Please contact: Tessa Gilder-Smith
Please email: Tessa.Gilder-Smith@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Please direct dial on: 01263 516047
07 January 2014
A meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee of North Norfolk District Council will be held
in the in the Council Chamber at the Council Offices, Holt Road, Cromer on Wednesday 15th
January 2014 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.
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, Mrs B McGoun, Mr P
Moore, Mr J H Perry-Warnes, Mr R Reynolds, Mr E Seward, Mr R Shepherd, Mr N 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
(Page 1)
(9.30 – 9.35)
To approve as correct records, the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee held on 11 December 2013.
4.
MINUTES
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
The following question has been submitted by Councillor Paul Williams:
I would be very interested in finding out exactly the value of the ‘right to buy’ windfall to the
authority and where it has been placed.
I have heard that there is also a split share of the VAT recovered from the repairs and
improvements that have been carried out on the housing stock, an arrangement made
when Victory took over the authority’s housing. I believe this total is approximately £400k.
I know that some money has been made available as a loan but I believe the amount is far
too small, and will have adverse effects. In addition, the government grant has been cut by
approximately 60%. This is leaving a void in the funding for current building projects that
were agreed before the cuts became apparent. I feel that we should be using some of the
two windfall amounts to assist bridging this void as a loan.
What are the total windfall amounts earned from Right to Buy receipts for the authority, and
VAT receipts for both the authority and Victory Housing? How much of this has been put
back into social housing? I would like this information going back for this year to date and
the previous two financial years.
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.
(Page 8)
(9.35 – 9.40)
To discuss the Cabinet Work Programme and to consider the programme of business for
Cabinet, Overview and Scrutiny, and Full Council.
10.
THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
11.
WASTE CONTRACT UPDATE
(9.40 – 10.00)
To receive an oral update from the Corporate Director (NB) regarding the authority’s waste
contract.
12.
ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY UPDATE
(10.00 – 10.20)
To receive an oral update from the portfolio holder for environment regarding environmental
sustainability in the district.
13.
CAR PARKING REVIEW
(Appendix A- Electronic Only)
(10.20-10.50)
To receive a review regarding car parking usage in the district.
14.
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
Summary:
(10.50-11.00)
(Page 11)
(Appendix B – p.13) (Appendix C – p.16)
(Appendix D – p.17)
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): Mr R Oliver
Ward(s) affected
All
Contact Officer
Emma Denny
Telephone number:
01263 516010
Email:
emma.denny@north-norfolk.gov.uk
15.
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.”
16.
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 11 December
2013 in the Council Chamber, North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer at
9.30 am.
Members Present:
Committee:
Mr P W Moore (Chairman)
Mrs A Green
Mrs B McGoun
Mr E Seward
Miss B Palmer (Sub)
Officers in
Attendance:
Members in
Attendance:
Mr J H Perry-Warnes
Mr R Shepherd
Mr N Smith
Mr P Terrington
Mr A Yiasimi (Sub)
The Corporate Director (NB), The Head of Finance, The Housing Team
Leader – Strategy, The Growth and Communities Manager, The Health
Improvement Officer, The Democratic Services Team Leader, The
Democratic Services Officer.
Mrs A Moore, Mr P High, Mr T Ivory, Mrs P Grove-Jones
Democratic Services Officer (TGS)
98. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds, Ms V R Gay, Mr R Reynolds, Mr S Ward (Sub)
99. SUBSTITUTES
Miss B Palmer for Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds and Mr A Yiasimi for Ms V R Gay.
100. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
None received.
101. MINUTES
The minutes of the meeting of the 13th November were approved as a correct record and
signed by the chairman.
The Chairman informed members of the committee that the Corporate Director (NB)
would be attending the committee to provide an update on the flooding situation in the
district.
102. ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
None received.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
1
11 December 2013
103. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Member(s)
Minute
Item
Interest
Big Society Fund and Enabling
Fund.
Other interest: A
board member of
Homes for Wells.
No.
Mr P Terrington
110
104. PETITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None received.
105. CONSIDERATION OF ANY MATTER REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE BY A
MEMBER
The Chairman took this opportunity to thank members of staff involved in the flooding
emergency and who were still working hard to resolve the situation. He added particular
thanks to the Chief Executive for leading the authority at county level, and to the
Corporate Directors for providing support locally. He also thanked the Communications
Manager for his hard work in keeping members of the council up to date with on-going
issues.
