Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillors Brenton, O’Neill, Parkes and Starr.

Councillors are requested to declare any interests on items included in this agenda. Please refer to the workflow on the preceding page for guidance.

Declarations received will be reported at the meeting.

There were no declaration of interest received on this occasion. 

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 25 October 2022 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 25 October 2021 were agreed as a true and correct record. 

Voting: unanimous

To review the budget, processing and collection performance of the Stour Valley and Poole Partnership (SVPP)

The Head of SVPP presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'A' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Committee were asked to review the budget, processing and collection performance of the Stour Valley and Poole Partnership (SVPP).

The Committee were advised that a report detailing a summary of the years break downs would be presented to the next meeting.

It was explained that it had been an exceptional two years, which the staff had worked through.  It was hoped that staff would be able to direct callers to using the online services as we return to ‘normal’.

It was highlighted that when the £150 customer rebates were issued it would provide a challenging time for call handlers, as SVPP would be expected to offer support.  Library staff could also offer assistance. 

The Committee expressed their thanks to the SVPP Staff for all their efforts during an exceptional time, and asked that their recognition be passed on to the staff.

RESOLVED that the Committee:

(a)  acknowledged the performance of the Stour Valley and Poole Partnership to end of Quarter 3 of 2021/22 as detailed in Appendix 1;

(b)  noted the budget position of the Stour Valley and Poole Partnership to 31 December 2021/ end of Quarter 2 2021/22;

(c)  Receive an annual summary of Business Rates at the next meeting; and

(d)  Formal thanks from the Joint Committee be passed to the staff of SVPP.

Voting: Unanimous

To agree the Stour Valley and Poole Partnership (SVPP) operational budget for the 2022/2023 financial year

The Head of SVPP presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'B' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Committee was asked to agree the Stour Valley and Poole Partnership (SVPP) operational budget for the 2022/2023 financial year.

The Committee was advised that they would normally expect to receive the annual budget and business plan at the next meeting, however, instead the exit plan will be presented at the next meeting.  An amicable letter will be produced by the end of the month for both parties to sign.  A report detailing the dissolution of SVPP will be brought to the next meeting. 

Councillor Kerby advised that the dissolution of SVPP was not what he wanted and so he would abstain from voting on this matter.  He highlighted that an external bailiff system would be used, but that SVPP already had an excellent enforcement system already.  He advised that he would go back to Dorset Council and seek assurance on this in the future, as this approach would be the best for the public and the Council. 

Following a request it was agreed that the Head of SVPP would give this Committee a progress update by the deadline for signing the amicable letter.  

RESOLVED that:

(a)  the draft budget for Stour Valley and Poole Partnership (SVPP) for 2022/2023 be set at £5,058,051;

(b)  the income expectation for the Stour Valley Enforcement Agency (SVEA) for 2022/23 be reduced from £175,000 to £Nil with a view the service seeks to cover operational costs in its final year of operation;

(c)  the Collaboration Agreement, Schedule 1 functions as detailed in Appendix 2 be adopted by the Partnership;

(d)  any amendments to these budgets required to support service delivery in the final year of the partnership and to support the transfer of functions to the partner Councils be delegated to SVPP Board to agree and presented to the next meeting of Joint Committee for acknowledgement; and

(e)  The Committee be informed of the outcome of the signing of the amicable letter. 

Voting: 1:0 (3 Abstentions)

To note the SVPP Forward Plan.

The Head of SVPP presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'C' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The Committee was asked to consider the latest version of the SVPP Forward Plan.

The Committee noted the SVPP Forward Plan. 

Voting: Unanimous