Community Services Scrutiny Panel

Minutes: Community Services Scrutiny Panel 21/01/2003

A joint report by the Directors of Education and Corporate Services had been called in to the Panel "for further information", and "to examine the financial position".

The Panel heard from Councillors Rev Aitken and Perry, Executive Members, and also Mike Rosendale, Derek Welsh, Maria Gray and Jackie Pepper (Education); Norma Cuthbertson (Corporate Services) and John Connarty (Finance). An Evidence Paper had also been prepared by the Director of Corporate Services providing further information on the key issues.

Councillor Paisley, lead Call-In Member, sought clarification on a number of points concerning the Service, notably its Board of Directors, staffing, costs, sites and fees. In the course of considering the responses from the Executive Members and officials, the following issues were highlighted:-

1) Board of Directors – The number of Directors had increased from 4 to 9 at the organisation’s last AGM. The exact position regarding office bearers seemed somewhat confused. It was understood new office bearers had still to be appointed, and that the previous Chair had remained in place.

2) Communication with link officer – The Council’s Link Officer had not been informed of any subsequent Board meetings, nor had he received minutes.

3) Monthly reports – The organisation was providing monthly bank statements and attendance figures.

4) Fees – Its fees were broadly comparable with similar groups (except for a subsidised rate for SIP residents).

Mike Rosendale stressed that the officials were comfortable that the organisation was taking steps to ensure its finances were stabilised, and that it remained viable. Although the Office Bearers had still to be appointed, the existing Chair and Project Co-ordinator remained in place. In the light of this, and the monthly data being provided, he had no difficulty recommending the early release of SIP grant to the organisation. He gave assurances that regular reports would be submitted to the Executive, and that attendance levels would be monitored as part of this ongoing review.

1) To recommend that the Executive should seek clarification on apparent irregularities of procedure by the organisation, notably concerning communication with the Link Officer over its first meeting after the AGM, and its failure thus far to appoint Office Bearers.

2) To recommend that the Chief Executive of One Stop Childcare (or another suitable organisation) be requested to provide appropriate advice and support to CCS, with an appropriate fee being paid to that organisation.

- moved by Councillor Mrs MacLaren, seconded by Councillor Mrs Sleigh.

To approve the Executive’s decision.

- moved by Councillor Cunningham, seconded by Councillor Henderson.

The motion was approved by 4 votes to 3.

1) To recommend that the Executive should seek clarification on apparent irregularities of procedure by the organisation, notably concerning communication with the Link Officer over its first meeting after the AGM, and its failure thus far to appoint Officer Bearers.

2) To recommend that the Chief Executive of One Stop Childcare (or another suitable organisation) be requested to provide appropriate advice and support to CCS, with an appropriate fee being paid to that organisation.

3) Accordingly, to note that Executive decisions 6, 7, 9 and 10 could not be implemented at this stage.

(Reference – report by the Council Secretary 14 January 2003, submitted).