Please contact: Emma Denny
Please email: emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk Please direct dial on: 01263 516010
13 May 2013
A meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of North Norfolk District Council will be held
in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer on Tuesday 21 May 2013 at
9.30a.m.
At the discretion of the Chairman, a short break will be taken after the meeting has been running
for approximately one and a half hours. Coffee will be available in the staff restaurant at 9.30 a.m.
and at the break.
Members of the public who wish to ask a question or speak on an agenda item are requested to
arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of the meeting. It will not always be possible to
accommodate requests after that time. This is to allow time for the Committee Chair to rearrange
the order of items on the agenda for the convenience of members of the public. Further information
on the procedure for public speaking can be obtained from Democratic Services, Tel: 01263
516010, Email: democraticservices@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Sheila Oxtoby
Chief Executive
To: Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds, Ms V R Gay, Mrs A Green, Mr B Jarvis, Mr P Moore, Mr J H PerryWarnes, Mr R Reynolds, Mr E Seward, Mr B Smith, Mr N Smith, Mr R Smith and Mr P Terrington.
All other Members of the Council for information.
Members of the Management Team, appropriate Officers, Press and Public.
If you have any special requirements in order to attend this
meeting, please let us know in advance
If you would like any document in large print, audio, Braille, alternative
format or in a different language please contact us.
Chief Executive: Sheila Oxtoby Corporate Directors: Nick Baker & Steve Blatch
Tel 01263 513811 Fax 01263 515042 Minicom 01263 516005
Email districtcouncil@north-norfolk.gov.uk Web site northnorfolk.org
AGENDA
1.
TO RECEIVE APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
2.
SUBSTITUTES
3.
PUBLIC QUESTIONS
To receive questions from the public, if any
4.
MINUTES
(Page 1)
(9.30 – 9.40)
To approve as correct records, the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee held on 20 March 2013.
5.
ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
To determine any other items of business which the Chairman decides should be
considered as a matter of urgency pursuant to Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government
Act 1972.
6.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members are asked at this stage to declare any interests that they may have in any of the
following items on the agenda. The Code of Conduct for Members requires that
declarations include the nature of the interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary
interest.
7.
PETITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
To consider any petitions received from members of the public.
8.
CONSIDERATION OF ANY MATTER REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE BY A MEMBER
To consider any requests made by non-executive Members of the Council, and notified to
the Monitoring Officer with seven clear working days notice, to include an item on the
agenda of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
9.
RESPONSES OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CABINET TO THE COMMITTEE’S REPORTS
OR RECOMMENDATIONS
To consider any responses of the Council or the Cabinet to the Committee’s reports or
recommendations.
10.
THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
(Page 10)
To discuss the Cabinet Work Programme and to consider the programme of business for
Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny, Audit and Full Council.
11.
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
(Page 15)
(Appendix A – p.21) (Appendix B –p.23) (Appendix C – p.27) (Appendix D – p.28)
(9.45 – 10.30)
Summary:
This report updates the Committee on progress with topics in
its agreed work programme (attached at Appendix B) and
invites Members to identify any arising items for future
meetings. The Scrutiny Committee’s working style and role is
attached at Appendix C.
Conclusions:
That progress is being made in some areas, others need to be
monitored and opportunities for scrutiny should be discussed.
Recommendations: That Members should consider any follow-up actions
required on these topics.
Cabinet Member(s):
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer
telephone number
and email:
12.
Mr R Oliver
All
Emma Denny
01263 516010
emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk
ENFORCEMENT BOARD UPDATE
(Cabinet Agenda 13 May p. 32)
(Appendix C – Cabinet Agenda p.38) (Appendix D – Cabinet Agenda p. 41)
(10.30- 11.00am)
Summary:
This report provides an update to Cabinet Members on the
actions of the Enforcement Board since it was set up in
December 2012 to provide a cohesive enforcement approach in
respect of long term empty properties and other difficult
enforcement cases.
It is proposed that the Enforcement Board will report, as part of
the Annual Action Plan, updates on a quarterly basis to the
Performance and Risk Management Board and on a six monthly
basis to Cabinet.
In addition, issues of significance are discussed with relevant
Portfolio Members prior to action proceeding and issues of a
more local nature will be reported to local members as
appropriate to ensure that they are kept informed.
Conclusions:
The development of the Enforcement Board and its subsequent
methods of working across Council services have quickly started
to make in-roads to a number of long standing and difficult issues
around both properties and individuals/companies.
Progress on the wider backlog of long term empty properties has
been initially slower than planned, but it is anticipated that the use
of a bulk mailing process in Revenues and Benefits will enable us
to catch up quickly.
Recommendations:
1. That Cabinet notes the progress made
to date by the Enforcement Board.
2. That future progress is reported to
Cabinet on a six monthly basis and
Performance and Risk Management
Board on a quarterly basis.
3. That progress on enforcement issues
affecting specific wards is reported
directly to Local members.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer:
Telephone no:
Email:
13.
14.
Cllr Trevor Ivory
All
Nick Baker
01263 516221
Nick.baker@north-norfolk.gov.uk
NEW HOMES BONUS
(Cabinet Agenda 13 May – p. 16)
(Appendix A – Cabinet Agenda p.22) (Appendix B – Cabinet Agenda p. 23)
(11.15am – 11.30am)
Summary:
This report presents for approval a policy on use of the new
homes bonus including both the unallocated balance and the inyear allocations from 2014/15 onwards.
Options considered:
The report discusses models that could be used to allocate/make
use of the New Homes Bonus.
Conclusions:
The New Homes Bonus (NHB) was introduced as part of the 2010
Comprehensive Spending Review. When the scheme was
introduced national funding nearly £1 billion was set aside before
funding would be “top-sliced” from the formula mechanism. The
Government recognise the bonus within their assessment of each
Local Authority’s revenue spending power. This report makes
recommendations for the use of the NHB moving forward.
Recommendations:
That Cabinet recommends to Council:
1)
The New Homes Bonus is allocated within the base
budget from 2014/15 onwards (as detailed at section 4 within
the report);
2)
Of the unallocated balance of New Homes Bonus
(£1,201,097) 50% is transferred to the general reserve and
50% remains earmarked within the New Homes Bonus
reserve for the delivery of the Council’s Corporate objectives
in respect of housing.
Reasons for
Recommendations:
To support the Council’s financial planning process and support
future delivery of NNDC priority services.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer:
Telephone no:
Email:
Councillor Wyndham Northam
All
Karen Sly
01263 516243
Karen.sly@north-norfolk.gov.uk
ANNUAL EQUALITY REPORT
Summary:
(Page 30 )
(Appendix E – electronic only)
(11.30- 11.50am)
The Equality Act 2010 requires the Council to publish equality data,
on an annual basis, demonstrating how it fulfils the public sector
equality duty. The data is appended and the report highlights areas
of work to ensure full compliance with this particular aspect of the
Act’s specific duties.
Conclusions:
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee should note the publication
of equality data and work being progressed to address data gaps.
Recommendations: The report recommends that Committee notes the report.
Reasons for
To ensure the Overview and Scrutiny Committee is aware of the
Recommendations: publication of the Council’s equality data.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer:
Telephone no:
Email:
15.
Cllr Tom FitzPatrick
All
Kate Sullivan
01263 516052
Kate.sullivan@north-norfolk.gov.uk
PROPOSED DESIGNATION OF LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ORDER ON LAND AT
EGMERE – REPORT ON RESPONSES RECEIVED DURING THE CONSULTATION
PROCESS AND PROPOSED FURTHER ACTION
(Cabinet Agenda 13 May p. 43)
(Appendix F, Cabinet Agenda – p. 57)
(11.50 – 12.05)
Summary:
This report:
provides a summary of the issues raised through the public
consultation exercise undertaken by the Council in proposing
to designate land at Egmere for future development in
support of offshore wind energy developments off the North
Norfolk coast through the use of Local Development Order
powers.

