| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| OS 13/001 |
Declarations of interest. |
There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct. |
| OS 13/002 |
Minutes |
RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 11 September 2012 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| OS 13/003 |
Revenue Estimates 2013/14 |
The report of the Director of Finance referred to the responsibility of the Cabinet under the Constitution for formulating initial draft proposals in respect of the Budget. Reference was made to the role of the Committee in assisting the Cabinet and Council in the preparation of the Budget. Careful consideration was given to both the Revised Estimates for 2012/13 and the Estimates for 2013/14 within the context of the Medium Term Financial Strategy and the Council's priorities. Attention was drawn to the key messages arising from the provisional local government finance settlement together with details of the level of council tax increase above which local authorities would have to hold a referendum. The threshold set by the Secretary of State for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council was 2%, although the introduction of yet to be confirmed ‘alternative notional amounts' saw the 2% reduce to around 1.75%. In addition, the potential risks associated with the Business Rates Retention scheme were also highlighted. The potential timetabling difficulties for the budget setting process, brought about by the Council not yet having received confirmation of the final grant settlement from Government and if the Police and Crime Commissioner's budget proposals were not approved next week, were also outlined. It was reported that the Council continued to face a significant financial challenge as a result of the Coalition Government's budget deficit reduction programme, which had resulted in a reduction in the financial support offered to local government, and the current economic climate. However, it was believed that the Medium Term Financial Strategy was resilient and the financial pressures likely to confront the Council could be addressed in a measured and controlled way. The Committee expressed the view that implementing a council tax 'freeze' in the current economic climate might not be in the best interests of residents in protecting services. RECOMMENDED: That the draft Revised Estimates contained in the Booklet be endorsed and commended to Cabinet for its special meeting on 5 February [subsequently postponed to 12 February], subject to the further deferral of the transitional increase in Members' allowances recommended by the Joint Independent Remuneration Panel and removal of the increased provision from the 2013/14 estimates. *Referred to Cabinet |
| OS 13/004 |
Capital Plan Review 2012/13 |
Consideration was given to the report of the Director of Finance which set out progress on the 2012/13 Capital Plan Review. RECOMMENDED: That the following recommendations of the Finance and Property Advisory Board held on 9 January 2013 be endorsed: (1) expenditure on improvements to existing car parks be treated as recurring expenditure and the annual capital allowance be set at £320,000 from 2013/14; (2) the Capital Plan (List A) position, as shown in Annex 1 to the report, be adopted subject to removal of the contribution towards Coldharbour Gypsy and Traveller Site which would be totally funded externally; (3) the schemes listed in Annex 2 of the report be added to List C, deleted from List C or merged as detailed, subject to the schemes for environmental enhancement of shopping areas at Larkfield (A20), Woodlands Road and Twisden Road being retained on List C; (4) the schemes listed in Annex 3 of the report be selected for evaluation over the coming year, including one for 'fast track' evaluation that has already been evaluated; (5) the schemes listed in Annex 4 of the report be treated as follows: - transfer from List C to List B: Tonbridge Cemetery Memorial Garden Vaults Tonbridge Swimming Pool Car Park Improvements/Extension; (6) endorsement of the draft Capital Strategy, as set out at Annex 5 to the report, for adoption and publication on the Council's website. *Referred to Cabinet |
| OS 13/005 |
Proposed Changes to the Kent Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy |
Careful consideration was given to the proposed changes to the Kent Joint Municipal Waste Management Strategy as set out in the joint report of the Director of Health and Housing and the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services. It was reported that the implementation of the refreshed policies was designed to create opportunities for councils to avoid future costs as a result of partnership working. Local implementation of specific policies would require dialogue and agreement between partners and would only proceed if a clear and sound business case was deliverable. In addition, the way forward, as set out in Annex 2 of the report, would see income from recycling increase and make good use of the Allington Energy from Waste Facilities to deliver better financial and environmental value from tackling residual waste. RECOMMENDED: That the proposed changes be endorsed by Cabinet and the revised Strategy adopted by Council. *Referred to Cabinet |
| OS 13/006 |
Food and Safety Team Service Plan 2012-2016 |
The Director of Health and Housing and the Cabinet Member for Environmental Services reported that the Council was required to produce a Food Safety Service Plan,which formed part of the Council's policy framework. Consideration was given to the revised draft of the Plan which now incorporated the Health and Safety function. RECOMMENDED: That (1) the revisions to the Food and Safety Team Service Plan 2012-16 be approved; and (2) the proposed revisions be endorsed by Cabinet and the revised document adopted by Council as part of its policy framework. *Referred to Cabinet |
| OS 13/007 |
Housing Strategy 2013-2016 |
The Director of Health and Housing and the Cabinet Member for Housing presented the Housing Strategy 2013-16 for consideration. It was noted that despite the considerable challenges ahead the four key priorities remained largely unchanged from previous iterations of the Strategy. In addition, these would provide a sound framework for the next three years in respect of: - Provision of affordable housing - Tackling homelessness - Private sector renewal and energy efficiency - Assisting vulnerable households Members expressed serious concern regarding potential implications of the welfare and benefit reforms to vulnerable residents and social housing tenants, particularly issues surrounding the under occupation of family homes in the social rented sector and rents for households on very low incomes. It was indicated that the ongoing developments associated with welfare reform would be monitored and reflected in the emerging housing strategy action plan, which would be considered by the Strategic Housing Advisory Board in May. RECOMMENDED: That the Housing Strategy 2013-2016 be approved for further consideration by Cabinet in March 2013. *Referred to Cabinet |
| OS 13/008 |
Housing and Council Tax Benefits Anti-Fraud Policy |
Members reviewed the Housing and Council Tax Benefits Anti-Fraud Policy. Consideration was also given to proposed amendments set out at paragraph 1.2 of the report of the Director of Finance. It was noted that the main change related to the Prosecution Section. A copy of the revised Policy including the revised Prosecution Policy was attached at Annex 1 of the report. RECOMMENDED: That the updated Benefits Anti-Fraud Policy be endorsed by Cabinet and adopted by Council. *Referred to Cabinet |
| OS 13/009 |
Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy |
Careful consideration was given to the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy as set out at Annex 1 of the report of the Director of Finance. It was reported that a number of major changes were taking place in local government at present, including the setting up of a Single Fraud Investigation Service. This body would be part of the Department for Work and Pensions and would take responsibility for the investigation of any Universal Credit fraud. Other fraud investigation would remain with the local authority. RECOMMENDED: That the Anti Fraud and Corruption Policy be endorsed by Cabinet and adopted by Council. *Referred to Cabinet |
| MATTERS SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION | ||
| OS 13/010 |
Scrutiny Reviews - Update |
The report of the Chief Executive provided an update on the parking enforcement and value for money reviews currently being undertaken by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Members were advised that both review groups felt that further work was needed to investigate some issues in greater depth. It was anticipated that recommendations from these groups would be reported to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to be held in June 2013. |
| MATTERS FOR CONSIDERATION IN PRIVATE | ||
| OS 13/011 |
Exclusion of Press and Public |
There were no items considered in private. |