Please contact: Tessa Gilder-Smith
Please email: Tessa.Gilder-Smith@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Please direct dial on: 01263 516047
02 December 2013
A meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of North Norfolk District Council will be held
in the in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer on Wednesday 11th
December 2013 at 9.30a.m.
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.
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
516010, Email: democraticservices@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Sheila Oxtoby
Chief Executive
To: Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds, Ms V R Gay, Mrs A Green, Mr B Jarvis, Mrs B McGoun, Mr P
Moore, Mr J H Perry-Warnes, Mr R Reynolds, Mr E Seward, Mr R Shepherd, Mr N Smith, and Mr P
Terrington.
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: Sheila Oxtoby Corporate Directors: Nick Baker & Steve Blatch
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
(Page 1)
(9.30 – 9.35)
To approve as correct records, the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee held on 13 November 2013.
4.
MINUTES
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 disclosable pecuniary
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.
(Page 9)
(9.35 – 9.40)
To discuss the Cabinet Work Programme and to consider the programme of business for
Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny, and Full Council.
10.
THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
11.
VICTORY HOUSING – DISPOSALS PROGRAMME
(9.40- 10.20)
To receive a presentation from Darryl Cox, Deputy Chief Executive of Victory Housing Trust
regarding their disposals programme.
12.
(Cabinet Agenda page 15)
(Appendix 1 – p.25) (Appendix 2 – p.29)
(10.20 – 10.50)
This report provides an update to Members on the work of the
Enforcement Board over the past six months and also gives an
assessment of progress made since the Board’s inception, in
December 2012, to provide a cohesive enforcement approach in
respect of long term empty properties and other difficult
enforcement cases.
ENFORCEMENT BOARD UPDATE
Summary:
In broad terms, at the time of writing, the Board has considered
81 properties, 46 of which have seen a positive outcome, with
the remainder on-going. In addition, significant amounts of
money due to the Council have been recovered in terms of
council tax and business rates and almost all of the cost
associated with the Board’s work has been or will be recovered.
Conclusions:
The Enforcement Board has made significant progress
towards its objectives
of dealing with difficult and long
standing enforcement cases and bringing
long
term
empty properties back into use, with both social and
economic benefits, and financial benefits to the council.
In terms of future work a number of lessons have been
learnt from the cases
dealt
with
so
far
and
recommendations are made within this report to take this
learning forward.
Recommendations: 1.
2.
CABINET
DECISION
3.
4.
5.
Reasons for
Recommendations:
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer:
Telephone number
Email:
That Cabinet notes the progress made to date by the
Enforcement Board.
That an earmarked reserve of £200,000 be
established as outlined within section 8.2 of the
report to fund both capital and revenue expenditure
as recommended by the Enforcement Board and that
release of the funds be delegated to the Corporate
Director in consultation with the Head of Finance.
That the current capital programme be updated to
reflect the removal of the current budget for Empty
Homes.
That the legal support to the Enforcement Board is
funded for 2014/15, from the above reserve.
That Corporate Director and Head of Finance are
delegated to prepare a charging regime for serving of
Notices, where this is allowed by statute, at the
earliest possible date.
To ensure appropriate governance of the Board.
To enable direct funding for the Board’s work.
To maximise cost recovery to the Council, within the limits
set by statute, in respect of enforcement work.
Cllr T Ivory
All
Nick Baker
01263 516221
nick.baker@north-norfolk.gov.uk
13.
BIG SOCIETY FUND AND ENABLING FUND
Summary:
Options considered:
(Cabinet Agenda page 7)
(10.50 – 11.10)
The Big Society Fund to-date has provided financial support to
some sixty projects since it was established in 2012. Grants
awarded so far this year amount to £101,007 for thirteen projects,
which have a total project value of £341,863. Help, advice and
support has also been given to a wide variety of other communityoriented initiatives, some of which will materialise as applications to
the Big Society Fund and others through the Enabling Fund.
Proposals from two projects seeking support from the Enabling
Fund (The Atrium and Homes for Wells) are outlined in this report,
for which delegated authority to agree a final funding contribution is
sought.
There are many possible options for the provision of funding for the
projects seeking support from the Enabling Fund. These range
from not providing funding, providing funding at a lower level than
that requested or providing a loan in place of a grant; or any
combination of these.
The Enabling Fund was established to support projects such as
those proposed. The proposals received, sufficiently identify the
benefits of the funding and the amount that is likely to be required
in order to achieve those. Neither of the alternative options would
achieve these benefits to the same extent and it would not appear
that alternative sources of funding (either to supplement or
substitute this funding) are available within the timescale necessary
to provide optimal assistance.
There are no other options to consider in relation to the Big Society
Fund as this has been considered by Cabinet previously and is
operating in accordance with expectations.
Conclusions:
The Big Society Fund is proving to be an effective means of
delivering funding directly to projects which help communities to
improve their social and economic wellbeing and address local
community needs. The Fund should continue to be promoted in
order for more projects to be supported. Possible projects for
Enabling Fund support are currently being discussed and The
Atrium and Homes for Wells have come forward with the first
proposals that are recommended for support which, in the case of
the former will help it plan for a financially sustainable future to
continue as a valuable community and cultural venue, and for the
latter will assist with the provision of much needed affordable
accommodation for key workers in Wells-next-the-Sea.
