To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Committee.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Mills and Mark Day (non-voting external advisor).  

It was reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Independent Group, the membership of the Committee had been amended for this meeting by including Councillor Morey instead of Councillor Mills.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 8^th June 2022.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Harbour Committee held on 8 June 2022 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairwoman.

For Members to note the latest accident statistics for the Harbour Authority’s operational area.

The Head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority & Services provided a verbal update on the latest safety activities that had taken place across the Harbour Authority’s operational area.  Members were updated on the dredging activity planned for Brixham which had been booked to start in early 2023, with the allocated budget of £150,000 to be utilised. 

An update was also provided on Pilotage and Members noted that a new Pilotage system would be in place by April 2023. 

To consider a report setting out the overall budgetary position for Tor Bay Harbour Authority as at September 2022 compared with approved budgets.

The Head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority & Services presented the submitted report on the overall budgetary position for Tor Bay Harbour Authority as at August 2022, compared against the budget approved on 6December 2021.  It was noted that the report gave an oversight and actions to contain expenditure to maintain the Harbour Reserve Fund at an appropriate level. 

Members also noted:

1.         the amended outturn projections and adjustments to the Reserve Fund as set out in Appendix 1 to the submitted report;

2.         the low level of the Harbour Reserve Fund in 2022 (below the Committee’s recommended level);

3.         the Head of Tor Bay Harbour Authority & Services use of delegate powers to make decisions in relation to the Harbour budget;  and

4.         the Harbour Master’s use of delegated powers to waive certain Harbour charges which to date amounts to £497.86.

Resolved:

That the Cabinet be requested to review the Harbour Reserve Fund to ensure that it is set at an appropriate minimum contingency level and make appropriate recommendations to the Council and the Director of Finance. 

To note the minutes of the above Harbour Liaison Forums.

The Minutes of the Torquay and Paignton Liaison Forum, held on 23 June 2022, and the Brixham Harbour Liaison Forum, held on 20 June 2022, were noted.