The Chairman will announce details of the arrangements in case of fire or other events that might require the meeting room or building’s evacuation.

The Chairman reminded members of the actions to be taken in case of an emeregency.

Receive (if any)

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Natasha Summers and Councillor Bryan Vincent.

Members are invited to disclose any interests in any of the items on the agenda at this point of the meeting.  Members may still declare an interest in an item at any time prior to the consideration of the matter.

There were no disclosures of interests.

Report to follow

At the request of the Sub-Committee the budget papers for the HRA Business Plan was presented under the pre-decision scrutiny arrangement.

The report falls under the auspices of the Sub-Committee and form part of the budget papers to be considered by Cabinet at its meeting on 28 February.

Following presentation and debate the sub-committee made the following recommendations and comments that would be passed to the Overview and Scrutiny Board for consideration for inclusion in the Board’s overall comments on the budget papers.

1. That members note the advice from Savills, in 7.3, in which a question on the viability of the scheme was raised.
2. Recommended that the council revisit the infill scheme, regarding council garages, in order to reduce anti-social behaviour and provide new homes.
3. That members be mindful of the potential telecare costs, relating to the digital switch over. 
4. Note the negative EQIA assessments, on all characteristics. 
5. Recommended that the Section 151 Officer should explain the need to borrow from the general fund, as opposed to PWLB or other external sources, also commenting on the impact that this has on the General Fund and deficit.
6. That members be provided with an update on work taken to increase the number of bedrooms in homes, with a view to ensuring residents can remain in their home as opposed to being moved to a larger property. 
7. That the sub-committee be provided with a breakdown on the charges relating to heat and water.

Report to follow

At the request of the Sub-Committee the budget papers for the Bridge Close Regeneration LLP Business Plan Refresh 2024-25 was presented under the pre-decision scrutiny arrangement.

The report falls under the auspices of the Sub-Committee and form part of the budget papers to be considered to Cabinet at its meeting on 28 February.

Following presentation and debate the sub-committee made the following comments and recommendations that would be passed to the Overview and Scrutiny Board for consideration for inclusion in the Board’s overall comments on the budget papers.

1. That Officers suggest a frequency for regular reporting on the project to Places OSSC.
2. That a metric be identified to quantify savings to the General Fund, such as a reduction in pressure on the social care budget. It was recommended that an AMAT assessment is conducted.
3. Recommended that the term "affordable" is broken down to identify the products on offer.