No disclosures were received.

To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 24 February 2025 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 February 2025, as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

Requests received by the Protocol deadline to be reported by the Senior Democratic Services Officer with details of the Agenda Item to which they relate. (Such persons entitled to use the Protocol attend for the purpose of making representations, answering questions or giving evidence relating to the business of the meeting and the time allocated to each person is a maximum of three minutes unless extended at the discretion of the Chairman).

No requests were received.

To consider the report of the Accountancy Services Manager (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.    That additional resource and capacity be approved as outlined in the report.

2.    That delegated authority be given to the Section 151 Officer, in consultation with the Finance, People and Performance Portfolio Holder, to implement the approved recommendations, including any subsequent changes resulting from Job Evaluations or recruitment processes.

Reasons:

1.    To ensure that the Council has the necessary capacity and capability to deliver its Corporate Plan, projects and ongoing services effectively.

2.    To address identified pressure points (such as Local Government Reorganisation), bolster resilience in key areas, and maintain a high-quality level of service in line with the Council’s objectives.

Considered – Report of the Chief Executive. 

Other Options Considered:

Maintaining the status quo was considered, but existing capacity and resource pressures pose a high risk to successful service delivery and staff well-being.

In some cases, outsourcing or agency use was considered, but typically proves more expensive, less resilient and may not align with the Council’s long-term strategic aims

To consider the report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer (enclosed).

DECISION

That Cabinet Executive considers the Scrutiny Commission report and recommendations as detailed in the report.

Reason:

It is a legal requirement for Cabinet Executive to respond to Scrutiny recommendations within 2 months of receiving any such recommendations.

Considered – Report of Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer, presented by Cllr. Neil Wright – Vice Chairman of Scrutiny Commission.

Other Options Considered:

No other options were considered.

Cllr. Neil Wright thanked all Officers and Members of the Task and Finish Group for their hard work.

To consider the report of the Finance Group Manager (enclosed).

DECISION

That the addition of £352,236 to the General Fund Revenue Budget resulting in a contribution from General fund balances of £240,597 be approved.

Reasons:

1.    To ensure that any significant changes to the budget are brought to Cabinet Executive for Members consideration.

2.    To recognise the impact on the Councils General fund balance.

Considered – Report of the Financial Services Group Manager.

Other Options Considered: None.

To consider the report of the Executive Director (Section 151 Officer) (enclosed).

DECISION

The Cabinet Executive agrees the response to Scrutiny Commission recommendations as set out in Appendix A of the report.

Reason:

The Local Government & Public Involvement In Health Act 2007 places a duty which requires Cabinet Executive to respond to Scrutiny Recommendations within two months of receiving them.

Considered – Report of Executive Director (Section 151 Officer).

Other Options Considered:

No other options have been considered. Not responding to Scrutiny would not comply with requirements of the Local Government & Public Involvement in Health Act 2007.