He added particular thanks to all staff and volunteers who manned the emergency
refuge centres and those who helped in organising housing and accommodation for
those who had been affected, as well as those members of the public who had worked
hard in their communities.
He concluded that he was proud of all members of the North Norfolk community for how
well they responded to the emergency, and that the council should be proud of
themselves for their timely, organised, and efficient response.
106. RESPONSES OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CABINET TO THE COMMITTEE’S
REPORTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS
None received.
107. THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
The Committee considered the Cabinet Work Programme and agreed its content.
108. VICTORY HOUSING – DISPOSALS PROGRAMME
The Chairman welcomed Mr Darryl Cox, Deputy Chief Executive of Victory Housing
Trust. Mr D Cox gave his thanks for the committee inviting him, and proceeded to give
his presentation regarding Victory Housing and its disposals programme. He made a
number of comments, including that it was Victory’s goal to develop 1000 new homes
before 2023, that all of Victory’s houses met the standards for the governmental ‘Decent
Homes Standard’, and that their disposals programme was mainly to enable
development of a higher standard of homes. The Chairman thanked Mr D Cox for his
presentation and invited members to ask questions. He added that the presentation
would be made available to members who wished to view it.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
2
11 December 2013
1. Mr P Terrington thanked Mr D Cox for his presentation and stated that whilst homes
were being built across the district, their seemed to be a lack of development in
particular areas, such as Wells. He also queried why the housing association was
selling two-bedroom houses when there was considerable demand for them. He
also commented on the selling of houses through this policy which are then bought
and rented on the open market at a commercial rate. He concluded that it seemed
that the housing association did not work enough on consultation. Mr D Cox replied
that he understood Mr P Terrington’s comments and that one of Victory’s key
objectives was to invest in local communities. He commented that the housing
association had regional aims and objectives, however that sometimes this did
appear unfair for more localised areas. He further commented that timescales were
important also; that the housing association could not immediately replace lost stock
but they would work to meet their 2023 target. Mr P Terrington commented that it
would be useful for members to be made aware of disposals , and the Housing
Team Leader – Strategy, commented that she would liaise with Victory HT to ensure
they were put in the Members’ Bulletin in the future as soon as possible after their
Board makes the decision to dispose.
2. Mr E Seward commented on the high demand for 3 bedroom properties in the
district. He commented that he did not think it was useful to sell 3 bedroom houses
when so many were required. Mr D Cox replied that the size of properties to develop
was decided with the Housing team at North Norfolk District Council, and members
may feed into this if they wish. He commented that often size of developments
impacted on the size of properties the housing association could build.
3. Mr W Northam queried if more single tenant properties would be built. Mr D Cox
commented that yes, primarily the housing association’s strategy was focused on
building smaller properties.
4. Mrs A Green commented that there seemed to be many sites which had been
allocated for redevelopment but which seemed to sit empty. Mr D Cox replied that
often the housing association had cost constraints and did not have the resources to
bid on market value land. He further commented that due to a selection of other
constraints, the opportunities for development were not as extensive as its
perception.
The Chairman thanked Mr D Cox and members of the committee for their comments.
109. ENFORCEMENT BOARD UPDATE
Flooding Update from the Corporate Director
Before discussing the Enforcement Board item, the Corporate Director gave an update
to members of the committee regarding the recent tidal surge in the district. He
commented that he had just left an officer meeting where he had received an update on
the situation. He commented that the warning system had been successful in ensuring
people were kept safe. He also commented that the Environment Agency were mapping
the areas damaged, which was a larger area than expected, to ensure future security.
He summarised that the areas damaged had covered the Wells coastal area through to
Walcott, and that many areas would need serious work. He then went on to update the
committee on availability of access in a number of areas. He hoped that work to make
repairs would begin before Christmas. He commented that all house visits had been
completed, with approximately 90 homes affected in total and 30 businesses, and that
all those who needed to be put in emergency accommodation had been housed.
He commented that the authority was taking all forms of waste for disposal from the
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
3
11 December 2013
public and was also working to clear debris from beaches, roads and pathways. He
commented that in Walcott the Lighthouse Inn had provided excellent emergency
support, and the Parish Council had worked very hard to ensure the public’s safety.
