Agenda and minutes

            The Minutes from the meeting held on 3^rd March 2015 were taken as read and signed as a correct record.

            The Board was advised that no public questions had been received.

The Board was presented with the Minutes relating to the Corporate Services Portfolio which had been considered by the Executive Board since the last meeting of the Board.

With regard to Minute EXB134 the Board discussed the arrangements regarding the disposal of the former Halton Village Hall and clarification was provided on the allocation of the proceeds of the sale.

Under Minute EXB168 it was agreed that additional information on the various risks for each level of insurance and activity would be circulated.

RESOLVED: That the minutes be noted.

The Minutes relating to the Corporate Services Portfolio which had been considered by the Halton Strategic Partnership were presented to the Board for information.

Arising from the discussion the Board noted that future governance arrangements for the Halton Strategic Partnership were being considered and an update report would be brought to the next meeting of the Board.

Under Minute 12 it was agreed that:

·         on behalf of the Board, Riverside College be congratulated on their achievement in the Department of Education League tables in January; and

·         an update on the Halton Curve be forwarded to Councillor N. Plumpton Walsh.

RESOLVED: That the Minutes be noted.

The Board considered the minutes of the Member Development Group meeting held on 26^th June 2014.

RESOLVED: That the Board note the minutes.

The Board considered a report which provided an update on occupancy rates and level of arrears at Widnes Indoor Market.

With regard to occupancy rates although there was a perception vacancy rates were high at the Market, it compared favourably with other market halls. The occupancy rate at the Market at 31^st March 2015 was 85%. This compared with 84% as at 31^st March 2014 and 92% as at 31^st March 2013.

It was reported that since January 2015 there had been:

·         12 new traders operating in the market hall;

·         10 traders had left, five of which were for economic reasons;

·         More traders in the market, 81, compared with 76 in 2014, although some existing traders had downsized.

            In addition, it was noted that a Market Plan was being developed and the markets management team was working with the Communications and Marketing Team and market traders to develop a longer term events programme

In respect of Market arrears the level and amount was similar to 12 months previous. However the split between the amount owed by ex-traders had changed. 58% of total debt related to ex-traders and 42% of total debt related to existing traders. This compared to 67% ex-traders debt and 33% existing traders debt in the previous year. The reasons for the change were that legal services were adopting a targeted approach which prioritised higher debts and also the impact of staff shortages on the capacity of the team to pursue existing traders for non-payment.

Members welcomed the information and debated issues raised in the presentation by officers. The following points were noted:

·         the importance of a balanced approach to maintaining the Market and recovering debt;

·         the National Association of British Markets had several initiatives to support new traders and there were also Market specialists who could provide support;

·         traders did not feel they were receiving the appropriate level of support in terms of promotion;

·         traders should be directed to agencies to assist them if they are having difficulties paying their rent;

·         where appropriate action should be taken against those unauthorised traders in Widnes Town Centre and car boot sales.

RESOLVED: That the Board:

1.    note the contents of the report; and

2.    an update report be brought to the Board in six months.

            The Board considered a copy of the Annual Report from the Chair of the Corporate Services Board, 2014/15. The Board met five times during the year and the report set out the work carried out and the recommendations throughout the Municipal Year April 2014 to March 2015.

            RESOLVED: That the Annual Report be noted.

The Board was provided with a report from the Strategic Director, Policy and Resources, which presented details of corporate accident statistics with associated trends, from 1 April 2014 to 31^st March 2015.

Officers commented that the report highlighted that there had been a year by year increase in the number of risk assessments undertaken and health and safety training courses attended. It also highlighted a decrease in the number of significant accidents and violent incidents and showed that the number of days lost as a result of accidents had reduced from 373 last year to 177 this year.

However, the number of stress risk assessments undertaken had been very low which, in the current climate, needed addressing and the numbers using the lone working system had not increased. Actions were being taken to address both these issues.

RESOLVED: That the report be noted.

The Board received a report from the Strategic Director, Policy and Resources, which presented the Performance Monitoring Reports for Quarter 4 of 2014/15.

The reports related to the following functional areas which reported to the Board and detailed progress against service objectives and milestones, and performance targets and provided information relating to key developments and emerging issues that had arisen during the period:

·         Finance;

·         Human Resources and Organisational Development;

·         ICT and Administrative Support;

·         Legal and Democracy;

·         Policy and Performance;

·         Property Services; and

·         Catering, Stadium and Registration Services.

            Arising from the reports it was commented that:

·         a copy of the Review of Supported Housing Network be forwarded to Members;

·         clarification be provided to Members on the actual number of staff over 65 which had increased by 1.4%;

·         as a result of a recent change in legislation there were new COMAH sites in the Borough. Details of these sites and fees charged for preparing COMAH plans be forwarded to Members; and

·         it was noted that the days lost due to sickness target had not been achieved.

RESOLVED:      That the fourth quarter performance monitoring reports be received and noted.