Issue - meetings

(a)       That the report be noted;

(b)       That Councillor I.B. Roberts be kept informed on progress with the provision of bank services in Flintshire; and

(c)        That any specific information on the tendering of bank services be shared informally with the Audit Committee, noting the option for more formal discussion if required.

The Chair asked that the Committee note the report which provided information on the Council’s banking arrangements following recent branch closures and initial proposals for the tender exercise to be carried out in 2014.

Councillor I.B. Roberts said it was disappointing that bank branch closures had only come to light following complaints made by schools and that alternative arrangements had been made in response to his raising the matter with the Director of Lifelong Learning and Head of Finance.  He felt that any variation in branch presence in Flintshire should be included in tender documentation to encourage banks to provide viable services for the area.  He added that reliance on bank branches was outdated and suggested that the use of Post Offices could be explored as an alternative accessible option.

The Head of Finance advised that the Finance Manager (Strategy & Technical) would be leading a team to undertake work on the bank tender exercise and that within the Council and in banking methods in general there had been many changes since the service had been last tendered.  She agreed that processes should be leaner and more modern and that a review of the approach was being addressed.  Councillor Roberts asked to be kept informed of progress.

Following a suggestion by the Chair that Councillor Roberts be involved in discussions with officers, the Chief Executive said that any specific information would be shared informally with the Committee, with the option for more formal discussion if it was required.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the report be noted;

(b)       That Councillor I.B. Roberts be kept informed on progress with the provision of bank services in Flintshire; and

(c)        That any specific information on the tendering of bank services be shared informally with the Audit Committee, noting the option for more formal discussion if required.