Please Contact: Mary Howard
Please email: mary.howard@north-norfolk.gov.uk Please Direct Dial on: 01263 516047
Committee Administrator: Emma Denny: emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk
02 December 2011
A meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of North Norfolk District Council will be held
in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer on Tuesday 13 December
2011 at 9.30a.m.
K
Please note
change of day
At the discretion of the Chairman, a short break will be taken after the meeting has been running
for approximately one and a half hours. Coffee will be available in the staff restaurant at 9.30 a.m.
and at the break.
Members of the public who wish to ask a question or speak on an agenda item are requested to
arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the meeting. It will not always be possible to
accommodate requests after that time. This is to allow time for the Committee Chair to rearrange
the order of items on the agenda for the convenience of members of the public. Further information
on the procedure for public speaking can be obtained from Democratic Services, Tel: 01263
516047, Email: democraticservices@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Philip Burton
Chief Executive
To: Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds, Mrs A Green, Mr B Jarvis, Mr P Moore, Mr J H Perry-Warnes,
Mr R Reynolds, Mr E Seward, Mr B Smith, Mr R Smith, Mr P Terrington, Mr G Williams and
Mr R Wright
All other Members of the Council for information.
Members of the Management Team, appropriate Officers, Press and Public.
If you have any special requirements in order to attend this
meeting, please let us know in advance
If you would like any document in large print, audio, Braille, alternative
format or in a different language please contact us.
Chief Executive: Philip Burton Deputy Chief Executive Sheila Oxtoby Strategic Directors: Nick Baker, Steve Blatch
& Tony Ing Tel 01263 513811 Fax 01263 515042 Minicom 01263 516005
Email districtcouncil@north-norfolk.gov.uk Web site northnorfolk.org
AGENDA
1.
TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2.
SUBSTITUTES
3.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
To receive questions from the public, if any
4.
MINUTES
(attached - p.1)
(9.30 – 9.35)
To approve as correct records, the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee held on 16 November 2011.
5.
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
To determine any other items of business which the Chairman decides should be
considered as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government
Act 1972.
6.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members are asked at this stage to declare any interests that they may have in any of the
following items on the agenda. The Code of Conduct for Members requires that
declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a personal or prejudicial
interest.
7.
PETITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
To consider any petitions received from members of the public.
8.
CONSIDERATION OF ANY MATTER REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE BY A MEMBER
To consider any requests made by non-executive Members of the Council, and notified to
the Monitoring Officer with seven clear working days notice, to include an item on the
agenda of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
9.
RESPONSES OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CABINET TO THE COMMITTEE’S REPORTS
OR RECOMMENDATIONS
To consider any responses of the Council or the Cabinet to the Committee’s reports or
recommendations.
10.
THE FORWARD PLAN AND MANAGEMENT OF COUNCIL BUSINESS
(attached – p.9)
To discuss the Forward Plan and to consider the programme of business for Cabinet,
Overview and Scrutiny, Audit and Full Council.
11.
THE COUNCIL’S APPROACH TO LOCALISM AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A BIG
SOCIETY FUND
(Cabinet Agenda – 28 November 2011, p. 122)
(Appendix L, Cabinet Agenda - p. 130)
(9.40 – 10.25)
Summary:
This report details the Council’s new approach to Localism,
makes recommendations in relation to the Local Strategic
Partnership and establishes the principle of the Big Society
Fund.
Conclusions:
The Council has positioned itself to ensure that it is able to
take advantage of the legislative changes incorporated within
the Localism Bill for the benefit of communities within North
Norfolk. Streamlined partnership working combined with new
arrangements for the return of 50% of the second homes
council tax funding will allow communities within North Norfolk
to benefit for the first time from a Big Society Fund of almost
£700,000 per annum. This fund will support projects that
communities want and where they will make a difference to the
economic and social well-being of the area, and not linked to
meeting top down government targets. This is an exciting new
fund that will help reinvigorate our communities by giving
people the opportunity to get involved in real projects thereby
strengthening our civic society.
Recommendations
It is recommended that;
Overview and Scrutiny support the proposal for North
Norfolk Community Partnership to be reconfigured from
being a formal committee to become a standing
conference with an annual summit for the strategic
partners operating in North Norfolk and a 6 monthly review
meeting.
The Council support Holt Town Council in becoming a
pilot for a neighbourhood plan subject to the funding bid
being accepted.
A Big Society fund is established from the return of the
second home council tax income and any uncommitted
funds from this year allocated to this fund through the
establishment of an earmarked reserve.
The principles of the Big Society fund are agreed as
outlined within Appendix L and a policy developed which
will provide more detail on the operation of the grant
scheme.
The fund is split between revenue and capital based upon
an indicative allocation of £500,000 for revenue and
£200,000 for capital projects.
