An apology for absence was received from Councillor Stockman.

It was also reported that, in accordance with the wishes of the Independent Group the membership of the Board had been amended by including Councillor Morey in place of Councillor Stockman.

To consider appointing a Vice-Chairman of the Board for the ensuing Municipal Year.

Consideration of this item was deferred until the next meeting of the Board.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 22 June 2015.

The minutes of the meeting of the Board held on 22 June 2015 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive an update report on the proposed Torbay Retail and Tourism Business Improvement District.

The Board received an update from the Executive Head – Business Services in relation to the Torbay Retail and Tourism Business Improvement District (TRTBID).  In the event of ‘yes’ vote for the TRTBID, the preferred option was that the existing English Riviera Tourism Company (ETRC) would be wound up and appropriate functions would merge into the TRTBID.

The Board was supportive of the TRTBID and recognised the importance of the ERTC.  The Board asked questions around the impact of any changes in the rateable value of businesses and, if in the event of any decreases, whether those businesses would still be a part of a TRTBID.  Questions were raised  also regarding the governance arrangements for the TRTBID and how it would ensure there remained a focus on retail.

To consider the provisional outturn position for the 2014/2015 revenue budget and to make any recommendations to Council.

The Board considered the provisional outturn position for the 2014/15 Revenue Budget.  It was noted that a balanced budget had been achieved.  The Mayor reported that it would be recommended to Council that a sum of £253,000 be carried forward in the 2015/16 financial year for the Crisis Support Fund and Hardship Fund and that the revenue underspend of £14,000 be transferred to the Council’s General Fund reserve.

The Board questioned how the gap between Quarter 3 and Quarter 4 had been bridged in order to achieve a balanced budget.  The Board was advised that the budget is re-profiled throughout the year taking into account budget variance across all departments.

Questions were also raised in relation to the impact of the Deprivation of Liberty and Safeguarding (DOLS) statutory duty and the pension liability, specifically in relation to the Council’s subsidiaries.

Resolved:  (i)  that additional information be prepared and presented to the Council in its consideration of the Provisional Outturn 2014/2015 report in relation to the pension liability of Torbay's subsidiary companies; and 

(ii)        that a statement is prepared and an additional column presented in the table in the report which demonstrates the financial situation of all subsidiaries prior to the pension liability.

To consider the outturn position in relation to the Council’s capital income and expenditure for 2014/2015 and to make any recommendations to the Council.

The Board considered the Capital Investment Plan Outturn for 2014/15.

The Board asked questions regarding the total cost of the beach hut replacement project and any associated overspends.  Questions were also asked about Disabled Facilities Grant and how the decision has been made to reduce the budget for these grants.

Resolved:   (i)  that the Board receive a further report on Disabled Facilities Grants specifically in relation to how the decision was made to reduce the grant and reallocate the budget, how the demand for the service has changed and whether the criteria for the grant has changed; and

(ii)        that the Mayor provides further information specifically in relation to the revised sum of money (£10,000) for affordable housing within Public Health.

To consider the draft Local Account for adult social care and to consider making any comments for inclusion within the final document.

The Board considered the Adult Social Care – Local Account which was presented by the Executive Lead for Adults.  The report provided an overview of how adult social care services had been delivered and how they had performed throughout 2014/15.

The Board asked questions regarding who the intended audience was for the report as it was considered that the language in parts was fairly technical.  The Board acknowledged the financial challenges faced in delivering services and were reassured the performance was being monitored effectively.  The Board felt that the performance measures identified within the report did not necessarily reflect a true picture of what was being delivered to safeguard vulnerable adults.

Resolved:  that the Corporate Support Manger be authorised to provide a commentary to be included in the Local Account based on the issues raised during the course of the debate.

To consider the draft Corporate Plan for 2015-2019 and to hear from the Mayor and Executive Leads how the ambitions and targeted actions within the Plan may impact on future service delivery.

The Board considered the Draft Corporate Plan 2015/19 and received an update from the Mayor in relation to the consultation and how delivery plans would be developed.

The Board asked questions in relation to the consultation exercise and how the detail of the Corporate Plan would be developed.  The Board expressed its disappointment that the current draft did not include certain elements that it would assume such a plan should include.  There was currently no delivery plan, no targets against which performance could be measured and no risk assessment, especially in relation to the current financial challenges faced by the Council.

Resolved:  that the Corporate Plan be forwarded to the Council so that all Councillors are made aware of their views on the limitations on the current draft of the Plan and the Mayor and Executive Leads consider how they can address these concerns in the meantime.

To consider the attached report on the proposed Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme.

The Board considered a report which set out the proposed Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme for 2015/16.

The Board questioned when budget setting information would be available for it to be able to build this into the work programme and were informed that it is anticipated this will be available in the Autumn.

Resolved: that the outline Work Programme for the Overview and Scrutiny Board, as set out in Appendix 1 to the report, be agreed but that it be noted that additions may be made to the programme pending the outcome of the current call-in of the Mayor’s decision in relation to the establishment of policy development groups.