Agenda and minutes

Apologies were received from Councillors T Gillard and N Rushton.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest, registerable interest or other interest.

There were no interests declared.

There were no questions received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2025.

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2025 were considered.

It was moved by Councillor T Saffell, seconded by Councillor K Merrie, and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 20 May 2025 be confirmed as an accurate record of proceedings.

Reason for decision: To comply with the Constitution.

The report of the Chief Executive

Presented by the Leader

The Leader presented the report.

The Chief Executive advised members that the report had been considered by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.  For those actions rated as amber on the action plan, officers were working hard to complete these.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor T Saffell and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)     The positive progress identified by the Local Government Association on the Council’s implementation of its Corporate Peer Challenge recommendations be welcomed.

2)     The proposed further engagement with staff, councillors, stakeholders and partners to support the submission of final proposals on Local Government Reorganisation be endorsed.

3)     The Corporate Peer Challenge – progress review report being published on the Council’s website be agreed.

Reason for decision: As Cabinet is responsible for making all necessary arrangements to ensure the priorities identified by the Council are delivered within the budget and policy framework it is being asked to endorse progress on the Corporate Peer Challenge Action Plan it agreed in December 2024 to assist in delivering those priorities.

The report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Presented by the Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report.

It was moved by Councillor K Merrie, seconded by Councillor T Saffell and

RESOLVED THAT:

The Council’s approach to treasury management in 2024/25 be endorsed.

Reason for decision: Informing Cabinet of the Council’s Treasury Management Activity is statutory requirement.

The report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Presented by the Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder

The Housing, Property and Customer Services Portfolio Holder presented the report.

It was moved by Councillor A Woodman, seconded by Councillor T Saffell and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The comments made by Corporate Scrutiny Committee on 19 June 2025 be noted.

2)    The details of the annual report 2024/25 be noted.

3)    The Corporate Complaints Policy in appendix 1 be reviewed and authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources to make any necessary amendments.

4)    The self-assessment at appendix 2 be reviewed and confirmed that it is in agreement that the Council is compliant.

5)    The Unreasonable Behaviour and Communication Policy in appendix 4 be reviewed and authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Resources to make any necessary amendments.

Reason for decision: The Housing Ombudsman’s Complaints Code requires the Council to report on complaints annually to the governing body.

The report of the Strategic Director of Resources

Presented by the Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Finance and Corporate Portfolio Holder presented the report.

It was moved by Councillor K Merrie, seconded by Councillor T Saffell and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)     The supplementary estimate detailed in appendix 2 which is below £100k and externally funded be noted.

2)     The supplementary estimate detailed in appendix 2 which is below £100k and council funded be approved.

3)     The movement from the development pool to active programme for the capital schemes detailed in table 2 be approved.

Reason for decision: The Council’s Financial Procedure Rules, Section 2, paragraphs A24 to A28 stipulate the procedures for virements and supplementary estimates, whilst the Council’s Capital Strategy sets out the Governance of the Capital Programme.

Report of the Chief Executive

Presented by the Infrastructure Portfolio Holder

The Leader presented the report.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor K Merrie and

RESOLVED THAT:

Authority delegated to the Head of Paid Service to review and approve any policies related to the Council’s Human Resources function as an employer.

Reason for decision: Having up to date HR Policies and Procedures is a critical step in ensuring that the Council operates in compliance with legal standards and best practices.