Apologies for absence were received from Councillor

To note any declarations of interest made by Members, including those restricting Members from voting on the questions detailed in Section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act, 1992.  See attached note from the Monitoring Officer.

No declarations of disclosable pecuniary interest were received

To confirm as a correct record of the proceedings the unrestricted minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 4^th January, 2017.

To receive any petitions (to be notified at the meeting).

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To be notified at the meeting.

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The Chair summarised for the Committee on Budget Scrutiny journey for 2017/2018 which is set out as follows:

The Committee noted that:

·         The initial consideration of Budget approach had been undertaken from September until December;

·         On the 4^th January the Committee had considered the Strategic Overview of the Budget and identified the focus for in depth review of the key drivers - scale of funding and service changes.  Together with the introduction of the Outcome Based Budgeting approach;

·         The 4^th January, meeting had taken a strategic approach looking at the overall budget package, key drivers for change and the proposed approach to transformation included review and consideration of the Mayors strategic approach and the links between the proposed budget, Medium Term Financial Plan, Treasury Management approach and the refreshed strategic plan, financial resources funding the budget including council tax and business rates, reserves policy, schools funding, Capital and HRA budgets and the robustness of the approach to risk;

·         There had been a review of the range of budget pressures and the proposed growth allocations along with an overview of the extensive range of savings proposals;

·         The criteria for the selection of specific business cases for more in depth scrutiny had been based on the following key drivers: Prioritising Business Cases with early implementation in the 17/18 budget year; Focusing on larger budget areas and significant elements of change to the existing budget base;

·         Business cases which are likely to impact on the wider Tower Hamlets community; the risk to the achievement of the proposal and wider impact on delivering overall budget savings; and those proposals that are likely to have a significant impact on specific sections of our communities and the protected characteristics;

·         Tonight’s meeting would undertake a further scrutiny of the budget and development of recommendations for initial consideration by Cabinet on 7^th February, 2017 and finally to Council on 22^nd February, 2017.

The Committee then considered the Budget Pack and the questions and comments on this pack may be summarised are follows:

§  Regarding the widening participation in Early Years what will happen to those employees affected?

§  With the changes in the way the services are provided impact upon the user’s experience?

§  What is in place to ensure that there is a smooth transition to another provider e.g. that there will be no gaps in provision?  

§  With regards to addressing poverty and the hard to reach communities we need to be sure that the resources will be there to address people’s needs?

§  Is not profitability the main driver for these changes in provision?

§  What will be the impact of the reduction in management posts in the Educational Psychology Service?

§  The proposed Band D Council Tax is £966.80 for 2017/18?

§  What is the funding for addressing drug related crime?

§  What will be the impact of the departure of the United Kingdom from the European Union?

§  What provision has been made to address the recommendations of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

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To consider any other unrestricted business that the Chair considers to be urgent.

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The agenda circulated contained no exempt/ confidential business and there was therefore no requirement to exclude the press and public to allow for its consideration.

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To be notified at the meeting

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To be notified at the meeting

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To consider any other exempt/ confidential business that the Chair considers to be urgent.

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