Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Atherton.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 18 October 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 18 October 2022 were approved.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

A personal interest in respect of Councillor Posnett was noted as being on record for any matter which related to Leicestershire County Council.

The Chief Executive and the Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive) declared an interest in respect of Minute Number 44 in relation to the Strategic Partnership Business Case. Mutual Ventures were in attendance remotely to answer questions on the Business Case and the Strategic Advisor, Nathan Elvery, was in attendance remotely to answer questions on the proposed sharing of senior roles.

To consider the attached Forward Plan and identify any relevant items for inclusion in the Scrutiny Work Programme, or to request further information.

The Chairman introduced the Cabinet Forward Plan and invited Members to comment.

Members are to review and comment upon the attached Scrutiny Work Programme 2022/23.

The Chairman introduced the Scrutiny Work Programme 2022/23 and invited Members to comment upon the document.

The Director for Housing and Communities (Deputy Chief Executive) outlined the proposal to add the topic ‘Leisure Procurement Strategy’ on to the work programme and hold a workshop on the topic in January 2023. There was a query on whether it was prudent to make decisions that would affect a new Council after the all-out elections in May 2023. In response it was explained that for continuity reasons, the Council still need to make decisions as services affect the lives of residents irrespective of which individuals are serving Councillors. Following this question, the Committee agreed to add the topic onto the work programme and hold a workshop on the topic in January 2023.

The Strategic Partnership Business Case is to be presented to the Committee.

The Leader of the Council, Councillor Orson introduced the Strategic Partnership Business Case and provided the background to the document. The Chief Executive explained the context and process that been undertaken to develop the business case and confirmed that independent external expertise had been procured to assist with providing a robust assessment to meet the required deadline. Mr Bandalli then gave a presentation setting out the analysis and findings of the business case, supported by Mr Laird from Mutual Ventures and Nathan Elvery, Strategic Advisor to both Melton Borough Council and Harborough District Council. It was noted that the Strategic Advisor brings his expertise of previous partnership experiences. In addition, both Councils have consulted with other local authorities who have been through a similar experience.

In reviewing the cost apportionment for a shared Chief Executive and two Deputy Chief Executives, the comment was made that whilst the cost would be shared 50/50 there are other options to base the sharing of costs. Such as

• Population – Harborough 65%, Melton 35%
• Council Tax base – Harborough 66%, Melton 34%
• Geographical area – Harborough 69%, Melton 31%

However, the Strategic Advisor explained that as Senior Officers would split their focus equally between both authorities, then the fairest way to apportion cost would be 50/50, however other options could be used if collaboration is sought in other areas.

The Committee stated that the business case was too lengthy considering the decision that Council will be asked to make at the meeting on 20 December is whether to share a Chief Executive and two Deputy Chief Executives. It was suggested that the business case is slimmed down and focuses on the proposition and recommendations.

Members discussed their concerns that the Council would be losing half the capacity of the Chief Executive and the Deputy Chief Executive and that this could have an adverse effect upon the current standard of services. In addition, there was a concern that both Councils could lose face to face interaction with Senior Officers as they would have to cover a larger geographical area. The Committee were advised that the proposed arrangement had a number of potential benefits associated with it and that the establishment of the partnership would provide access to these, which wouldn’t be available to either council if it didn’t proceed. It was noted that Melton would not lose capacity because the proposal would provide transformation expertise that it previously did not have via the second Shared Deputy Chief Executive post.

Comments were made that the business case lacked the financial detail to support the claims detailed within the business case that the strategic partnership would save each Council the money it would do. It was recognised that savings would be made through sharing a Chief Executive and two Deputy Chief Executives but due to the lack of detail, the Committee were unable to comment on other proposals. A Member commented that, at least initially, Harborough District Council would disproportionately benefit from the strategic partnership. The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 44.

To consider any other items that the Chair considers urgent

There was no urgent business.