proposes that the Council commissions consultants to
undertake a Landscape Visual Impact Assessment and
Habitat Survey in support of the Local Development Order.

advises that the Council proceeds with seeking to designate
land at Egmere for future development through the use of
Local Development Order powers through preparing all the
necessary documents required to support such an Order – ie
a draft Order and Schedule of Development, Access
Strategy, Design Guide and Landscape Plan.
Conclusions:
The report recommends that the Council should proceed
with its proposals to establish a Local Development Order
at Egmere to facilitate investment associated with offshore
wind energy developments through:
the commissioning of some technical survey work which
strengthens the evidence base in support of the proposed
Order,

preparation of a draft Order and Schedule of Development,
an Access Strategy, Design Guide and Landscape Plan;
prior to seeking endorsement of the Order from the
Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.
Recommendations
Cabinet is recommended to:1. Note the contents of the comments received on the
proposed Egmere Local Development Order through
the public consultation process and invite comment on
the representations received.
2. Make available a budget of up to £20,000 from the
General Reserve to commission a Landscape Visual
Impact Assessment and Stage 1 Habitat Survey so as
to strengthen the evidence base in support of the
proposed Order,
3. Agree proposed changes to the area covered by the
LDO designation as outlined at Section 8 of the report.
4. Provide delegated authority to the Corporate Director,
in consultation with the Cabinet Portfolio holder for
Planning, to proceed with preparing final documents in
support of the Order before seeking approval of Full
Council for the adoption of the Order.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Contact Officer:
Telephone no:
Email:
16.
Councillor Tom FitzPatrick
Primarily Walsingham, with some impact on Priory ward
Steve Blatch
01263 516232
Steve.blatch@north-norfolk.gov.uk
EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
To pass the following resolution, if necessary:
“That under Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be
excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they
involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph _ of Part I of
Schedule 12A (as amended) to the Act.”
17.
TO CONSIDER ANY EXEMPT MATTERS ARISING FROM CONSIDERATION OF THE
PUBLIC BUSINESS OF THE AGENDA
Agenda item no._______4_______
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY
Minutes of a meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 20 March 2013
in the Council Chamber, Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer at 9.30 am.
Members Present:
Committee:
Mr E Seward (Chairman)
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds
Mrs A Green
Mr P W Moore
Mr B Smith
Mr R Smith
Officers in
Attendance:
Members in
Attendance:
Ms V R Gay
Mr B Jarvis
Mr R Reynolds
Mr N Smith
Mr P Terrington
The Chief Executive, Corporate Director (NB), the Head of Finance, the
Coast and Community Partnerships Manager, the Policy and Performance
Management Officer, the Health Improvement Officer, the Sports and
Leisure Services Manager, the Community Liaison Officer and the Scrutiny
Officer.
Mrs L Brettle, Mr T FitzPatrick, Mr P W High, Mr W Northam, Mr R Oliver,
Miss B Palmer, Mr R Shepherd and Mrs A Sweeney.
Democratic Services Officer (IV)
152 APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mr J H Perry-Warnes.
153 SUBSTITUTES
Mr R Shepherd for Mr J H Perry-Warnes.
154 PUBLIC QUESTIONS
None received.
155 MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 20 February 2013 were approved
as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
In reply to a question from Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds on the Glossary (Minute 151), the
Scrutiny Officer confirmed that the production of a suitable document was under
investigation.
156 ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20 March 2013
1
None received.
157 DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None received.
158 PETITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None received.
159 CONSIDERATION OF ANY MATTER REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE BY A
MEMBER
None received.
160 RESPONSES OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CABINET TO THE COMMITTEE’S
REPORTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS
None received.
161 THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
In reply to the Chairman, the Coast and Community Partnerships Manager confirmed
that the Council’s approach to initiatives arising from Community Rights under Localism
was due to be considered by Cabinet in April. There were no plans for the matter to be
considered by this Committee and Members expressed no wish to have the matter
directly referred to them, bearing in mind that the call-in mechanism would be available
if needed.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
162 OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
Community Transport
The Coast and Community Partnerships Manager updated Members on proposals
relating to the future administration of community transport funding and discussions
taking place prior to submission of a report to Cabinet in April. The proposal was that a
service level agreement be set up with the Norfolk Community Transport Association to
administer funding. The Association would be able to take a strategic view and
maximise the value of funding, the overall level of which would remain unchanged.
He explained that a joint Task and Finish group for North Norfolk and Broadland had
been set up to look at Community Transport. This had reported to the Overview and
Scrutiny Committee in October. The Committee had decided that this group was too
wide in its remit and asked that a Task and Finish group relating to North Norfolk only be
set up. A new group had been established, to consider the broader issues of public
transport in the District, but there had been difficulty in finding a date for a meeting. The
group had now agreed to meet later that afternoon, when its business would include the
setting of terms of reference.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20 March 2013
2
Mr T FitzPatrick had been given to understand that the terms of reference applying to
the new group would in fact be similar to those of the original, but with relevance to
North Norfolk only. Ms V Gay and Mr R Reynolds concurred with this view.
In reply to a question from the Chairman, the Coast and Community Partnerships
Manager confirmed that the Community Transport Association was aware of the
changes to funding arrangements which were being put forward.
Review of the Big Society Fund
The Coast and Community Partnerships Manager informed the Committee that the Big
Society Fund had operated for a year, during which four rounds of grants had been
determined. A diverse number of organisations had been assisted with a wide range of
projects, in an even geographical spread across the District and the scheme had
generally been considered a success. Smaller grants (to a maximum of £10,000) had
been administered by a Board and larger ones by Cabinet. The division had led to some
confusion and issues had arisen around supporting evidence for applications presented
to Cabinet.
The Big Society Review Panel wished to encourage earlier involvement with proposals,
so that applicants could be assisted with their schemes and a partnership approach
could be developed where appropriate and advantageous to the community. The report
to Cabinet in April would be extending the maximum amount payable in the smaller
grants scheme to £15,000, based on competition (as all grants had been previously)
and recommending the introduction of an enabling scheme for larger projects. The two
schemes would share equally the £450,000 fund. These arrangements would be difficult
to operate through the service level agreement with the Norfolk Community Foundation
and it was proposed to deal with the administration in-house. The current administration
fee came from the fund and dispensing with this would make more money available for
projects. It was hoped that the first round of grants under the new arrangements could
be considered in June.
Mr P Moore had reservations concerning the Council’s involvement and saw a danger of
the authority directing the Big Society funds. Whereas the smaller grants scheme would
remain competitive, the Coast and Community Partnerships Manager believed that
there was a case for greater authority involvement, at an early stage, in larger
community projects. The Chief Executive supported this view. A major project would
only be commissioned if there was a community wish or need for it and the Council may
be able to take a more strategic view to maximise the benefit of the proposal. Mr N
Smith pointed to evidence that people who were not familiar with making applications
and found themselves at an unfair disadvantage in comparison to those able to call
upon a more professional approach. Ms Gay agreed with this point and was assured
that the financial categories of grant would be clear in the report to Cabinet. In reply to a
question from Ms Gay, the Chief Executive stated that the County Council had been
contacted regarding a written agreement, but was not prepared to enter into an
arrangement for more than 12 months. The Council could make another attempt to
secure an agreement for a longer period with the new administration at County Hall after
the May elections.
Disposal of Affordable Dwellings
The Chairman reminded the Committee that, when the subject of disposal of affordable
dwellings had last been discussed, Members had said how helpful it had been to be
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20 March 2013
3
notified of disposals. It was understood that, due to the numbers involved, it was
unfortunately no longer possible to be sent this information. Mr P Moore was concerned
that Members now seemed to be told about numbers of disposals, rather than being
consulted, and the information received was of little value. Other Members agreed,
pointing out that it had been possible under previous arrangements to have a decision
rescinded. Consultation was important when there was a premium on affordable
housing to let. Ms Gay felt that the Victory Housing Trust should be asked to contact
local Members in advance of a decision, with details of properties to be considered for
disposal (which did not appear to be on the public record) and the opportunity to
comment on them.
The Chief Executive recalled that when the decision had been reached to remove
District Council representatives from the Trust’s Board, it had been agreed that there
would be regular liaison meetings. The Council should be given the opportunity to
contribute local information which could well have a bearing on decisions and this would
be a suitable avenue for taking this forward.
RESOLVED
1. That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee register its concern at the disposal of
affordable dwellings by the Victory Housing Trust without consultation with the
Council.
2. That the Trust be requested, before a decision to dispose of such dwellings, to
consult the District Council ward representative.
3. That decisions on disposals made after such consultation be recorded and made
available for public inspection.
4. That these matters be taken forward with the Trust through a liaison meeting as
suggested by the Chief Executive.
Environmental Sustainability
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds raised the following questions on the breakdown and
changes in carbon emissions at Council facilities:



