To receive apologies for absence.

Apologies were received from Councillors Frank Baynham, Frankie Evans (substitute Councillor Len Lawton), Martin Quaile and Bernie O’Neill (substitute Councillor Val Hobman).

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2012 (minutes attached)

The minutes of the meeting held on 19 July 2012 were confirmed and signed as an accurate record.

The chairman to identify any items of urgent business.

The chairman Philip Burford, advised that he had been notified that P.133 Approval of a Grant Allocation for Facilitating Affordable Housing at Redmarley which was considered at the Cabinet’s Meeting on the 6 September 2012, had not been identified on the Cabinet’s Forward Plan as a key decision.  When it became clear that it was going to be a key decision, and notified in accordance with the Constitution, he wanted members of the committee to be aware that it was a decision a that could be called in.

Councillor Brian Robinson, Cabinet Member for and Efficient Council apologised that the incorrect information was published.

To receive any declarations of interest in any matter to be discussed at the meeting.  Members and officers are requested to identify the nature of the interest.

No declarations of interests were made.

The Solicitor to the Council, Marie Rosenthal, advised that Cabinet members who gave evidence at Scrutiny Meetings did not have to declare an interests under the new Code of Conduct.

To consider questions from members of the public in accordance with the published protocol. To submit a question, please contact Democratic Services on 01594 812625 or email democratic.services@fdean.gov.uk. All questions must be submitted in writing at least two working days prior to the meeting.

There were no public questions received for this meeting.

To invite the Leader of the Council, Councillor Patrick Molyneux, and Deputy Leader, Councillor Brian Robinson, to answer questions on any key issues

The Leader Patrick Molyneux referred to the Council’s Annual Report for 2011/12 which had been circulated to committee members, he highlighted the achievements over the last year and hoped the annual report helped everyone to understand how and why the council  did the work did.  He mentioned a few key issues that were ongoing like the Northern Quarter project, and the Leisure Management Strategy He confirmed that the council and community groups would be taking an active role on these exciting schemes.

Councillor Bill Evans said that the previous evening he had attended a poorly attended Crime and Disorder meeting at the offices, the speakers included representatives from the Police, The Probation Service and a JP.  They were informed at the meeting that there would be a downgrade of the police services when the police reception moved into the council offices, there would not be an information desk so licenses would not be dealt with here but would have to be taken, to Stroud or Cirencester.

Cllr Evans asked the Leader if he was aware of this reduction of service.

The Leader Patrick Molyneux, responded by saying that he was not aware of any reduction of police services when they moved into the offices, he said he would look into it and get back with an answer.

Several members had concerns regarding the police sharing the desk with the council’s reception and enquired about health and safety issues that may arise with probation users, and asked who would be paying for the alterations.

Councillor Brian Robinson, Cabinet Member for and Efficient Council explained that there may be an reception hatch between the two doors which would be in use when the office was closed.

Nothing had been firmly agreed with the Probation Service, but the negotiations that had taken place were regarding the Annex building, not the main offices.

The Police would be paying for any alterations they required and the council would pay for any configurations and alterations on its side. The police coming to the offices had nothing to do with the Lawnstone House complex.

Councillor Don Pugh referred to the commencement of work by Lydney Town Council on a Neighbourhood Development Plan and asked whether there would be an approach to join forces.

The Leader Patrick Molyneux indicated that discussions with Town Councils are in the council’s plan.  And believed that it would be beneficial for the community if the town and district and parish councils all worked together on the Neighbour Development Plan.

Council Bill Evans asked what was the council’s involvement with GFirst.

The Leader answered that GFirst had gone through quite a few changes and that the, the key question is how GFirst could benefit the council and district.

Councillor Bruce Hogan asked whether the green waste and the food waste was being taken to Birmingham to be composted together.

The Leader apologised that Martin Quaile Cabinet Member for the Environment was unable to attend the meeting, he stated that he was not aware  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To review the scrutiny work plan for September 2012 (attached).

To consider items for discussion at future committee and panel meetings, including relevant issues taken from the attached cabinet forward plan

The chairman Philip Burford confirmed that on the 10 January 2013 the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting would take place in he library at Newent School and hoped that that meeting would have a Newent flavour.

Councillor Len Lawton suggested that Councillors Gooch, Horne and Yeates be invited as all their wards include part of Newent.

Councillor Brian Robinson, Cabinet Member for and Efficient Council and Plannning  Policy advised that this council was not making or proposing any changes to the level of council tax benefits for the first year of the new scheme.  However, the council is looking at what it needs to do in the future and advised that a formula had not be agreed and would been project a for next year.

The Group Manager for Finance and Property Derek Broom suggested that members look at the Consultation Pack on the council’s website, he advised that the council could manage the coming year after that it would have to be revaluated before the next year’s budget was set.

