Agenda and draft minutes

To receive and record apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Branson, D Smith and Fairhurst.

There were no declarations of interest.

Background Papers:

Findings Pack

The Board was given the opportunity to consider and comment upon the Review of the Budget 2017/2018 Report. The Scrutiny Lead for the Budget Scrutiny Panel introduced the report and answered any questions raised. The Leader of the Council, the Chief Finance Officer and the Business, Economy and Town Services Manager were also invited to join the meeting and answer any questions in relation to the report.

The discussion highlighted the potential gains that could be realised by a Funding Officer within the Community Team, and the need for smart objectives to clarify the outputs of the economic development service.

The budget scrutiny process was also endorsed by members, though it was recognised this process could have closer links with the financial planning process of officers in future years.

RESOLVED that

a)    The Scrutiny Board recommend to Cabinet:

i)             To agree to the transfer of the responsibilities and associated budgets for all current economic development events and the responsibility for the mayoral service to the Community Team;

ii)            To consider the appointment of a full or part time Funding Officer within the Community Team with the aim that this post be self funding and to enable the Council to take greater advantage of external funding;

iii)           To consider committing the Council to a major investment scheme in 2017/18 that will act as a catalyst for town centre regeneration; and

iv)           The regular economic status reports be reinstated

b)    The budget scrutiny process undertaken this year be adopted as a model for future budget scrutiny projects.

To consider the appointment a Scrutiny Lead for Marketing, Business Development and Five Councils to replace Councillor Pike, who will become a Cabinet Lead from 1 January 2017.

The Chairman nominated Councillor Quantrill as the Scrutiny Lead for the Marketing, Business Development and Five Councils Scrutiny and Policy Development Panel.

RESOLVED that Councillor Lance Quantrill be appointed as the Scrutiny Lead for the Marketing, Business Development and Five Councils Scrutiny and Policy Development Panel.