Issue - meetings

The Scrutiny Officer presented the Work Programme 2024/25 attached at Appendix 1.

An informal session would be organised early in 2025/26 for all Scrutiny Committee Members to attend and contribute topic ideas (even if not Members of that Scrutiny Committee).

A Member noted, with the Local Government Reorganisation covering all aspects, this could be a topic for all Scrutiny Committee Members to consider.

A discussion on making use of the Council’s reserves was held.  The Scrutiny Officer informed that in an informal meeting of the Finance and Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee, this topic had been discussed with the Section 151 Officer present who provided the necessary information for Members to determine.

It was conveyed that all Scrutiny Committee Members were invited to all formal meetings of the Finance and Corporate Overview Scrutiny Committee and could provide appropriate ideas to that Committee and the Section 151 Officer.

The Strategic Director of Services noted between March and November 2025, the Council, like all other local authorities in its position, would have to provide detailed options on the future unitary Council it would be replaced by to the UK Government.  Until then, the Council must remain financially resilient (the Council was the only local authority not cutting services – e.g., it did not charge for new Green Bins).

The Scrutiny Officer informed a discussion with Scrutiny Committee Chairs would be arranged, with a possible Annual Scrutiny Conference to follow.

Moved by Councillor Sandra Peake and seconded by Councillor Deborah Watson

RESOLVED that Members review this report and the Programme attached at Appendix 1    for approval and amendment as required. All Members are advised to contact the           Scrutiny Officer should they have any queries regarding future meetings.

The Scrutiny Officer presented the Work Programme 2024/25 attached at Appendix 1.

One Committee meeting remained in 2024/25, and the Domestic Abuse Policy had been moved to that meeting.

Moved by Councillor Louise Fox and seconded by Councillor Amanda Davis

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted.

The Scrutiny Officer presented the Work Programme attached at Appendix 1 (a fluid document where items could be added and removed at the Committee’s request).

It was noted a Review of Effectiveness of Council’s Waste Collection and Disposal Education – (Post Scrutiny Monitoring Update) would be provided at the next meeting.

An informal Joint Committee meeting with the Local Growth Scrutiny Committee would also be taking place in relation to The Arc’s security.

The Housing Strategy and Development Officer informed, due to a delay, the Housing Team’s Domestic Violence Policy would be presented to the Committee at its next meeting.

Moved by Councillor Rita Turner and seconded by Councillor Vicky Wapplington

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted.

The Committee agreed to consider its Work Programme 2024/25 in the informal scrutiny session.

Moved by Councillor Phil Smith and seconded by Councillor Vicky Wapplington

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted and discussed in the informal session.

The Scrutiny Officer explained the Work Programme attached at Appendix 1 was a fluid document and items could be added and removed when the Committee wanted.

Moved by Councillor Louise Fox and seconded by Councillor Phil Smith

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted.

Councillors Anne Clarke, Jeanne Raspin, Jane Yates and the Assistant Director Housing Management and Enforcement, the Assistant Director Planning and Planning Policy, the Principal Planning Policy Officer, the Housing Options Manager and Housing Strategy and Development Officer left the meeting.

The Monitoring Officer explained the attached document was a note of what was coming up at the next Committee, as there was one meeting left before the end of the 2023/2024 municipal year.

Moved by Councillor Rita Turner and seconded by Councillor Vicky Wapplington

RESOLVED that the work programme be noted.