Meeting documents

Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Tuesday, 13th March, 2012 7.30 pm

Time: 7.30pm Place: Committee Room 1, Council Offices, Gernon Road, Letchworth Garden City
 PRESENT: Councillor R.L. Shakespeare - Smith (Chairman), Councillor Michael Paterson(Vice-Chairman), Councillor Mrs A.G. Ashley, Councillor David Billing, Councillor John Booth, Councillor Dave Chambers (substitute), Councillor Richard Harman, Councillor Cathryn Henry, Councillor S.K. Jarvis, Councillor David Kearns, Councillor Gerald Morris (substitute), Councillor M.R.M. Muir (substitute), Councillor Lawrence Oliver and Councillor Mike Rice.
 IN ATTENDANCE: David Scholes (Interim Chief Executive), John Robinson (Strategic Director of Customer Services), Andy Cavanagh (Head of Finance, Performance and Asset Management), Fiona Timms (Performance and Risk Manager), Brendan Sullivan (Scrutiny Officer) and Hilary Dineen (Committee and Member Services Officer).
 ALSO PRESENT: Councillor I.J. Knighton (Portfolio Holder for Leisure) and Andrew White (Chief Executive, Hertfordshire Police Authority).
Item Description/Resolution Status Action
PART I
95 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Alan Bardett, John Bishop, Bill Davidson, Paul Marment and Alan Millard.

Councillor Dave Chambers advised that, having given due notice, he would be substituting for Councillor Alan Bardett. Councillor Michael Muir advised that, having given due notice, he would be substituting for Councillor Bill Davidson. Councillor Gerald Morris advised that, having given due notice, he would be substituting for Councillor Alan Millard.
 Noted   
96 MINUTES
Minutes

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 January 2012 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.
 Agreed   
97 MINUTES
Minutes

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting held on 7 February 2012 be approved as a true record of the proceedings and signed by the Chairman.
 Agreed   
98 NOTIFICATION OF OTHER BUSINESS

No other business was submitted for consideration by the Committee.
 Noted   
99 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

There were no presentations from members of the public.
 Noted   
100 URGENT/GENERAL EXCEPTION ITEMS

No urgent or general exception items were received.
 Noted   
101 CALLED IN ITEMS

Since the last meeting, no decisions had been called-in by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
 Noted   
102 CHAIRMAN'S ANNOUNCEMENTS

(1) Members were reminded that any declarations of interest in respect of any business set out in the agenda, and the nature of the interest, should be declared as either a prejudicial or personal interest at the commencement of the relevant item on the agenda. Members declaring a prejudicial interest should leave the room and not seek to influence the decision during that particular item;

(2) The Chairman gave a further reminder that any advice from a Member of the Committee concerning a party whip direction should also be declared.

(3) The Chairman reminded Members that an informal Member workshop to consider changes to the Standards regime would be held for all members of the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday 3 April 2012.
 Noted   
103 POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER AND ASSOCIATED SCRUTINY ARRANGEMENTS

Andrew White, Chief Executive of Hertfordshire Police Authority, gave a Powerpoint presentation in respect of the Police and Crime Commissioner and associated scrutiny arrangements and gave the following information:

BACKGROUND TO THE ACT
- Hertfordshire currently has a Police Authority responsible for setting the County Plan and holding the Police accountable;
- The Police Authority will be abolished on 22nd November and replaced with a directly elected Police and Crime Commissioner;
- Elections for the Commissioner will take place on 15th November;
- Governance will be transferred to the Police and Crime Commissioner.

KEY POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER FUNCTIONS
- The Police and Crime Commissioner will be elected on a manifesto;
- Set budget and precept;
- Appoint (and dismiss) the Chief Constable;
- Publish the Police and Crime Plan;
- Have broader responsibilities beyond police, also crime and criminal justice;
- Hold the county wide community safety budgets (and other non-specified budgets);
- Recasting of Constabulary responsibilities.

