Agenda and minutes

Councillor R Blunt welcomed Councillor S McKendrick as the new leader of the Labour Group.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor N J Rushton.

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

Councillor A V Smith declared a non-pecuniary interest in item 6, Procurement Strategy, due to a previous business relationship between her business and the Council.

There were no questions received.

Minutes of the meeting held on 22 September 2015.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 22 September 2015.

Councillor R Blunt read out a letter he had received from Councillor R Johnson in relation to the minutes.  He reminded members that the minutes were a summary of the meeting rather than a verbatim account, however for the sake of clarity, the notes of the Democratic Services Officer had been consulted, which stated that Councillors N J Rushton and T J Pendleton said that Planning Committee do not always follow officer recommendations.  He moved that this sentence be added to the minutes.

Councillor T J Pendleton accepted this comment and added that his remarks were made with reference to all political spectrums.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor T J Pendleton and

RESOLVED THAT:

Subject to the above amendment, the minutes of the meeting held on 22 September 2015 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Reason for decision: To comply with the Constitution.

Report of the Director of Housing

Presented by the Housing Portfolio Holder

Councillor R D Bayliss presented the report to members, drawing their attention to the comments of the Policy Development Group at Appendix B, and the comments from the tenant groups at Appendix A, which had been taken into account.  He advised that the strategy also took into account the budget statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in July and the fact that building costs were higher than the consumer price index.  He reiterated the Council’s commitment to maintaining the decent homes standard over the period of the business plan and also the policy to provide new social housing.  He highlighted the energy policy and the various green initiatives as outlined in the report.

Councillor R Blunt commented that the Council could be proud of the housing department and he hoped to see a step change in bringing social housing to the area.

It was moved by Councillor R D Bayliss, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

The contents of the report be noted, and the 2015-2020 HRA Asset Management Strategy be approved.

Reason for decision: To seek approval from Cabinet for the 2015-2020 HRA Asset Management Strategy.

Report of the Head of Finance

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

The Financial Services Team Manager presented the report to members.  She advised that the Procurement Strategy had been presented to Policy Development Group, and their comments had been taken on board in the action plan.

It was moved by Councillor R Blunt, seconded by Councillor T J Pendleton and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)     The Procurement Strategy be approved taking into account comments from the         Policy Development Group; and

b)     Authority be delegated to the Head of Finance, in consultation with the Corporate Portfolio Holder, to make any minor and consequential amendments to the Procurement Strategy resulting from changes in legislation and practical circumstances (e.g. restructures).

Reason for decision: To formally approve an updated Procurement Strategy which is in line with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the National Procurement Strategy for Local Government.

Report of the Head of Finance

Presented by the Corporate Portfolio Holder

Councillor A V Smith presented the report to members, reminding them that the Council was responsible for ensuring its business was conducted in accordance with the law and appropriate standards.  She explained that the corporate governance policies had been reviewed to ensure that the remained fit for purpose, reflected current legislation and best practice.  She added that both policies required updating.  She advised that the policies were presented to Audit and Governance Committee which had provided comments for consideration by Cabinet.  She added that no changes were proposed as a result of the comments made.

It was moved by Councillor A V Smith, seconded by Councillor T J Pendleton and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)     The Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy be approved taking into account comments from the Audit and Governance Committee;

b)     The Anti-Money Laundering Policy be approved; and

c)     Authority be delegated to the Head of Finance, in consultation with the Corporate Portfolio Holder, to make any minor and consequential amendments to the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy or the Anti-Money Laundering Policy resulting from changes in legislation and practical circumstances (e.g. restructures).

Reason for decision: To formally approve the Council’s updated Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy and Anti-Money Laundering Policy.