Apologies for absence were received on behalf of Councillors Fry and Simmons.

In the absence of Councillor Fry, Councillor Munkonge was appointed as Chair for this meeting only.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 December 2018.

The minutes of the previous meeting held on 12 December 2018 were agreed as an accurate record.

Please note that Appendix 3 of the Quarter 3 Performance Report and the Oxford Direct Services Business Plan are exempt from publication under the terms of Paragraph 3, Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.  Accordingly, to consider this item, the Panel will be required to pass a resolution “That members of the public be excluded from the meeting on the grounds that their presence would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information.”

The Panel resolved to move into private session on the grounds that the presence of the public would involve the likely disclosure of exempt information in accordance with Paragraph 3, Part 1 of Schedule 12a of the Local Government Act 1972. A summary of the discussion is provided below for the benefit of the public.

To consider the Quarter 3 Performance Report for Oxford Direct Services. This report will go to the Shareholder on 7 March 2019.

Simon Howick, Managing Director of Oxford Direct Service (ODS), and Tim Sadler, Chair of ODS, gave an overview of the reasons for establishing the Company.

Simon explained that ODS continues to perform well against its key performance indicators, and continued to build its capacity. During discussion, it was emphasised that any profit from the Company would be returned to the Council through a dividend for reinvestment in Council services. In the past year, there had been a particular focus on improving health and safety management and understanding customer satisfaction.

The Panel discussed the customer satisfaction scores in relation to public toilets (an average of 2.74 out of 5). The Panel agreed that the condition of public toilets could be better in the City Centre. However, it was highlighted that these spaces can be a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, which presented challenges for cleanliness and public safety in some circumstances. Discussions were ongoing about how these facilities could be better managed.

The Panel discussed how a shortage of building labourers nationally might affect ODS. It was explained that the Company had ambitions of increasing its throughput of apprentices to help grow and retail their own workforce. There was evidence to suggest that development and retail jobs in Bicester were drawing some people away from working in the City.

In response to questions, it was explained that parking income would not be used as a performance indicator, given that the ambitions of the Council were more aligned to promoting alternative and more sustainable transport options to personal car use. A discussion took place on pricing, and it was clarified that ODS would continue to demonstrate good value, as the Council (the sole Shareholder of the Company) must comply with its best value duties. The Head of Financial Services, Nigel Kennedy, said that various check and balance functions were undertaken in this regard.

The Panel discussed the reasons for slippage in the Seacourt Park and Ride extension, which were expressed to be principally because of delays in receiving planning permission, the complex design due to the flood plain and the new flood relief channel.

Councillor Fry had submitted a number of questions in advance of the meeting. A summary of the responses is set out below.

Aled Bath, ODS Finance Director, said that key targets in the pipeline in the past had been optimistic, and there was now a target of 40% slippage on major projects. The establishment of the Council’s project management office was expected to help with reducing slippage. The mix of revenue income was 78% City Council, 2% County Council and 17% external clients. There was still more work to be done on phasing income throughout the year, as a higher level of income was expected in the final quarter. Income from vehicle auctions, for example, would not be used to provide a sustainable income in future years.

There had been an increase in tipping charges. This was because more recyclable waste was being generated, which had come at a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 56.

Tim Sadler provided the Panel with a brief update on progress with the revised Business Plan. An additional Shareholder meeting would need to be held at the end of March 2019 to consider a report. The Panel asked that they be updated accordingly.

To note the dates of future meetings, which will be held at 6pm:

17 April 2019

3 July 2019

23 July 2019

17 October 2019

19 November 2019

The Panel noted the dates of future meetings, set out below:

·       17 April 2019 (Oxford City Housing Group Scrutiny)

·       3 July 2019 (Oxford Direct Services Scrutiny)

·       23 July 2019 (Oxford City Housing Group Scrutiny)

·       17 October 2019 (Oxford City Housing Group Scrutiny)

·       19 November 2019 (Oxford Direct Services Scrutiny)