Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) meeting held on 21st January 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 21st January 2026 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 interests were declared.

a)  The Panel are to receive the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme and Notice of Key Decisions for the period 1st February 2026 to 31st May 2026.Members to discuss future planning of items for the 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.

The Panel received and noted the responses received in relation to questions arising at previous meetings of the Panel.

The Panel received and noted the responses received in relation to questions arising at previous meetings of the Panel.

Councillor Jennings requested further insight into the question regarding missed bin collection. A response was circulated via email after the meeting.

The Overview & Scrutiny Panel is invited to consider and comment on the proposals (Report and Appendicies to follow)

Executive Councillor: B Mickelburgh

By means of a report by the Corporate Director of Finance and Resources (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the 2026/27 Revenue Budget and Medium Term Financial Strategy (2026/27 to 2029/30) including the Capital Programme was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Tevlin entered the meeting at 19:07.

Clarification was sought on the proposed 5% salary increase, noting that this appeared high compared with private sector trends and inflation forecasts. It was further queried the overall 12.3% increase in salary costs and requested additional information on employee numbers, seeking to understand the factors contributing to the increase across Council departments. The Panel’s attention was drawn to Section 9 of the report and were assured that clarity would be given and ready for Full Council if requested.

After a question from the Panel, it was confirmed that the RGS grant included that of the Food Waste and that provisions have been made internally to cover those costs.

It was asked whether the internal audit budget bid proposed continuing with an external provider, or moving the service in?house, noting that an in?house model might offer greater efficiency and cost?effectiveness. It was confirmed that it would continue to be an external provider.

Clarity was sought regarding Appendix 7 on Reserves, querying the absence of the £3 million allocated for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). It was suggested that a single consolidated table of all Reserves would be helpful. Further insight was requested into what contributions were being made by other Local Authorities with whom the Council may be aligned following LGR, and how fairness in those contributions would be ensured. The Panel heard that it the absence was due to the funds not having been released yet but this could be added for full transparency. It was advised there is a Working Group drafting terms of reference and understanding based on the experience of other Authorities who have already been through LGR and looking at how the costs were shared.

The Panel enquired about the assessments undertaken to determine the financial impact of the current planning fees on the Council. It was advised this is being undertaken in the Improvement Plan and that the Council’s fees and charges are in line with inflation.

A discrepancy was highlighted in Table 6 of the Commercial Investment Reserve and it was confirmed that it was an error and would be corrected before the report goes onto Cabinet.

The view was expressed that the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) should cover the standard timeframe rather than a reduced period, noting that Local Government Reorganisation may not proceed and that it would be more prudent to await a confirmed Government timetable.

The fee increase for the Pests was questioned and it was confirmed that this is a discretionary service that the Council provides residents  and that all Services have been driven to reviewing their fees and charges against statutory guidance and increasing where they need to.

The Panel wondered whether the earmarked reserves  ...  view the full minutes text for item 57.

The Overview & Scrutiny Panel is invited to consider and comment on the proposals.

Executive Councillors: T Sanderson & B Mickelburgh

By means of a report by the Head of Planning, Infrastructure & Public Protection (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the CIL Governance - Phase 2 - Strategic Allocation was presented to the Panel.

The Panel sought further information regarding what the decision?making process for the proposal would entail. The purpose of the new plan was questioned in comparison with existing arrangements and why the current approach could not continue. Concern was expressed regarding the potential creation of a two?tier system between external applicants and the Council’s own applications.  The Panel were advised that Council applications have to go through the same process and meet the same requirements as external applicants. It was confirmed that this Phase 2 of the Governance allows for faster paced decisions so projects can be completed if the costs rise.

After a question regarding Parish Councils, the Panel heard that Parish Councils are still able to apply for Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

The Panel wondered whether any remaining Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds at the point of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) could be ring?fenced to ensure that CIL raised within the District is spent on projects benefiting the local area. It was confirmed that there are considerations other than LGR which must be taken into account, such as the Spatial Development Plan. It was advised that more guidance around CIL was being released but at the present, the idea of ring-fencing remains unclear. The Section 151 Officer reiterated that they are looking at how to fund strategic projects within the District that provide a District-wide benefit in a prudent way. The Panel’s attention was drawn to Point 3.18 of the report regarding LGR.

It was confirmed that CIL application criteria has evolved through comments from Parishes and the Team remain open to feedback.

It was queried if the criteria for awarding CIL funding were set too high and whether the scheme was being sufficiently publicised. It was asked, at the point of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), if the option of passing CIL funds to Town Councils had been considered. The Panel heard that the process has improved, such as earlier engagement from the Team with applicants. It was also noted that the Team are available to work with Parishes.

After further comments from the Panel, it was confirmed that the Neighbourhood Plans are developed by the Parishes. It was advised that the Team can assist Parishes with their ideas but they are unable to do the work for CIL applications for them.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.