Recommendations: It is recommended that Cabinet resolves:
1. to note the current funding position with respect to the Big
Society Fund and agree to the establishment of a local Big
CABINET
Society Awards scheme – the details of which to be
DECISION
delegated to the Big Society Fund Grants Panel;
2. to delegate authority to the Chief Executive, in
consultation with the portfolio holder, to agree funding
(not exceeding £15,000) to support The Atrium in
undertaking market analysis and developing a Business
Plan in order to help secure a sustainable future for the
facility.
3. to delegate authority to the Chief Executive to agree the
terms of a financial contribution of up to a maximum of
£150,000 to ‘Homes for Wells’ (from the Big Society
Enabling Fund) towards the development of an affordable
housing scheme at the former Wells Field Study Centre.
This grant will be made in three tranches and subject to
sufficient funding being available from other sources in
order to implement the scheme within the expected
delivery period agreed by the Homes and Communities
Agency; and
4. to make payment of a sum of £50,000 for the first tranche
to Homes for Wells immediately
Reasons for
Recommendations:
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer:
Telephone number
Email:
14.
These recommendations are made to help support the aims of the
Corporate Plan and ensure appropriate funding can be provided
expeditiously to enable the Enabling Fund projects to proceed.
Cllr T Ivory
All
Robert Young
01263 516162
robert.young@north-norfolk.gov.uk
PARISH AND TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE
(11.30 – 12.00)
To receive an update from Sue Lake of NALC regarding parish and town councils in the
district.
15.
(Cabinet agenda page 31)
(Appendix A – p.34)
(12.00 – 12.10)
This report recommends the fees and charges for 2014/15 that will
come into effect from April 2014 along with new fees for the
certification for the installation of wood burners with effect from 1
January 2014.
FEES AND CHARGES 2014/15
Summary:
Options considered:
Alternatives for the individual service fees and charges now being
proposed will have been considered as part of the process in
arriving at the fees presented within the report.
Conclusions:
The fees and charges as recommended will be used to inform the
income budgets for the 2014/15 budget. Approval of the fees
ahead of presenting the detailed budgets allows for implementation
of changes where applicable.
Recommendations:
That Cabinet agree and recommend to Full Council:
a) The fees and charges from 1 April 2014 as included at
Appendix A;
b) The fees for the certification for the installation of wood
burners to come into effect from 1 January 2014 as follows:
Installation of a solid fuel appliance (eg. Wood Burner):
(i) Where the appliance is commissioned by a third
party, a Building Notice Charge, including VAT, of £180;
(ii) Where the appliance is tested by NNDC a Building
Notice Charge, including VAT, of £312.
COUNCIL
DECISION
Reasons for
Recommendations:
To approve the fees and charges as set out in the report that will
be used to inform the 2014/15 budget process and to set fees for
certification of wood burners.
LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW
(Papers relied on to write the report and which do not contain exempt information)
Current fees and charges
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer:
Telephone number
Email:
16.
Cllr W Northam
All
Karen Sly
01263 516243
karen.sly@north-norfolk.gov.uk
HOUSING BENEFIT AND COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT COUNTER FRAUD POLICY AND
PROSECUTION POLICY
(Cabinet agenda page 50)
(Appendix B – p.52)
(12.10 – 12.20)
Summary:
The report presents revised policies for the council’s
Counter Fraud Policy and Prosecution Policy following the
introduction of Council Tax Support in April 2013.
Recommendation:
To recommend to Council that the revised Counter
Fraud Policy and Prosecution Policy are adopted.
COUNCIL
DECISION
17.
Reasons for
Recommendations
To enable appropriate action to be taken against people
fraudulently attempting to claim or claiming housing
benefit and or council tax support.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer:
Telephone number
Email:
Cllr W Northam
All
Louise Wolsey
01263 516081
Louise.wolsey@north-norfolk.gov.uk
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
Summary:
(12.20 – 12.30)
(Page 13)
(Appendix A – p.16) (Appendix B – p.20)
(Appendix C – p.21)
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 follow-up actions required
on these topics.
Cabinet Member(s):
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer
telephone number
and email:
19.
Mr R Oliver
All
Emma Denny
01263 516010
emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk
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 _ 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
Agenda item no._______4_______
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY
Minutes of a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 13 November
2013 in the Council Chamber, North Lodge Park, Overstrand Road, Cromer at 9.30 am.
Members Present:
Committee:
Mr E Seward (Chairman)
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds
Ms V R Gay
Mrs A Green
Mrs B McGoun
Mr P W Moore
Officers in
Attendance:
Members in
Attendance:
Mr J H Perry-Warnes
Mr R Reynolds
Mr E Seward
Mr R Shepherd
Mr N Smith
Mr P Terrington
The Chief Executive, The Corporate Director (NB), Head of Finance, The
Democratic Services Team Leader, The Democratic Services Officer, The
Health Improvement Officer, The Policy and Performance Management
Officer, The Technical Accountant
Mrs A Moore, Mr P High.
Democratic Services Officer (TGS)
83. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
None received.
84. SUBSTITUTES
None received.
85. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
None received.
86. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of the committee held on 16 October 2013 were approved
as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
The Chairman took this opportunity to explain this would be the last meeting he would
chair and that a new Chairman of the committee would be appointed at the 26
November meeting of Full Council. He thanked the committee for their support in his
position.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
1
13 November 2013
87. ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
None received.
88. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None received.
89. PETITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None received.
90. CONSIDERATION OF ANY MATTER REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE BY A
MEMBER
The Chairman brought the on-going reception project to the attention of the committee,
following a recent update in the Members’ Bulletin. He explained that the costings for
the reception project showed that savings would be made following the retirement of two
part time posts and a temporary post coming to an end. The Corporate Director (NB)
supported the accuracy of this summary.
91. RESPONSES OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CABINET TO THE COMMITTEE’S
REPORTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS
None received.
92. THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
The Chairman introduced this item. He commented that he hoped that the Enforcement
Board Update, due to come to the December meeting of the committee, would also
cover a summary of the impact of council tax premiums on empty homes in the work of
the Enforcement Board. The committee supported this action.
93. BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
The Corporate Director (NB) introduced this item. He commented that the programme
had been approved at the November meeting of the Cabinet, however the committee
could make recommendations back to Cabinet with regards to the programme if they so
wished. The Corporate Director stated that at this point, due to the long term nature of
the project, the figures given were only indicative, and were produced following similar
projects at other authorities.
He commented that the report was informed by strategies for IT and Customer Services,
in order to allow the authority to lay a foundation by reviewing and improving IT
infrastructure as well as improving the ways in which the council deals with its
customers. He stated that the authority’s current IT capacity was secure but limited in its
ability to drive future improvement, and that the current authority website was behind
many other Local Authorities and well behind the private sector, particularly with regards
to its transactional capabilities. He commented, however, that due to the demography of
the district, it was particularly important to maintain a good level of face to face customer
service whilst transformational changes took place.
He summarised by saying the Business Transformation project would cover the five
work streams of telephony, document management, IT infrastructure, the website and
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
2
13 November 2013
channel shift, and customer management. He stated these five work streams would
cover a five year period in the authority.
He commented that outside organisations had looked at their programme, including the
LGA and SoCITM, and had recommended that the council consider their telephony work
stream in line with their customer management work stream. He stated that this was
why a telephony report which had been due to come to the committee was delayed, in
order to consider the two work streams together. He commented that each work stream
would then have a report going to the Cabinet over the next two years, to see
implementation across the next four years.
The Corporate Director then went into more detail about the Customer Management
Strategy and the IT Strategy. He explained that the Customer Management Strategy
was about encouraging a better culture of service wherein every council service was
aware of their customer service needs and expectations. He explained that currently the
council did not have appropriate customer insight, and the strategy would help drive the
change for the council to listen more effectively.
He further explained that with regards to the IT Strategy, it would allow the council to
utilise software to the best of their capacity, and to integrate software across different
service areas in order to reduce information duplication. He summarised that the system
would become easier to use and more efficient.
The Chairman then invited members of the committee to ask questions.
1. Mr J Perry-Warnes asked if the telephony work stream had been agreed by Cabinet
and also asked about the financial implications of this work stream. The Corporate
Director replied that Cabinet had not yet approved this work stream, but they would
do so when the business case was brought to Cabinet. He reiterated that so far,
Cabinet had approved the overall programme under which the work streams would
fall, and therefore costings were approximations only.
2. Ms V Gay commented that she felt the public appreciated personal contact, and
raised the importance of successful internal communications. She queried if the
committee had ever received a report on internal communications. The Corporate
Director commented that he did not believe the committee had ever received such a
report. He also commented that it was important to define what constituted good
personal customer service, and that the Customer Management Strategy would allow
a channel shift which improved cross-service and customer based service, both
internally and externally. He also commented that externally speaking, the website
was improving rapidly and moving towards a more transactional framework, which
would drive savings via the web, and allow the council to produce more efficient
customer-based services.
3. Mrs B McGoun commented on the IT Strategy, querying if the council’s IT would still
be the ‘best of breed’ in five years’ time. The Corporate Director commented that
currently, much of the service based software being used across the council was best
of breed. However, because the council did not use the software to its full capacity, it
was not currently being used efficiently. He commented that the IT Strategy was
concerned with investing in services and software now so that the council would not
fall behind. He also commented that eventually however, council IT would need
reinvestment, but that this project was about getting the most use out of a system as
possible.
4. Mr R Shepherd queried if the committee would receive periodic progress reports. The
chairman replied that they could make this a recommendation to Cabinet. The
Corporate Director further commented that Cabinet would be receiving progress
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
3
13 November 2013
reports every six months and also when individual work streams went forward, so the
Overview and Scrutiny committee could also receive these.
5. Mr R Reynolds commented on the success of the implementation of iPads to the
council, and suggested they were an excellent tool for councillors and staff to utilise
to improve mobile working. He did comment however that it may be difficult for some
councillors to get to grips with. The Corporate Director commented that, assuming
members and staff received the correct training, then the system could be
implemented successfully. He did comment, however, that there needed to be a
discussion over what tablet was best for individual service areas. He also commented
that it was important to have members’ views on this issue, but hopefully they could
be rolled out to members by the next election. The Democratic Services Team
Leader commented that the members’ survey had allowed Democratic Services to
assess members’ views on use of iPads, and that they were encouraging members
who were interested to come forward.
6. Mr P Moore commented on the utilisation of the planning aspects of the website,
suggesting there had been consistent problems with the software. The Corporate
Director commented that this was a clear example of why the council needed to
invest in effective IT and encourage a culture change across the council which would
allow for the sharing of information to encourage efficient usage.
7. Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds mentioned that members could not access the intranet on
iPads and that this may be an issue which needed addressing. The Corporate
Director commented that there may be security issues with doing so, but that officers
could look into it. He further commented that it was essential for the council to be
consistent with drawing boundaries of where IT security was and was not efficient, in
order to encourage more flexible working patterns.
The Chairman thanked the Corporate Director for his report and it was
AGREED
That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee note the Cabinet decision, and also receive
six-monthly progress reports regarding the Business Transformation project, and
receive the individual work stream reports for comment following the reports going to
Cabinet.
94. DOMICILIARY CARE PRESENTATION
The Chairman introduced Christine Futter of Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support
(N&SCS). Ms Futter introduced herself and then gave a presentation on Domiciliary
Care in the District. She explained the role of N&SCS as an organisation to support the
training and funding of care providers in the district, as well as continuing to develop to
meet the needs of those involved in caring, including Direct Employers, Personal
Assistants and those with caring responsibilities. She explained a number of other
details, including apprenticeships funded by the N&SCS, as well as their brokerage
service. She also covered a number of issues in the social care sector, including
demography of workers, reduced funding, an increase in complex needs as well as high
staff turnover. She concluded that her organisation was focused for the future in working
with other voluntary organisations in the Norfolk area in order to develop the care
workforce, provide coaching for workers, as well as developing a future work
programme. The Chairman thanked Ms Futter for her presentation and invited members
of the committee to ask questions.
1. Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds and Mr R Reynolds gave an example of poor care in the
district, focusing on issues surrounding home care and medication. They commented
that there seemed to be poor organisation structures in place relating to the privately
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
4
13 November 2013
2.
3.
4.
5.
contracted services by the county council. Ms Futter commented that there were only
a handful of cases similar to the example given, but she understood that it was
difficult, particularly for individuals, and commented that integration of service
between GPs, hospitals and care givers was a particularly apparent issue. She also
commented on the process of allocated medication, and commented that whilst the
system did seem somewhat bureaucratic, it was necessary in order to prevent
litigation. Mr R Reynolds commented that he believed it was necessary to improve
communication standards, as well as rectifying management issues. Ms Futter
replied that the Care Quality Commission regulated the structures and standards of
care in the district, so it may be useful to refer the issue to their team at the county
council.
Mr N Smith commented on the success of N&SCS rotational apprenticeships, and
complimented the different types of care, as well as different types of employers,
covered by the programme. He commented that elsewhere employees seem to be
given little training, particularly with regards to larger businesses dealing with high
pressure and monetary issues. Ms Futter agreed and commented that money
seemed to be a barrier restricting comprehensive training. She also commented on
the issue of being in a rural district, which often would restrict managers with their
abilities to get cover for employees. Mr N Smith further commented that he agreed
with previous suggestions that the sharing and integration of information did seem to
be an issue in the district.
The Chairman commented that demography did seem to be a pertinent issue relating
to the point of funding; due to a rising demand for services, there was an increasing
need for further resources.
Mrs B McGoun commented on the government directive which changed the way
domiciliary care was funded, giving individuals the opportunity to pick their own care
options. She commented that much of the public did not seem to know where to look
or how to acquire the appropriate services. Ms Futter agreed with this point and
commented that whilst it was a useful option for some, it depended upon the
individual involved and particularly older people did not know how to procure
services, and it also became an issue if people were too ill to be considering their
own care options.
Mr P Moore asked about specific demographic data for the district. Ms Futter
commented that whilst she did not have the information to hand, she was aware that
North Norfolk had seen a large increase in the number of people over the age of 65.
She also commented that she was concerned about resources for the district, and
would hopefully be able to relay these concerns to Mr Norman Lamb MP, at her next
meeting with him.
The Chairman thanked Ms Futter for her informative presentation and answers to
members’ questions.
95. MANAGING PERFORMANCE Q2 2013/2014
The Chief Executive introduced this item. She stated that the purpose of the report was
to give a half year progress report in delivering the Annual Action Plan 2013/14 and
achieving targets. She commented that it was a detailed report which gave a snapshot
of where the council is in terms of performance, identifying any issues that may affect
delivery of the plan. She commented that the percentage of major planning applications
processed within thirteen weeks had gone up to 87% from 50% on the previous quarter,
resulting in 68.75% processed in thirteen weeks cumulatively. She also pointed out that
some of the actions had changed or been put on hold, which could be found within the
Managing Performance report. The Chairman made a query regarding the Dudgeon
Offshore Wind Company scheme, and the Chief Executive replied that the Corporate
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
5
13 November 2013
Leadership Team were receiving a report regarding changes to the scheme the
following week. The Chairman then invited members to ask questions.
1. Mr R Reynolds queried if the speculated start date for the Dudgeon Offshore Wind
Company scheme was still March 2014. The Chief Executive replied that yes she
believed it still was.
2. Ms V Gay referred to page 11 of the report, ‘Promoting North Norfolk as a Premier
Visitor Destination’. She referred to cultural and arts events supported by the
council, and queried if this level of support would still be available to organisations in
the future. The Chief Executive replied that whilst the council did hope to maintain
support for cultural and arts events in the district, they would inevitably be looking at
the budgets with no contractual agreements in place to consider where the council
could make savings. Ms V Gay queried if the budget in place for arts events through
the Economic and Community Development service would be maintained. The Chief
Executive commented that Economic and Community Development were currently
considering a restructuring of their department so this may change. Ms V Gay asked
if she could be supplied with the new staffing structure, and the Chief Executive
replied that she could be.
