| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| GP 11/020 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made. |
| GP 11/021 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the General Purposes Committee held on 27 June 2011 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| DECISIONS TAKEN UNDER DELEGATED POWERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 3 (OR 2), PART 3 OF THE CONSTITUTION | ||
| GP 11/022 |
Audit Commission - Annual Governance Report 2010/11 and Statement of Accounts 2010/11 |
Consideration was given to the joint report of the Chief Executive and Director of Finance inviting endorsement of the Annual Governance Report for 2010/11 from the Audit Commission which needed to be approved prior to the District Auditor signing off the Accounts. It was also recommended that the Chairman of the Committee countersign the Letter of Representation prepared by the Director Finance. Mr A Mack (District Auditor) and Mr T Greenlee (Audit Manager) attended the meeting to present the report and answer questions raised by Members. It was noted that there were no material or significant issues that needed to be brought to the attention of the Committee and the District Auditor would be able to issue an unqualified opinion on the Accounts. Attention was drawn to a number of changes to the unaudited Accounts presented to the last meeting arising from receipt of a revised pension report from the Actuary and a review of a sample of Section 106 agreements, together with other technical or textual changes. It was therefore suggested that for completeness the Chairman sign a copy of the audited Accounts. Mr Mack commended the Council for its sound financial management and value for money, delivering high quality services in challenging economic circumstances. He indicated that the Council would be the first district in Kent to receive an opinion on its accounts which was particularly impressive in the light of the new International Financial Reporting Standards. Members asked a number of questions of the District Auditor and expressed their appreciation of the professionalism of officers in preparing the Accounts and the constructive approach of the District Audit team. RESOLVED: That (1) the Annual Governance Report for 2010/11 be endorsed and approved; (2) the Chairman be authorised to countersign the Letter of Representation set out at Annex 2 to the report; and (3) the Chairman be authorised to sign the Accounts in the appropriate place. |
| GP 11/023 |
Updates to the Grievance Procedure and Anti-Harassment Policy |
The report of the Central Services Director made a series of recommendations for updating the Council's current Grievance Procedure and Anti-Harrassment Policy which reflected the outcome of qualitative research undertaken to ascertain the views of users and potential users of the policies. The changes would also bring the policies into line with the Equality Act 2010 and the ACAS Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures. It was noted that the proposed revisions would make the format more "user-friendly" and incorporate reference to partnerships with other authorities. Members requested that consideration be given to an appropriate timetable for review of such policies. RESOLVED: That the updated Grievance Procedure, set out at Annex 3 to the report, and the re-titled and updated Anti-Bullying and Harrassment Procedure, set out at Annex 4 to the report, be adopted by the Council and consideration be given to an appropriate timetable for review. |
| GP 11/024 |
Grade of the Post of Licensing Manager |
Consideration was given to the report of the Central Services Director which reviewed the grade of the post of Licensing Manager in the light of the numerous legislative and environmental changes influencing the direction of the Licensing Team. Attention was drawn to the change in emphasis of the role of the Licensing Manager and the degree of accountability attached to it, with particular reference to participation in Safety Advisory Groups and undertaking Member training in licensing matters. RESOLVED: That approval be given to the regrading of the post of Licensing Manager (DR0402) to M7 with immediate effect. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| GP 11/025 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
There were no items considered in private. |