Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) meetings held on 1st April 2026 and the 21st May 2026.

The Attendees from the meeting held on 1st April 2026 were amended to reflect the presence of Councillor C Tevlin and the apologies of Councillors J Catmur, B Chapman and S Corney.

Whereupon the Minutes of the meetings held 1st April 2026 and 10th June 2025 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.

The Overview and Scrutiny – Remit, Roles and Studies Report is to be presented to the Panel.

By means of a report by the Democratic Services Officer (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Overview and Scrutiny – Remit, Roles and Studies report was presented to the Panel.

Errors in the Appendix were brought to the attention of the Officers who confirmed these would be corrected and circulated ahead of the next meeting.

a) The Panel are to receive the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme

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

With the aid of a report by the Democratic Services Officer (Scrutiny) (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme was presented to the Panel.

Members raised queries in relation to the Parking Strategy Refresh. An update on its current progress was requested, including information about the costs associated. They also wanted confirmation of when the Strategy would be presented to the Panel and the wider impact on the Town centre’s vitality.

Members queried the absence of Civil Parking Enforcement from the Forward Plan and requested that an update be provided in relation to this matter.

A request was made for the establishment of a Task and Finish Group to consider Corporate Performance and associated indicators. Members expressed a desire to contribute to the development of these indicators, ensuring they reflect areas considered meaningful for scrutiny, rather than being predetermined.

To receive the Corporate Performance Report 2025/26 Quarter 4.

By means of a report by the Business Intelligence and Performance Manager (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the Corporate Performance 2025/26 Quarter 4 Report was presented to the Panel.

A query was raised regarding the RAG status within the report, particularly in relation to amber and red ratings. It was suggested that the inclusion of time-bound actions would be beneficial, enabling clearer timeframes for monitoring progress against these items.

The Panel commended the report, noting that the 80% targets were on track. Concerns were raised regarding Business Rates, specifically the reported £1.2 million shortfall out of £78 million. The Member queried the impact this was having on the Organisation, as well as the actions being taken to address it.

The Committee noted that the current economic climate is reflected in the collection rates for Council Tax and Business Rates. It was further observed that the rising levels of homelessness are, in part, attributable to an insufficient supply of new housing. Overall, Members recognised that residents are experiencing increasing financial pressures.

The Panel was advised that the Council operates as a collecting authority; therefore, the shortfall does not represent a loss solely to Huntingdonshire District Council. Members were informed that efforts to recover the outstanding amount are ongoing. It was further noted that the shortfall is attributed to the challenging economic climate and fluctuations within the Business Rates system. The Panel also heard that the Organisation is working closely with recovery partners to support the collection of this debt.

Members sought further clarification on the financial impact for the Council and residents.

Assurance was provided that the administration remains financially competent, although the specific local impact figures were not immediately available and would be provided separately. It was acknowledged that wider economic factors are contributing to current collection challenges.

After a question regarding Homelessness prevention, Members were informed that Places for People manages a significant proportion of social housing in Huntingdonshire. The Home-Link performance metric fell below target during the quarter, largely due to a disposal scheme involving properties deemed uneconomical to retain, for reasons such as poor energy efficiency and investment requirements.

The Council, while not directly managing housing stock, was engaged in the process and has raised concerns regarding the impact on affordable housing supply. It was noted that the Council will continue to work with, and where appropriate challenge, Places for People to minimise further losses.

Current performance was considered stable, although subject to fluctuations in housing delivery, and will be kept under close review.

The issue of affordable housing was raised and Members sought further clarifications on the actions being taken by the Council to reduce reliance on large-scale developments that are subject to delay. The Panel wondered how the Council intends to prioritise its resources to address internal challenges, including staff sickness and housing outcomes.

In response, the Panel were advised that housing delivery remains a key element of Council policy; however, it was noted that this is an area over  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.