OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE
Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday,31st October 2017 at Retford Town Hall
Present:
Councillor:J. C. Shephard (Chair)
Councillors:A. Chambers, R. B. Carrington-Wilde, M. F. T. Critchley, S. E. Farncombe, S. Fielding, D. Hare,G. Jones, G. A. N. Oxby, H. Richards,M. Richardson and K. Sutton.
Officers: J. Brassington, S. Britt, P. Clark, D. Harwood, D. Hill,L. Prime, N. Taylor, E. Whittles and J. Wilson
Others Present: G. Davies, Contracts Manager BPL;Cllr. K. Dukes, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services; Cllr J.Evans, Cabinet Member for Finance; Cllr S. Greaves, Cabinet Member for Policy, Strategy and Communications;Rachel Rinkcavage, BPL Sales Manager;and Cllr J. White, Cabinet Member for Economic Development.
(Meeting commenced at 6.30pm.)
(The Chair read out the Fire Evacuation Procedure, and also enquired as to whether any member of the press or public wished to film/record the meeting or any part thereof; however, no members of public were present.)
The Chair welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for their attendance.
47.APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence received from Councillor J. Leigh, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods.
48.DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST BY MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
(a)Members
There were no Declarations of Interest by officers.
(b)Officers
There were no Declarations of Interest by officers.
49.MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD ON 19TH SEPTEMBER 2017
(a)Special Purpose Vehicle for the Delivery of New Housing (Key Decision No. 633)
Cllr. Critchley commented that the Minute did not reflect the full discussion.
RESOLVEDthat:
- The Minutes of the meeting held on 19th Septermber 2017 be approved.
- The Chair will take advice from the Monitoring Officer on the wording of the minute relating to the Special Purpose Vehicle for the Delivery of New Housing (Key Decision No. 633).
50.MINUTES FOR ACTION AND IMPLEMENTATION
RESOLVED that the Minutes for Action and Implementation be noted.
(Cllr R.B. Carrington-Wilde joined the meeting at this point.)
51.OUTSTANDING MINUTES LIST
(a)Revised Sheffield City Region Consultation
The Leader of the Council, Cllr S. Greaves referred to the letter that he had written to Cllr Critchley and which had been circulated to Members, apologising for the delay in providing a response and the costs incurred by Bassetlaw District Council in its application to become a constituent member of the Sheffield City Region.
RESOLVED that the Outstanding Minutes List be noted.
52.WAIVE OF PUBLICITY
The following four items went to Cabinet on 17th October 2017 without previously being on the Forward Plan. The Chair explained that he had agreed to the waive of publicity on these items for the following reasons:
(a) Worksop Town Centre Task Force (Key Decision No. 662)
The revenue commitment for this report of £22,000 is relatively small and would not in itself constitute a Key Decision; however, as the report covers more than one ward, it is a Key Decision.
(b)Nottinghamshire Police Co-location (Key Decision No. 668)
With the next Cabinet Meeting not until December, delaying this report would have significantly delayed the process, which the Chief Executive would like to see concluded by 1st April 2018.
(c)Income Generation Opportunities (Key Decision No. 660)
The report covers issues dealt with in three previous reports, two of which were on the Forward Plan dealing with Income Generation opportunities and CCTV Broadband income opportunities (Key Decisions Nos. 537 and 555). However, the composite report was given a new Key Decision Number.
(d)Vacant Plot of Land Bridge St / Newgate St, Worksop (Key Decision No. 667)
This is a confidential item, so the waive of publicity in this instance is negligible.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.
53.FORWARD PLAN
(a)Proposed Sale of Land at Turner Road, Worksop (Key Decision No. 517)
David Hill, Head of Finance and Property, gave a progress report on the sale of the land.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.
(b)Environmental Health Enforcement Policy (Key Decision No. 629)
Liz Prime, Head of Neighbourhoods, explained that the purpose of the policy update was to reflect the new regulations, the five Nottinghamshire County Council outcomes and Bassetlaw District Council’s Council Plan.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.
