Agenda and minutes

To consider those items which, in the opinion of the Chairman, should be considered by the Meeting as matters of urgency (if any).

*AC 5

The head of Environmental Health & Licensing gave a verbal update on Health & Safety reporting, particularly in relation to COVID-19. Work place inspections and infection controls are being reviewed on a regular basis.

Meeting held on 23 June 2020

* AC 6            

The Minutes of the Committee Meeting held on 23^rd June 2020 were confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

*AC 7

 Cllr Edmonds took members through the report. He finished by thanking the finance team under the guidance of the S151 officer and Head of Finance through this difficult time. The external auditor gave an update on the audit. He reported that this is the first time the audit has taken place remotely.

Valueers are mandated to put an opinion of material uncertainty to the Council’s property as of 31 March due to COVID-19 and the uncertainty of the property market. A limitation of scope opinion will appear in the statement of accounts in September.

In response to a question on the locality fund the S151 responded by stating any underspend will be rolled forward to future years within the four year term into the locality fund of each member.

The Chairman proposed that the action plan for the declaration of a Climate Change & Biodiversity Emergency be added to the Statement of Accounts and that a cross party working group meet on a regular basis to look at the Council’s position.

 The S151 Officer confirmed that Servico, a dormant company of the Council which is shared with South Hams will be reviewed this year with the intent to bring back a report to Committee for a new use for the company or to dissolve it.

It was then RESOLVED that:

The content of the Draft Statement of Accounts and the Draft Annual Governance Statement (AGS) for the financial year ended 31 March 2020 were noted.

* AC 8 

Cllr Jory took members through the Annual Report 2019/20. He thanked the S151 Officer and team for their hard work. He thanked the waste team and the management of FCC on the work with the new waste contract. The Council’s response to Covid-19 has been positive and is now working on a recovery plan.                

It was then RESOLVED that:

1.      That progress and achievements made by the Council were noted; and

2.      That the West Devon Annual Report (as presented at Appendix A) was considered for the financial year 2019/20, with any amendments being suggested prior to publishing

PART TWO – ITEMS WHICH MAY BE TAKEN IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PUBLIC AND PRESS ON THE GROUNDS THAT EXEMPT INFORMATION MAY BE DISCLOSED (if any).

The Committee is recommended to pass the following resolution:

“RESOLVED that under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the Meeting on the grounds that exempt information may be disclosed as defined in the paragraph given below in bold type from Part I of Schedule 12(A) to the Act.”

This document can be made available in large print, Braille, tape format, other languages or alternative format upon request. Please contact the Committee section on 01822 813662 or email darryl.white@swdevon.gov.uk

* AC 9

Cllr Jory presented the report on Commercial Property Investment.

It was RESOLVED that: That the performance and risks of the commercial property portfolio to date was noted.