The Chief Executive introduced the new Corporate Director, Peter Hopkins, to the Committee. The Chair welcomed Peter and looks forward to working with him in the future.

Councillors are invited to declare interests in relation to items of business on the agenda.  Any interests declared will be recorded in the Minutes.

There were no declarations of interest in relation to items of business on the agenda.

To consider the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 July 2023.

RESOLVED –

That the Minutes of the meeting held on 18 July 2023 be confirmed and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

There was no public participation on this occasion.

The Corporate Health and Safety Officer introduced the report and gave a brief update on the current position to the management of health and safety.

A discussion took place with regards to the rate of accidents for agency staff.

RESOLVED –

That Audit and Resources Committee:

(1)  Noted the corporate responsibilities for the management of health and safety;

(2)  Noted the review and development of the amended Action Plan; and

(3)  Considered the Incident Data.

Councillor Baker joined the meeting at 18:28.

The Chief Internal Auditor introduced the report.

RESOLVED –

That Audit and Resources Committee considered the Internal Audit Monitoring Statement for the first quarter of 2023/24.

The Deputy Chief Executive introduced the report and explained that the scheme was approved in principle at Cabinet in May 2022 with a new planning application due for submission in November 2023 which will be considered by the Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee.

A discussion took place with regards to the Council’s nitrate mitigation scheme.  

RESOLVED –

That the Audit and Resources Committee noted the report which updates on the progress with the Solar Farm at Allington Lane.

(a)  Strategic Risk Management Group (SRMG)

Councillor Holes reported that the Corporate Risk Register was presented. This had been reviewed by the Corporate Leadership Board on 23 August 2023.

The Service Director for Neighbourhoods and Green Spaces presented the Operational Risk Register for the services within his Directorate and the Service Director for Governance and Support presented the Operational Risk Register for services within her directorate. No issues to report back.

Under the emerging risks item, the group discussed the resilience of the out of hours service following a resignation. The matter was to be presented to the Corporate Leadership Board on Wednesday for further discussion.

A query arose regarding any risk to the Council in relation to the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) crisis in school buildings and the likelihood that this may impact other buildings. This was to be raised with the Corporate Leadership Board as an emerging risk on Wednesday to ascertain if any action is required at this stage.  

An update was provided on Health and Safety, Insurance and Business Continuity.

(b)  Procurement Executive Group (PEG)

Councillor Holes reported that the meeting took place on 5 September 2023.

The Group discussed the Procurement Action Plan, Procurement Performance Indicators and Waivers and there were no areas of concern. The Annual Report for 2022/23 had been circulated prior to the meeting and was approved. Procurement data including the contracts register continue to be published on the Council’s website in line with Transparency Regulations.

(c)  Housing Group

The Housing Group had not met as Policy and Performance are yet to appoint a representative to the group. This will be done at their meeting on 7 September 2023.

The Committee considered the current Forward Plan of Key Decisions.

It was AGREED -

That the current Forward Plan be noted.

The Committee considered its current Work Programme.

It was AGREED -

That the Work Programme be noted.

The Chief Executive introduced the report and read a statement from Hampshire County Council which explained that they do not believe any school buildings in the Eastleigh Borough are affected by the reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) crisis.

Staff capacity within the Assets Team was highlighted and plans are in place to mitigate this risk.

RESOLVED –

That the Audit and Resources Committee considered the report detailing performance relating to the Council’s Property (non-housing) Portfolio.

To consider passing a resolution under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 in respect of the following item(s) of business on the grounds that it is/they are likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

The Schedule 12A categories have been amended and are now subject to the public interest test, in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 2000.  This came into effect on 1 March 2006.

It is considered that the following items are exempt from disclosure and that the public interest in not disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.

RESOLVED -

(1)  That, in pursuance of Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they are likely to involve the disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act; and

(2)  That, in pursuance of the public interest test, the public interest in disclosing the information contained in the following item of business was outweighed by the public interest in maintaining the exemption.

The Chief Executive introduced the report.

RESOLVED –

That the report be noted.

The Service Director for Governance introduced the report.

RESOLVED –

That the Audit and Resources Committee were in strong support for the creation of a new post and noted the contents of the report.