To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Adam Kent, Ed Potter and Lee Carter. 

To receive the minutes of the Joint Committee meeting held on 28^th September 2021.  To Follow

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 28^th September 2021 be approved as a correct record.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the meeting held on 28^th September 2021 be approved as a correct record.

To receive any question or petitions from the public, notice of which has been given in accordance with Procedure Rule 14.  The deadline for this meeting is 10.00 a.m. on Thursday, 25^th November 2021.

None received.

Members are reminded that they must not participate in the discussion or voting on any matter in which they have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest and should leave the room prior to the commencement of the debate.

None

Due to poor sound quality for remote attendees, there was a short adjournment whilst the meeting moved to The Wilfred Owen Room.

The Director of West Mercia Energy will provide a verbal update in line with the West Mercia Energy Joint Committee Standing Orders.

The Director of West Mercia Energy provided an update on supplier contracts in accordance with Standing Orders, reporting that there had been one new entry into the register since the last meeting. The entry related to the meter operator agreement which had been let in accordance with clause 3.2 where it is considered that service is satisfactory with current supplier Eon.

Report to Follow

RESOLVED

That the Independent Auditor’s Report be considered and endorsed, with appropriate comment

The Director of West Mercia Energy reported that at the last meeting the External Auditors, W.R. Partners presented their audit finding report, at that time there was a small element of their work which was incomplete before a final audit report could be issued.  The Director was pleased to report that this work had now been completed allowing them to complete their audit report.

RESOLVED

That the Independent Auditor’s Report be considered and endorsed, with appropriate comment

Report of The Director of The West Mercia Energy Joint Committee – Report to Follow

Contact: Nigel Evans (0333101 4353)

RESOLVED:

That the medium and high risks presented be considered and endorsed, with appropriate comment

The Director presented a report which provided a review of the WME Risk Management Strategy.

In response to a question relating to the risks associated with loss of staff, particularly in light of the challenges faced during the pandemic, the Director of West Mercia Energy reported that the absence of staff at the September West Mercia Energy Joint Committee had highlighted this particular risk but it was agreed that this needed more thought about how to mitigate this risk.  The target was to reduce the risk to a lower level. 

The Committee were content that regular briefings were taking place with S151 Officers and key officer groups, to discuss areas of risk management. 

Councillor Harvey stated that as things stood she was not satisfied at the level of risk recorded for risks 1 and 6, outlined in the report and requested that this be recorded in the Minutes, Councillor Harvey added that she may be satisfied as the exempt items were discussed in more detail, later in the agenda.

RESOLVED:

That the medium and high risks presented be considered and endorsed, with appropriate comment

Report of the Treasurer for West Mercia Energy Joint Committee – Report to Follow

Contact: James Walton (01743258915)

RESOLVED:

That the Joint Committee approve the deferral of any distribution of surplus until the next Joint Committee in March.

The Treasurer presented the report which recommended that the distribution of surplus to the Member Authorities be deferred due to exceptional circumstances.  (copy attached to the signed minutes).

RESOLVED:

That the Joint Committee approve the deferral of any distribution of surplus until the next Joint Committee in March.

To consider a resolution under Section 100 (A) of the Local Government Act 1972 that the proceedings in relation to the following items shall not be conducted in public on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined by the provisions of Schedule 12A of the Act.

RESOLVED:

That under Section 100(A)(A4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded during the consideration of the following items of business on the grounds that they might involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Schedule 12(A) of the Act.

To approve the exempt Minutes of the meeting held on 28^th September 2021.  To Follow.

RESOLVED:

That the Exempt Minutes of the meeting held on 28^th September 2021 be approved as a correct record. 

Report of The Director of The West Mercia Energy Joint Committee – Report to Follow

Contact: Nigel Evans (0333101 4353)

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation contained within the exempt report be approved.

The Director presented an exempt report (copy attached to the signed exempt minutes), which provided an update on the West Mercia Energy Annual Business Plan and Trading Performance to Date 2021/22.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation contained within the exempt report be approved.

Report of The Director of The West Mercia Energy Joint Committee – Report to Follow

Contact: Nigel Evans (0333101 4353)

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation contained within the exempt report be approved.

The Director of West Mercia Energy presented the exempt report (copy attached to the singed exempt minutes).  The purpose of the report is to update the Joint Committee on the progress of WME in developing suitable support products and services for customers as they look to achieve their net zero targets.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation contained within the exempt report be approved.

Report of The Director of The West Mercia Energy Joint Committee – Report to Follow

Contact: Nigel Evans (0333101 4353)

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation contained within the exempt report be approved.

The Director presented an exempt report (copy attached to the signed exempt minutes), which presented the updated West Mercia Energy, Energy Governance, Accountability, Risk and Reporting Policy for approval.

RESOLVED:

That the recommendation contained within the exempt report be approved.

The next meeting of the West Mercia Energy Joint Committee will be held on Tuesday, 1^st March 2022 at 10.00 a.m.

It was noted that the next meeting of the West Mercia Energy Joint Committee would take place on Tuesday, 1^st March 2022.