3. Mr P Moore enquired about the progress of the North Norfolk Enterprise Hub,
querying if it had been postponed. The Chief Executive commented that it was still
due to go ahead and had £50,000 earmarked funds allocated to it, however she also
commented that they were considering the route the project would take; it may be
useful to consider the work of the Local Enterprise Partnership which may increase
the likelihood of external funding, and a meeting with the Norfolk Chamber of
Commerce had highlighted issues with using a single ‘hub’ which may only be useful
for start-up businesses as opposed to growing business. She summarised therefore
that whilst the project was still being considered, it may need to be altered
somewhat.
4. Mr P Terrington queried the Dudgeon wind project and asked if the size of the
required development land had changed following changes to cable requirements
and overall plans. The Chief Executive commented that she would find out an official
response, but that she was quite certain that the size of the development was not
going to change.
The Chairman thanked The Chief Executive and the Policy and Performance
Management Officer for their report and thanked members for their questions and the
committee
AGREED
To note the report.
96. BUDGET MONITORING REPORT 2013/14 – PERIOD 6
The portfolio holder for finance introduced this report. He commented that the report
showed a position of a £46,475 forecast underspend for the current financial year on the
revenue account. He further commented that it appeared increases in car parking
charges had not overly deterred members of the public from using parking facilities in
the district’s towns. He concluded by thanking the Head of Finance and her team in their
continual hard work. The Chairman then invited members to ask questions.
1. The Chairman raised the issue of car parking in North Walsham, and commented
that whilst parking in other towns had not been reduced by price rises, in North
Walsham car parking income had dropped by 3.5%. He commented that it might be
useful for the committee to receive some data on why this might be the case.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
6
13 November 2013
2. Mrs B McGoun referred to page 12 of the report, querying why £95,254 had not yet
been claimed by those awarded grants by the Big Society fund. The Head of
Finance replied that there was a variety of reasons, issues such as conditions not
being met yet or match funding not having being found, but she commented they
would be claimed by their receivers once they had met conditions. Mrs B McGoun
went on to discuss the Local Investment Strategy, querying if the programme had
been successful yet. The Chief Executive commented that they were in the process
of signing off the loans for registered providers, but they had not yet started the
process of advertising these loans.
3. Ms V Gay referred to page 13 of the report and queried why there had not been
more savings from staff positions not being filled. The Portfolio holder for finance
replied that temporary posts had been in use in order to cover the staff shortage
which had meant there had been less of a saving. The Chief Executive added that
where agency staff had been in use it had not necessarily created savings for the
authority.
4. Mrs A Moore queried about unfilled staff posts in Environmental Protection. The
Chief Executive replied that because the service area was due to go through a
restructure they had deferred filling these posts, and that where they had
unsuccessfully recruited may have been due to the posts being short term or
temporary posts, which understandably may have deterred people from applying.
She summarised, however, that overall where they had recruited for posts in the
authority they had recruited well; and that as an authority occasionally they would
defer recruiting to ensure the post could be filled to a good standard.
5. Mrs A Green discussed the issue of sports centres, querying if it would be possible
to offer young people concessionary prices at some of the council-owned centres.
The Chief Executive replied that this could be taken up with the Sports and Leisure
Services Manager. The Chairman confirmed this and asked for it to be noted that it
would be followed up on.
The Chairman thanked members for their questions and the committee
AGREED
To note the report.
96. TREASURY MANAGEMENT HALF YEARLY REPORT
The portfolio holder for finance introduced this item. He commented that the report was
a statutory mid-year review of treasury activities. He pointed out a number of issues
relating to the economic background of the authority and of the national economy as a
whole. He commented that the daily balances with the authority’s bank, the CoOperative bank, were being kept to a minimum in order to protect the authority. He
further commented that the interest return for the authority on investments was lower
than expected, at £193,393 for the first half of the financial year at an interest rate of
1.61%. He concluded by thanking the Technical Accountant and his team for their report
and all his hard work across the year. The Chairman then invited members to ask
questions.
1. Ms V Gay thanked the Technical Accountant and his team for their hard work. She
referred to page 43 of the report and asked if the council had any plans to borrow in
the near future. The Technical Accountant replied that they should not need to, as
they could still rely on their capital receipts. Ms V Gay went onto ask about the
authority considering a move to a different bank, and queried if ethical banking came
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
7
13 November 2013
under consideration during the tender. The Technical Accountant replied that as
they would probably consider a joint tender with other Norfolk councils and the
Police and Crime Commissioner, it would probably not be possible. He further
commented that the Co-Operative bank was the only bank which put an emphasis
on ethical banking.
The Chairman thanked members for their comments and it was
AGREED
For the committee to note the report.
97. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
The Democratic Services Team Leader introduced this item. She commented that
replied from Norman Lamb MP and Keith Simpson MP regarding ambulance service in
the district would be circulated to the committee. She advised the committee that the
Police and Crime Commissioner had agreed to attend the February meeting of the
committee. She further commented that the waste contract query from the previous
meeting was contained within the update and she further updated members that should
they like to feed into the upcoming planning workshops then it would be useful if they
could talk to her. She then commented that the Deputy Leader had asked what
members of the committee would like to see on the upcoming Car Parking report
coming to the committee. Members raised a number of issues.
