Agenda and draft minutes
Venue: Conference Room 1a, County Hall, Ruthin
No. | Item |
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APOLOGIES |
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DECLARATION OF INTERESTS Members to declare any personal or prejudicial interests in any business identified to be considered at this meeting. Minutes: Mr P. Whitham
declared a personal interest in Agenda Item 8 (“Auditor General Report –
Managing Early Departures”) as a former Wrexham CBC Officer who had retired in
2010, and would be included in the statistics shown in the report. |
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URGENT MATTERS Notice of items, which in the opinion of the Chair should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act 1972. Minutes: No items were raised which in the
opinion of the Chair, should be considered at the meeting as a matter of
urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972. |
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To receive the minutes of the Corporate Governance Committee meeting held on 20 May 2015 (copy attached). Minutes: The Minutes of a meeting of the
Corporate Governance Committee held on the 20th May, 2015. Accuracy:- Mr P. Whitham explained that he had
submitted an apology for absence for the meeting. RESOLVED
– that, subject to
the above, the minutes be received and approved as a true and correct record. |
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BUDGET PROCESS 2015/16 PDF 62 KB To consider a report by the Chief Finance Officer, which provides an update on the process to deliver the revenue budget for 2016/17 (copy enclosed). Additional documents: Minutes: A
report by the Chief Finance Officer, which provided an update on the process to
deliver the revenue budget for 2015/16 and 2016/17, had been circulated
previously. Councillor J.
Thompson-Hill introduced the report and provided details of the first two
member budget workshops which had focussed on proposals deferred from previous
budget workshops, and those proposals upon which there was consensus were taken
to Council and approved on 7th July.
The proposals totalled £650k and were focussed on efficiency and
modernisation. A further set of measures
totalling £640k had been presented to Council outlining the savings generated
by management decisions within services.
A further proposal submitted by Members was also approved and could save
up to £900 per year. As difficulty in
assessing the impact assessment information had been highlighted the process
would be reviewed. No concerns had been
raised following consideration of the proposals at the Local Joint Consultative
Committee. The budget workshop
held in June had focussed on financial planning and economic forecasts, and had
set out national considerations which would impact upon the Council’s budget
planning. The forecast budget gap for
2016/17 was set at approximately £8.8m and to date proposals totalling £4m had
been approved. The significant level of
uncertainty around the likely Local Government Settlement was likely to remain
in the coming months. In the absence of
more reliable Settlement information, budget plans would need to continue to
develop proposals to cover a range of different scenarios. The impact of the
Summer Budget announcements on devolved administrations was unclear, and a
spending review was planned for the autumn which would inform the level of
Block Grant to Wales. It was understood
that there would be a review at Welsh Government level when detail of the Local
Government Settlement would emerge.
Indications suggested the Welsh Block Grant may be broadly flat in cash
terms for the next two years, but there would be policy decisions then to
inform the distribution between the two most significant Welsh national
budgets: local government and health.
