Updates on Scrutiny Task Groups
(a) Public Transport - Bus Task Group (Councillor B. Lewis F.CMI)
(b) Refuse and Recycling Task Group (Councillor C. R. Scurrell)
Minutes:
(i) Public Transport – Buses Task Group
Councillor Lewis, Chairman of the Public Transport – Buses Task Group, informed the Board that the scrutiny report with recommendations was in the process of being compiled and finalised.
(ii) Refuse and Recycling Task Group
A brief update from Councillor Scurrell, Refuse and Recycling Task Group Chairman, was read out to the Board. Members were informed that the Task Group had been provided with additional information in relation to NVQ training for refuse and recycling crews and further responses from Parish Councils on fortnightly waste collections had also been received. It was reported that the relevant Portfolio Holder, Councillor Mrs. Sherrey, was expected to attend the next meeting to respond to questions from the Task Group. Finally, it was confirmed that Task Group recommendations had been considered and approval of the final report was expected at the last meeting of the Task Group scheduled to be held on 28th January 2008.
The Chairman of the Board stated that he had concerns over the work of the Task Group and questioned whether Members should look at Value for Money as the terms of reference included “Identifying issues affecting the efficiency and performance of the service…” The Chairman proposed that the Task Group be requested to ensure that they investigated this key issue.
However, reasons against this proposal were put forward from other Members of the Board. It was pointed out that the Task Group was at the stage of completing its report and recommendations and therefore extending the work of the Task Group at such a late stage would delay current recommendations due to be put forward.
After some discussion over various options, it was proposed that this issue be referred to the Task Group to consider.
RESOLVED:
(a) that the updates given on the progress of each of the Scrutiny Task Groups be noted; and
(b) that the Refuse and Recycling Task Group be requested to consider investigating Value for Money issues.