The Executive and Resources Policy Development and Scrutiny Committee met on Wednesday 22 September 2010 to discuss the Council's capital programme, review upcoming executive reports, and consider its work programme. Key decisions included supporting the revised Capital Programme for the Resources Portfolio and endorsing recommendations for the Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan.

Capital Programme Monitoring

The Committee supported the proposed decision to confirm the revised Capital Programme for the Resources Portfolio for the period 2010/11 to 2013/14. This revision, agreed by the Executive on 21st July 2010, reflects changes to the programme following monitoring of the first quarter of the financial year. The overall Capital Programme for the Resources Portfolio has been reduced by £648,000 as a result of these variations. The report detailed specific adjustments, including the deletion of residual maintenance budgets and the rephasing of expenditure for several schemes that were delayed from the previous financial year. A capital grant of £20,600 was received and fully spent in 2009/10 to fund new burdens related to council tax bills and leaflets.

Pre-Decision Scrutiny of Executive Reports

The Committee reviewed reports scheduled for the Executive meeting on 29th September 2010, identifying key items for pre-decision scrutiny. Among these were the Bromley Town Centre Area Action Plan, the Borough Investment Plan and Devolved Delivery Arrangements, and the Chislehurst Road Bridge Procurement of Replacement Bridge. The Committee also noted the upcoming discussion on the One Council approach to Academies and the Capital Investment in Secondary Schools.

Work Programme 2010/11

The Committee considered its work programme for the upcoming year. It was noted that the policy meeting scheduled for 16th November would be replaced by a Finance Briefing for all Members, focusing on the implications of the Comprehensive Spending Review. The Committee also confirmed that Bob Neill MP would address the Committee at the policy meeting on 26th April 2011. Two new members, Councillors Roxy Fawthrop and Paul Lynch, were appointed to the New Technology Working Group, which was due to hold its first meeting on 30th September. The Committee also discussed the potential for a Total Place working group, following notes submitted by Councillor Peter Fookes, and decided to defer consideration of this until a future meeting when Councillor Fookes would be present.

Other Matters Discussed

The Committee received an update on matters arising from previous meetings, including the progress of a report on permitted development rights at Biggin Hill Airport, the status of an HR update delayed by IT problems, and information circulated regarding the Highways and Engineering Consultancy Contract. The Corporate Contracts Register was also reviewed, with comments made on the text size and printing of the A4 version. The Forward Plan of Key Decisions was presented, clarifying that the Award of Contract PCT Campus Re-provision related to the Bassetts site and the transfer of Learning Disability services.

The Chief Executive, Doug Patterson, attended to respond to questions. He provided an overview of key issues and developments, including the abolition of the Audit Commission and Standards for England, proposals for councils to return to a committee system, the rise of Academies, changes in the health service, and the Big Society initiative. He highlighted the need to reconfigure services with the end-user in mind, measure outcomes, and determine expenditure based on zero-based budgeting principles. Discussions also touched upon shared services with other authorities, the transfer of responsibilities from Primary Care Trusts to local authorities, and the potential impact of the Localism Bill. Mr Patterson also addressed concerns regarding South London Healthcare's proposals for Queen Mary's Hospital, including the potential temporary closure of A&E and maternity services, and confirmed that a public meeting would be held.

Updates were also received from the Chairmen of other Policy Development and Scrutiny (PDS) Committees. Councillor Sarah Phillips reported on the Renewal and Recreation PDS Committee's work, including the Bromley North Working Group and the Libraries Working Group. Councillor William Huntington-Thresher updated on the Environment PDS Committee's focus on its relationship with Transport for London and funding priorities. Councillor Judi Ellis provided an update from the Adult and Community PDS Committee, including discussions on health partners and the outsourcing of domiciliary care services. Councillor Robert Evans reported on the Children and Young People PDS Committee's decisions regarding School Lunch Grant and the conversion of schools to academies, as well as the discontinuation of the Contact Point IT system.