Issue - meetings

(Chairman of the Select Committee) Article 6 (Overview and Scrutiny) of the Constitution requires that the chairmen of the select committees report to the meeting in regard to progress with the achievement of the current work programme for each select committee and on any recommendations for consideration by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The current work programme for each select committee is attached as an appendix to this agenda.

(a)          Stronger Communities Select Committee

Councillor J Lea, Chairman, reported that it had been interesting to ask questions after the presentation from Chief Inspector Paul Ballard, Essex Police District Commander for Epping Forest and Brentwood, on current policing and crime issues in the District at the last meeting on 22 March. Everything seemed to have gone well over the last year. The work programme included some items for the next municipal year, and she also hoped that external scrutiny of a housing association might be possible.

It was noted that items 17 (Housing Associations) and 20 (Unaffordable rents) had yet to be confirmed by relevant officers.

(b)          Stronger Council Select Committee

Councillor P Bolton, Chairman, reported the select committee had reviewed the Qualis Monitoring reports for quarter 4 (2020/21) and quarter 1 (2021/22) but they had already been to the Cabinet and Full Council. The Auditors were satisfied with their accounts.

Councillor S Murray declared that he would be a candidate in the 2022 elections being held on 5 May and queried if there had been an update report on the forthcoming elections, such as where the Count was taking place etc. Councillor M Sartin replied that the Elections Planning Group met regularly and information on the arrangements for the 2022 elections was usually publicised in the Council Bulletin. G Blakemore, Chief Executive and Returning Officer, advised that the Count would take place in the Civic Offices this year. A briefing for candidates and election agents would also be organised.

(c)          Stronger Place Select Committee

Councillor A Lion, Chairman, reported that the select committee had achieved a lot this year and thanked the members who had contributed so much during the year. The Sustainable Transport Officer, S Lloyd-Jones had made a presentation to the select committee at the 15 March meeting on transport strategy and sustainability, a strategic overview and status update, as the Council was working hard to maximise use of its own land and assets to provide EV charging. He also remarked that littering across the District (work programme item 6) needed a higher profile next year.

Councillor M Sartin thanked her Vice-Chairman, Councillor B Jennings, for his support over the last year, and all the members and officers for their work over the last year, as this was the last meeting in this municipal year.

RESOLVED:

(1)          That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee noted the progress of the three select committees against their work programmes;

(2)          That it was noted that Stronger Communities Select Committee work programme items 17 (Housing Associations) and 20 (Unaffordable rents) had yet to be confirmed by relevant officers;

(3)          That members would be kept informed about the arrangements for the 2022 Elections through the Bulletin; and

(4)          That littering across the District needed a higher profile on the Stronger Place Select Committee next year.