Due to the two spending reviews the Draft Settlement for local
government would be published later this year. A series of budget
meetings had been held with services reviewing budgets and considering new
budget proposals. The June Workshop had
considered an outline of some of the proposals emerging and these would be
developed further over the summer. A pro
forma had been issued to Members to help capture any proposals they would like
to put forward for consideration, and to date six proposals had been submitted
and were being assessed. Budget proposals
identified would be refined and presented to the budget workshop in October, 2015
with the intention to present some to Council for approval in December. The workshop in December would focus on final
proposals to balance the budget, and formal minutes would be taken at all
budget workshops in future. All
proposals emerging would be assessed by Finance to determine the likely budget
impact in 2016/17. The latest budget
process chart had been included as Appendix 1, and details of the consultation
process had been included in the report. Members referred to the uncertainty with regard to the UK budget to Wales and suggested that more Workshops might be required to consider any implications, and the management of any consequential risks, following publication of the settlement. Councillor Thompson-Hill outlined the process, including timescales, and provided an assurance that additional Budget Workshops could be convened as required. He noted the importance of considering Members views, the input from services and feedback following public engagement. During the ensuing discussion the Committee agreed that ... view the full minutes text for item 5. |
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WAO ANNUAL IMPROVEMENT REPORT 2014/15 PDF 37 KB To receive a report from the Strategic Planning & Performance Officer, which summarises the key findings from the WAO’s Annual Improvement Report regarding Denbighshire’s planning and reporting arrangements in order to meet statutory continuous improvement duties (copy enclosed). Additional documents: Minutes: A report by the
Strategic Planning and Performance Officer (SPPO), which provided an update on the process to deliver the
revenue budget for 2016/17, had been circulated previously. The SPPO introduced the report which summarised the key findings from the WAO’s Annual Improvement
Report regarding Denbighshire’s planning and reporting arrangements in order to
meet statutory continuous
improvement duties. The report informed the Committee of the WAO’s Conclusion and Improvement Proposals. The overall
conclusion had been that:- “The
Council continued to make progress in delivering improvements in all of its
priority objectives and its track record in delivering its financial objectives
mean it is well placed to secure continuous improvement in 2015-16.” There had been no formal recommendations
and only two Improvement Proposals had been made. It was explained that the WAO would expect
their recommendations to be actioned, and the proposals had been included in
the report. A list of key conclusions
from various auditing bodies had been listed from Page 8 of the report, and
they covered the areas of Performance, Use of Resources, Governance,
Improvement Planning and Reporting Audits, and Audit of Accounts. The key messages had been summarised
in the report. With the aid of a PowerPoint presentation
the WAO Representative (GB) provided a detailed summary of the following issues
and areas:- ·
Performance
Assessment Contributors. ·
Performance
Assessment Findings. ·
User
Resources. ·
Governance. ·
Proposals
for Improvement. ·
Overall
Conclusion. The two proposals for improvement were
highlighted by the WAOR which recommended that the Council should:- ·
Ensure
that roles and responsibilities are clear for the achievement of the new
affordable housing objective. ·
Review
its working practices against the recommendations in the Auditor General’s
2014-15 Local Government National Reports, and implement improvements as
necessary The following issues were raised by
Members, and were applicable responses provided:- -
The
WAOR explained that examining performance with regard to the provision of Adult
Social Care had not been included in the WAO work programme. However, he confirmed that the matter could
be raised with CSSIW officers, or presented to the relevant Scrutiny Committee
for consideration. The Chair agreed to
raise the issue at the Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs Group meeting. -
In
response to questions regarding the accuracy of figures provided in relation to
the provision of Affordable Housing in Denbighshire, the WAOR provided details
of the figures for 2014/15. He explained
that it had been commendable that the problem had been identified by
Denbighshire who had met the Welsh Housing Quality Standard. Reference was made to the significant
contribution by Welsh Government towards affordable housing and the Housing Revenue
Subsidy Reform. The HLHRDS referred to
the Task and Finish Group report which had been endorsed by Cabinet. This would be encompassed in the Housing
Strategy and Delivery Plan prior to approval being sought following guidance
from the Scrutiny Chairs and Vice Chairs Group regarding the process, and it
was agreed that the Chair be updated in respect of future progress. -
The
WAOR responded to a question from Councillor J.A. Davies regarding the care of
patents discharged from hospital. He
explained that a summary of the CSSIW Annual Report, detailing work undertaken
had been provided, with the next Annual Report, including a progress update,
being scheduled for submission in the autumn. - The Chair referred to the recommendations in Appendix 5. The WAOR explained that although there was no obligation to accept them the WAO would seek evidence that the recommendations had been considered. The Chair felt that in view of the important nature of the issues highlighted it would be appropriate to provided reasons for instances of non-acceptance. He also ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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WAO REPORT - FINANCIAL RESILIENCE OF COUNCILS IN WALES PDF 80 KB To consider a report by the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), on the Wales Audit Office national study of the robustness of management and planning arrangements to support financial resilience at each Council, focussing on how Councils plan and deliver their budget commitments (copy enclosed). Additional documents: Minutes: A report by the
Chief Finance Officer, on the Wales Audit Office national study of the
robustness of management and planning arrangements to support financial
resilience at each Council, focussing on how Councils plan and deliver their
budget commitments, had been circulated previously. The report by the Auditor
General for Wales titled “The Financial Resilience of Councils in Wales” had
been included as Appendix 1. The focus
of the report covered the 2014-15 financial planning period and the delivery of
2013-14 financial plans. It also
analysed the financial performance track-record of Councils in 2011-12 and
2012-13. The Council would carefully
consider the report and recommendations made. Councillor J.