(c)Update of Refuse and Recycling Policies (Key Decision No. 608)
Liz Prime, Head of Neighbourhoods, explained that the Policy had been updated one year ago but recent issues had indicated that it required clarification on Houses of Multiple Occupation. Also with the success of the Garden Waste Scheme, there would be a focus on re-cycling going forward and recent rejections of blue bin waste collections at the transfer stations due to contamination will be addressed.
Members raised comments/ questions on contamination rates, paint recycling and the definition of Houses of Multiple Occupation.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.
(d)Planning Service Utilisation of Fee Increase (Key Decision No. 639)
Beverley Alderton-Sambrook, Head of Regeneration, had provided a written update on the Government’s proposal to increase planning fees by 20% nationally to support economic delivery of Planning Services. The DCLG only laid draft regulations before Parliament on the 19th October so therefore there is no approval to be currently sought at this stage.
In response to a question, Members were informed that the report will be postponed if the Government does not make the decision in November 2017.
RESOLVED that:
- The information be noted.
- The written update be circulated to Members.
(e)Fees and Charges 2018/19 (Key Decision No. 652)
David Hill, Head of Finance and Property, explained that this report, which looks at all the Council’s Fees and Charges, is part of a suite of reports which are required for the budget setting process.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.
(f)Treasury Management Strategy (Key Decision No.655)
David Hill, Head of Finance and Property, explained that this Strategy is one of the documents that underpins the Council’s budget. It includes the Borrowing Strategy, Investment Strategy, Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and Prudential Indicators.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.
(g)Canch Masterplan (Key Decision No.664)
David Hill, Head of Finance and Property, reported that Cabinet had approved £70,000 for demolition of the Nursery Buildings and the Masterplan for the site has been approved.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.
(h)Nottinghamshire Hygiene Accreditation Scheme (Key Decision No.665)
Liz Prime, Head of Neighbourhoods, reported that Nottinghamshire is working on a voluntary hygiene-rating scheme for take-outs, which under the licensing conditions, are currently inspected every five years.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.
(i) ICT Strategy 2018-2020 (Key Decision No.666)
It was reported that there has been increasing uptake of digital services and the strategy is to continue external and internal improvement. The Council works in collaboration with other local authorites and business partners.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.
(j)Community Sports Facilities(Key Decision No.669)
Peter Clark, Leisure and Cultural Services Manager advised that local sports clubs have difficulty accessing funding to improve their facilities due to lack of knowledge. The Council has no revenue budget to support this and the aim is that some of the surplus on the Leisure Management Contract will be used to support local clubs.
The Chair congratulated the Service on the proposal.
RESOLVED that the information be noted.
SECTION A – ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION IN PUBLIC
Key Decisions
54.KEY DECISIONS OF CABINET – 17TH OCTOBER 2017
(Cllr. H. Richards joined the meeting at this point.)
(a)Worksop Town Centre Task Force (Key Decision No. 662)
The Leader of the Council, Cllr S. Greaves, explained the background to the establishment of the Task Force to address concerns about the quality of the built environment, cleanliness, crime and anti-social behaviour. It was initiated at the request of Bassetlaw District Council and is a multi-agency approach with town centre businesses and other partners such as BT and the Priory Centre. The Chief Executive has worked with the Director of Place Nottinghamshire County Council and public sector agencies such as Public Health England, Bassetlaw CCG and Nottinghamshire Police. NCC are funding an Outreach Worker for Worksop. The report outlined the proposed initiatives.
In response to a question, Members were informed that homelessness is a factor and HOPE is running a Life-skills forTenants programme.
The Chair welcomed the positive initiative.
RESOLVED that Minute No. 57(a) of Cabinet held on 17th October 2017 be endorsed.
(b)Nottinghamshire Police Co-location (Key Decision No. 668)
The Leader of the Council, Cllr S. Greaves, referred to his letter to the Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable concerning Policing in Bassetlaw and Worksop Police Station, which had been circulated to Members prior to the meeting.
In response to questions from Members, it was stated that additional policing resources are needed for Worksop and the proposed move to Queen’s Buildings would generate income for the Council, which Finance and Property Services will negotiate.
RESOLVED that Minute No. 57(b) of Cabinet held on 17th October 2017 be endorsed.
(c)Townscape Heritage Initiative (Key Decision No.628).