1. The Chairman commented that he would like to see some information regarding
drops in use of car parks in North Walsham, and potentially analysis of varying
usage of car parks across the district.
2. Mr P Moore commented that on some days of the week car parks were fuller than
others, and it may be useful to get a breakdown of weekly averages. He further
commented on parking ticket enforcement, and queried if enforcement agents had
time limits with regards to how long they had to look around individual car parks.
3. The Chairman summarised by suggesting that the report should be a critical,
analytical report on car parking in the district, and reminded members that if they felt
it was necessary, the could propose their own review of the system.
The meeting concluded at 12.26 pm
____________________
Chairman
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
8
13 November 2013
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 December 2013 to 31 March 2014
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Corporate
Plan Priority`
Lead Officer
Cabinet
2 Dec 2013
Fees & Charges
and Savings
Wyndham
Northam
Scrutiny
11 Dec 2013
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Council
18 Dec 2013
Cabinet
2 Dec 2013
Fraud Policy
Wyndham
Northam
Scrutiny
11 Dec 2013
Louise Wolsey
Revenues & Benefits
Services Manager
01263 516081
Council
18 Dec 2013
Cabinet
2 Dec 2013
Big Society Fund &
Enabling Fund
Proposals
Trevor Ivory
Rob Young
Coast & Community
Partnerships Manager
01263 516162
Cabinet
2 Dec 2013
Enforcement Board
Update
Trevor Ivory
Scrutiny
11 Dec 2013
Nick Baker
Corporate Director
01263 516221
Status
Dec 2013
Key Decision – a decision which is likely to incur expenditure or savings of £100,000 or more, or affect two or more wards. (NNDC
Constitution, p9 s12.2b)
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information) (England) Order
2006)
9
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 December 2013 to 31 March 2014
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Corporate
Plan Priority`
Lead Officer
Status
Cabinet
7 Jan 2014
Neighbourhood
Plans – Holt &
Corpusty
Benjie Cabbell
Manners
Mark Ashwell
Planning Policy &
Property Information
Manager
01263 516325
Cabinet
7 Jan 2014
North Lodge Park
Rhodri Oliver &
Trevor Ivory
Duncan Ellis
Head of Assets &
Leisure01263 516330
Cabinet
7 Jan 2014
Wyndham
Northam
Scrutiny
15 Jan 2014
Revenues &
Benefits shared
services
Steve Blatch
Corporate Director
01263 516232
Performance
Management
Update Q3
Tom FitzPatrick
Delivering the
Vision (A)
Helen Thomas
Policy & Performance
Management Officer
01263 516214
Cyclical
Treasury Strategy
2014/15
Wyndham
Northam
Delivering the
Vision
Tony Brown
Technical Accountant
01263 516126
Annual
Jan 2013
Feb 2014
Cabinet
3 Feb 2014
Scrutiny
12 Feb 2014
Cabinet
3 Feb 2014
Scrutiny
12 Feb 2014
Key Decision – a decision which is likely to incur expenditure or savings of £100,000 or more, or affect two or more wards. (NNDC
Constitution, p9 s12.2b)
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information) (England) Order
2006)
10
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 December 2013 to 31 March 2014
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Corporate
Plan Priority`
Lead Officer
Cabinet
3 Feb 2014
Wyndham
Northam
Delivering the
Vision
Overview & Scrutiny
12 Feb 2014
2014/15 Base
Budget and
Projections for
2015/16 to 2017/18
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Council
26 Feb 2014
Cabinet
Feb 2014
Budget Monitoring
Period 9
Wyndham
Northam
Delivering the
Vision
Overview & Scrutiny
12 Feb 2014
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Annual Action Plan
All
Helen Thomas
Policy & Performance
Management Officer
01263 516214
New Telephony
System
Russell Wright
Nick Baker
Corporate Director
01263 516221
Status
Cyclical
March 2014
Cabinet
3 Mar 2014
12 Mar 2014
30 Apr 2013
To be confirmed:
Cabinet
Scrutiny
Key Decision – a decision which is likely to incur expenditure or savings of £100,000 or more, or affect two or more wards. (NNDC
Constitution, p9 s12.2b)
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information) (England) Order
2006)
11
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 December 2013 to 31 March 2014
Cabinet
North Norfolk
Business Loan and
Grant Scheme
Russell Wright
Cabinet
Cabbell Park
Tom FitzPatrick
Jill Fisher
Head of Economic and
Community
Development
01265 516080
Duncan Ellis
Head of Assets &
Leisure
01263 516330
Key Decision – a decision which is likely to incur expenditure or savings of £100,000 or more, or affect two or more wards. (NNDC
Constitution, p9 s12.2b)
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information) (England) Order
2006)
12
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
11 December 2013
Agenda Item 17
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
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 follow-up
actions required on these topics.
Cabinet Member(s):
Ward(s) affected
Mr R Oliver
All
Contact Officer:
Telephone number:
Email:
Emma Denny
01263 516010
emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk
1.
Introduction
The Scrutiny Update report is a standing item on all Overview and Scrutiny
Committee agendas. The report updates Members on progress made with
topics on its agreed work programme and provides additional information
which Members may have requested at a previous meeting.
2.
