(a)        Chair’s Introduction

Prior to the consideration of the matters set out in the agenda, the Chair outlined their expectations of the standard of conduct and behaviour to be shown at the meeting.

(b)        Apologies for Absence

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Folkard, Burton (substitute: Cllr Hyde), Dent (substitute: Cllr A Jones), Cartey (substitute: Cllr Campbell), Line (substitute: Cllr Borton), Wexham (substitute: Cllr Collins), Cowdrey (substitute: Cllr Woodley) and Walker.

There were no declarations of interest at this meeting.

The Committee noted the responses of the relevant Cabinet Members to public questions.

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 12^th July 2023 be confirmed as a correct record.

To receive the draft minutes of the meeting of the Joint Committee of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA) held on 27^th July 2023.

The Committee received the minutes of the meeting of the Joint Committee of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA), held on 27^th July 2023.

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by the Leader of the Council.

Resolved:

That the draft minutes of the meeting of the Joint Committee of the Association of South Essex Local Authorities held on 27^th July 2023, be noted.

Note: This is a Scrutiny function

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources), by way of pre-Cabinet scrutiny, presenting the Corporate Risk Register as at July 2023.

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by the Executive Director (Finance and Resources), the Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning. 

On consideration of the report the Leader of the Council made commitments to make minor corrections to the register and undertake a refresh and review of the next iteration of the Corporate Risk Register, taking into account the following:

·       Incorporate a risk around the recruitment of the Chief Executive.

·       Review the risk associated with safeguarding.

·       Incorporate risks associated with the Civic Centre/Council offices.

Resolved:

That the report to Cabinet, be noted.

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources), by way of pre-cabinet scrutiny, presenting the debt management position to 31 July 2023.

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) and the Leader of the Council.  In relation to the debt write-offs the Leader undertook to provide a written response with more detailed information concerning high value debt.

Resolved:

That the report to Cabinet, be noted.

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director (Finance and Resources), by way of pre-cabinet scrutiny, presenting the quarter one treasury management activity for the period from April to June 2023 and compliance with the treasury management strategy for that period.

The Committee asked a number of questions which were responded to by the Executive Director (Finance and Resources) and the Leader of the Council.

Resolved:

That the report to Cabinet, be noted.

Resolved:

That, under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the item of business set out below, on the grounds that it would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Act and that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

On consideration of Minute 29 (Corporate Risk Register) above the Leader of the Council provided an update on the current position concerning Better Queensway and Waste Procurement process.