Agenda and minutes

To receive and note any apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors R Ashman and K Lynch

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring disclosable interests you should make clear the nature of that interest.

There were no interests declared

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 24 June 2021.

Consideration was given to minute of the meeting held on 24 June 2021.

By affirmation of the meeting it was

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 24 June 2021 be agreed and signed as a correct record by the Chairman.

Report of the Section 151 Officer

Ashley Wilson, Section 151 Officer, presented the report. He noted that salaries were underspent by £9k due to vacant posts and that the reserves agreed at the last meeting had been actioned and would be amended in the next financial report.

Following a question from Councillor R D Bayliss, Mr Wilson noted that the £32k was a reflection of the timing of the report and as of August was the budget was showing £1k overspend and that it was too early to say if there would be anything to charge back at the end of the year.

By affirmation of the meeting it was

RESOLVED THAT:

The financial performance of the Partnership be noted and the recommendation at paragraph 3.5 in relation to invoicing be agreed.

Report of the Head of Partnership

Sally O’Hanlon, Head of Partnership, presented the report. She noted that all 3 authorities were not meeting their benefit targets, however the figures were now going in the right direction. She advised that the benefit teams had been under significant pressure processing the test and trace payments which were due to end at the end of September. In terms of Council Tax, there was a significant increase in the performance figures over the previous years, as was the same with Business rates. It was noted in relation to Business rates, performance had improved, though she could not guarantee that the end of year PI’s would be met due to businesses still experiencing difficulties.

In response to a question from Councillor D Bill, Mrs O’Hanlon provided further information to the committee on how the track and trace payments were processed and the impact on the team.

Councillor P Dann was pleased to see the improvement in the performance figures, but sought reassurance that the business rates would improve. Ms O’Hanlon stated that the figures would improve, but were businesses continuing to struggle and therefore it would have an impact.

Councillor P Dann sought assurance from officers that all measures had been put in place to ensure that the matter in relation to the court summons that were sent out in error, would not happen again. Ms O’Hanlon provided an update to Members on the work that had been carried out to resolve the matter and any issues that could arise in the future from it.

RESOLVED THAT:

The report be noted.

To note the Joint Committee’s Forward Plan

Consideration was given to the committee’s work plan. It was noted that there would be items to be added on, but the exact dates were to be confirmed.

By affirmation of the meeting it was

RESOLVED THAT:

The Joint Committee Forward Plan be noted.

Thursday, 9 September 2021 – NWLDC

Thursday, 25 November 2021 – Hinckley

Thursday, 20 January 2022 – Harborough

Thursday, 21 April 2022 – Harborough

Thursday, 23 June – NWLDC

The committee noted the dates of the future meetings.