MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE RESOURCES SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON FRIDAY, 1 FEBRUARY 2002 COMMENCING AT 2.15 PM

Present :

Mr G S Kendall (Chairman), Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J H Fleming (deputising for Mrs J L Wareham), Mr P D Joyce, Mr D J Knowles, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr R G Mazillius, Mrs M J Miller, Mr G P Price, Mr I R Stephens, Mr R A Sutton, Mr A F Tiltman 

Apologies :

Mrs J L Wareham

Portfolio Holder :

Mr R R Barry

Also Present :

Mr V Morey, Mr D G Williams

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 24 January 2002 be confirmed.

35. SOUTH STREET DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS

The Head of Select Committee Support presented his report which outlined recent proposals to redevelop an area of land adjacent to South Street Newport including the Newport Fire Station site. It was considered appropriate that a Working Party be formed with membership drawn from a range of Select Committees to scrutinise implications of this development proposal.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT a Working Party consisting of 10 to 12 Members be established with membership drawn from a range of Select Committees

(ii) THAT the terms of reference of the Working Party be to scrutinise South Street Development proposals in the context of the potential relocation of Newport Fire Station

36. BUDGET FOR 2002-03 AND FORWARD PLAN FOR 2003-05

The Select Committee received the report of the Strategic Director of Finance and Information which outlined the draft budget proposals for 2002-03. The proposals had been considered by the Executive on 22 January 2002. Members, in particular, were asked to make comment on the draft revenue proposals for services within the Committee's remit, capital investment bids and the proposed increase in Land Charges.

Members discussed the need to improve the presentation of the budget papers to give them greater value. The Select Committee believed clearer balance sheets and more explanatory notes were required to help the scrutiny process. It was considered that Member training on the scrutiny of the budget and budget consultations would be of benefit for the future. The Committee felt unable to make effective recommendations on the revenue proposals.

The Select Committee received the Capital Bids for 2002/03. Members considered the bids and highlighted three as priority.

With regard to Land Charges, Members were advised that a survey of other neighbouring authorities showed a proposed average increase of 6.5%, it was proposed that a similar increase be applied to the Island.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the Committee felt unable to comment on the draft revenue proposals for services within the Committee's remit because they had insufficient detail and time to scrutinise.

(ii) THAT the Executive be recommended that in relation to Capital Bids for 2002/03 the following only be approved, as set out in Appendix 6 of the report

Care Standards Act 2000

Planned Maintenance Including Management of Asbestos in Council Buildings

Disability Discrimination Act - Access to Buildings and Services

(iii) THAT the Executive be recommended to approve the proposed increase in Land Charges

(iv) THAT the budget scrutiny process be included in the Select Committee's Workplan early in the financial year.

CHAIRMAN