Agenda and minutes

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda.

If you have a pecuniary interest you must withdraw from the meeting. Normally you should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do, however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision on the matter.

There were no declarations of interest received.

Decision: That the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 12 October 2017 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

Decision: That the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 30 November 2017 be approved as a correct record for signature by the Chair.

Decision: That the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Panel held on 30 November 2017 be noted.

There were no public questions for consideration.

To consider the Executive Cabinet minutes of the meeting held on 16 November and 14 December. 

Decision: That the minutes of the Executive Cabinet meetings held on 16 November and 14 December be noted.

To view the latest notice of Executive Decisions click here.

Members of the Committee considered the Notice of Executive Decisions for January 2018 which gave notice of key and other major decisions Executive Members are expected to make. 

Decision: That the Notice of Executive Decisions be noted.

Report of the Director (Early Intervention and Support). 

The Director (Early Intervention and Support) presented a report which updated members on the on progress made in implementing the integrated community wellbeing service in partnership with Lancashire Care Foundation Trust (LCFT). 

In April last year staff from Chorley Council and LCFT co located at the council's Union Street offices to focus on prevention and early intervention.  Ensuring that teams and individuals are content and confident in their jobs, and in the new arrangements has been an important focus of the past six months.  A series of service-wide events have been held to encourage interaction and establish the culture and focus of the service. 

A staff survey has been undertaken and the results of the survey are positive, with 65% of respondents saying they are satisfied with the changes to co-locate their team into the integrated community wellbeing service, although there are areas for improvement. 

The Integrated Referral Hub has achieved some positive outcomes for residents.  78 cases have been considered, with the main reasons for referral being emotion/wellbeing support, requests for adaptations, moderate mental health issues and housing/homelessness issues.  Some key learning points from the referral hub are set out in the report. 

It has recently been agreed to focus on mental health, homelessness and employability for service improvements. 

Services within LCFT are commissioned and this is the biggest risk facing the integrated service.  The 0-19 contract has recently been awarded to Virgin Healthcare, but this is the subject of a current legal challenge.

Members raised several queries, including the direct supervision of Chorley Council and LCFT staff and how referrals are made into the service, including GP's.  Some residents did not wish to receive assistance, although the response from the service will depend on the severity of the case.  Improvements have been made with the implementation of disabled facilities grants, through the use of occupation therapists from LCFHT, rather than LCC.  Further negotiation with the CCG is needed in this area.  

Decision: That the report be noted.

Report of the Chief Finance Officer.

The Executive Member for Resources will be present at the meeting to answer any questions the committee may have.

Councillor Peter Wilson, Executive Member (Resources) presented the report of the Chief Finance Officer which set out the budget position for 2018/19 including the forecast for the following two years to 2020/21 and also presented the relevant proposals in respect of the use of forecast resources identified in 2018/19 and budget consultation. 

Chorley Council has experienced, and will continue to experience in the coming three years, large reductions in its major funding sources, including Revenue Support Grant, Retained Business Rates, New Homes Bonus and income from LCC.  The forecast budget deficit for 2019/20 is £1.6m and £2.2 in 2020/21. 

Councillor Wilson explained that, in addition to a balanced budget, there are proposals for investment to support the Corporate Strategy.  This includes the delivery of the Digital Office Park, Primrose Gardens extra care facility and the delivery of the Market Walk extension.  The Council is working with partners to deliver some of these projects.

It is proposed that council tax be increased by 2.99%.  There are areas for investment and one off spends within the proposed budget.  There are a range of methods by which the financial challenge will be met, including a review of contracts, implementation of shared services, productivity reviews, income generation, the development of employment land and options relating to creating a housing company. 

The proposed budget is out for consultation and Councillor Wilson encouraged the submission of feedback by Councillors and residents of Chorley.  Consultation received is reviewed and changes can be made, and the feedback will be used to inform the priorities for the budget in future years. 

Members clarified that the Chorley Council claims only a portion of the council tax bill, with the rest being claimed by Lancashire County Council (LCC), the Police and Lancashire Combined Fire Authority.  LCC have indicated that their portion will increase by up to 6%. 

Councillor Wilson clarified that a large risk associated with business rates income relates to two applications for mandatory charitable relief received from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.  If successful the application would be back dated to 2010 and therefore have a significant impact on the Council’s revenue budget.  The LGA is representing affected councils nationwide and retain the view that NHS trusts and foundation trusts are not charities and therefore not eligible for mandatory non domestic rate reliefs.

Councillor Wilson advised that a figure is within the budget to address crime and disorder within the borough and that it could be used to fund PCSO's, but this can be reviewed if a more effective means of reducing crime is proposed.

Members suggested that a representative from Lancashire Constabulary be invited to attend a meeting in the new municipal year to discuss the reduction of crime. 

Decision: That the report be noted.

Work Plan of Lancashire County Council’s Health Scrutiny Committee. 

Members noted the work programme for the Lancashire County Council Health Scrutiny Committee. 

The Chair requested that if members had any issues to discuss these with Councillor Hasina Khan as the council's representative on the Committee. 

Decision: That the report be noted.

Quality of housing provided by social landlords Task and Finish Group

The first meeting of the Task Group is scheduled to be held on Monday, 29 January. 

Councillor Jane Fitzsimons reported that the first meeting of the Task Group is scheduled for Monday, 26 January. 

Decision: That the report be noted.

To consider the Work Programme.

Members requested a future item relating to flooding and noted that the refurbishment of the Council Chamber is currently on hold pending the outcome of the electoral review.    

Councillor Leadbetter highlighted an issue which had been considered at the recent Governance Committee relating to health and safety at the Bengal Street depot.  Aspects of health and safety not within the remit of the Governance Committee could be a future topic for scrutiny.   

Decision: That the work programme be noted.

Report of Director (Business, Development and Growth). 

Members noted that the Executive Cabinet had agreed to implement the recommendations of the Task Group and to forward the recommendations made for LCC and BT. 

A report giving an update on the implementation of the recommendations will be presented in the new municipal year. 

Decision: That report be noted.

To receive the final report of the inquiry. 

Councillor Morwood presented the report and gave a summary of the recommendations. 

Members were advised that the maintenance costs incurred by the Council for 2015/18 for Clayton Green Leisure Centre and related to the replacement of internal lighting and the replacement of the roof. 

Decision: That report be noted.