Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Rufia Ashraf (Councillor Gareth Eales – substitute) and Councillor John Caswell.

Members to approve the minutes of the Call In Hearing held on 11 August 2016 and the meeting held on 15 August 2016.

Subject to the correct spelling of Councillor Walker’s surname the minutes of the Call In Hearing held on 11 August 2016 were signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record.

Subject to the inclusion of Councillor Elizabeth Gowen to the list of attendees, the minutes of the meeting held on 15 August 2016 were signed by the Chair as a true and accurate record.

The Chair to note public address requests.

The public can speak on any agenda item for a maximum of three minutes per speaker per item.  You are not required to register your intention to speak in advance but should arrive at the meeting a few minutes early, complete a Public Address Protocol and notify the Scrutiny Officer of your intention to speak.

There were none.

Councillors Jamie Lane and Elizabeth Gowen declared a personal interest as members of the Planning Committee in agenda item 8(b) – Scrutiny Panel 3.

The Committee to receive an update on Unitary Status.

Consideration of this item was deferred to the meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 28 November 2016.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee to receive a presentation around Drugs – The Law, Prevention and General Information

Sergeant Martin O’Connell gave the Overview and Scrutiny Committee a comprehensive presentation on Drugs – the Law, Prevention and General Information.

The Committee ma\de comment, asked questions and heard:

·         In response to a query regarding pubs turning off drinking water, Sergeant O’Donnell confirmed that there is no legislation in this respect but drinking water should be made available.

·         Sergeant O’Connell confirmed that malicious accusations are not a circumstance that he has come across.

·         Sergeant O’Connell provided details of how pubs should log, destroy and report drug use and suspecting dealing.

·         Councillors commended events such as Nightsafe, highlighting the value.

·         In answer to a query regarding nitrous oxide, Sergeant O’Connell confirmed that there needs to be case law before a decision can be made whether this substance and psychoactive substances.

·         The Committee suggested that details of the link to website “Frank” that details drugs and what they look like etc. are circulated to all Councillors.

Sergeant O’ Connell was thanked for giving the presentation to the Committee.

The Committee to receive a briefing regarding the impact of the Scrutiny Review:  Customer Services (2012).

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered a briefing note on progress on the Customer Services Task and Finish Group report. This review had taken place back in 2012.

 Julie Seddon, Director of Customers and Communities highlighted the salient points contained within the briefing note.

AGREED:      That the information is noted.

The written update report from the Chair of Scrutiny Panel 1 – CSE was noted.

The written update report from the Chair of Scrutiny Panel 3 – Homelessness  was noted.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee was asked to elect a Chair for the Scrutiny Review – Emissions Strategy (Action Plan.)

AGREED:      That Councillor Samuel Shaw is elected Chair of Scrutiny Panel 4 – Emissions Strategy (Action Plan.) and Councillor Gareth Eales, Deputy Chair.

The update from NBC's representative to NCC's Health and  Social Care  Scrutiny Committee was noted.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider any potential issues for future pre decision scrutiny.

Councillors reported concerns regarding a number of problems with the town’s cemeteries and suggested that Overview and Scrutiny looks into this.  It was suggested that Councillors Larratt and Walker meet with the Scrutiny Officer to put together a list of questions around these concerns to the Cabinet Member and the Cabinet Member for Environment and Director is then asked to attend the meeting of the Committee in November.  A briefing would also be provided.

The Committee discussed Council Tax arrears and requested that information regarding this is presented to the next meeting of the Committee.  The Cabinet Member for Finance and Director would be asked to attend to provide a briefing.

There were none.