To outline the key elements of the Resources portfolio and the future direction that has been agreed with the Director.

The Committee questioned the Cabinet Member (Resources) on his area of responsibility.

A report, to which the Directorate’s Annual Report 2007/08 was appended, and which included key priorities for 2008/09 had been circulated with the agenda papers.

The Cabinet Member (Resources) highlighted the Directorate’s key priorities for the year.  He also reported briefly on all four sections of the Resources Directorate, highlighting some particular achievements and reporting that all the sections were performing well.

In the ensuing discussion the following principal points were made:

·         It was asked whether the internal audit function had sufficient resources given its growing remit, including links with the Primary Care Trust, and noting also the demands of the special investigation it had had to carry out in 2007/08.   The Head of Financial Services said the internal audit team was a small team.  An audit plan was agreed for the year which was capable of being delivered by the resources available.  Adjustments had to be made to the Plan if a special investigation was required.  The audit plan was on track.  Closer working with the PCT continued to develop.  He noted that it was difficult to recruit experienced audit staff.

·         It was asked if the year on year target for capital receipts from the smallholdings estate was achievable.  The Cabinet Member (Resources) said that he considered the target was achievable through rationalisation. 

·         A question was asked about the approach to issuing Notices to Quit which it was suggested had generated some concern amongst some smallholding tenants.  The Cabinet Member (Resources) explained the approach and said that it was his understanding that the Notices to Quit had been issued correctly.  Some tenants had subsequently been offered new tenancies others had not.  He agreed that if evidence was provided that the approach had not been correct this would be investigated.

·         It was asked whether a full time team had been identified to support the development of the accommodation strategy.  The Cabinet Member (Resources) said that a firm of Consultants had been employed who would report back in September to the in-house team.

·         A further question was asked about the timescale for developing  new back office accommodation and whether this could be achieved by December 2010, when the current lease of the Plough Lane offices ended.  The Cabinet Member (Resources) said that this depended on the Consultants’ findings.  However, if a site on the Council’s own land were selected he believed the office accommodation could be provided by December 2010.

·         In response to a question the Chief Executive said that efforts were continuing to agree a meeting date with the new owners of Plough Lane to discuss their position on the building’s future use.

·         The Service Delivery Review of Amey Wye Valley was discussed, with concern being expressed about the contract’s value for money.  It was noted that the outcome of the Review was to be reported to the Committee for comment prior to consideration by Cabinet.

The Chairman thanked the Cabinet Member.

RESOLVED:   That the Committee’s concern about the tightness of the timetable for delivering the accommodation strategy be recorded.