Issue - meetings

(20 minutes)

There will be a presentation at the meeting on ‘Corporate Plan and Financial Plan’.

The Chair invited David Trethewey to give the presentation.

David Trethewey said that the Corporate Strategy has been built around the core commitments (increasing efficiency, new homes and jobs, transport, young people, cleaner, greener and healthier local communities, greater independence for older people) outlined and agreed by Cabinet at their meeting in July 2015.

The Strategy identifies four corporate priorities which would deliver on these commitments and would form Council’s focus over the next 4 years as as part of the 2020 vision:

•  A strong economy and growth

•  A focus on prevention

•  A new relationship with customers and communities

•  An efficient business

David Trethewey also what were drivers behind the Strategy, timetable for the development of the Strategy and what part Policy Development Scrutiny Panels should have in the development of the Strategy.

A full copy of the presentation from David Trethewey is attached to these minutes.

Councillor Dine Romero asked for clarification on what is a convention when seeking additional expenditure for ideas that were within the remit of another Policy Development and Scrutiny Panel.

Andrew Pate responded that broad principle was that Panel with the proposal on the table should look within own remit.  However, if the funding idea was coming from the remit of another panel then there would have to be some sort of joint work between two, or more, Panels.

Councillor Dine Romero asked what would be exactly covered within Cabinet’s commitment to young people.

Councillor Charles Gerrish (Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiency) said that he would come back with an answer to Councillor Romero.

Councillor Romero said that webcasting of some meetings in the Council costs £15k and asked how much it would cost to webcast all meetings in the Council.

David Trethewey responded that some estimates had been calculated but that he did not have exact figures with him, so he would come back with an answer to Councillor Romero.

Councillor Fiona Darey asked about the procurement process for jobs in the project delivery and property area.

Derek Quilter explained that the projects were advertised and those that responded were assessed then shortlisted.

Councillor Chris Pearce asked what would be his exact responsibility as Policy Development and Scrutiny Member, and how would he be expected to scrutinise Corporate Strategy and Financial Plan – just by listening and asking questions.

Andrew Pate said that scrutiny process meant to be non-political and the role of the PDS had been to influence the Cabinet and Cabinet Members with the comments, suggestions and recommendations.

It was RESOLVED to note the presentation.