Agenda and minutes

No apologies for absence were received.

Confirmation of the minutes held on 12^th September 2023.

It was proposed by Councillor S Inch, seconded by Councillor J Craigie and –

Resolved:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 12^th September 2023 be agreed as a correct record.

(Vote: For – 8, Against – 0, Abstentions – 1)

The Action List was discussed and updated.

The Chair informed the Committee of the reasons why the Asset Management Plan update had been moved to the 12^th December.

A 15-minute period for public contributions.  (The deadline for registering to speak is by 2pm Friday 3^rd November 2023. To register please email dem.services@torridge.gov.uk).

There were no public contributions.

Members with interests should refer to the agenda item and describe the nature of their interest when the item is considered.

Members were reminded that declarations of interest should be made as and when the specific agenda item to which they related was under discussion.

No items were brought forward.

There were no Part II items.

To receive the report of the Finance Manager (S151 Officer)

The Service Improvement Officer commenced the item with a slide presentation of the key points to the themes within the QBR2. The Finance Manager (S151 Officer) then continued the presentation with details of the financial aspect of the QBR2.

Following the presentation, a brief discussion took place surrounding the Strategic Plan.

It was confirmed that 37 responses had been received for the consultation on the Strategic Plan, however none had been received from Parish Councils.

The Chief Executive said the figures from the previous Strategic Plan were not known, however he would find out.

The Service Improvement Officer advised she would confirm the dates Parish Council were notified of the consultation for the Strategic Plan. Both the Strategy, Performance and ICT Manager and the Senior Electoral and Democratic Services Officer confirmed that the Communications Team and the Democratic Services Team had also sent out notifications to Parish Councils on the Strategic Plan.  

The Chair requested that all Members present, ask their Parish Clerks if they received notification on the consultation for the Strategic Plan.

The Questions & Answer Supplement to the QBR was discussed in detail and further questions and comments were added as follows.

In response to a question asked about recruiting an Enabling Officer, the Chief Executive advised that this vacancy is currently going through the internal process with the job description being devised. He also confirmed that the only current vacancy within the legal team is for a Legal Services Manager.

A discussion took place surrounding the development of the Harbour in Bideford. The Chair confirmed he would speak to the Chair of the Harbour Board Working Group on the potential development of Bideford Quay and report back to the Committee. 

In response to a query asking how the Appledore Clean Maritime Innovation Centre would bring additional shipping the Chief Executive advised he would seek clarification from the Harbour Master. 

The QBR 2 was noted.

To review the Forward Plan.

The forward plan was discussed in detail. The Chair confirmed he would liaise with the Chief Executive and relevant Officers and update the forward plan.