Decision details

The Leader, Councillor Bialyk introduced the report and during debate Members made the following comments:

• the council might not exist in the same way following Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) therefore the aim of this project could be in vain;
• the investment in IT raised concerns that infrastructure was becoming a larger portion of what the council was focusing on;
• learning and development was a large amount of work for one role;
• the council’s responsibility was to the people of Exeter to ensure that the council was ready for LGR;
• it was important to be up to date digitally and to relieve stress on members of staff where possible as well as ensuring readiness for LGR;
• the council could fall behind unless investments in staff were made;
• this could provide impetus to assist LGR, and we should not stop because there was change on the horizon;
• the council should make sure whatever changes were made were compatible with neighbouring authorities they could be working with; and
• there were significant number of staff who maybe concerned with what the future looks like after LGR and it would be important to acknowledge and reassure where possible.

Members asked the following questions:

• was this suitable given the context of LGR and that everything may be different in the future;
• where would corporate health and safety be sourced;
• would it help to know what central government would provide for restructure;
• could the council be informed of discussions with neighbouring authorities given the amount of investment in infrastructure;
• would the council look to upskill and prepare officers rather than training new staff.

The Leader and Section 151 Officer responded to Members questions in the following terms:

• the council would make sure there was good communication with other local authorities;
• the request was for funds to develop staff;
• business rates reset would take place this year; and
• these funds would address budget challenges over the next two years.

The Leader moved and Councillor Wright seconded the recommendations of the report, which following a vote were CARRIED.