The Chair advised he had recently had discussions with the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government and Commissioners concerned with progress on the Best Value Action Plan.

Commissioner Ken Knight noted that the Commissioners’ letter, (Annex B) set out outstanding issues in the Best Value Plan relating to Secretary’s additional directions, original directions and an overview of the progress made.  He informed the Board that the matters identified would form the basis of the way forward in dealing with directions that remained outstanding.

It was noted that the letter set out two types of directions.

Commissioner Ken Knight

·       advised that that the approach described in the letter was intended to assist the Council to fulfil the directions and indicated how these should move on to completion. 

·       noted that this discussion was in its formative stages and would be taken forward with the Secretary of State

Commissioner Max Caller suggested that the Council consider what evidence would be needed going forward and how unforeseen issues might be mitigated and resolved to the Secretary of State's satisfaction. 

The Chair noted that

• Unforeseen circumstances, by their nature, remained a potential risk however he looked forward to a form of validation so that outcomes can be achieved
• the Council would require time to consider the proposals put forward in the letter 

Councillor Golds was invited to comment on the Best Value Plan update. He asked all to consider the difficulties that the Council had experienced in the recent past and utilise the lessons learned to ensure that checks and balances were in place to prevent such circumstances recurring.

RESOLVED

1.       That the second six-month progress update submitted to the Secretary of State on 17 March 2016 as set out in Annex A be noted.

2.       That the response of the Secretary of State’s Commissioners as set out in Annex B to be noted.

3.       That the additional points contained in the Secretary of State's Commissioners’ letter (Annex B) form the basis of future agreement.