Agenda item

The AD introduced the report and informed Members that a number of recommendations remained outstanding from previous years, though it was noted that several had been delayed by the impact of Covid-19. It was reported that 33 recommendations remained outstanding, of which 22 were priority 2, with none at priority 1. It was suggested that the reasons for some of the outstanding recommendations alluded to issues such as Section 106 agreements, which were dependent on the introduction of a new planning system that was currently in the process of implementation.

Questions and Discussion

   i.          Cllr P Butikofer referred to the new Uniform planning system and asked what the implications would be if the project were to be delayed further. The AD replied that it would have an detrimental impact, and suggested that a more detailed response could be given by the relevant head of service. Cllr P Butikofer then referred to the recommendation on appointing a monitoring role for Section 106 agreements, and asked whether it would be possible to have a reserve officer in place. The CE replied to the first question and noted that the planning system had been closed down for approximately two weeks to allow for a significant data transfer, which had gone well. He added that the new system should provide a number of advantages, such as improvements to the monitoring of Section 106 agreements as highlighted in the recommendations. It was noted that the Head of Planning was also looking to improve the process of monitoring planning conditions, and it was expected that the outstanding recommendations would be addressed in the near future.

  ii.          Cllr C Cushing referred to the recommendation on implementing a new procurement strategy and noted the reason for delay, then asked whether there was a deputy for this position. The CE replied that this was a specialist role and whilst there was not a deputy in place at present, it could be considered in the future.

iii.          Cllr P Butikofer referred the recommendation on updating the licensing register, and noted that after considerable work with officers, they had completed a taxi handbook. He added that there were issues with taxi licenses not being added to the NNDC website, which he hoped could be addressed as part of the recommendation, to ensure public safety.

iv.          The Chairman raised concerns that a number of recommendations had been outstanding for a number of years, and asked whether the Committee would be supportive of calling-in heads of service to explain delays of two years or more. The CE replied that he would be supportive of such proposals to improve accountability, and noted that under the new management structure this would become an assistant director’s responsibility.

 v.          In response to a question from Cllr N Dixon, it was confirmed that the percentage of outstanding recommendations was 12%, as opposed to the 24% listed. Cllr N Dixon then referred to long overdue recommendations and asked whether the Committee had a clear understanding of the reasons for delays, and whether Members would look to address this in a recommendation. The AD replied in reference to the Section 106 monitoring recommendation, that a decision to delay manual monitoring had been taken to wait for the new Uniform system, to better address the issue. She added that delays to the implementation of this system meant that the risk of Section 106 agreements being inadequately monitored would remain until implementation was complete. Cllr N Dixon sought to ensure that the Committee were satisfied with the explanations given for delays, and whether this would be considered as part of any potential proposals.

vi.          Cllr L Withington referred to the Section 106 recommendations and asked whether the auditing process took into account how agreements were reached. The AD replied that the audit did take into account all stages of the Section 106 agreement process, from the original planning application to their utilisation.

vii.          Cllr J Rest proposed that Assistant Directors be called-in to the Governance, Risk and Audit Committee to explain the reasons for delays on outstanding audit recommendations of two years or more. Cllr C Cushing seconded the proposal.

RESOLVED

1.     To note the report.

2.     Assistant Directors be called-in to the Governance, Risk and Audit Committee to explain the reasons for delays on outstanding audit recommendations of two years or more.