Agenda and minutes

The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting and went through some general housekeeping arrangements for the meeting.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors M F L Durham CC and A M Lay. In accordance with notice duly given it was noted that Councillor R G Pratt was attending as a substitute for Councillor Durham.

To consider the Minutes of the Strategy and Resources Committee held on 21 November 2024 (copy enclosed).

RESOLVED

(i)             that the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 21 November 2024 be received.

Minute No. 413 – Fees and Charges Schedule 2025 / 26

It was noted that in the third paragraph of this Minute, the third sentence should refer to ‘concerns’.

In response to a query regarding whether Councillor R G Pratt had received details of the expected costs relating to the Burnham-on-Crouch pontoon, the Chairperson advised that this would be followed up outside of the meeting.

RESOLVED

(ii)            that subject to the above amendment the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 21 November 2024 be confirmed.

To disclose the existence and nature of any Disclosable Pecuniary Interests, Other Registrable interests and Non-Registrable Interests relating to items of business on the agenda having regard to paragraph 9 and Appendix B of the Code of Conduct for Members.

(Members are reminded that they are also required to disclose any such interests as soon as they become aware should the need arise throughout the meeting).

Councillor A S Fluker declared in relation to Agenda Item 11 – Hythe Quay Dredging Project that he was a Maldon Harbour Commissioner.

To receive the views of members of the public, of which prior notification in writing has been received (no later than noon on the Tuesday prior to the day of the meeting).

Should you wish to submit a question please complete the online form at:

www.maldon.gov.uk/publicparticipation.

No requests had been received.

To consider the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer reporting Virements, Supplementary Estimates agreed under delegated powers where they were below the levels requiring approval by the Committee. The report also provided details regarding procurement exemptions and the use of reserves.

The report informed Members of Virements (section 3.3.1) and Use of Reserves (section 3.6.1) agreed during the period. It was noted that there were no supplementary estimates or procurement exemptions agreed during this period.

The Interim Chief Finance Officer presented the report, drawing Members’ attention to section 3.3.1 which provided detail of a Virement agreed and section 3.6.1 which set out a number of drawndowns from earmarked reserves. It was noted that the majority of the drawdowns listed were under the £20,000 threshold. The Officer explained that the drawdown relating to the Community Infrastructure Levy and Local Development Plan was to fund salaries and had already been included in the original budget approved in February 2024. In response to a question regarding this drawdown it was noted that this was not a new drawdown but included in the list for Members’ information.

In response to a question regarding the Development Plan review, the Chief Executive advised that having had conversations with colleagues across the county even with Local Government Reform it was wise and prudent for the Council to continue to develop its Local Development Plan at this time.

The Chairperson put the recommendations as set out the report and these were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)             That the virements as detailed in paragraph 3.3.1 be noted;

(ii)            That the reserve drawdowns as detailed in paragraph 3.6.1 be noted.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive providing further information to inform a recommendation to the Council regarding the introduction of car parking charges for Burnham-on-Crouch car parks at Riverside Park, Foundry Lane and Millfields. If agreed this would bring charging arrangements in line with the Maldon Town Centre and Promenade Park car parks.

The report provided background information regarding consideration of this matter by the Car Parking Task and Finish Working Group (CPTFWG) which had recommended the introduction of car park charges in Burnham-on-Crouch. A copy of the CPTFWG Terms of Reference were attached at Appendix 1 to the report and it was noted that this included consideration of a new Car Parking Strategy, as well as the annual car park fees and charges. Appendix 2 set out details of the current car park provision within each of the car parks at Burnham-on-Crouch and Appendix 3 set out the proposed charges and estimated income for each car park along with estimate initial costs for introducing the charges.

The Assistant Director – Customer Services and Operations presented the report and advised that the original proposals had been supported by both the CPTFWG and the Finance Working Group. Appendix 4 confirmed the proposed car park charges. It was noted that having recognised the impact upon the patients that use Foundry Lane car park section 3.8 of the report set out a number of concessions proposed. The report and recommendations set out a number of options for consideration by the Committee.