BROADER COMMISSIONER RESPONSIBILITIES
- Will hold Community Safety, Drug Intervention Plan, Victim Support and other budgets including access to core Constabulary funding;
- Responsibility to co-ordinate work of Community Safety Panels;
- Expected to work with a range of partnerships including Herts Leaders, Health and Wellbeing Board, Hertfordshire Criminal Justice Board;
- New connection between the electorate and police and other Criminal Justice System partners;
- The ability to co-ordinate activity across the county;
- Serious budget holder (multi-million) opens possibilities of different scale initiatives for crime reduction and community safety;
- Different relationship with Chief Constable (Chair and Chief Executive).

ROLE OF THE POLICING AND CRIME PANEL (PCP)
- Scrutinise the Commissioner;
- Primary scrutiny is expected to be regarding the Commissioner Budgets;
- Made up of a representative from each Council in Hertfordshire plus two co-optees;
- To hold the Commissioner (not the Chief Constable) to account;
- Veto on budget and appointment/dismissal of Chief Constable (on a 2/3 majority).

THE COMMISSIONER'S ROLE
- Senior public face and voice of policing;
- Different relationship with Districts to that of the Police Authority;
- Commissioning ability beyond traditional policing for instance Offender Management, Victim Support and Neighbourhood Initiatives;
- Advocate for partners as well as public.

IMPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT COUNCILS AND THEIR COMMUNITY SAFETY PARTNERSHIP
- Expect Chief Inspector to remain the consistent operational link;
- Commissioner will lead on County Crime Strategy and thus will lead police discussions on District Crime Strategy;
- There may be more formal agreements and arrangements between councils and Commissioner;
- Commissioner and the council will have a direct relationship;
- Commissioner will hold the County Community Safety Budget.

FURTHER INFORMATION
- Police Authority will run a county event in April/May;
- Further official information and details can be found on the Home Office website
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/police/police-crime-commissioners
- Further information specific to Herts can be found on http://www.hertspa.org

Members asked several questions including whether there would be a Deputy Commissioner and whether the Policing and Crime Panel could report directly to the Home Office if necessary. Members noted that the proposed 5 year Policing and Crime Plan was longer than the 4 year term of the Commissioner and asked whether the Plan could be changed should a different Commissioner be elected; whether the Commissioner would work with the Chief Constable in serious cross border crime and whether neighbourhood policing would be promoted.

Mr White informed Members that the Hertfordshire Commissioners salary would be £75,000 and that the Commissioner could appoint a Deputy. The Policing and Crime Panel would not have power to call for changes, however they would have powers relating to the Police and Crime Plan and could veto budget spending. The Panel would only have the powers of public scrutiny and it was expected that, if they did not approve of the proposed budget spending, they could refer this to the Home Office. In respect of the Policing and Crime Plan the term of 5 years had been set to encourage continuity however the Commissioner could amend or issue a new Plan at any time. There would be a duty for the Commissioner to take account of the National Plan and that the current Police Authority was committed to neighbourhood policing.

The Chairman thanked Mr White for his informative presentation.

RESOLVED:
(1) That the Chief Executive of Hertfordshire Police Authority be thanked for his informative presentation:

(2) That the Committee and Member Services Officer be requested to circulate a copy of the Police Authority PowerPoint presentation to all Members of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider and understand the issues regarding the new Police and Crime Commissioner.
 Agreed  Community Safety Manager
104 PRESENTATION BY PORTFOLIO HOLDER FOR LEISURE

Councillor Ian Knighton, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, addressed the Committee regarding Markets; Parks, Open Spaces and Outdoor Swimming Pools; and Allotments and gave the following information:

MARKETS
- NHDC was responsible for co-ordinating and running Hitchin and Royston Markets;
- The markets had been successfully tendered out to local organisations;
- There was a formal contract between NHDC and the organisations running the markets in which we stipulated the range of services which should be offered;
- The current tenders had been extended until 2013, when they would be re-tendered;
- NHDC was in the process of reducing the level of subsidy to the markets with Royston subsidy having been substantially reduced and Hitchin subsidy negligible;
- Cardboard recycling was now available in Hitchin Market;
- Utilisation of Hitchin Market had much increased over the last 5 years
- There had been improvements in utilisation of Royston market, which is smaller than Hitchin;
- NHDC remained mindful that Hitchin market remain an integral part of the Churchgate development discussions.

