Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Tony Edwards.

Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any items on the agenda.

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 11 May 2023.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 11 May 2023 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

Any matters arising from the minutes of the previous meeting.

None.

The Sub Committee received a report on a suggested improvement plan for HTS.

RESOLVED that:

A     The focus of activity for HTS during 2023/24 is limited to the delivery of the council’s stated priorities, the delivery of further efficiencies within the business to achieve a balanced budget for 2023/24, the implementation of the action plans set out in Appendix A and Appendix B as well as the identified governance reforms set out in Paragraph 10 of this report.

B     A new basis for a contractual arrangement between HTS and Harlow Council that is focussed on performance and costs is to be agreed by December 2023 for commencement in the new financial year 2024/5.

C     The previously agreed 2022-27 HTS Business Plan is replaced with immediate effect with the improvement action plans in Appendix A and Appendix B and a new Business Plan for HTS for 2024/25 is to be agreed by February 2024 by the relevant governance bodies.

D     The Sub Committee notes the findings and recommendations of the various reviews attached and further notes the progress that has been made to improve service delivery as a result of these reviews.

The Sub Committee received a report on suggested changes to HTS governance arrangements.

RESOLVED that:

A     Approval be given, in principle and subject to further legal advice, to:

i)              Simplify the HTS Group and company structure to achieve one delivery company named HTS Property and Environment with the winding up of all other companies within the HTS Group and associated necessary actions;

ii)             Amend the company’s Articles of Association to allow the ability to restructure the board by appointing external non-executive directors, portfolio holders and/or senior council officers to the board of the company.

B     The Delegation be made to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to:

i)              Commence recruitment processes, as required, to future board membership, except those appointed by Cabinet (Councillor Directors);

ii)             Bring forward the required changes to the company articles as required by law to the next meeting of the Sub Committee.

C     The Delegation be made to the Chief Executive, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, to:

i)              Scope options for future governance arrangements within the council of the company, including considering the role of the Shareholder Sub Committee, with options to be presented to the next meeting of the committee.

ii)              

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.

27 September 2023.

The Sub Committee noted that the next meeting would be held on 27 September 2023.