Agenda and minutes

(Head of Research and Democratic Services)  To report the appointment of any substitute members for the meeting.

Noted that Councillor Angold – Stephens was substituting for Councillor Faulkner and Councillor J H Whitehouse was substituting for Councillor Goold.

(Head of Research and Democratic Services). To declare interests in any items on the agenda.

In considering whether to declare a personal or a prejudicial interest under the Code of Conduct, Overview & Scrutiny members are asked pay particular attention to paragraph 11 of the Code in addition to the more familiar requirements.

This requires the declaration of a personal and prejudicial interest in any matter before an OS Committee which relates to a decision of or action by another Committee or Sub Committee of the Council, a Joint Committee or Joint Sub Committee in which the Council is involved and of which the Councillor is also a member.

Paragraph 11 does not refer to Cabinet decisions or attendance at an OS meeting purely for the purpose of answering questions or providing information on such a matter.

No declarations of Interest were made at the meeting.

To agree the notes of the last meeting (attached).

Notes of the meeting held on 8 November 2005 agreed as a correct record.

(Chairman/Lead Officer) The Overview and Scrutiny Committee has agreed the Terms of Reference of this Panel and associated Work Programme. This is attached. The Panel are asked at each meeting to review both documents.

Position on work programme noted.

(Head of Finance) To consider the attached report.

The Head of Finance reported that the Finance Committee had asked for a revised four year forecast to be prepared taking account of the provisional Local Government settlements for 2006/07 and 2007/08 which had provided the Council with substantial increases in formula grant.

The Panel considered a report seeking Scrutiny views on a revised four year forecast and the proposed level of Council Tax increase for 2006/07 and subsequent years.

The Panel noted that the provisional settlement for the next two financial years was a very favourable one.  The Council was already in a strong financial position and this had now been enhanced. The Head of Finance advised that with careful management and spending targeted on priority areas it should be possible to achieve improvements in key service areas.  He cautioned, however, that it was important that spending was kept under control and that an impression was not created that all growth bids would be accepted regardless of their merit.

The Panel endorsed this view and need to be cautious in the approach to growth.

RECOMMENDED to Cabinet:

(1)        That the revised four year forecast be agreed and that District Council Tax be increased in the next four financial years in line with inflation;

(2)        That the potential for growth in future budgets be considered in due course having regard to the Council Plan for 2006-2010.

(Head of Finance) To consider the attached report.

The Panel considered the detailed Portfolio Holder budgets.

RECOMMENDED to Cabinet:

(1)        That the draft Portfolio Holder budgets be endorsed and the Cabinet be informed accordingly;

(2)        That the Portfolio Holder for Community Wellbeing be asked to consider increased support to the Grant Aid Budget in light of the provisional settlement;

(3)        That the Portfolio Holder for ICT and Corporate Support Services be asked to report to the Panel on the impact of personal searches on the Local Land Charges budget;

(4)        That following the success of the Paternoster Street Cleaning Team, consideration be given by the Portfolio Holder to extending the use of such teams into other areas;

(5)        That the Cabinets attention be drawn to the need to consider the future income from North Weald Airfield given the high levels of subsidy and reliance on a single source of income; and

(6)        That Capital Budgets also be reported to the Panel next year.

To consider which reports are ready to be submitted to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its next meeting.

Four year forecast and Budget review.

Members are asked to note that a additional meeting will be held on 30 January 2006 at 7.00 p.m. to give consideration to the draft Council Plan and Consultation Strategy.  An agenda for this meeting will be circulated in due course.

Noted that the next meeting would be held on 30 January 2006 at 7.00 p.m.