He commented that an emergency motion to cover the costs of repairs and approximate
financial implications would be going to the December meeting of the Full Council. He
hoped that the authority would be able to receive support from central government. He
commented that the disaster appeal being run jointly between the authority and the EDP
was going well, and that people’s support had been hugely beneficial. Finally he
thanked everyone involved for providing support at such a difficult time. The Chairman
invited members to ask questions.
1. Mrs H Cox thanked the Corporate Director for his update. She queried if the Cromer
pier would be reopened for the New Year’s Eve fireworks. He replied he wasn’t
currently aware of the situation but communications were on-going. He hoped that as
the theatre was reopening following the storm that they would be able to go ahead.
2. Mrs B McGoun thanked everyone for their hard work and gave her thanks that no
one was seriously injured in the event.
3. Mr P Terrington also gave his thanks for everyone’s hard work, and commented the
flood wardens worked very hard to ensure everyone was aware of the situation. He
hoped that in the future this system would continue to work. The Corporate Director
commented that he agreed, and that every house that was in danger was visited to
provide a warning previous to the storm hitting the area. He hoped that in the future
people would continue to volunteer as flood warnings to ensure appropriate warnings
were able to go out.
4. Mr E Seward commended everyone for their hard work, giving particular thanks to
the Chairman of Walcott Parish Council. He further commended the officers from the
authority who worked through the night, based at the Lighthouse Inn in Walcott. He
commented that all those involved showed exceptional commitment to the cause. He
further stated there was now a need to focus on the future and improve defences for
any further event.
Enforcement Board Update
The portfolio holder for Housing, Mr T Ivory, introduced the Enforcement Board item. He
commented that the report provided an update to Members on the work of the
Enforcement Board over the past six months and also gives an assessment of progress
made since the Board’s inception to provide a cohesive enforcement approach.
He commented that the board has considered 81 properties, of which 46 have seen a
positive outcome. He concluded that the board had made significant progress towards
its objectives of dealing with difficult and long standing enforcement cases. The
Chairman then invited members to ask questions.
1. Mr E Seward commented that he was happy with the report and it was good to see
progress. He suggested that any following reports on Enforcement should include
information on the impact of the Council Tax premium on Empty Homes and should
also include information on the impact of derelict land and derelict shops. He
suggested that whilst it was not easy to judge successes, they should continue
working hard. The Chairman reinforced this and suggested that legal action
sometimes took significant time, which could explain why it was a long process.
2. Mrs B McGoun raised the issue of the Broads Hotel in Hoveton, suggesting it was an
eyesore in the community. Mr T Ivory agreed and commented it may be useful to
have a discussion with the parish council regarding the property. He commented that
it was due to be demolished following removal of asbestos from the property. He
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
4
11 December 2013
commented that whilst the demolition should be a fairly swift process, resolving other
issues at the property may take some time. Mrs P Grove-Jones and Mrs B McGoun
enquired about a derelict property opposite the Broads Hotel, and Mr T Ivory replied
that this property sat under the Broads Authority’s remit.
3. The Chairman queried if the new process still allowed individuals to ‘play’ the system.
Mr T Ivory replied that hopefully that was not the case, as having a cohesive process
and procedure from different areas of the authority allowed them to prevent this. He
did comment however that this process was resource intensive. He further
commented that he was grateful for officers’ hard work.
4. Mr W Northam imparted his thanks for the work done for the public hall at
Mundesley.
5. Mr R Shepherd requested an update on the status of the Shannocks Hotel in
Sheringham. Mr T Ivory replied that whilst he did not have any specific details for Mr
R Shepherd, he would ask for a response from the Corporate Director on the matter.
The Chairman thanked members for the comments and it was
RESOLVED
To support the report.
110. BIG SOCIETY FUND AND ENABLING FUND
The Portfolio Holder for Localism and the Big Society, Mr T Ivory, introduced this item. He
commented that since its inception in 2012 the fund had provided financial support to
over sixty projects. He commented that grants for the year so far totalled £101,007 for
thirteen projects, with a total project value of £341,863. He commented that support for
The Atrium and Homes for Wells had been given in the December meeting of the Cabinet
and delegated power would be awarded to the Chief Executive in order to agree the
terms of a financial contribution. He further commented that the Big Society’s support of
the 4x4 Responders Team had been beneficial during the recent flooding, and the
committee and other members should remember the hard work of the group when it
came to nominating for the Big Society awards. The Chairman then invited members to
ask questions.
