Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 9 July 2019.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 9 July 2019 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

To receive communications from the Chairman.

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

Report of Executive Director Finance (Interim) and Assistant Director: Performance and Transformation

Purpose of report

This report summarises the Council’s Performance, Risk and Finance monitoring position as at the end of each month.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

 1.1        To note the monthly Performance, Risk and Finance Monitoring Report.

1.2       To note that the Performance, Risk and Finance Monitoring Report is considered by Executive on a monthly basis.

1.3       To review and comment on the performance update for quarter one (Appendix 2) and identify any areas for further consideration by the Executive.

Although the full Performance, Risk and Finance Monitoring Report is included, members of Overview and Scrutiny are requested to focus on the Performance aspect of the report.

The Committee considered a report from the Executive Director Finance (Interim) and Assistant Director – Performance and Transformation, that detailed the Council’s Performance, Risk and Finance monitoring position at the end of June 2019.

In response to questions regarding the use of signs in Bicester encouraging drivers to switch off their car engines when stationary at the level crossing in the town, the Chief Operating Officer advised the Committee that effectiveness of the signage with regard to air quality was being monitored, and if successful they would be used in other areas of the district.

Resolved

(1)      That the monthly Performance, Risk and Finance Monitoring Report be noted.

(2)      That it be noted that the Performance, Risk and Finance Monitoring Report is considered monthly by Executive.

(3)      That, having given due consideration to the performance update for Quarter One, no areas for further consideration by Executive be identified.

Nicola Riley – Assistant Director: Wellbeing

The Committee will receive an overview of the Wellbeing directorate, the work that it covers and the services it provides.

A briefing note relating to one aspect of the work – Intergeneration – Generations Working Together – is attached for information.

The Assistant Director Wellbeing gave a presentation that provided an overview of the Wellbeing team.

The Assistant Director Wellbeing explained that the team covered four broad areas – Healthy Communities; Community Development; Leisure Facilities; and Sport and Physical Recreation, and provided a brief summary of the activities covered by each of the areas.

In response to queries regarding Assets of Community Value, the Assistant Director Wellbeing agreed to circulate information to the Committee regarding current assets across the district.

With regard to the Cherwell Lottery scheme, that had recently started, the Assistant Director Wellbeing advised that approximately 40 organisations were currently signed up. A further campaign to advertise the scheme and encourage more organisations to sign up would be undertaken later in the month.

In response to the Intergeneration – Generations Working Together briefing note that had been circulated with the agenda, the Committee congratulated the team on the work undertaken on the project.

Resolved

(1)        That the presentation and briefing note be noted. 

Richard Webb – Assistant Director: Regulatory Services and Community Safety

Cherwell District Council is currently consulting on its Public Spaces Protection Order for Banbury.

The Committee are asked to consider the consultation prior to a formal decision being made by Executive in November.

A briefing note is attached which provides more detail, along with a copy of the existing order and a map that shows the area covered by the order. 

The Committee considered a briefing note from the Assistant Director Regulatory Services and Community Safety regarding the renewal of the Banbury Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), ahead of its consideration by Executive in November 2019.

The Assistant Director Regulatory Services and Community Safety explained that the PSPO had taken effect on 1 December 2016 for a period of three years. It was now necessary for the PSPO to be reviewed, and either renewed or allowed to expire.

A public consultation was currently underway on the potential renewal of the PSPO for a further three year period, however it was proposed to remove the prohibition of rough sleeping provision from the order. The Assistant Director Regulatory Services and Community Safety explained to the Committee that separate provision and guidance was available for the prevention of Rough Sleeping, and it was no longer deemed appropriate to use PSPOs for that purpose. It was therefore proposed that if renewed, the PSPO would cover the prohibition of begging and drinking in the designated area.

The Committee was pleased with the proposal to remove rough sleeping from the renewed order.

Resolved

(1)        That the proposed amendments to the Banbury Public Spaces Protection Order be supported.

Democratic and Elections Officers will give an update on progress regarding subjects raised at previous Committee meetings (appendix 1, attached).

The Committee to consider the work programme (appendix 2, attached).

The Committee considered the topic sheet and indicative work programme.

With regard to the topics of Kidlington and Bicester Masterplans and Planning Policy for the District, Democratic and Elections Officers advised that discussions had been held with the Assistant Director Growth and Economy, who had committed to attend future meetings of the Committee to discuss progress on the various subjects, at the relevant time.

With regard to mobile phone signal across the district, the Committee requested information concerning signal ‘not spots’.

Resolved

(1)      That the topic sheet and work programme be noted.

There were no items of urgent business.