Members asked Councillor Knighton to comment on the articles in the local newspapers regarding the removal of a stall holder at Hitchin Market

Councillor Knighton informed Members that there was a contractual relationship with Hitchin Market Ltd, who issued licences. NHDC had been in contact with Hitchin Markets Ltd, who made assurances that processes had been adhered to. This was an issue between the market trader and Hitchin Market Ltd.

PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
- The NHDC Green Space Strategy identified needs and investments;
- Howard Park and Gardens, Letchworth had been redeveloped and would reopen to the public soon;
- NHDC had worked with local volunteers and sought matched funding for improvements to Norton Common, Ivel Springs, Oughton Head and Bancroft Gardens.

Members asked whether use of recreation sites was affected by the provision or non provision of changing rooms. They observed that these types of facility were used for a short period of time and expressed that consideration should be given to multi - purpose facilities that could be used year round.

Councillor Knighton advised that usage was affected by the provision/non provision of changing room facilities and that NHDC was working with partners and other groups to identify need and source funding for facilities. Modest facilities were being considered, however, usage by local groups was being developed which may lead to multi purpose facilities.

OUTDOOR POOLS
- NHDC has two large open air pools, in Letchworth and Hitchin;
- Both pools are c70 years old
- NHDC and it's Area Committees are committed to supporting these pools;
- Pool covers have been installed, reducing the carbon footprint;
- These pools are an integral part of the community;
- Hitchin Outdoor Pool forms part of a larger facility and therefore figures for usage etc were not available;
- Letchworth Outdoor Pool had 24,000 visits in one year, although this is obviously weather dependent;
- Improved showers and changing rooms have been installed;
- The Café has been moved and refurbished to allow access to non-swimmers;
- Letchworth Pool cafe currently makes a profit.

ALLOTMENTS
- Allotments were provided in Baldock, Hitchin and Letchworth;
- An increase in allotment charges had enabled the level of subsidies to be reduced;
- NHDC had introduced the Green Space Strategy which considered the needs and investment in allotments;
- The following investments in allotments had been made:
Baldock £33,000
Letchworth £35,000
Hitchin £25,000
- Allotments in Royston were managed by Royston Town Council;
- NHDC was keen to promote self-management of allotments to local groups;
- Demand for allotments had increased
- NHDC was working with other organisations to improve existing allotments and increase the number of plots available;
- NHDC currently had 910 plots with only 17 vacancies
- A new allotment site with 31 plots was almost full.

Members asked whether the amount charged was comparable with those made by local garden centres and Parishes.

Councillor Knighton advised that both Garden Centres and Parishes charged higher fees for allotments than NHDC. NHDC charges were £29.50 per year for a half plot and £59 per year for a full plot with a 50 percent reduction for concessions.

The Strategic Director of Customer Services informed Members that Councils were not allowed to make a profit on allotments.

RESOLVED: That the Portfolio Holder for Leisure be thanked for his informative presentation.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider and understand the issues being addressed by the Portfolio Holder for Leisure.
 Agreed   
105 MEMBERS' QUESTIONS

No questions had been submitted.
 Noted   
106 RESOLUTIONS OF THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
Cover sheet
Resolutions report

The Scrutiny Officer presented the report regarding the Resolutions of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

He drew attention to the following:

DECEMBER 2011 MINUTE 59 - HITCHIN INDUSTRIAL AREA - HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES
That the requested meeting had been held on 17 February 2012.

DECEMBER 2011 MINUTE 65 - HERTFORDSHIRE LOCAL ENTERPRISE PARTNERSHIP
That John Gourd, Chairman of the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Partnership had been invited to attend the meeting of this Committee due to be held on 12 June 2012.

JANUARY 2012 - SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN
That the Scrutiny Officer had written to Hertfordshire County Council regarding the Overview and Scrutiny Committee's consideration of the subject.

RESOLVED: That the actions resulting from the resolutions of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to review and monitor the progress of resolutions made.
 Agreed   
107 MONITORING OF THE REGULATION OF INVESTIGATORY POWERS ACT 2000
Report

The Interim Chief Executive presented the report of the Corporate Legal Manager regarding Monitoring the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

He advised Members that the Council's Internal Officer Enforcement Forum, as detailed at Paragraph 4.1.3 of the report, would meet on 2 April 2012.

