Agenda item

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member (Property, Assets, Commercial Services and Major Developments)

A written question had been submitted in advance by Councillor David Howarth that asked the following:

“Could the Deputy Leader therefore explain how a sum of £15,000 of South Ribble Borough Council tax payers’ money can be paid into a third-party bank account without the recipient's knowledge, for a grant they didn't apply for, to pay an invoice for work they didn't order?

Which further leads me to the questions - how does the award of £15,000 from the Boost Fund Plus to a Community Hub which is ineligible, meet with the requirements of the Local Code of Corporate Governance?

How does this attempt to circumvent financial regulations sit with public perception and the ethical standards set out in the Nolan Principles especially as the scheme was prominent in political literature during the recent local elections?”

In response, Councillor Bylinski Gelder explained that she was no longer responsible for this area of the authority however the Monitoring Officer had already had discussions with Councillor Howarth on this issue. Penwortham Community Hub had proposed the project to allocate £15,000 of money to Penwortham Town Council (PTC) with the support of the Leader and Cabinet under the Boost Fund Programme. This was rejected as it would of emptied the fund, however a bid came from PTC through boost fund plus. They met the criteria as they are a not for profit organisation and a constituted community group.

Councillor Bylinski Gelder explained she had a signed grant agreement with PTC signed by the Town Council’s Democratic Services Officer. The Community Hub Chair at the time, Councillor Turner, was listed as the recipient and project manager. The grant funding was paid into PTC bank account following receipt of the signed grant agreement. There were no governance issues from the Council.

Councillor David Howarth asked why he had not been given the outcome of the investigation. The Mayor responded to explain that paperwork would be made available to Councillor Howarth.

Councillor Karen Walton explained that a number of businesses surrounding Hope Terrace Car Park had not yet received a consultation letter and asked when this would be sent. In response, Councillor Bylinski Gelder explained the car parking scheme was under review to January and a letter was only sent to the businesses who had contacted the Council.

Councillor Bretherton asked if any efficiency reports on commercial buildings, including investment properties, had been undertaken in preparation for the Council’s Carbon Neutral target of 2030. Councillor Bylinski Gelder advised she could only comment on the building condition survey and the question may be better asked of the Cabinet Member (Neighbourhood and Waste), however she was happy to respond to further questions in writing.

Cabinet Member (Finance and Public Protection)

Councillor Turner asked if the Council had submitted a grant form to government showing the COVID grants as fully spent. Councillor Tomlinson agreed to provide a written response.

Councillor Adams referred to the unsuccessful levelling up bid for the Penwortham Masterplan and asked if there was a solution to the funding challenge. Councillor Tomlinson explained that £2million had already been identified and the authority was committed to delivering the plan. The budget would be presented in February and would expand on the future capital programme. Members were working with officers to find a solution.