REPORT OF THE HEAD OF SELECT COMMITTEE AND BEST VALUE SUPPORT

REASON FOR SELECT COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION

This scrutiny session has been arranged by the Select Committee Chairman to provide Members with an opportunity to question the Portfolio Holder and officers on issues concerning the delivery of the Council’s central support services.

ACTION REQUIRED BY THE SELECT COMMITTEE

The Select Committee may wish to consider further scrutiny of the Council’s central support services

BACKGROUND

Members will be aware that the Council’s central support services are currently primarily delivered by both the Corporate and Environment Services and the Finance and Information Directorates. However, in the case of Information and Communications Technology separate provision also exists within the Education and Social Services Directorates and in the case of personnel, provision again also exists within the Education Directorate. The separate provision of these service areas is reflected in each Directorate’s budget and staffing arrangements. Details of current and previous budgets for each service area, as extracted from the Council’s Revenue Budget 2002-2003, are attached as Appendix 1.

WITNESSES

The Portfolio Holder for Resources together with officers from the Social Services, Education and Environment and Corporate Services Directorates have been invited to attend the session to answer Members’ questions.

APPENDICES ATTACHED

Appendix 1 - Extract from the Council’s Revenue Budget 2002-2003

BACKGROUND PAPERS USED IN THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT

Council’s Revenue Budget 2002-2003

Contact Point: Saskia Kiernan, Principal Scrutiny Officer, F 823805

ALISTAIR DRAIN

Head of Select Committee and Best Value Support