Agenda and minutes

Prior to the start of the meeting a minute’s silence was held in memory of Councillor Stuart Denlegh-Maxwell, who passed away on 10^th June 2019.

To receive details of any Members appointed to attend the meeting instead of a Member of the Sub-Committee.

None.

To receive any declarations of interest.

None.

Up to a total of fifteen minutes can be allowed, each speaker being allocated a maximum of five minutes, for members of the public to present a petition, ask a question or comment on any matter on the Agenda or within the remit of the Sub-Committee.

None.

Of the meeting held on 26^th February 2019 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 26^th February 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

That the Sub-Committee notes the income performance outturn for 2018/19, the project updates and current programme of work.

The Sub-Committee considered a report providing analysis of the final outturn for income generation for 2018/19 and updates on current activities relating to these areas of activity under the following headings:

·         Maximising the use of assets

·         New initiatives

·         Development Fund and investments.

The Corporate Director – Finance and Resources presented the report and Officers responded to questions from Sub-Committee Members on detailed aspects of the report.

In the ensuing discussion, the following main points were made:

·           With reference to income from PCNs, Members highlighted the decline at the start of the fourth quarter.  It was commented that staffing resources should not impact on the generation of PCN income.

·           It was noted that every month’s car parking income has been below last year with the exception of December and March. It was noted that Officers hoped to undertake an analysis to establish whether there are any significant trends, for example in relation to usage on particular days or times.

·           With reference to the Crematorium income, the impact of the opening of the new facility at Fladbury was noted. Members discussed what the Council can do in response. Officers advised that a major review of the Council’s assets strategy is due to be undertaken. Meanwhile there will be a report to Policy and Resources Committee in the Autumn on Upgrading the Cremators.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note the income performance outturn for 2018/19, the project updates and current programme of work.

That the Sub-Committee notes the successful completion of the project and considers further options for developing solar power in Worcester.

The Sub-Committee received a progress report on the installation of solar panels at St. Martin’s Gate car park. The Corporate Director – Finance and Resources explained that the installation was carried out on schedule and the system commenced producing electricity on 25^th March. While there were a few snagging issues that remain to be completed, the feed-in tariff income was due to start from 29^th March. Members will be provided with regular progress reports.

With regard to further options for developing solar power in Worcester, it was concluded that this should be considered when more information is available on the Government’s ‘Smart Export Guarantee’ scheme.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note the successful completion of the project.

That the Sub-Committee authorises the establishment of a  trial for car park advertising for a period of up to 2 years, and delegates authority to the Corporate Director, Homes and Communities in consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Sub-Committee to appoint an external partner to support the trial.

The Sub-Committee considered proposals for the establishment of a  trial for car park advertising for a period of up to 2 years. The Corporate Director – Finance and Resources presented the report and summarised the proposal.

In the ensuing discussion, Sub-Committee Members raised a number of issues, including size and location of signage, establishing what is appropriate material and weighing the risks against the potential level of income.

Officers acknowledged the comments and the Managing Director advised that the recommendation would be withdrawn to enable  Officers to undertake more work on the proposal and bring a report to a future meeting, if warranted.

Which in the opinion of the Chairman is of sufficient urgency as to warrant consideration.

None.

The Sub-Committee is invited to pass the following resolution:-

That under Section 100A(4) 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 information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.

RESOLVED: That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.

To review progress on the acquisition of a site in the city.

The Sub-Committee reviewed progress on the acquisition of a site in the city. It was agreed that a further professional  opinion on the proposal should be sought.