Agenda item

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

The Committee considered the report of the Director of Resources providing an update on the Work Programme of this Committee for 2018 / 19 and seeking further discussion on potential areas for the 2019 / 20 Work Programme.  The Director of Resources drew the Committees attention to appendix 1 of the report which outlined the Programme of Work for 2018-19 and appendix 2 which outlined items from the Programme of Work.

Members discussed each item on the Programme of Work before new Member Sponsors were assigned.  In addition to comments made by the Committee, the Director of Resources and Director of Service Delivery provided further information as detailed below:

Monitoring of the Organisation Change Programme

The Director of Resources reminded Members about the upcoming training session they were invited to and confirmed that the business case for the Future Model was available within the private area of Modern.Gov. 

In response to questions, it was confirmed that the Council was moving towards Agile working, using PRINCE2 methodology, and Members would receive quarterly updates on the Organisational Change Programme. 

Following a vote, it was agreed that Councillor R H Siddall was elected as the Member Sponsor for this item of work.

Provision of Car Parking

The Director of Service Delivery had met with South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP) and triggered a review of the parking restrictions as safety concerns had been raised within residential areas around the Promenade Park.  It was confirmed that SEPP would consult with the Town Council, residents, and other agencies at a later stage.

Members commented on the Park and Ride Scheme within the Maldon District.  The Director of Service Delivery confirmed an allocation of spaces was located at Tesco, and an area of land had been identified within the leisure quarter as part of ongoing work on the Central Area Masterplan. 

Following a vote, it was agreed that Councillors M W Helm and R P F Dewick be elected as the Member Sponsors for this item of work.  Councillor R H Siddall requested it be noted that he was against this decision.

Dealing with Waste Water

The Committee was advised that this item on the Programme of Work focussed on the pumping of waste water within the district and not flood/surface water.  An update on the Water Cycle Study from Essex County Council was expected to be received in advance of the July meeting of the Committee. 

The Director of Resources confirmed that a meeting was due to take place where Anglian Water would present their proposals for pumping systems to be used on future developments within the district.  It was anticipated that the Water Cycle Study from Essex County Council would be available for feedback at the July meeting of the Committee.

Councillor S P Nunn proposed that the Dealing with Waste Water item be amended to include both rivers Chelmer and Blackwater.  This was duly seconded and, upon a vote being taken, agreed.

Following a vote, it was agreed that Councillor C P Morley be elected as the Member Sponsor for this item of work.

Provision of Healthcare Services (including the recruitment and retention of General Practitioners)

Members acknowledged the lack of Surgeries within Southminster and that this was difficult to advance with a shortage of General Practitioners (GPs) in the area.  The Director of Resources advised that she would raise this with the regional Head of Estates for NHS England and report back to the next meeting.

Following a vote, it was agreed that Councillor E L Bamford be elected as the Member Sponsor for this item of work.

Section 106 (S106)

It was noted that the next six-monthly update was due at the August 2019 meeting. 

It was agreed that the Member Sponsor for this item would be discussed at the next meeting of this Committee.

Review of Fire and Rescue Service Provision within the Dengie

The Committee reflected that the Essex Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner had met with Members of the Council on 7 February 2019 and reassured Members that the Fire Stations within Burnham-on-Crouch and Tillingham would not be closing.

The Director of Service Delivery advised that further information on the Fire Break Project was still outstanding. It was agreed by the Committee that this item remain on the Programme of Work with a watching brief.

Council Tax

The Committee agreed that the information provided in appendix 1 of the report resolved the query therefore this item could be removed from the Programme of Work.

Business Opportunities within the Council

It was confirmed that this referenced opportunities across all Council owned properties and was not exclusive to the offices on Princes Road.  Officers were already in talks with prospective clients and current tenants.

Waste Contract

Councillor R P F Dewick advised the Committee that the vehicles used were not conducive to the nature of work carried out so future problems were to be expected. 

It was agreed that this remain on the Programme of Work.

RESOLVED

                 (i)            That scrutiny on Council Tax was complete and therefore be removed from the Programme of Work;

              (ii)            That the following items of scrutiny remain on the Programme of Work for 2019 / 20 under a watching brief:

·         Review of Fire and Rescue Service Provision within the Dengie,

·         Waste Contract.

            (iii)            That the following Member sponsors be appointed for the following scrutiny topics on the Programme of Work for 2019 / 20:

·         Monitoring of the Organisation Change Programme – Councillor R H Siddall,

·         Provision of Car Parking – Councillors M W Helm and R P F Dewick,

·         Dealing with Waste Water – Councillor C P Morley,

·         Provision of Healthcare Services – Councillor E L Bamford,

·         Waste Contractors – Councillor R P F Dewick.

·         Business Opportunities within the Council – M S Heard.

             (iv)            That Member Sponsors for the scrutiny topic Section 106 be appointed at the July meeting of this Committee.