Agenda, decisions and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on 24th October 2019.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 24th October 2019 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. 

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

No declarations were received.

To present performance management information on the Council’s Corporate Plan for 2018/22 and progress updates for current projects.

Executive Councillors: J A Gray and D M Tysoe.

The Cabinet considered and commented upon the progress made against the Key Actions and Corporate Indicators in the Corporate Plan and current projects, as outlined in Appendix A and detailed in Appendices B and C of the report now submitted.

The Cabinet also considered and commented upon the financial performance at the end of September, as detailed in Appendix D of the report now submitted and the register of reviews of Commercial Investment Strategy propositions as outlined in Appendix E of the report now submitted.

With the aid of a report by the Business Intelligence & Performance Manager and Finance Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet were presented with details of the delivery of the Key Actions and Corporate Indicators listed in the Council’s Corporate Plan 2018/22. The report also incorporated progress on the current projects being undertaken at the Council and financial performance information at the end of September 2019.

The Chief Operating Officer delivered an update on the background to the report, drawing attention to the performance levels achieved during quarter two. In noting the number of corporate projects currently RAG’d as red, an explanation was delivered on actions undertaken by the Project Management Governance Board and the finding that unrealistic timeframes had been set together with a lack of up to date governance documentation. The Cabinet were informed that steps were being taken to address these matters which included the arrival of the Programme Delivery Manager in the New Year.

The Executive Leader commented upon areas where positive performance levels had been achieved, specifically in relation to homelessness, commercial properties and community litter pick initiatives. Comment was made that more proactive publicity should be undertaken in this respect.

The Finance Manager then went on to explain the financial outturn position at the end of quarter 2 where it was noted that an underspend of £0.328m had been achieved. In response to questions, the Corporate Director (People) delivered an explanation of the variances relating to areas within the Operations Service and the actions taken to resolve these matters.

Following a brief discussion on the capital budget required for the One Leisure St Ives Outdoor Centre redevelopment project, and having considered the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth), the Cabinet

RESOLVED

a)  to note the progress made against Key Activities and Corporate Indicators in the Corporate Plan and current projects, as summarised in Appendix A and detailed in Appendices B and C of the report now submitted; and

b)  to note the Council’s financial performance at the end of September 2019, as detailed in Appendix D and the register of reviews of Commercial Investment Strategy propositions as detailed in Appendix E of the report now submitted.

To note the Treasury Management performance for the first 6 months of 2019/20 and recommend the report to Council for consideration.

 Executive Councillor: J A Gray.

The Cabinet has noted the treasury management performance for the first 6 months of 2019/20 and has recommended the report to Council for consideration.

With the assistance of a report by the Finance Manager (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet were updated on the Council’s treasury management activity for the first six months of the year, including investment and borrowing activity and treasury performance.

Best practice and prescribed treasury management guidance required that Members were informed in respect of treasury management activity. All treasury management activity undertaken during the first half of 2019/20 complied with the CIPFA Code of Practice and relevant legislative provisions.

In noting the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) and having commended Officers for their hard work and efforts in delivering the Commercial Investment Strategy, it was

RESOLVED

a)  to note the treasury management performance for the first 6 months of 2019/20; and

b)  to RECOMMEND the Treasury Management 6-month performance report to Council for consideration.

To receive the Minutes of the meeting of the Hinchingbrooke Country Park Joint Group held on 11th October 2019.

Executive Councillor: J M Palmer.

The Cabinet received and noted the Minutes of the Hinchingbrooke Country Park Joint Group on 11th October 2019.

The Cabinet received and noted the Minutes of the Hinchingbrooke Country Park Joint Group on 11th October 2019.

To resolve:

  that the press and public be excluded from the meeting because the business to be transacted contains exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

RESOLVED

  that the press and public be excluded from the meeting because the business to be transacted contains exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information).

To receive a report from the Strategic Estates Officer & Chief Executive.

Executive Councillor: J A Gray.

Cabinet approved the recommendation contained within the exempt report and authorised the Managing Director, following consultation with the Executive Councillor for Strategic Resources, to agree the wording to be included within the final contract.

Due to the reasons as contained within the exempt report and an imminent decision being required, having obtained the agreement of the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth), an item of business was considered under the Special Urgency Provisions - Section 16 of the Access to Information Procedure Rules, as contained in the Council’s Constitution, in accordance with Section 100B (4) (b) of the Local Government Act 1972.

The Cabinet gave consideration to an exempt report by the Strategic Estates Officer & Chief Executive (a copy of which is appended in the Annex to the Minute Book) outlining latest developments in relation to a site located within Godmanchester.

The Cabinet fully debated the matter and were satisfied with responses provided by the Managing Director and the Executive Councillor for Resources. Whereupon, it was

RESOLVED

that the recommendation contained within the submitted exempt report be approved and the Managing Director be authorised, following consultation with the Executive Councillor for Strategic Resources, to agree the wording to be included within the final contract.