Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Strategy and Resources providing an update to Members on the actions identified in the 2023 / 24 Annual Governance Statement (AGS). The Chairperson introduced the report and deferred to the Assistant Director Programmes, Performance and Governance, to present the detail.

The Assistant Director took the Committee through the report that covered the best practice governance actions identified in the 2023 / 24 AGS and an update on progress against these. At the Performance, Governance and Audit (PGA) Committee in June 2023, the AGS for 2022 / 23 was signed off and in addition to commenting on the Council’s governance arrangements for last year, the report provided and update for Quarter 3 (end December 2023).

Section 3.5 of the report provided a table of those actions and an update of progress as of the end of December 2023. Actions highlighted in grey denoted actions completed and a further four actions were ongoing for the year, with updated text provided. The Assistant Director highlighted how the draft AGS for 2023 / 24 was due to be considered as a separate item on the agenda and would continue to build on best practice.

The Chairperson proposed that the recommendation as set out in the report be agreed. This proposal was duly seconded.

In response to a question, the Assistant Director – Planning and Implementation provided the Committee with further information regarding the Council’s engagement with Parish Councils.

A question regarding reviewing Neighbourhood Plans (NHPs) and specific advice given to Burnham-on-Crouch Town Council (BTC) was raised and in response the Assistant Director advised that the five-year review related to strategic policies set out in the Local Development Plan rather than NHPs. However, he would have to speak to the team to determine what advice had been given to BTC.

The Chairperson then put the recommendation which was duly agreed.

RESOLVED that the Committee reviewed the Annual Governance Statement table at paragraph 3.5 and the updates within the report and challenged where necessary.