Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

The minutes of the meeting held on 2 March 2016 were signed as a true record.  There were no matters arising.

Briefing note

The Board received a briefing note and presentation in respect of the City Council Capital Programme for 2016/17.

The briefing note set out the Capital 5-year programme by portfolio.  The presentation covered an update on the Capital Programme, Revenue funding of Capital Programme, moving revenue spend into the Capital Programme, debt level and the Coventry Investment Fund (CIF).

It was noted:

·  Significant investment in capital spend would continue for at least 2 years and would include a mixture of Government Funding and local contributions.

·  2016/17 prudential borrowing and capital receipts had increased compared to 2015/16

·  2016/17 grants and other contributions and revenue had reduced compared to 2015/16

During discussion, Member questioned officer on a number of issues including the rationale behind prudential borrowing and use of CIF.

RESOLVED to note the information contained within the briefing note and request that the following information be circulated to Members of the Board:

·  Information on Finance Birmingham Investment into Mezzanine Fund and which Coventry businesses have benefitted so far.

·  Further detail on the capital scheme for London Road.

Briefing note.

The Board noted a briefing note which summarised the work of the Scrutiny Board over the 2015/16 municipal year.

During the year, the Board had met 6 times and had carried out their business through a range of activities including traditional board meetings, task and finish group and visits.  The Board had gathered evidence from the engaged with Cabinet Members, council officers, partner organisation, private and third sectors and members of the public.

Following discussion, members considered that the work undertaken jointly with the Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3) on Friargate had been useful and suggested that this be carried on in 2016/17.

RESOLVED that the Board recommend that joint working continue with the appropriate Scrutiny Board in 2016/17 on matters relating to Friargate.

Outstanding issues have been picked up in the Work Programme

There were no outstanding issues.

Report of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Board noted the work programme with a recommendation that the 2016/17 Scrutiny Board continue the work started by the current board on scrutinising the impact of changes to the local council tax support scheme.

In addition, the Chair thanked Members of the Board and officers for their work in over the year.

Any other items of public business which the Chair decides to take as matters of urgency because of the special circumstances involved

There were no other items of public business.