Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director of Place

The Committee considered the report of the Executive Director of Place, the aim of which was to allow Members to carry out effective scrutiny of the Council company Sefton Hospitality Operations Limited (SHOL) to provide a level of assurance that both the Council’s interests and the services or products provided by the company to our residents, were safe and well managed and offered good value for money.

The report provided information on the aims of the SHOL Annual Report; expected outcomes; the Council’s objectives for the company; the Council’s governance arrangements including the governance arrangements in place for the company in 2022/23; the key objectives for the Company as per the Business Plan in 2022/23; a review of performance for 2022/23; financial performance for 2022/23; key areas of risk during the year; evaluation of performance in 2022/23 compared to Council objectives for setting up the company and the approved Business Plan for the year; and the Delivery and Improvement Plans for 2023/24.

The Committee was requested to:

·       provide feedback on key issues arising from the report and to advise on further information that would support the scrutiny review in future years

·       provide feedback on current performance (operational and financial) and how this supported the Council’s strategic aims and ambitions and aligned with the objectives and reasons for setting up the companies; and

·       seek clarification or additional information from officers in order to carry out the scrutiny function

Members of the Committee asked questions/commented on the following issues:

·       Further to the introduction of additional lighting on the Crosby coastal park, the potential to provide an improved physical link between the Lake House and the retail/leisure establishments on South Road.

·       The introduction of new lighting at Crosby coastal park was greatly welcomed as it enhanced the access to the Lake House and increased safety in the area overall; and that improvements to the pathways leading to the venue would be also welcomed. 

·       Reference was made to the statistic that 49% of Lake House and White House employees were Sefton residents; and whilst acknowledging the need to comply with employment law, what measures could be put in place to increase the numbers of Sefton residents employed at the venues. It was noted that Sefton@Work could play a role in this matter; and it was welcomed that opportunities were provided for Sefton’s older looked-after children and care leavers.

·       The previous business plan anticipation for the repayment of the shareholder loan, and any dividends, commencing from year 6 of the business (financial year 2026-27 onwards).    

RESOLVED:

That the report on Sefton Hospitality Operations Limited - 2022/23 Outturn Review of Council Wholly Owned Companies be noted.