Progress on topics since the last meeting
2.1
Ambulance response times
At the latest meeting of the NHOSC it was noted that there had been
progress in reducing ambulance turnaround times at NNUH. A further update
on this will be available in April 2014. A copy of the outcomes and the actions
from the NHOSC meeting and the forward work programme is attached at
Appendix C.
2.2
Police and Crime Commissioner
The Police and Crime Commissioner, Stephen Bett has confirmed that he will
be attending the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on 14 February. He
is scheduled to give a presentation at the start of the meeting.
2.3
Dudgeon Cable Route
Questions about the cable route were raised at the last meeting of the
Committee. Steve Blatch has provided the following response (as part of a
longer email sent to all members)
13
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
11 December 2013
“With regards the cable route, I understand that questions about this element
of the project were raised at the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee on 13th November, particularly whether in light of DOW‟s revised
application to DECC for a lower total generating capacity from the Dudgeon
scheme (400MW as against a previously approved 560MW) there would be
any amendment to the planning consent granted for the cable route across
the district, particularly whether the working area required in the laying of the
cable would be reduced. The Council is engaged with ongoing discussions
with DOW‟s agents about a Planning Performance Agreement (PPA) in
respect of the discharge of conditions relating to the planning consent granted
for the cable route and through this process will gain a deeper understanding
of both the project and work programme for the cable route project over the
next six months. It is not believed however that the company has any plans
to submit any further planning applications in respect of the cable route as the
40 metre consented strip provides the flexibility of being able to work in a
wider area whilst laying the cables. However, as with all projects, cost is an
important factor in the delivery of the DOW project and the company will not
therefore want to incur unnecessary costs by laying cables / trunking with
excess capacity given the reduced generating capacity of the revised turbine
field. Through any PPA agreed in respect of the discharge of planning
conditions for the consented cable route scheme, officers will seek to
negotiate the removal of less length of hedgerows etc where possible if this
can be achieved through the scheme laying fewer or smaller cables
associated with the reduced generating capacity of the amended offshore
scheme.”
2.4
Domiciliary Care
The presentation on domiciliary care was sent to Roger Morgan at Norfolk
County Council at his request as he is supporting the all-party working group
that is scrutinising this topic. He has requested, and I have agreed, that
the All Party Working Group can have the opportunity to view the
presentation. For any members that may wish to contact Roger on this issue
his contact details are as follows:
Roger Morgan
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Team
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich, NR1 2SQ
01603 223988
3.
Items of interest to the Committee:
3.1
Attendance at Scrutiny at other authorities
At the Audit Committee meeting in September, a member suggested that it
might be beneficial for members to attend Overview and Scrutiny Committee
meetings at other councils across the region. Obviously this could also be
something that is of interest to Scrutiny Committee members too so the
information collated by Tessa is reproduced below:
Here is a list of links to councils in the area with details of meeting dates and
times. Please be aware all of these meetings are public meetings so you can
14
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
11 December 2013
attend freely as a member of the public. Alternatively if you want to make
formal attendance arrangements, Democratic Services can arrange that with
the council in question.
Broadland District Council Programme of Meetings
Breckland District Council Calendar of Meetings
Kings Lynn and West Norfolk Calendar of Meetings
Norfolk County Council Programme of Meetings
(Please be aware NCC have 8 separate Scrutiny committees)
Norwich City Council Programme of Meetings
South Norfolk Calendar of Meetings
3.2
Training opportunity
Broadland District Council has asked if any members would be interested in
attending a training session that they are hosting in January 2014. The
details are as follows:
When:
Who with:
January 2014
Su Turner, Centre for Public Scrutiny
Summary:
The session will introduce and stimulate thinking about 4 different approaches
to scrutiny that have been developed / adapted by the Centre for Public
Scrutiny with local councils, and include practical workshop sessions on the
use of Appreciative Scrutiny and Return on Investment. Through participation
in this workshop members and officers will be able to:
Supplement existing knowledge of different scrutiny „styles‟ and „
structures‟;
In particular explore in detail appreciative questioning techniques and
stakeholder engagement
Critically evaluate the relative advantages and disadvantages of
different approaches to scrutiny.
There is a cost for this session but it has been offered to us at a reasonable
rate. If anyone is interested in attending then please let me know as soon as
possible.
4.
Changes to the Work Programme and Future Topics
The updated work programme is attached at Appendix A. Please note that
some items have been moved to make sure that the schedule for each
meeting is not too heavy.
15
Appendix A
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMME 2013/2014
Period November 2013 – March 2014
December
Enforcement Board Update
Nick Baker
Trevor Ivory
Cyclical
Cabinet Approval
Victory Housing: Disposals
programme – presentation
Trevor Ivory
Nicola Turner
Requested
Big Society Fund Grants Panel
– update on how new body is
working. Projects being funded
and whether they added value.
Parish & Town Council Update
Rob Young / Sonia Shuter
Trevor Ivory
Requested
Sue Lake (NALC)
Requested
Fees + Charges and Savings
Wyndham Northam
Karen Sly
Cyclical
Council Approval
Fraud Policy
Wyndham Northam
Louise Wolsey
Council Approval
Waste contract update
John Lee
Nick Baker
Cyclical
January
16
Revs and Bens Shared Service
Update
Wyndham Northam
Cyclical
Cabinet Approval
Environmental Sustainability
Update
Nick Baker
John Lee
Cyclical
Review of Car parks – to include
income by ticket type and
figures for specific car parks.
