Apologies were received from co-opted members Emma Lemon and Colin Powell.

There were no declarations of pecuniary interest.

In relation to agenda items 4, 5 and 6, Roger Kershaw declared that he was a Director of Merantun and Sophie Ellis declared that she was a Director of CHAS.

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as an accurate record with the replacement of text on page 1 “Councillor Owen Pritchard and Paul Kohler visited Mitcham Police Station and confirmed that the number of car parking spaces was 45 as reported to the Commission by the Borough Commander” with:

“ Councillor Owen Pritchard and Paul Kohler visited Mitcham Police Station and confirmed that the number of car parking spaces was 29 plus 5 public spaces and not 45 as reported to the Commission by the Borough Commander”.

Members agreed to take items 4, 5 and 6 together.

The Director of Corporate Services, Caroline Holland, introduced the two Business Plan Update reports (item 4 – Cabinet 10 December and item 6 – Cabinet 14 January), outlining the content and highlighting the new information in the January report. She drew the Commission’s attention to progress that had been made on balancing the budget and the gaps that remained for future years.

Caroline Holland provided additional information in response to questions about the Medium Term Financial Strategy:

·         The most up-to-date draft of the Medium Term Financial Strategy 2019-23 is set out on page 133 of the agenda pack

·         The £24 police precept for police authorities has been set by the government;

·         Council tax is likely to increase by about 5%. Note that Council agreed to extend the council tax support scheme;

·         The 2% increase in council tax from 2020/21 onwards assumes that government will return to the previous capped level

·         Use of the balancing the budget reserve will be spread over two years rather than one as reported in September

·         An update on the use of reserves will be provided to Cabinet’s February meeting

Savings proposals for Corporate Services

Members asked questions and made comments about individual savings proposals:

This report is provided separately and will be discussed as part of the preceding agenda item on the Business Plan Update

Included in minute of Agenda item 4.

Included in minute of Agenda item 4.

Members noted that a full report of the discussion at each of the Panel meetings would be provided in the minutes of the Panel meeting. Members discussed the content of the report from the Panels and AGREED that in future years they would take time to agree the reference to Cabinet at each of the Panel meetings.

The Commission RESOLVED to forward the comments and recommendations from the Panels to Cabinet.

Noted.

The Commission resolved to agree the work programme as set out in the report.