Agenda and minutes

It was noted that apologies for absence had been received from Councillors English, Springett and Stockell.

There were no visiting members.

There were no disclosures by Members or Officers.

RESOLVED: That the items on the agenda be taken in public as proposed.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 3 October 2014 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

The Chairman explained that Scrutiny Committee Recommendation Action Implementation Plans (SCRAIPs) set out recommendations following scrutiny meetings and reviews.

Christian Scade, Senior Corporate Policy Officer, informed the committee that each Overview and Scrutiny Committee received monthly SCRAIP updates as part of the Future Work Programme agenda item. In addition, on the 3 October 2014 the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee had reviewed all SCRAIPs for the municipal year to date.

The Chairman advised the committee that the report of the Overview and Scrutiny Officer was an opportunity to determine how any outstanding actions should be followed up and monitored.

The committee noted the report and agreed that any follow up work should be carried out by the relevant Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED: That the SCRAIP update report be noted.

Christian Scade, Senior Corporate Policy Officer, explained the terms of reference for the Scrutiny Coordinating Committee included developing mechanisms for addressing cross cutting issues.

The Chairman informed the committee that the report of the Senior Corporate Policy Officer provided an opportunity to review individual work programmes to identify what had been working well and to discuss how the scrutiny work programme could be improved.

Cllr Wilson, as Chairman of the Community, Environment and Housing OSC, provided an update on the Review of Loneliness and Isolation in the Over 65s. The committee was informed that Jo Tonkin, Public Health Specialist, Kent Public Health, had produced a report on Loneliness and Isolation. It was explained that this had been considered by the review working group and the committee.

It was noted that, in addition to Jo Tonkin, the committee/working group had interviewed a number of witnesses. In addition, students from Oakwood Park Grammar School and Invicta Grammar school had met with the working group and attended a committee meeting on 11 November 2014.

Following discussion by the Community, Environment and Housing OSC on 11 November 2014, Cllr Wilson explained that the Community Partnership Manager had been asked to undertake further work to develop ways to identify lonely and isolated over 65 year olds across the borough. It was noted that further work on the review would take place during early 2015. 

Cllr Paterson, Chairman of the Economic and Commercial Development OSC, provided an update on the Twilight Economy Review. Cllr Paterson explained that the following definition had been agreed:

“Economic activity that occurs in the town centre after ordinary shop and workplace closing times (around 5.30pm) but before the usual pub closing times (around 11.30pm)”

Cllr Paterson informed the committee that evidence had been gathered from a number of witnesses during October 2014 while other activities had been planned, such as a site visit to Canterbury, for November and December 2014. It was hoped that a draft report would be ready for consideration by the Economic and Commercial Development OSC before Christmas. 

Cllr Gooch, Chairman of the Strategic Leadership and Corporate Services OSC, provided an update on the work of the Budget Working Group and the Joint Mid Kent Improvement Partnership (MKIP) Task and Finish Group.

It was noted that the Budget Working Group, Chaired by Cllr Mrs Grigg, had held a number of productive meetings which had been well attended by members from all parties. It was explained that final recommendations would be made as part of the Strategic Leadership and Corporate Services OSC meeting in January 2015.

Cllr Gooch informed the committee that the Joint MKIP Task and Finish Group had met for the first time in September 2014. It was explained that this had been a joint piece of scrutiny, with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Swale Borough Council, which had been set up to look at governance and communication issues. 

The task group had received evidence from a number of witnesses including the Mid Kent Services Director, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 30.

The Chairman introduced the Future Work Programme Report. It was suggested topics for future meetings should be agreed, outside of the meeting, once a decision had been made by full Council concerning the Council’s future governance arrangements.

RESOLVED: That the next Scrutiny Coordinating Committee meeting be held on Monday 2 February at 10.00am.

10.02am – 11.15am