The Chair congratulated the team on the successful Heritage Lottery Fund bid. Simon Britt, Built Conservation Officer,explained the history of the bid and reported that £2.3m is to be invested on a range of projects including grants to buildings to restore the area at the top of Bridge Street, Worksop, and also activities to celebrate the heritage of Worksop such as storytelling and oral history. It will also provide volunteering opportunities for the local community. An officer will be appointed for five years to run the project and Cabinet has agreed £12,000 for a maintenance programme in 2022.
In response to Member’s questions, it was noted that the scheme will be working with North Notts College and Bassetlaw District Council on a range of apprenticeships.
RESOLVED that Minute No. 58(a) of Cabinet held on 17th October 2017 be endorsed.
(d)General Fund Capital Programme 2018/19 to 2022/23 (Key Decision No. 654)
RESOLVED that Minute No. 59(a) of Cabinet held on 17th October 2017 be endorsed.
(e)Draft Housing Strategy - Final Report (Key Decision No. 599)
RESOLVED that Minute No. 60(a) of Cabinet held on 17th October 2017 be endorsed.
(f)Fly-posting Policy (Key Decision No. 581)
RESOLVED that Minute No. 61(a) of Cabinet held on 17th October 2017 be endorsed.
Other Decisions
55.WAIVE OF CALL-IN/ DECISION TAKEN WITHOUT SUFFICIENT NOTICE
None.
56.POSSIBLE CALL-IN/ DECISION TAKEN WITHOUT SUFFICIENT NOTICE
None.
57.REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RESOURCES
(a)Overview and Scrutiny Committee Programme 2017/18
Members were presented with an overview of the meeting programme for 2017/18 and were informed that Idris Griffiths, Chief Executive of the Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Group, will be attendingthe December 2017 meeting as a result of:
- The letter circulated to all Councillors on 11th October 2017 providing an update on the Bassetlaw Children’s Ward and proposing wider engagement on the challenges and options for paediatric services; and
- The briefing from the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Accountable Care System (ACS), known as Health and Care Working Together, on 31st October 2017 which refers to a wider review of how five services could be delivered to local people: urgent and emergency care; maternity services; hospital services for children who are particularly ill; services for stomach and intestines conditions (gastroenterology), including investigations (endoscopy); and stroke1 (early supported discharge and rehabilitation).
There was a discussion on the Committee’s approach to presenting questions to the CCG- in advance of the meeting to have meaningful information to discuss or questions on the night. Jo Wilson will re-circulate the information to Members who should forward questions for the CCG on the Bassetlaw Children’s Ward and Hospital Services Review back to the Policy and Scrutiny Unit. These will not be circulated to the CCG in advance but a complete list of these questions will be forwarded to Councillors so that they are aware of the questions to be raised by colleagues in the meeting.
In addition,a separate question and answer session with the Bassetlaw CCG for all elected Bassetlaw Members will be arranged at a later date.
It is proposed to hold the Annual Review of the Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood Community Safety Partnership at an Extraordinary Meeting of Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Tuesday, 30th January 2018. Members were requested to identify issues for the review.
RESOLVED that:
- The contents of the report be noted and Members contact the Policy and Scrutiny Unit should they have any queries regarding future meetings.
- Members should submit questions for the Bassetlaw Children’s Ward and Hospital Services Review within the stated timescale to the Policy and Scrutiny Co-Ordinator.
- Members consider key lines of questioning for the Annual Review of the Bassetlaw, Newark and Sherwood Community Safety Partnership to be held on 30th January 2018.
(b) Report on Review of Extended Access to General Practice in Bassetlaw
Members were presented with a summary of the findings of the Review of Extended Access to General Practice in Bassetlaw, and final recommendations.
RESOLVED that:
- The recommendations within Section 3.13 of the report, agreed as a result of the Review of Extended Access to General Practice in Bassetlaw, at the September Committee meeting, be noted and approved.
- This report be referred to Cabinet.
- Following referral to Cabinet, Members consider the recommendations within the report and submit their response to the next available Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
(Cllr R.B.Carrington-Wilde left the meeting at this point.)
