Please contact: Lydia Hall
Please email: lydia.hall@north-norfolk.gov.uk
Please direct dial on: 01263 516047
08 September 2015
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 16th
September 2015 at 9.30am.
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
Anyone attending this meeting may take photographs, film or audio-record the proceedings and report
on the meeting. Anyone wishing to do so must inform the Chairman. If you are a member of the public
and you wish to speak on an item on the agenda, please be aware that you may be filmed or
photographed.
Sheila Oxtoby
Chief Executive
To: Mrs S Butikofer, Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds, Mrs J English, Ms V Gay, Mrs A Green, Mr M Knowles,
Mr P Moore, Mrs M Prior, Mr E Seward, Mr B Smith, Mr D Smith and Mr N Smith.
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 7)
(9.30 – 9.35am)
To approve as correct records the minutes of the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny
Committee held on the 17th June 2015.
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.
PRESENTATION BY VICTORY HOUSING ASSOCIATION
(9.40 – 10.30)
To receive a presentation from Victory Housing Association.
11.
BUDGET MONITORING 2015/16 – PERIOD 4
(10.30 – 10.40)
Cabinet Agenda – 7th September – p.17
(Appendix A – p.24) (Appendix B – p.25) (Appendix C – p.27) (Appendix D – p.28)
Summary:
This report summarises the budget monitoring position for
the revenue account and capital programme to the end of
July 2015.
Options
considered:
Not applicable
Conclusions:
The overall position at the end of July 2015 shows an
under spend of £175,136 to date for the current financial
year on the revenue account, this is currently expected to
deliver a full year variance of £115,000.
Recommendations:
Cabinet
Decision
It is recommended that:
1) Cabinet note the contents of the report and the
current budget monitoring position;
2) Approve the additional budget of £20,000 in respect of
4a Market Street as referred to within the report.
To update Members on the current budget monitoring
position for the Council.
Reasons for
Recommendations:
LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW
(Papers relied on the write the report and which do not contain exempt information)
System budget monitoring reports
Cabinet member(s):
Ward member(s)
Contact Officer
Telephone
Email
12.
Councillor W Northam
All
Karen Sly
01263 516243
karen.sly@north-norfolk.gov.uk
(10.40 – 11.00am)
Cabinet Agenda – 7th September p.97
(Strategy document – p.99) (Reserves statement – p.125)
MEDIUM TERM FINANCIAL STRATEGY
Summary:
This report presents an updated medium term financial strategy
for the period 2016/17 to 2019/20. The strategy has been updated
to support the Corporate Plan for the period 2015 to 2019 which is
included as a separate item on the agenda.
Options considered:
The MTFS has been refreshed following the May 2015 elections
and is presented in support of the Corporate Plan for the period
2015 to 2019.
Conclusions:
The Council continues to face a funding gap in the medium term,
the MTFS has been refreshed alongside the Corporate Pan for
the period 2015 to 2019.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1) Members consider and note:
a) The current financial forecast for the period 2016/17 to
2019/20;
b) The current capital funding forecasts;
2) Members consider and recommend to Full Council:
a) Continuation of the current Local Council Tax Support
Scheme for 2016/17;
Council
Decision
Reasons for
Recommendations:
b) That the Local Council Tax Support Scheme grant for
parishes be offered to those parish and town councils
that accepted the grant in 2015/16 and the total
amount available is reduced in line with the Council’s
relative funding reductions as outlined within the
strategy document;
c) The revised reserves statement as included at
Appendix A to the financial strategy.
To refresh the Medium Term Financial Strategy in line with the
Corporate Plan and to inform the detailed budget work for
2016/17.
LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW
(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not
published elsewhere)
Financial Strategy 2015/16 to 2017/18 Financial Strategy 2015-16 to 2017-18
2015/16 Budget report, item 11 February 2015 Cabinet - February 2015 Cabinet
Agenda
Cabinet member(s):
Ward member(s)
Contact Officer,
telephone
and e-mail:
13.