Thompson-Hill explained that the Council’s budget setting process had been
revised significantly during 2014/15 to consider savings for 2015/16 and
2016/17. The Medium term Financial Plan
(MTFP) had been updated in 2014 and was currently being revised for publication
in the autumn. The relevant findings of
the study and best practice would be incorporated into the revised MTFP, which
would include a comprehensive reserves strategy. The Council had delivered balanced budgets
every year and was confident that its processes would continue to do so. The WAOR (GB)
provided a brief summary of Appendix 1 and made particular reference to the
recommendations on pages 10 and 11. He
confirmed that the further update report scheduled for consideration in
January, 2016, would include details of the work being undertaken in the
autumn, and incorporate consideration of the nine recommendations. Mr P. Whitham made
reference to page 35 of the report “Characteristics of good governance
arrangements” and suggested that these could be considered and incorporated
into the self-assessment to improve the exercise. The WAOR confirmed that these issues would be
incorporated in the work being undertaken and included in the local report to
be presented to the Committee. In reply to a
question from the Chair, the WAOR confirmed that there had been no dramatic
changes to the Council’s Reserves Policy during the past year. The WAOR (GB) explained that the focus would
be in respect of usable and non-usable reserves. It was confirmed that the work to be
undertaken would include the issue of outsourcing and the direction of travel
issue. During
the ensuing discussion it was agreed to receive a further update in January,
2016 as a more detailed assessment aimed at ‘examining authorities’ financial
health, together with, how they were budgeting and delivering on required
savings, to provide assurance that Authorities were financially resilient’ was
completed by the Wales Audit Office. RESOLVED – that
Corporate Governance Committee:- (a)
receives and notes the contents of the report, and (b)
agrees to
receive a further update in January, 2016.
(GB to Action) |
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AUDITOR GENERAL REPORT - MANAGING EARLY DEPARTURES PDF 76 KB To consider a report by the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), on a Wales Audit Office national study examining whether Welsh public bodies can demonstrate that they are securing value for money from the use of early departures to control or reduce workforce costs (copy enclosed). Additional documents: Minutes: A report by the
Chief Finance Officer had been circulated previously. Councillor J.
Thompson-Hill introduced the report on the Wales Audit Office national study
examining whether Welsh public bodies could demonstrate that they were securing
value for money from the use of early departures to control or reduce workforce
costs. The Wales Audit
Office Representative (WAOR) (GB) introduced the report by the Auditor General
for Wales titled ‘Managing Early Departures across Welsh Public Bodies,
Appendix 1. He explained that progress
on the recommendations on Page 11 would be analysed and the outcomes included
in next year’s report. The Committee’s
attention was invited to the number, cost, average cost, and average payback
period of early departures by individual public body, April 2010 to December
2013, as detailed on Page 55 of the report.
