Issue - meetings

The Director for Corporate Services to submit a report to provide requests for approval of this Committee under Financial Procedure Rules and to provide information on amounts approved under delegated powers and to report the impact of these on the Council’s reserves and balances.

The Director for Corporate Services submitted a report to provide requests for approval of this Committee under Financial Procedure Rules and to provide information on amounts approved under delegated powers and to report the impact of these on the Council’s reserves and balances.

The Director for Corporate Services explained that recommendation 2.3 of the report had been amended and the funding had increased from £25k to £29k.

A Member questioned why and also expressed dissatisfaction at only timesage customers being targeted in relation to the business case as it was felt this excluded customers who did not have use of a computer.

The Director for Corporate Services explained that the funding available is required to be spent by March so the money was allocated to timesage to enable equipment to be purchased. The Chief Executive further explained that timesage was originally promoted through social media as it is cheap and effective however timesage is also being promoted in other ways such as doctors surgeries and Age Concern to ensure that the service is available to all. A press release will also be conducted by the Chief Executive to publicise timesage further. A report will be brought back to this committee at an ad hoc meeting in mid-March. The Chief Executive also clarified to a Member that the timesage website is not available through a link from the Melton Borough Council website currently, however this is being addressed.

A Member highlighted that there is only one taxi available for disabled persons within the Borough and the taxi is coming to the end of its life. Members enquired as to whether the DCLG (Department of Communities and Local Government) grant could be utilised to help the taxi service for disabled people within the town. The Chief Executive explained that the grant funding is very specific; however Officers will explore options regarding the service.

The recommendations were moved by Councillor Orson and Councillor Glancy seconded.

All Members were unanimously in favour.

RESOLVED that:

1) the virements approved under delegated powers (para. 3.1.1 refers) be noted.

2) the budget reductions approved under delegated powers (para. 4.1 refers) be noted.

3) the business case for the additional £29k offered to Melton Borough Council by DCLG for wider social care capital projects be approved.