REPORT OF:
/ DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND ENVIRONMENTAUTHOR: /
Chris Phelan
TELEPHONE: /01737 276114
E-MAIL: / TO: /OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
DATE: /5 MAy 2004
AGENDA ITEM NO: / 10 /WARD(S) AFFECTED:
/ ALLSUBJECT: / REVIEW PANELS: PROGRESS REPORT
PURPOSE OF THE REPORT: / To receive the latest position on the Review Panels established by the Committee.
RECOMMENDATIONS:1. To note the current position on the progress of the Review Panels established by the Committee.
Background
1. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed a variety of developments to the work of the Committee and the Scrutiny function on 22 October 2003. One of the specific and regular matters for report to the Committee will be the progress on the Review Panels that it has established.
Progress on the work of the Panels
2. The Committee have currently eight Review Panels that are at different stages of their work. Each of the Panels have a separate page on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee webpage which includes the agenda, minutes, reports, scoping report and a feedback form for the community to provide their comments on. The current Panels are listed below together with an indication of their remit, membership and current position:
Town Centre Disabled Access Review Panel
3. Remit: To examine the constraints to disabled access to the environment of the four main town centres in the Borough namely Redhill, Reigate, Banstead and Horley.
4. Membership: Councillors B.J. Samuel (Chairman), J.M. Ellacott, Mrs S.F. King, Mrs S.J.V. Merritt and Mrs R.S. Turner.
Current position: The Review Panel held four community meetings in Redhill, Horley, Banstead and Reigate in addition to the Brainstorming Exercise that was undertaken with a range of community groups to help steer the direction of the Panel’s work. The community meetings have exceeded expectations with over 30 people attending each one. The level of participation at each was also excellent. There is a strong feeling of support for this review in the community. A wide range of responses were received at these meetings.
5. The evidence received at these meetings is being analysed and will be used to assist it in putting together its report to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, which has been delayed and is now anticipated to be considered at the 1 July 2004 meeting. The Panel has also received copies of Access Audits that were taken in Redhill and Reigate in recent years and these will also be used in its report.
6. An article about the work of the Panel was published in the Winter edition of the Borough News and this resulted in a number of community members taking an interest in the work of this Panel.
7. 350 organisations and individuals in the Borough who are known to have an interest in this review were targeted to promote the meetings or provide feedback for the Panel to consider. There has been wide media interest in this review as well.
8. One of the requests received to date has been for a further meeting that allows the community to consider the findings of the review. This is planned for the end of April.
9. A further meeting of the Panel was held on 15 April to consider the first draft report of the Panel. Only two Members of the Panel attended in the end and this meant that it was unable to progress its business. A further meeting of the Panel will be organised to consider an updated copy of the draft report.
Housing Review Panel
10. Remit: Includes Registered Social Landlord performance; YMCA rent guarantee scheme review; Private Sector Housing Action Plan and Review of the LAWN project.
11. Membership: Councillor M.G. Ormerod (Chairman), Councillors J.C. Dann, Mrs S.F.King, A.M.Lynch and C.T.H. Whinney.
12. Current position: The Panel has met on three occasions to date 13 November 2003, 12 January and February 2004.
13. The Panel has to date has considered the Private Sector Housing Action Plan, Reviewed the Pilot Rent, Deposit and Guarantee Scheme operated in partnership with Redhill and Reigate YMCA and the Registered Social Landlord Performance 2002/03. It has reviewed the LAWN project and the progress on the Homelessness Strategy.
14. The Panel has requested that the Pilot Rent, Deposit and Guarantee Scheme be considered again in May 2004 when the YMCA Officer would be invited to attend.
15. The Panel has also requested that it review the LAWN project after a period of 12 months of operation and that it consider the Annual Report on the Registered Social Landlord Performance.
Personnel Review Panel
16. Remit: Includes the Best Value Review of Personnel Services and the development of a Human Resources Strategy.
17. Membership: Councillor Mrs R.S.Turner (Chairman), Councillors Mrs. M.P. Brewster, Mrs F.D.M. Dixon, Mrs S.J.V. Merritt and C.T.H Whinney.
18. Current position: The Executive’s consideration of the Best Value Review and the next stages of the work on the Human Resources Strategy are now programmed to progress in early Summer 2004.
19. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 14 January 2004 offered comments to the Executive on the high level principles behind a Human Resources Strategy. The next stages of this process are being developed by the Executive which is also progressing, in parallel, the Change Programme. When the Executive consider the more detailed content of the HR Strategy it will then embark on the consultation process for the adoption of Policy Framework documents. The Panel’s work on this Strategy is estimated to begin in the summer and a further meeting will be held with the Chairman of the Panel to progress this at that time.
20. The Executive is scheduled to consider the Best Value Review of the Personnel Services on 17 June which will also confirm the timetable for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee involvement.