Councillor W Stamp proposed that recommendation (v) be agreed, the charges originally proposed on 21 November 2024 not be agreed and the Council continues to offer free car parking at all Burnham-on-Crouch car parks.

In accordance with Procedure Rule No. 13 (3) Councillor Stamp requested a recorded vote. 

During the debate that ensued a number of Members spoke against imposing car parking charges at Burnham-on-Crouch. In response to questions and queries raised, the following information was provided:

·                The data behind the report had been considered by the CPTFWG, there were however some new elements proposed not to be charges and these had been removed.

·                If car parking charges were to be introduced in Burnham-on-Crouch, it was confirmed that the Council would have appropriate enforcement provision.

·                It was noted that the CPTGWG had determined that a consultation on the introduction of car parking charges in Burnham-on-Crouch was not required.

Councillor Stamp spoke against the proposed charges and provided detailed information in support of her earlier proposal.

In response to a question regarding whether a consultation had taken place between Burnham-on-Crouch Surgery and the Council in respect of the proposed changes to the car park situated outside of the doctor’s surgery, Officers clarified that this had been considered by the Working Group who felt that consultation was not required. [1]

The Chairperson then moved the proposal in the name of Councillor Stamp, duly seconded, and the voting was as follows:

For the recommendation:

Councillors D O Bown, A T Fittock, A  ...  view the full minutes text for item 507.

To consider the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer seeking Members’ approval of the Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTS) and associated policies for 2025 / 26, with minor technical amendments as set out in section 2 (a) to (c) of the report. 

It was noted that the Scheme was significantly unchanged to support the delivery of a largely cost neutral LCTS within the proposed budget for 2025 / 26. Provision had been made to enable changes during the year and an Equality Impact Assessment had been carried out (Appendix 1 to the report). The current LCTS reflected the Council’s decision to deliver a long-term sustainable Scheme based on cost neutral principles and the proposed changes ensured it reflected national legislative changes.

Members were reminded of the Council’s Hardship Provision and subject to the continuation of funding from Essex County Council (ECC) it was proposed that the Council continued to offer this scheme for 2025 / 26. The framework was attached at Appendix 2 to the report.

The Discretionary Reduction Policy was attached at Appendix 3 for Members’ consideration and was largely unchanged.

The Chairperson put the recommendations as set out in the report to the Committee and these were duly seconded.

In response to a query, it was suggested and agreed that recommendation (ii) be amended to read “…Members careful understanding of and regard…”.

Subject to the above amendment, the Chairperson moved the recommendations which were then duly agreed.

RECOMMENDED

(i)         That the following changes to the existing schemes are approved:

a.      a cost of living increase in line with the Department for Work and Pensions schemes be included in the Local Council Tax Support Scheme (LCTS) for 2025 / 26 for Pensioners only;

b.      that any legislative changes being introduced to the Housing Benefit Scheme, for 2025 / 26 are mirrored in the Council’s LCTS to ensure consistency;

c.      minor technical amendments to ensure that the Council is able to administer the Scheme reflecting current local and national guidance and that the Council may disregard anything determined to be a local welfare payment from its calculation;

(ii)            that these decisions have been made following Members careful understanding of and regard to the Equality Impact Assessment at APPENDIX 1 to these Minutes;

(iii)           that Members note the unchanged framework for the Hardship Provision at APPENDIX 2 to these Minutes;

(iv)           that the Policy document at APPENDIX 3 to these Minutes be approved;

(v)            that following receipt of the final Policy document relating to the Council Tax Support Scheme, this be presented to the Council for approval.

To consider the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer seeking Members’ consideration of the following updated documents:

·                Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief Scheme (Appendix 1 to the report), updated to reflect changes announced by Central Government which were detailed within the report.

·                Empty Homes and Second Homes Premium Policy (Appendix 2) updated to reflect changes previously endorsed by Members and now legislated for by Central Government. The updated Policy provided a framework for the administration of these changes, including mandatory exemptions and would enable a transparent and consistent approach to charges for empty properties and second homes across the District.