Councillor W Northam
All
Karen sly,
01263 516243
karen.sly@north-norfolk.gov.uk
CORPORATE PLAN 2015-2019 AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTEXT
(11.15 – 11.40)
Cabinet Agenda, 7th September – p. 77, Corporate Plan – p.89
Summary:
Council
Decision
Options considered:
The corporate plan is the overarching component of the
Council’s policy framework and this new version will provide
strategic direction through to 2020. It is presented as a high
level document outlining the priorities for the authority and
the key actions which the organisation will take to achieve
those priorities. It provides the context for the budget and
has been prepared alongside the Council’s anticipated
resourcing framework. Implications for the allocation of
financial and other resources, risk, sustainability, and
equalities will stem primarily from the implementation of
actions and delivery of services designed to secure the
stated priority outcomes.
The Council’s Constitution requires a Policy Framework
within which resources will be allocated and strategic
priorities agreed. The format is a matter for Council.
Conclusions:
The Corporate Plan sits at the heart of the Council’s policy
framework. It sets out the corporate priorities the outcomes
by which success can be measured and the actions
designed to delivery those outcomes. Achieving the plan
will be challenging in the current economic climate.
However, it will provide the council with clear direction and
guidance in work planning and resource allocation, and in
service delivery.
Recommendations:
1. CABINET is requested to recommend approval of
the Corporate Plan 2015 – 2020 by Full Council at its
meeting on 23 September 2015.
2. OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE is
requested to consider the Corporate Plan and refer
any comments to the meeting of Full Council on 23
September 2015
Reasons for
Recommendations:
Sound governance and management of the Council
LIST OF BACKGROUND PAPERS AS REQUIRED BY LAW
(Papers relied on to write the report, which do not contain exempt information and which are not published elsewhere)



Demographic date from Census 2011
County and Government collated data
Information commissioned for the District e.g. Strategic Housing Market Assessment
Cabinet Member:
Ward member(s)
Contact Officer
Telephone
Email
14.
Councillor T FitzPatrick
All
Sheila Oxtoby
01263 516000
sheila.oxtoby@north-norfolk.gov.uk
MANAGING PERFORMANCE Q1 2015/16
(11.40 – 11.50)
Cabinet Agenda, 7th September – p.33
Summary:
The purpose of this report is to give a first quarter progress report
of the performance of the Council. More specifically it reports
delivery of the Annual Action Plan 2015/16 and achieving targets.
It gives an overview, identifies any issues that may affect delivery
of the plan, the action being taken to address these issues and
proposes
any
further
action
needed
that
requires
Cabinet approval.
Options considered:
Options considering action regarding performance are presented
separately, issue by issue, to the appropriate Council Committee.
Conclusions:
Cabinet
Decision
1. The majority of the 55 activities in the Annual Action Plan
2015/16 are on track (49). Performance is being closely
monitored, particularly for the activities where issues or
problems have been identified (two). Some activities have
already been completed successfully (two), one is on hold
and one is not started.
2. Of the 17 performance indicators where a target has been
set 11 are on or above target, two close to target and four
below target. Where assessment against the same period
last year is possible (20 indicators), nine are improving,
five are static and six are worsening.
3. The delivery of the Annual Action Plan is progressing
according to plan but there are a very few performance
issues in achieving targets and achieving improvement.
The issues involved, and action being taken in each case,
are detailed in the remainder of the document.
Recommendation:
15.
That Cabinet notes this report, welcomes the progress
being made and endorses the actions laid out in
Appendix E being taken by management where there are
areas of concern.
Reasons for
Recommendations:
To ensure the objectives of the Council are achieved.
Cabinet member(s):
Ward member(s)
Contact Officer
Telephone
Email
Councillor T FitzPatrick
All
Helen Thomas
01263 516214
helen.thomas@north-norfolk.gov.uk
THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
(page 18)
To note the upcoming Cabinet Work Programme.
16.
OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY WORK PROGRAMME
(page 21)
To receive an update from the Scrutiny Officer on progress made with topics on its agreed work
programme and to receive any further information which Members may have requested at a
previous meeting.
17.
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.”
18.
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 15 July 2015 in
the Council Chamber, North Norfolk District Council, Holt Road, Cromer at 9.30 am.
Members Present:
Committee:
Mr P Moore (Chairman)
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds
Mrs J English
Ms V Gay
Mrs A Green
Mr M Knowles
1.