Why do the figures for The Victory Leisure Centre and Fakenham Leisure Centre,
which attract similar numbers, show such a variation in changes in carbon
emissions?
Is Fakenham Connect having more frequent meter readings?
How many TICs are covered and are there individual readings for them?
The Chairman’s suggestion that the Sustainability Assistant be asked for a written
response to these questions, to be copied to Committee Members, was supported. If
the response gave rise to further questions, the officer would be invited to attend the
Committee’s May meeting.
Norfolk Police and Crime Plan 2013-17
The draft Plan had been submitted to the Norfolk Police and Crime Panel for
consideration, prior to publication on 31 March. Mr R Shepherd reported on the Panel
meeting and circulated a paper containing detailed responses to questions put to the
Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC).
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20 March 2013
4
The Plan was the first for Norfolk and defined how the PCC would approach business
over his first year in office. Three objectives for crime and disorder reduction and
policing in Norfolk had been set out, as follows:



Reducing priority crime, anti-social behaviour and re-offending
Reducing vulnerability. Promoting equality and supporting victims
Reducing the need for service, through preventative and restorative approaches and
more joined up working with partners, protecting the availability of front-line
resources
Mr Shepherd stated that the Plan was a work in progress and he believed that it
would be appropriate to invite the PCC to address Members when more detail was
available, which was anticipated to be in 6-8 months. Matters concerning the Panel
included pleas for funding, with various groups with overlapping remits seeking
support, and unreported crimes. A particular issue to which he drew Members’
attention was the extraordinary number of vulnerable adults and sexual offenders
who, on release, chose to stay in Norfolk; continuing one-to-one contact was often
involved, for which no extra funding was provided.
Improvements that the Panel had asked the PCC to make to the Plan included:
a) clarification of the meaning of percentage targets
b) the use of consistent terminology
c) an overview of the financial forecast
d) a future Plan to include a list of organisations receiving funding
e) details of the performance and progress of those organisations in achieving
outcomes
f) keeping the Panel informed
Mr Shepherd concluded by pointing out that overall crime levels in Norfolk were the
lowest in the country and the county had a police force second to none.
The Chairman thanked Mr Shepherd for his report. There was general agreement
that the PCC should be invited to talk to the Committee, to explain his approach and
how this was to be put into practice.
RESOLVED
To send an invitation to the PCC to address the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in
6-8 months’ time and that tis be added to the work programme.
Changes to Work Programme and Future Topics
The Chairman drew Members’ attention to the proposed date of 17 April for a
workshop to consider the ensuing year’s work programme. Members agreed to a
morning meeting on that date. Mr P Terrington wished to put forward some additional
topics for consideration and would pass details to the Scrutiny Officer.
Other matters raised under the Update were noted as reported.
163 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN 2013/14
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20 March 2013
5
The Committee noted that the report had been accepted by Cabinet at its meeting on 4
March. The revised Appendix E now before this Committee, setting out performance
indicators and measures, had been circulated at that meeting. It had been pointed out to
Cabinet that for HO03 – the number of development briefs produced on allocated sites –
the 2013/14 target was in fact three. Attention had also been drawn to CO03 – major
planning applications processed within thirteen weeks – where the target had been
increased from 72% to 80%.
Ms Gay was concerned that some targets were blurred, or limited in scope, in that
several were shown as “review and report”. Inclusion of a measurable target was an
expression of purpose, even if the stated figure could not be achieved. She was
disappointed that the target for affordable housing had been removed and those for blue
flag beaches and conservation areas had been reduced.
Regarding the target for the number of development briefs, Mr P Moore felt that a
greater issue was how to generate some building.
Mr R Smith referred to the target for the number of businesses assisted to retain jobs
and/or increase employment each year, which remained at the same level as for
2012/13. In response to a question from Mr Smith regarding the time frame for setting
targets for analysis of key industries, the Chief Executive said that nothing new was
currently proposed, but some redirection of resources was planned.
The Chief Executive went on to explain that a different approach was now taken by
North Norfolk, in common with most other authorities, to target setting. This followed
practice at national level. For many activities, for example on spending levels and
working days lost through sickness, it was not practicable to set a figure against which
success or failure could be measured. Mr B Jarvis agreed with this approach, as
opposed to setting arbitrary figures.
It was proposed by Mr Jarvis and seconded by Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds that the report
be accepted.
RESOLVED
That the Annual Action Plan for 2013/14, as set out in Appendix D of the report, and the
recommendations for performance indicators, as set out in Appendix E, as amended, be
approved.
164 BUDGET MONITORING REPORT 2012/13 – PERIOD 10
The report, which had been agreed by Cabinet at its meeting on 4 March, was
presented by Mr W Northam. Figures for the end of the monitoring period showed a
forecast underspend of £18,395 on the revenue account. The overall position would
continue to be monitored until the end of the financial year.
The Chairman drew attention to slippage on three housing schemes in the capital
programme and sought information on the schemes in question. The Chief Executive
agreed to have details circulated.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20 March 2013
6
In reply to an enquiry from Mr P Terrington as to whether thought had been given to the
use of Council resources to support housing projects, Mr Northam explained that
lending to Housing Associations was under consideration. Mr N Smith asked that,
should this come to fruition, the Council should be given a say in the activities towards
which the funding was directed. The Chief Executive informed the Committee that a
forthcoming report would include full details of this type.
Following a question from Mrs Claussen-Reynolds on risks affecting the Council’s
investments, in the light of the current volatility in Cyprus, the Head of Finance assured
Members of the criteria applied in order to guard against such risks.
The Chairman asked whether increased income could be expected on car parking
season tickets. The Head of Finance said that the final figure would be close to the
budget figure. On income from fixed penalty charges, a slight overachievement was
likely.
Mr Terrington mentioned the fuel station at Wells as approved recently by Development
Committee and asked if alternative bus parking had been requested. The Chief
Executive indicated that the Asset Management Board was looking into this.
On the subject of monitoring reports generally, Mr Moore wondered whether it was the
best use of resources to produce such detailed information at this frequency. He
thought that a short position statement might suffice. In agreeing to look at the format,
the Head of Finance explained that two reports in close proximity at this time reflected
the preparation of final accounts and presented an opportunity to take action before the
year end if necessary. If, for example, a significant overspend was shown, action to get
things on track could be taken. The system clearly showed accountability and kept
Members up to date with what was happening.
Finally, the Chairman enquired as to the large volume of calls currently being received
by the Council following the issue of Council Tax demands and benefits statements. The
Chief Executive referred to a news release that had been issued on the subject on the
previous day. The Head of Finance elaborated on the reasons for the higher than usual
volume of calls, in respect of both benefits and Council Tax, resulting from changes
previously reported. The disproportionate numbers of calls from Holt, as reported by Mr
High, largely resulted from the Town Council’s decision not to accept the new grant and
how this had impacted on the Council Tax demand.
RESOLVED
1. That the contents of the report and the current monitoring position be noted.
2. That the current position in relation to the 2012/13 capital programme be noted and
the amendments to the capital schemes, as identified in paragraph 6.3 of the report
and as approved by Cabinet, be endorsed.
165 HEALTH STRATEGY UPDATE
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20 March 2013
7
The Corporate Director provided an overview on the report, which updated Members on
some of the strategic and multi-agency work with which the Council was involved, as
well as direct services which impacted upon health and well-being. The North Norfolk
Clinical Commissioning Group was emerging strongly and, although there were limited
funding opportunities for the Council within the wider health agenda, the authority should
be engaging positively in order to influence the local strategic and operational structure.
The Health Improvement Officer pointed out that the Council had responded to the
consultation strategy and went on to expand upon some of the actions within the key
strategic priorities.
Under the priority of maintaining activity, independence and support for older and
vulnerable people, the Health Improvement Officer felt that the Council had done well to
secure funding again for Warm and Well in Norfolk and was pleased that formal links
with business partners had been established.
During consideration of the Local Health Service Update, the Chairman commented on
the “out of hours” service and the new 111 freephone telephone number. He had visited
local surgeries and found publicity of the new arrangements to be very limited. The
availability of the service needed to be now as widely as possible, in view of its bearing
on the 999 emergency service and consequent take-up of ambulances. Mr N Smith
agreed that this was not being promoted as well as it should be and Mr P Moore
wondered how widely leaflets explaining the service had been distributed. The Health
Improvement Officer reported that latest figures showed that 6% of 111 calls were being
passed on to 999 by auto-transfer and that there had been no reduction in 999 calls.
Mr N Smith added his concern at the reduction of front-line mental health service staff
within the Norfolk and Suffolk Foundation. Mrs Claussen-Reynolds stated that this was
being looked at by the County Council’s Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Ms
Gay felt that isolation was a factor in mental health which needed to be given greater
consideration.
In reply to a question from Mr R Reynolds on the quality of carers, the Health
Improvement Officer said that this had been recognised as an issue. A Local Carers
Council had recently been set up and she had attended a meeting which considered
matters including training, skills, location and access. She added that most carers were
now provided by private organisations rather than the County Council.
Mrs Claussen-Reynolds raised the matter of the use of defibrillators supplied to local
councils and sought clarification on who could use them. Mr N Smith agreed that there
was some confusion over this. Training was needed, as well as knowledge of how to
gain access to the cabinet in which the equipment was housed. The Health
Improvement Officer stated that, where a community defibrillator scheme was
introduced, training should be part of the package.
The Sports and Leisure Services Manager reported on health-related work within his
area. He pointed out that, after the London Olympics in 2012, funding for sports at the
grass root level had increased. Acknowledging the Chairman’s comments on the
connections between poor health and other factors, including lack of activity, access,
poverty, obesity and “hard to reach” groups, he updated Members on projects intended
to address this situation. It had been difficult to reach some groups, but good progress
had been made through the Fit Together Walks and the Mobile Gym. Mrs A Sweeney
said that cost remained an issue for some and the Sports and Leisure Services Officer
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20 March 2013
8
demonstrated how increased leisure centre use had been achieved through offering
some facilities on lower terms. Others agreed that even low cost gym membership
presented problems in the current economic climate which, the Health Improvement
Officer pointed out, along with housing, was the biggest factor in poor health. Mr B Smith
drew attention to the benefits of outdoor gyms and suggested that local councils should
be encouraged to establish such facilities.
Following a question from Mrs A Green, the Sports and Leisure Services Officer
confirmed that school activities were being organised, both during and after normal
school time. He went on to explain the application being prepared for funding from the
recently announced Community Sports Activation Fund and the consultation undertaken
in order to be able to demonstrate the evidence.
The Chairman understood that there were to be six-monthly strategic meetings with the
Clinical Commissioning Group. This was confirmed by the Corporate Director, who said
that the first meeting would be held after the CCG went “live” in April. The Group would
be represented by its Chairman, Chief Operating Officer and probably one other; the
Council’s representation would be the Portfolio Holder and/or Leader plus the Corporate
Leadership Team. It was hoped to combine this with future working around the troubled
families initiative where the County Council was looking for local support in North
Norfolk. Other engagement would be enabled by the CCG Partnership Group
(management of the CCG) and the North Norfolk Health Improvement Forum
(operational partnership working where the Council had appropriate levels of
representation). In reply to the Chairman, the Corporate Director said that the key
matters arising from these meetings could be reported back to the Overview and
Scrutiny Committee.
In reply to a further question, the Corporate Director agreed to ask that the CCG if it
would like to send a representative to meet this Committee once a year.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted and the following actions recorded:







