The meeting covered several important topics, including apologies and substitutions, the work programme, and a detailed discussion on the corporate peer review and efficiency programme.

Corporate Peer Review

The council discussed the recent corporate peer review conducted by the Local Government Association (LGA). The review highlighted several strengths of the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, including well-managed finances and effective governance. However, it also recommended areas for improvement, such as accelerating the pace of change in ICT programmes, environmental aspects, and accommodation. The review emphasized the need to assess the value for money derived from working in the Alliance with High Peak Borough Council.

Key Points:

• The review praised the council's financial management and governance.
• Recommendations included accelerating the pace of change and assessing the value for money from the Alliance.
• The council plans to publish the review along with an action plan to address the recommendations.

Efficiency Programme

The council discussed the efficiency programme, focusing on income and charges. The programme aims to balance the council's budget without compulsory redundancies or material detriment to frontline services. The discussion included a presentation on the various income streams and the importance of recovering costs through fees and charges.

Key Points:

• The efficiency programme is critical for balancing the council's budget.
• The programme includes five themes: income and charges, asset management, project management, council-controlled companies, and recruitment and retention.
• The council aims to ensure that fees and charges are appropriate and that costs of service delivery are recovered.

Car Parking Charges

The council discussed the importance of car parking charges and their impact on town centres. There was a call for evidence-based discussions on the relationship between car parking charges and economic performance.

Key Points:

• Car parking charges are crucial for the success of town centres.
• The council plans to review car parking charges to ensure they are appropriate and support town centre vitality.

Engagement with Town and Parish Councils

The council emphasized the importance of involving town and parish councils in discussions about the efficiency programme, particularly regarding asset management. There was a commitment to engage and consult with relevant parties when making decisions about assets.

Key Points:

• Town and parish councils will be involved in discussions about the efficiency programme.
• Engagement and consultation are crucial for decisions about asset management.

Future Steps

The council plans to continue working on the efficiency programme, reviewing fees and charges, and ensuring that the programme aligns with corporate priorities. There will be regular updates and scrutiny of the programme's progress.

Key Points:

• The council will continue to review and refine the efficiency programme.
• Regular updates and scrutiny will ensure the programme's success.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the exclusion of the public for the next agenda item.