The WAOR outlined the statistics pertaining to Denbighshire, in comparison
with other Local Authorities, and confirmed
that the figures provided demonstrated that early departures had been
reasonable and indicated good value for money. The HLHRDS
confirmed that the figures and statistics contained in the report had been
relayed to the Human Resources Services Manager. RESOLVED – that
Corporate Governance Committee receives the report and endorses the
recommendations made. |
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NEW MODEL CONSTITUTION PDF 54 KB To consider a report by the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services (copy enclosed) on the Council’s new Model Constitution. Additional documents:
Minutes: A report by the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services (HLHRDS),
which provided an update on the future adoption of a new model constitution for
Wales, had been circulated previously. It was explained by the HLHRDS that the Corporate Governance Committee
Terms of Reference required any intended changes to the Council Constitution to
be considered first before formal adoption by the Full Council. The proposed Articles following consultation
with the Constitution Working Group, Appendix 1, reflected the changes made to
the Welsh Model Constitution. The
proposed draft key changes in approach in respect of those decisions delegated
to officers or Members had been included as Appendix 2 with the Officer
Employment Procedure Rules having been encompassed in Appendix 3. The Members’ Schedule of Remuneration,
Appendix 4, included the scheme which had been made under the Local Government
(Wales) Measure 2011 with regard to Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales
(IRPW) Regulations, which applied to payments made to Members and Co-opted
Members of Local Authorities. Cabinet
and Officer Delegated Decisions and key Decisions, as included in the report,
were outlined by the HLHRDS. The Committee were informed that Council had on the 4th
November, 2014 delegated authority to the Monitoring Officer to make the
necessary changes to the Constitution as a consequence of the provisions of the
Local Authorities (Standing Orders)(Wales)(Amendment)
Regulations 2014. The relevant changes
had been indicated in Appendix 3. At its
meeting on the 7th July, 2015 Council endorsed a motion that travel
expenses would not be paid to Members attending at meetings in the capacity of
observer. An amended Schedule of
Remuneration had been included as Appendix 4. The HLHRDS provided a detailed summary of the report and its Appendices
and the following areas and issues were highlighted:- Model Welsh Constitution, Appendix 1. The HLHRDS summerised the main changes:- ·
Section
2.6 - Changes to the Constitution. ·
Section
3.3 – Getting Involved – Members. ·
Section
4 – Responsibilities of Full Council and Standing Orders. Specific reference being made
to:- 4.11 – Ordinary Meetings, and specific
reference to 4.11.12. 4.17 – Remote Attendance. 4.18 - Questions by the Public. 4.19 - Questions by Members. 4.20 – Motions of Notice. 4.25 – Voting, and 4.25.3 Method of voting
and flexibility. 4.31 – Filming and Use of Social Media During Meetings. 4.34 – Appointment of Substitute Members on
Council Bodies. ·
Section 5 – The Cabinet. 5.6 – Delegation of Functions. ·
Section 6 – The Leader. Reference being made to Section 4. 6.3 – Resignation, Dismissal, Disqualification and Suspension. In response to a question from Mr P. Whitham, the HLHRDS confirmed that
the Lay Member on the Standards Committee had been covered by the definition of
a Member in 2.2 Definitions in the Constitution. The HLHRDS responded to questions from the Committee in respect of the
issue of sanctioning tweeting during Council meetings. Delegations to Cabinet Members, Appendix 2. ·
Key
Matters and Non-Key Strategic Matters. ·
Definition
of a Key Decision. ·
The
process for Members delegated decisions as set out in the flowchart. In reply to a question from the Chair, the HLHRDS provided details of
the new approach to the default position, that all ‘non–key’ decisions would be
made by individual portfolio holders and not full Cabinet, with discretion to
refer to Cabinet if considered necessary.
He did explain that this would be subject to the issue in question and
an element of judgement in respect of key decisions. Officer Employment Procedure Rules, Appendix
3. Reference was made by the HLHRDS to the Local Authorities (Standing Orders) (Wales) (Amendment) Regulations 2014. He outlined the three main changes to ... view the full minutes text for item 9. |
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RIPA AND SURVEILLANCE COMMISSIONERS REPORT PDF 50 KB To consider a report by the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services, which provides the recent inspection report following the visit by the Office of Surveillance Commissioners (copy enclosed). Additional documents: Minutes: A report by the Head of Legal, HR and Democratic Services (HLHRDS)
had been circulated previously. The Deputy
Monitoring Officer (DMO) introduced the report which included a copy of the
recent inspection report, Appendix 1, following the visit to the Council by the
Office of Surveillance Commissioners on the 21st May, 2015. The Council was required under the Home
Office Code of Practice to make regular, at least annually, reports to Members
on the use of the powers under RIPA, and the Corporate Governance Committee
received all external inspection reports. There had been very
little activity in the use of the powers, with only one application having been
received at Legal, HR and Democratic Services, since the last inspection on the
14th June, 2012. This may be
due in part to other advanced methods of obtaining evidence being developed
such as ‘data matching’ and information sharing. Legal, HR and Democratic Services held the
RIPA Central Record and were responsible for the carrying out of managerial
oversight of the applications and conducting quality assurance checks on the
standards of the applications. Currently all
members of CET were named Authorising Officers on applications from
Investigating Officers. Any surveillance
of employees, where there were allegations of criminal offences, should be
considered and authorised by the Monitoring Officer, who was also the Senior
Responsible Officer under the legislation.
