MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE RESOURCES SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON FRIDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2001 COMMENCING AT 9.15 AM

Present :

Mr G S Kendall (Chairman), Mr M J Cunningham, Mr P D Joyce, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mr R G Mazillius, Mrs M J Miller, Mr I R Stephens, Mr A F Tiltman, Mrs J L Wareham

Spokesperson :

Mr R R Barry

Apologies :

Mr D J Knowles, Mr G P Price, Mr R A Sutton

RESOLVED :

THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on 21 May 2001 be confirmed

2. RESOURCES SELECT COMMITTEE WORKPLAN

Members considered the Committee's Workplan, which had been drafted following its Away Day on 11 July 2001. During the Away Day Members had generated a range of issues which could form work priorities for the forthcoming year, it was believed by the Select Committee that work should be conducted mainly through Task Groups initially and Working Parties established where a need was identified.

The Committee discussed 4 main areas of business that could form the basis of discussions by Task Groups. These related to:- Connecting with the Public; Information and Communications Technology; Property/Asset Management and Measuring Performance. Members discussed the proposed terms of reference for these.

Members agreed to consider the relocation of Newport Market. The Market's current planning permission for the Sea Street site would expire on the 31 December2001. Members agreed that a informal briefing should be arranged to consider a strategic vision for central Newport, which would also include the Market's relocation. It was suggested that Members of the Environment and Transport Select Committee be invited.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the draft Workplan be approved subject to moving the item of Newport Market from the 10 October to the 14 November 2001 meeting and moving the item on grants from 14 November to the10 October 2001 meeting.

(ii) THAT Task Groups be established to consider the following issues;

(a) Connecting with the Public

To review and make recommendations in relation to corporate standards including such items as response time, telephone calls, electronic service delivery, and general correspondence.

To explore mechanisms that could be introduced to improve "first impressions of the Council.

(b) Information and Communications Technology

To understand and promote implementation of e - government throughout the organisation

To investigate mechanisms by which ICT is used by the Council to improve efficiency and/or deliver cost benefits and review and advise on the funding of ICT.

To review and advise on the strategic funding of ICT.

To review progress made against the action plan in Phase 1 of the ICT Best Value Review.

(c) Property/Asset Management

To identify opportunities for the Council to further optimise use of Council accommodation and Resources.

To review arrangements for surplus property assets.

To review the Council's storage requirements

(d) Measuring Performance

To review Local Performance Indicators and targets and make recommendations for their future use within the authority.

To identify meaningful and relevant Performance Indicators as a basis for effective monitoring of service delivery.

(iii) THAT a informal briefing be arranged to consider an overall strategic plan for Newport, including Newport Market.

3. REVIEW OF APPOINTMENT TO OUTSIDE BODIES

The Director of Corporate Services advised on the appointment of representatives to Outside Bodies. Nominations had been sought from all Members of the Council. Where the appropriate number of nominations had been received for the vacancies available these had been filled accordingly. The list had been recirculated and vacancies on 2 outside bodies remained. Members noted the additional nominations received. Members were advised that a Report relating to the continuation of J S White Trust was due to be considered at the Executive on 25 September 2001, therefore it was agreed this item be deferred.

RESOLVED :

(i) THAT the Executive be recommended to approve the appointments ; Mr R R Barry, Mr P D Joyce and Mr R G Mazillius to the Registration Advisory Panel.

(ii) THAT the appointment of a representative to the J S White Trust be deferred.

CHAIRMAN