Agenda item

To receive an update from the Councillor David Boothroyd, Cabinet Member for Finance and Council Reform on priorities for the portfolio following the local elections in May 2022, any major issues arising and to answer questions from Members. Cabinet Member terms of reference have been shared to support Members with their questioning.

5.1  Introducing his report, Councillor Boothroyd informed the Committee of his key priorities which included delivering cost effective services, developing the Medium-Term Financial Plan, refreshing the Responsible Procurement & Commissioning Strategy and the consideration of insourcing among other items.

5.2  Councillor Boothroyd apologised for the late arrival of his report explaining that since completion there has been three issues to draw the Committee’s attention to. 1) The Census has been completed with Westminster Council being one of three Local Authorities having seen a reduction in people since 2011. This was due to the timing of the Census being conducted during the third national lockdown in March 2021 when many of the local population would not have been within the Westminster borough. To address this, a scheme called “Lost Londoners” had been implemented. 2) A report had been issued that day for 100% non-domestic rates for new retailers in the West End that are currently vacant, Councillor Boothroyd said he was inclined to move this forward. 3) Councillor Boothroyd had attended a meeting regarding widening recruitment efforts and how to increase diversity of Westminster Council employees and how to increase the number of Westminster residents who work for the Council.

5.3  Councillors questioned the Cabinet Member on how residents felt digitally excluded from Council services so often using digital means to communicate and advertise services. In reply, Councillor Boothroyd said there was often presumptions that everyone can engage. He went on to explain that there are some freepost arrangements but are relatively expensive.

5.4  The Committee then enquired about the Councils procurement strategy and what changes the new administration may make. There was a particular focus from the Committee on the social value element and what percentage this may take up of the strategy. When questioned, Councillor Boothroyd explained that no firm decisions had been made on altering this percentage. Regarding small businesses and the blocking affect that social value requirements may have on them, Councillor Boothroyd explained that this was a well-made point and may indeed prevent small businesses from entering the procurement process.

5.5  The Committee asked about the restructuring at Berwick Street with a Cabinet Member Report from March 2022 saying the deal was worth £10.8million up to the lease break clause, that was a shortfall recovery of £700,000. Councillors asked that if the lease is seen out then there will be a £3.4million benefit, is this an overly optimistic picture? Councillor Boothroyd explained he was not the Cabinet Member at the time, and this was agreed prior to the Local Elections.

5.6  The Committee then sought to receive an update on management and governance of properties controlled by Westminster City Council. It was of particular concern for the Committee that there should be no mismanagement of this as it can easily lead to detrimental financial cost. Councillor Boothroyd explained that this topic regularly featured in his briefings and do have a role in raising revenue for the Council and he is aware of other Councils that have not closely monitored this and the repercussions.

5.7  The Committee enquired on the delivery of services and if the new Cabinet Member expected to see any practical changes from changes in funding. Councillor Boothroyd that there were potential implications for immediate estimates to be revised down and that Westminster Council would receive less funding from Central Government in the next funding round. Councillor Boothroyd reiterated the new administrations pledge to note raise Council Tax. The timeframe for this would be in the coming months. The Executive Director of Finance Resources then addressed the Committee, reassuring them that Westminster Council has a comparatively high level of reserves as a buffer against any big shocks.

5.8  ACTIONS:

1.    To update the Committee on the ongoing work of the "Lost Londoners" scheme.

2.    To inform the Committee if a decision is taken by Councillor Boothroyd on the report for 100% non-domestic rates for new retailers in the West End area

3.    To inform the Committee if the percentage of social value on the Councils procurement strategy is changed