial plan. In terms of other assets, assurance was provided by the Deputy Leader that the Orchards retail assets are protected, with careful investments being made to ensure a relevant and interesting mix of units are secured, with long leases being issued. A Strategic Plan for the Orchards is being developed, with options and supporting business case being brought forward in 2019/20.

The potential budgetary increase relating to waste and recycling was discussed.   Members noted the reversion to the contracted fee for garden waste collection, and the effect of WSCC’s savings programme relating to recycling credits. It was noted by the Chief Executive that there is considerable disquiet amongst affected Local Authorities regarding the payment mechanism for recycling credits and the Council is actively encouraging the development of a Countywide waste strategy.

The Members considered each service commentary and summary budget tables in section 3 of the report.

Clarity was sought on the status of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

Tom Clark, Solicitor to the Council introduced the report, highlighting the two items which will appear on the next agenda. It was clarified that the next meeting would be held on 12 March 2019.

The Chairman reminded members that a working group is being convened to determine the KPI’s for the next Council year and encouraged Members to volunteer to participate. Five members of this Scrutiny Committee are required along with the Chairman of the other two Scrutiny Committees.

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, noting the date of the next meeting will be 12 March 2019.

None.