Decision details

The Committee noted the minutes of the Executive meeting held on Wednesday 11 August 2021.

2. Minutes of the Executive – 14 July 2021

Noted.

3. Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Select Committees.

Members were pleased to note that Officers would be introducing an action tracker for Executive decisions

4. Covid-19 update

The Chief Executive advised that an update on the latest Covid-19 position had been given at the Executive meeting held on Wednesday 11 August 2021. He agreed to send the written update to all Overview and Scrutiny Members following the meeting.

5. Transformation

The Strategic Director (CF) advised that the programme was an element of the new Making Your Money Count FTFC Programme. Members made the following comments:

·         The programme was very high level and would be more useful for Members when further details were available. Officers confirmed that Members would receive further detail during the next stage of the process and that the report was focussed upon consideration of the transformation principles which would be used to inform future activity;

·         A briefing for the Opposition Groups was welcomed which would be arranged by the Strategic Director (CF) and the Assistant Director Digital and Transformation;

·         In relation to paperless working, half of the Committee Members were supportive of the move to paperless and would be willing to start as soon as possible other Members however, were more cautious. The Assistant Director (Digital and Transformation) confirmed that Members would be receiving ongoing training to ensure the transition was as smooth as possible;

·         Concern was expressed by a Member regarding the possible loss of the Council’s Print Room Service;

·         All Members across the Council should be engaged in the transformation programme.

6. 4^th Quarter Revenue Monitoring Report 2020/21 – General Fund and Housing Revenue Account

The Committee noted that audit of the 2019/20 accounts should shortly be completed. The Strategic Director (CF) also reported that the external auditor had confirmed that they would not be carrying out the audit until November 2021 which was a concern as SBC Finance staff would have started work on the 2022/23 Budget by then.

In response to a question, the Strategic Director (CF) agreed to provide information to Councillor Parker regarding the Council’s investment relationship with Goldman Sachs International.

7. 2020/21 Capital Expenditure Outturn

Noted.

8. Urgent Part I Business – Potential County Deal

The Chief Executive advised the Committee that the Executive had backed HCC’s proposal to submit an early County Deal Expression of Interest but with the proviso that SBC would not be supportive of any proposal that promoted or resulted in significant Local Government Reform for Hertfordshire.