1. Mr P Terrington voiced his thanks for awarding Homes for Wells funding in order to
progress with their project.
2. Mr E Seward queried why Homes for Wells could be awarded grant funds, whereas
housing associations could only be awarded loans. Mr T Ivory replied that Homes for
Wells were a charitable organisation working for the benefit of a local community,
whereas housing associations, whilst doing beneficial work, still had business aims.
He commented that the work of Homes for Wells was an example of Localism at its
best, and that all areas should be encouraged to set up groups similar to Homes for
Wells. Mr E Seward went on to say that he was happy to see the Atrium becoming a
successful and viable entity with what seemed to be a dynamic manager in place.
The Chairman thanked members for their comments and it was
RESOLVED
to support the report.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
5
11 December 2013
111. PARISH AND TOWN COUNCIL UPDATE
The Chairman introduced Sue Lake of the Norfolk Association of Local Councils who
was present to provide members with an update on town and parish councils in the
district. Ms Lake proceeded to give her presentation covering a number of areas,
including current issues for parish councillors including Standards, neighbourhood
planning, and development issues, and established the role of NALC in supporting town
and parish councils in their work. The Chairman thanked Ms Lake for her presentation
and invited members to ask questions.
1. Mrs A Green requested that the information from the presentation be circulated. This
was agreed to be actioned.
2. Mr E Seward commented that a size difference between parishes often raised a
number of issues. He also said that controversial planning applications often became
problematic for parishes, particularly when they weren’t provided with guidance or
support. Ms Lake agreed with this, commenting that often parishes or town councils
did not have the resources to deal with large planning applications. She also
commented that due to problems with legislation not being changed, some
authorities did fall behind.
3. Mrs H Cox thanked Ms Lake for her presentation and her hard work in the district.
She commented that as Chairman of the Standards Committee, she felt the
committee was beginning to be very proactive in recognising issues, and commented
that recent Standards engagement events in the district had provided a good forum
for town and parish councils to learn about changes to the system. She commented
that it was important for the district to provide a steer and guidance to towns and
parishes particularly when they did not have adequate resources. Ms Lake thanked
Mrs H Cox for her comments and agreed that town and parish councils should be
made aware that there had been a change to the Standards regime. She further
commented that some parishes had even lost councillors due to vitriolic complaints,
and this may become an issue in the district.
4. Mrs P Grove-Jones commented that Stalham now had a new clerk who was
providing an excellent service for the parish. She said that she agreed that the clerk
could act like a ‘gatekeeper’ for the parish and that having a good clerk was integral
to the successful running of parish and town councils. Ms S Lake agreed and said
that hopefully this was changing but that it was a slow process.
5. Mrs B McGoun said that the issue of not being able to use BACS for payments acted
as a barrier to the efficient running of one of her parishes. Ms S Lake agreed and
commented that the legislation of the need for ‘two signatures’ to authorise a
payment did act as a barrier. She added that it could be possible to add two pins to
become proxy signatures, or to produce a list of proposed payments which could
then be signed off by two people. She further commented that legislative reform was
hopefully becoming more likely.
6. Mr P High commented that Holt were interested in producing neighbourhood plans
but had come against issues of a lack of knowledge. Ms S Lake replied that
Cringleford parish had put together a very successful neighbourhood plan and it
might be worthwhile to contact them.
The Chairman thanked Ms S Lake for her presentation and her useful comments.
112. FEES AND CHARGES 2014/15
The Portfolio holder for finance, Mr W Northam, introduced this item. He commented
that fees and charges for the coming financial year would be set at the following meeting
of Council. He stated that fees had been introduced for the installation of wood burners,
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
6
11 December 2013
to come into effect from 1 January 2014. The Chairman queried if recommendations
could be made from Scrutiny to alter the report. The Head of Finance replied that yes
they could make recommendations from Scrutiny to full council. The Chairman thanked
the Head of Finance and asked members if they had any questions.There not being any
questions, it was
APPROVED
to support the recommendations to Council.
