Agenda and minutes

There were none..

To agree the minutes of the last meeting, held on Monday 12 June 2023, as an accurate record for signing by the Chair.

Resolved (unanimously):

That the minutes of the meeting held on Monday, 12 June 2023 be agreed and signed as a correct record.

Members are requested to indicate at this stage in the proceedings any items on the agenda in which they intend to declare an interest. Members are reminded that if the interest is a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest (as defined in the Members’ Code of Conduct) they must leave the room for the whole of that item. If the interest is not a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest, but is such that a member of the public could reasonably regard it as being so significant that it is likely that it would prejudice their judgment of the public interest (as explained in the Code of Conduct) then they may make representations, but then must leave the meeting for the remainder of the item.

There were none.

To consider and note updates on recommendations made at previous meetings.

Darren Cranshaw, Head of Democratic Services presented the Committee’s Recommendations Tracker updated as of 31 August 2023.

Resolved (unanimously):

i)             That the Scrutiny Recommendations Update be noted; and

ii)            That the Recommendations marked “complete” be removed from the Tracker list.

Report of the Chief Executive attached.

The Committee noted the apologies of the Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member (Strategy and Reform), Councillor Paul Foster, who was unable to attend the meeting.

The Chair welcomed the Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member (Property, Assets, Commercial Services & Major Developments), Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder, and the Chief Executive, Chris Sinnott to the meeting to present the Quarter One Performance Monitoring Report 2023-24.

Councillor Bylinski Gelder highlighted that 75% of the performance indicators were either on or above target. With regard to Music in the Park, held on 28 May 2023, 2,300 people attended and furthermore, using an event calculation tool, the event contributed an estimated £196,200 boost to the economy. She also referred to the Cost of Living Action Plan, South Ribble Credit Union, and Play Areas Refurbishment. She highlighted performance indicators which were currently on amber, notably the Leyland Town Deal project, which she stressed was related to the inherent risk in finalising elements in the design stage (RIBA stage 3). This would be resolved once the stage was complete.

The Committee asked a number of detailed and probing questions in relation to the report. The key issues and responses were as follows:

-       There was a dispute about the figure of 75% performance indicators being on or above target quoted by Councillor Bylinski Gelder. This was due to the 5% “tolerance” of certain performance indicators not meeting target. It was explained that the tolerance was applied in order to allow focussed attention on the highest priorities. The Committee were concerned that this was not sufficiently clear within the report and that more clarity was needed.

-       The estimated figure of £196,200 boost to the economy by the Music in the Park event was generated by a government-backed calculator which measured the impact on the local economy. Councillor Bylinski Gelder acknowledged that it was therefore possible the event was not in profit. She stressed that the event was viewed as an investment for the first few years, as time was needed to build up a strong reputation and brand. It was confirmed that detailed figures were to be reported to full Council including the gross spend. A budget for further events would need to be approved by Council. The Committee requested further information on the income and expenditure from the event.

-       The Committee were informed that the Social Prescribing service arose from the Chorley and South Ribble Partnership which identified that the Chorley service had been shown to have a positive impact e.g. reduction in feelings of loneliness. Access was via several channels e.g. Citizen’s Advice Bureau, Council’s homelessness service.

The Committee referred to the lack of provision identified by Community Hubs in some areas e.g. Farington, Lostock Hall.  It was suggested that the service be linked with Community Hubs.

-       With regard to customer services, the Committee stressed the importance of retaining face to face contact for those who prefer to do so or who are unable to contact the Council  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

Report of the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer attached

The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member(Finance and Public Protection), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, and the Principal Financial Accountant, Jean Waddington, to the meeting to present the Revenue Budget Monitoring Report – Quarter 1.

Councillor Tomlinson gave an overview of the report, highlighting key factors impacting on the budget such as the expected £200k overspend on staffing costs.

The Committee asked a number of questions and the key issues / responses are summarised below:

-       The Council is in a good financial position with a reserve of £4.2m. It is a relatively large reserve compared to other local authorities.

-       A review of the Council’s waste services is to be carried out including the spend on agency staff.  Factors outside of the Council’s control, such as additional bank holidays, and staff holidays, impact on the budget. It is hoped that a result of bringing the service in house the costs will be seen to be reducing.

-       The Committee were keen that the Council maximises its advertising of South Ribble Council jobs across social media platforms.

-        The Committee requested an update on the 6 month review of car parking changes.

-       The Committee raised the issue of delays concerning Worden Hall. It was acknowledged that there were unforeseen issues such as the drainage collapse which needed to be addressed.

-       The Committee raised the issue of vacant posts in the Customer and Digital Directorate. Chris Sinnott indicated that an Executive Member Decision should now have been taken with regard to IT staffing. An update would be provided to the Committee.

Resolved (unanimously):

The Committee:

1.    thanks the Cabinet, Chief Executive and Principal Financial Accountant for attending and answering questions;

2.    asks that job vacancies be advertised more effectively via social media and sites such as LinkedIn in the future;

3.    welcomes the re-assurance that the overspends in the waste service are being closely monitored and reviewed;

4.    requests an update on the six-month evaluation of the car parking changes;

5.    welcomes the progress made in making Worden Hall operational; and

6.    Asks for an update on the recruiting to vacant posts in the Customer and Digital Directorate.

Report of the Director of Finance and Section 151 Officer attached.

The Chair welcomed the Cabinet Member(Finance and Public Protection), Councillor Matthew Tomlinson, and the Principal Financial Accountant, Jean Waddington, to the meeting to present the Capital and Balance Sheet Monitoring Report – Quarter 1.

The Committee asked a number of questions and the key issues / responses are summarised below:

-       The Committee enquired as to the capacity to deliver on major projects. Councillor Tomlinson indicated that he was very confident in the Council’s ability to deliver on major projects such as the Leyland Town Deal.

-       As regards pursuing debtors, Councillor Tomlinson stated that the authority actively seeks payment of council tax and business rates as it is a statutory obligation for these to be paid. This Council has a good track record both of debt recovery and of supporting people struggling with debt.

-       Queries relating to Leisure Local were made by the Committee. It was noted that further information could be provided by the Cabinet Member (Communities, Leisure and Wellbeing).

Resolved (unanimously):

The Committee:

1.    thanks the Cabinet Member, Chief Executive and Principal Financial Accountant for attending and answering questions; and

2.    asks that further information on the return on investment on Leisure Local be provided to the Committee.

Darren Cranshaw, Head of Democratic Services informed the Committee of a proposal to establish a Scrutiny Task Group to consider the creation of a Cultural Strategy for South Ribble.

Resolved (unanimously):

That expressions of interest for membership of the Task Group be submitted to the Chair or Head of Democratic Services.

The Chair referred to the recent training with Dr Steph Snape.

Feedback from the Committee was very positive.

Resolved (Unanimously):

That the positive feedback and thanks of the Committee be passed on to Dr Snape.

The latest version of the Forward Plan can be found on the Council’s website.

The Forward Plan was noted.

Corporate, Performance and Budget Scrutiny Committee Forward Plan attached.

Members considered the Committee’s Forward Plan for the 2023-24 municipal year, which outlined topics and areas due to be scrutinised.

Resolved (unanimously):

That the Committee’s Forward Plan be noted.