Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber - Council Offices. View directions

Contact: Matthew Stembrowicz  Email: matthew.stembrowicz@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Items
No. Item

68.

To Receive Apologies for Absence

Minutes:

Apologies were received from Cllr N Dixon and Cllr N Pearce.

69.

Substitutes

Minutes:

None.

70.

Public Questions & Statements

To receive questions / statements from the public, if any.

Minutes:

None received.

71.

Minutes pdf icon PDF 350 KB

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 15th January 2019.

Minutes:

Minutes of the meeting held on 15th January 2020, were approved as a correct record and signed by the Vice-Chairman.

72.

Items of Urgent Business

To determine any other items of business which the Chairman decides should be considered as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

Minutes:

None received.

73.

Declarations of Interest

Members are asked at this stage to declare any interests that they may have in any of the following items on the agenda. The Code of Conduct for Members requires that declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest.

Minutes:

None declared.

74.

Petitions From Members of the Public

To consider any petitions received from members of the public.

Minutes:

None received.

75.

Consideration of Any Matter Referred to the Committee by a Member

To consider any requests made by non-executive Members of the Council, and notified to the Monitoring Officer with seven clear working days’ notice, to include an item on the agenda of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Minutes:

None received.

76.

Responses of the Council or the Cabinet to the Committee's Reports or Recommendations

To consider any responses of the Council or the Cabinet to the Committee’s reports or recommendations:

Minutes:

The Democratic Services Manager updated the Committee on responses to the Committee’s recent recommendations, and noted that the Chairman had presented the Committee’s budget recommendations to Cabinet at the February meeting. Cllr E Seward stated that he would reply to the recommendations in full when the budget was presented to Council later in the month. He added that the he would respond positively, and that Cabinet supported the ‘direction of travel’.

77.

Delivery Plan 2019-2023 pdf icon PDF 500 KB

Summary:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Options considered:

In parallel to the Corporate Plan, senior managers have worked with Cabinet to develop a Delivery Plan, setting out the initially identified key work which will be undertaken to meet the objectives of the authority for up to 2023.  The draft document is now attached for Cabinet’s approval.

 

The Council needs to publish a Delivery Plan to provide high level, public statement of how we will deliver the Corporate Plan.  The development of this Plan has involved extensive discussion and engagement with a range of internal stakeholders.

 

 

Conclusions:

 

That the draft Delivery Plan, as attached as an Appendix to this report, is recommended for approval by Cabinet.

 

 

Recommendations:

(Considered by Cabinet 03 February 2020)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reasons for

Recommendations:

 

  1. Agree the content of the draft Delivery Plan 2019-2023.
  2. Authorises the Corporate Directors and Heads of Paid Service, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to agree any minor revisions and changes to the final draft of the Delivery Plan document and thereafter the format and design of the document for publication.
  3. Request that the Overview & Scrutiny Committee establishes Scrutiny Panels to act as a mechanism to review and monitor decisions made relating to the strategic policy, performance and resources required to deliver the priorities of the Council as set out in the Corporate Plan and Delivery Pan.

 

The Delivery Plan details how the Council will deliver the Corporate Plan for the period 2019-2023.

 

It provides the basis for the Council’s performance management during that period, as a measurement of what is delivered against the Plan’s framework and lays out many of the key projects, workstreams and initiatives planned through to 2023, although as further initiatives are identified, these will become part of the plan.

 

The plan will be subject to annual review to ensure that it continues to reflect the Council’s priorities and objectives throughout that period in response to emerging trends, policy developments and legislation.

