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Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board - Tuesday 18 June 2024 9.30 am

June 18, 2024 View on council website
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Summary

The Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Management Board of County Durham Council discussed several key issues, including updates from the County Durham Partnership, budget forecasts for various departments, and performance management. The meeting also addressed the appointment of non-statutory, non-voting co-optees and reviewed petitions and key decisions.

County Durham Partnership Update

The Board received a report from the Corporate Director of Neighbourhoods and Climate Change, updating on issues addressed by the County Durham Partnership (CDP). The report highlighted the success of the CDP event in November 2023, which celebrated 10 years of Public Health in the local authority and the Health and Wellbeing Board. The event coincided with the return of the Lumiere festival to the county.

Councillor J Charlton raised concerns about low numeracy and literacy skills in County Durham, questioning if the education system was failing residents. The Interim Strategic Manager, Partnerships, mentioned targeted work under the Prosperity Funding but promised to provide more details later.

Councillor A Surtees expressed disappointment over stricter criteria for the fun and food initiative, fearing it would exclude some families. She proposed sending a letter to the Department for Education (DfE) to address these concerns. Councillor O Gunn and Councillor L Hovvels echoed these sentiments, stressing the negative impact on community and voluntary groups.

Councillor C Marshall highlighted the link between child poverty and the quality of school meals, urging for better meal provisions. The Chair agreed, citing poor feedback on school meals and the alarming statistics on children's healthy weight. Councillor A Reed noted that some schools were sourcing ingredients locally and preparing food on-site, offering healthier options.

Councillor J Elmer inquired about the integration of the County Durham Vision 2035 with the County Council Plan. The Interim Strategic Manager explained that the Vision was developed with partner organisations and the public, while the Council Plan detailed the council’s contribution towards achieving the Vision's objectives.

The Board resolved to send a letter to the DfE regarding the impact of changing criteria for Free School Meals.

2023-24 Q3 Resources Revenue and Capital Budget

The Board reviewed a report from the Corporate Director of Resources on the forecast revenue and capital outturn budget for the Resources service grouping. The Finance Manager, Resources and Regeneration, reported a forecast cash limit underspend of £1.434 million against a revised budget of £27.328 million. Councillor C Marshall questioned consultancy costs, to which the Finance Manager clarified that these mainly came under the Regeneration, Economy and Growth Service.

2023-24 Q3 Chief Executive's Revenue and Capital Budget

A similar report was presented for the Chief Executive's service grouping, showing a forecast cash limit underspend of £0.769 million against a revised budget of £4.323 million. The Finance Manager explained that the Central Support and Capital category included accounting transactions like capital financing or depreciation.

Q3 Performance Management Report

The Chief Executive's report on the Council Plan 2023-27 highlighted key areas such as staff sickness, finance, and recruitment challenges. Councillor J Elmer asked about the Carbon Reduction Dashboard, and the Corporate Policy and Performance Manager noted that 2022 figures were still awaited.

Councillor J Charlton discussed the rise in domestic abuse reports, suggesting a shift in terminology to domestic abuse survivors. Councillor A Surtees linked the issue to changes in free school meals funding, affecting leisure and education opportunities.

Councillor J Jopling raised concerns about the lack of swimming venues, while Councillor C Elmer stressed the need for better transport systems. The Chair agreed that access to services was crucial, especially in rural areas.

Appointment of Non-Statutory, Non-Voting Co-optees

The Board agreed to extend the term of appointment for current non-statutory, non-voting co-optees for another two years, with a full review to be undertaken in 2026.

Update in Relation to Petitions

The Head of Legal and Democratic Services provided a quarterly update on petitions, noting that two new e-petitions were ongoing and one new paper petition had been submitted.

Notice of Key Decisions

The Board reviewed the Notice of Key Decisions, with the Chair expressing disappointment over delays in the Leisure Transformation Programme. Councillor A Surtees criticised the lack of scrutiny, and the Chair resolved to invite relevant Cabinet members to explain the programme's status.

Attendees

Profile image for Councillor Joyce Charlton
Councillor Joyce Charlton  Derwentside Independents
Profile image for CouncillorBev Coult
CouncillorBev Coult  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for CouncillorLucy Hovvels
CouncillorLucy Hovvels  Labour and Co-operative
Profile image for Councillor Craig Martin
Councillor Craig Martin  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for CouncillorJake Miller
CouncillorJake Miller  Labour and Co-operative
Profile image for CouncillorAnne Reed
CouncillorAnne Reed  Independent
Profile image for Councillor Michael Stead
Councillor Michael Stead  Liberal Democrat
Profile image for Rob Yorke
Rob Yorke  Labour
Profile image for CouncillorSam Zair
CouncillorSam Zair  Independent
Profile image for Councillor Chris Varty
Councillor Chris Varty  Labour and Co-operative

Topics

No topics have been identified for this meeting yet.

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