Agenda item

Councillor Andy Hull, Executive Member for Finance and Performance, Kevin O’Leary, Director of Environment and Regeneration and Steve Key, Finance and Property Services, were present for consideration of this item.

A presentation was made to the Committee, a copy of which is interleaved.

During consideration of the presentation the following main points were made –

·         With regard to sources of income parking was the major contributor

·         It was stated that the Commercial Board were looking at all possible areas of income generation but the savings achieved were likely to be moderate given the restraints

·         A Trading Company was being established by the Council and there was scope for income generation in the areas of energy and commercial waste. The view was expressed that the Trading Company should adopt a co-operative, social approach

·         The view was expressed that income may be able to be obtained by offering the new ‘in house’ repairs service to schools, RSL’s and leaseholders and by installing solar panels on schools

·         Reference was made to CIL and section 106 monies and that these should reflect the rising cost of property when development was taking place. In addition offering the Council’s wi fi services to Cable TV companies etc. could also be investigated

·         There was a need to lobby Government where it was felt that there were areas the Council should have responsibility for that could generate income

·         A Member expressed the view that there needed to be an emphasis on ensuring the street environment was safe to encourage active travel

·         There needed to be research into the income generation measures that other Local Authorities were implementing and that these should be obtained as documentary evidence for the scrutiny

·         The view was expressed that whilst officers had done good work in relation to commercial waste, there was a need to look at cost savings outside ‘the box’, to generate income

·         Advertising could be looked at on Council vehicles and property and the proposals for a Council employment agency and lettings agency could also generate income

·          In response to a question as to how the Council, as it is the forerunner for many initiatives such as the Fairness Commission market these to generate income by offering a consultancy service, the Director of Finance and Property Services stated that he would investigate this

·         Discussion took place as to whether there should be more than one Trading Company, or several to minimise risk, and in order that they could remain focused on specific schemes to generate income

·         Reference was made to the possibility of obtaining European Social Funding

RESOLVED:

(a)  That the above comments be noted and included in the SID, where appropriate

(b)  That Directors be requested to investigate income generation areas in their respective departments for discussion by Members as part of the scrutiny process

(c)  That officers obtain information about income generation measures that have/are considering to be taken and circulate these to the Committee, as part of the scrutiny process

(d)  That officers investigate whether a pan London approach is possible in achieving savings/income generation and report back to the Committee on the possibilities thereon.

                                                                                                              DE&R