Agenda and minutes

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.

Councillor Agar declared an interest in respect of minute 27 (Development Fund Proposal) as a member of Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority.

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 meetings held on 18^th June and 11^th September 2019 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings held on 18^th June and 11^th September 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

That the Sub-Committee recommend to Council the proposed Fees & Charges submitted by Freedom Leisure for 2020 (covering the period 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020 inclusive.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on Freedom Leisure’s proposed fees and charges for 2020/21. The Head of Community Services presented the report and highlighted the main points.

Freedom Leisure had requested to increase their fees and charges with effect from 1^st January each year, the rationale for this being that demand for indoor leisure provision is at its highest in the first quarter of the calendar year.

Representatives from Freedom Leisure were in attendance to respond to questions from Sub-Committee Members.

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

·           Freedom Leisure’s proposed charge for use of the shower-only facility is in line with local competitors. The main drive is to encourage participation in activities. Everyone is welcome in the Centre and appropriate safeguarding policies are in place.

·           Freedom Leisure are aware that they are paying swimming teachers and exercise instructors less than their competitors and increasing wages will encourage staff retention. The proposed fees and charges reflect staff costs.

·           The fees for galas take into account lost income from activities that have to be cancelled to accommodate such events.

·           Casual swimming has grown by 16% over the last year. More information on swimming participation can be provided to Members through a briefing note.

Sub-Committee Members expressed support for the fees and charges proposed.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee recommend to Council the proposed Fees & Charges submitted by Freedom Leisure for 2020 (covering the period 1^st January 2020 to 31^st December 2020 inclusive.

That the Sub-Committee note the Council’s Quarter 1 performance for 2019/20.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on the Council’s Quarter 1 performance for 2019/20. The Corporate Director – Finance and Resources presented the report and 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 Guildhall events, at present the Council’s financial management systems record income but not whether specific events generate a profit.

·           An update on progress with the Small Projects Fund can be provided at the next meeting.

·           No work has been undertaken yet to quantify whether the issues arising from the recent introduction of new payment systems had affected car parking income. Officers have worked swiftly to resolve any problems and the position will be monitored.

·           With regard to targets that are not being met, Officers explained that last year was very successful for income generation and some more challenging targets were therefore set for 2019/20. Trade waste and garden waste are under target but still above last year’s position. Comments from Members about Bereavement Services and the need ensure quality of service were noted.

·           The Chairman made reference to the Sub-Committee’s work programme and suggested that going forward the Sub-Committee can bring forward its own suggestions for new revenue streams.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee note the Council’s Quarter 1 performance for 2019/20.

That the Sub-Committee approve the draft Guildhall Room Hire Charging Policy.

The Sub-Committee considered a report on a draft Guildhall Room Hire Charging Policy. The Corporate Director – Finance and Resources presented the report and explained that the Policy is designed to ensure that there is clarity and consistency in setting the level of charges for Guildhall room hire. The Policy also identifies principles by which events and meetings are exempt from any charges and the reason for the exemption.

The Audit and Governance Committee at its meeting on 18^th September 2019 expressed support for the proposed Policy and suggested some minor points of clarification to the principles by which events and meetings are exempt. These had been incorporated and a revised version of the Policy was attached to the report.

In the ensuing discussion, a request was made for paragraph 5.6 to be amended to make it clear that this applies to the Mayor’s charities during the Mayor’s year in office.

RESOLVED: That the Sub-Committee approve the draft Guildhall Room Hire Charging Policy, subject to the above amendment.

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

None.

The Sub-Committee are 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 items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of information as defined in Schedule 12A of the said Act.

Of the meetings held on 18th June and 11th September 2019 to be approved and signed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes (exempt items) of the meetings held on 18^th June and 11^th September 2019 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To recommend to Policy & Resources Committee the purchase of a site, subject to satisfactory completion of all legal due diligence.

The Sub-Committee agreed to recommend to Policy & Resources Committee the purchase of a site, subject to satisfactory completion of all legal due diligence.