Issue - meetings

To consider the report of the Director of Resources, (copy enclosed).

The Committee received the report of the Director of Resources confirming the Committee’s Work Programme for 2017 / 18, attached as Appendix 1 to the report.

Members were provided with the following updates and commented on the scrutiny items detailed on the 2017 / 18 programme of work:

·               Provision of Healthcare Services – The Director of Customers and Community explained that the Homes First Programme had to be worked through before a decision on the hospital could be made.  The Chief Executive would be seeking clarity on the provision of beds.

·               Section 106 – It was noted that this was scheduled to be considered at the February meeting.

·               Planning Enforcement - It was noted that this was scheduled to be considered at the March meeting.

·               Primary School education in the District – It was noted that this was scheduled for the January meeting and education providers would be in attendance.

·               Administration of Council River Moorings – The Director of Customers and Community advised that there was a scoping meeting taking place this week and he would raise comments made by Members regarding leases and licences.

·               Internal and External Communication – The Director of Customers and Community sought clarification from the Committee regarding the Council’s website and if it was Members intention to include examples from other websites in terms of communication.  In response to comments Members were advised that a comparison could be undertaken between other authorities and how the Council compared with them.  It was noted that the proposed digital strategy would link into the customer strategy.  A number of Members commented on the Council’s new website and the improvements it had brought.

In respect of Communications, concern was raised regarding the Planning Department in particular and in response the Director of Customers and Community advised that he would feed this back to the Chief Executive.

Councillor P G L Elliott proposed that a piece of scrutiny be undertaken on the Council’s policies on empty homes and how they were being implemented.  This proposal was duly seconded and agreed.

Councillor Mrs P A Channer requested that sickness absence be added to the Committee’s Work Programme and that sickness absence reports along with information regarding Bradford scoring be received by the Committee.  The importance of the Council’s staff was also raised at this point.  Councillor Mrs Channer explained how it was necessary to have comparison between the old and new policy and ensure it was a working in the best way for the Council and its staff.  This proposal was duly seconded and agreed.

In relation to the two new areas of scrutiny the following Members were appointed as lead Members:

·                 Sickness absence – Councillors Mrs PA Channer and N R Pudney.

·                 Empty Homes – Councillor P G L Elliott

RESOLVED that the Programme of Work for 2017 / 18 be updated in accordance with the discussions above including the addition of scrutiny items relating to Sickness of Absence and Empty Homes.