Issue - meetings

Report of the Chief Executive

Further to Minute No. 228 of the Cabinet meeting held on 3 December 2009, the Council considered the report of the Chief Executive which provided an update on progress made in relation to the Transformation Agenda including the Strategic Budget Review (SBR).  The report also provided an update on the Medium Term Financial Plan forecasts and set out the next steps in relation to progressing the achievement of SBR savings.

It was moved by Councillor Robertson, seconded by Councillor Brodie-Brown

“That approval be given to the implementation of the savings items detailed in Appendix B of the report and officers be authorised to implement them with immediate effect.”

An amendment was then moved by Councillor P. Dowd and seconded by Councillor Maher that the Motion be amended by the deletion of all the words of the motion and the substitution of the following text:

“That subject to the deletion of the savings items with potential redundancy

implications, set out in pages 41 to 52 of Appendix B to the report, approval

be given to the implementation of the remaining savings items in Appendix B

and officers be authorised to implement them with immediate effect.”

Following debate, on a show of hands, the Mayor declared that the amendment was lost by 33 votes to 17 with one abstention.

Following further debate, on a show of hands, the Mayor declared that the Substantive Motion was carried by 33 votes to 17 with one abstention and it was

RESOLVED:

That approval be given to the implementation of the savings items listed in Appendix B to the report and officers be authorised to implement them with immediate effect.

A.        To consider the report of the Chief Executive which was considered by the Cabinet on 3 December 2009.

B.        To consider the appropriate Minute of the meeting of the Cabinet on 3 December 2009.                                                                       

C.        To consider any issues which may have been “called-in”.

Further to Minute No. 228 of the Cabinet meeting held on 3 December 2009, the Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive which provided an update on progress made in relation to the Transformation Agenda including the Strategic Budget Review (SBR).  The report also provided an update on the Medium Term Financial Plan forecasts and set out the next steps in relation to progressing the achievement of SBR savings.

Mr. Bill Milburn, the Transformation Director presented the report and answered questions arising from discussion about the report.

RESOLVED: That

A.        To consider the report of the Chief Executive which was considered by the Cabinet on 3 December 2009.

B.        To consider the appropriate Minute of the meeting of the Cabinet on 3 December 2009.                                                              (TO FOLLOW)

C.        To consider any issues which may have been “called-in”.

RESOLVED:

That this item be deferred for consideration at the next meeting of the Committee on 15 December 2009.

Report of the Chief Executive

Further to Minute No. 220 of the meeting held on 25 November 2009, the Cabinet considered the report of the Chief Executive which provided an update on progress made in relation to the Transformation Agenda including the Strategic Budget Review (SBR).  The report also provided an update on the Medium Term Financial Plan forecasts and set out the next steps in relation to progressing the achievement of SBR savings.

A representative of Unison indicated that the Trade Unions wished to avoid the need for compulsory redundancies through the continuation of constructive discussions with Officers on the Strategic Budget Review. The Chief Executive acknowledged the comments made by the Trade Unions with regard to the on-going discussions between Officers and the Trade Unions and the constructive manner in which it was being undertaken.

A discussion then took place on the proposals set out in the report and in accordance with Rule 18.5 of the Council and Committee Procedure Rules, the following Councillors requested that their vote against the proposals for potential redundancies set out in pages 35 to 47 of Appendix B to the report be recorded, namely:

Councillors P. Dowd, Fairclough and Maher.

RESOLVED:   That

(1)      the updated position in relation to the Medium Term Financial Plan be noted;

(2)      Officers be authorised to continue and, if possible, conclude negotiations with Trade Unions on changes to the employment terms and conditions set out in Appendix C to the report;

(3)      the Council, at its meeting on 17 December 2009, be recommended to approve the implementation of the savings items detailed in Appendix B to the report and authorise Officers to implement them with immediate effect;

(4)      the timescales for developing the Integration/Rationalisation Workstreams set out in appendix F to the report be noted;

(5)      the comments made in relation to timely decision making including a review of the Corporate Plan and Corporate Strategy early in 2010/11 municipal year be endorsed;

(6)      the Chief Executive be given delegated authority to agree any further Expressions of Interest for Voluntary Early Retirement/Voluntary Redundancy;

(7)      the response to the issues submitted by Unison at the meeting held on 25 November 2009, as set out in Appendix D to the report be noted; and

(8)      the comments from all Trade Unions with regard to the continuation of constructive discussions with Officers on the Strategic Budget Review be welcomed.