Issue - meetings

There were three member questions. The questions and responses were published as a supplement to the agenda.

There were three member questions. The questions and responses were published as a supplement to the agenda.

With regards to Mr Essex’s third question, Mr Essex stated that the response referred to ‘mechanisms for review of the highways contract going forward’ and queried if this included scrutiny by the relevant Select Committee.  Mr Essex queried if external audits for the places for people contract and the current highways contract had been carried out, and if not, why. The Cabinet Member for Resources and Corporate Support explained that places for people was not included in the external audit because it was below materiality for scope of the audit. The National Audit Office had issued a new code in relation to value for money which would therefore probably also include the current highways contract in future audits. The Cabinet Member for Highways stated that the highways contract was followed by a robust audit exercise. The lighting contract had brought significant financial benefits to the authority and was constantly being reviewed. The Member was welcome to take any questions and concerns off line with the Cabinet Member.

Mr Essex stated that he would welcome more scrutiny of the highways area by the new council administration in May.