Resources Select Committee Minutes

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE RESOURCES SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON THURSDAY, 23 JANUARY 2003 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM

Present :

Mr G S Kendall (Chairman), Mrs T M Butchers (deputising for Mrs M J Miller), Mr J F Howe, Mr P D Joyce, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr V J Morey, Mr A J Mundy (deputising for Mr M J Cunningham), Mr R C Richards (deputising for Mr D T Yates), Mr I R Stephens, Mr R A Sutton

Apologies :

Mr M J Cunningham, Mrs M J Miller, Mr K Pearson, Mr G P Price, Mr D T Yates

Also Present (Non Voting) :

Mr R G Mazillius

56. MINUTES

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 20 December 2002 be confirmed.

57. LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE SETTLEMENT, BUDGET FOR 2003-2004 AND FORWARD PLAN FOR 2004-2006

The Select Committee received the report of the Strategic Director of Finance and Information and County Treasurer which set out the draft budget proposals for 2003-04 as considered by the Executive on 15 January 2003. Members were advised that the Council had received a poor grant settlement. Proposals issued from the Government had incorporated a change to Revenue Support Grant methodology which had proved disadvantageous to a number of authorities. It was thought that in 2003-04 there the would be a 11% increase in Council Tax or a requirement to reduce spending by £5 million.

Members noted that the budget proposals would be considered by the relevant Select Committee’s and not by the Co-ordinating Committee as the report indicated. During discussion members asked that the coordination of transport currently used by both Education and Social Services be investigated to identify possible cost savings.

The Select Committee raised the potential revenue from Council Tax on second homes. It was agreed that details of the level of potential taxation and legislation be reported back to Members of the Committee.

RESOLVED :

THAT the report be accepted.

58. SCRUTINY SESSION ON CENTRAL SUPPORT SERVICES

The Chairman advised Members that the scrutiny session had been arranged to provide the Committee with an opportunity to question officers on issues concerning the delivery of the Council’s central support services. In particular to consider separate ICT provision which existed with the Education and Social Services Directorates and the reasons for such devision.

The Council’s use of the company AVT was raised, and the possibility of the Council’s IT department taking over the work. However the ICT Manager advised members that the existing mechanism served the needs of schools well and that it was unlikely that there were any significant cost savings to be made.

The separate personnel section within the Education Directorate was considered. The Committee were advised that the department dealt with personnel services to schools

Concern was raised that the projected budget allocation for the E-government agenda for the forthcoming 3 years was only £500,000, when the cost of its implementation was projected to cost over thirty million over the next 10 years.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Select Committee accept the position.

59. CONNECTING WITH THE PUBLIC BEST VALUE REVIEW

Members received the report of the Chairman which reported on the progress of the review. The Select Committee were advised that the first phase of the review was largely complete as the paper ‘organisational Development Great Access to Great Services’ reported. The first phase had focussed largely on a vision for the future for how the Council could handle public access in the future. It was highlighted that the work linked to on - going issues such as Customer Relationship Management, Implementing Electronic Government and the accommodation review.

As the paper “Great Access to Great Services” outlined it was proposed that a programme board be established to move forward these areas of work. Members consider whether the board would be led by officers or Members. Concern was raised that adequate checks and balances would be put in place to monitor improvement. With this in mind it was agreed that the E-government Task Group monitor the Boards progress.

It was indicated that both phases 2 and 3 should be delayed. With regard to phase two it was proposed to delay that part of the review until after the appointment of a Communications and PR Manager. Similarly it was considered necessary to delay phase 3 to develop a consultation strategy.

During discussion it was suggested that a manager of the day be rostered to deal with questions that the front line staff in Customers Services were unable to answer. It was thought that for example a manager would have one duty in 2 weeks, the concept was supported by the Select Committee.

RESOLVED :

(a) THAT the Select Committee support the work being undertaken towards a future vision for public access

(b) THAT the Select Committee recommend to the Executive the delay of phases 2 and 3 of the review.

(d) THAT the Committee strongly suggest that the Board put people first and to achieve that aim use the Customer Relationship Management System.

60. URGENT BUSINESS - TITLE OF THE HEAD OF PAID SERVICE

The Chairman raised a matter in connection with the difficulties being encountered with the title of the Head of Paid Service. The Select Committee agreed that a more appropriate title should be given to the Head of Paid Service

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE EXECUTIVE :

THAT the title to the post of Head of Paid Service be amended to Chief Executive Officer.

CHAIRMAN