This week, the Bromsgrove Council held several key meetings. Below are the details of each meeting, along with the significant decisions and discussions that took place.

Overview and Scrutiny Board

Date: Tuesday 25 June 2024

Unfortunately, there is no available transcript or video for this meeting.

Cabinet

Date: Wednesday 26 June 2024

This meeting was cancelled, and no further details are available.

Worcestershire Regulatory Services Board

Date: Thursday 27 June 2024

The Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS) Board meeting covered several key topics, including financial monitoring, food safety enforcement, the annual service plan, activity and performance data, the automation project, and a business case for environmental and planning enforcement.

Financial Monitoring

The Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Resources Finance for Bromsgrove District Council and Redditch Borough Council presented the revenue monitoring report for April to December 2023. Key points included:

• A projected outturn surplus of £3,000 for the 2023/24 financial year.
• Reserved £120,000 from the previous year's surplus for an enhanced pay award.
• Projected overspend of £15,000 on pest control services.
• Bereavement costs for partner councils, charged on an as-and-when basis.

The Board resolved to note the financial position and inform partner councils of their liabilities.

Food Safety Enforcement

The Head of WRS presented a report on engagement with the Food Standards Agency (FSA). The FSA has pushed local authorities to increase their commitments to food law enforcement. Key points included:

• An increase in the WRS budget for Food Safety Act enforcement.
• The need for interventions at lower-risk premises and annual visits to certain caring premises.
• Recruitment of additional Regulatory Support Officers and Senior Technical Officers.

The Board resolved to approve the increase in establishment resulting from the funding uplift.

Annual Service Plan 2024/2025

The Board considered the WRS Service Plan for 2024/2025, which outlines strategic and tactical priorities. Key points included:

• Supporting a safe and vibrant night-time economy.
• Promoting responsible dog ownership.
• Supporting businesses to operate safely.

The Board resolved to approve the Service Plan and note the level of work to be undertaken.

Activity and Performance Data

The Technical Services Manager presented the Activity and Performance Data for Quarter 3 of 2023/2024. Key points included:

• An increase in dog control cases and a decrease in food safety cases.
• Licensing application numbers remained on trend.
• Customer satisfaction and performance metrics.

The Board resolved to note the Activity and Performance Data.

Automation Project

An update was provided on the Automation Project. Key points included:

• Testing and evaluation of forms, with the TENs (Temporary Event Notice) form ready for rollout.
• Delays in implementing the connector by IDOX, with a workaround in place.
• Financial testing showed high confidence in the process.

The Board resolved to note the progress report on the Automation Project.

Environmental and Planning Enforcement Business Case

The Head of WRS presented a business case for increasing the WRS budget by £470,625 to bring enviro-crime and planning enforcement functions for Bromsgrove District and Redditch Borough Councils into the WRS remit. Key points included:

• Approval by Redditch Executive and Bromsgrove Cabinet.
• Assurance that additional resources would not impact other partner authorities.

The Board resolved to agree to the proposal and approve the permanent establishment increase required for delivery.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes and the Public reports pack.

This email aims to keep you informed about the latest activities and decisions of the Bromsgrove Council, providing insights into how local governance works and its impact on our community.