The Chairman put the recommendations as set out in the report and these were duly seconded.

In response to a question the Assistant Director – Customer Services and Operations agreed to circulate details of the Councils’ collection rates to Members outside of the meeting.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RECOMMENDED

(i)             That the proposed Discretionary Non-Domestic Rate Relief Scheme at APPENDIX 4 to these Minutes, be approved;

(ii)            That the proposed Empty Homes and Second Homes Premium Policy at APPENDIX 5 to these Minutes be approved.

To consider the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer seeking Members’ approval of the following 2025 / 26 documents:

·                Capital Strategy (attached as Appendix1 to the report), including the Capital Programme for 2025 / 26 – 2028 / 29 (Appendix 1a to the report);

·                Capital Project Bids (Appendix 1b to the report);

·                Minimum Revenue Provision Statement (MRP) 2025 / 26 (Appendix 2 to the report);

·                Treasury Management Strategy 2025 / 26 (Appendix 3 to the report), with the Treasury Management Practices (Appendix 3a).

It was reported that the Capital Strategy, MRP and Treasury Management Strategy had been developed considering the future plans of the Council, ensuring that they were affordable and prudent. The Strategies had been updated in line with statutory requirements and best practice, having regard to the Council’s financial position, corporate strategies, plans and objectives, incorporating advice of the Council’s external treasury advisor, Link Group. 

The Chairperson put the recommendations set out in the report.

Following his presentation of the report and in response to queries raised, the Interim Chief Finance Officer advised that the MRP was how the Council paid off Council expenditure, funded either by lease payments or internal borrowing from reserves.

During the debate that followed and in response to question raised, the following information was provided:

·              The forecast figures for the 2024 / 25 MRP provision were queried and the Interim Chief Finance Officer advised he would check and confirm this to Members outside of the meeting. He explained that the MRP increased in 2025 / 26 onwards due to the purchase of waste vehicles which would be paid off for a period of eight year.

·              the Deputy Chief Executive advised that in respect of the Capital Bid for Tractor Side-Arm Flail, the 2025 / 26 cost had been reduced from £65,000 to £40,000.

·              The MRP showed a gradual increase because of the annuity method and would drop when the waste vehicles were paid off in year eight. Reference was made to the Leisure Contract and the Interim Finance Officer agreed to provide Members with the figures relating to this.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report, these were duly seconded and agreed. Councillor K M H Lagan asked that his dissent be recorded.

RESOLVED

(i)             That the Committee considered the report and appendices;

RECOMMENDED

(ii)            That the Capital & Investment Strategy 2025 / 26 (Appendix 1 to the report), which includes the Capital Programme for 2025 / 26 – 2028 / 29 (Appendix 1a) and new Capital Projects Bids for approval (Appendix 1b)

(iii)           That the Minimum Revenue Provision Statement 2025 / 26 (Appendix 2 to the report), and

(iv)           that the Treasury Management Strategy 2025 / 26 (Appendix 3 to the report), with the Treasury Management Practices (Appendix 3a).

To consider the report of the Chairperson of the Hythe Quay Desilting Task and Finish Working Group (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Chairperson of the Hythe Quay Desilting Task and Finish Working Group (HWDWG) seeking Members’ agreement to proceed with a project to desilt the Hythe Quay and Visitors Pontoon as shown in the map attached at Appendix 1 to the report. The report also sought agreement of a budget provision of up to £135,000 for the project.

The report provided background information regarding the Council’s berths and visitor pontoon provided by the Council. It was noted that there was a need to dredge the Hythe Quay area to support the continued presence of the Thames Barges and alleviate current problems for vessels wishing to use the visitor pontoon.

