Pre-decision Scrutiny
·
To select appropriate items from the Cabinet agenda for pre-decision
scrutiny (cabinet reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)
Decision:
Biodiversity Duty Plan
(2023-2026)
Following scrutiny, the
recommendation was supported to Cabinet.
2022/23 – Treasury
Management Outturn Report
Following scrutiny, the
report was noted.
2023/24 Risk Register
Monitoring
Following scrutiny, the report
was noted.
Minutes:
Biodiversity Duty Plan (2023-2026)
Members considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack.
Members noted that planning applications are considered on an individual
basis and asked how will the Biodiversity Duty affect the council achieving
more much needed development applications. Officers confirmed that biodiversity
was a material consideration in the planning decision making process. It was
noted that nationally important sites such as Sites of Specific Scientific
Interest (SSSIs) are protected by national planning policy with some
designations subject to Habitat Regulation Assessment. The LDP policy outlines
that any sites of importance should be avoided but this has to be balanced with
the need for economic growth. Economic, environmental, social and cultural
factors are taken into account. If overriding reasons to build are present,
mitigation and/or compensation requirements is factored in. The Ecology Team
look for innovative ways to boost biodiversity.
The Head of Planning and Public Protection confirmed this plan was more
than the planning process, but how the council more broadly responds to the
duty and demonstrates compliance.
Following scrutiny, the recommendation was supported to Cabinet.
2022/23 – Treasury Management Outturn Report
Members considered the report as circulated within the agenda pack.
Members referenced the Local Authority loans table on page 197 and asked
for further information relating to the £10m loan listed at the end of March.
The Chief Finance Officer confirmed that the short-term loan was needed to
cover liquidity and cash flow at the end of the financial year for the period
20 March - 12 April 2023. The interest cost was £28k which is covered by the
Treasury Management Budget and the loan was repaid in full on 12th
April 2023. Members questioned whether this shortfall could have been taken
from reserves in this instance. The Chief Finance Officer confirmed that the
authority had £53m invested in fixed term investments which generated interest
of £1.5m.
Members questioned if this circumstance had arisen in any previous year.
The Chief Finance Officer confirmed that short/long term borrowing to cover
cash flow was standard procedure for all local authorities as part of treasury
arrangements. On this occasion the borrowing had spanned the end of year
period. It was noted that any borrowing
from the government can only be for the period of a year, short term needs are
met by inter local authority borrowing.
Following scrutiny, the report was noted.
2023/24 Risk Register Monitoring
Members referred to SR14, SR18 and SR19 from the Risk Register, and
questioned if the impact on the local economy of steel not being produced
locally had been considered, particularly in relation to the Celtic Freeport
and the potential of losing prime customers. It was noted that a closure would
cause a significant impact on the economy, unemployment and social services.
Members asked what support the council can put in place to support Tata steel
workers, is there an Action Plan and what lobbying can be undertaken.
In terms of the new strategic risk identified against developments at Tata, the Chief ... view the full minutes text for item 4