RESOLVED: That the matters contained the in report entitled Monitoring of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 be noted.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to properly monitor the use of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).
 Agreed   
108 PERFORMANCE INDICATOR MONITORING REPORT - POSITION AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2011
Report
Appendix A

The Performance and Risk Manager presented the report regarding Performance Indicator Monitoring - Position as at 31 December 2011 and drew attention to the following:

BV12 - WORKING DAYS LOST DUE TO SICKNESS
That, since publication of the report, sickness absence had increased to 7.10 days as at the end of February 2012. Short term sickness absence had improved compared to previous years, but there were currently 6 members of staff on long term sickness absence.

Members complimented Human Resources on the reduction in short-term sickness absence

NI192 - % OF HOUSEHOLD WASTE SENT FOR REUSE, RECYCLING OR COMPOSTING
That, since publication of the report, the figures for January 2012 had become available and showed a further reduction to 50.38%, although this was better than the rate achieved in January 2011.

BV9 - % OF COUNCIL TAX COLLECTED IN THE YEAR
That Council Tax recovery rates continued to improve despite the economic climate.

MI LI015 - NUMBER OF SWIMS AND OTHER VISITS
There had been a small increase in the number of swims compared to the December 2011 position to 908,393.

LI026 - % OF H&PPS PROGRAMMED INSPECTIONS COMPLETED ON TIME (CUMULATIVE PERFORMANCE)
This remains at red traffic light status and will do for the remainder of 2011/12 although this is an improvement on 2010/11.

NI157a - % OF MAJOR PLANNING APPLICATIONS DETERMINED WITHIN 13 WEEKS
Members queried why Section 106 negotiations were taking longer

The Interim Chief Executive advised that NI 157 measured the time until the S106 agreement and permission were issued. The issue of the permission often triggered payments so developers were delaying option agreements as they were increasingly aware of the viability of developments.

RESOLVED:
(1) That the position of the Performance Indicators as at 31 December 2011 be noted;

(2) That the Human Resources Department be complimented on their work towards the reduction of short-term sickness absence.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to effectively review the performance of the Council in relation to its performance targets.
 Agreed  Performance and Risk Manager
109 PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS & TARGETS FOR 2012/13
Report

The Performance and Risk Manager presented the report detailing the Performance Management Arrangements and Targets for 2012/13. She advised that 11 members had attended the performance workshop and drew attention to the following:

CP LI042 - COST OF DOMESTIC WASTE COLLECTION PER HOUSEHOLD
The Performance and Risk Manager advised that a target of the budget cost had been introduced for this indicator for 2012/13

MI TC002 - % OF VACANT UNITS IN LETCHWORTH GARDEN CITY & MI TC003 - % OF VACANT UNITS IN BALDOCK
The Performance and Risk Manager advised that these were new indicators for 2012/13.

Members queried whether measurement of vacant units would be captured in the same way as other Councils to allow comparison

The Interim Chief Executive stated that various reports and surveys had been undertaken throughout the country to consider this issue and that having the detail may be useful, but it may be less easy to compare information with other Councils.

LI030 - RESIDENTS SATISFACTION WITH PARKS AND OPEN SPACES AS DETERMINED THROUGH THE DISTRICT WIDE SURVEY
The Performance and Risk Manager advised that the phrasing of questions in the District Wide Survey had been changed in the 2011 survey and therefore data for 2011/12 would not be comparable with that gathered in 2008/09 however the data collected in 2011/12 would become the new baseline for the revised Performance Indicator.

LI033 - AREA OF DESIGNATED GREEN BELT LAND IN NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE (HECTARES)
The Performance and Risk Manager advised that Members who had attended the workshop were concerned that reporting of LI033 alone would not demonstrate changes in areas of designated land. She assured Members that a comprehensive commentary would be provided which would include details of area and locations of land both taken into and removed from Green Belt designation.

MEASURING SATISFACTION WITH THE MUSEUMS SERVICE
Members queried how levels of satisfaction were captured.

The Performance and Risk Manager advised that there would be a survey to capture this information and that a baseline question had been included in the Citizen's Panel survey.

