To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 8 October 2024 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 8 October 2024, as circulated, were approved and signed as a correct record.

To consider the report of the Corporate Services Group Manager and Monitoring Officer (enclosed).

Considered – Report of the Corporate Services Group Manager.

Members questioned if the powers available in the policy had been used over the previous 12 months. The Corporate Services Group Manager responded that she was unaware, but would find out from appropriate Officers.

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

This report was considered by Cabinet Executive on 4 November 2024.

Members are asked to consider the report in preparation for Scrutiny of the Budget.

Considered – report of the Finance Group Manager.

Members discussed the write off of irrecoverable debt, which were signed off by the Cabinet Executive. There were a number of reasons for the debt to be irrecoverable, including the  existence of a debt relief order and individual voluntary arrangements. Members were reassured that all the usual recovery routes had been attempted without success.

Officers also commented that the Revenue and Benefits team regularly review training guides to ensure they are kept up to date with any change in legislation and any procedural changes, helping to reduce the risk of errors being made.

Members received questioned the fall in Building Control income, which was largely due to the economic climate and changes to Building Control regulations.

The agreement that the Building Control partners signed up to was that any loss or surplus at the end of the financial year is shared in accordance with the application data from the previous three years. The partnership budget is currently being reviewed; it is unlikely that the income will reach the current working budget target and will be required to be reduced in line with the expected annual income.

Members noted that the planning income had increased substantially during the second quarter of the year, surpassing £700,000.

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

This report was considered by Cabinet Executive on 4 November 2024 and is due to be considered by Council on 19 November 2024.

Members are asked to consider the report in preparation for Scrutiny of the Budget

Considered – Report of the Finance Group Manager.

Members questioned spending not yet utilised, Officers responded that Portfolio Holders and SLT were consistently reviewing the projects.

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

This report was considered by Cabinet Executive on 4 November 2024 and is due to be considered by Council on 19 November 2024.

Members are asked to consider the report in preparation for Scrutiny of the Budget

Considered – Report of the Finance Group Manager.

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

This report was considered by Cabinet Executive on 4 November 2024.

Members are asked to consider the report in preparation for Scrutiny of the Budget

Considered – Report of the Finance Group Manager.

Members questioned the review process for determining where increases were to be applied.

Members also questioned the increase to legal fees proposed for 2025/26. Members were informed that the increase is due to Officer time involved and the previous fees were not a true reflection of the time and work involved.

Members questioned whether any consideration would be given to support charities with waste collection. Officers responded that the service needed to remain competitive with other service providers.

Members questioned the rent of Glebe Drive in Countesthorpe, Officers responded that they would find out the information requested and circulate it to Members.

Members accepted the items on the Scrutiny Work Programme 2024-25 and no additional actions were proposed.

No items were raised for further information or examination.

There were no further actions arising from the meeting.