Minutes/ notes of the Clinical Commissioning Group to be brought to this Committee
Members note that meetings of the CCG’s governing body are to be held in public
The CCG to be invited to be represented at this Committee once a year
Further publicity to be given to 111 service to be ascertained
Further information to be sought on training for carers
The Health Improvement Officer to seek guidance on the training and use of
community defibrillators and provide this for Members
The section on health-related work in Sports and Leisure in the next report to
address “hard to reach” groups, funding for outdoor gyms and information on how
successful outdoor gyms have been, where established
166 ANNUAL EQUALITY REPORT
The Community Liaison Officer informed the Committee of new responsibilities upon
local authorities to publish equalities information. The Equalities Data Annual Report
based upon a previously published draft, had been tabled prior to the meeting.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20 March 2013
9
Some Members felt that they needed more time to digest the report and it was agreed
that consideration be deferred until the Committee’s informal work programme meeting
in April. The Committee asked whether they could be given more information at that
meeting on arrangements for the reporting back of equalities information.
On the information in the report on Electoral Services, Ms Gay wondered whether there
was any more specific breakdown of the information on electoral registration in respect
of the views of newly registered 18 year old voters or attainers. The Community Liaison
Officer agreed to look into this and respond to the enquiry.
The meeting concluded at 12.20 pm.
____________________
Chairman
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
20 March 2013
10
Agenda Item 10
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 May 2013 to 30 September 2013
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Corporate
Plan Priority`
Lead Officer
May 2013
Cabinet
13 May 2013
Local Development
Order - Egmere
Tom FitzPatrick
Overview & Scrutiny
21 May 2013
Steve Blatch
Corporate Director
01263 516232
Full Council
Cabinet
June 2013
(tbc)
13 May 2013
New Homes Bonus
Trevor Ivory
Overview & Scrutiny
21 May 2013
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Full Council
Cabinet
June 2013
13 May 2013
Proposal to
establish a costsharing group
Trevor Ivory
Emma Duncan
Head of Legal
01263 516045
Cabinet
13 May 2013
Enforcement Board
update
Trevor Ivory
Nick Baker
Corporate Director
01263 516221
June 2013
Cabinet
10 Jun 2013
Out-turn report
Wyndham
Northam
Overview & Scrutiny
19 Jun 2013
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Full Council
24 July 2013
Status
Annual
Key Decision
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information)
(England) Order 2006)
11
Agenda Item 10
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 May 2013 to 30 September 2013
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Corporate
Plan Priority`
Lead Officer
Status
Cabinet
10 Jun 2013
Tom Fitzpatrick
Delivering the
Vision A-E
19 Jun 2013
Helen Thomas
Policy & Performance
Management Officer
01263 516214
Annual
Overview & Scrutiny
Performance
Management –
Annual Report
Cabinet
10 Jun 2013
Debt Management
Annual Report
Wyndham
Northam
Annual
Overview & Scrutiny
19 Jun 2013
Louise Wolsey
Revenues & Benefits
Services Manager
01263 516081
Full Council
24 Jul 2013
Cabinet
10 Jun 2013
Community
Infrastructure Levy
Benjie CabbellManners
Mark Ashwell
Planning Policy &
Property Information
Manager
01263 516325
Cabinet
10 Jun 2013
Planning Peer
Review
Benjie CabbellManners
Overview & Scrutiny
19 Jun 2013
Steve Blatch
Corporate Director
01263 516232
Cabinet
10 Jun 2013
Wyndham
Northam
Full Council
24 July 2013
Treasury
Management
Annual Report
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Annual
Key Decision
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information)
(England) Order 2006)
12
Agenda Item 10
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 May 2013 to 30 September 2013
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Corporate
Plan Priority`
Lead Officer
July 2013
Cabinet
10 Jun 2013
Leisure options
John Lee
Overview & Scrutiny
19 Jun 2013
Rhodri Oliver
Cabinet
8 July 2013
CCTV Working
Party –
final report &
recommendations
Full Council
Cabinet
24 July 2013
8 July 2013
Local Investment
Strategy
Wyndham
Northam
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Cabinet
8 July 2013
Financial Plan
update
Wyndham
Northam
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Cabinet
8 July 2013
Options for the
future of the
Building Control
Service
Benjie CabbellManners
Steve Blatch
Corporate Director
01263 516232
September 2013
Cabinet
2 Sept 2013
Wyndham
Northam
Karen Sly
Overview & Scrutiny
11 Sept 2013
Investing in
Housing
Associations
Status
Duncan Ellis
Head of Assets &
Leisure
01263 516330
Nick Baker
Corporate Director
01263 516221
Proposed
report – could
come to
Key Decision
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information)
(England) Order 2006)
13
Agenda Item 10
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 May 2013 to 30 September 2013
Cabinet earlier
Full Council
18 Sept 2013
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Cabinet
2 Sept 2013
Community
Infrastructure Levy
Rhodri Oliver
Cabinet
2 Sept 2013
Housing Delivery
Incentive Scheme
Trevor Ivory
Corporate
Plan Priority`
Lead Officer
Status
Mark Ashwell
Planning Policy &
Property Information
Manager
01263 516325
Mark Ashwell
Planning Policy &
Property Information
Manager
01263 516325
Key Decision
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information)
(England) Order 2006)
14
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
21 May 2013
Agenda Item No 11
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
Summary:
This report updates the Committee on progress with
topics in its agreed work programme (attached at
Appendix B) and invites Members to identify any
arising items for future meetings. The Scrutiny
Committee’s working style and role is attached at
Appendix C.
Conclusions:
That progress is being made in some areas, others
need to be monitored and opportunities for scrutiny
should be discussed.
Recommendations:
That Members should consider any follow-up
actions required on these topics.
Cabinet Member(s):
Ward(s) affected
Mr R Oliver
All
Contact Officer
telephone number
and email:
Emma Denny
01263 516010
emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk
1.
Introduction
The Scrutiny Update report is a standing item on all Overview and Scrutiny
Committee agendas. The report updates Members on progress made with
topics on its agreed work programme and provides additional information
which Members may have requested at a previous meeting.
2.
Progress on topics since the last meeting
2.1
Community Transport
The Coast and Community Partnerships Manager has provided the following
update:
At the March meeting it was reported that Community Transport Operators
(CTO’s) in North Norfolk, supported by funding contributions from the Council,
would be consulted on possible changes to the administration of the grant for
next year. In the meantime, further discussions have taken place with Norfolk
County Council, Norfolk Community Transport Association and Victory
Housing Trust (which itself provides grants to CTO’s). As a result the need for
a wider review of Community Transport has transpired, and relevant parties
are likely to undertake studies which attempt to map and analyse community
transport services in the District, identifying gaps in provision and
15
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
21 May 2013
development opportunities. NNDC will support such investigations as
appropriate. As this work will take place this year, funding for the CTO’s that
were previously supported by NNDC will continue to be provided as before.
Members will be updated as the review progresses.
2.2
Health Update
Sonia Shuter, the Health Co-ordinator has provided the following response to
a question raised at the March meeting on training in the use of defibrillators:
Community Heartbeat - www.communityheartbeat.org.uk
Initial training will be undertaken by a local training company, or the local
ambulance service. Ideally it will comprise of a full Emergency First Aid
course (1 day) to include the additional elements for using the AED/PAD. A
shorter course of just AED training is the minimum required. Training will be
undertaken by HSE certified instructors.
British Heart Foundation - www.bhf.org.uk
It’s very easy to use an AED. The rescuer turns the machine on which
