Venue: THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, PATHFINDER HOUSE, ST MARY'S STREET, HUNTINGDON PE29 3TN
Contact: Mr A Roberts Democratic Services, Tel 01480 388009 / email Anthony.Roberts@huntsdc.gov.uk
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To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 3rd October 2006.
2 Minutes. Contact: A Roberts 388009 Minutes: The Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 3rd October 2006 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman. |
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MEMBERS' INTERESTS To receive from Members declarations as to personal and/or prejudicial interests and the nature of those interests in relation to any Agenda item. Please see Notes 1 and 2 below.
2 Minutes. Minutes: No declarations were received. |
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LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACT 2000 - FORWARD PLAN A copy of the current Forward Plan, which was published on 18th October 2006, is attached. Members are invited to note the Plan and to comment as appropriate on any items contained therein.
15 Minutes. Contact: R Reeves 388003 Minutes: The Panel considered the current Forward Plan of Key Decisions (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which had been prepared by the Leader for the period 1st November 2006 to 28th February 2007. Members noted that the Environment Strategy would be submitted to the Panel’s meeting in January 2007. Following a question by Councillor D A Giles, Members were informed that the 2007/08 Budget and MTP would be considered by the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Corporate and Strategic Framework) the following week. |
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STUDIES |
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To consider a report by the Head of Administration on the programme of studies.
40 Minutes. Contact: A Roberts 388009 Additional documents:
Minutes: With the aid of a report by the Head of Administration (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel reviewed its programme of studies. Having been reminded of their remit, Members discussed various potential study areas. The following suggestions for studies were made –
¨ parking policies and enforcement and, in particular, parking permits; ¨ the Council’s plans in terms of tourism and of the sports infrastructure in preparation for the 2012 Olympics; ¨ the promotion of services provided for improved home energy efficiency; ¨ the benefits of the Council’s Leisure Centres to the Council and the District including an overview of their costs; ¨ the processes involved in applying for community development grant aid and the effectiveness of grant schemes; ¨ the processes and procedures involved with the adoption of roads and sewers in order to provide clarity and improve the speed of adoption; ¨ work undertaken by the Council with providing support for vulnerable people; ¨ the role and effectiveness of the East of England Regional Assembly; and ¨ joint working between the three tiers of local government and the implications of the recently published Local Government White Paper in this respect.
Following a suggestion by Councillor J S Watt that a study be undertaken on the Council’s policy on the distribution of affordable housing in large developments, it was agreed to refer this suggestion to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Service Support). With regard to a further suggestion that a study be undertaken on public conveniences, it was agreed to provide Members with an update on progress in this area, following the recent review. In the context of concerns expressed by Councillor J D Ablewhite over the sustainability of the District’s markets, it was agreed to re-visit the previous presentation in this area and the conclusions drawn in order to establish whether a further study was required. Having concurred with a suggestion by Councillor P G Mitchell that, in the course of studies, their effects on the budgets should at all times be taken into account, a further report was requested on the programme of studies in light of the suggestions made.
In considering a summary of action taken in response to recent discussions and decisions by the Panel, Members commented on the need to publicise the current glass recycling arrangements in order to reduce the amount of glass sent to landfill. In response to a question by Councillor J E Garner, the Central Services Manager informed the Panel of measures adopted by the Council to ensure that residents only recycled appropriate materials. |
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SCRUTINY - DISABILITY ACCESS To consider a report by the Head of Administration containing proposals for a study on access for those with disabilities.
30 Minutes. Contact: A Roberts 388009 Additional documents: Minutes: By means of a report by the Head of Administration (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel considered the scope of a study on access for those with disabilities to premises, facilities and other sites in the District, excluding those provided by the District Council. Having noted that a draft Disability Equality Scheme would be submitted to the next meeting, Members discussed parking on pavements, the installation of dropped kerbs and access to buses as potential areas of investigation. It was agreed that further information should be submitted to a future meeting on the Council’s existing policies in relation to disability equality and access and on research carried out in this area before precise the remit of the study was decided upon. |
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SCRUTINY To scrutinise decisions taken since the last meeting as set out in the Decision Digest (TO FOLLOW) and to raise any other matters for scrutiny that fall within the remit of the Panel.
15 Minutes. Contact: A Roberts 388009 Minutes: In scrutinising the 67th edition of the Digest of Decisions taken by the Cabinet and other Panels etc, Members raised the following queries:
Medium Term Plan – Request for the Release of Funds – following a question by Councillor P G Mitchell, the Central Services Manager undertook to ascertain when and where the funding for play equipment and associated safety surfacing would be undertaken.
Conservation Areas – in response to a question by Councillor D Harty, Councillor P G Mitchell informed the Panel of the material considerations involved in determining applications to extend buildings in conservation areas. Following a further question by Councillor D A Giles, Councillor Mitchell confirmed that, while it was not a statutory requirement, the Council consulted parish councils on conservation area management plans.
Housing and Council Tax Benefits – Councillor J E Garner commented on the additional costs to the Council following the imposition by the Government of targets which had resulted in the appointment of three new members of staff to process housing and council tax benefit claims.
Headquarters and Other Accommodation – In response to a question by Councillor J E Garner, the Central Services Manager provided the Panel with details of recent decisions by the Council regarding the use of consultants in relation to the acquisition of new headquarters and other accommodation.
Cycling in Huntingdonshire – Councillor J S Watt acquainted Members with the outcome of his attendance at a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Service Support) to discuss cycling matters in relation to his Ward. He also undertook to contact the Executive Councillor to discuss his outstanding concerns. |