Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Head of Policy and Performance that sets out the role of the Committee.    

Local Service Delivery Committees had been established by the Council for the areas of Crewe and Macclesfield to ensure that the provision of services was fair and consistent across the borough.  So that each area had the same opportunities and choices as other parished areas regarding the provision of services (consistent with those transferring to parished areas), the Committee, as part of its work, would be invited to consider issues relating to a potential Special Expenses Levy (SEL) which may be imposed on the residents of the area to deliver such services.   

In introducing the report, the Head of Policy and Performance explained that the purpose of the paper was to ensure that Members were aware of the current service provision in Crewe by highlighting areas for consideration, thus enabling Members to challenge the arrangements, where appropriate.  Members were also asked to identify what additional information they required to consider the matters before them.

Running in parallel with the work of the Committee; a second Community Governance Review was being conducted to consider options for how Crewe should be governed in the future.  Despite a difference of opinion amongst Members as to the merits of the review, the Committee accepted that the outcome would impact on its work moving forward.           

During the debate, the following points were raised/noted:

§         It was important to avoid duplication with activities being provided by the Crewe Charter Trustees

§         The list of current services under consideration could be added to or removed as appropriate by the Committee or Cabinet 

§         Any public consultation exercise over and above the Council’s Business Planning Process would be dependent on the recommendations of the Committee

§         The Special Expenses Levy (SEL) quoted in the report was indicative at this stage and would be clarified as budgets were finalised

§         The differential between the SEL indicated for Macclesfield and that for Crewe required further explanation

The Committee also asked for additional information to be provided as follows

§         Figures relating to the numbers of Council Tax payers/population in the non-parished areas of Crewe and Macclesfield for comparision purposes   

§         Detailed breakdown of budget heads/operational costs referred to in the report 

§         Copy of the Crewe Charter Trustees budget

§         Further information regarding the operation of Crewe Market 

RESOLVED: That the report be received.