Issue - meetings

The Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services, Mrs. C. Felton, explained that historically, the Forward Plan had presented limited information whereas the new format provided more details on key decisions.  Therefore, it was hoped the new version would be more meaningful for the Scrutiny Steering Board. 

It was stated that the Forward Plan included all key decisions to be taken over the next four months as well as non-key decisions.  It was clarified that the non-key decisions with an asterisk (*) were decisions which would be taken by the full Council.

Positive feedback on the new format of the Forward Plan was received from Members of the Board and it was confirmed that the Forward Plan would continue to be updated and published on a monthly basis.

Questions were raised on a number of items contained within the Forward Plan including Single Status (Job Evaluation), the future of Bromsgrove Museum, Gypsy Site Provision Review and Civil Parking Enforcement (also known as decriminalised parking).

It was felt that Bromsgrove Town Centre Issues and Options (item number 18 on the Forward Plan) was an important area with strong public concern and therefore more information was requested.  The Executive Director - Partnerships and Projects, Mr. Street, stated that other Members had also requested further information and consequently a Briefing had been compiled.  The Board was also informed that there would be a Bromsgrove Town Centre Issues and Options Consultation in June 2008 where the Council would be consulting with statutory consultees, key stakeholders, Councillors and members of the public.  It was suggested that the Consultation Report could be placed on the Agenda for the next meeting of the Board.

RESOLVED:

(a)    that the Forward Plan be noted; and

(b)    that the Bromsgrove Town Centre Issues and Options Consultation Report be included on the Agenda for the next Scrutiny Steering Board meeting on 1st July 2008.