Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Mrs. R. L. Dent and Mrs. J. M. L. A. Griffiths.

No declarations of interests or whipping arrangements were received.

The minutes of the meeting of the Overview Board held on 2nd June 2009 were submitted.

RESOLVED that the minutes be approved as a correct record.

At the invitation of the Chairman, Councillor Mrs. M. Bunker addressed the meeting and gave an update in respect of the work of the Older People Task Group.

She reported that, as a result of the enforced cancellation of the meeting to be held on 22nd June 2009, the Task Group had been unable to meet since the update given at the last meeting of the Board.  However, she stated that an alternative date had been arranged for a Task Group meeting on 21st July 2009.

Councillor Mrs. Bunker added that it was unlikely the work of the Task Group would be completed within the allocated four month period and, therefore, she informed the Board that she would be requesting an extension of time for the Task Group to deal with its subject matter.  However, she considered that the Task Group would need to review its anticipated workload in order to determine how much additional time would be needed and, therefore, she would make a formal request for the extension of time at the meeting of the Board to be held on 1st September 2009.

Members of the Board considered the items contained within the Overview Recommendation Tracker.

The Executive Director - Services referred Members to the July 2009 updates outlined in the report.  With reference to item (d) of the recommendations made jointly by the Overview Board and Scrutiny Board: 2nd December 2008, he reported that a letter had been received from the Divisional Commander of the West Mercia Constabulary on 23rd February 2009 stating that they were unable to offer financial support to the Council's CCTV system due to the fact that funds had already been allocated to other projects, such as the Charford Neighbourhood Services.

RESOLVED that the Overview Recommendation Tracker be noted.

The Head of Street Scene and Community referred to the draft Cabinet report and stated that the first step in the process of establishing the Civil Parking Enforcement proposals was to enter into negotiations with Worcestershire County Council in respect of the entering into an Agency Agreement.  Mr. Bell commented that this agreement would set the scene for the Council to introduce Civil Parking Enforcement, and then enable the Council to manage and enforce parking provision within the district.

He stated that this initial step could take as long as six months and would still not guarantee that the Council would introduce the Civil Parking Enforcement proposals in the event that negotiations with the County Council do not result in an agreement.  Therefore, it was considered that to examine the operational aspects of the scheme at such an early stage may not be beneficial until a satisfactory agreement is reached.  The report to the Cabinet meeting at the end of July 2009 would merely seek approval at this stage for the Council to formally commence negotiations with the County Council.

Members of the Board considered that it was too early to examine the operational policies and procedures at this stage, and that the Head of Street Scene and Community be requested to report back to a future meeting of the Board upon the conclusion of the Agency Agreement.

RESOLVED that the Head of Street Scene and Community be requested to report back to a future meeting of the Board on the implementation of the Civil Parking Enforcement proposals upon the conclusion of the Agency Agreement with the County Council.

Members of the Board gave consideration to the Forward Plan which referred to the key and non-key decisions which were due to be made by the Cabinet during the period 1st July to 31st October 2009.

RESOLVED that the Forward Plan of key and non-key decisions due to be made during the period 1st July to 31st October 2009 be noted.

Consideration was given to the list of anticipated reports within each service area that were due to be considered by the Cabinet between November 2009 and June 2010.

Councillor Mrs. Bunker referred to item no. 1 on page 107 of the report (White paper outcomes) and queried the progress made in respect of Councillor Calls For Action.  The Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services responded by stating that the related guidance information had only recently been published and that officers were currently examining what amendments were required to be made to the Council's Constitution.  However, she added that the Council had made the necessary changes in the interim so that such issues could be formally dealt with should the need arise.

RESOLVED that the list of anticipated reports to be considered by Cabinet between November 2009 and June 2010 be noted.

Members considered the items listed within the Work Programme for the Board.

The Chairman considered that the Board should establish its own programme of work in order to determine performance targets and establish its own recommendations.  He referred to a list of items he had already submitted in respect of a number of items (for example, to examine the Council's economic regeneration policy, planning processes and licensing policies) and suggested that other Members of the Board communicate any further proposals to the Head of Legal, Equalities and Democratic Services.

RESOLVED that the Overview Board's Work Programme be noted and updated as necessary.