Agenda and minutes

There were no disclosable pecuniary interests declared.

a)  To agree the minutes of the previous meeting held on 10 February,

  2016

b)  Matters arising

The minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2016 were signed as a true record.

Briefing Note of the Executive Director of Place

The Scrutiny Board received a Briefing Note which illustrated the outcome of Round 2 of the Community Grant Fund award process for 2015/16. It was noted that grants would cease from 1 April 2016 and the Community Development Service would continue to support community groups to develop by providing advice on potential alternative funding opportunities and support.

The Board questioned officers on a number of matters including the number of grants awarded and the allocation of funds to support voluntary and community groups; together with the work that has been undertaken by the Community Development Service since 2014.  Members were advised that the remaining £25k was to be managed as part of the Transition Fund, thus reducing the demand on Council’s spending. Officers advised that small projects had been highlighted and support was being provided to enhance opportunities and improve local environment.

RESOLVED that the Briefing Note be noted.

Briefing Note of the Executive Director of Place

The Scrutiny Board received a Briefing Note of the Executive Director of Place which provided a summary of the roles and responsibilities of the Council for flooding and the management of surface water, together with the progress of the Surface Water Management Plan (SWMP) and the Local Flood Risk Management Strategy (LFRMS).  The Scrutiny Board received an update on the flooding event that had occurred within Coventry on 6 February 2016. Appended to the report was a detailed note of responses to the actions from the Board meeting held 25 March 2015.

The Board gave consideration to a number of issues arising from the brief presentation and questioned the officer on the following:

·  The Council’s responsibility of monitoring rivers and streams but not main rivers

·  The Environmental Agency and its work

·  Structure of the Resilience Team and partnership working undertaken across the region

·  Landowners’ responsibility of maintaining clear waterways and ditches

·  Issues reported to Council in respect of the flooding event of 6 February – mainly related to damage caused to highway verges and garden flooding.

·  Enforcement of planning conditions for new developments – creation of balancing ponds and improved drainage schemes

·  Flooding incidents at Broad Lane, Banner Lane and Goldhorn Close

·  Problems caused by high water levels in the river Sherbourne –information on plans to open up the river in the City Centre as part of the new development

·  Sandbag distribution and sandbag policy

The Board requested that an annual report on Flood Risk Management and Drainage to be brought to Scrutiny in 2016-17 and to include the following information:

·  Distribution of sandbags and to circulate the Sandbag Policy – it was noted that the Policy has been circulated to members.  Investigate a flooding ‘champion’ role with elected members to ensure fair distribution of bags and provide an update when supplies need replenishing

·  Information to be provided when the balancing pond or alternative improved drainage scheme at Bannerbrook Park would be completed

·  Officers review the strategic network when closing roads during flood events to prevent additional damage to property by vehicles continuing to use flooded routes

The Board were advised that the information on flooding and drainage was available on the Council’s website.  The Environmental Agency works with the Council’s Communications Team to ensure that information was available for the community.

RESOLVED that the Briefing Note and the information contained in the presentation be noted.

All outstanding issues have been included in the Work Programme

The Scrutiny Board noted that all outstanding issues had been included in the Work Programme for the current year.

Report of the Scrutiny Co-ordinator

The Scrutiny Board considered the Work Programme for 2015/16.

RESOLVED that the “Street Pride with an emphasis on street cleansing” item be deferred for consideration at a future meeting.

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 urgent public business.