He also advised that the Town and Parish Councils would not be receiving the grants to pay for the new council tax discount.  A report would be going to the December’s Full Council  meeting regarding this issue which involved the whole of Gloucestershire not just the Forest of Dean.

To establish any scrutiny inquiries and confirm the scope and terms of reference for the inquiry, as attached.

Scrutinising the effects of culling of badgers in the district

Councillor Di Martin referred to the scoping and action plan document which referred to the effects of culling badgers within the district.  She said that serious concerns had been raised by residents and members regarding the safety and possible negative impact on the use of the Forest.

Head of Paid Service Sue Pangbourne suggested that members look on the Natural England website which describes the West Gloucestershire area but makes clear that no details will be published.

Several members commented that they could not understand what the council could actually do or achieve as the council did not have any control regarding the culling of badgers, and didn’t believe it was a scrutiny issue as the council did not own any affected land.  This issue would take a lot of the council’s time and the council did not have any power to control the culling of badgers.

Other members believed that this issue could not be glossed over and it was a very important matter that was causing great concern for the public and potentially there could be health and safety issues, it was a public interests issue which members felt should go to a Full Council meeting.

Councillor Hogan believed that this topic would dominate a Full Council debate as this was a national interest and suggested a special Full Council meeting be held in the public domain so that it could be debated fully.

The chairman Philip Burford had concerns about resources with taking on another inquiry.  He said that the committee currently had two ongoing enquiries, and he was not sure where this lay with other scrutiny priorities.

The proposer of the scoping document Councillor Jackie Fraser, explained the reason that she brought this issue to the committee was to raise awareness of the culling of badgers in the district. She had received a lot of emails and phone calls from people who were concerned about the culling of badgers, and that high powered guns were being used at night for the culling.

After much discussion Councillor Ian Whitburn urged that Councillor Fraser’s motion should be debated at a Full Council meeting.

Councillor Marrilyn Smart OBE commented that there had been strong views on both sides and moved that an extraordinary Full Council meeting should be arranged.

The Solicitor to the Council Marie Rosenthal advised that any five members would need to sign a motion to hold an extraordinary Full Council Meeting.

The Leader Patrick Molyneux agreed that the culling of the badgers was not a council issue however, there was an important element which related to the public’s safety, and going out into the public domain would cover every eventuality.

The Committee agreed that in light of the likely Full Council Debate, the subject should not be considered for inclusion on the scrutiny work plan, at least for the time being.

Cllr Burford, committee chairman, to give an oral update on the progress of the inquiry.

The chairman Philip Burford gave an update on the progress of the Future of Five Acres Complex inquiry which was held on Tuesday 11 September.

He advised that the panel had requested that Democratic Services completed the following actions: -

1.      Set a date for an evidence gathering session to be held at the Five Acres Site, Coleford

2.      The date to be set after 20 September 2012 (the date of the next FANS meeting) and before mid-October

3.      Officers to seek advice on the most suitable venue (must include a sound system)

4.      If the Five Acres Site is not available, to seek an alternative venue at the Lakers School

5.      The event to take place during the afternoon, (as an evidence gathering session for those people employed/involved in day time related activities), with a reasonable gap/break for the committee to take refreshments, (perhaps at the college?), before commencing the evening evidence gathering session for other groups and witnesses

6.      It may be necessary to consider a second date (at the council offices) as a back up meeting

7.      Invitations and timings to be agreed with Councillor Burford

The chairman said that he had been contacted by a few people about the venue for the inquiry. He asked members if they had a preference where the inquiry should be held.  A vote was taken and members agreed to hold the inquiry at the Five Acres Site.

Cllr Martin, inquiry chairman, to present the final report for consideration.

Councillor Di Martin presented Report LD.431 Private Sector Housing Financial Assistance Inquiry, and advised that at a meeting of the Strategic Overview and Scrutiny meeting in September 2011 Councillor Brian Robinson, Cabinet Member for and Efficient Council, explained that the issue of providing financial assistance to owner occupiers had arisen at the Budget Working Group 2011/2012 when members discovered that central government funding for this scheme was to stop.  The committee agreed this was an important area of concern affecting local residents where a scrutiny review could develop a new policy for the council.  An Inquiry was set up and evidence gathered and a further meeting was held with legal, finance, housing and planning officers.  Other authorities and agencies inputed to the evidence including Paul Riddick from the Partnership Manager for Safe at Home Gloucestershire who gave a presentation on Safe at Home services.

Councillor Marrilyn Smart OBE commended Councillor Martin on her report and assumed that recommendation (f) referred to her, she advised that she would be putting the issue on the next Health & Overview Scrutiny Committee’s agenda on the 8 October and if there were an opportunities would also raise it.

Councillor Di Martin moved the recommendations and Councillor Bruce Hogan seconded the motion.  All members agreed with the recommendations.