All members of CET (save for the recently appointed s.151 Officer) had
received bespoke RIPA training to equip them in their role as ‘Authorising
Officers’. Details of the training provided,
together with future arrangements, had been included in the report. The RIPA Policy and
Procedures document had been updated to reflect the recommendations in
paragraph 11 of the report. The risk in
not improving application standards and ensuring officers were equipped to make
lawful decisions which were compliant with the Human Rights Act and the Data
Protection Act was highlighted. Details of the
visit to the Council by the Office of Surveillance Commissioners on the 21st
May, 2015 were provided. This
incorporated the one case undertaken in Denbighshire during the past three
years, for which the Council had been commended for the process adopted in
respect of the test purchased operation.
The Inspector had indicated the need for more information on the type of
intelligence acquired, more care with the completion of the application form,
improvement with paper work relating to surveillance, and enhancement of the
cancellation process. He indicated that
he was satisfied with the arrangements regarding CCTV which he felt were
robust. The DMO made
reference to the recommendations included on Page 6 of the Inspection
Report. She confirmed that the issues
referred to had been noted and would be addressed, and that the Policies and
Procedures document had been updated and amended in accordance with the
recommendations. Details of the training
programme provided by the Authority for the relevant members of staff was
outlined. The Committee endorsed the work of the Councils ‘RIPA Working Group’ in
respect of the provision of training and keeping the Council’s RIPA Policy and
Procedures document up to date, and available, to all officers exercising the
powers. The Chair and Members thanked
the officers for the work undertaken, and it was RESOLVED – that
Corporate Governance Committee receives and notes the contents of the report. (GW,
LJ to Action) |
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INTERNAL AUDIT CHARTER PDF 78 KB To consider a report by the Head of Internal Audit, which presented a revised Internal Audit Charter for approval (copy enclosed). Additional documents: Minutes: A report by the
Head of Internal Audit (HIA), which presented
a revised Internal audit Charter (IAC) for approval, had been circulated
previously. The HIA explained
that the IAC had been updated following a recent restructure within the
Internal Audit service. The Public
Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) required the Head of Internal Audit to
develop and maintain an up to date IAC.
The Charter defined the purpose, authority and responsibility of the
internal audit activity and included details of:- ·
the
definition of internal auditing; ·
the
Head of Internal Audit’s reporting lines; ·
Internal
Audit’s access rights; ·
the
scope of Internal Audit’s work; ·
Internal
Audit’s structure and resources; and ·
Internal
auditor responsibilities. The Corporate
Governance Committee was responsible for approving the IAC, and as the current
Charter was out of date following changes to the Internal Audit service
structure, a revised IAC had been included as Appendix 1. The HIA provided
the following responses to questions and issues raised by Members:- ·
the Internal
Audit Charter be circulated to all Elected Members informing them that this
significant area of work had been presented to the Corporate Governance
Committee. ·
work be
undertaken in relation to developing a Corporate Fraud Plan, and awareness of
the matter be raised with CET and SLT with a view to producing an annual
report. ·
reference to
financial resilience and details were provided of the work undertaken for
Natural Resources Wales, and the production of the North Wales Police Authority
Audit Report. ·
details of the
monitoring process with regard to the Section 151 Officer, and confirmation
that a further review be could be undertaken in 2016, if required. ·
monitoring of
grants to outside bodies to be encompassed within the Arms-Length Organisations
Framework, with risk assessments being undertaken each year to assess areas which
might require auditing. A further report
to be presented in September, 2015. Following further discussion, it was RESOLVED – that,
subject to the above agreed actions, Corporate Governance Committee receives
and notes the contents of the report. (IB to Action) |
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FEEDBACK ON CORPORATE EQUALITY MEETING To receive a verbal report from Councillor M.L. Holland on the Corporate Equalities meeting. Minutes: As Councillor M.L.
