To receive a report from the Leader of the Council, in respect to the state of the district, Cabinet priorities for the coming year and its performance in the previous year.
Minutes:
In accordance with the Constitution the Committee had before it a report * from the Leader of the Council outlining the Council’s achievements over the past 12 months and the priorities for the coming year.
Discussion and questioning took place under each of the headings in the report:
Customer Services
· The new website and the amount of savings that would be made through the digital transformation programme; the savings to date in respect of clean mail had been £20k, continued work with all services would lead to further savings on paper, printing and postage. Part of the digital project included Members working with tablets.
ICT
· Digital Transformation and what it means for the Council in terms of facilities available: text messaging alerts, the upgrade of the Uniform planning system, mobile working and savings in paper and postage were identified. Each service was considering how they could work more digitally.
· The issue of claiming expenses on line was raised, it was reported that there were compatibility issues between citrix and the payroll system and therefore the current system would have to be used for the foreseeable future.
Environment
· Overnight car parking charges and the knock on effect of on street parking which was causing problems for residents: the Car Parking Working Group were looking into such issues and would make recommendation to the Managing the Environment Policy Development Group. It was reported that strict enforcement was taking place, the signage in the car parks had been improved and feedback from local residents via their local Members was encouraged.
Finance
· How Members would be involved in plans to reduce the budget as they may have some suggestions that would be helpful. Members were informed that an away day had been scheduled for 24 July 2015 where the Corporate Plan and budget issues would be discussed. At the present time staff were being consulted on the Corporate Plan priorities and this information would be available to Members on 24 July for consideration. The Head of Finance also stated that he would provide briefings as discussions progressed with regard to preparing the budget for 2016/17.
Leisure
· It was reported that there were capacity issues at Exe Valley Leisure Centre which were being addressed.
Community Development
· How was the authority empowering the people of the district using community development as a tool: it was reported that there was a direct relationship with the Town Teams and business groups, grant support was given to local organisations, with the Grants and Funding Officer working with many organisations to source external grant funding. It was proposed that the website be used to signpost organisations to external funding sources. Those organisations who received grant funding from the local authority were expected to attend the Community Well-Being Policy Development Group to make a presentation on the work of their organisation so that outcomes of the funding could be identified. The issue of the shopmobility service in Tiverton being closed over the Christmas period was raised and that shoppers were looking to use their facilities.
HR
· The details of the WRAP programme were explained.
Housing
· Concern was raised with regard to the types of housing being built and that there was a need to put in place housing for the older generation. It was reported that 25% of properties being built were built to a lifetime standard.
Property
· The purchase of Market Walk which was already raising income and negotiations were taking place with regard to the Multi-Storey Car Park and a Premier Inn.
Planning
· Local transport issues and the possible funding by developers.
· Staff shortages in the Planning Department.
· Timescales following decisions being made by the Planning Committee and the any action to be taken.
· The delay in the review of the Article 4 Direction in Cullompton
· The new Government Initiative (out to consultation) of selling affordable housing and the effect of this on the building programme for affordable homes.
· The effect of new housing developments on local school capacity.
The Leader was thanked for his attendance at the meeting.
Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed Minutes.
Supporting documents: