Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environment, Communities and Partnerships) meeting held on 7th September 2023.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 7th September 2023 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.

No declarations were received.

a)   The Panel are to receive and comment on the Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme and current Notice of Key Executive Decisions.

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 and the current Notice of Key Executive Decisions which had been prepared by the Executive Leader for the period 1st October 2023 to 31st January 2024 was noted.

The Overview and Scrutiny Panel is asked to consider and comment on the approach set out in the report.

Executive Councillor: B Pitt

By means of a report and presentation by the Interim Corporate Director (People) (copies of which were appended in the Minute Book), the Support to the Financially Vulnerable Report was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Kerr observed that the positive difference in the community is already noticeable and praised the good work undertaken so far.

Following a question from Councillor Cawley, the Panel heard that a case management approach was being taken to ensure best practice with partners to develop a pathway in place of referrals. It was further advised that the challenge was not underestimated but that by being engaged with partners it was possible to move forward together for the benefit of residents.

In response to a question from Councillor Alban on bed blocking, the Panel were advised that by working with partners in health, it is possible to manage the realisation of an ageing population within the district by building in success instead of responding to failure. The work being undertaken ensures that the Council are shaping this agenda and leading the conversation. 

The Panel were further advised that the Council were supporting partners to ensure they have everything needed to support residents. 

Following a question from Councillor Bywater, the Panel heard that spending was on track and that outcomes would be monitored and reported on in due course. The Panel were further assured that the providers had been appointed across the district to ensure that the outcomes were deliverable to all residents and that community groups were being supported to enable self sufficiency in the long term with clear deliverables.

In response to a question from Councillor Hunt, the Panel heard that contacts were being developed and opportunities maximised to the benefit of local communities and providing the best support for local residents.

The Panel were supportive of the work undertaken to date and shared best practice examples from their local communities.