Holland was no longer a member of the Committee, it was:- RESOLVED –
that HLHRDS seek nominations from Members of the Committee to serve as the
Corporate Governance Committee representative on the Corporate Equalities
Group. (GW to Action) |
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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMME PDF 137 KB To consider the committee’s forward work programme (copy enclosed). Minutes: The
Corporate Governance Committee’s Forward Work Programme (FWP) (previously
circulated) was presented for consideration. The
Committee confirmed the Corporate Governance Committee Forward
Work Programme subject to the inclusion of the following reports:- 28th
September, 2015:- -
New Model Constitution –
Part 2. -
Council Funding to
Service Providers. 18th
November, 2015:- -
Corporate Governance
Committee Self Evaluation Report. 27th
January, 2016:- -
Feedback on Financial
Resilience. The following responses were provided to questions from Mr P. Whitham
regarding the submission of reports to the Committee:- -
Confirmation was provided
that the Corporate Governance Committee’s Annual Report had been presented to
Council in May, 2015, and would be presented on an annual basis. - A Self Evaluation
exercise of the Corporate Governance Committee had been undertaken in 2013, and
would be included in the Forward Work Programme for the November, 2015 meeting. - The Corporate Risk
Register was presented to the Performance Scrutiny Committee on a six monthly
basis to assess the management of risks, and the Corporate Governance Committee
would receive an annual report on the overall risk management framework. The HLHRDS agreed to liaise with the Head of Business,
Improvement and Modernisation on this matter. Mr P. Whitham referred to the draft Corporate Governance Committee
Forward Work Programme schedule prepared and circulated by the HIA in
2014. He suggested that this be reviewed
with a view to directing the compilation of business items for the Forward Work
Programme. RESOLVED – that,
subject to the above, the Committee approves the
Forward Work Programme. (GW, AS to Action) PART II exclusion of press RESOLVED
– that under Section 100A of the Local Government Act
1972, the Press and Public be excluded from the meeting for the following items
of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt
information as defined in Paragraphs 12,13,14 of Part 4 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act
1972. |
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CHILD PRACTICE REVIEW To consider a report by the Head of Children & Family Services, which provides a report from the Child Practice Review undertaken by the Regional Safeguarding Children Board (copy enclosed). Additional documents:
Minutes: A confidential
report by the Head of Children and Family Services (HCFS) had been circulated
previously. The report from the
Child Practice Review, undertaken on a Denbighshire child by the Regional
Safeguarding Children Board, had been circulated with the papers for the
meeting. It was explained that Welsh
Government guidance provided the framework for undertaking Child Practice
Reviews when children die and there was an indication that it may relate to
abuse or neglect. The child referred to
in the report was known to the department and was on the child protection
register. In response to
questions from Members the HCFS confirmed that the review process was not a
mechanism to attribute blame, but focused on what learning could be gained
which would help practice generally improve and reduce future risk. The process had been instigated by the Child
Practice Review Group of the Regional Safeguarding Children Board (RSCB) and would identify whether a review should be
undertaken, and what form of review was required in the circumstances. The Panel would establish the nature of the
review, terms of reference and the aspects to be focussed on. This would be informed by the multi-agency
timeline and the professional perspectives, and the HCFS provided details of
both the new and old methods of investigation. The bereaved family
would engage with the review facilitators to share their perspective, and with
this gained information a facilitated event would be held involving key
participants in the case. The process
adopted had been outlined in the report and at the end it sought to identify
areas for action as a result of the analysis and perspectives. A report and Action Plan would be prepared,
reported to the RSCB and subsequently published. In response to
concerns raised by Members regarding the tragic circumstances relating to the
case in question, the HCFS provided a detailed summary of the case and outlined
the various methods adopted to undertake an investigation and the differing
approaches adopted in England and Wales.
