Agenda and minutes

Apologies were submitted on behalf of Councillors Lay and Nichols, with the substitution of Councillor Mrs Hall for Councillor Nichols in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 28 August 2014.

It was moved by Councillor Inman, seconded by Councillor Moore and

RESOLVED – the minutes of the meeting held on 28 August be confirmed and signed by the Chairman.

No interests were declared at this stage.

Two members of the local police team will be in attendance to update on changes to local policing.

Superintendent Adam Street (Counties BCU) and Chief Inspector Neil Newell (Force Change Team) gave a presentation on changes to local policing in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, with Chief Inspector Jonny Starbuck also in attendance. The new model would take into account the diversity of the area and would also build on the strong partnerships already in place, particularly between the Hinckley and Blaby areas.

(Councillor Morrell entered the meeting at 6.37pm).

During the presentation and responses to members’ questions, the following points were raised:

·         The Chief Constable would lead a smaller force with a reduced number of units and sections

·         Boundary revisions were also being undertaken

·         There would be improved uses of technology which would further increase efficiency

·         Levels of policing would be arranged based on risk, taking all factors into account

·         Neighbourhood officers would focus on that role, with other specialist officers taking responsibility for crime and prisoner administration

·         Dedicated officers would attend scheduled appointments, for example in non-emergency situations and to follow up on specific matters

Whilst understanding the requirement to make changes and to reduce costs of the service, many members felt that they had already seen a lot of change with regard to local policing, and each time the local support and visibility seemed to be diluted. Members were reassured that a lot of work had been put into this change programme, but also that it would be reviewed and stakeholders would be consulted in the course of this.

Members congratulated Inspector Jonny Starbuck on his new role and thanked him for his work for Hinckley & Bosworth.

(Councillor Mrs Hall left the meeting at 7.31pm.)

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction) attached.

The Scrutiny Commission was informed of changes that had taken place over recent years in the planning and delivery responsibilities for public health. Rob Howard from Public Health at Leicestershire County Council and Dr Nick Wilmott, a local GP and West Leicestershire CCG representative, were in attendance. It was reported that there was a Health & Well-being Board, which was administered by Leicestershire County Council. Two district councillors, representing districts across the County, sat on this Board.

The ‘Lightbulb’ Project was discussed in some detail. The aim of this was to enable older people to stay in their own homes for longer, by providing adaptations, aids & equipment, affordable heating, occupational therapy co-ordination and support.

Whilst not relating directly to the matter under discussion, the issue of section 106 monies providing healthcare facilities (particularly in Barwell & Earl Shilton) was raised. Dr Wilmott assured members that the matter was on the radar of the CCG and that he would take the Commission’s comments back to the Group.

It was further noted that the CCG would be reporting back to the Scrutiny Commission following its consultation exercise, at which point questions regarding the future of the hospitals could be put.

It was also reported that the voluntary & community sector had been commissioned to carry out projects on behalf of the council.

A member asked information on funding and allocation of money. It was agreed that this be sent to members following the meeting.

Members thanked those in attendance for their positive contributions and for the informative presentations.

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Community Direction) attached.

A report regarding communication and marketing options in relation to Clockwise Credit Union was presented to members, as requested by the Scrutiny Commission in March 2014. The importance of raising the profile was acknowledged and members were informed that the DWP was currently running a Credit Union Expansion Programme, with which Clockwise was involved.

The Scrutiny Commission highlighted the problems currently being experienced by one of the large lending companies, in having to write off a large amount of debt. It was suggested that this negative press be utilised to promote Clockwise, particularly with the Christmas period approaching.

With regard to advertising, it was noted that the Hinckley Times was providing coverage prior to an event in Hinckley on 20 October. Other marketing currently used included the Borough Bulletin, Community House Newsletters, Borough events, Partner Forums and networks and the HBBC staff newsletter.

It was suggested that other avenues, such as radio interviews, be explored. Officers drew attention to appendix 1 to the report which suggested use of social media, targeted door to door leafleting, linking with the Town Centre Partnership and engaging with key employers. A member suggested advertising Clockwise on the side of one of the authority’s refuse vehicles and officers agreed to look into this option.

RESOLVED –

(i)            Current marketing strategies be continued and new methods of communication be explored;

(ii)           The provision of local access points and supporting arrangements be continued.

Report of the Chief Executive.

The Scrutiny Commission was updated on the Council’s actions to promote and ensure that equality and diversity were embedded within the authority and its activities and considered the report on the action plan which had been agreed with the Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). An update had also been circulated prior to the meeting, which reported on a meeting with the Senior Lawyer at the EHRC. This meeting had had a positive outcome and, whilst the EHRC was happy with the progress made, the Chief Executive had agreed areas for further work and report.

RESOLVED –

(i)            The actions undertaken to deliver the action plan agreed with the EHRC be endorsed;

(ii)           The outcome of the meeting with the Senior Lawyer at the EHRC be noted and the recommended further steps be supported.

Annual report attached.

The Scrutiny Commission received the Finance, Audit & Performance Committee Annual Report which had been endorsed by that Committee. Members highlighted an error in the political composition of the Committee in the report.

The complexity of some of the information provided to the Finance, Audit & Performance Committee was highlighted. A report was requested for a future meeting on staffing budgets, broken down by service area, including how these had changed over the last few years and any anticipated changes in future. It was requested that this contains actual figures and numbers rather than percentages.

RESOLVED –

(i)            The report be noted;

(ii)           A report on staffing budgets be brought to a future meeting.