Ms M Prior
Mr E Seward
Mr B Smith
Mr N Smith
Mr D Young (Sub)
Officers in
Attendance:
The Chief Executive, the Corporate Director (SB), the Head of
Environmental Health, the Environmental Services Manager, the Health
and Communities Officer, the Democratic Services Team Leader and the
Democratic Services Officer
Members in
Attendance:
Mr T FitzPatrick, Mrs P Grove-Jones, Mr P High, Mrs A Moore, Mr J Rest,
Mr R Reynolds, Mr G Williams
APOLOGIES
Mr D Smith and Mrs S Butikofer.
Mrs A Fitch-Tillett as Portfolio Holder for Environmental Health.
2. SUBSTITUTES
Mr D Young for Mrs S Butikofer.
3. PUBLIC QUESTIONS
None.
4. MINUTES
The minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 17 June 2015 were
accepted as an accurate record with the following amendments and signed by the
Chairman.
Item 14 on Grass cutting;
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
7
“Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds said that all town councils […] as untidy as people said.”
5. ITEMS OF URGENT BUSINESS
IT system for Environmental Health to be included in Item 11.
6. DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
None.
7. PETITIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC
None.
8. CONSIDERATION OF ANY MATTER REFERRED TO THE COMMITTEE BY A
MEMBER
None.
9. RESPONSES OF THE COUNCIL OR THE CABINET TO THE COMMITTEE’S
REPORTS OR RECOMMENDATIONS
None.
10. HELICOPTER FLIGHTS OVER NORTH NORFOLK
Mr G Williams thanked the Committee for bringing the issue to the meeting. He said that
it was important to the district, especially in some local communities.
Mr Williams said that offshore industries were a huge economic contributor but that it
was an industry that was largely hidden. He said that there were hundreds of oil and gas
platforms and workers were flown from and to Norwich Airport. Mr Williams added that
the amount of flights was dependent on operational needs, but that traffic was
increasing following the closure of the Great Yarmouth heliport.
Mr Williams explained that there had been many queries regarding helicopter flights and
some complaints, regarding the routes, the height, frequency and timing and said that
there was a general lack of knowledge on who to contact. He said that he was keen to
improve awareness and to represent the concerns of residents.
Mr Williams informed Members that he had been to a meeting with the airport and
parish councils and it was important to understand their operational demands and that
he wanted this information to be shared with a broader audience with the help of the
provision of a community briefing note (this was given to Members at the meeting).
Mr Richard Pace, Operations Director and General Manager from Norwich International
Airport gave Members a power point presentation.
The Operations Director and General Manager said that there were different flights and
that day workers were flown out first thing in the morning and returned last thing at night
and that this was based on daylight. He added that their working pattern was too weeks
on and two weeks off.
The Operations Director and General Manager said that there were many issues around
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
8
helicopter flying but that there had been no incident of improper or unprofessional
operation in Norfolk and that it was highly regulated. He said that helicopters generally
flew in straight lines with a degree of variability.
Mr R Reynolds asked whether he could confirm that the minimum flight height was
1,000 feet for helicopters and commented that people expected them not to fly below
this height.
The Operations Director and General Manager said that the heights flown at were
2,000-3,000 feet outbound and 1,600-2,600 inbound. He said that this varied due to
weather conditions to allow them to land safely in the event of an emergency. He added
that there were different routes for lower level flying but that the minimum height was
1,600 feet outside of the controlled areas.
Mr Mike Handley, Managing Pilot at Bonds gave Members a power point presentation.
Mr Williams reminded Members that the issue arose as some communities had
concerns and thought that the aircraft were flying too low. He said that it was about
getting the information heard out and into communities and that the briefing note was
very accessible and the complaints procedure robust.
Mr Williams said that there were so many rigs that the route was unlikely to be the same
every day. He commented that whilst with a constituent, in the space of 20 minutes, four
helicopters flew overhead. He asked for confirmation that multiple aircraft could not all
fly out at the same height and that variation was required.
The Operations Director and General Manager said that the minimum separation
between helicopters was 500 feet. He said that if there were a lot of aircraft at the same
time, naturally spacing was employed rather than height. The Operations Director and
General Manager said that they could not advise when they were at less than 1,600 in
terms of air traffic control.
