Agenda and minutes

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Evans.

(At 6:31pm, Councillor Wilkinson entered the meeting.)

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

A personal interest in respect of Councillor Posnett was noted as being on record for any matters which related to Leicestershire County Council.

The annual presentation of the Portfolio Holder for People and Communities (Deputy Leader), Councillor Graham, is to be presented to the Committee.

The Portfolio Holder for People and Communities (Deputy Leader), Councillor Malise Graham, presented to the Committee. In doing so he summarised the progress that had been made in the portfolio and focused on the following elements of the portfolio: safer communities; supporting communities; supporting vulnerable people; armed forces covenant and health, wellbeing and physical activity.

Following a comment from Members to say that crime is an issue in rural areas, Councillor Graham reiterated the collaborations and strategic partnerships the Council has in place to prevent crime including: Safer Melton Partnership, Countywide Community Safety Partnership, Strategic Rural Policing Board and Action Melton Youth Group. In addition to this it was confirmed that the Council has good relations with local Police colleagues.

A Member raised a query regarding the allocation of housing for local residents, particularly in rural areas. In response it was noted that the local criteria element of the Allocation Policy had been tightened but that allocations was under the remit of the tenancy team.

Members were appraised of the welcome event for Ukrainian refugees that took place on 24 May. The event was a joint event run by Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council. The Committee welcomed the event and thought that the refugees would benefit immensely from it.

Following a discussion regarding case management, Members confirmed that Scrutiny would welcome receiving case management outcomes.

A discussion on the Covid Memorial Garden ensued and Members stated that sufficient funding should be allocated for the maintenance of the garden.

Health, wellbeing and physical activity was discussed and the Committee was informed that Sport and Leisure Management Limited had been instructed to produce the Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy. In response to a Member asking whether orienteering for children had been considered for inclusion, it was confirmed that the idea hadn’t previously been considered but would be as a result of it being raised.

At the conclusion of the presentation, the Committee thanked the Councillor Graham for his attendance and presentation.

The Scrutiny Annual Report 2021/22 is to be presented to the Committee.

The Senior Democratic Services and Scrutiny Officer introduced the Scrutiny Annual Report 2021/22. In doing so, it was explained that there have been reports and Portfolio Holder presentations considered at Committee meetings as well as task and finish groups, reviews and workshops.

Members were informed that the result of the work carried out by the Scrutiny Committee had been the production of recommendations and the submission of comments for Cabinet consideration. Over the course of the year the function of Scrutiny had developed a more collaborative and partnership role with the Executive, as Members seize upon the opportunity of getting involved at a developmental stage of policy development. This was evidenced by Scrutiny’s involvement in the Housing Revenue Account Business Plan, the Town Centre Masterplan and the Asset Development Plan via workshops.

RESOLVED

That the Scrutiny Committee

1)    Approved the Scrutiny Annual Report 2021/22, and

2)    Recommended that the report is submitted to Council.