Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance and Growth) meeting held on 4th March 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 4th March 2026 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive from Members declarations as to disclosable pecuniary and other interests in relation to any Agenda item.

The Deputy Chief Executive addressed the Panel in relation to an email circulated in advance of the meeting concerning the Great Ouse Valley Trust item on the Agenda.

By a show of hands, it was confirmed that all Members of the Panel had received the correspondence. Members were reminded that receipt of the email did not preclude their participation in the discussion; however, any Member who felt unable to consider the matter with an open mind was required to declare this at that time.

a) The Panel are to receive the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme and the notices of Key Executive decisions  1st April 2026 to 31st July 2026

b) Members to discuss future planning of items for the Work Programme

With the aid of a report by the Democratic Services Officer (Scrutiny) (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Jennings expressed disappointment that the Parking Strategy Review was not yet available, noting that the Panel had previously been advised that the report would be presented to the Committee in Spring 2026.

The committee is requested to consider the contents of this report and provide comments on the New Housing Strategy and Action Plan.

By means of a report by the Head of Economy, Regeneration & Housing Delivery. (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Economic Growth Strategy Report was presented to the Panel.

Concerns were expressed regarding the implications for rural areas. While acknowledging and supporting the points set out in paragraph 7.215 of the report, attention was drawn to the limited availability of local services and transport links in such communities. It was noted that access to essential services, such as GP appointments, often requires the use of a private vehicle, which can be costly to maintain. The rationale for granting planning permission for affordable housing in rural locations was questioned and it was requested that these considerations be fully reflected and addressed within the development of the new Strategy.

The Panel agreed with the points raised and it was emphasised the importance of ensuring that, when developing a housing strategy, proposed sites are appropriate, accessible, and well?served by local amenities. She stressed that such considerations should be approached at a strategic level. Councillor Tevlin further highlighted the need to prioritise locations with adequate infrastructure and to ensure that community engagement forms a key part of the decision?making process.

The Panel was advised that the question raised related to planning decisions, which do not form part of the Council’s strategic approach to housing. It was acknowledged that a wide range of factors are considered when determining planning applications. The Panel was reminded that the purpose of the policy is to outline the identified needs and challenges which will be incorporated in the Local Plan review.

It was noted that a significant number of housing schemes delivered within rural communities are brought forward under the Rural Exception Policy, as set out in the current Local Plan. Members were advised that such schemes are typically supported by Parish Councils, informed by the housing needs assessments undertaken through the Council’s partnership work with Cambridgeshire ACRE. It was emphasised that the Policy requires clear evidence of local housing need before any Rural Exception Site can be granted permission.

Support for the report was expressed by the Panel. They asked whether the proposed actions could be further developed to provide greater clarity and requested a more detailed explanation of the strategy and its implementation.

It was noted that Officers would be happy to provide Members with further detail on how the Team operates and how specific actions are delivered, should Members require it. Officers also advised that they anticipate the Strategy may be reviewed and refreshed by a future Administration. The structure of the current document was designed intentionally to allow for future development and expansion.

It was noted that several recent legislative changes will inform a number of key service?specific actions that the Council intends to deliver over the next year.

Concerns were raised regarding the projected increase in residents with mobility issues and dementia, noting that the report did not indicate a corresponding rise in the provision of M4(3)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68.

The Overview & Scrutiny Panel is invited to consider and comment on the Report.

By means of a report by the Place and Climate Lead  (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Great Ouse Valley Trust Report was presented to the Panel.

Confusion was expressed regarding the Council’s position in not supporting the proposal. It was questioned why Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) had been cited as a reason, noting that the Panel had previously been advised LGR should not prevent the Council from committing to future projects.

The Panel was advised that the Council’s position is not negative but appropriately cautious. The report has highlighted several new risks that must be fully considered. It was further noted that the external environment is evolving rapidly, which presents an additional challenge. The Council expressed a desire to undertake further work on potential partnerships, as there are other organisations interested in collaborating who may be better placed to deliver elements of the work. Attempting to deliver the project solely in?house would expose the Council to significant risk. The Council emphasised that it is not giving a definitive “no”; rather, it is considering the available options, including what can be delivered internally and where partnership working may be appropriate. It was also noted that this proposal emerged after the budget?setting process and would therefore currently represent an unfunded pressure.

The Panel agreed with a partnership approach and urged the Council to remain part of the conversation.

Councillor Martin expressed his support for the outcome and agreed that, yes he wants to support the Great Ouse Valley Trust but feels there are alternative ways to do that, especially with elections and LGR coming up. He put forward 3 recommendations for Cabinet to consider; these were:

·  To recommend to Cabinet recommendations 5 A and B as per the published report and;

·  To recommend to Cabinet an additional recommendation that the item and future working with the Great Ouse Valley Trust noted as a potential item for the future Administration of the Council to consider, post the May elections.

It was originally suggested that the above could be by way of a Task & Finish Group; but following advice from the Deputy Chief Executive, it was agreed that the route for consideration was best left for the new Administration to determine.

The Committee expressed further support for the points raised and advised that, should the Council become involved in the future, appropriate budget provision should be made and residents should be consulted

Councillor Gleadow asked for confirmation relating to the specific wording for the new recommendations to Cabinet.

Councillor Gardener seconded the recommendations raised by Councillor Martin.

The Panel re-heard the Recommendations including the additional  Recommendation and a vote is called. 7 Members are For, 0 Against and 2 Abstainers.

Following the discussion, the Panel were informed that their comments would be added to the Cabinet report in order for Cabinet to make a decision upon the recommendations within the report, and additionally, the Panel request that the Cabinet consider adding the following recommendation to their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 69.