Mr Williams asked about the differences in helicopter noise stating that with one model
you could hear for miles. He said that the fixed wing aircraft industry had worked to
reduce the noise of their aircraft and asked whether the same work was occurring in
helicopter manufacture.
The Managing Pilot said that some noise was more penetrating and that they were
quieter than the previous version. He said that helicopters were not chosen on noise
signature but on fuel efficiency and carrying capacity. The Managing Pilot said that they
had a tender/bid system for contracts and that they chose helicopters to best suit the
tender.
Mr Reynolds commented that much of the noise was blade beat rather than engine
noise.
The Operations Director and General Manager agreed that this was a large factor. He
said that there had been studies on noise footprint and that it was often due to the rota.
Mr E Seward thanked the Operations Director and General Manager and the Managing
Pilot for their presentations. He said that as a North Walsham Member he had only
received one complaint regarding helicopters in 8 years. He said that his understanding
was that there was no shortage of gas if the price was right and that the media reports
of a gas shortage and the need to pipe gas from Russia were untrue. He stated that
they were self-sufficient.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
9
Mr T FitzPatrick said that helicopter flights in the west were military ones and that
helicopters served a purpose as energy security for the UK. He said that the industry
brought jobs to Norfolk and commented that the flights were not frivolous, but essential
to maintain sustainability in gas and oil.
Ms V Gay commented that the industry had an admirable safety record, that members
of her family had been flying back and forth since the late 1960s. She thanked the
visitors for their presentations and said that constituents were more concerned about
heavy goods vehicles than about helicopters.
The Chairman commented that he had regular flights over his house but that you got
used to it. He said that he had not received any complaints regarding helicopters and
commented that you could only pump gas where it existed.
Mr Williams commented that the first part of the briefing note was about the importance
of the industry.
The Chairman asked that the briefing note was distributed to get the message across.
He thanked the Operations Director and General Manager from Norwich International
Airport and the Managing Pilot from Bonds for attending the meeting.
11. BUSINESS EFFICIENCY AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PROGRAMME UPDATE
URGENT ITEM: IT Systems for Environmental Health included.
Portfolio Holder for Finance, Mr T FitzPatrick introduced the report. In reference to the IT
systems for Environmental Health he said that they had been under the Northgate
product for the previous eight years and that it was time to procure a new system. He
said that any IT system would be a cost to the organisation through training and data
transfer and added that the current supplier may win the contract.
The Chairman said that the note suggested that this had been overlooked.
The Head of Environmental Services said that the change was due to the opportunities
presented by the Business Transformation agenda. He said that they wanted to procure
a system that reflected the corporate elements of business transformation and that the
process was investigative in some elements. The Head of Environmental Health
emphasised that there was no issue with the current supplier and that they had
discussed it with them and that it was due to time scales. He said that there would be a
full procurement process soon and be open to all suppliers developing relevant
programmes.
Mr FitzPatrick said that Cabinet would oversee the procurement process.
The Committee AGREED to SUPPORT the procurement for an IT system for
Environmental Health.
Mr FitzPatrick introduced the report on Business Efficiency and Digital Transformation
Programme update and said that this was a Cabinet decision. He said that it was about
business efficiency like the standardised printing and scanning systems introduced, they
wanted unified communications. Mr FitzPatrick said that a pilot had been completed and
that it would be fully deployed across the organisation that year. He added that a
transactional website would be implemented in September 2015 and that unified
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
10
communications would be rolled out on a priority basis across the services. He said that
they wanted a Council fit for the 21st Century.
Mrs A Moore expressed her concern about planning files being scanned as the plans
were A2 and A1 and that reading them was difficult on some electronic devices. She
asked whether the plans would be made available in hard copy for people so that they
could be read.
Mr FitzPatrick said that they wanted to make everything electronic and that other
Councils had made this commitment years ago. He said that paper copies would be
available for a charge.
The Chairman thanked Mr T FitzPatrick for introducing the reports.
The Committee AGREED to NOTE the report.
12. WASTE CONTRACT UPDATE
The Environmental Services Manager had provided a briefing note to Members and
explained that it was the fifth year of the Council working with Kier. He said that there
were saving proposals of £115,000 out of the contract and that the general performance
remained acceptable and that they were monitoring the impact of the cost savings.
