Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Fox, Paling and Parr. Councillor Collis attended as substitute.

RESOLVED:

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

None.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

The Committee welcomed Councillor Peter Barnes to discuss matters relating to his Environment Portfolio.

Dave Wakelin, Director of Health and Community Wellbeing gave an overview of the services that come within the remit of the portfolio. A detailed document answering questions asked by committee members in advance was circulated to the meeting and is produced in full below:

Report of the Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services.      

The Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services introduced a report, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting, summarising performance as at the end of Quarter 1 of the financial year.

Particularly positive news was that Quarter 1 employee sickness had, following a spike, decreased during the quarter. Development of affordable homes in the Borough and leisure centre footfall also exceeded target for the period. A number of indicators had missed target for the period, although officers were not concerned about this at this early point in the reporting year.

In response to a question, a number of measures to combat short term sickness absence among staff were in place including regular case conferences with managers and a reworked absence management policy.

The Chair commented that crime levels remained of concern for members and it was hoped to explore this further when Councillor Ellis attends the next meeting of the Committee. A number of issues were discussed including how crimes are recorded and the apparent non-availability of crime information at ward level. Members discussed the possibility of including the effect of crime on young people as a potential line of inquiry for the upcoming younger persons working group.

In response to a question about the improvement plan for Haywood Road Community centre, the Director advised that she would look into this outside of the meeting and report back directly to Councillors Collis and Feeney.

RESOLVED:

To note the progress against actions and performance indicators in the 2018/2019 Gedling Plan as at the end of Quarter 1.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

Members received information about items on the current work programme as follows:

Obesity Scrutiny Working Group

An update on the Obesity working group, which reported in June 2016, was summarised by the Director of Health and Community Wellbeing and Members noted its content. Frustratingly members noted that the report lacked information about the measurable impact of the advice given.

Following discussion it was decided to invite Changepoint to a future committee meeting so that members could understand what was on offer for residents in terms of healthy lifestyle promotions and events.

Fly tipping

Members noted the information supplied by the Service Manager for Public Protection in terms of the level and frequency of fly tipping incidents. Members asked whether there was anything more that could be done to combat the issue on Commercial land and whether the Council’s powers or influence could be used to make a positive difference.

Scrutiny Working Groups

There were currently two working groups running and members were encouraged to put themselves forward to contribute to the work of the groups. In particular additional members were needed to take part in the Young Persons Group. A group on recycling and waste was also in progress. Members were reminded of the following meetings:

Young person’s group – 24 October, 5:30 pm

Waste and recycling – 1 October, 5:00 pm

Councillors Barnes and Greensmith commented that they would like to be involved in the younger person’s group and a request for further volunteers would be sent out to all Councillors.

RESOLVED to note the:

1)    Information regarding the Obesity Working group follow up report;

2)    Information on fly tipping; and

3)    Position regarding ongoing Scrutiny Working Groups.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

Members considered a report, which had been circulated in advance of the meeting, which included information on items referred to the Chair as required by the Constitution.

None.