Meeting: Corporate Scrutiny Sub-Committee (County Hall, Durham - Committee Room 1a - 30/08/2005 10:00:00 AM)
Item: A7 Work Programme
Scrutiny Sub-Committee for Corporate Management Issues 30 August 2005 Work Programme |
| Report of Head of Overview and Scrutiny |
Purpose of the Report
1 To up-date Members of the Sub-Committee about the work programme for the Sub-Committee.
Background
2. The work programme provides the opportunity to plan the work of the Sub-Committee. Under the Council’s Constitution, the Sub-Committee, following consultation with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Main Committee, sets its work programme.
3. The Scrutiny Budget Working Group is a key element of the work of this Sub-Committee. The process began with a meeting with the Chief Executive and the County Treasurer to discuss broad issues about the budget particularly in relation to future financial planning. The Chairman of the Budget Working Group took the opportunity of sharing the perception he had gained from the public during the recent County Council elections. This had centred particularly on the level of Council Tax and the need for the authority to make strong endeavours to maximise the opportunities to make savings to fund new investment in Council services.
4. A meeting has also taken place with the Director of Service Direct. The Budget Working Group was informed that the current turnover of this Service was approximately £47 million last year. Last year, a sum of £445,000 had been transferred from ‘profits’ to assist with corporate budget issues. There were particular pressures in the catering and cleaning divisions as a result of the recent equal pay settlement which had increased staffing costs. The Service was also carrying out a review of its future direction.
5. Some discussions have started with the Head of Property Services to consider how well the authority uses its property resources. The Council has a considerable property portfolio and there is a strong desire to ensure that these assets are used as effectively as possible to ensure that maximum value for money is gained.
6. Regular reports, including performance management reports, will be provided to the Sub-Committee during the year.
Recommendations
7. You are recommended to note the Work Programme for the Sub-Committee.
| Contact: Ian Mackenzie Tel: 0191 383 3506 |
NOVEMBER 2004 - OCTOBER 2005
| CALENDAR | PROJECT | REVIEW |
| 2004 |
| November | Equalities/procurement | ||
| December | Budget discussions |
| 2005 |
| January | Scrutiny Development Session | ||
| February | Risk Management | ||
| March | Member Training and Development | ||
| April | |||
| May | |||
| June | Performance Management | ||
| July | Budget - Discussions with Chief Executive, County Treasurer and Service Direct | ||
| August | Budget - Discussion with Culture and Leisure Performance Management | ||
| September | Budget - Discussions with Environment and Corporate Services | ||
| October | Budget - Discussions with Social Care and Health and Education | ||
| November | Budget - discussion with Customer Services | ||
| December | Discussion with Treasurer’s Services |
Attachments