58.REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF REGENERATION AND NEIGHBOURHOODS
(a)BPL Contract Performance Report
Members were presented with a report to inform them of the performance of BPL in the management of the Council’s leisure facilities and also viewed a short promotional Youtube videofor the BPL organisation as a whole.
Key points relating to the BPL Group:
- BPL had 2.4 million visits 2016, (600,000 young people) and Bassetlaw accounts for 1.2 million visits per year
- 34% of customers stay 5 years
- 69% of customers would recommend to a friend
- Partnered with ASA to improve swimming standards
- 5 star hygiene rating for food
- 29,000 attending to encourage healthy lifestyles
- Funding accounts for 6.6% - one of lowest in U.K
- 2.5 million website visits
- 40,000 copies of in house magazine produced
- Member of North Notts Envoy
- Junior Golf Academy at Kilton
- Income 2014/15 £14.3m
- World Darts Event in Barnsley
- £4m invested back into facilities
- Investors in Green Award 2015
- 613 employees – 16% increase since 2013.
In Bassetlaw, there has been significant investment in the gym at Bircotes, whichis featured in the current edition of the BPL in–house magazine
In response to a question, Members were advised that BPL has a Digital Media Officer and uses social media to involve young people; however, it has started to advertise in newspapers.
The contract continues to perform at a high level with continued investment and the increased footfall contributes to the health and well-being of Bassetlaw residents.
BPL’s involvement in major events include the Tour de Yorkshire and Tour of Britain with outreach work to encourage participation in sport.
New strategic model for communities with a fund for local sports clubs.
Following the removal of the funding for the GP Referral Scheme, the Leisure Centres now run the Cardiac Rehabilitation Scheme previously undertaken by Public Health, which has produced significant improvements to quality of life.
The Performance Indicators show a consistent high level of customer satisfaction with the sports and leisure facilities but at Worksop, the reduced satisfaction level of 69% is due to parking issues, which are being addressed. The number of total users is increasing and the number of disabled users attending the various clubs has also increased.
(Councillor G.A.N. Oxby left the meeting at this point.)
Members raised comments/questions on the training of staff, opportunities for working with Years 12 & 13 and supporting careers events, the mechanism for referring to the GP referral scheme, charges for charity events and BPL support for Weston Park Hospital this year.
The Chair thanked P. Clark, Leisure and Cultural Services Manager, G.Davies, Contracts Manager BPL and Rachel Rinkcavage, BPL Sales Manager, for their attendance and the excellent report on the contract’s performance.
RESOLVED that the report be noted.
59. LOCAL GOVERNMENT (ACCESS TO INFORMATION) ACT 1985
RESOLVED that, in accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and after considering the public interest test as set out by the officer in the body of the report, Members agreed that the following items of business involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 2 and 3, and therefore, in accordance with Section 100A of the Act, the press and public be excluded from the meeting:
Agenda Item 65(a)–Income Generation Opportunities (Key Decision No. 660)
Agenda Item 65(b)–Vacant Plot of Land Bridge St/Newgate St. Worksop (Key Decision No. 667)
SECTION B – ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION IN PRIVATE
Key Decisions
60.KEY DECISIONS OF CABINET – 17th OCTOBER 2017
(a)Income Generation Opportunities (Key Decision No. 660))
Members were advised in a written update from D.Armiger, Director of Regeneration and Neighbourhoods, on the progress of the S80 Partnership and S80 Board.
RESOLVED that Minute No. 67(a) of Cabinet held on 17th October 2017 be endorsed.
(b)Vacant Plot of Land Bridge St/Newgate St. Worksop (Key Decision No. 667)
David Hill, Head of Finance and Property, explained the background and terms of the current proposal for the plot.
RESOLVED that Minute No. 65(a) of Cabinet held on 17th October 2017 be endorsed.
Other Decisions
61.WAIVE OF CALL IN/DECISION TAKEN WITHOUT SUFFICIENT NOTICE
None.
62.POSSIBLE CALL IN OF DECISIONS MADE BY CABINET OR BY CABINET MEMBERS
None.
63.ANY OTHER BUSINESS WHICH THE CHAIRMAN CONSIDERS TO BE URGENT
As there was no other business to be discussed, the Chair closed the meeting.
(Meeting closed at 8.57pm.)