Agenda and minutes

Members in any doubt about such declarations are advised to contact Legal or Democratic Services in advance of the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest made in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 7 October 2021

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 7 October 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

A report summarising the key issues arising from the Commissioners’ Interventions Report at the former Northamptonshire County Council.  Members are asked to review the issues raised and consider whether TMBC is adequately equipped to avoid these issues occurring.  Members of this Committee are also asked to consider what role the Committee can play in supporting the ‘financial agenda’, and more generally whether Members feel that specific training might be needed.

The joint report of the Chief Executive, Director of Finance and Transformation and Director of Central Services and Deputy Chief Executive summarised the key issues arising from the Commissioners’ Interventions Report at the former Northamptonshire County Council.

Members reviewed the issues raised and assessed whether the Borough Council was adequately equipped to avoid these occurring within Tonbridge and Malling.   Particular reference was made to the major financial challenges facing the Council and consideration given to what role the Overview and Scrutiny Committee should have in supporting the ‘financial agenda’. In addition, Members discussed what specific training might be required to assist in the overview and scrutiny role. 

After careful consideration, it was

RECOMMENDED:  That

(1)         Officers be invited to consider how the agenda for each meeting of the Committee include an item on an element of financial matters which identifies any changes in the budgetary position since the previous meeting;

(2)         the Risk Register be reported to the Committee on a regular basis to provide an update on those identified as ‘red’ and identify actions taken to negate those risks;

(3)         Officers be invited to identify suitable training for members of the Committee in light of its scrutiny role and to enable a better understanding of financial issues; and

(4)         Officers investigate best practice at other local authorities and invite their officers to present details of this at a future meeting of the Committee.

*Referred to Cabinet

The Chairman to move that the press and public be excluded from the remainder of the meeting during consideration of any items the publication of which would disclose exempt information.

There were no items considered in private.