113. HOUSING BENEFIT AND COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT COUNTER FRAUD POLICY
AND PROSECUTION POLICY
The Porfolio holder for Finance Mr W Northam introduced this item. He commented that
the policy was an update on the existing policy, creating a strategy towards fraudulent
benefit claims following the introduction of Council Tax Support in April 2013.
There being no questions from members, it was proposed by Mr J Perry-Warnes,
seconded by Mr E Seward, and
APPROVED
To support the recommendations to Council.
114. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY UPDATE
The Democratic Services Team Leader introduced this item. She commented that there
had been an update on reducing ambulance turnaround times which was attached as an
appendix. She further stated that the Police and Crime Commissioner had agreed to
attend the February meeting of the committee. She also commented that regarding the
previous meetings’ information on domiciliary care, that Roger Morgan at the County
Council was being kept up to date from the NHOSC and from issues in the district. Mr P
Terrington asked if it would be possible to receive an update on the district’s energy
strategy, and the Democratic Services Team Leader replied that she would find out the
information before the following committee meeting. The Chairman commented on the
inclusion on the dates of various other Scrutiny committee meetings in the county,
stating that he thought district members attending would be beneficial for the committee.
The meeting concluded at 12.38pm
____________________
Chairman
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
7
11 December 2013
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 February 2014 to 31 May 2014
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
3 Feb 2014
North Lodge Park
Rhodri Oliver
& Trevor Ivory
Corporate
Plan Priority`
Lead Officer
Status
Feb 2014
Cabinet
Cabinet
3 Feb 2014
Scrutiny
12 Feb 2014
Cabinet
3 Feb 2014
Scrutiny
12 Feb 2014
Cabinet
3 Feb 2014
Scrutiny
12 Feb 2014
Cabinet
3 Feb 2014
Overview & Scrutiny
12 Feb 2014
Council
26 Feb 2014
Duncan Ellis
Head of Assets &
Leisure
01263 516330
Exempt
Information
Revenues & Benefits
shared services
Wyndham
Northam
Steve Blatch
Corporate Director
01263 516232
Performance
Management Update
Q3
Tom
FitzPatrick
Delivering the
Vision (A)
Helen Thomas
Policy & Performance
Management Officer
01263 516214
Cyclical
Treasury Strategy
2014/15
Wyndham
Northam
Delivering the
Vision
Tony Brown
Technical Accountant
01263 516126
Annual
2014/15 Base Budget
and Projections for
2015/16 to 2017/18
Wyndham
Northam
Delivering the
Vision
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Annual
Key Decision – a decision which is likely to incur expenditure or savings of £100,000 or more, or affect two or more wards. (NNDC
Constitution, p9 s12.2b)
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information) (England) Order
2006)
8
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 February 2014 to 31 May 2014
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Corporate
Plan Priority`
Lead Officer
Cabinet
3 Feb 2014
Budget Monitoring
Period 9
Wyndham
Northam
Delivering the
Vision
Overview & Scrutiny
12 Feb 2014
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Cabinet
3 Feb 2014
Enabling Fund
Applications
Trevor Ivory
Rob Young
Growth &
Communities Manager
01263 516162
3 Mar 2014
Annual Action Plan
All
Helen Thomas
Policy & Performance
Management Officer
01263 516214
Status
Cyclical
March 2014
Cabinet
12 Mar 2014
Annual
30 Apr 2014
May 2014
Cabinet
12 May 2014
Overview & Scrutiny
20 May 2014
Nick Baker
Corporate Director
01263 516221
Business
Transformation
update
Key Decision – a decision which is likely to incur expenditure or savings of £100,000 or more, or affect two or more wards. (NNDC
Constitution, p9 s12.2b)
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information) (England) Order
2006)
9
North Norfolk District Council
Cabinet Work Programme
For the Period 01 February 2014 to 31 May 2014
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject &
Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Corporate
Plan Priority`
Lead Officer
New Telephony
System
Russell Wright
Nick Baker
Corporate Director
01263 516221
Cabinet
North Norfolk
Business Loan and
Grant Scheme
Russell Wright
Cabinet
Cabbell Park
Tom
FitzPatrick
Jill Fisher
Head of Economic and
Community
Development
01265 516080
Duncan Ellis
Head of Assets &
Leisure
01263 516330
Status
To be confirmed:
Cabinet
Scrutiny
Key Decision – a decision which is likely to incur expenditure or savings of £100,000 or more, or affect two or more wards. (NNDC
Constitution, p9 s12.2b)
* Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (As amended by the Local Authorities (Access to Information) (Exempt Information) (England) Order
2006)
10
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 January 2014
Agenda Item 14
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:
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
Energy Strategy
At the last meeting of the Committee on 11 December 2013, Mr P Terrington
had asked when the Energy Strategy would be coming to the Committee for
consideration. Mr S Blatch (Corporate Director) has confirmed that it is likely
that it will come to the March meeting.