The Environmental Services Manager said that the waste collection had changed in
October the previous year and that the quantity of recycling had increased but so had
residual waste. He said that they were working with Kier to improve assisted collections
and that the default notices with these has decreased in the last six months in
comparison to the same time period the year before. The Environmental Services
Manager assured Members that the team would continue to closely manage the
contract.
Mrs P Grove-Jones asked why the residual waste had increased and the recycling had
decreased and asked whether people were not taking the time to sort their waste
correctly. She said that the lack of bottle banks was a concern and said that last year
they were told that significant savings had been made with the removal; of the bottle
banks by the Corporate Director (NB) and asked whether this was still true.
The Environmental Services Manager answered that the residual waste had increased
and they believed that this was due to the improved economic position; people bought
more and therefore threw more away. In response to the bottle banks query, he said that
the financial performance of the recycling industry as a whole had changed considerably
in the last year and that the prices for items recycled had fallen dramatically. He
explained that they used to be paid for glass and now they were paying to have it taken
away.
Mrs Grove-Jones accepted that the glass was not earning as much as in the past and
asked whether the residual waste was earning more. She commented that there was
confusion over which plastics could be recycled and said that there were opportunities
to collect other waste and that other Councils collected food waste.
Mr T FitzPatrick said that there was a new waste contract with the increased amount of
recyclable waste. He declared an interest as a director of NENS. He said that there
were contamination issues and that the market for paper was improving. He said that
the Council were above average in Norfolk for recycling.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
11
Mrs A Claussen-Reynolds informed Members that a resident in North Norfolk had not
had their bin taken when the residual waste was collected and had taken the wheelie bin
in their car to the recycling centre. The worker at the centre informed the person that
they would take the waste on that occasion but that in future they would be charged
£10,000.
The Environmental Services Manager said that this information was not true and that
the recycling centres were run by Norfolk County Council.
Mr E Seward said that this was entirely unacceptable.
The Environmental Services Manager confirmed that the recycling centres would take
residual waste from households.
Mrs A Green asked whether a tour of the recycling facilities was available.
The Environmental Services Manager said that tours were more difficulty in the new
facility and that there were three levels rather than one. He said that a visit was
challenging as there was a health and safety issue as it was a working site. He added
that tours were available but were restricted to one place per month.
Mr FitzPatrick said that £16 million had been invested in equipment from Canada that
meant recycling 35 tonnes per hour which was six times faster. He said that the work
was completed in one shift rather than two and that it was not particularly safe to stand
and watch; that it was not for spectators but a working space.
The Head of Environmental Health said that there was a video tour available and that he
would send the link to Members to watch and that it was effectively a virtual tour.
Mr D Young said that there were commercial bottle banks in parishes were they charged
£10 a tonne and that they were receiving £50 in credits. He asked whether this had
collapsed. He also asked whether the contamination of recycling was people putting
things in the wrong waste collection or whether it was genuine contamination – referring
to lids on bottles and jars with lids. He commented that he would like to see the video of
the virtual tour.
The Environmental Services Manager said that there were various types of income that
could be generated through bottle banks. He explained that a recycling credit of £53 per
tonne could be received from Norfolk County Council whether the market price was
negative or positive. The Environmental Services Manager said that parishes had
organised private collections. He explained that contamination referred to different
things such as items in plastic bags rather than loose as well as hazardous items. He
commented that lids were removed as part of the sorting process.
Mr FitzPatrick advised to leave the lids on plastic bottles and explained that there was
an infrared detector that helped to sort the items.
The Chairman commented that better public awareness was needed.
The Head of Environmental Health said that they were continuing with County-wide
promotion and were looking at more local solutions were the need was greatest. He said
that they were sampling the recycling to identify hot spots and said that this was an
ongoing process.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
12
Ms V Gay suggested implementing more wildflower meadows in the district. She said
that the response to rising levels of residual waste was an improved economic position
but commented that the reason for rising levels previously had been blamed on the
recession. She asked whether it was known what was being thrown away.
The Environmental Services Manager said that a report had been received very recently
on the waste thrown away and said that this would be shared with Members. He said
that it showed a comparison of before and after the changes to the recycling provision.
