Agenda, decisions and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 13 November were declared a true record and were signed by the Chairman.

To answer questions submitted by Opposition Group Leaders on items on the agenda.

There were no questions.

To answer questions submitted by citizens on the Council or its services.

There were no questions.

Report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods

It was RESOLVED that

a)    The principal of working in collaboration with Nottinghamshire County Council trading standards to deliver Primary Authority Partnerships and associated business advice be approved and

b)    The Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods be delegated authority to finalise and sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will capture the operational arrangements for the collaboration.   

The Portfolio Holder for Community and Leisure presented the report of the Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods which asked for Cabinet’s approval for the Council to enter a collaborative partnership with Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards to deliver Primary Authority Partnerships associated business advice. The Portfolio Holder explained that Primary Authority Partnerships were introduced in 2008 and allowed businesses to access assured advice on compliance that must be respected by local authorities. It was noted that there was an opportunity for the Council to respond to the needs of businesses between the Environmental Health service provided by the Borough Council and the Trading Standards provided by Nottingham County Council. The Portfolio Holder stated that a collaboration between the two authorities would create a ‘one stop shop’ for assured advice and other associated business advice to current and future Primary Authority Partnerships.

It seconding the recommendations Councillor Upton noted that the introduction of a Primary Authority Partnership between Trading Standards would simplify the process for businesses to obtain advice.

Following a question from Councillor Robinson it was noted that if approved by Cabinet the Primary Authority Partnership would be in operation from early 2019.  

It was RESOLVED that:

a)    The principle of working in collaboration with Nottinghamshire County Council trading standards to deliver Primary Authority Partnerships and associated business advice be approved and

b)    The Executive Manager – Neighbourhoods be delegated authority to finalise and sign a Memorandum of Understanding which will capture the operational arrangements for the collaboration.

Reason for decisions

It will create a seamless one stop shop for businesses to receive high quality assured advice on regulatory compliance. 

Report of the Executive Manager – Finance and Corporate Services.

It was RESOLVED that

a)    The projected revenue position for the year with a minor 0.8% variation (£80,000) in the revenue position and

b)    The capital underspend of £12.064m as a result of capital scheme rephrasing be noted.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance presented the report of the Executive Manager – Finance and Corporate Services which highlighted the Council’s budget position for revenue and capital as of 30 September 2018. It was noted that the Corporate Governance Group had previously considered the report with no significant issues raised. The Portfolio Holder was pleased to note that the Council’s financial position was relatively stable with a net position of £80,000 adverse variance which represented a 0.8% variation against the net expenditure budget. It was also noted that there was favourable revenue variances including income from the submission of planning applications and additional income from car parks within the Borough.  

The Portfolio Holder also noted that there was a capital underspend of £12 million due to a slowdown in asset investment and the delay of the relocation of the Depot from Abbey Road, West Bridgford.

In seconding the recommendations Councillor Edyvean was pleased to see a number of investments in local properties. Councillor Robinson was also pleased to see rental income from recent investments of the Council including the Co-Op in Lady Bay and thanked the Executive Manager – Finance and Corporate Services for providing the Council with a sound financial basis going forward.

It was RESOLVED that

a)    The projected revenue position for the year with a minor 0.8% variation (£80,000) in the revenue position and

b)    The capital underspend of £12.064m as a result of capital scheme rephrasing be noted.

Reasons for decisions

To demonstrate good governance in terms of scrutinising the Council’s ongoing financial position and compliance with Council financial regulations.