Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision: To consider the Strategy Portfolio Plan 2013/14

Decision of the Leader of the Council:

The Leader resolved to:

     i.        Approve the Strategy Portfolio Plan for 2013/14.

Reasons for the Decision: As set out in the officer’s report

Any alternative options considered and rejected: As set out in the officer’s report

Scrutiny Considerations:

The Leader of the Council introduced the Strategy Portfolio Plan and outlined the key elements of the plan.

The committee made the following comments on the plan.

i.             With regards to Neighbourhood Resolution Panels the Leader was asked for an update on progress. The Leader responded that the project approved at the beginning of the 2012/13 financial year was a two year project, but had been staffed intermittently in that period and in practice was only six months into operation. The committee were advised that the first referrals were due in the summer, and that the majority of work to date had been focussed on ensuring that the appropriate protocols were in place with the Police and other partners. It was highlighted that it was planned to carry forward the funding for an additional period of time in lieu of the period in which the project had not been staffed.

ii.            The Leader was asked what barriers existed to progress with the City Deal, and whether these related to governance. The Leader explained that it was important to ensure that the governance arrangements were fair and equitable, and that negotiations were on-going with central government. The Leader explained that the proposals were well placed to succeed.

iii.           With regards to objective 1.2 the Leader was asked for clarification regarding the engagement target. The Leader acknowledged that the engagement activity was already at a very high level and would be more appropriately phrased as an outcome based target.

iv.          The Leader was asked why there was no reference to engagement with the Police and Crime Commissioner in the plan. The Leader advised that it was strongly implied in objective 1.4.

v.           The Leader was asked for more information on objective 1.1 and whether more information was available. The committee were informed that the ownership of the target sat with the Community Safety Partnership of which the City Council was one partner organisation.

vi.          In a response to a question regarding objective 3.1 the Leader confirmed that the City Council were exploring a range of options to increase and maximise income.

The Scrutiny Committee considered the recommendation and endorsed it by 4 votes to 0.

The Leader approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Leader (and any Dispensations Granted):

Not applicable.