Agenda item

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.