Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct the minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2021

(Note: If any Member wishes to propose an amendment to the minutes they should submit this in writing to committeeservices@horsham.gov.uk at least 24 hours before the meeting.  Where applicable, the audio recording of the meeting will be checked to ensure the accuracy of the proposed amendment.)

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 July were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members of the Committee

There were no declarations of interest.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman of the Committee or the Chief Executive

There were no announcements.

To receive the report of the Director of Corporate Resources

The Director of Corporate Resources presented the report on the Council’s finance and performance in 2021/22.

Officers had forecasted an operational surplus largely due to an underspend on leisure facilities with performance and activities being ahead of Place’s Leisure budget estimate. The remainder of the surplus was comprised mostly of other underspends and investment income.

The impact of Covid-19 had continued to subdue some capital expenditure.

There were four key performance indicators off target, relating to the impact of Covid-19. Work was being undertaken to make improvements in those areas that had not met targets.

Eight actions had been completed on the Corporate Plan and five had been postponed due to Covid-19. Sixty five other actions were still progressing.

Members requested that the full list of key performance indicators be circulated following the meeting.

Members agreed to query why ‘Prepare planning guidance to ensure car parking spaces in new developments etc.’ on the corporate plan was marked as completed as they thought there would still be more work to do.

Members noted the contents of the report.

To discuss any topics that could be added to the Work Programme

Members agreed to invite the relevant Cabinet Member to the next meeting to discuss the Council’s affordable housing company and to invite the Council’s South Downs National Park representative to discuss the impact of the South Downs National Park on Horsham District and, in particular, that part of the District which falls within the Park

To receive a progress update from the Chairmen of ongoing Task & Finish Groups

The Chairman confirmed that he would schedule the first meeting for the Urban Greening Task & Finish Group in the coming weeks.

The Committee received a summary of the work carried out by the Sustainable Travel Task & Finish Group so far.

To receive and note the Cabinet Forward Plan

The forward plan was noted by the Committee.

Items not on the agenda which the Chairman of the meeting is of the opinion should be considered as urgent because of the special circumstances

There was no urgent business.