Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Mrs C L A Hockley.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the Scrutiny Board meeting held on 25 June 2015.

It was AGREED that the minutes of the meeting of the Scrutiny Board held on 25 June 2015 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

The Chairman made an announcement concerning the September 2015 edition of the employees’ newsletter, which gave details of a proposed reorganisation of the Council’s Senior Management Structure that was due to be considered by the Council at its meeting on 15 October 2015. The proposal included the deletion of the post of Director of Community. Subject to the approval of the proposal, the Director of Community, Martyn George, would be taking early retirement

The Chairman, on behalf of the Board, thanked Martyn George for all his work and help and wished him a very enjoyable retirement.

To receive any declarations of interest from members in accordance with Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest or disclosures of advice or directions.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

There were no deputations made at this meeting.

To receive the minutes of the meetings of the Policy Development and Review Panels held since 18 June 2015 (minute 16 of the meeting of the Council held on 18 June 2015 refers):

(i)           Streetscene PDR Panel 16/7/15;

(ii)          Health and Housing PDR Panel 23/7/15;

(iii)         Public Protection PDR Panel 28/7/15.

The Board was asked to receive the minutes of the meetings of Policy Development and Review Panels held since 18 June 2015 (minute 16 of the meeting of the Council held on 18 June 2015 refers). It was noted that the Chairman had sent an e-mail to all members of the Council reminding them of the Council’s decision and that, if they did not attend the meeting, they could e-mail any questions about the minutes to him by 18:00 hours on the day before the day of the meeting. It was further noted that the Chairman had not received any such questions.

(i)        Streetscene PDR Panel 16/7/15

The Chairman of the Streetscene Policy Development and Review Panel, Councillor L Keeble, was invited to present the minutes of the meeting held on 16 July 2015.

It was AGREED that the minutes be received.

(ii)       Health and Housing PDR Panel 23/7/15

The Chairman of the Health and Housing Policy Development and Review Panel, Councillor B Bayford, was invited to present the minutes of the meeting held on 23 July 2015.

It was AGREED that:-

(a)          the Council be advised of the Board’s view of the importance of district council involvement in health matters despite the official responsibility lying with the County Council and its concern that the proposed revised senior management structure does not identify a senior officer with responsibility for health matters; and

(b)          the minutes be received.

(iii)         Public Protection PDR Panel 28/7/15

The Chairman of the Public Protection Policy Development and Review Panel, Councillor Mrs M E Ellerton, was invited to present the minutes of the meeting held on 28 July 2015.

It was AGREED that the minutes be received.

To consider a report by the Director of Finance and Resources which invites members to review the Board’s work programme for 2015/16.

The Board considered a report by the Director of Finance and Resources on its work programme for 2015/16.

It was reported that the Chief Executive Officer had received a letter from the Chief Officer of Hampshire and Rescue Service offering to provide a direct briefing on the proposals for reform to the Fire and Rescue Service in response to the financial challenges faced by the service and to adapt to the needs of the community.

It was AGREED that:-

(a)          the Chief Officer of Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service be invited to attend the meeting on 19 November 2015 to brief members on the proposals for change to the service;

(b)          the Presentation by, and questioning of, the Executive Member for Public Protection item scheduled for 19 November 2015 be deferred to 14 January 2016;

(c)          subject to (a) and (b) above, the work programme for 2015/16, as shown in Appendix A to the report, be confirmed; and

(d)          the progress on actions since the last meeting of the Board, as shown in Appendix B to the report, be noted.

To consider a report by the Director of Finance and Resources on the draft Medium Term Finance Strategy.

The Board considered a report by the Director of Finance and Resources on the Review of the Draft Medium Term Finance Strategy.

Members were invited to consider the review of the Finance Strategy and to note that any comments would be reported to the Executive when the strategy document was submitted for consideration at the Executive meeting on 12 October 2015.

It was AGREED that the report be noted.

If requested by a member, to consider any item of business dealt with by the Executive since the last meeting of the Board. The relevant Executive meetings are 13 July 2015 and 7 September 2015. (This will also include any decisions taken by individual Executive members during the same time period.)

The Chairman invited members to indicate if they wished to consider any other item of business dealt with by the Executive since the last meeting of the Board. There were no other items of Executive business considered.