The Scrutiny Committee of Mid Devon Council met on Monday, 17 June 2024, to discuss various issues, including the ongoing concerns with 3 Rivers Developments Ltd, the impact of increased leisure and car parking charges, and recommendations from the Inclusion and Diversity Working Group. The committee also received presentations from the Cabinet Members for Community and Leisure, and Finance.

3 Rivers Developments Ltd

During the public question time, Goff Welchman expressed dissatisfaction with previous responses regarding 3 Rivers Developments Ltd. He criticised the company's management and questioned why those responsible for its financial losses had not been held accountable. The Chairman assured that written responses would be provided within ten working days.

Nick Quinn raised several questions about the company's assets and recent transactions. The Cabinet Member for Finance confirmed that all property holdings and fixed assets of 3 Rivers Developments Ltd had been transferred to the Council as of 31 March 2024. Additionally, the Council had purchased five properties at Haddon Heights, Bampton, on 28 March 2024.

Leisure and Car Parking Charges

Nick Quinn also questioned the rationale behind the recent increases in leisure session prices for juniors and concessions, which had risen by up to double the inflation rate. The Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure explained that the increases were based on market research and approved by the Community Policy Development Group (PDG) on 24 October 2023.

Regarding car parking charges, Quinn queried the necessity of an additional 6.7% increase. The Cabinet Member for Finance responded that the inflationary fee increases were intended to avoid higher increases in the future and to account for potential cost pressures and long-term maintenance costs.

Inclusion and Diversity

The committee discussed a report from the Inclusion and Diversity Working Group on Motion 564, which highlighted time constraints as a significant impediment for councillors. The report recommended further experiential training for Chairs and Vice Chairs, and a change in rules to allow voting by online participants to improve accessibility. The committee recommended these findings to the Full Council.

Cabinet Portfolio Presentations

Community and Leisure

The Cabinet Member for Community and Leisure presented an overview of his portfolio, which includes community development, public health, welfare, licensing, and digital transformation. Key highlights included data security, digital transformation, and the Active Start Programme for GP referrals to improve patient fitness.

Finance

The Cabinet Member for Finance provided a detailed presentation on the financial achievements of the Council, including balancing the budget, closing 3 Rivers, and reducing subsidies for leisure centres. He highlighted the Council's successful financial management, including high collection rates for council tax and business rates, and the processing of Household Support Fund payments.

The committee noted both presentations and the achievements outlined.

Work Programme

The committee reviewed and noted the Scrutiny Committee Work Plan 2024 - 25. They discussed adding several items to the work programme, including planning enforcement, void properties, air management control in Cullompton, care-leaver friendly employer briefing, destination management plan, and the impact of solar panel farms and anaerobic digesters.

For more details, you can refer to the Minutes of the Scrutiny committee Meeting held on Monday 15 April 2024.