Agenda and minutes

In absence of a Chair and Vice-Chair, Councillor Child was elected as Chair of the Scrutiny Committee for this meeting.

Councillor Child in the Chair.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Evans.

(At 6:33pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillor Wilkinson entered the meeting.)

To approve the minutes of the previous meeting held on 5 October 2021.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 5 October 2021 were approved.

Following a query regarding information on allotments, it was confirmed that a report on the topic would be presented to the Committee.

Members to declare any interest as appropriate in respect of items to be considered at this meeting.

No declarations of interest were received.

The annual presentation of the Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, Councillor Freer, is to be presented to the Committee.

The Portfolio Holder for Climate, Access and Engagement, Councillor Alison Freer, presented to the Committee. In doing so she outlined the priorities, identified challenges and highlighted successes. The Portfolio Holder covered the following areas: IEG4 update, new website, climate change, environmental health, Parish Council Liaison and the BID.

In response to a question in relation to future cemetery provision, Members were informed that there is currently limited provision however, as there had been a shift in the number of people getting cremated as opposed to buried, the lifespan of the cemetery has been increased.

A query was raised in relation to the number of taxi drivers operating within the Borough. The Committee was informed that the Council has undertaken a Taxi Fare Review and considered whether taxi fees should be amended but that a balance needs to be found between demand and supply.

In response to a question on why there isn’t regular equalities training for Members, the Committee was informed that the Leisure, Culture and People Manager would liaise with the Democratic Services Manager in order to arrange equalities training for Members.

A discussion on climate change ensued and the Committee were informed that there will be an all-Member briefing on the topic where all the work the Council is undertaking will be presented in greater detail. Following the revelation that there is no strategy, action plan or budget, the Committee decided that the matter needed to be referred to the Audit and Standards Committee.

The Committee agreed that it was positive to see the website improvements.

A commitment was made to provide Members with answers to the following:

·       The budget for Community Grants for the periods 2020/21 and 2021/22.

·       What assistance the Council provides farmers following Brexit.

·       Whether the reception area will continue to have a computer so that residents, particularly those without home internet connection, are able to self service their enquiries.

(At 7:19pm, after the consideration of this item, Councillor Freer left the meeting and did not return.)

To consider the attached Forward Plan and identify any relevant items for inclusion in the Scrutiny Work Programme, or to request further information.

The Chair introduced the Cabinet Forward Plan and invited Members for comments.

(At 7:21pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillor Smith left the meeting.)

Members are to review and comment upon the attached Scrutiny Work Programme 2021/22.

The Committee agreed to add the topic ‘budget scrutiny’ to the work programme. Members agreed that a workshop will take place on 14 December at 6pm. It was explained that the Council are facing financial challenges and are required to make difficult budgetary decisions. The Chair confirmed that he would meet with the Director for Corporate Services prior to the workshop in order to establish a scope. In addition to the Chair, Councillors Chandler, Douglas, Evans, Holmes and Smith agreed to participate.

Members agreed to add the topic ‘Housing Revenue Account Business Plan’ to the work programme. It was noted that a workshop on the topic would take place in either December or January.

The Committee agreed that the topic ‘Lifeline’ would be added to the work programme. The Members were informed that there would be a workshop and that it is expected to take place in January.

It was agreed that the topic ‘Waste Strategy’ would be added to the work programme.

(At 7:22pm, during the consideration of this item, Councillor Smith entered the meeting.)

The Annual Equalities Report is to be presented to the Committee.

The Leisure, Culture and People Manager introduced the report. It was confirmed that the report would be presented to Council in December. The Committee was informed that the Council is making progress in several areas which are outlined within the report.

Following a question, it was confirmed that the legislation outlines nine protected characteristics and the Council assesses those as part of the equality impact assessments.

To consider any other items that the Chair considers urgent

There was no urgent business.