The special Finance Committee meeting focused on discussing the Change Programme, the Digital Strategy, and the Cost of Living response. The meeting was called at the request of minority party members for further discussion on these topics, which had been previously agreed upon without sufficient debate due to time constraints.

1. Change Programme: The committee reviewed the progress of the Change Programme, emphasizing its broad objectives like improving council service delivery and workforce attraction. Concerns were raised about the measurability of the programme's benefits, with suggestions to include more direct metrics and possibly benchmarking against other councils. The discussion highlighted the need for clearer goals and timelines.

2. Digital Strategy: The Digital Strategy was discussed, focusing on its alignment with modern technological advancements and its potential impact on service delivery. Questions were raised about the strategy's specificity and its actual differentiation from a similar strategy in a neighboring borough, suggesting a lack of customization for local needs. The strategy's emphasis on digital inclusion and the potential automation in council services like the contact center were noted.

3. Cost of Living Response: The extension of the Household Support Fund by the government was acknowledged, with discussions on how to allocate these funds effectively. The debate touched on the strategic use of the council's reserves versus government funding, with some members questioning the council's financial strategy and priorities in addressing the cost of living crisis.

Additional Information: The meeting was marked by a significant amount of procedural debate, particularly regarding the attendance and participation of council leaders and the scheduling of the meeting, reflecting underlying tensions about transparency and the adequacy of time allocated to scrutinize major council initiatives.