Agenda and decisions

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on 18 July 2024.

To receive communications from the Chairman.

Report of Assistant Director Customer Focus

Purpose of report

To report to the committee the council’s performance position at the end of Quarter 1 2024-25.

Recommendations

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolves:

1.1           To consider the contents of the council’s performance Quarter 1 report and agree comments to the Executive for consideration.

Resolved

(1)       That having given due consideration, the Council’s Performance Monitoring Report Quarter 1 2024 - 2025 performance be noted, and no recommendations be submitted for Executive consideration.

Report of Assistant Director Wellbeing and Housing

Purpose of report

To consider the draft Housing Allocations Scheme and make comments for consideration by Executive.

Recommendations

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolves:

1.1           To consider and comment on the contents of the new drafted Housing Allocations Scheme and recommend adoption by the Executive.

1.2           Recommend to Executive that they receive a summary of the consultation responses and give those consideration.

Resolved

(1)         That having given due consideration, the New Cherwell District Council Allocations Scheme be recommended for adoption by Executive,

(2)       That it be recommended to Executive that they receive a summary of the consultation for consideration alongside the Scheme being recommended for adoption.

Report of Assistant Director Wellbeing and Housing

Purpose of report

To provide an update on the additional activity described in the 2023/24 Cost of Living action plan and to note proposed future approaches and activity.

Recommendations

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolves:

1.1           To request the Executive to note the review of the 2023/24 cost of living plan and proposed range of activities planned for 2024/25.

Resolved

(1)           That having given due consideration, the Cost of Living 2023/2024 review and proposed range of activities for 2024/2025 be noted and recommended to Executive to endorse.

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee undertook work programme planning at its 18 July 2024 meeting and requested the Chair and Vice-Chair to meet with officers to discuss suggested scrutiny topics. The work programme has been updated accordingly and a verbal update will be provided at the meeting.

For information, the Executive Forward Plan is available on the Cherwell District Council website (please ensure you choose the most recently published version).

At the 18 July 2024 meeting, the Committee agreed that three working groups should continue in the 2024/2025 municipal year: Climate Action; Food Insecurity; and, Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion (joint with Personnel Committee). Nominations for working group member have been sought and the Chair and Democratic and Elections Team will update the Committee at the meeting.

Recommendations

The Overview and Scrutiny Committee resolves

1.1           To consider and endorse the 2024/2025 work programme.

1.2           To consider the update on the scrutiny working groups.

Resolved

(1)      That having given due consideration, that the indicative Work Programme 2024 – 2025 be noted and endorsed.

(2)     That the update on the scrutiny working groups (Climate Action; Food Insecurity; and Equalities, Diversity and Inclusion) be noted.