 

 

 

 

Cabinet Member(s)

Cllr Sarah Butikofer

 

Ward(s) affected: All

  Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

  Nick Baker, 01263 516221 – nick.baker@north-norfolk.gov.uk

Additional documents:

Minutes:

Cllr S Bütikofer – Leader of the Council introduced the report, and informed Members that the purpose of the Delivery Plan was to outline the implementation of the key priorities defined in the Corporate Plan.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

Cllr P Heinrich referred to point 4.2 of the report on page 18, and asked for further clarification. Cllr S Bütikofer replied that the Delivery Plan had been built on the Corporate Plan, which had its foundations in engagement with the public and the survey work that had been completed during the election. It was noted that additional stakeholder engagement had taken place since, that included working with outside bodies to ensure a joined-up approach had been taken. Cllr S Bütikofer stated that she would ensure that this point was revisited and made clear.

 

Cllr J Toye asked whether the objectives outlined in the DP had been subject to any prioritisation, or whether they would be going forward. Cllr S Bütikofer stated that the objectives were in the process of being prioritised by Cabinet. She accepted that the wide array of objectives could not all be completed on day one, and as a result, dates and milestones would be added to the document once agreed. Cllr J Toye referred to the customer focus theme, and asked whether customers would be properly informed of the Council’s responsibilities, to limit questions and complaints on issues not relating to the Council. Cllr S Bütikofer replied that she hoped to reinstate the NNDC magazine, and would look to include information on the responsibilities of NNDC, but also provide the relevant contact information for services that NNDC did not provide to help point members of the public in the right direction. The HLS added that there were two elements to the customer focus work, the first of which was related to LGA surveys, that would enable the Council to benchmark its services against other authorities. The second would focus on more specific surveys that would consider failure demand, e.g. cases in which customers had not been able to satisfactorily resolve their issue by contacting the Council. This information would then be fed to Cabinet and the proposed Scrutiny Panels to make the necessary improvements.

 

Cllr G Mancini-Boyle referred to issues around developing the local housing supply on page 22, and stated that carbon reduction targets would not be met if homes continued to be built with gas boilers. In addition, he noted the harmful chemicals present within solar panels, and suggested that ground source heat pumps would be a viable alternative. Cllr S Bütikofer replied that she was aware of the issues with solar panels and other heating sources, and was accordingly working with the Planning Policy Team to develop the environmental requirements of the emerging Local Plan. She added that she was unsure whether the Council would be able to incentivise renewable energy projects, but noted that much of the district didn’t have access to mains gas. Members were reminded that the Council’s pledge to be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 77.

78.

Capital Strategy 2020-2021 pdf icon PDF 613 KB

Summary:

This report sets out the Council’s Capital Strategy for the year 2020-21. It sets out the Council’s approach to the deployment of capital resources in meeting the Council’s overall aims and objectives while providing the strategic framework for the effective management and monitoring of the capital programme.

 

Options Considered:

This report must be prepared to ensure the Council complies with the CIPFA Treasury Management and Prudential Codes.

 

Conclusions:

The Council is required to approve a Capital Strategy to demonstrate compliance with the Codes and establishes the strategic framework for the management of the capital programme.

 

Recommendations:

That Cabinet recommends to Full Council that;

 

The Capital Strategy and Prudential Indicators for 2020-21 are approved.

 

Reasons for Recommendation:

Approval by Council demonstrates compliance with the Codes and provides a framework within which to consider capital investment decisions.

 

 

 

 

Cabinet Member(s)

Cllr E Seward

Ward(s) affected: All

Contact Officer, telephone number and email:

Lucy Hume, 01263 516246, lucy.hume@north-norfolk.gov.uk     

 

 

 

Minutes:

Cllr E Seward – Portfolio Holder for Finance introduced the report and informed Members that it was a CIPFA requirement to produce a report on the Council’s capital programme, its assets, and its debt management. He added that the capital expenditure on the CP’s six key themes would total approximately £26.3m, to be spent in the next financial year, but realistically, this would be spent over several years. It was noted that several existing projects were included in this figure, such as Splash and the procurement of the new waste contract vehicles at £8m and £4.5m respectively, the Cromer coastal scheme at £1.8m, and Mundesley coastal defences, which were expected to cost approximately £3m.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

