Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) meeting held on 6th December 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 6th December 2023 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary and other interests in relation to any Agenda item.

No declarations were received.

a)   The Panel are to receive and comment on the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme and current Notice of Key Executive Decisions.

b)   Members to discuss future planning of items for the Work Programme.

The Panel received and noted the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme and the current Notice of Key Executive Decisions (a copy of which has been appended in the Minute Book) which has been prepared by the Executive Leader for the period 1st January 2024 to 30th April 2024.

The Panel is to receive a presentation providing an update on the Corporate Plan.

Executive Councillor: S Ferguson

By means of a presentation by the Corporate Director (People) (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Panel received an update on the Corporate Plan.

It was clarified to the Panel, following an enquiry from Councillor Gleadow, that an agreement would be made on what constituted a reasonable measure and define an accepted tolerance around this, reporting would only flag measures falling outside of these tolerances.

Following an enquiry from Councillor Wells on data maturity, the Panel heard that a tool had been published by the LGA which would be incorporated into service plans going forward. There would need to be an understanding of the Council’s data and it’s maturity, this tool assesses and provides analysis of the data’s accuracy and structure. 

Councillors Cawley, Gardener and Jennings agreed that comparable authorities should be identified to allow for comparisons. Following a further question from Councillor Jennings, the Panel heard that the Performance Indicators would be set following a Peer Review and that there would be a future opportunity for comments on this.

The Panel heard that Oflog was still in its infancy and whilst self-regulation was encouraged at the present, this may evolve over time should that be identified as a need.

Councillor Blackwell expressed concern over the Service Plans and was reassured that they were reviewed internally to ensure their deliverability, relevance to the Corporate Plan and review by the relevant Executive Councillor. Furthermore, the Panel were assured that benchmarking would help to inform target setting in the future.

To receive a presentation and discuss the Huntingdonshire Place Strategy Update.

Executive Councillor: S Conboy

By means of a report and presentation by the Assistant Director (Strategic Insights & Delivery) (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Panel received an update on the Huntingdonshire Place Strategy.

Councillor Gardener was enthusiastic about the proposed involvement with Parishes and suggested a similar format to recent Planning meetings would be productive. This sentiment was echoed by Councillor Howell who commented on the involvement of community groups as well.

The Panel expressed concern that April 2024 may be too ambitious a date for events to be hosted but could be a good start point to allow for events throughout the calendar year whilst recognising Huntingdonshire Day.

Concern was expressed by Councillor Jennings that some towns or parishes, such as St Neots, may not feel included as traditionally it had been difficult to encourage this relationship with the district. It was agreed that opportunities would be developed to encompass the needs of the many diverse communities across the district and by developing a mix of suggestions it would allow for something to suit everyone. 

The Panel were advised that there was potential for an O&S working group to be involved in the project, this opportunity would be investigated and brought back to the Panel at a future date.