•
•
•
•
•
Cabinet member(s):
Cllr Trevor Ivory
Contact Officer, telephone
number, and e-mail:
Ward(s) affected: All
Sheila Oxtoby, Deputy Chief Executive, 01263
516077, shelia.oxtoby@north-norfolk.gov.uk
12.
2011/12 REVISED BUDGET
(Cabinet Agenda – 28 November, p.11)
(Appendix A, Cabinet Agenda – p.23; Appendix B – p. 24; Appendix C – .43,
Appendix D – p.45; Appendix E – p. 49)
(10.25 – 10.40)
Summary:
The base budget for 2011/12 was approved by Full Council on 23
February 2011. The budget was then updated as part of the Final
Accounts process for 2010/11 to take account of roll forwards of
previously unspent budgets. This report presents for approval the
revised budget for 2011/12 for both capital and revenue.
Conclusions:
The budget for 2011/12 has been revised to take account of
variances which have been highlighted as part of the ongoing
budget monitoring process. The appendices to the report provide
details of the movements for each service while the main body of the
report highlights the more significant movements compared to the
current budget for 2011/12. This report presents a balanced position
for the 2011/12 revised budget while allowing for a contribution to be
made to the Organisational Development reserve to offset any
reduced savings in 2012/13 as a consequence of the revised
approach in relation to the implementation of the new pay model
resulting from the Pay and Grading Review.
Detailed work is still ongoing on the 2012/13 budget which will be
reported to Members in the new year.
Recommendations
Cabinet member(s):
All
Contact Officer, telephone
number, and e-mail:
That Members agree and recommend to Full Council:
•
The revised revenue budget for 2011/12;
•
The revised transfers to and from reserves included at
Appendix C;
•
The transfer of the forecast surplus of £172,488 to the
Organisational Development reserve;
•
The revised capital programme and associated
financing as included at Appendix E;
•
The scale of fees and charges from 1 April 2012
included at Appendix D;
•
Delegated authority for setting the fees and charges for
waste be given to the Strategic Director for
Environment, Deputy Chief Executive and relevant
Portfolio Members.
Ward(s) affected:
All
Duncan Ellis, 01263 516330,
Duncan.Ellis@north-norfolk.gov.uk
13.
PROPOSED SAVINGS REPORT – 2012/13 BASE BUDGET
(Cabinet Agenda 28 November, p. 62)
(Appendix F, Cabinet Agenda - p. 70)
(10.40 – 11.10)
Summary:
The recent update of the Corporate Plan which was presented
to Cabinet in October 2011 was accompanied by an appendix
entitled ‘Financial Plan Update 2011/12 – 2014/15, Strategic
Context and Organisational Workstreams’. This paper
identified a projected funding gap of £0.9 million for 2012/13
and just under £1.1m for 2013/14. This report provides an
update on the progression of two of the Council’s workstreams
and identifies a number of savings and additional income
streams that will help to address the funding deficit.
Conclusions:
This report provides a summary of progress to date in relation
to the two workstreams and identifies a number of new savings
and additional sources of income for 2012/13 onwards. These
are summarised below and additional details can be found
within the appendices that accompany the report.
The Revised Budget report for 2011/12 is included elsewhere
on this agenda and detailed work is still ongoing on the
2012/13 budget which will be reported to Members in the new
year. The recommendation from this report is to note the
progress on the workstreams and to approve the savings and
additional income identified for inclusion within the 2012/13
Base Budget report.
Recommendations:
That Members agree and recommend to Full Council:
Cabinet member(s):
All
Contact Officer, telephone
number, and e-mail:
•
The savings and additional income as identified within
Table 1 of the report
•
Note the updated position in relation to the management
structures and prioritisation workstreams
•
To fund any ‘one-off’ costs in relation to staff restructuring
through the use of the Restructuring and Invest to Save
Proposals reserve
•
A new reserve is established for the ‘New Homes Bonus’
and that the allocation for 2012/13, estimated to be
£595,700 is transferred to this reserve
Ward(s) affected:
All
Duncan Ellis, 01263 516330,
Duncan.Ellis@north-norfolk.gov.uk
14.
TREASURY MANAGEMENT STRATEGY STATEMENT AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY
2011/12 TO 2013/14 - AMENDMENT
(Cabinet Agenda – 28 November 2011, p. 74)
(11.10 – 11.15)
Summary:
Conclusions:
Recommendations:
This report sets out a proposed amendment to the minimum
credit rating criteria required for investment counterparties within
the current Treasury Management Strategy.
The reduction in the minimum acceptable credit criteria will allow
investment in systemically important institutions and provide
access to a greater number of appropriate investment
counterparties.