Report on the Internal Boards –
to cover Functions/powers, who
sits on them, and where the
minutes go
Duncan Ellis
Rhodri Oliver
Requested
Sheila Oxtoby
Tom FitzPatrick
Requested by Councillor
Terrington
Performance management
update Q3
Helen Thomas
Tom FitzPatrick
Cyclical
Cabinet Approval
Treasury Strategy 2014/15
Tony Brown
Wyndham Northam
Annual
Cabinet Approval
2014/15 Base Budget and
Projections for 2015/16 to
2017/18
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Annual
Council Approval
Budget Monitoring Period 9
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Cyclical
Cabinet Approval
Update on Tourism across the
District – overview of the 2013
Jill Fisher
Russell Wright
Requested
February
17
season. Include figures for
Mundesley & Wells TICs.
Challenges & progress in
addressing shortcomings. To
include presentation on the
DMO.
Planning service – overview &
future
Nicola Baker
Benjie Cabbell Manners
Requested
Equalities Data Annual report
Kate Sullivan
Tom FitzPatrick
Annual
Police & Crime Commissioner
Presentation
PCC Steven Betts
Requested
Customer Access Strategy
Nick Baker
Russell Wright
Annual
Annual Action Plan 2014/15
Julie Cooke
Tom FitzPatrick
Cyclical
Council Approval
Housing Renewal Policy
Nicola Turner
Trevor Ivory
Annual
Key Decision
Health Update
Sonia Shuter
Angie Fitch-Tillett
Cyclical
March
18
May
Housing Allocations Scheme
Business Transformation
Project- Six Monthly Update
Nicola Turner
Trevor Ivory
Nick Baker
Tom FitzPatrick
Requested by the
committee
June
Enforcement Board update- to
include an update on the Empty
Homes Policy with information
included on the impact of
Council Tax premiums on
reducing empty homes.
Steve Hems
Nicola Turner
Nick Baker
Cyclical and requested.
Trevor Ivory
October
Leisure Services – an overview Karl Read
of the leisure services across
the District – to include
costings, input by stakeholders,
profit etc.
Also figures on running of Pier
Theatre and Openwide contract
Profile of those using leisure
centres
TBC
Customer Service Update
New Telephony System
(Business Transformation Work
stream)
Nick Baker
Russell Wright
19
Requested by the
committee
Appendix B
Working Style of the Scrutiny Committee
Independence
Members of the Scrutiny Committee will not be subject to whipping arrangements by party groups.
Member leadership
Members of the Committee will take the lead in selecting topics for scrutiny and in questioning
witnesses. The Committee will expect members of Cabinet, rather than officers, to take the main
responsibility for answering the Committee’s questions about topics, which relate mainly to the
Council’s activities.
A constructive atmosphere
Meetings of the Committee will be constructive, and not judgmental, accepting that effective
scrutiny is best achieved through challenging and constructive enquiry. People giving evidence at
the Committee should not feel under attack.
Respect and trust
Meetings will be conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and trust.
Openness and transparency
The Committee’s business will be open and transparent, except where there are sound reasons
for protecting confidentiality. In particular, the minutes of the Committee’s meetings will explain
the discussion and debate in a balanced style, so that they could be understood by those who
were not present.
Consensus
Members of the Committee will work together and, while recognizing political allegiances, will
attempt to achieve consensus and agreed recommendations.
Impartial and independent officer advice
Officers who advise and support the Committee will give impartial and independent advice,
recognizing the importance of the Scrutiny Committee in the Council’s arrangements for
governance, as set out in its Constitution.
Regular review
There will be regular reviews of how the scrutiny process is working, and a willingness to change
if it is not working well.
Programming and planning
The Committee will agree the topics to be included in its published work programme and the
extent of the investigation to be undertaken in relation to resources, and the witnesses to be
invited to give evidence.
Managing time
The Committee will attempt to conclude the business of each meeting in reasonable time. The
order of business will be arranged as far as possible to minimize the demands on the time of
witnesses.
20
Outcomes and Actions
Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (NHOSC)
28 November 2013
Agenda Report Title
Item
Number
Outcomes and Actions
Action By Whom
5.
Progress in reducing ambulance turnaround times at the NNUH was
noted. EEAST, NNUH and Norwich CCG were asked to update the
NHOSC with progress at a future meeting.
Adrian Matthews
Jon Moore
Matt Broad
Chris Hartley
Chris Cobb
Jonathon Fagge
Ambulance turnaround times
at the Norfolk and Norwich
hospital
(17 April 2014 is suggested as the date for an update report)
6.
Quality of services at the
Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
King’s Lynn
Noted the hospital’s progress with the Quality Improvement Plan.
7.
Forward work programme
NHOSC accepted the forward work programme with the addition of:‘Mental Wellbeing in Norfolk and Waveney – Shaping the Future’ - 16
January 2014.
‘Report of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Health Scrutiny
Committee on the Proposals for Liver Resection Services’ – 16
January 2014
21
Maureen Orr
‘Delayed Transfers of Care’ – 27 February 2014
Copied to:Representatives attending the NHOSC meeting for NHS / other organisations
Chairman of NHOSC
District Council Members of NHOSC
Member Support Officer - Christine Byles
CCG engagement contacts (x5)
Health and Wellbeing Board support officer – Linda Bainton
Healthwatch Norfolk – Chris MacDonald
22