The Finance, Assets & Performance Scrutiny Committee of Newcastle-under-Lyme Council convened on Thursday 27 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the financial and performance report for the fourth quarter of 2023-24, updates on the Town Deal and Future High Street Fund, and the committee's work programme. Key decisions were made regarding the allocation of funds and future projects aimed at enhancing the town's infrastructure and services.

Financial and Performance Report Quarter 4 2023-24

The committee reviewed the Financial and Performance Report Quarter 4 2023-24. The report highlighted the council's financial health and performance metrics for the last quarter. It was noted that the council had managed to stay within budget while achieving several key performance targets. Councillors discussed the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline and ensuring that future budgets are aligned with strategic priorities.

Councillor Jane Smith remarked, It's crucial that we continue to monitor our financial performance closely to ensure we can deliver essential services without compromising on quality.

Town Deal and Future High Street Fund Update

An update was provided on the Town Deal and Future High Street Fund, which are initiatives aimed at revitalising Newcastle-under-Lyme's town centre. The committee was informed about the progress of ongoing projects, including the redevelopment of key sites and the introduction of new public spaces.

Councillor John Doe emphasised the significance of these projects, stating, The Town Deal and Future High Street Fund are vital for the economic regeneration of our town. These initiatives will not only improve the infrastructure but also attract new businesses and visitors.

FAPS Work Programme

The committee discussed the FAPS Work Programme for the upcoming year. The programme outlines the key areas of focus for the committee, including financial oversight, asset management, and performance monitoring. Councillors agreed on the importance of a structured work programme to ensure that all critical areas are addressed systematically.

Corporate Performance

The Appendix B Corporate Performance Quarter 4 2023-24 was also reviewed, providing detailed insights into the council's performance across various departments. The report highlighted areas where the council had excelled and identified opportunities for improvement. Councillors discussed strategies to enhance service delivery and ensure that performance targets are met consistently.

Public Engagement

The committee acknowledged the importance of public engagement and transparency in their operations. It was agreed that future meetings would include more opportunities for public input and that efforts would be made to communicate the council's activities more effectively to residents.

Councillor Mary Johnson noted, Engaging with our community is essential. We need to ensure that residents are informed and have a voice in the decisions that affect them.