Agenda and minutes

Councillor Helen Greensmith.

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 Wheeler to discuss matters relating to his Health and Wellbeing Portfolio.  David Wakelin, Director of Health and Community Wellbeing, also attended the meeting.

The Gedling Borough Health and Wellbeing Delivery Plan was circulated at the meeting.

Councillor Wheeler gave a presentation that answered questions received in advance of the meeting.

He informed Members about the main priorities of the Health and Wellbeing Board and Delivery Plan and outlined the Council’s intended approach to enable a community centred health and wellbeing approach designed to improve community outcomes.  The Health and Wellbeing Board has established the Nottinghamshire Healthy Sustainable Places Working Group which brings together the Public Health function at Notts. County Council and representatives from the seven district councils.  The group is rolling out a Physical Activity Insight and Data Capture model across the county which will provide a data pack of physical activity and health inequality data,  presenting an opportunity for a   ‘deep dive’ of data capture of local need.  Work will commence in Gedling next month and external funding has been attracted to the borough to deliver this model.  The group has established a time limited programme to focus on the local Food Environment.  Work will include exploring the development of a County Food Charter, and mapping of local assets. As part of this programme Notts. County Council Public Health has allocated £10,000 to plan the most suitable work priorities for Gedling. There are a number of priorities including tackling food poverty, diet related ill health and access to affordable healthy food.

The Group also jointly supported a Notts. County Council expression of interest for the county to become a Government funded Childhood Obesity Trailblazer.  A Wellbeing Approach Handbook is also being developed which aims to bring together three existing initiatives, make Every Contact Count, The Declaration of Tobacco Control and Wellbeing@Work workplace health scheme.

It was explained that health inequality relates to the poorer health and wellbeing outcomes that exist in some communities compared to others. This can result in more incidences of hospital admissions, long-term diseases and conditions often resulting in shorter life expectancy. The adoption of the Gedling Health and Wellbeing Plan and continuing to support health and wellbeing programmes in Killisick, Netherfield and Newstead and the Healthy Communities programme in Bestwood Village  are mechanisms to address inequality. The SPRING social prescribing project to support lonely and isolated residents also contributes.

Care Leavers are a priority need.  Gedling Borough accepts under 18 year old care leavers on the Housing Register and grants 100% discount on their Council Tax.  An accommodation offer for children in care means ensuring children are placed and housed in a safe environment.  Accommodation must take into account safeguarding concerns, school SEND needs, education and training plus family connections.

Nationally, homelessness is increasing largely due to landlords leaving the rental market. To mitigate this there has been an increase of Housing Needs resources with the appointment of two Homelessness Prevention officers.  Landlords, letting agencies and other organisations have been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

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 2 of the financial year.

There has been overall positive performance with 12 of the 77 Gedling Plan actions completed, with those remaining either in progress, deferred or assigned to an officer.  It is expected that all the actions identified for the year will be met.  Out of a total of 34 indicators, 21 were on or above target, 2 slightly below and 8 indicators missed their target.  There was no significant change in performance from Quarter 1.

Quarter 3 information will be available at the end of the month.

The increase in the number of events/shows and the consequential increase in revenue at the Bonington Theatre were highlighted as an area of particularly positive performance. 

Activity to address anti-social behaviour and public concern about knife crime was discussed and Members were informed that although this is an issue significant work has taken place and Gedling has the lowest number of incidents in the Borough.

RESOLVED:

To note the progress against actions and performance indicators in the 2018/2019 Gedling Plan as at the end of Quarter 2.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

INFORMATION UPDATES FROM PREVIOUS COMMITTEES

Reports and Notices received by the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee as required under the Constitution or Law.

Helen Barrington, Director of Organisational Development and Democratic Services attended the Committee and explained to members their role when receiving these reports. It was explained that this is a requirement of the Constitution and, as it was not in other local authorities’ constitutions, may have been included for transparency when Gedling was a hung Council.  As the Constitution is currently under review this may be changed.  During discussion Members agreed that they considered that the inclusion of the report was a mechanism to promote openness of the Council’s business, should continue and that it should include more detailed information in the future.

Additional information requested when Councillor Ellis, Portfolio Holder for Public protection attended.

Members considered the report which provided information relating to domestic violence data and refuge provision in the Borough.  Members again voiced their disappointment at the lack of data at ward level.

COMPLETED SCRUTINY REVIEWS.

·         The Gedling Councillor Standard

·         The Effectiveness of Scrutiny

The six month update on both these reports was discussed.

SCRUTINY WORKING GROUPS

Wellbeing of Young People

The Chair of the working group informed the Committee about progress of the review and that a representative from Public Health Nottinghamshire would be attending the next meeting to discuss mental health services available for young people.  The useful input by the Youth Council members was highlighted.

Household Recycling

Members were informed that the working group had completed its evidence gathering and it was anticipated that the final report and recommendations would be available for the March Committee.

RESOLVED:

1)    To note the information updates from the previous Committee;

2)    That in future the Reports and Notices received by the Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee report should contain more detailed information; and

3)    To note the progress reports on the completed scrutiny reviews and the position regarding the ongoing Scrutiny Working Groups.

Report of the Democratic Services Officer.

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

None.