Members of the Committee are asked to declare any disclosable pecuniary and non pecuniary interests, in connection with any item(s) on the agenda and state the nature of the interest.

Members are reminded that they should also declare, pursuant to paragraph 18 of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, whether they are subject to a party whip in connection with any item(s) to be considered and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of the whipping arrangement.

Members were asked to consider whether they had personal or prejudicial interests in connection with the item on this agenda and, if so, to declare them and state what they were.

Members were reminded that they should also declare, pursuant to paragraph 18 of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, whether they were subject to a party whip in connection with the item to be considered and, if so, to declare it and state the nature of the whipping arrangement.

Councillors McCubbin and Clements declared personal interests by virtue of them being friends of libraries.

Councillor Doughty declared a personal interest by virtue of his employment

Councillor Hale declared a personal interest by virtue of him being a member of a sports club.

The following documents are attached for Members’ consideration:

• ‘What Really Matters Questionnaire’
• Summary paper for Transformation and Resources
• Options papers relevant to this Committee:

o  Full Management Restructure

o  Staff Terms and Conditions

o  Asset Management Restructure

o  Building Costs

o  Four Year Elections

o  HR Restructure

o  Legal Services Restructure

o  Review of Committee Services

o  The Mayor of Wirral

o  Transforming Business Support

o  Area Forum Funding

o  Revenues and Benefits

o  Libraries and One Stop Shops

The Committee received a presentation from Lucy Barrow, Community Engagement Manager, Chief Executive’s Department, on the process of the consultation and the progress made on Stage 2 of the consultation to date. Lucy Barrow reported that over 70 budget options had now been published and the savings identified were 25 per cent more than what was needed, giving Members and the public a real choice as to where they should be made. She also went on to outline the role of Overview and Scrutiny members in the process.

At the suggestion of the Chair the Committee then considered the 13 budget options relevant to its own remit in turn.

1.  Full Management Restructure

The Chair suggested that the Committee note the report and await further information in due course.

2.  Staff Terms and Conditions

Members asked if a HR analysis could be provided as to the level of impact on staff and services which would be affected.

Chris Hyams, Head of HR & Organisational Development introduced this option. Responding to comments from Members she indicated that the proposal to introduce four days unpaid leave would result in a 1.5% reduction in pay for all non-schools staff. Ms Hyams gave the Committee an example of scales of pay and the amount of reduction per month a person could loose. This proposal would realise a saving if £1.5m per annum. The proposed changes to enhancements would affect approximately 1,200 employees. Regular discussions were taking place with the Trade Unions on these proposals.

When asked about staff who hold more than one job with the Council, Ms Hyams indicated that a number of part time staff had more than one job and that a contract of employment was given for each post held. When asked by Members about transitional pay arrangements. Ms Hyams confirmed that the current transitional pay policy applies to contractual earnings for one year, up to £2,000. Ms Hyams agreed to circulate comparisons of the payment of enhancements in neighbouring authorities.

In relation to car allowances, Ms Hyams indicated that the proposal was to stop paying essential car user allowance and pay a mileage rate at HMRC rates. Studies from other Authorities had shown that this could cause a short disruption.

3.  Procurement

The Chair indicated that a Special meeting of the Council Excellence Overview and Scrutiny Committee could be held to discuss the savings if Members so wished.

4.  Treasury Management

In response to Members, Mr Peter Timmins, Interim Director of Finance agreed to provide a summary explanation of the breakdown of the reported 1.7 million Treasury savings.

5.  Civic Services

Surjit Tour, Acting Director of Law, HR and Asset Management explained the option and indicated that the civic diary for mayoral events would be managed in a more proactive way to ensure that events are used as a learning experience for the forthcoming Mayor/Mayoress.

Members expressed concern and indicated that the public reaction to the mayor attending events had always been well received and they were not in favour  ...  view the full minutes text for item 52.