RESOLVED: That, the performance indicators and associated targets to be reported throughout 2012/13, as set out in the report, be approved.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider and approve the Council's performance indicators and associated targets for 2012/13.
 Agreed  Performance and Risk Manager
110 PRIORITIES FOR THE DISTRICT 2012-2013
Report
Appendix A

The Performance and Risk Manager presented the report proposing the Priorities for the District for 2012-2013. The Priorities document was attached as Appendix A to the report.

She advised that this was intended to be both a strategic document and accessed by members of the public. Following consideration by this Committee the report would be presented to Cabinet on 20 March 2012 and to Council on 12 April 2012.

Members debated the report and were pleased that proposals contained in the Localism Act and the Public Health White Paper had been considered, however Members observed that the Community Development Officers may be placed under significant pressure due to possible additional community related responsibilities which may result in further resources for this area being required.

Some disappointment was expressed that the need for affordable homes had not been addressed, but acknowledged that this may be considered further in the proposed Housing Task and Finish Group.

A number of Members were concerned that employment and the economy had not been addressed sufficiently and that greater emphasis should be made in respect of ongoing projects to promote economic development and job creation. Members questioned whether focusing on Town Centres was the most effective way of encouraging economic development and regard should also be had to the District's employment areas.

In respect of key achievements Members considered that bullet points should support the main message by identifying measurable achievements and it was felt that working with partners could not be considered an achievement but where mentioned should contain greater detail.

Members noted the commentary that NHDC was working with Town Centre Partnerships, but felt this was not supported by the planned reduction of grants to those bodies.

RECOMMENDED TO CABINET:

(1) That Cabinet acknowledge that additional pressure may be placed on the Community Development Officers due to the community responsibilities resulting from the Localism Act and that they be requested to monitor whether further resources may be required;

(2) That the changing role of Town Centres and utilisation of Industrial Areas be reconsidered in order to encourage economic development and job creation;

(3) That Cabinet be requested to reconsider a number of bullet points contained in the document to ensure that achievements are better expressed;

(4) That greater reference be made to NHDC's work with partners by, wherever possible identifying the Partners and the achievements made by that partnership.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to comment on the proposed Priorities for the District document for 2012-2013.
 Agreed  Performance and Risk Manager
111 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
Covering report
Appendix A - draft annual report

The Scrutiny Officer presented the report in respect of the Committee's Draft Annual Report for 2011/12. The Annual Report was attached at Appendix A to the report.

He advised that the report detailed the changes in the way that Task and Finish Groups were undertaken and that the statistics contained in the report would be completed following this meeting.

Members considered that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee had completed a particularly successful year.

RESOLVED:
(1) That the draft Annual Report for 2011/12, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved;

(2) That the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be authorised to sign off any further necessary changes to the Report, so that it can be presented in its final form to Annual Council on 17 May 2012.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable Members to comment on the draft Annual Report of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for 2011/12.
 Agreed  Scrutiny Officer
112 OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMME
Work programme report
Appendix A
Appendix B - Forward Plan

The Scrutiny Officer presented the report regarding the Committee's Work Programme and drew attention to the following:

PORTFOLIO PRESENTATIONS
The Scrutiny Officer advised that the Leader of the Council had been invited to present to the Committee in July 2012, but unfortunately was unable to attend. He therefore tabled a list of the responsibilities of the Portfolio Holders for Community Engagement and Rural Affairs and Waste, Recycling and the Environment and asked the Committee to consider who they wished to invite and what subject they should be asked to focus on.

Members considered that the Portfolio Holder for Waste, Recycling and the Environment should be invited to present to this Committee regarding:
How the amount of recycling would be increased;
Grounds maintenance and amenity areas.

FORWARD PLAN
Members considered that the report entitled "Shared Services - Detailed Business Case for Shared Services with East Herts DC and Stevenage BC" be considered by this Committee.

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
Members debated the stage at which this Committee considered reports and discussed whether or not it would be valuable to see reports at a development stage in order to have more input. They noted that Members could already input into documents at a development stage and that officers looked for suitable opportunities to do this (eg via Member workshops).

The Interim Chief Executive reminded Members that the production of some documents was limited by time restraints and negotiations.

