Agenda and minutes

Councillor Tammy Bisset.

RESOLVED:

That the minutes of the above meeting, having been circulated, be approved as a correct record.

None.

Report of the Elections and Members’’ Services Officer.

Councillors Clarke and Payne attended the committee to answer a range of questions, itemised below, that Members had submitted in advance of the meeting.

Questions addressed to Councillor Clarke

       I.       Could you please provide the committee with a breakdown of the budget for the construction and enhancement of Gedling Country Park?

Councillor Clarke provided an overview of current developments taking place, and a breakdown of current expenditure for Gedling Country Park.  He outlined how the park had evolved from the former Gedling Colliery into a 240 acre public recreational green space. The park was brought about in 2013/14 when the authority signed a lease with the Harworth Estates (the land owners) to develop the site. Since February 2014 major developments have included the installation of new footpaths, making safe the old colliery drainage works and manholes, installation of boundary fencing and engineering works to maintain the main header wall on the Ouse Dyke, enabling efficient drainage of the site.  A new access road and car park for Spring Lane completed the development for public access.  A new temporary toilet block will be sited next to the car park on Spring Lane and in August/September a new children’s play facility will be installed.  Councillor Clarke explained that the funding for the park was provided through a range of sources, the Homes and Communities Agency, Growth Point Funding, Public Realms Funding from Gedling Homes and Section 106 Open Space Funding from local developers. The breakdown for the budget is:

Members requested information regarding the catering facilities and the visitor centre. Some of this information is commercially sensitive and still under consultation, Members were informed that the visitor centre would be fully accessible by the people with a disability.  It is hoped that in the future there will be a contribution from the Heritage Lottery towards some of the initiatives in the park.

   II.             What progress has been made on the combined authority bid?

Initially 19 authorities were working together to take forward this bid.  Since developing the bid a number of authorities have withdrawn. Erewash Borough and Amber Valley District are now uncertain about the bid, Bassetlaw District Council are looking towards inclusion in a deal in the Sheffield region.   It is envisaged that there are now 13 authorities to take the bid forward.

    III.       Could you outline the benefits of having Gedling Borough Council Members who are also County Councillors?

Councillor Clark told Members that it gave Gedling Borough influence when decisions were taken by the County Council that affected the borough.  It enables Gedling Members, on the County Council, to get to know what is happening that could  ...  view the full minutes text for item 122.

Report of the Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services.

The Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services,  Helen Barrington, informed the committee of the position against improvement for the action and performance indicators for the 2015/2016 Gedling Plan, which were discussed by Cabinet on the 16^th June.

She observed that the Performance figures are just part of a range of mechanisms used to judge how well the Council is performing.  Complaints and compliments received are also considered, from which numbers and trends are identified, 2015/16 there were fewer complaints, and an increase in compliments.  Information gathered in the yearly Gedling Conversation and the Gedling Satisfaction Survey is also analysed, this year comments were generally positive.  One area highlighted to be of particular concern is the decrease in satisfaction with street cleansing.  This had a target of 75% but only reached 57%; there has been no decrease in street cleaning processes or timetable.  However, the County Council has cutback grass mowing and weeding, which will have a detrimental effect on the appearance neighbourhoods, and it may be this is what has led to the decrease in satisfaction    The Staff Satisfaction Survey was also positive, apart from issues relating to pay, staff felt they had clear objectives and knew what they were expected to do.  78% of staff members felt they could make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Year-end performance figures include 20 indicators were on target, 16 were above target, 7 were slightly behind and 16 missed the target.  Any actions not met will be carried over to this year.  Areas of real concern include processing of planning applications, housing availability, fly tipping and visits to leisure centres.  Members raised the following issues:

 I.    The need to raise awareness of what Gedling Borough is responsible for, particularly in relation to the reduction in grass cutting on highways

II.    Non removal of bins after collection day also seen affects the appearance of roads.  There has recently been new legislation passed, whereby a fixed penalty notice can be issued.

III.    Recycling of household waste.  Members were reminded that the authority only collects waste, the disposal is the responsibility of the County Council, and that the contract does not allow for a widening of the variety of items that can be recycled.  Members requested a visit to the recycling plant is arranged.

IV.    The challenges presented by the time scales for the processing of planning applications were also discussed.

RESOLVED:

To note the report.

Report of the Elections and Members’ Services Officer

Councillor Call for Action

Members were updated on the progress of the Councillor Call for Action. 

Scrutiny Reviews 2014/15

Transport Links to and Within Gedling Borough

Members noted the update from the Youth Council.

Scrutiny Reviews 2015/16

The Bonington Theatre

Members were provided with a response to the recommendations arising from the report.  Andy Hardy, Service Manager Leisure and David Popple, Theatre Manager attended the meeting to discuss the recommendations.

The Obesity Review

The final report and recommendations were discussed and it was agreed that the report would be submitted to the August Cabinet.

Scrutiny work programme

The continuation of the rolling programme of attendance by Portfolio Holders was discussed and it was agreed that this should continue.  Suggestions for review were requested.  It was decided that it was too early to examine the implications of the withdrawal from the EU, but this could be considered for review at a later date.  It was agreed that the wider membership should also be able to make suggestions; these will be considered at the September meeting.

RESOLVED:

      I.        To note the information from the Youth Council regarding the Transport Links to and Within Gedling Borough

    II.        To note the Cabinet response to the Bonington Theatre scrutiny working group recommendations

   III.        To agree the Obesity Working Group Report

  IV.        To take forward a rolling programme of holding portfolio holders to account, as part of the scrutiny work programme 2016/17.

   V.        To contact the wider membership of the council to request suggestions for review.

None.