Issue - meetings

(a)       To receive and note the minutes

(b)       To consider any recommendations contained within the minutes

The minutes of the Scrutiny Board held on 27th January 2009 were submitted.  During consideration of Minute No. 14/08 it was noted that a review on the charge and cost of the green waste service had been included in the Forward Plan and that the Portfolio Holder would present the review report to the Cabinet in October 2009.  During consideration of Minute No. 15/08 on the use of a text messaging service, it was noted that officers had made enquiries and had found that the Environment Agency already offered a flood alert service free of charge. 

RESOLVED:

(a)       that the minutes of the meeting be noted;

(b)       that the recommendations contained within the Joint Countywide Scrutiny Report on Flooding be approved; and in addition:

            (i)         that approval be given to the recommendation that when            updating any appropriate publication relating to advice on      flooding (e.g. ‘flooding matters’ leaflet or website), the public be             informed of the various ways to receive updates on flooding      should utility supplies need to be switched off and be made          aware of the Environment Agency flood alert service offered free             of charge;

            (ii)        that, although the importance of involving the Parish Councils    was understood, having considered the requirement for a  single    point of contact for non-parished areas, it be agreed that Ward   Members act as the single point of contact for those areas.       Furthermore, the Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services be tasked to ensure that Emergency Planning Packs be issued with the induction information provided as part of the       Modern Councillor Programme;  

            (iii)       that approval be given to the recommendation that the Modern Councillor Programme Steering Group be requested to discuss       including emergency planning briefings within the Modern             Councillor Programme to ensure all Members had a full understanding of the emergency planning process;

            (iv)       that, with regard to the recommendation relating to an inventory            of local equipment held by local farmers which could be used in     alleviating flooding and drainage problems, approval be given to           the recommendation of the Scrutiny Board that this be widened            to include local plant hire stores;

            (v)        that approval be given to the recommendation that officers who            form the current watercourses officer group be tasked to revise    its terms of reference and composition in order to address the    implications for the District of any Cabinet approved       recommendations contained within the Joint Countywide Scrutiny Flooding Report; and

            (vi)       that the Scrutiny Board be requested to undertake a scrutiny     exercise into the problems, issues, actions taken and any issues         still unresolved within Wards affected by flooding.