Following a decision of this Committee at its meeting on 26 September 2024, the HWDWG had met on three occasions and considered a wide range of matters and issues related to this project. The Chairperson of the Working Group (Councillor K M H Lagan) addressed the Committee and highlighted the HWDWG recommendations, which were set out in the report. The Assistant Director – Customer Services and Operations provided the Committee with further information regarding the project and advised that the budget provision proposed was to enable procurement and to move the project forward.

The Chairperson put the recommendations as set out in the report. This was duly seconded.

At this point, Councillor R G Pratt declared an interest in this item of business as he used the pontoon, on occasion.

In response to a question, it was noted that the HQDWG would be meeting with the consultant to identify an annual budget to maintain access to the Hythe Quay. Councillor Lagan drew attention to his Motion which had been supported by the Committee and included the need for a budget to carry out maintenance work.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)               That a project to desilt the Hythe Quay and Visitors Pontoon (as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report) proceed;

RECOMMENDED

(ii)            That a budget provision of up to £135,000 is created for desilting the Hythe Quay and Visitors Pontoon.

To consider the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer presenting:

·                for noting, the Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2025 / 26 announced by the Government on 18 December 2024;

·                the revised 2024 / 25 and original 2025 / 26 General Fund Revenue Budget estimate (attached as Appendices 1, 2 and 3 to the report);

·                the proposed Council Tax increase for 2025 / 26 (Appendix 1);

·                the policy for the use of Reserves (Appendix 4);

·                the Interim Chief Finance Officer (Section 151 Officer) statement on the robustness of budgets and adequacy of reserves (Appendix 5)

It was noted that the Council no longer received Revenue Support Grant funding from the Government meaning the majority of the funding for the Council’s services were from income raised by the authority.

The report and associated appendices to the report outlined the following:

·                the latest information on the provisional Local Government finance settlement 2025 / 26;

·                revised (2024 / 25) and original (2025 / 26) General Fund revenue budget estimates;

·                budget growth, savings and income generation in 2025 / 26;

·                New Homes Bonus (NHB);

·                Pension Fund deficit recovery;

·                Essex Region Business Rates pool;

·                an update on the interest on investments;

·                the Council Tax requirement for 2025 / 26;

·                Council Tax £6.74 increase on 2024 / 25 Band D Basic amount of £225.27;

·                General Fund balance and Revenue Reserves;

·                Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS);

·                risks to the Council’s financial position.

The Interim Chief Finance Officer reported that due to the unknown impact of future changes to Local Government finance, it was proposed that the Council should take the opportunity to increase its financial base by increasing the average band D Council Tax by £6.74, the maximum allowed for by the government before a referendum was required.

The Chairperson put the recommendations set out in the report to the Committee and these were duly seconded.

Councillor W Stamp requested that Officers review the colour scheme used for the Appendices to this report to make them easier to read. In response the Interim Chief Finance Officer confirmed that these changes could be made.

During the debate that ensued and in response to further questions raised, the Interim Chief Finance Officer provided the following information:

·                A strategic review of the Council’s reserves would be taking place to ensure that the Council was using them efficiently.

·                In response to a comment in his assurance statement regarding the waste and leisure contracts, Members were advised that this related to internal controls, relationships with the waste / leisure provider and to protect the Council’s finances, ensuring that performance met the intended goals.

·                In respect of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), medium-term was normally classed as four years and the Council’s MTFS had been set out over a four-year period.

·                The Officer provided Members with clarification regarding the income due in relation to the Leisure Contract and agreed to provide a written response providing further explanation.

The Chairperson put the recommendations set out in the report  ...  view the full minutes text for item 512.

To consider the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer presenting the revised Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025 / 26 to 2028 / 29 (attached at Appendix 1 to the report) for recommendation to the Council.

The MTFS set out how the Council would manage its revenue finances up to the 2028 / 29 financial year and supported delivery of the Council’s objectives and priorities. The report highlighted a number of factors which could impact delivery of the MTFS and had been taken into consideration when producing the MTFS. Due to the uncertainty around the economic outlook the MTFS would continue to be constantly monitored and reviewed through the Council’s budget monitoring process. It was noted that further adjustments to the MTFS may be required before approval by the Council, subject to the final 2025 / 26 settlement and business rates position being confirmed. Any material changes would be highlighted in the Council papers.

