The functions within the remit of the Policy, Finance and Resources Committee include all financial matters relating to the budget, (and for the avoidance of doubt, being the superior Committee on all such matters including capital, revenue and the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) except where the law otherwise requires), and, without prejudice to the generality of this, include the specific functions which are set out below.

Policy

To undertake and discharge any functions in relation to strategic policies including periodic reviews of the policy framework adopted by full Council from time to time except where required by law to be undertaken elsewhere

Finance

a)    Financial Services

b)    Contracts, commissioning, procurement

c)    Legal services

d)    Health and safety at work (in so far as it relates to the Council as an employer)

e)    Corporate communications and media protocols

f)     Corporate and Democratic services

g)    Member Development

h)    Data quality

i)      Human resources

j)      Information Communication Technology

k)    Revenues and Benefits 

l)      Customer Services

m)  Assets (strategically)

Overall responsibility for monitoring Council performance.

To formulate and develop relevant corporate policy documents and strategies including the Corporate Plan.

To formulate the  budget proposals in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework, including capital and revenue spending, and the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan (including rent setting for Council homes), in accordance with the Council’s priorities and make recommendations to Council  for approval.

To formulate the Council’s Borrowing and Investment Strategy and make recommendations to Council for approval.

To take decisions on spending within the annual budget to ensure delivery of the Council’s priorities.

To approve the making of a virement or payment from the Council’s reserves with a maximum value of £200,000.

To approve the write-off of any outstanding debt owed to the council above the delegated limit of £5,000.

To determine capital grant applications.

To make recommendations on the allocation and use of resources to achieve the Council’s priorities.

To manage and monitor the Council approved budgets.

To provide the lead on partnership working including the joint delivery of services.

To consider any staffing matters that are not delegated to Officers, such as proposals that are not contained within existing budgetary provision.

To strategically manage any lands or property of the Council and provide strategic property advice relating to the Council’s Housing Stock and without prejudice to the generality of this, to specifically undertake the following:-

The Council’s Asset Management Plan

a)    The acquisition and disposal of land and property and taking of leases, licenses, dedications and easements.

b)    The granting variation renewal review management and termination of leases licenses dedications and easements.

c)    Promoting the use of Council owned assets by the local community and other interested parties.

d)    To manage any lands or property of the Council.

e)    To include properties within the Council's Asset Management Portfolio including Halls etc.

f)     To take a strategic approach to asset management, ensuring that the use of all of the Council’ s Property assets achieves Value for Money and supports the achievement of the Council’s corporate priorities.

g)    To review the Corporate Asset Management Plan annually.

h)    The acquisition of land in advance of requirements for the benefit, improvement or development of the Borough.

i)      Disposal of land (including by lease) surplus to the requirements of any Panel or Committee.

j)      Appropriation of land surplus to the requirements of a committee.

k)    Promote the use of Council owned assets by the local community and other interested parties where appropriate.

l)      Property and asset management, including acquisitions and disposals not included in the approved Asset Management Plan.

m)  To take a strategic approach to commercial activity, both existing and new, ensuring the Council realises revenue generation opportunities and supports the achievement of the Council’s corporate priorities.

n)    Promoting a culture of entrepreneurialism and building the required skills and capacity.

o)    To consider, and approve, business cases and commercial business plans for commercial activity.