WORK PROGRAMME
Members considered that there should only be one presentation per meeting and therefore Portfolio Holders would only be invited when there were no other presentations expected.

TASK AND FINISH GROUPS
The Scrutiny Officer advised that the Task and Finish Group regarding Housing would commence in May 2012 and the Task and Finish Group on Neighbourhood Policing would commence prior to the next meeting of this Committee.

RESOLVED:
(1) That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme be noted;

(2) That the Scrutiny Officer be requested to invite the Portfolio Holder for Waste, Recycling and the Environment to present to this Committee regarding:
(i) How the amount of recycling would be increased;
(ii) Grounds maintenance and amenity areas;

(3) That the report entitled "Shared Services - Detailed Business Case for Shared Services with East Herts DC and Stevenage BC" be considered by this Committee prior to consideration by Cabinet;

(4) That that there should only be one presentation per meeting and therefore Portfolio Holders should only be invited when there were no other presentations expected.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to plan and carry out its workload efficiently and effectively.
 Agreed  Scrutiny Officer, Strategic Director of Finance/Policy & Governance
113 FUTURE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION PROVISION
Report
Appendix A1
Appendix A2
Appendix A3
Appendix B

The Head of Finance, Performance and Asset Management presented the report of the Strategic Director of Finance, Policy and Governance in respect of the proposed direction for the provision of long-term office accommodation for NHDC staff, as identified by the Office Accommodation Project.

He advised that the primary option identified through the Office Accommodation Project had been to remain at the District Council Offices by either purchasing the building or entering a longer term lease.

He drew attention to Section 5 of the report which gave details of the issues to be considered, Appendix A which summarised initial indicative cost options for refurbishment and Appendix B which summarised the results of the staff survey.

Members debated the report and questioned whether there would be a future need to build an additional floor above the Council. Chamber. There was some debate on the indicative costs of and need for refurbishment of the Civic Suites and Members areas. Members considered that any refurbishment must enable these areas to have upgraded IT, including ability to webcast and record meetings and IT docking stations, and furniture which was multi purpose and easy to move which would enable the space to become multi purpose, usable by staff and possibly hired out when not in use.

They also considered that the refurbishment of the building would be subject to detailed assessment and contract management and therefore there was no benefit in separating the costs of refurbishment of different areas of the building.

Members were keen to ensure that, should either a purchase or long term lease proceed, a more detailed assessment be undertaken regarding improvement works and noted that this was planned for the next stage.

The Head of Finance, Performance and Asset Management advised that, with the take up of home working, flexible working and other alternative working practices it would be unlikely that extra space would be required at the District Council Offices and that assessment of future need indicate that, based on current information, this situation would remain static, however it would remain under review.

RECOMMENDED TO CABINET:

(1) That the recommendations contained in the report entitled Future Office Accommodation Provision be supported;

(2) That any investment in the building is critically assessed in terms of value for money as part of the design and specification work and subsequently by Cabinet;

(3) That estimated revenue savings arising from refurbishment options and environmental sustainability are clearly identified in any future report;

(4) That in considering the acquisition of a long lease or purchase of the building, the details of improvements, flexible use of the building and opportunities for income generation be assessed;

(5) That there was no benefit in separating the costs of refurbishment of different areas of the building as this will be the subject of detailed assessment and management of contracts

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to comment on the report prior to its consideration by Cabinet.
 Agreed  Head of Finance/Performance and Asset Management
114 EXCLUSION OF PRESS AND PUBLIC

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public and press be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the said Act (as amended).
 Noted   
PART II
115 FUTURE OFFICE ACCOMMODATION PROVISION
Data/Overview and Scrutiny Committee/201203131930/Agenda/Report

The Head of Finance, Performance and Asset Management presented the Part II report of the Strategic Director of Finance, Policy and Governance in respect of detailed financial parameters regarding the District Council Offices.

Members debated the report in detail and agreed to support the recommendations

RESOLVED: That the recommendations as detailed in the report entitled "Future Office Accommodation Provision" be supported.

REASON FOR DECISION: To enable the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to comment on the report prior to its consideration by Cabinet.
 Agreed  Head of Finance/Performance and Asset Management