To approve and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2024 (enclosed).

The minutes of the meeting held on 13 November 2024, as circulated, were approved as a correct record.

To consider the report of the HR Service Manager (enclosed).

Considered – Report of the HR Service Manager.

It was noted that the Council’s gender pay gap is much lower than the national average.

Members questioned if the data provided would change if the top 5% of earners in each quartile were removed. The HR Services Manager responded that this would need to be explored further and an update could be provided to Scrutiny on this.

To note the report of the Accountancy Services Manager, which was considered and approved by Cabinet Executive at its meeting on 13 January 2025.

Considered - Report of the Finance Group Manager.

Members were concerned to learn that number of days lost to sickness in 2023/24 was 10.73 days per employee, compared to 7.66 days in the previous year. There was an increase of 869 days lost to long term sickness in 2023/24 and short term sickness also increased with an additional 180 days recorded in 2023/24.

Members also noted that staff turnover for 2023/24 was 15.51% compared to 16.02% in the previous year.

Members requested that the HR Manager be invited to the next meeting to provide further information on long term sickness, including a breakdown of the number of long term staff on stress related absences for further discussion.

Members questioned the finance service overspend and the Finance Group Manager responded this was due to a number of experienced staff leaving the authority and the need to employ adequate cover and train replacement staff.

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

Considered – Report of the Senior Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer.

Members accepted the items on the Scrutiny Work Programme 2024-25.

Cllr. Luke Cousin requested that the Scrutiny Commissioners consider adding the process for consideration of disposal of land to Parishes.

The Chairman, Cllr. Nick Brown asked Members for feedback on scrutiny of the budget meetings. Feedback included:

·         Lots of uncertainty around the one year settlement, and how much value scrutiny can add.

·         The process was quite rushed – Members commented that they felt the papers for the meetings were issued quite late, making it difficult to process and read them.

·         Some commented that they felt the portfolio holder sessions were quite tame, with questions having been pre-planned and sent to them to respond to.

·         Many questions were unanswered because of Local Government Reorganisation.

·         Members preferred it when portfolio holders highlighted their key priorities to the meeting.

·         Members considered inviting portfolio holders to attend a Scrutiny Commission meeting annually to provide an update of their portfolio. This would aid Members in their understanding of the portfolio holders areas of responsibility, also ensuring Scrutiny’s work programme matched with any priorities.

No items were raised for further information or examination.

There were no additional actions arising from the meeting.