1 – Apologies
Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Cutler.
Relevant Legislation: Local Government Act 1972, s 85.
2 – Disclosure of Pecuniary Interests
There were no disclosures of Pecuniary Interests.
Relevant Legislation: Localism Act 2011, s 31.
3 – Approval of Minutes
Members resolved to approve the Minutes for the Meeting of the People & Performance Committee held Wednesday 11 September 2024
4 – To resolve to exclude press and public
Members resolved, pursuant to section 1 (2) of the Public Bodies (Admission to Meetings) Act 1960, that because of the confidential nature of the business to be transacted, the public and the press leave the meeting during consideration of the following items.
5 – To note current People & Performance Activity Report
Members noted the report which outlined current work activity, workforce status, recruitment needs, overtime, absence and attendance information.
6 – Performance Reviews
Members resolved to note that 1:1 performance reviews were completed in Dec 24/Jan 25. Members were also presented with proposed amendments to the performance review cycle for immediate implementation to reduce the paperwork burden on Performance Managers while increasing the frequency of informal interim SMART goal reviews. Members resolved to note the proposed amendments to the cycle with immediate effect.
7 – Performance-Related Pay Awards
Members were requested to review and resolve proposals for performance-related pay awards following recent review meetings for ratification by the full council, in conjunction with the setting of the budget for 2025-26. Members acknowledged the challenges of the forthcoming budget and the affordability of the proposed increases. Members were advised of the importance of maintaining appropriate pay and recognition processes to ensure the workforce feels appropriately valued and compensated for development of skills, hard work and commitment. However, it was also highlighted that while the p&p committee resolves to submit the proposed pay awards to the council for ratification, the council will need to consider the cost of these as part of the annual council budget calculations. As such, members resolved to support the proposed pay awards as outlined in the report and to recommend them to the full council for ratification.
8 – Annual Budget 2025-26 – Strategic Resource Allocation Review
The Committee considered the Strategic Resource Allocation report, which analysed the council’s workforce structure in the context of financial challenges and operational demands. Members acknowledged the challenge ahead of the council to both ensure appropriate resource in the light of introducing new services and facilities, while maintaining the tax burden at an acceptable level. It was highlighted that the identification of this period as the most challenging financial time for the council had been anticipated due to the desire of the council to precede further population growth with new facilities, but before additional precept income can be derived from new households. This has created a difficult financial ‘pinch point’ which requires the council to look at every aspect of expenditure to ensure that any justification of a proposed tax increase has followed extensive work to mitigate this impact however possible. Following discussion, the Committee:
- Resolved to commence consultation activity within the Estate Team, including issuing ‘at risk’ letters to the two affected positions. The consultation will explore the benefits of a proposed restructuring to consolidate managerial roles and increase operative capacity, aiming to improve efficiency and achieve budget savings.
- Acknowledged the limited opportunities for efficiency savings across other departments and recognised the need for potential growth in the Hospitality Team to meet operational requirements.
- Agreed to consider alternative cost-saving measures, such as offering temporary reductions in hours or additional annual leave purchase options, while noting these are unlikely to achieve the same level of savings or efficiency as the proposed restructuring.
The Committee emphasized the importance of clear communication throughout the consultation process and committed to providing appropriate support to affected staff. A recommendation to the full council will follow the conclusion of the consultation.