Agenda, decisions and minutes

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Members were advised that Item 7 from the Cabinet Agenda had been withdrawn due to an administrative error on the report and will be brought back to the meeting scheduled for 28^th November 2023.

It was confirmed that the committee would be scrutinising items 8, 10, 11 and 14.

The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Members were advised that Item 7 from the Cabinet Agenda had been withdrawn due to an administrative error on the report and will be brought back to the meeting scheduled for 28^th November 2023.

It was confirmed that the committee would be scrutinising items 8, 10, 11 and 14.

Cllr S Freeguard          Item 11                Personal, Family Member

works at TATA Steel

Cllr S Freeguard          Item 11                Personal, Family Member

works at TATA Steel

The minutes of the meeting held on 13^th October 2023 were approved as a true and accurate record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 13^th October 2023 were approved as a true and accurate record.

·        To select appropriate items from the Cabinet agenda for pre-decision scrutiny (cabinet reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)

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.

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 12^th 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.

The Forward Work Programme was noted.

The Forward Work Programme was noted.

Any urgent items at the discretion of the Chairperson pursuant to Section 100BA(6)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

There were no urgent items.

There were no urgent items.

To resolve to exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

Resolved: To exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

Resolved: To exclude the public for the following item(s) pursuant to Section 100A(4) and (5) of the Local Government Act 1972 and the relevant exempt paragraphs of Part 4 of Schedule 12A to the above Act.

·        To select appropriate private items from the Cabinet agenda for pre-decision scrutiny (cabinet reports enclosed for Scrutiny Members)

Passenger Transport Review - Appointment of Consultants (Exempt under Paragraph 14)

Following scrutiny,

Amendment to recommendation:

To put a time-limit in place and a parallel action to look at enhancing skills of the team and growing the team.

The recommendation was supported to Cabinet with above amendment.

Passenger Transport Review - Appointment of Consultants (Exempt under Paragraph 14)

Following scrutiny,

Amendment to recommendation:

To put a time-limit in place and a parallel action to look at enhancing skills of the team and growing the team.

The recommendation was supported to Cabinet with above amendment.

Members noted the report.

Members noted the report.