That the Council be asked to RESOLVE that the Treasury
Management Strategy Statement and Investment Strategy
2011/12 to 2013/14 is amended by reducing the minimum longterm credit rating for investment counterparties from A+ (or
equivalent) to A- (or equivalent).
Cabinet member(s):
All
Contact Officer, telephone
number, and e-mail:
15.
Ward(s) affected:
All
Tony Brown 01263 516126
tony.brown@north-norfolk.gov.uk
REVENUES AND BENEFITS SHARED SERVICE
(Cabinet Agenda – 28 November 2011, p.76)
(Appendix G, Cabinet Agenda p.87; Appendix H, p. 90, Appendix I, p. 93)
(11.30 – 12.00)
Summary:
Conclusions:
The report updates members on progress to date on the shared
service work for Revenues and Benefits.
The realisation of savings and efficiencies from working in
partnership can only be delivered if the two authorities operate on
the same application software. The decision therefore on the
software upgrade is crucial to any development of shared working
and the development of a fully operational shared service.
There are a number of interdependent decisions which are
required to be made linked to the software procurement. This
report considers these areas and their dependencies.
The service will be subject to significant change in the future and
having stable software as well as a system that enables us to
maximise efficiencies will be essential. The decision to procure a
new software system should be considered alongside
opportunities that a partnership approach would give.
The business case has been reviewed following the procurement
exercise for a replacement system, extensive work considering
the infrastructure requirements for a single hosted system, a
revision of employee and supplies and service budgets has also
been undertaken.
As a result of this work it is estimated that a partnership
arrangement would deliver total annual savings of £561,877
Some further financial modelling of Universal Credit has been
carried out which still forecasts a net saving of £438,000 over five
years between the two authorities. Gross savings of £1,525,306
are forecasted over the five years taking into account capital
investment.
Recommendations: 1. To agree the revised financial information within the business
case as updated verbally at the meeting regarding an additional
£72,000 set up for back fill.
2. For the Portfolio Holder for Revenues & Benefits and the
Deputy Chief Executive to continue to develop the Partnership
Agreement for which the Heads of Terms will require approval
by Council. Delegated authority to the Leader of the Council
and Portfolio Holder for Revenues & Benefits and the Deputy
Chief Executive, to develop a shared service model and
following full consultation and report back to Cabinet.
3. That Council, following discussion by the Overview and
Scrutiny Committee, agrees to entering into a contract with
Civica for the provision of a software system; an outline of the
legal obligations to be presented to Council.
4. To continue to explore the infrastructure requirements with
BT and BCKLWN and recommend to Council the infrastructure
requirements and associated costs.
5. Approve the proposals for BCKLWN to host the ICT
infrastructure and business system and for NNDC to host any
proposed shared management structure.
6. Delegate authority to the Leader of the Council, Portfolio
Holder for Revenues and Benefits and the Deputy Chief
Executive, to agree proposed service level agreements with
customer services and other support services.
16.
NORFOLK COALITION OF DISABLED PEOPLE
(12.00 – 12.30)
To receive a presentation on the work of the Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People.
(Source: Kate Sullivan, Ext. 6052, kate.sullivan@north-norfolk.gov.uk)
17.
GYPSY AND TRAVELLER SITES UPDATE
(attached, p.19)
(12.30 – 12.45)
Summary:
An update on the level of occupation of the Cromer and
Fakenham Sites for the period April to October and the capital
grant expenditure to date.
Conclusions:
Occupancy rates have fluctuated across the two sites over the
period.
Savings realised during the construction of the sites are being
used to cover the running costs of the site.
Recommendations:
Cabinet member(s):
All
That Members note the contents of the report
Ward(s) affected:
All
Contact Officer, telephone
Mark Whitmore, 01263 516206
number, and e-mail:
mark.whitmore@north-norfolk.gov.uk
This update covers the period 1 April to 31 October 2011.
18.
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
(attached – p. 22)
(Appendix A - p.25; Appendix B - p. 32; Appendix C – p. 33, Appendix D – p. 37)
(12.45 – 13.00)
Summary:
This report updates the Committee on progress
with topics in its agreed work programme
(attached at Appendix A) and invites Members
to identify any arising items for future meetings.
The Scrutiny Committee’s working style and role
is attached at Appendix B.
Conclusions:
That progress is being made in some areas,
others need to be monitored and opportunities
for scrutiny should be discussed.
Recommendations:
That Members should consider any followup actions required on these topics.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Mr T J FitzPatrick
All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email: Mary Howard, Democratic Services Team
Leader, Tel.01263 516047, mary.howard@north-norfolk.gov.uk
19.
EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
To pass the following resolution, if necessary:
“That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be
excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they
involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 7C of Part I of
Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”
20.
TO CONSIDER ANY EXEMPT MATTERS ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION OF THE
PUBLIC BUSINESS OF THE AGENDA