1. That Cabinet, in taking decisions relating to the Business Plan 2019-23,

takes into account the recommendations made by the Overview and

Scrutiny Commission (set out in paragraph 2.4 of the report) and the outcomes of consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Panels (set out in Appendix 1 of the report)

At the invitation of the Chair, Councillor Peter Southgate addressed the Cabinet, giving an overview of the recommendations, including the specific concerns raised by the Overview and Scrutiny Commission and thanking Councillors and Officers for their involvement and hard work.

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance in response echoed the thanks to officers and all members who had been involved throughout the Scrutiny process. The Cabinet Member noted that savings were required of up to £20 million and £10 million had been identified.

In relation to the specific suggestions from the Scrutiny process, the Cabinet Member advised as follows:

1)    Capital Programme – this was under constant review however when discussed, agreement had not been reached on which item(s) to remove.

2)    Contribution for funding premises occupied by MVSC and CAB – there should be detailed discussions with charities over the coming year regarding this.

3)    Morden Park House – the issue had been recognised and it was a loss making service. It would need to be looked at whether the revenue could be increased or whether there were alternative uses for the site. The next twelve months would be used to look at how the premises could operate and provide better value.

The Cabinet Member thanked all involved for their constructive work.

The Chair echoed the thanks to all involved with the Scrutiny process and also to Councillor Southgate.

The Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Equalities noted that the rates paid by the MVSC had not been reviewed for a number of years, and that the Council should aim for equality across the voluntary sector where possible.

The Cabinet Member for Community and Culture commended point 2 of the Commission’s recommendations to lobby the government for more sustainable basis for the funding of local government and welcomed the cross-party agreement on that point.

RESOLVED:

1. That Cabinet, in taking decisions relating to the Business Plan 2019-23,

takes into account the recommendations made by the Overview and

Scrutiny Commission (set out in paragraph 2.4 of the report) and the outcomes of consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Panels (set out in Appendix 1 of the report)