then gives voice prompts, telling the rescuer what to do. The rescuer will be
asked to put pads into position on the person’s chest. These pads detect
electrical activity in the heart and will be able to tell if a shock is needed.
Anyone can use an AED, but it's preferable that people receive training first. It
would be better if more people were trained in CPR, which buys time before
defibrillation.
At the March meeting, Mr R Reynolds asked for further information on
training for care providers:
In March 2010 CQC Essential Standards of Quality and Safety superseded
previous National Minimum Standards regulations that required a percentage
(50%) of staff to have a level 2 NVQ qualification. Currently, there is no
longer a requirement to have a specific level qualification (NVQ’s are now
replaced by Diplomas).
Under the 28 CQC regulations, outcome 12 relates to staffing. It states:
Outcome 12: Requirements relating to workers
People should be cared for by staff who are properly qualified and able to do
their job. This is what is required:
 Skills for Care Common Induction Standards
 Training and qualifications that satisfy the learning outcomes as advised by
Skills for Care
 Units or qualifications relevant to the job as advised by Skills for Care
The mandatory training for all care staff is the Common Induction Standards
(CIS) and refresher training. The Common Induction Standards refer to
learning outcomes that a worker should achieve in order to work safely and
16
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
21 May 2013
effectively in their chosen setting. The CIS should be completed within 12
weeks of some starting a job.
Lone working should not be permitted until the CIS are completed or until
competence has been assessed and a manager 'signs off' the practitioner as
'safe to leave' to work alone.
Each standard contains a number of areas of knowledge that care workers
need to know about before they can work unsupervised. Managers have a
duty to ensure new staff know enough to meet the required outcomes in each
knowledge area.
Funding is available to help care homes pay for staff training. Whilst
accredited training is not mandatory it should be recommended and indeed
encouraged so that staff can be offered the opportunity to complete a
competence based qualification.
Coastal Communities Fund
Issues in relation to the care sector with regard to recruitment, staff retention,
turnover, training, the need to raise the profile of the sector and to respond to
the rapidly increasing elderly population with associated complex health and
social care needs requiring care in North Norfolk has been identified.
In response to this, a partnership bid written by NNDC with a third sector
organisation as the lead agency will be submitted to the Coastal Communities
Fund for a grant of £475,000. If successful this will enable three Coastal Area
Training Hubs in North Norfolk to be established as well as other initiatives
and activities to increase employment opportunities within the sector, increase
capacity and offer increased training opportunities locally.
2.3
Slippage on housing schemes
A question was raised at Scrutiny on 20th March when the budget
monitoring report was discussed. Page 28 of the Cabinet report referred
to three Housing Schemes that have been subject to delay and a request
had been made for £615,900 for slippage to the 2013/14 financial year.
The Chairman requested some more information on which three
schemes this referred to. He also requested a list of sites allocated for
housing schemes to be funded by NNDC.
The Team Leader – Housing Strategy has provided the following response:
In November 2012 it was expected that £2,022,500 of expenditure in relation
to 6 schemes would be incurred for the Enabling Budget.
Unfortunately there was slippage on 3 of the schemes which meant that all or
some of the expenditure expected to be incurred by 31 March 2013 will now
be incurred during 2013/14.
The slippage related to:
Hempton – this related to the final 20% of funding which was due, the scheme
was originally expected to achieve practical completion by 31 March 2013 but
will now complete in July 2013.
Fulmodeston and Barney – this related to the full expenditure to fund this
scheme on 2 sites, a start on site was achieved on both sites, so 80% of the
total funding has been paid. The remaining 20% of the funding will now not
17
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
21 May 2013
be paid until 2013/14 as one site will now complete in June 2013 (the other
completed March).
Blowlands Lane, Upper Sheringham – this related to 80% of the total funding
due, but the start on site for this scheme has slipped and will now not take
place until 2013/14.
The Enabling Budget for 2013/14 is to fund schemes at:
Holt Road, Fakenham – 24 dwellings to be completed 29 April 13 –
expenditure relates to the final 20% of the agreed funding.
Hempton – 7 dwellings to completed July 13 – expenditure relates to the final
20% of the agreed funding.
Fulmodeston and Barney – 4 dwellings at Barney completed, 4 dwellings at
Fulmodeston to be completed – expenditure relates to the final 20% of the
agreed funding.
Blowlands Lane, Upper Sheringham – 8 dwellings expected to be completed
March 14 – scheme is expected to draw down 100% of funding by March 14.
There are no other schemes with committed Enabling Budget funding.
2.4
Environmental Sustainability
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds raised the following questions on the
breakdown and changes in carbon emissions at Council facilities:
‘Why do the figures for The Victory Leisure Centre and Fakenham Leisure
Centre, which attract similar numbers, show such a variation in changes in
carbon emissions?’
The main reason for this is that Victory Leisure Centre has a pool whereas
Fakenham Leisure Centre does not – a pool has significant heating and
ventilation requirements which greatly increases the energy requirements of
the building as a whole. However this also means that it is easier to reduce
energy consumption in the centre with a pool, as there is more equipment to
improve. For instance one of the most significant energy saving measures
fitted in the leisure centres was ‘Variable Speed Drives’ which reduce the
energy used by fans and pumps. Eight of these were fitted to the fans and
pumps associated with the swimming pool at Victory, which is likely to have
been the main reason for energy consumption reductions at this site.
Is Fakenham Connect having more frequent meter readings?
Property Services have confirmed that Fakenham Connect is now having
weekly meter readings, in order to ensure up-to-date billing for the site.
How many TICs are covered and are there individual readings for them?
There are 4 NNDC-owned TICs, shown below along with their annual energy
consumption figures for the year 2011-12:
18
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
Site
Cromer:
Sheringham:
Holt:
Wells:
Cromer Office
(for
comparison):
2.5
21 May 2013
Energy consumption
(kWh/yr)
43,964
27,503
5,551
3,905
471,881
Car Parking Charges review
A request was made in May 2012 to review Car Parking Charged in May
2013. The Portfolio Holder and the Head of Assets and Leisure feel that it is
too early to bring a full review to the committee and have suggested that it
comes when a comprehensive review is undertaken as part of the budget
process. This will be presented to Cabinet in November and could come to
the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in the same month. The Portfolio
Holder has offered to attend the meeting on 21 May to provide a verbal
update and to answer Members questions. Members should also note that a
proposed review of the tourism offer in the District is due to come to
Committee in October and it has been requested that this should include the
impact of increased parking charges on visitors to the area.
3.
Police and Crime Panel - composition
Based on the position after the county council elections and district byelections, the position is unchanged at:
6 Conservative
2 Labour
1 Liberal Democrat
1 Green
Just as an explanation re the numbers. There are actually 419 seats across
the county but only 412 have been counted in. This is because there is
currently 1 vacancy in King's Lynn and there are 6 councillors who are not a
member of any political group - 1 each in Breckland, North Norfolk, King's
Lynn, Norfolk County and 2 in South Norfolk.
This means that Norwich & GY are to appoint Labour members, all
other districts are to appoint Conservatives and NCC is to appoint 1 each of
