Agenda and minutes

22 September 2022

It was moved by Councillor Susan Hobson, Seconded by Councillor Stuart Lees and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

That the minutes of the meeting of the Governance and Resources Committee held on 22 September 2022 be approved as a correct record.

The Chairman declared the motion CARRIED.

To enable members of the public to ask questions, express views or present petitions, IF NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN, (by telephone, in writing or by email) BY NO LATER THAN 12 NOON OF THE WORKING DAY PRECEDING THE MEETING. As per Procedural Rule 14.4 at any one meeting no person may submit more than 3 questions and no more than 1 such question may be asked on behalf of one organisation.

There was no public participation.

Members are required to declare the existence and nature of any interests they may have in subsequent agenda items in accordance with the District Council’s Code of Conduct. Those interests are matters that relate to money or that which can be valued in money, affecting the Member, her/his partner, extended family and close friends. Interests that become apparent at a later stage in the proceedings may be declared at the time.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Communication and Marketing Strategy sets out how residents, employees and service users are kept informed about what the District Council is doing, how it is spending public money, and the District Council services they can access.

The Communications and Marketing Manager introduced the annual report regarding the Communication and Marketing Strategy, a strategy which sets out how residents, employees and service users are kept informed about what the District Council is doing, how it is spending public money, and the services they can access. The report gave a review of the 2022 Action Plan and sought approval of the Action Plan for 2023.The report also presented information to Members regarding the strategic framework of the current Communications and Marketing Strategy to be noted.

The report detailed the history of the current Communications and Marketing Strategy since its adoption in 2014, and outlined the ambitious yet realistic targets going forward, to support the Council’s Corporate Objectives and core values.

It was moved by Councillor Mark Wakeman, Seconded by Councillor Garry Purdy and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.    That the strategic framework of the current Communications and Marketing Strategy be noted.

2.    That the Action Plan for 2023 be approved.

The Chairman declared the motion CARRIED.

To report to Members for information and approval the results of a review of the Internal Audit Charter.

The Head of the Internal Audit Consortium introduced a report which informed Members of the results of a review of the Internal Audit Charter. The report explained the requirement of the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards (PSIAS) that the purpose, authority and responsibility of internal audit must be formally defined in an Internal Audit Charter. The requirement for this to be periodically reviewed by the Head of Internal audit and presented to the relevant Committee for approval was also noted.

It was moved by Councillor Steve Flitter, Seconded by Councillor Mike Ratcliffe and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.    That Members note the outcome of the review of the Internal Audit Charter.

2.    That the Internal Audit Charter be agreed.

3.    That the agreed Internal Audit Charter be reviewed in three years’ time or sooner in the event of any significant changes being made to the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards.

The Chairman declared the motion CARRIED.

To present for members’ information a progress update in respect of the 2022/2023 Internal Audit Plan. The report includes a summary of internal audit reports issued since the last meeting of this committee.

The Head of the Internal Audit Consortium presented a report which presented Members with a progress update in respect of the 2022/23 Internal Audit Plan. The report also included a summary of internal audit reports issued since the last meeting of this committee.

The plan provides a framework by which service functions are reviewed to test and report on the adequacy and effectiveness of the governance, risk and control arrangements in place. Completion of the plan enables the Head of Internal Audit to provide an annual opinion on the governance, risk and control arrangements in place.

The report also detailed the key internal audit related issues being faced by the authority, including difficulties in recruitment and resources along with the reports already issued for the current municipal year and the assurance levels provided.

It was moved by Councillor Garry Purdy, Seconded by Councillor Steve Flitter and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.    That the report be noted.

The Chairman declared the motion CARRIED.

This report represents the fourth phase of an ongoing review of the Council’s land and property assets in accordance with the Asset Management Plan. This phase of the Land Holdings Review covers 4 sites across the District in which the expressions of interest have been received for Community Asset Transfers.

The Chief Executive introduced a report which represented the fourth phase of an ongoing review of the Council’s land and property assets in accordance with the Asset Management Plan. The report informed Members that the current phase of the Land Holdings Review covers four sites across the District in which expressions of interest had been received for Community Asset Transfers.

The report detailed the intention of the Asset Management Plan 2019-2023 to set out the Council’s strategic approach to the management of its land and property, and how the plan provides a framework within which property asset decisions can be made in support of the Council’s corporate aims and objectives. The report also detailed the key issues relating to the fourth phase of the Land Holdings Review.

It was moved by Councillor Garry Purdy, Seconded by Councillor Steve Flitter and

RESOLVED (unanimously)

1.    That site no. 1, Grey Ditch Bradwell be transferred to Bradwell Parish Council on the terms outlined in Appendix 1 of the report as a Community Asset Transfer of the freehold title.

2.    That site no. 2, Knabhall Lane, Tansley be transferred to Tansley Parish Council on the terms outlined in Appendix 1 of the report as a Community Asset Transfer of the freehold title.

3.    That site no. 3, Allotments and adjoining land at Church Road, Darley Dale be transferred to Darley Dale Town Council on the terms outlined in Appendix 1 of the report as a Community Asset Transfer of the freehold title.

4.    That site no. 4, Tennis Court and Bowling Green, Matlock Bath be transferred to Matlock Bath Parish Council on the terms outlined in Appendix 1 of the report as a Community Asset Transfer by way of long lease.

5.    That it be noted that the disposal of sites 1, 2, 3 and 4 (either by lease or freehold title transfer) comprise an undervalue transaction permitted under the General Disposal Consent 2003.

6.    That each party will bear their own legal costs in respect of sites 1, 2, 3 and 4.

The Chairman declared the motion CARRIED.