Present at the meeting:
- Councillor M W Winstanley (Chairman)
- Councillor Mrs K Aldred
- Councillor E Russon
- Councillor C Sweeney
- Councillor J D O’Brien
- Councillor C Rigby
- Mr T Addison (Independent Member)
- Mr W Anderton (Independent Member)
- Mr P Connor (Independent Member)
69 Apologies for absence: Councillors R M Bleakley, R Brierley, G A Fairhurst, E N Houlton, Mrs J Prescott and P Prescott.
70 Minutes: The minutes of the meeting of this Committee held on 11 December 2008 were approved as a correct record.
71 Feedback to the Committee: The Chairman read out a statement outlining the key issues raised at a meeting which took place between himself, Councillors R Brierley and B Merry, the Executive Director of Business Support services and the Chief Executive, Finance Director and Play Area Development Officer of Wigan and Leisure Culture Trust (WLCT), which had been called to address Councillor R Brierley’s concerns regarding the cost of play equipment and the value for money provided by the WLCT.
The two schemes being discussed were covered in some detail and the WLCT provided Councillor Brierley with a breakdown of the costs, the significant element of which was subject to separate quotations to ensure good value. The meeting was amicable and answered some of the issues raised and cleared up some of the confusion surrounding certain schemes.
The Committee raised concerns regarding the amount of time being spent on individual Members enquiries on particular items of expenditure and Members were reminded that it was not an appropriate use of the Committee’s time and not within the Terms of Reference of the Committee to address individual enquiries. Members were advised that if they had any individual concerns or enquiries, they should approach the relevant officer or department in the first instance.
Resolved: The Committee thanks the Chairman, Officers and the WLCT for the time invested by them in resolving the concerns raised by Councillor Brierley.
72 Departmental Performance: The Committee considered a report by the Executive Director of Business Support Services, which updated Members on the Department’s performance in collecting council tax and national non-domestic rates, benefit payments and collection on income in 2008/09.
The report demonstrated that the function was being managed well and statistics showed that Wigan Council was one of the best in this particular function. Furthermore, the continued high standard of service would be applied to maximise the debt recovered with an understanding of individuals’ circumstances in the present financial climate.
Members asked questions, to which the Executive Director Business Support Services responded.
Resolved: The Committee notes the report now submitted.
73 Whistleblowing Policy: The Committee considered a report by the Executive Director of Business Support Services, which recommended to Members the adoption of the updated Whistleblowing Policy for the Council. The Whistleblowing Policy had been re-drafted to take into account good practice guidance.
Members asked questions, to which the Executive Director Business Support Services responded.
Resolved: The Committee notes the report and approves the updated Whistleblowing Strategy for the Council.
74 Business Support Services Department Risk Register: The Committee considered a report by the Executive Director of Business Support Services, which provided Members with an opportunity to contribute to the Department’s Risk Register. The report identified key risks across the department. Systems and processes were in place to manage risks identified within the register. Members were asked to consider the risks identified and to offer suggestions that could be incorporated as the register was taken forward.
Members asked questions, to which the Executive Director Business Support Services responded.
Resolved: The Committee agrees that the Risk Register be finalised, incorporating the comments from members.
75 Letter of Assurance: The Committee considered a report by the Executive Director of Business Support Services, which advised Members of the External Audit requirement of a letter of assurance from Members regarding the effectiveness of the organisations governance arrangements. A draft response, prepared by the Chairman on behalf of the Committee was issued for discussion.
Members asked questions, to which the Executive Director Business Support Services responded.
Resolved: The Committee agrees that the reponse, as discussed, be signed by the Chairman on behalf of the Committee.
76 Draft Dates and Times of Meetings: Resolved: The Executive Director of Business Support Services will bring this item back to Committee once he has liaised with the Audit Commission.
