Agenda and minutes

In relation to Minute 34 below relating to “Connecting Communities Phase 2 – Consultation and Emerging Themes”, the Committee noted that Councillor Lancaster had links to an organisation that was involved in Connecting Communities Phase 1 and that all Members were involved in the consultations on this issue at a local level.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 12 October, 2016 were agreed and signed as a true record.

There were no matters arising.

Briefing Note of the Executive Director of People

Councillor Maton, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills and Councillors Ruane and Seaman, Cabinet Member and Deputy Cabinet Member for Children and Young People have been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item

The Committee considered a briefing note of the Executive Director of People that provided an overview of the Connecting Communities Programme, Phase 2 consultations and offered an opportunity for the Committee to make any recommendations or comments as part of the consultation process.

The Connecting Communities Programme focuses on how services might be delivered differently in the communities and neighbourhoods where there is most need, within the resources that are available. Connecting Communities Phase 2 comprises of two key proposals:-

•To develop integrated family hubs for 0-19 year olds, located in areas of highest need and;

•To develop sustainable, modern and comprehensive libraries as community hubs

The consultation process commenced on 12 September 2016 and will end on 12 December, 2016. An appendix to the report outlined:-

  •Activity undertaken so far during the consultation period

  •The Consultation approach and;

  •An outline of feedback to date

The Committee considered the contents of the Briefing Note and questioned officers on aspects of its content including:-

•The availability, flexibility and accessibility of the Transition Fund that was established to assist stakeholders to take an increased role in providing Council services.

•Information that is available on the Council website to assist and support stakeholders with taking on this increased role.

•Discussions that have taken place with stakeholders, including schools

•Trends that are emerging from the responses to the consultation

•How staff have been briefed on this issue

•Responses received so far

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Co-ordination Committee:-

(1)  Recommend that, in relation to the proposal to deliver community led libraries, clear information be provided and made easily available for interested groups on the Transition Fund and that a step by step guide be produced on the process that groups would need to follow to achieve this

(2)  Request that a report back on the outcomes and achievements of Phase 1 of Connecting Communities be submitted to the Committee

(3)  Request that all responses, including comments and suggestions, received from outside organisations during the consultation process be included in the final report

(4)  Request that the outcomes of the consultation process be considered by the Committee prior to consideration by Cabinet

Report of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Committee received and noted a report of the Executive Director of Resources which outlined the approach to be taken on progress, outcomes and responses to recommendations and substantial actions made by the Committee.

RESOLVED that any further suggestions received from members of the public in relation to cycling be referred to the Business, Economy and Enterprise Scrutiny Board (3).

Report of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Committee noted their Work Programme for the current municipal year and that the date of the meeting in December would be re-arranged.

Any other items of public business which the Chair decides to take as a matter of urgency because of the special circumstances involved.

There were no other items of public business