Resolved:

a)      To continue to support a county wide home improvement agency in the same way that the council supports Safe at Home now, while monitoring cost and performance.

b)      To rename ‘Private Sector Housing Renewal Scheme’ to ‘Healthy Homes Assistance.

c)      To continue to provide assistance to vulnerable homeowners living in dangerous and unhealthy houses, while retaining a sustainable fund.

d)      That the council view this assistance as a long-term strategy, since payments will be repaid at some point.

e)      To replenish the fund in the medium term a necessary, but to be reviewed at the end of 2014/15.

f)       To encourage the council’s representative on the county council’s Health, Community and Care Overview and Scrutiny Committee, health champion and county councillors to lobby on the district’s behalf regarding the impact of poor housing on health.

g)      To invite the county council’s public health manager to the inquiry’s six-month review to explain the changes in community health.

It was agreed that Report LD.431 would go the 8 November 2012 Cabinet Meeting.

The Group Manager, Legal and Democratic to give an oral update.

The Solicitor to the Council, Marie Rosenthal, updated members on Single Status and confirmed that the project had progressed.  The pay modelling phase of the project was now complete.  A collective agreement was now under discussion with the trade union representatives .  The Solicitor explained that if implemented an 11 grade scheme would be introduced.

Councillor Marion Winship asked what was the percentage of employees pay that will change.

The Solicitor to the Council, Marie Rosenthal replied that approximately a third of positions will go up, third will remain the same and a third will go down.

Councillor Bruce Hogan asked what was the element of protection.

The Solicitor to the Council, Marie Rosenthal advised that currently it was five years, however, five years.  Under the new Scheme the council had offered one year which was affordable within the Council’s Financial Plan.

The Group Manager for Finance and Property Derek Broom advised that this project has been built into the main budget for two years, and the reserve should cover it for the first year.

To receive an update from the Chairman of the four scrutiny panels: -

The panel will hold a question and answer session with the Cabinet Member

for Community and the Cabinet Member for Strategic Partnerships and Projects on 17 September 2012 at 4.30pm.

The chairman Philip Burford announced that the question and answer session with the Cabinet Member for Community and the Cabinet Member for Strategic Partnerships and Projects which was due to be held on the Monday 17 September, has been postponed to Tuesday 16 October at 5:00pm.

The panel will hold a question and answer session with the Cabinet Member

for the Environment on 15 October 2012 at 4.30pm.

The vice chairman Carole Allaway Martin  advised that a question and answer session with the Cabinet Member for Environment would take place on Monday 15 October at 4:30 pm.  Members would be asked for areas and technical questions in advance.

Cllr Gethyn Davies, panel vice chairman, to confirm that the panel will undertake a 12-month review of the Office Public Opening Hours inquiry on Monday 1 October 2012 at 4.30pm

Councillor Gethyn Davies panel vice chairman, confirmed that the panel would undertake a 12 month review of the Office Public Opening Hours inquiry on Monday 1 October 2012.

The chairman Philip Burford announced that there would be a panel meeting on the 22 October at 4:30pm to discuss the draft budget for 2013/14 Councillor O’Neill was hoping to be back to chair the meeting.

Councillor Carole Allaway Martin asked if the police moving in the offices was likely to go ahead, as she had concerns with parking.

Head of Paid Service, Sue Pangbourne said that she was aware of members concerns; she confirmed that the police moving into the offices was an operational decision, she advised that the Banjo in front of the offices would not be used for police parking.

The Leader Patrick Molyneux said that it would be a similar arrangement to that of Tewkesbury Borough Council that has been very successful.

Cllr Bill Evans, panel chairman, to present an oral update on the panel's question and answer session with the Cabinet Member for an Efficient Council and Planning Policy regarding the 1st Quarter Performance Report for 2012/13.

Cllr Bill Evans, panel chairman, to present an oral update from the GO Shared Service inquiry meeting held on 26 July 2012.

Councillor Bill Evans reported that the panel had participated in the Inquiry into the GO Shared Service and highlighted some of the important issues. He said that evidence had been taken from a range of witnesses and that the panel had considered the impact the TUPE transfer and the system implementation to date.

Councillor Evans detailed notes and the panel minutes would be available from Democratic Services.

Head of Paid Service, Sue Pangbourne confirmed that the accounts payable function and part of the HR function would be based at Coleford.

The Annual Scrutiny Event at the Council Offices at 6.00pm on Tuesday 25 September 2012

All at 6.00pm with a chairman’s briefing for members at 5.30pm

18 October 2012

29 November 2012

10 January 2013 (Newent)

21 March 2013

The chairman Philip Burford advised that the leisure centre visits to inform the Leisure Strategy Scrutiny Inquiry would take place on Monday 22 October 2012, beginning at 9:30am at Sedbury.  Councillors should make their own way or car-share.

All at 6.00pm with a chairman’s briefing for members at 5.30pm

18 October 2012

29 November 2012

10 January 2013 (Newent)

21 March 2013