Agenda and minutes

The Chair, Councillor Paul Foster, welcomed everyone to the meeting and noted that this was an informal meeting with the purpose of the consideration of draft proposals.  The meeting had been requested during discussions at the Committee the previous week.   

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Peter Wilson. Councillor Alistair Morwood attended as substitute.

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.

None.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive attached.

The Chief Executive noted that the report presented was a draft version of the Council report due to be considered by each Council later in the month. 

The report included additional detail on proposals for additional capacity in key priority areas, one external facing post: Strategic Lead (Future Investments) and an internally-focussed post: Director of Change and Delivery. 

The reasons for the proposals and the financial implications were set out in the report. 

Members discussed the proposals and noted the need for additional capacity within the Senior Management Team and how the posts would be funded.  The costs will be split between both councils equally, although one post would be funded partly from capital budgets. 

A future review will be undertaken of the next layer of management to ensure capacity and consistency. 

There were also proposals relating to pest control and for the future development of shared services to provide greater clarity. 

It was noted that this report had been received late, although the decisions would be taken by each Council later in the month.  Support for shared services was reaffirmed. 

The challenges in recruiting and retaining staff were noted.  The appointment process would include a member interview. 

The Council report would be updated to reflect the queries raised.

Resolved to endorse the proposals: (by majority)

1.         That the principles for the shared services relationship with Chorley / South Ribble Borough Council be approved.

2.         That the approach to the future development of shared services be approved.

3.         To approve the creation of a Strategic Lead (Future Investments) as a shared post.

4.         To approve the creation of a Director of Change and Delivery as a shared post.

5.         To approve for consultation the creation of a permanent shared arrangement for development projects, with authority delegated to the Leader to approve the final arrangements.

6.         To approve for consultation the creation of a shared pest control service, with authority delegated to the Leader to approve the final arrangements.

Abstain: Councillor Sam Chapman