Ms Gay said that the written instruction left by Kier with the bins was not always
effective.
Mr Seward asked about ground maintenance and commented that having looked at the
minutes of the last meeting that the Chief Executive said that she would look at this and
consider making annual adjustments and that a local solution may be a better one. He
said that there was no mention of this in the briefing note.
The Head of Environmental Health said that he could not comment on the Chief
Executive’s comments and that he had not been tasked with this review but that he
assumed that this would be looked at when the contract next came under review.
Mr FitzPatrick said that Cabinet made decisions regarding the contract with Kier and
how it was managed. He said that more wildflower meadows would encourage
butterflies and bees and that getting the right balance was important.
The Corporate Director said that the Chief Executive had outlined to the Heads of
Services that the ground maintenance was overseen by the Head of Assets and Leisure
and that the cleansing part of the contract was overseen by the Head of Environmental
Health. They were looking at having the contract under one Head of Service and were
detailing a review of what they could seek to deliver differently. The Corporate Director
added that the removal or changes to the contract and provision would produce different
level of savings but that there were real savings to be taken and that this would be
looked at before the end of the calendar year.
Mr Seward said that in terms of grass cutting, people expected tidy verges and some
expected them to be left for bio-diversity – he said that people had different
expectations.
Mr FitzPatrick said that this was a good point but that verges came under Norfolk
County Council.
The Corporate Director said that they could consider this in the review as one area cut
less often could mean cutting another area more often.
Ms Gay commented that litter picking was required after grass cutting and that more
opportunities for wildflower meadow patches owned by the district would be
advantageous.
Mr N Smith said that a constituent was paying for removal of refuge from a holiday
cottage and that trade waste was collected from a trade waste collector. He said that
there were twenty holiday cottages in his constituency and that commercial waste was
different to domestic waste and that they were paying extra when Kier were already paid
to collect it.
The Environmental Services Manager said that it was an area of legislation on how
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
13
districts dealt with these. He said that they operated a trade waste service and that
regular collections were collected together. He added that the recycling was collected by
the vehicles collecting domestic recycling and said that overall, only if the bins were
emptied every two weeks, would Kier collect it.
Mr FitzPatrick said that paying commercial waste would not be collected under domestic
waste.
The Head of Environmental Health said that if there were specifications that they could
look at individual arrangements.
The Environmental Services Manager said that Kier’s operational efficiency was in a
fixed price contract regardless of how Kier decide to structure their rounds.
Mr B Smith said that residual household waste in Mundesley was emptied two days late
and that no explanation or reason was provided. He said that the public bins were
overflowing and that Kier’s new operations were not satisfactory. Mr Smith said that
informing the public about recycling was key but following the demise of Outlook
magazine that getting the message across was problematic. He said that Kier leave
notices on bins to remind people of any changes. He commented that the collection of
clothing to be recycled was also being introduced and asked whether these items would
be recycled separately.
The Environmental Services Manager said that there was a new contract for textile
recycling banks at village halls and car parks.
Mrs Claussen-Reynolds said that the textile recycling implementation was wonderful.
She said that it would be useful to circulate a paper on grass cutting to the parish and
town councils.
The Environmental Services Manager agreed and said that it would be suggested to the
relevant team as a grounds maintenance issue.
Mr Seward said that the document should show who cuts which grass in each area.
The Committee ACCEPTED the report.
13. UPDATE ON FUNDING OPTIONS FOR THE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUX IN
NORTH NORFOLK
The Health and Communities officer said that the Council recognised the importance of
good quality advice and that they had previously granted funds to Norfolk CAB and MidNorfolk CAB to cover the district between them. She said that there had been a number
of issues, including about quality and provision and that this was particularly around
Norfolk CAB.
The Health and Communities officer said that Cabinet had endorsed Overview and
Scrutiny view to look at other providers as the contract came to an end in March 2015.
She said that this had been extended for the further six months to September 2015 to
allow the Council to work with Norfolk County Council (who also funded the CAB) to look
at other providers.
