Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs. J. Dyer M. B. E. and R. Hollingworth.

No declarations of interest were received.

The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 30th June 2010 were submitted.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be approved as a correct record.

(a)       To receive and note the minutes

(b)       To consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Audit Board held on 28th June 2010 were submitted.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be noted.

(a)       To receive and note the minutes

(b)       To consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Scrutiny Board held on 13th July 2010 were submitted.

RESOLVED  that the minutes be noted.

(a)       To receive and note the minutes

(b)       To consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

The minutes of the meeting of the Performance Management Board held on 19th July 2010 were submitted.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the minutes be noted;

(b)       that the recommendation contained at Minute No 14/10 relating to publicity for the Recycling and Garden Waste Service be approved.

Councillor G. N. Denaro reported that he had attended an event addressed by the Prime Minister during his recent visit to the West Midlands.   

The Cabinet considered a report on the Council’s performance and financial position as at 30th June 2010. It was reported that in relation to Revenue, the summary indicated a variance of only £39,000.  Members noted that efficiency savings of £140,000 had been achieved to date.  Following discussion it was

RESOLVED:

(a)       that it be noted that 60% of Performance Indicators were stable or improving;

(b)       that it be noted that 45% of Performance Indicators which had a target were meeting their target as at the month end and 80% were projected to meet their target at the year end;

(c)        that the performance figures for June 2010 as set out in Appendix 2 to the report be noted;

(d)       that the achievements and issues set out in section 4.1.1 of the report (Council Summary) be noted;

(e)       that the current position on both the revenue and capital budgets as detailed in the report be noted;

(f)         that the release of previously approved earmarked reserves of £68,000 as set out in Appendix 5 to the report be noted;

(g)       that the budget virements listed in Appendix 6 to the report be approved;

(h)        that the details of complaints received as set out in Appendix 7 to the report be noted; and

(i)         that the performance of the Council’s Treasury Management function as set out in Appendix 8 to the report be noted.                                                                                   

Consideration of this item was deferred.

The Cabinet considered a report on the Town Centre Frontage Improvement Scheme which requested an increase in the budget allocated to the scheme.

It was reported that the current budget of £20,000 was being targeted to numbers 61 to 97 High Street (odd numbers only) and would allow for financial assistance to be given in respect of 5 retail properties. Additional funding would allow for a more noticeable impact on this part of the Conservation Area.

Members requested that publicity be given to ensure that the support provided by the Council to enable the improvements to be undertaken was recognised.

RESOLVED  that in order to support the existing Town Centre Frontage Improvement Scheme, a virement of £50,000 be approved to enable funding to be allocated to the scheme and that the income already received from VAT refunds during 2010/2011 be utilised to meet the costs associated with the scheme.

(a)       to receive and note the minutes

(b)       to consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

(Note: Although the Cabinet agenda had indicated that the public may be excluded during the consideration of this item, in the event it was considered in public).

The minutes of the meeting of the Shared Services Board held on 24th June 2010 were submitted.

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the minutes be noted;

(b)       that the use of the West Midlands Improvement and Efficiency Partnership Systems Thinking change methodology for the transformation of service areas be approved;

(c)        that the proposed programme of service areas to be considered for Shared Services/Transformation between the two Councils, as detailed in the report be approved; and

(d)       that the proposal to pursue procurement as a shared service be approved in principle at this stage.