Agenda item

To receive new items and agree and prioritise the work programme of the Committee.

The Committee considered its Work Programme (Agenda Item 12).

Members had previously requested an update on the Transformation Programme. It was agreed that this should be reviewed prior to scrutiny of the Council’s budget and that progress should be presented in the form of a performance dashboard rather than a ‘sales pitch’.

Officers highlighted that the Executive would be looking at the Council’s future financial sustainability, including how the Transformation Programme would support this. Governance arrangements would also be revised. Until this had happened, it would be difficult to put together the Transformation Programme, and it was suggested that this may not be available in advance of the budget.

Members noted that previous requests for updates had been deferred by officers. Also, the Executive Portfolio Holder had been asked for details of the costs and benefits of the programme, particularly in relation to asset disposal. The Committee had not been able to determine whether the programme was saving the Council money.

Members did not want the report to be deferred again and asked for a backward look in relation to savings made as well as an indication of the future direction of travel.

Project management and the Business Support Review were identified as important related items, and it was suggested that these be reviewed at the same meeting.

Additionally, the Committee requested an update on the implementation of the Mosaic social care case management system. While the Project Management Task and Finish Group was satisfied that project management practices were improving, there was a need to consider how this was informing decision making, particularly in relation to strategic IT projects such as Mosaic.

Action: Arrange an additional meeting prior to 10 February to review the Transformation Programme, Business Support Review, Project Management, and Mosaic.

Members asked for an update on current flood risk and the Council’s Section 19 report. It was suggested that a review could be programmed for Spring 2026. It was noted that Thames Water was carrying out a range of upgrades to local infrastructure and had developed a Groundwater Development Plan.

Action: Officers to liaise internally and with Thames Water to agree an appropriate time to provide an update.

Members queried if any consideration had been given/whether preparations were in place for a potential drought. Officers to consider when an update could be given on this matter.

Action: Officers to consider when an update could be given on plans in place for a potential drought.

Members noted that the review of the Playing Pitch Strategy would need to be programmed once a timescale for its development was confirmed.

It was noted that a request had been made by a local resident for the Committee to look at transparency around the award of large contracts under delegated authority. Officers indicated that larger projects were included in the Budget, and these had full business cases, which were available to Members. It was explained that senior officers only had delegated authority up to £50,000, with larger contracts requiring Executive or Council decision. It was proposed to provide a short paper setting out the process and scheme of delegation.

Action: Officers to bring a briefing paper on the process and scheme of delegation for awarding contacts, addressing the concerns expressed in the resident’s request.