2.2
Internal Boards
The Democratic Services Team Leader has asked the Monitoring Officer for
his input into this item. He has requested that the report comes to the
February meeting of the committee to give him more time to look at all the
information available relating to the Boards. The Chairman has agreed to this
request.
3.
Items of interest to the Committee:
Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
11
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 January 2014
The latest outcomes and actions and the forward work programme for the
Norfolk Health Overview & Scrutiny committee (NHOSC) are attached at
Appendix D.
Changes to the Work Programme and Future Topics
The updated work programme is attached at Appendix B. Please note that
some items have been moved to make sure that the schedule for each
meeting is not too heavy.
12
Appendix B
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMME 2013/2014
Period November 2013 – March 2014
January
John Lee
Nick Baker
Report on the Internal Boards – Sheila Oxtoby
to cover Functions/powers, who Tom FitzPatrick
sits on them, and where the
minutes go
Environmental Sustainability
Nick Baker
Update
John Lee
Review of Car parks – to include Duncan Ellis
income by ticket type and
Rhodri Oliver
figures for specific car parks.
Waste contract update
Cyclical
Requested by Councillor
Terrington
Cyclical
Requested
February
Performance management
update Q3
Helen Thomas
Tom FitzPatrick
Cyclical
Cabinet Approval
Treasury Strategy 2014/15
Tony Brown
Wyndham Northam
Annual
Cabinet Approval
2014/15 Base Budget and
Projections for 2015/16 to
2017/18
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Annual
Council Approval
Budget Monitoring Period 9
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Wyndham Northam
Cyclical
Cabinet Approval
Cyclical
Revs and Bens Shared Service
13
Cabinet Approval
Update
Police & Crime Commissioner
Presentation
PCC Steven Betts
Requested
Customer Access Strategy
Nick Baker
Russell Wright
Nicola Baker
Benjie Cabbell Manners
Julie Cooke
Tom FitzPatrick
Nicola Turner
Trevor Ivory
Sonia Shuter
Angie Fitch-Tillett
Jill Fisher
Russell Wright
Annual
Kate Sullivan
Tom FitzPatrick
Steve Blatch
Annual
March
Planning service – overview &
future
Annual Action Plan 2014/15
Housing Renewal Policy
Health Update
Update on Tourism across the
District – overview of the 2013
season. Include figures for
Mundesley & Wells TICs.
Challenges & progress in
addressing shortcomings. To
include presentation on the
DMO.
Equalities Data Annual report
Energy Strategy
May
Housing Allocations Scheme
Nicola Turner
Trevor Ivory
14
Requested
Cyclical
Council Approval
Annual
Key Decision
Cyclical
Requested
Council Decision
Business Transformation
Project- Six Monthly Update
Nick Baker
Tom FitzPatrick
Requested by the
committee
Enforcement Board update- to
include an update on the Empty
Homes Policy with information
included on the impact of
Council Tax premiums on
reducing empty homes.
Steve Hems
Nicola Turner
Nick Baker
Cyclical and requested.
June
Trevor Ivory
Also information on derelict
land and derelict shops.
October
Leisure Services – an overview Karl Read
of the leisure services across
the District – to include
costings, input by stakeholders,
profit etc.
Also figures on running of Pier
Theatre and Openwide contract
Profile of those using leisure
centres
TBC
Customer Service Update
New Telephony System
(Business Transformation Work
stream)
Nick Baker
Russell Wright
15
Requested by the
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
16
Appendix D
Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
2014
Item no
Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee
ACTION REQUIRED
Members are asked to suggest issues for the forward work programme that
they would like to bring to the committee’s attention. Members are also
asked to consider the current forward work programme:whether there are topics to be added or deleted, postponed or brought
forward;
to agree the briefings, scrutiny topics and dates below.
