Agenda item

The Executive Member for Finance, Performance and Community Safety was present for discussion of this item. The Director of Environment and Regeneration, Kevin O’Leary and the Chief Executive, Lesley Seary were also present for discussion of this item.

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

·         Members expressed the view that good progress was being made and that whilst the £3 million target would not be achieved in the timescale envisaged it was felt that it would be achievable over a longer period

·         Future projects included the tree service and pest control service

·         The Commercial Board provides governance and maintains central oversight of all commercial opportunities and assists in developing ideas and provide support

·         Staff were being engaged on developing proposals

·         Income Generation proposals by other Local Authorities were being looked at to see whether they were suitable for Islington

·         Challenges included looking again at services that are currently offered free of charge to see whether these continue to be appropriate, and to look at areas where the Council’s reputation can be utilised to justify higher charges than similar private providers and to ensure.  There is alsoa challenge to see if services proposed for income generation are financially robust ones and there is the necessary investment made available to support them

·         The monies felt to be achievable for advertising had had be reduced due to decisions made by the Planning Committee and it would need a different approach to planning policy to achieve this income in future

·         In response to a question it was stated that of the £3 million saving envisaged in 2016/17 it was expected that £1.5 is achievable

·         It was stated that any staff incentivisation scheme would need to be considered carefully to ensure it was equitable to all staff and the Trade Unions should be involved in such discussions

·         Reference was made to the close proximity of the City of London and services such as Pest Control could be a good source of income and Members welcomed the proposed increased use of Finsbury Square and Highbury Fields, where appropriate

·         Concern was expressed that the majority of the projects for income generation were E&R functions and that other directorates should be bringing forward proposals. It was stated that E&R were the frontrunners in this but that other directorates were now bringing forward/considering income generation options

·         In response to a question it was stated that the lettings agency has been established with a small number of properties at present and that further details could be provided to Members

·         In response to a question it was stated that there has been a small reduction in building control, planning income. since Brexit

·         It was stated that there should be information detailing whether income generation savings were comparable to other London Boroughs

RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and that the Committee receive 6 month progress reports on ICO at future meetings of the Committee and where possible comparisons on savings with other London Boroughs