Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to the membership and terms of reference of the combined Anti-Social Behaviour and Alcohol Free Zones Task Group.

It was explained within the report that from the nine Members who had expressed an interest to serve on the newly amalgamated Task Group, three Members had indicated they would be equally happy to withdraw their membership form to allow others to remain on the Task Group. 

A discussion ensued relating to the Task Group membership, particularly in relation to one Member, Councillor S. Shannon.  There was a concern raised that this particular Member did not view the scrutiny process in a positive light and therefore it was questioned by the appointed Task Group Chairman whether or not he should serve on the Scrutiny Task Group.  The Chairman of the Scrutiny Steering Board disagreed with this view and informed the Board that no other Labour Group Members would attend any meetings of this Task Group. 

The scrutiny exercise scoping checklist which included the terms of reference was also discussed.  It was confirmed that the witnesses suggested on the scoping checklist to give evidence was not an exhaustive list and the Task Group could add to it during the scrutiny exercise.

RESOLVED:

(a)    that the Anti-Social Behaviour and Alcohol Free Zones Task Group comprise of the following seven Members:  Councillors K. Taylor (Chairman), Mrs. M. Bunker, Mrs. H. Jones, Mrs. C. McDonald, P. McDonald, Mrs. C. J. Spencer and C. J. Tidmarsh (with the understanding that Councillors Mrs. C. McDonald and P. McDonald would not attend any meetings of the Task Group);

(b)    that the Scrutiny Exercise Scoping Checklist which includes the terms of reference be agreed; and

(c)     that the Task Group be given 4 months to complete its scrutiny investigation.