Cons, Lib Dem and Green.
Emma Denny has now replaced Steve Blatch on the Officer Group and
together with our member representative, Richard Shepherd, will provide
regular updates to the Committee.
4.
Victory Housing Liaison Group
At the meeting on 20 March 2013, The Chief Executive agreed to provide an
update to the committee on the outcomes of the Victory Housing Liaison
19
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
21 May 2013
Group. This group is due to meet on 12th June so an update will come to the
June Committee meeting.
5.
Internal Boards
At the Annual Scrutiny Committee Workshop on 17th April, the Chairman
requested that a full list of the Council’s internal boards should be provided at
the next committee meeting. This is attached at Appendix D.
6.
Changes to the Work Programme and Future Topics
Seven members attended the workshop on 17th April. A summary of the
outcomes is attached at Appendix A together with an updated work
programme at Appendix B. Due to a heavy workload in some months, the
programme has been adjusted slightly to even it out. Members’ views are
sought on whether they wish to receive the annual debt management report.
Given previous concerns about a rise in council tax debt following recent
government changes to council tax benefits it was considered that they may
wish to see the report this year.
20
Appendix A
Overview and Scrutiny Workshop 17th April 2013
Happisburgh steps – a request had been made by the Coastal Management Board
that Scrutiny should review the situation with the temporary steps at Happisburgh in
June. It was queried whether this was necessary. Update: Emma Denny has spoken
to Rob Goodliffe and he agrees that it is no longer necessary for this item to come
back to the committee. He will inform the Coastal Management Board.
Localism Act – a Members Briefing had been suggested some time ago. It was felt
that this was still important – in particular how localism worked in practice and more
specifically how it interacted with planning. Clarification on neighbourhood plans
would be particularly beneficial. Update: Emma Denny has spoken to Rob Young
about this and he said that he will look into this. Some of these issues have been
picked up by the Planning Peer Review which is coming to the committee in June.
Local concerns – it was felt that Scrutiny had a role to play in considering local
concerns and problems and one way to find out about these was to visit town and
parish councils. The Chairman felt that it might be better initially to get some
feedback on the issues raised when the Leader and Chief Executive attended town
and parish council meetings. It was also agreed that it could be beneficial to find out
if NALC had a local branch and if so whether they had any feedback from the parish
and town councils. Update: Emma Denny has emailed the Norfolk Association of
Local Councils asking whether it is possible to receive feedback on local concerns.
Our local NALC representative is Tony Nash. It may also be worth surveying
members to see which issues regularly come up at parish and town council meetings
that they attend.
Big Society Fund Grants Panel – an update on how this was working under the
new terms of reference should come to Scrutiny towards the end of 2013. The
Committee were particularly interested in the kind of projects being funded and
whether they added value. It would also be beneficial to know the kinds of projects
that didn’t receive funding and what was the impact of this on the groups concerned
– were they able to get alternative funding? An overall review of the outcomes of the
projects should also be provided – ie what was working well and what was stalling.
Economic Development – it was suggested that a report on renewable energy
should come to Scrutiny in July. This should provide an overview of the sector and
highlight which projects were progressing and the implications for the local area. In
addition information should be provided on whether there was a policy in place
regarding renewable energy schemes and whether there were any direct benefits for
the local area such as s106 agreements. All councillors should be invited to attend.
Update: Steve Blatch has proposed that he brings a report to the Committee in June
as he is away for the July meeting. This has been changed in the work programme.
Tourism – A report on the Tourism offer in the district should come to Scrutiny in
October (once the main summer season has finished). A summary of the season
21
Appendix A
should be provided and should include statistics on the number of visitors to the
district and an estimate of the money spent by them. If possible it would be helpful to
have this data provided over a two year period so a comparison could be made. In
addition a summary of the amount tourists spend on car parking charges and
whether an increase in charges has had an impact.
Planning – it was agreed that the Planning Peer Review report should come to
Scrutiny following Cabinet. Update: this will come to the June meeting.
Empty Homes – an update should come to the committee later in the year and
should provide an overview on how the Council was progressing with reducing the
number of empty homes.
Affordable Homes – summary of progress – number being built and where, how are
they priced and are they affordable to people in North Norfolk? Also housing
provision generally. To come in June. Update: due to a large number of reports
coming to the committee in June, this item had been put back to July. This will allow
the report author additional time to collate all the necessary information.
Health – to continue with 6 monthly updates for health and leisure. Regular updates
should be received relating to the meetings between CLT, the Leader and the
NNCCG.
Crime and Disorder – The Police Commissioner should be invited to attend the
Committee later in the year to provide an overview of their work to date and answer
members’ questions.
Community Transport – an initial update should come to the Committee in May.
They would then decide how they wished to take it forward.
Leisure Services – an overview should be provided on all the councils leisure
facilities including woodlands, sport centres, splash and play areas. It should include
usage levels and whether they provided value for money.
Scrutiny update report - May
Boards – Members were unclear about the number of Boards, their remit and who
sat on them. A request was made that a summary of all the Boards and their
Members should be provided as part of the next Scrutiny update. It would be helpful
if information could be provided on when and where the Board minutes were
published. Clarity around this would ensure that Scrutiny was not duplicating any of
the work of the Boards (ED)
Building Control – update on changes to national legislation in May. Emma Denny
has spoken to the Building Control Manager and he says there has been a few
technical changes. He will prepare a briefing note for the June Committee meeting.
22
Appendix B
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMME
2013/2014
GUIDANCE FOR REVIEWING THE WORK PROGRAMME
In setting future Scrutiny topics, the Committee is asked to:
a) Demonstrate the value any investigation would have to the Council’s Community
Leadership Role.
b) Consider the relationship any future topic may have with the work of the Cabinet’s Work
Programme and the Council’s Corporate Plan
c) Be mindful of the public’s priorities.
d) Provide reasons for the investigation (so that Officers/Witnesses can assist Members to
reach an outcome).
e) Consider the outcomes required before commencing an investigation.
f) Balance the need for new topics with existing items on the Scrutiny Work Programme.
g) Consider whether it would be helpful to time limit investigations or break down some topics
into smaller areas.
h) Provide sufficient notice, where possible, in order that the Cabinet Member with
responsibility for the subject, Officers and outside witnesses/attendees can fully assist the
Committee.
Date of
Meeting
Topic
Officer/
Responsible
Portfolio Holder
May 2013
Local
Development
Order at
Egmere
Steve Blatch
Tom FitzPatrick
New Homes
Bonus
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Links with
Corporate Plan
Notes
Requested by a
Committee Member
Deferred from March
Equalities Data
Annual report
Kate Sullivan
Tom FitzPatrick
Car Park
Charges
Duncan Ellis
Rhodri Oliver
Delivering the
Vision E
Review requested by
Members – deferred
until later in the year
(Outturn Report)
Final Accounts
2011/12
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Delivering the
Vision A - E
Annual
