The Business and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee of Cumberland Council met on Tuesday, 11 June 2024, to discuss several key issues, including the Carbon and Energy Management Plan, the Quarterly Budget Monitoring Report, and the Quarterly Performance Update. The committee also reviewed the work of representatives on outside bodies and discussed the council's Equality Objectives.

Carbon and Energy Management Plan

The Corporate Decarbonisation Manager presented an overview of the Carbon and Energy Management Plan, highlighting the importance of the plan in achieving Net Zero by 2050 as mandated by the Climate Change Act. The plan, still in draft format, aims to lead by example and enhance the council's reputation. Members raised questions about the budget for decarbonisation and the cost of moving towards Net Zero. The Corporate Decarbonisation Manager noted the availability of various funding streams, including the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.

Discussions also covered a proposed pilot scheme for boiler optimisation, which could offer quick energy and carbon savings with a modest investment. The Portfolio Holder for Financial Planning and Assets supported such investments, noting their potential to save costs and reduce emissions. The achievability of targets and long-term strategies for electric vehicle batteries were also discussed, with the Corporate Decarbonisation Manager expressing confidence in meeting the targets, which would be reviewed every five years.

Quarterly Budget Monitoring Report

The Group Accountant provided an overview of the Quarterly Budget Monitoring Report, focusing on the Revenue Budget, Capital Budget, and Treasury Management. He highlighted a £3 million improvement on Quarter 2 and discussed the pressures on the Medium Term Financial Plan (MTFP). Members raised concerns about the pressures on Children's Services and the finance and assets team, with the Portfolio Holder for Financial Planning and Assets acknowledging staffing issues and the impact of multiple IT systems.

Quarterly Performance Update

The Assistant Chief Executive presented the Quarterly Performance Update, highlighting the Corporate Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with the Council Plan priorities. Members queried the process for setting targets and ensuring their appropriateness. The Assistant Chief Executive explained that targets were set through discussions with Service Managers and Directors and were reviewed annually. Concerns were raised about the performance of external services providing health visitor checks and building control, with officers noting ongoing recruitment efforts to address these issues.

Representatives on Outside Bodies

The Chief Legal Officer provided an overview of the work of representatives on outside bodies, with members discussing the need for representatives on various organisations, including the North West Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and the Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership (CLEP). Members also considered the benefits of remaining part of the Industrial Communities Alliance (ICA) and discussed the potential appointment of representatives to the Copeland Community Fund.

Equality Objectives

The Assistant Director of Strategy and Policy presented the council's Equality Objectives, which are to be reviewed every four years. Members discussed the need for improved communications and visibility of events within Cumberland and requested that the annual monitoring report for the Equality Objectives be brought to the appropriate committee meetings.

Scrutiny Overview and Work Programme Report

The Scrutiny Officer presented the Scrutiny Overview and Work Programme Report, providing updates on outstanding resolutions and the need to develop a work programme for 2024/25. Members requested that IT issues be added to the future work programme.