Rhondda Cynon Taf Council - Scrutiny Blog

The Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee resumed its meetings virtually, in October 2020 when it considered its forward work programme, Treasury Management arrangements, the annual revenue budget consultation process as well as the Council’s budget proposals.

Throughout the pandemic we have continued to maintain our rigorous challenge of the Council’s budget proposals and expenditure and scrutiny of Council performance. The quarterly reports require a good wealth of knowledge and understanding from the scrutiny members about matters such as revenue and capital budget performance and Treasury Management prudential indicators and that is why every year we receive training to ensure we are able to undertake scrutiny of these reports to the best of our abilities. We have continued to respond to a realistic programme of scrutiny activity which allowed for the more pressing matters to be considered whilst having the flexibility to respond to emerging issues.

The Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee has always kept a watching brief on the Community Infrastructure Levy ('CIL') and we have helped shape its components by undertaking pre scrutiny in October 2020. We have maintained our level of understanding with regards to CIL and training for our scrutiny committee has been paramount in order to keep abreast of and assist the Council to continue to operate a Community Infrastructure Levy in accordance with the statutory regulations.

Earlier in the year, we asked for evidence of how the Council engages with its residents regarding the Budget consultation, particularly as the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it a unique set of circumstances for engagement and consultation. We welcomed the two phased approach which included an online consultation with an online budget simulator.  Through the use of social media we engaged with residents as well as providing alternative means of engagement for those having reduced or no access to the Internet, recognising those who prefer to engage through traditional methods.

The Finance & Performance Scrutiny Committee has carefully considered topics of great importance to produce valuable recommendations and outcomes for this Municipal Year which have been reflected in the Overview & Scrutiny Annual Report 2020/21.