Performance
Management –
Annual report
Julie Cooke
Tom FitzPatrick
June 2013
23
Annual
Date of
Meeting
Topic
Officer/
Responsible
Portfolio Holder
Planning Peer
Review
Steve Blatch
Benjie CabbellManners
Duncan Ellis
Rhodri Oliver
Requested by the
Committee
Steve Blatch
Russell Wright
Requested by the
Committee
CCTV Working
Party
July 17
2013
Renewable
Energy – an
overview of the
sector
Overview &
Scrutiny Annual
Report
Civil
Contingencies
and Business
Continuity
Update
Sept 25
2013
Links with
Corporate Plan
Notes
Emma Denny
Rhodri Oliver
Richard Cook
John Lee
Complaints,
Compliments
and
Suggestions
Jane Wisson
Russell Wright
RIPA/
Surveillance
Nick Baker
John Lee
Annual
Affordable
Homes
- Summary of
progress,
numbers being
built, average
prices
Nicola Turner
Trevor Ivory
Requested by the
committee
Waste Contract
update
Nick Baker
John Lee
Shared Services
update
Wyndham Northam
Louise Wolsey
Budget
Monitoring
Period 4 (April –
July)
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Delivering the
Vision B
24
Delivering the
Vision E
Cyclical
Date of
Meeting
Oct 2013
Nov 2013
Topic
Officer/
Responsible
Portfolio Holder
Health Update
Sonia Shuter
Angie Fitch-Tillett
Links with
Corporate Plan
Notes
Leisure Services Duncan Ellis
– overview on
John Lee
all the council’s
leisure facilities
to include usage
levels.
Requested by the
Committee
Performance
management
update Q1
cyclical
Tourism
To include a
summary of the
season, stats on
visitors. Amount
spent on car
parking and
whether
increases have
had an impact.
Review of Car
Park charges
Julie Cooke
Tom FitzPatrick
Duncan Ellis
Rhodri Oliver
Police
Commissioner –
presentation
Requested by
Committee (date to be
confirmed)
Performance
management
update Q2
Julie Cooke
Tom FitzPatrick
Dec 2013
Big Society
Fund Grants
Panel – update
on how new
body is working.
Projects being
funded and
whether they
added value.
Rob Young
Trevor Ivory
Jan 2014
Update Housing
Allocations
Scheme (tbc)
Trevor Ivory /
Nicola Turner
25
cyclical
Date of
Meeting
Feb 2014
March
2014
Topic
Officer/
Responsible
Portfolio Holder
Links with
Corporate Plan
Notes
Update on
Empty Homes
Policy, to
include an
overview on
how the Council
is progressing
with reducing
empty homes.
Waste contract
update
Trevor Ivory/ Nicola
Turner
Nick Baker
John Lee
cyclical
Shared services
update
Environmental
Sustainability
Update
Equalities Data
Annual report
Performance
management
update Q3
Wyndham Northam
Louise Wolsey
John Lee
Peter Lumb
cyclical
Kate Sullivan
Tom FitzPatrick
Julie Cooke
Tom FitzPatrick
Annual
Annual
cyclical
Health Update
cyclical
Annual Action
Plan 2014/15
Annual
TBA
Customer
Access Strategy
Estelle Packham
Russell Wright
TBC
Housing
Renewal Policy
Karen Hill
Trevor Ivory
Item on
All
Scrutiny
agendas
Scrutiny
Committee
Work
Programme
Rhodri Oliver/
Scrutiny Officer
26
Delivering the
Vision B
All
At Committee
Appendix C
Working Style of the Scrutiny Committee
Independence
Members of the Scrutiny Committee will not be subject to whipping arrangements by party groups.
Member leadership
Members of the Committee will take the lead in selecting topics for scrutiny and in questioning
witnesses. The Committee will expect members of Cabinet, rather than officers, to take the main
responsibility for answering the Committee’s questions about topics, which relate mainly to the
Council’s activities.
A constructive atmosphere
Meetings of the Committee will be constructive, and not judgmental, accepting that effective
scrutiny is best achieved through challenging and constructive enquiry. People giving evidence at
the Committee should not feel under attack.
Respect and trust
Meetings will be conducted in a spirit of mutual respect and trust.
Openness and transparency
The Committee’s business will be open and transparent, except where there are sound reasons
for protecting confidentiality. In particular, the minutes of the Committee’s meetings will explain
the discussion and debate in a balanced style, so that they could be understood by those who
were not present.
Consensus
Members of the Committee will work together and, while recognizing political allegiances, will
attempt to achieve consensus and agreed recommendations.
Impartial and independent officer advice
Officers who advise and support the Committee will give impartial and independent advice,
recognizing the importance of the Scrutiny Committee in the Council’s arrangements for
governance, as set out in its Constitution.
Regular review
There will be regular reviews of how the scrutiny process is working, and a willingness to change
if it is not working well.
Programming and planning
The Committee will agree the topics to be included in its published work programme and the
extent of the investigation to be undertaken in relation to resources, and the witnesses to be
invited to give evidence.
Managing time
The Committee will attempt to conclude the business of each meeting in reasonable time. The
order of business will be arranged as far as possible to minimize the demands on the time of
witnesses.
26
27
Internal Boards
Appendix D
NAME
MEMBERS
OFFICERS
Asset Management
Board
Mr T Fitzpatrick
Mr T Ivory
Mr R Oliver
Chief Executive
Corporate Director
Head of Finance
Estates and
Valuation Manager
Coastal Management
Board
Mrs L Brettle
Mrs A M Fitch-Tillett
Mrs H Thompson
Chief Executive
Coast and
Community
Partnerships
Manager
Coastal
Communities Project
Manager
Coastal Engineer
Head of Economic
and Community
Development
Quarterly
Performance and
Risk Management
Board
Mr T Fitzpatrick
Mr R Oliver
Chief Executive
Corporate Directors
Head of Finance
Monitoring Officer
Head of
Organisational
Development
Quarterly
Housing & Planning
Policy Board
Mr R Oliver
Mr T Ivory
Head of Economic
and Community
Development
Strategy Team
Leader
Planning Policy &
Property Info
Manager
Every 2 months
Customer Services
Improvement Board
Mr T Fitzpatrick
Corporate Director
Head of Customer
Services
ICT Manager
Web Manager
Finance Manager
Property Business
Manager
Group Accountant
Every 2 months
Updated by Emma Denny 9th May 2013
28
MEETINGS &
MINUTES
Every 2 months
Minutes go to the
Audit Committee
Internal Boards
NAME
Appendix D
MEMBERS
OFFICERS
Enforcement Board
Big Society Board
(Now Big Society
Fund Grants Panel)
Localism Board
Business
Transformation Board
ICT Strategy Board
(this board supports
the work of the
Business
Transformation
Board)
Mr B Jarvis
Mr S Ward
Mr J Wyatt
Mr T Ivory
Mr P High
Mr R Reynolds
Mrs Pauline GroveJones
Mr J Lee (sub)
Mrs V Uprichard
(sub)
Mr T Ivory
Cabinet Members as
and when required
Local Ward
Members
Mr T FitzPatrick
Mr R Wright
Mr T FitzPatrick
Corporate Director
Head of Legal
Revenues and
Benefits Services
Manager
Team Leader –
Housing Strategy
Head of
Environmental
Health
Development
Control Manager
Team Leader –
Environmental
Protection Team
Coast & Community
Partnership Manager
Health Improvement
Officer
Coast & Community
Partnership Manager
Sean Green
(consultant)
Chief Executive
Corporate Directors
Head of Customer
Services
IT Manager
Richard Cook
Corporate Director
(NB)
IT Manager
Head of Customer
Services
Not currently active:
Environmental
Sustainability Board
Mrs V Gay (LD)
Mr J Lee
Corporate Director
Sustainability
Coordinator
Updated by Emma Denny 9th May 2013
29
MEETINGS &
MINUTES
Fortnightly
Updates to PRMB
Six monthly
updates to
Cabinet
Quarterly
Minutes go to
Cabinet
TBC
Relevant minutes
and recs go to
Cabinet & Full
Council
Fortnightly
As and when
required
Agenda Item No____14________
ANNUAL EQUALITY REPORT
Summary:
The Equality Act 2010 requires the Council to publish
equality data, on an annual basis, demonstrating how it
fulfils the Public Sector Equality Duty. The data is
appended and the report highlights areas of work
undertaken by / required to ensure full compliance with
this aspect of the Act.
Conclusions:
The Overview and Scrutiny Committee should note the
publication of equality data and work being progressed
to address data gaps.
Recommendations:
The report recommends that the Overview and
Scrutiny Committee note the report.
Reasons for
Recommendations:
To ensure the Overview and Scrutiny Committee is
aware of the publication of the Council’s equality data.
Cabinet Member(s)
Ward(s) affected
Cllr Tom Fitzpatrick
All
Contact Officer, telephone number and email:
Kate Sullivan, 01263 516052, kate.sullivan@north-norfolk.gov.uk
1.
Introduction
1.1
Part of the specific duties of the Equality Act 2010 requires the Council to
publish equality data, on an annual basis, which demonstrates how the
authority fulfils the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). The PSED requires
the Council to:



