Agenda and minutes

To elect a Chair for the meeting.

RESOLVED –

THAT Councillor J Simpson be elected as Chair of the Committee for the meeting.

Councillor John Bryant apologies for lateness.

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To note the terms of reference as follows;

‘To discuss the Leader’s annual statement to the Council and other relevant cross cutting matters arising from the business of the Cabinet.’

RESOLVED –

THAT the Terms of Reference of the Joint Chairs of Scrutiny Committee as stated below be noted.

‘To discuss the Leader’s annual statement to the Council and other relevant cross cutting matters arising from the business of the Cabinet’

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th October 2010.

RESOLVED –

THAT the minutes of the meeting held on 7^th October 2010 be agreed.

Report of the Leader of the Council.

To consider the Leader of the Council’s Annual Statement to Full Council.

The Leader of the Council made his Annual Statement to Full Council on 27^th June 2011. The attached Statement sets out - in the context of the future financial challenges - the administration’s thinking for the year ahead, and the values it intends to work by.

Consideration was given to a report of the Leader of the Council.

Councillor Nash Ali, Leader of the Council, directed the Committee to the contents of his annual statement, made to Full Council on 27^th June 2011.

The Leader and Deputy Leader gave the following responses to Members questions:-

·         The Leader agreed that the Community Investment Programme was an ambitious programme but there is a need to address the funding gap of £400m in capital.  There would be an impact on the schools and decent homes programmes but it was noted that £100m had been allocated for schools and £135m for the better homes programme.  The Council were intending to work with schools to explore self financing of projects and working to improve community facilities.  There were issues in terms of housing waiting lists and maintenance that needed to be addressed.  The Deputy Leader added that there was a need to strongly consider options in respect of the Council’s land / building assets including an investment programme for the Town Hall extension and a consolidation of buildings over a 3 – 10 year period.  The primary investment was to be in housing and schools.

·         In response to a member’s concern in respect of targets for savings not being achieved, it was considered appropriate to raise these concerns but members had received officers’ expert advice and many assets had been valued cautiously due to the current unpredictable financial climate.  However, Camden was currently forecast for growth and land values remained at a strong level.

·         The Leader confirmed that the Education Commission had been an exciting development for Camden and the success of this would be achieved through various ongoing meetings to work closely with schools to progress this innovative approach.  The Deputy Leader added that it was important for timely information to councillors be maintained and that a formal report on the progress of the Education Commission would be available in September.

Cllr Bryant arrived at 6.25pm.

·         The Leader clarified that although in respect of Culture & Environment projections the main focus was on libraries it was noted that there was also funding for 90 events / festivals to continue the vibrant atmosphere of Camden.  Council officers were continually working with organisers at various locations and working on capacity building to provide sustainable support.  The Deputy Leader agreed that it would be a very difficult time but the Council would aim to support as many arts programmes as possible and while there may be the opportunity of national funding for some organizations there was a need to focus support on local venues and groups too.  It was noted that capacity building of smaller venues was important.

·         There were concerns raised in respect of potential risks in relation to the future of the NLWA inter-authority agreement.  The Deputy Leader confirmed that this was an extensive project and as with any large project there were always potential risks but there was continual liaison with all local authorities involved and experienced officers  ...  view the full minutes text for item 9.

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