Agenda item

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

Members welcomed Councillor John Clarke, Leader of the Council, to the meeting to examine his portfolio. Councillor Clarke gave an update to members on some key happenings within his portfolio.

No questions were received from Members in advance of the meeting, so Councillor Clarke delivered an update on the various areas of responsibility within his portfolio. He gave the following updates:

It was noted that the year-end performance for 23/24 had been reported to Cabinet on 17 July. It showed that 61 Gedling Plan actions were completed out of 69, and the remaining 8 had been carried forward for delivery during 24/25. Members also noted that out of the 28 performance indicators with set targets, 86% of these had either met or exceeded targets.

It was noted that Cabinet Members were expected to provide regular feedback on activity within their portfolio to Councillor Clarke as Leader. It was noted that the current focus had been on larger strategic projects and programmes of work, such as the Greater Carlton Towns Board, Ambition Arnold, strategic leisure review, and the wholescale digital transformation programme.

It was noted that the Council had engaged with partners such as local universities to discuss ways to improve learning and develop job opportunities for residents of the borough. Engagement had also taken place to develop a local skills strategy, which looked at ways to create a local college through the Greater Carlton Towns Funding. Members also noted the partnership work with South Notts PBP, as detailed earlier in the meeting.

It was noted that Councillor Clarke represented Gedling at all Mayoral Devolution meetings, working to lobby the East Midlands County Mayor on key issues such as transport, housing, skills and adult education, net zero, economic development and the visitor economy. Councillor Clarke also represented Gedling on the Economic Prosperity Committee alongside other Council Leaders as well as being the nominated District Council representative for Nottinghamshire on the EMMCA Investment Committee.

It was noted that the Internal Audit Annual Report for 23/24 had been presented to the Audit Committee in July. The report showed that auditors had reached a positive level of assurance which demonstrated that the work undertaken by the Council had strengthened its internal control environment. It was also noted that a new Risk Management Strategy and Framework had been presented to the Audit committee, further strengthening the Council’s internal control environment.

The Chair then gave Members the opportunity to ask questions of Councillor Clarke’s portfolio.

Members asked how Councillors could offer feedback or influence topics of discussion at the Greater Carlton Town Board and whether the meetings were broadcasted to the public.

Councillor Clarke explained that the applications had been considered and shortlisted and would be available for Members to make comment via the appropriate channels. Members also noted that the meetings were not broadcasted however minutes were published on Gedling Borough Council’s website.

Members asked whether the applications for the Greater Carlton Towns Board were still being received and if the consultation considered whether the costs of those applications were realistic. The Chief Executive confirmed that the consultation period had closed, and that the consideration was the responsibility of the Greater Carlton Towns Board.

Members queried whether the Council had given any additional consideration towards emergency flooding plans, considering the increase of rainfall in recent years. Councillor Clarke agreed that the Council needed to continue monitoring flooding through impact assessments and continue to improve flood prevention measures in conjunction with the County Council.

Members asked whether the Council had received any indication as to whether the new government would increase the Council’s funding going forward. Councillor Clarke explained that no indication of this had been received however he would continue to lobby the new MP for better outcomes for the Council.

Members asked whether the Council’s Cabinet functions had been impacted following Councillor Payne’s new appointment as MP for Gedling whilst also holding the position of Deputy Leader. Councillor Clarke explained that the Cabinet positions would be carefully considered and expected that changes would be made going forward.

RESOLVED:

To thank Councillor Clarke for the information provided.