Eliminate discrimination, harassment, victimisation.
Promote equality of opportunity for everyone.
Encourage good relations between people of different background.
1.2
The data for 2012/13 is attached at Appendix_F_. The data for 2011/12 and
2012/13 is located at http://www.northnorfolk.org/community/9388.asp
2.
Government Guidance: specific duties
2.1
The Home Office guidance states that the authority must be able to
demonstrate:

How the authority has paid due regard to the aims of the Public Sector
Equality Duty (see paragraph 1.1).
30

That the authority consciously thought about the 3 aims in its decision
making.

Data relating to our employees, (as the authority has over 150
employees).

Information relating to people affected by our policies and services.
2.2
The guidance also states that it would be ‘helpful’ for the authority to consider
topical issues, e.g. gender pay gap, which are relevant to our activities and
show how these have been considered.
2.3
Where data sets are incomplete the Council is encouraged to publish the
information available with an explanation of how data gaps will be filled in
future.
2.4
The guidance does make some suggestions as to the type of information the
authority could publish. These are outcome-oriented in nature and are listed
below to show what is expected:
2.4.1
Service outcomes for people with different characteristics.
2.4.2
Number of people with different characteristics who access and use
services in different ways.
2.4.3
Customer satisfaction levels of service users with different characteristics.
2.4.4
Complaints about discrimination.
2.4.5
Complaints from people with different characteristics.
3.
Our Approach
3.1
For each key service are the Council has identified:







The key activities listed in service business plans
Key tests of fairness for the service i.e. the broad key questions which
need answering in order to determine how fair or equitable the outcomes
of the service are
Those key activities which have high relevance to the Public Sector
Equality Duty
The equality data currently collected
Data gaps
Equality Impact Assessment data
Any project work which has been implemented to address inequalities
which have previously been identified
3.2
The 2011/12 data was published on the 31st of January 2012.
3.3
For 2012/13 the 2011/12 document was updated to reflect the changes in the
Council as well as updated information. This was published in draft on the
31st January 2013.
31
4.
Issues
4.1
In December 2012, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
published ‘Publishing equality information: commitment, engagement and
transparency.’
This is an assessment of public bodies’ performance
regarding their meeting the specific duties with reference to the publication of
equalities data in January 2012.
4.2
The report makes a series of recommendations which the EHRC expects
public bodies to incorporate into the publication of 2013 data and the process
the Council should adopt in updating documents. These recommendations
have been incorporated in to the Council’s equality data document where
possible. In relation to the publication of data, the main outstanding issues
are to:

Ensure the Council addresses data gaps. The data gaps which were
identified in 2012 have not been addressed. This means the authority
is not fully compliant with the requirements of the specific duty to
publish data.

Identify areas where the Council has not collected, used or published
equality information, but where other authorities have done so.

Consider how the Council’s performance compares with the
performance of other local authorities.

engage with staff and service users about how useful they have found
the published equality information to be, and where any improvements
can be made put in place clear plans to address any shortcomings, as
quickly as possible.

Ensure the data is available in alternative format and languages.
5.
Conclusions
5.1
To conclude, the Council has made efforts to fulfill the specific duty to publish
equality data. The Council must address the outstanding issues set out
above to ensure it is fully compliant with this aspect of the duty and will seek
to do so in partnership with other local authorities and public bodies in Norfolk
through the newly re-constituted Norfolk Community Relations and Equality
Board.
6.
Implications and Risks
6.1
If the Council does not comply with the specific duties the Equality and
Human Rights Commission (EHRC) can issue a compliance notice. If the
authority failed to comply with a requirement of the notice, the EHRC could
apply to the county court in England and Wales for an order requiring the
authority to comply.
7.
Financial Implications and Risks
7.1
There are modest financial implications in the Council seeking to address
identified data gaps which need to be considered against the time and cost
32
which would be incurred should any enforcement action be taken against the
authority.
There would also be reputational risks to the Council if the authority was to
have enforcement action taken against it for failing to meet the Public Sector
Equality Duty.
8.
Sustainability
8.1
None.
9.
Equality and Diversity
9.1
This report is specifically concerned with the Council’s progress to fulfill its
obligation under the Equality Act 2010 to publish equality data.
10.
Section 17 Crime and Disorder considerations
10.1
The Council is required to consider all its functions when considering what
equality data to publish. The Section 17 duty has been considered as data
relating to Hate Crime and Domestic Violence has been published.
33