Agenda and minutes

Apologies of absence were received from Councillors Robin Parker CC, Andy McGuinness, Phil Bibby CC, Sarah Mead, Ceara Roopchand, Nigel Williams, Tom Plater and Anne Wells.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meetings of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 30^th July 2024

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 30 July 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the following Part I Decisions of the Cabinet taken on 18^th September 2024.

2. Minutes – Cabinet – 24 July 2024

3.Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny and Select Committees

4.Workforce Strategy

5.Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Action Plan – Progress Update

6.Corporate Performance – Quarter 1 2024/25

7.General Fund Medium Term Financial Strategy Review

8.First Quarter Revenue Budget Monitoring 2024/25 (Including First Quarter Capital Budget Monitoring 2024/25)

9. Annual Treasury Management Review of 2023/24 Including Prudential Code

Notice of Decisions to follow

The Committee considered the following Part I Decisions of the Cabinet taken on 24 July 2024:

2.    MINUTES – 24 July 2024

The minutes of the meeting of the Cabinet held on 24 July 2024 were noted.

3.    MINUTES OF OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY AND SELECT COMMITTEES

The Cabinet’s review of the minutes of the following Overview & Scrutiny and Select Committee meetings was noted:

Overview & Scrutiny Committee, 16 July 2024

Community Select Committee, 30 July 2024

4.    WORKFORCE STRATEGY

The Head of Human Resources informed the Committee of the newly developed workforce strategy for 2024-2027.  This strategy was approved by the Cabinet with the recommendation that delegated authority be granted to the Heads of HR in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to develop annual implementation plan to recognise the dynamic and changing work environment. This will also include an annual workforce plan.

Members asked how Stevenage Borough Council (SBC) could position itself as an employer of choice beyond those seeking public sector careers or living nearby. The Officer explained that while the concept of being an employer of choice was included in the previous Corporate Plan, the current strategy focuses on staff retention through quarterly surveys and aims to attract new talent. With the adoption of new ways of working, the Council could broaden its appeal to a wider geographic and younger pool of candidates. It was emphasized that reflecting these new work practices would be essential to attracting future applicants.

There was a question about whether the dementia training was intended for specific staff members or all staff. The Officer clarified that the training was designed for all employees. The training will primarily be conducted via Teams, which allows for recorded sessions. This way, if any staff members are unable to attend the live training, they can access the recordings later.

5.    EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION ACTION PLAN – PROGRESS UPDATE

The Corporate Policy and Research Manager stated the Cabinet received a report highlighting the progress made in advancing equality, diversity and inclusion across the council since the introduction of the EDI plan for 2023/24, whilst also looking to the Council’s proposed EDI actions for the next year as part of the EDI Action Plan 2024-25.

Members noted that while various groups were being targeted, young people were identified as an important demographic that needs more attention, particularly regarding efforts to encourage voting among them, given the low voter turnout in the community. In response, the Officer emphasized that resident engagement was crucial and will be integrated into the action plan moving forward. The strategy aims to strengthen connections with Stevenage communities, focusing on better outreach to young people.

6.    CORPORATE PERFORMANCE – QUARTER 1 2024/25

Scrutiny Members were informed that the Cabinet was presented with a report highlighting the Council’s performance across key priorities and projects for Quarter 1 2024/25 and received an update on progress against Cost of living support for residents and current strategic risks.

Members raised several questions about the funding for graffiti removal. Officers clarified that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider any urgent Part I Decisions authorised by the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

There were none.

To consider any Part I business accepted by the Chair as urgent

There were none.

To consider the following motions:

1.       That under Section 100(A) 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 described in paragraphs 1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.       That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         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 described in Paragraphs 1 – 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to Information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.         That the reasons for the following reports being in Part II were accepted, and that the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

To approve as a correct record the Part II Minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 30^th July 2024

It was RESOLVED that the Part II minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 30 July 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the following Part II Decisions of the Cabinet taken on 18^th September 2024.

Notice of Decisions to follow.

The Part II Minutes of the Cabinet 24 July 2024 be noted.

To consider any urgent Part II Decisions authorised by the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee

There were none.

To consider any Part II business accepted by the Chair as urgent

There were none.