The HLHRDS explained that the Corporate Governance Committee had been
the most appropriate forum to receive the report, and to provide Members with
an assurance that the review had resulted in an Action Plan which would be
monitored by the RSCB. The officers provided the following responses to questions
and issues raised by Members of the Committee:- ·
The HCFS confirmed that safeguarding children had been
included on the Risk Register as part of the risk management process. ·
It was explained by the HCFS that it would be important
to learn from the reviews and that outcomes are shared with other Authorities,
organisations and interested parties. ·
The WAOR highlighted the importance of the encompassing
the lessons learnt with regard to adults as well as vulnerable children. An outline of the process and focus for
providing support and assistance for adults in these circumstances was provided
by the HCFS. ·
The need to realise the nature and serious effects and
implications arising from post-natal depression was highlighted. ·
The possible production of a check list for utilisation
during the hand over process. During the ensuing discussion the Committee noted:- -
the tragic facts pertaining to the case in question. -
the processes and systems instigated by the Child Practice Review
Group of the Regional Safeguarding Children Board. -
that a number of areas for improvement were identified as
part of the Review. -
that the review undertaken had been thorough, and that it
had been anticipated that the lessons learnt would be incorporated into future
best practice. The Chair highlighted the three main strands identified in the report which included issues pertaining to ... view the full minutes text for item 14. |
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PFI CONTRACT UPDATE To consider a report by the Chief Finance Officer, which provides an update on the project to terminate the Council’s County Hall PFI agreement (copy enclosed). Additional documents:
Minutes: A confidential
report by the Chief Finance Officer (CFO), which provided an update on the
project to terminate the Council’s County Hall PFI agreement, had been
circulated with the papers for the meeting. Councillor J.
Thompson-Hill introduced the report and explained that the detailed report
presented to Cabinet, Appendix 1, outlined the position with regard to the
project to terminate the legal agreement underpinning the County Hall PFI. The report set out details of the PFI scheme
and the rationale for termination, namely to save the Council money and avoid a
long term liability, and set out the basic business case for termination. He confirmed that a final agreement between
the parties had not been reached through voluntary negotiations, and as a
consequence a formal notice of termination had been issued on the 14th
May, 2015. Since the Cabinet
meeting negotiations had recommenced and appeared positive. An earlier termination than was contractually
required seemed possible which benefited the Council financially, and following
agreement of a date the process of negotiating compensation values could
begin. The Council had commissioned
expert technical advice from Local Partnerships, a branch of the Local
Government Association, who were assisting with negotiations and the project
planning. The Council’s treasury
advisors had been consulted on treasury management issues arising from the
transaction. A project team were
considering the various elements of the project as they develop, to ensure a
smooth transition of the facilities management functions in the building
following termination of the agreement. Details of the
termination costs, consultation process and steps implemented to mitigate risks
had been incorporated in the report. The following
issues were raised and responses provide to questions from Members of the
Committee:-I The following
issues were raised and responses provide to questions from Members of the
Committee:-I ·
Confirmation
was provided that the Wales Audit Office had been informed of developments and
progress regarding the PFI Project. ·
In
response to concerns raised by Mr P. Whitham regarding the need to ensure that
any associated risks were properly managed, it was explained that the risks and
costs associated with the project had been entered in the Corporate Risk
Register. Councillor Thompson-Hill
highlighted the risks which could arise from not proceeding with the project. ·
The
complex nature of the financial aspect of the project was outlined by
Councillor Thompson-Hill. He referred to
Page 3 of the report to Cabinet which included the financial aspect and process
for the evaluation of the property. ·
The
WAOR (GW) emphasised the importance of explaining clearly in the Council’s
Final Accounts the financial aspect and process with regard to the valuation
figures to ensure transparency from a press and public prospective. Following further
debate it was:- RESOLVED – that
Corporate Governance Committee receive and note the latest update on the
project. (RW to Action) Meeting
ended at 13.55 p.m. |