Agenda and minutes

To approve as correct the minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 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 20 September 2021 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members of the Committee

Cllr Bevis declared a non-pecuniary interest in respect of the Community Advice Partnership item on the Forward plan, since he is a volunteer at the CAB.

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

The Chairman gave recognition of the passing of a much-respected officer, which was endorsed by the Committee.

The Chairman made three announcements:

•           The Council Zero Carbon Plan item had been deferred to the next meeting.

•           The proposed report on the South Downs National Park had been deferred since Councillor Van der Klugt had given her apologies for this meeting.

•           A discussion with Southern Water regarding water neutrality had been mooted but agreed that an invitation will be issued, to also include natural England, at a more appropriate time.

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.

The previously reported forecast operational surplus was reiterated.  This was substantially the result of the faster return of leisure income than predicted. There were however some outstanding debts, which were being pursued.

Capital expenditure was lower than ideal, with bids spread over a longer than usual timeframe of 2-3 years.

23 of the Performance Indicators were on or above target, with 5 more close to target and only 2 below target.  Work would continue to address the less well performing areas.

Councillors sought further clarification on a number of the yellow rated indicators.  Clarification was also sought on indicator R&B03 (LA Error).  It was explained that this resulted from historical errors that had not previously been corrected and were no longer open to further redress. This was near the upper Governmental threshold but may exceed it by the end of the year.

Clarification was sought and provided on the Oakhurst Business Park entry in Appendix C.

It was requested that the report received in relation to the consideration of a further railway station (Appendix E) be shared.  It was agreed that this would be checked and circulated if approved.

Councillors noted the contents of the report.

To note the Cabinet Forward Plan

The Committee noted the contents of the Forward Plan.

To receive any suggestions for the Overview & Scrutiny Work Programme

There were no new suggestions for the Work Plan.

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

The Committee received an update on the work of the Sustainable Transport Task & Finish Group, including agreement on the Terms of Reference and Work Programme. 

The Committee were advised that the previously agreed work on off-road parking was not being progressed.  The Chairman agreed to take this up with the Cabinet and seek funding for consultancy work on the topic.

The Committee were also advised that funding to explore the potential impact of a second runway at Gatwick Airport was expected to be approved, and suggestions for priorities were invited.

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.