The Vice-Chairman referred to item 4 on assets, and asked if there was a strategy in place that offered guidance on asset management. The HLS replied that the Council did have an asset management plan, which acted as a framework that could be shared with Members, and could be reviewed in the future. Cllr J Toye asked if it would be more appropriate for GRAC or O&S to review the plan, to which Cllr E Seward replied that it had been done by O&S previously, in relation to the Egmere proposal. He added that when reviewing investments, he would always ask whether it would be more beneficial to keep the money invested, unless there was a justified reason to accept a lower return, such as to purchase sheltered housing. The HLS noted that if the plan were to be reviewed, this would primarily be a Cabinet function, but O&S and GRAC could feed in to the process.

 

Cllr T Adams proposed approval of the strategy, and Cllr L Shires seconded the proposal.

 

RESOLVED

 

To commend the Capital Strategy and Prudential Indicators for 2020-21 to Council for approval.

79.

Investment Strategy 2020-2021 pdf icon PDF 335 KB

Summary:

This report sets out details of the Council’s investment activities and presents a strategy for the prudent investment of the Council’s resources. 

Options Considered:

Alternative investment and debt options are continuously appraised by the Council’s treasury advisors, Arlingclose and all appropriate options are included within this Strategy.

Conclusions:

The preparation of this Strategy is necessary to comply with the guidance issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

Recommendations:

That the Council be asked to RESOLVE that The Investment Strategy is approved.

Reasons for Recommendation:

The Strategy provides the Council with a flexible investment strategy enabling it to respond to changing market conditions.

 

 

           

Cabinet Member(s)

Cllr E Seward

Ward(s) affected: All

Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Lucy Hume, lucy.hume@north-norfolk.gov.uk

 

Minutes:

The CTA introduced the report and informed Members that the Investment Strategy was a new requirement implemented by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government. She added that the report covered all investments and related risks, but also covered the proportionality and resilience of these investments, in order to ensure a diverse, risk averse investment portfolio.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

The Vice-Chairman referred to table 5 of the report and noted that the Council’s investments appeared to fall in the coming years and asked for clarification. The CTA replied that whilst investments were somewhat difficult to forecast, a decrease was expected as loans were repaid. She added that the treasury investment would also decrease in-line with expected CP spending.

 

Cllr G Mancini-Boyle asked whether the Council had any investments in overseas banks, to which the CTA replied that the Council had moved away from these investments due to the increased associated risk for limited returns. She added that long-term investments remained the Council’s main focus, and that she sought to stay clear of bank deposits.

 

Cllr N Housden asked for further details of the guarantees on third party loans. The CTA replied that these were an option the Council had not yet pursued, but could allow it to lend to organisations such as Community Interest Companies for purposes that would not usually be permissible under normal lending conditions.

 

Cllr J Rest acknowledged that the Council no longer held foreign investments, but asked if there were any in UK overseas territories such as Gibraltar. The CTA replied that to her knowledge, the Council held no overseas investments, although pooled funds could potentially be invested overseas. Cllr J Rest asked a follow-up question on whether there were any restrictions on where the fund managers could invest, to which the CTA replied that the Council was not able to impose restrictions as it bought into existing funds, though it did select only ethical funds. Cllr N Housden asked if there had been any investigations into whether the investments were genuinely ethical, to which the CTA replied that checks had been made to ensure the authority was in agreement with its investments.

 

Approval of the report was proposed by Cllr J Toye and seconded by Cllr P Heinrich.

 

RESOLVED

 

To commend the Investment Strategy 2020/21 to Council for approval.

80.

Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2020-2021 pdf icon PDF 735 KB

Summary:

This report sets out details of the Council’s treasury management activities and presents a strategy for the prudent investment of the Council’s surplus funds, as well as external borrowing. 

