To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 2025 (enclosed)

The minutes of the meeting held on 12 May 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).

DECISION

That the financial performance for 2024/25 be accepted.

Reason:

The unaudited accounts for 2024/25 are to be published on 30th June 2025. Whilst the accounts are still subject to external audit, it is important to give Members early sight of the outturn to assist with the financial planning process.

Considered – Report of the Accountancy Services Manager.

Other Options Considered:

None.

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

RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL

1.    That the treasury management activities for 2024/25 be approved.

2.    That the prudential and treasury indicators for 2024/25 be approved.

Reason:

1.    The regulatory framework governing treasury management activities includes a requirement that the Council should produce an annual review of treasury activities undertaken in the preceding financial year. It must also report the performance against the approved prudential indicators for the year.

2.    This report fulfils the requirement above and incorporates the needs of the Prudential Code to ensure adequate monitoring of capital expenditure plans and the Council’s prudential indicators. The treasury strategy and prudential indicators for 2024/25 were contained in the report approved by Council on 27th February 2024.

Considered – Report of the Finance Group Manager

Other Options Considered:

None. It is a legislative requirement that the Council receives an annual report covering its treasury activities for the financial year.

To consider the report of the Executive Director (S151 Officer) (enclosed).

DECISIONS

1.     That the Annual Governance statement in respect of 2024/25 financial year, as attached to this report, be approved.

2.     That delegated authority be given to the Executive Director (S151 Officer) in consultation with the Chief Executive and the Leader of the Council to make amendments to the Annual Governance Statement following feedback from the External Auditors.

Reason:

1.     It is a requirement of the Account and Audit Regulations 2015 for the local authority to prepare and approve an Annual Governance Statement.

2.     It may be necessary to make amendments or additions to the Annual Governance Statement following feedback from the External Auditors as they review and audit the Council’s Statutory Accounts.

Considered – Report of the Executive Director (S151 Officer)

Other Options Considered:

The option to not produce a separate report on the Annual Governance Statement for the Cabinet Executive was dismissed given it is of utmost importance that the Cabinet Executive are fully informed and assured by the completion of the Corporate Assurance Review and the production of the Governance Statement.

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

DECISIONS

1.     That the Annual Status Report 2025 be approved for appropriate consultation and submission to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and publication.

2.     That delegated authority be given to the Environmental Health, Housing & Community Services Group Manager, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to make minor amendments to the Annual Status Report 2025 prior to submission and publication

Reasons:

1.     It is appropriate for Members to be informed of the air quality monitoring data for the district in 2024.

2.     This is to ensure any final amendments to the ASR report can be made in time for the statutory deadline for submission to Defra by 30th June 2025.

Considered – Report of the Environmental Services Manager, presented by the Air Quality Project Officer.

Other Options Considered:

1.     Completion and submission of the ASR is a statutory requirement and therefore there are no other options.

2.     Revocations and declarations of AQMAs have to comply with the provisions of the Environment Act 1995 (as amended) and associated Defra guidance, therefore there are no other options.

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

DECISIONS

1.     That the draft version of the Air Quality Action Plan 2025 – 2029 be approved for consultation.

2.     That delegated authority be given to the Environmental Health, Housing & Community Services Group Manager, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, to make minor amendments to Air Quality Action Plan 2025 - 2029 prior to submission to DEFRA and consultation.

Reasons:

1.     The Council is required to produce an Air Quality Action Plan following the declaration of an Air Quality Management Area.

2.     To allow for small changes to be made to the Air Quality Action Plan prior to submission to Defra and the public consultation.

Considered – Report of the Environmental Services Manager

Other Options Considered:

The Council is legally required to produce an Air Quality Action Plan following the declaration of a new Air Quality Management Area and therefore no other options have been considered.

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

DECISIONS

1.    That the preferences and changes to appointments to Outside Bodies as proposed in the report be approved.

2.    That unless otherwise stated all appointments be held, until the first Cabinet Executive meeting following the Annual Council meeting in 2026.

3.    That all appointments be endorsed as approved duties for the payment of allowances.

4.    That the Constitution be amended accordingly.

Reason:

It is appropriate to give effect to the wishes of the political groups.

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic Services & Scrutiny Officer, presented by the Executive Director (Communities)

Other Options Considered:

None in the context of this report.

To consider the report of the Transformation and ICT Group Manager (enclosed).

DECISION

That the response to Scrutiny Commission recommendations as set out in the report be approved.

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 the Transformation and ICT Group Manager, presented by Cllr. Cheryl Cashmore.

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.