Licensing Act Review Panel
21. Remit: To consider the implications on the Council for the new responsibilities for licensing.
22. Membership: Councillor R.H. Stamp (Chairman), Councillors Mrs. N.J. Bramhall, B.C. Cowle, R. Harper and J.H. Prevett.
23. Current position: The first meeting of the Panel was held on 16 December 2003 and Members of the Panel received a presentation on the up to date developments on this new legal requirement and the implications and agreed its operational arrangements. The next stages of the Panel’s work will be triggered by the Government’s announcements on the First and Second appointed days which in effect allow the consultation period to start incorporating Government Guidance. The guidance is currently the subject of debate in Parliament and it’s conclusion will trigger the work of the Panel.
24. The remit of the Panel was formally extended by the Committee at its meeting on 18 December 2003 to request that it gives consideration to crime and disorder/partnership issues as a related aspect of the work.
Community Transport Review Panel
25. Remit: The Executive’s consideration of the Draft Community Transport Policy has been delayed and is expected to be considered on 17 June 2004. This Panel will examine in detail the service options available, in consultation with the Executive Member.
26. Membership: Councillor S.A. Kulka (Chairman), Councillors R.M. Bennett, S.A. Gates, K. Hagerty and Mrs J. Thomas.
27. Current position: The next stage would be for a meeting to be arranged with the Chairman of the Panel to set the overall focus and timetable for the Panel, taking account of the Executive’s proposed policy.
Leisure and Cultural Strategy Review Panel
28. Remit: The Executive is scheduled to consider the Leisure and Cultural Strategy on 8 July 2004 to agree it for consultation purposes. The Panel’s remit also includes the review of the Parks and Open Spaces Policy Statement.
29. Membership: Councillor J.A. Meech (Chairman), Councillors S.N.W. Marshall, R. Miah, G.L. Norman and E. Russell.
30. Current position: The Panel’s report on the Parks and Open Spaces Policy Statement was submitted to the Executive at its meeting on 1 April 2004.
31. The Panel will consider the Leisure and Cultural Strategy after the Executive have published it for consultation purposes.
Hackney Carriage Restricted Numbers Policy Review Panel
32. Remit: The Committee re-established the Panel in November so that it could
(a) undertake a review of hackney carriage conditions, including consultation with the trade, to consider the conditions to be imposed in respect of any additional vehicle licences issued, i.e. vehicle 76 or higher; and
(b) undertake a review of hackney carriage rank provision;
(c) review of all conditions that are attached to Hackney Carriages licensed by the Council (added by the Committee on 18 February)
33. Membership: Councillors J.H. Prevett (Chairman) T.A. Breen, R.M Bennett, Mrs. N.J. Bramhall and G.L. Norman.
34. Current position: The Head of Environmental Health Services published an article in the Winter edition of the Borough News seeking views on this aspect of the Panel’s work and is analysing the responses and progressing the requests made by the Executive in March 2003 which impact on this element of the review. A consultation form was placed on the Council’s website. The outcome of this and further background work being undertaken will be considered by the Panel in the near future.
Appointments to Outside Bodies Review Panel
35. Remit: To examine the methodology, support and role for appointments that the Council make to Outside Bodies reviewing in particular the following areas:
1. the method of appointment of Members to serve on Outside Bodies;
2. the level of Member support from the Council regarding the Outside Bodies that they are appointed to serve on;
3. the role that Members have when appointed on Outside Bodies including their responsibilities and methods for reporting back on activities;
4. whether the Council needs to continue with membership of each Outside Body;
5. whether (by contacting each Outside Body) it is still appropriate for the Council to continue in membership of the Outside Body from their perspective; and
6. the Council’s involvement with Outside Bodies as part of the wider community partnership audit (including those mentioned in the Community Plan) that is to take place in the New Year.
36. Membership: Councillors B.C. Cowle (Chairman); R.M. Bennett, Mrs M.P. Brewster, S.A. Kulka and B.A. Stead.
37. Current Position: The Committee established the Panel at its meeting on 18 December 2004 and the membership was confirmed at the meeting on 14 January 2004.
38. The Panel has met twice and it is progressing with its initial work on the analysis of the Outside Bodies, it has developed questionnaires to be sent to the organisations, and has started its work on the appointments procedure, rationale for appointments and support for representatives. It is hoped that the Panel’s conclusions could be ready in time for the annual appointments made in the beginning of the 2004/05 Municipal Year.
39. The Overview and Scrutiny Committee will be kept informed of the position in its regular updates on the work of its Panels.
Resource Implications
40. There could be financial implications for the Panels should they agree to hold meetings at community venues. The costs relate to the letting of facilities and providing PA equipment etc and it may be necessary for the Committee to request provision for this within the budget for 2004/05.
Conclusions
41. The work of Review Panels is progressing well. Further progress reports will be presented to the Committee on a regular basis.
Background Papers: / Development of the Scrutiny Function, Overview and Scrutiny Committee 22 October 2003Review Panel agenda/minutes