The report provided a summary of changes to the MTFS, highlighting the reasons for some of these. Further savings were needed to fully balance the budget, and it was noted that these were being reported separately to this Committee. There were a number of risks to the MTFS and these were set out in the report along with the impact on the General Fund balance.

The Chairperson drew Members to an email which had been circulated updating table 2 within the report. The Interim Chief Finance Officer advised that the cash draw down used in the table had been replaced with the Minimum Revenue Provision. He explained that although this resulted in a change to the figures, the outcome when compared to previous reports was now consistent with what was expected and had previously been presented.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report and these were duly seconded.

In response to a question regarding the impact of the Local Government Reform, Members were advised that this had been referenced in the report but at this present time Government guidance had not yet been released. However, once new information was available to which a figure could be aligned, this would be updated.

The Chairperson then put the recommendations which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)         That the revised Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2025/26 to 2028/29 (Appendix 1 to the report) is reviewed by the Committee and recommended to the Council for approval.

(ii)        That Members note that further adjustments to the MTFS may be necessary before Council approval, depending on the outcome of the final 2025/26 settlement and business rates return. Any significant changes will be highlighted in the Council papers.

RECOMMENDED

(iii)       That the revised Medium-Term Financial Strategy for 2025/26 to 2028/29 (Appendix 1 to the report) and any subsequent necessary adjustments, be approved.

To consider the report of the Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Chief Executive informing Members of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) 2025 / 26 allocation from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The Lead Speciality Prosperity presented the report, advising that in the Autumn Budget 2024 the Chancellor had confirmed continuation of the UKSPF for a further year, allowing local authorities to invest in local growth, in advance of wider funding reforms. It was noted from the report that the MHCLG had issued details of allocations in December 2024 and confirmed that the Maldon District would receive £327,146 split between capital and revenue expenditures. Maldon District Council was the Lead Local Authority (LLA) for administrating and managing the fund. The Officer advised Members that should they be mindful to agree recommendation (iii) this would need to be a recommendation to the Council. This was duly noted.

The report highlighted and provided further details of the existing UKSPF interventions which for 2025 / 26 the MHCLG had mapped into ‘mission-led themes’ across three priority areas. It was noted that LLAs were not required to submit a revised investment plan but were expected to continue engaging with and seeking support from local partners and routine reporting periods would update the MHCLG on proposals and delivery progress. Further details of the fund were set out in the report and it was noted that a report would be brought to the March meeting of this Committee outlining the proposals to manage, administer and monitor the fund.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report and these were duly seconded.

During the debate that ensued and in response to questions raised, the Officer provided Members with the following information:

·            Subject to approval of the recommendations, Officers would be working with the Corporate Leadership Team and Chairperson of this Committee to identify projects that could be brought forward. Members were assured that consideration would be given to projects across the entire District.

·            There was not a definitive list of projects, however Officers had ideas which would need assessment, and they were working with the strategic group to bring forward any such projects.

·            Officers expected, due to the timeframe of the fund, this would be more of a direct delivery rather than establishing a grant programme.

In response to a query regarding recommendation (ii) and the involvement of the Leader of the Council as well, the Officer confirmed that they would be delighted to work with the Leader. Councillor R H Siddall proposed that recommendation (ii) be amended to include the Leader of the Council. This was duly seconded.

Councillor Siddall, Leader of the Council, advised that Officers were working with the Strategic Asset Working Group and agreed that it was important for the Council to have oven-ready projects not just for the UKSPF but the future. He advised if Members had assets within the District that needed support, they should bring them forward.

The Lead Specialist Prosperity was thanked for her report.

The Chairperson  ...  view the full minutes text for item 514.

To consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive, (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Deputy Chief Executive presenting for approval the Council’s revised Health and Safety Policy (Appendix 1 to the report) and Statement of Intent, as required by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The Corporate Health and Safety Manager presented the report and advised that the Health and Safety Policy (the Policy) had been updated in accordance with legislation and included the Council’s Statement of Intent which would set the direction for health and safety activities, their management and governance at the Council for the next year.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report and these were duly seconded.

In response to a question, the Corporate Health and Safety Manager advised that the Council was undertaking a wholesale review of all the supporting policies listed. Working Groups had been assigned and they were working through them.

There was some discussion regarding Members being included in policies and the current Officer led Working Group. In response, Councillor R H Siddall proposed an amendment to page 285 of the agenda report pack, that an additional bullet be added to clarify that the policy included Members, and that the Committee recommends to the Council that two Members of the Council be appointed to the Officer Working Group. This was duly agreed. Following further discussion Councillor Siddall withdrew his earlier proposal and then that the Health and Safety Policy be amended to include and take into consideration Members and that the Council agrees to add two Members to the Officer Working Group. This was duly seconded.

The Chairperson put the recommendations, subject to the amendment in the name of Councillor Siddall and this was duly agreed.

In response to a suggestion to add two additional columns to the table on page 298 of the agenda pack, in place of the column ‘current version’, the Officer advised that this table was a summary of the working version used by Officers which contained the additional information suggested.

The Chairperson then put the amended recommendations to the Committee, and these were duly agreed.

RECOMMENDED

(i)         That the Health and Safety Policy be further revised to include a reference to Members;

(ii)        That subject to recommendation (i) above, the revised Health and Safety Policy (attached at APPENDIX 6 to these Minutes) and Statement of Intent be adopted;

(iii)       That the roles and responsibilities of Committee Members and key staff be noted;

(iv)       That the annual review period be noted.

(v)        That two Members of the Council be appointed to the Officer Working Group.

There was none.

To resolve that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

RESOLVED that under Section 100A (4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1of Schedule 12A to the Act, and that this satisfies the public interest test.

To consider the report of the Monitoring Officer (copy enclosed).

The Council considered the report of the Monitoring Officer seeking Members’ agreement for a new 20-year lease as set out in the report.

The report provided background information regarding the lease and the Monitoring Officer provided further explanation when presenting the report.

In response to questions raised by Members the Monitoring Officer provided further clarification. It was noted that Officers were working to put all leases onto the Uniform system which will track them and flag when they were due for renewal etc.

The Chairperson moved the recommendations set out in the report which were duly agreed.

RESOLVED

(i)         That the Council agrees a new lease for 20 years to Blackwater Sailing Club;

(ii)        That the Deputy Chief Executive be given delegated authority to execute the lease to Blackwater Sailing Club as set out in Appendix A to the report in consultation with the Lead Specialist: Legal and the Chairperson of this Committee.

To consider the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer (copy enclosed).

The Committee considered the report of the Interim Chief Finance Officer presenting Members with income and savings options to reduce the projected budget gap through the period of the Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2025 / 26 – 2028 / 29.

It was noted that the funding available was less than the proposed expenditure budget with a resulting budget gap of £0.603m. Appendix 1 to the report detailed the income and savings proposals required to reduce the budget gap. A further drawdown of reserves was required to balance the revenue budget for 2025 / 26. It was noted that the Finance Member Group (FMG) would continue to address the remaining gap in future years, which would be reported to this Committee during 2025 / 26.

The Interim Chief Finance Officer presented the report and confirmed that the savings had been discussed and supported by the FMG. The Chairperson then moved the recommendations set out in the report which were duly seconded.

During the debate that ensued a number of questions were raised by Members and in response Officers provided the Committee with additional information. The Chief Executive advised that he would be undertaking an organisational review around structures, and as part of this would look to ensure that service areas had the right structure.

Councillor A S Fluker proposed that the Committee accept the recommendations as set out in the report. This proposal was duly seconded and agreed.

RECOMMENDED that the proposed income and savings options (as detailed in Appendix 1 to the report) be approved.