The Health and Communities officer said that the review of the service provided by the
CAB had included a survey from Town and Parish Councils who have also contributed
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
14
to the CAB. The result of the review by Norfolk County Council was to recommission for
all areas apart from North Norfolk. The County Council has taken out the funding that
was jointly commissioned with NNDC and allowed the funds to be used by the Council
independently.
The Health and Communities officer said that the following were considerations for the
tender:
• open to any organisation
• a free service to the public, covering the whole of the district
• to take on issues highlighted in the survey research
The Health and Communities officer said that they wanted the service to support and
empower people and that the service could involve a number of organisations working
together for the provision with partnership working. She said that the tender would be
advertised and that the team recognised that time was short. She recommended
extending the current service by three months so that the new providers would begin in
January 2016.
The Health and Communities officer said that they encouraged innovation and wanted
the new providers to solve the issues around telephone service and website access.
She said that the tenders would be shortlisted and go to an interview panel.
The Chairman asked that a further update was brought to the Committee.
The Health and Communities officer said that the draft specification would be circulated
and that once the proposals had been received then an update could be available.
Mr D Young said that he was a representative for the Council on Mid-Norfolk CAB and
asked whether there was an indication as to what the funding amount from Norfolk
County Council was. He also asked whether there was any indication as to the
possibility of using the empty surgery at North Walsham as an office.
The Health and Communities officer said that the Norfolk County Council funding for
North Norfolk was £42,000. She said that it would be up to the providers where they
should be based by looking at where the need was.
The Corporate Director said that the building in North Walsham was a former surgery
and that Cabinet had submitted an expression of interest with a proposition as a
commercial rental as part of the investment strategy. He said that the acquisition and
revenue costs were for third sector and voluntary organisations and that the figure would
be related to the market. He added that the revenue costs would be separated from the
rental costs.
The Corporate Director said that there was an opportunity there for the service provider
to use office space and that he had written to third sector organisations who had asked
about office space in North Walsham. He said that they had been asked to express an
interest on a without prejudice basis and added that he could write to other potential
suppliers.
Ms V Gay thanked the Health and Communities officer and commented that £42,000
was less than what Norfolk County Council had formally contributed.
The Health and Communities officer said that they did question the figure but that it was
correct using the formula they worked with.
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
15
Ms Gay asked whether the interview panel would form a recommendation or make a
decision.
The Health and Communities officer said that this was something that was in discussion
and that she would make Members aware of the process implemented and keep them
informed.
The meeting breaked from 11.42am and resumed at 11.55am
14. THE CABINET WORK PROGRAMME
The Committee NOTED the Cabinet work programme.
15. OVERVIEW & SCRUTINY UPDATE
The Democratic Services Team Leader updated Members on a query concerning the
budget for litter bins in the district and explained that there was £9,000 in the cleansing
budget with £4,000 for consumables for maintenance. She said that she would circulate
this information to Members.
Mr E Seward said that he had requested this information in various ways and that he
would take the information back to North Walsham Town Council for questions.
Mr Seward said that it was interesting to know where money was spent and that it would
be helpful to know this in a future waste update.
Mrs Claussen-Reynolds commented that it was interesting what the Environmental
Health Manager had said in the waste update and asked how anyone else would be
aware if the district Members did not know.
16. TO SET THE COMMITTEE’S WORK PROGRAMME FOR 2015/16
The Democratic Services Team Leader asked Members to consider what items they
would like to consider alongside the cyclical items. She added that they could add to the
work programme throughout the year.