Options Considered:

Alternative investment and debt options are continuously appraised by the Council’s treasury advisors, Arlingclose and all appropriate options are included within this Strategy.

Conclusions:

The preparation of this Strategy Statement is necessary to comply with the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy’s Code of Practice for Treasury Management in Public Services.

Recommendations:

That the Council be asked to RESOLVE that The Treasury Management Strategy Statement is approved.

Reasons for Recommendation:

The Strategy provides the Council with a flexible treasury strategy enabling it to respond to changing market conditions and ensure the security of its funds, as well as secure borrowing at the best value.

 

 

           

Cabinet Member(s)

Cllr E Seward

Ward(s) affected: All

 Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Lucy Hume, 01263 516246

 

Minutes:

The CTA introduced the report and informed Members that it was broadly a continuation of the existing strategy that brought in approximately £1.3m of annual income to the Council. As previously noted, preference was given to long-term investments with some minor short-term borrowing to support this approach.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

Cllr J Toye sought to place on record a congratulations for achieving the high return on the Council’s investments, with the authority reported to be the investment manager’s top client.  

 

Approval of the Treasury Management Strategy was proposed by Cllr T Adams and seconded by Cllr H Blathwayt.

 

RESOLVED

 

To commend the Treasury Management Strategy Statement 2020/21 to Council for approval.

81.

Sheringham Leisure Centre Project Update pdf icon PDF 629 KB

To receive an update on the Sheringham Leisure Centre project.

Minutes:

Cllr V Gay – Portfolio Holder for Culture and Wellbeing introduced the report and informed Members that whilst the project was on-track financially, an unused drain had caused a collapse that was expected to cause a nine day delay to the schedule. She added that the Council would seek to cover the costs incurred by the drainage issue from the contractor.

 

Questions and Discussion

 

It was reported that high winds had caused damage to a roof panel of the existing Splash building, which as a result had closed the pool, but other areas of the facility remained open. Cllr V Gay stated that work had begun immediately to resolve the issue, but it was not yet known how quickly it would be resolved. She added that the failure of the existing Splash facility was the first item on the project risk log, and as a result, the issue was being taken very seriously.

 

Cllr N Housden asked what the potential cost of the drainage issue could be if not covered by the contractor, to which Cllr V Gay replied that she did not yet know the exact figure, but could find this out if not covered.

 

Cllr L Shires noted that the lack of communications support continued to be a concern, and asked if the new post being advertised would resolve this issue. Cllr V Gay replied that she understood there had been very good candidates for the position, and that she did expect that it would be a key priority for whoever took the post.

 

Cllr N Housden reported that the time-lapse video included on the promotional website linked to unrelated content once finished, and asked whether it could instead link back to the NNDC website. Cllr V Gay noted the issue, and again hoped this would be resolved once the Communications Manager post was filled.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the update.

82.

The Cabinet Work Programme pdf icon PDF 243 KB

To note the upcoming Cabinet Work Programme.

Minutes:

The DS&GOS informed Members that as a result of the limited resources available for enforcement, the Enforcement Board Update would move to the March meeting of Cabinet.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the Cabinet Work Programme.

83.

Overview & Scrutiny Work Programme and Update pdf icon PDF 274 KB

To receive an update from the Scrutiny Officer on progress made with topics on its agreed work programme, training updates and to receive any further information which Members may have requested at a previous meeting.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The DS&GOS informed Members that subsequent to the resolution on ambulance response times at the last meeting, the relevant representatives from EEAST and the NCCG had confirmed that they would attend a meeting of the Committee in April to brief on the issue.

 

It was noted that the Itteringham House review was expected to be on the agenda of the March meeting, and would now include data from a full year of lettings.

 

RESOLVED

 

To note the Work Programme.

84.

Exclusion of the Press and Public

To pass the following resolution, if necessary:

 

“That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph _ of Part I of Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”

85.

To Consider Any Exempt Matters Arising From Consideration of the Public Business of the Agenda