Proposed Forward Work Programme 2014
Meeting
dates
Briefings/Main scrutiny topic/initial review of
topics/follow-ups
16 Jan 2014
System-wide review of health services in west Norfolk a report from NHS West Norfolk Clinical Commissioning
Group on the current review of the health care system in
west Norfolk, including an update on the action plan for
the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn
Administrative
business
Changes to Mental Health Services in Central Norfolk –
an update on implementation of the Norfolk and Suffolk
NHS Foundation Trust Service Strategy 2012-16 in the
central Norfolk locality.
Mental Wellbeing in Norfolk and Waveney – Shaping
the Future – a report from North Norfolk CCG on plans
for the recommissioning of the ‘Improving Access To
Psychological Therapies’ service
27 Feb 2014
Report of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk Joint
Health Scrutiny Committee on the Proposals for Liver
Resection Services – the report of the joint committee is
presented for information and discussion
Depending on
whether the joint
committee is
ready to report.
Changes to Mental Health Services in West Norfolk –
consultation by the CCG and Norfolk and Suffolk NHS
Foundation Trust on potential closure of inpatient
facilities
Feb or Apr 2014,
depending on
when WN CCG
and NSFT are
ready to consult
with NHOSC
Norfolk Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2014-17 –
consultation by the Health and Wellbeing Board
Depending on
whether the
17
Appendix D
HWB is ready to
consult with
NHOSC
Delayed Transfers of Care – a report on the levels of
delay at the three acute hospitals in Norfolk and the
work underway across the local health and social care
system to reduce delayed discharge from hospital.
17 Apr 2014
Use of the Liverpool Care Pathway in Norfolk’s
hospitals – an update on practices regarding end of life
care in hospital following the report of the review the
LCP published in July 2013.
NOTE: These items are provisional only. The OSC reserves the right to
reschedule this draft timetable.
Provisional dates for reports / briefings to the Committee
29 May 2014 – Wheelchair provision by the NHS – an update from the
commissioners of wheelchair services in central and west Norfolk.
NHOSC Members on Regional Joint Scrutiny Committees (task & finish
basis)
Joint Committee (task &
finish)
Liver Re-section services
(joint committee with Suffolk
and Cambridgeshire)
NHOSC Membership
Progress
Cllr Michael Chenery of
Horsbrugh
Cllr Alexandra Kemp
Cllr Margaret Somerville
The Joint Committee met on 25
September 2013 and will meet
again on 29 November. The
Joint Committee expects to
complete its report in
December 2013.
(Substitute for all
Members:Dr Nigel Legg)
18
Appendix D
Outcomes and Actions
Norfolk Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (NHOSC)
28 November 2013
Agenda Report Title
Item
Number
Outcomes and Actions
Action By Whom
5.
Progress in reducing ambulance turnaround times at the NNUH was
noted. EEAST, NNUH and Norwich CCG were asked to update the
NHOSC with progress at a future meeting.
Adrian Matthews
Jon Moore
Matt Broad
Chris Hartley
Chris Cobb
Jonathon Fagge
Ambulance turnaround times
at the Norfolk and Norwich
hospital
(17 April 2014 is suggested as the date for an update report)
6.
Quality of services at the
Queen Elizabeth Hospital,
King’s Lynn
Noted the hospital’s progress with the Quality Improvement Plan.
7.
Forward work programme
NHOSC accepted the forward work programme with the addition of:‘Mental Wellbeing in Norfolk and Waveney – Shaping the Future’ - 16
January 2014.
‘Report of Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Health Scrutiny
Committee on the Proposals for Liver Resection Services’ – 16
January 2014
19
Maureen Orr
Appendix D
‘Delayed Transfers of Care’ – 27 February 2014
Copied to:Representatives attending the NHOSC meeting for NHS / other organisations
Chairman of NHOSC
District Council Members of NHOSC
Member Support Officer - Christine Byles
CCG engagement contacts (x5)
Health and Wellbeing Board support officer – Linda Bainton
Healthwatch Norfolk – Chris MacDonald
20