Agenda and draft minutes

To receive any apologies for absence from Councillors.

Apologies for absence had been received from Councillor Haines and Di Milne. 

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.

The were no declarations of interest received on this occasion. 

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2022 as a correct record.

The minutes of the meeting held on 23 May 2022 were agreed as a true and correct record.

Voting: unanimous 

To review the budget, transfer timetable, processing and collection performance of the Partnership (SVPP).

The Partnership Manager 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 was asked to review the budget, transfer timetable, processing and collection performance of the Partnership (SVPP).

The Committee was advised that the Scrutiny Panel was satisfied with performance, including telephony figures.

The Scrutiny Panel wanted to make sure that each Authority made customers aware of the changes coming up, including how they would contact the Council, and the management of the transfer timetable.

Following concerns raised it was confirmed that there are not sufficient staff to do the partnership work but it was hoped that there would be enough when the two authorities take over.  BCP Council were recruiting.  It may be the first year that SVPP have to take a potential overspend to the Board.

Following a question regarding the continuation of the enforcement service, it was explained that all such staff were BCP employees and will transfer into BCP.  It may form part of a wider BCP revenues service. 

It was explained that the staff pay offer was currently with the unions.  If the offer was successful, it would present a budget pressure, as 3% had been budgeted for and the offer would equate to about 6% equivalent. 

RESOLVED that the Committee:

(a)  acknowledged the performance of the Stour Valley and Poole Partnership for Quarter 1 of 2022/23 as detailed in the report presented to Scrutiny Panel (Appendix 1);

(b)  agreed that Quarter 1 be the last period for which operational performance will be reviewed and future reports will be based upon SVPP Budget and Transfer of Functions;

(c)  recommended that each Council, upon the dissolution of SVPP continue to monitor performance in respect of the collection of taxes, payment of claims and telephony responses times for their customers;

(d)  requested that the SVPP Board meet monthly to review the Partnership performance and Transfer of Functions; and

(e)  requested that a report be presented to the next meeting of Joint Committee detailing the estimated year end position and impact the transferring of functions will have on the SVPP budget for 2022/23.

Voting: Unanimous

To note the SVPP Forward Plan.

The Partnership Manager 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 next meeting of the Joint Committee would be held on 12 to conclude the budget position.  The final meeting would be held on 31 January 2023. 

It was suggested that there should be some formal recognition for the staff, to mark the end of SVPP.  It was suggested that this be discussed at the next Board meeting and the options be reported back to the next meeting. 

It was RESOLVED that the forward plan be noted.

Voting: unanimous