Cyclical items:
Business transformation
Waste update
Budget monitoring
Treasury Management
Tourism update
Additional items:
Planning service and changes
Police and Crime Commissioner
eastLaw and generating income for NNDC
Office and building maintenance
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
16
Cultural services
Clinical Commissioning Group: ageing population
Dementia and related mental health issues
The meeting concluded at 12.25 pm
_____________________________
Chairman
Overview and Scrutiny Committee
15 July 2015
17
Cabinet Work Programme - October to November 2015
Agenda item 15
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject & Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Lead Officer
Cabinet
05 Oct 2015
Shannocks Hotel,
Sheringham
John Rest
Judy Oliver
Nick Baker
Corporate Director
01263 516221
Highfield Road car
park
John Rest
Steve Blatch
Corporate Director
01263 516232
Coastal Partnerships
Angie Fitch-Tillett
Rob Goodliffe
Property Investment
Strategy
Tom FitzPatrick
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Indoor Leisure
Facilities Strategy
Becky Palmer
Karl Read
Sports & Leisure
Services Manager
01263 516002
Coastal partnerships
Angie Fitch-Tillett
Rob Goodliffe
Coastal Management
Team Leader
01263 516321
Cabinet
05 Oct 2015
Cabinet
05 Oct 2015
Cabinet
05 Oct 2015
Scrutiny
14 Oct 2015
Cabinet
05 Oct 2015
Scrutiny
14 Oct 2015
Cabinet
05 Oct 2015
18
Status / comments
Possible exempt
appendices
Cabinet Work Programme - October to November 2015
Agenda item 15
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject & Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Lead Officer
Cabinet
05 Oct 2015
Bacton Gas Terminal
(Coastal Works)
Angie Fitch-Tillett
Cabinet
05 Oct 2015
Business
Transformation
programme – release
of funding for pilot
deployment of
sharepoint
Tom FitzPatrick
Rob Young
Head of Economic and
Community
Development
01263 516162
Sean Kelly
Head of Business
Transformation
Scrutiny
14 Oct 2015
Overview & Scrutiny
Annual Report
Council
18 Nov 2015
Emma Denny
Democratic Services
Team Leader
01263 516010
Nov 2015
Budget Monitoring
Period 6
Wyndham Northam
Karen Sly
Head of Finance
01263 516243
Wyndham Northam
11 Nov 2015
Treasury
Management Half
Yearly report
Tony Brown
Technical Accountant
01263 516126
2 Nov 2015
Gambling Policy
Judy Oliver
Gemma Faircloth
Public Protection
Manager
01263 516139
Cabinet
2 Nov 2015
Scrutiny
11 Nov 2015
Cabinet
2 Nov 2015
Scrutiny
Cabinet
18 Nov 2015
Council
18 Nov 2015
Sheila Oxtoby
Chief Executive
01263 516000
Superfast Broadband
- to confirm release of
funding
19
Status / comments
Cabinet Work Programme - October to November 2015
Agenda item 15
Decision Maker(s)
Meeting
Date
Subject & Summary
Cabinet
Member(s)
Lead Officer
Cabinet
30 Nov 2015
Housing Strategy
John Rest
Scrutiny
09 Dec 2015
Nicola Turner
Team Leader –
Strategy
01263 516222
Council
16 Dec 2015
Cabinet
30 Nov 2015
Business Growth &
Investment
Opportunities
Strategy
Nigel Dixon
Michelle Burdett
Economic Growth
Manager
01263 516233
20
Status / comments
Agenda item 16
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAMME 2015/2016
Period September 2015 – January 2016
September
Victory Housing presentation
Budget Monitoring Period 4
Performance Management Q1
Financial Strategy
Nicola Turner
John Rest
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Helen Thomas
Tom FitzPatrick
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
Requested by Committee
Emma Duncan
Judy Oliver
Nick Baker
Angie-Fitch Tillett
Becky Palmer
Rob Young
Nigel Dixon
Rob Young
Requested by Committee
Emma Denny
Annual
Cyclical
Cyclical
Cyclical
October
eastLaw presentation –
generating income for NNDC
Regulation of Investigatory
Powers Act- Policy
Cultural Services
Tourism update
Overview & Scrutiny Annual
Report
Annual (moved from
September)
Requested by Committee
Cyclical
November
Police and Crime
Commissioner
Budget Monitoring Period 6
Requested by Committee
Karen Sly
Wyndham Northam
21
Cyclical
Treasury Management Half
Yearly Report
Tony Brown
Wyndham Northam
Cyclical
Planning Services and
Changes
CAB – Service Provision
Update
Sue Arnold
Nicola Baker
Becky Palmer
Rob Young
Requested by Committee
Office and Building
Maintenance
Business Transformation
update
Waste Update
John Rest
Duncan Ellis
Tom FitzPatrick
Sean Kelly
Angie Fitch-Tillett
Steve Hems
Requested by Committee
December
Requested by Committee
January
TBC
Clinical Commissioning
Group: Ageing population
Dementia and related mental
health issues
22
6 months cyclical
6 months cyclical