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Agenda item
Minutes of the Previous Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Minutes:
RESOLVED – (Unanimously) that the minutes of the meeting held on 28th July 2021 be approved as a true record.
Covid Update
The Managing Director gave a covid update. In July there were 204 Cases per 100,000, but cases are now fluctuating at 400 per 100,000. Though there are large numbers of people vaccinated, there are still a significant number that have not, especially in younger age groups. This is fuelling spread in our community. The infection rates are also a concern because they are already high going into the autumn winter period when health professionals expect levels to rise even further. The Council are aware that the NHS are concerned and are planning for more challenges this winter with the combined impact of staff shortages, already high COVID case numbers and concerns about flu and other respiratory diseases. The Council's response is still significant for several of our teams. Examples are still delivering the self isolation payments. Submitting the regular detailed returns to government as well as undertaking the required assurance work to confirm that those who have received money of the last year and half were entitled to it.
The transfer of the track and trace work from the national scheme to local means that the Council are continuing to identify and support individuals who need to self-isolate. In addition, the number of settings of interest i.e. Places where outbreaks have occurred are notified to colleagues daily and then they support the businesses or workplaces to review their working practices. They then give advice to help them to reduce the likelihood of further incidents.
Colleagues and councillors continue to play an important role in securing and highlighting the availability of pop-up clinics for people to receive their first or second dose vaccines in our town. The rollout of the third phase of vaccination program will begin shortly and the Council have secured the use of Community contact centre as a vaccination hub for the winter period. This is in addition to the Kings Church site, the regular popups are continuing and we're also seeking a location for a hub in St. Leonards. There is a walk and drive through mobile testing unit on Falaise Rd Car Park. The rates for testing and Hastings are still pleasingly very high and the positivity rates are also going up one in 10 people who take PCR test kind that they're now positive.
Now that the busiest summer months are coming to an end, will be undertaking review of the experience of our local shops, restaurants, attractions and accommodation providers to understand how they have fared. And we will also be undertaking winter preparedness work to ensure we're ready to respond as and when the need arises.
Finance Update
The Assistant Director Financial Services and Revenues gave an update. Covid has impacted the finance teams and financial accounts from 19/20 need to be signed off by our external auditors. The budget deficit for this year is already forecast to be large and the first quarter results indicate 38% extra spend for the year. Battle road cost is a one-off payment that is coming from reserves. The first 3 months of the year car parking income is down. Cliff railway has been closed since April. There has been a loss of income as well as repair costs. Rough sleepers is also a large overspend. There are grants that are being applied for sales fees and charges.
Green waste is up, cemetery and crematorium income has levelled off, some Council expenditure is saved on travel. Unit factory rental is seeing some rental increases, but Priory Meadow income is down.
Last year’s income from claims made to government should come September 20th. This will show if the car park income has been able to be claimed
Council tax collection rate is 51.6%, business rates is 10% below target rate. Another member of staff has been added to the debt recovery teams.
Capital budget was underspent last year. Programs are due to start like Buckshole reservoir, Church Fields business park and a catch up on the homeless accommodation.
Committee members put questions to The Assistant Director Financial Services and Revenues.
Is the 20th September when the council is told they can claim? All the car parking income has been claimed for. The figure has not been given to the council yet. Later in the year a reconciliation and insurance program is being started by government.
Can he Battle road safety works could have an insurance claim made against it? The Assistant Director Financial Services and Revenues informed the committee that this is work being undertaken as the owners are not doing so. Some moneys may be recoverable from the owners.
Have hospitals been paying their business rates? The Assistant Director Financial Services and Revenues informed the committee there was a reduction in the rateable value of the Conquest hospital, but he is not aware of any issues with payments from the local hospitals.
Why is Priory Meadow income being down?The Assistant Director Financial Services and Revenuesupdated the committee that foot fall is down. The Town deal has some propositions to help increase footfall
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