MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE RESOURCES SELECT COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON WEDNESDAY, 8 MAY 2002 COMMENCING AT 9.30 AM
Present :
Mr G S Kendall (Chairman), Mr M J Cunningham, Mr P D Joyce, Mrs M J Lloyd, Mrs M J Miller, Mr A J Mundy (deputising for Mr R A Sutton), Mr G P Price, Mr I R Stephens, Mr A F Tiltman, Mr D T Yates
Apologies :
Mr V J Morey, Mr R A Sutton
Portfolio Holder :
Mr R R Barry
Also Present :
Mr R G Mazillius, Mrs S A Smart
1. MINUTES
RESOLVED :
THAT the Minutes of the meeting held on the 10 April 2002 be confirmed.
2. JOINT INFORMAL MEETING OF THE RESOURCES AND SOCIAL SERVICES, HOUSING AND BENEFITS SELECT COMMITTEES
Members received for information the notes of the Joint Informal Meeting of the Resources and Social Services, Housing and Benefits Select Committee’s held on the 24 April 2002. It was clarified that the meeting had gone into informal session due to disagreement among some Members relating to procedure rules which regulated joint meetings.
Members were advised that subsequently the Social Services, Housing and Benefits Select Committee had agreed to hold an informal meeting of both Committees to discuss the matter of Inver House, Bembridge.
RESOLVED :
THAT the position be noted.
3. PUBLIC QUESTION TIME
A question was put to the Chairman as follows :
Mr Lawrence of Ventnor with regard to polling stations (PQ39/02)
A copy of the question and reply given is contained in the Public Question Register
4. REVIEW OF POLLING STATIONS
Members received the report of the Strategic Director of Corporate and Environment Services which outlined the need for a review of all Island polling stations. The report recognised that some polling stations were inadequate. The aim of the review was to ensure that all Island residents had access to a polling station which was convenient and accessible.
The Select Committee discussed the need for consultation with the local Member, Parish/Town Council’s and with members of the public. It was requested that an E - forum be established to enable both Councillors and the public to participate and contribute to the review. Issues of available parking and access for the disabled were considered.
The possibility of using electronic voting in future elections was discussed. It was agreed this was an important issue but should be considered in a separate review at a later date.
RESOLVED :
THAT an Appraisal Group be established and that its findings be brought back to the Select Committee by July 2003.
5. ACCOMMODATION REVIEW PHASE 3
Members received the report of the Strategic Director of Corporate and Environment Services which highlighted the results of the findings of Members and Officers of the Property Asset Management Task Group. The Task Group had investigated the relocation of Council services with a view to rationalise space and to investigate allocation of accommodation at County Hall.
The objectives to achieve these aims were :
Rationalisation of space
Improved access to services, supported by e-government
The improved use of County Hall as a central hub
Reduced property running and maintenance costs
Improved staff facilities and workstations
Reduce transport costs and congestion
Members agreed that the creation of a central ‘hub’ at County Hall would improve customer care and access to Council Services. It was believed that those services which had direct contact with the public should be located at County Hall.
It was advised that the proposed moves and improvements could be provided within existing budgets and would create a surplus. The Select Committee supported the idea of the ‘ring-fencing’ of receipts from capital disposal of existing office accommodation to fund the relocation.
The Select Committee considered the future development of the use of ICT within the Council and the costs incurred of the proposed relocation of Council services. It was believed that defined costs of ICT installation and development were needed. There was concern that without thorough planning, the money saved by the relocation of services would be used for the implementation of ICT. Members were advised that it would be necessary to produce business plans for each proposed relocation which would ensure that the costs incurred were practical.
RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE EXECUTIVE:
(i) THAT the following recommendations be submitted to the Executive
Relocation of Wight Leisure to Westridge/sell 17 Quay Street
First floor of the Guildhall to be a display area, subject to grant
Coastal Management Team and Ventnor TIC to Salisbury Gardens/sell TIC
Relocation of Library Headquarters/sell existing site
Museum Workshop Team to Cothey Bottom/sell Quay House
Car Parks/Traffic Education Centre move - Shide/County Hall/Jubilee Stores
Surrender lease of Bugle House in 2006/move Training to Northwood House and relocate Wightcare to County Hall
Find Future use for Enterprise House
Review Social Services and Public Records requirements
Clear Forest Road of buildings for Wight Bus operation/sell Carisbrooke Depot
The Wight Bus operation at Mountjoy be relocated to Forest Road
St Nicholas House retained for the interim
Undertake large project of flexible working at Seaclose
(ii) THAT only those costs directly related to the practical relocation of services be considered
(iii) THAT it be recommended that resources be “ring-fenced” to enable moves to proceed, subject to each being justified on a business case basis.
(iv) THAT the Task Group be requested to review as a priority the allocation of services within County Hall.
6. FORWARD PLAN
Members reiterated that the Forward Plan would be of more value if it described the decisions to be taken in more detail.
RESOLVED :
THAT the Forward Plan be noted.
7. MEMBERS QUESTION TIME
A question was submitted to the Chairman as follows :
Mr M J Cunningham in relation to Newport Harbour (MQ35/02)
A copy of the question and reply given is contained in the Members’ Question Register.
CHAIRMAN