Agenda and minutes

To agree the notes of the last meeting (to be circulated separately).

Notes agreed as a correct record.

No substitutes advised.

(Head of Research and Democratic Services). To declare interests in any items on the agenda.

In considering whether to declare a personal or a prejudicial interest under the Code of Conduct, Overview & Scrutiny members are asked pay particular attention to paragraph 11 of the Code in addition to the more familiar requirements.

This requires the declaration of a personal and prejudicial interest in any matter before an OS Committee which relates to a decision of or action by another Committee or Sub Committee of the Council, a Joint Committee or Joint Sub Committee in which the Council is involved and of which the Councillor is also a member.

Paragraph 11 does not refer to Cabinet decisions or attendance at an OS meeting purely for the purpose of answering questions or providing information on such a matter.

No declarations made.

Since the last meeting of the panel, the Chairman (Councillor S. Parry) and Vice Chairman (Councillor J. Whitehouse) have met with the Joint Chief Executive Committee to review the terms of reference. This was done in recognition of the wide scale nature of the topics which could potentially be covered by this Panel and the need to put some reasonable and realistic constraints on the process if the topic was to be manageable within the task and finish process. A revised draft of the terms of reference are attached for consideration and approval.

Terms of reference agreed subject to:

(i)         Item (4) to refer to ‘charges’ not ‘changes’;

(ii)        Item (7) to refer to ‘equality’ not ’quality’; and

(iii)            Additional aim of reviewing the handyperson scheme (requested by Councillor Stallan);

Revision attached to these minutes for submission to Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 5 October 2006.

Feedback on member visit since the last meeting – it is understood these include:-

• Epping Forest Sheltered Housing Forum
• Careline/Parsonage Court Day Club
• Older People’s Advisory Group
• Others?

Members made the following reports of recent visits:

Sheltered Housing Forum:

Attendees: Councillors Cooper, Grigg and J H Whitehouse

Noted the wide representation at the meeting with the opportunity to ask questions and discuss matters of concern. The meeting had two main subjects Choice Based Lettings and Grounds Maintenance.

Parsonage Court Day Club

Attendees: Councillors Perry, House and Wright.

Attendance at the day had dropped from 20 to 10 because of the cost of Community Transport which was costing in the region of £150 p.c.m. The transport scheme was run by VAEF. Members noted the transport funding difficulties. Additionally it was thought that the minibus drivers test was difficult to pass.

Members requested a further report on the history of the day clubs to the next meeting.

A request had been made at the day club for a suitable venue for meetings of the University of the Third Age. Councillor Wright undertook to research this aspect and report back.

A report by Councillor Perry is also attached to these notes.

Older Peoples Advisory Group

Attendees: Councillors Grigg, Kelly and Wright

Meeting held at Frank Bretton House and although not well advertised it had been well attended by approximately 40 people. Officers from EFDC, ECC, Voluntary Sector and Social Services had attended. It had been a good meeting and had discussed pavements (uneven surfaces), Pedestrian crossings, access by phone to medical practices and appointment systems, transport and local shopping. Attendees had been responsive and it was a constructive meeting. It was important that the District members that had attended should follow up on some of the issues raised by those attending. Agreed that information on forthcoming meetings be published in the Forrester magazine to encourage attendance.

Noted that the next OPAG meeting was on 11 October 2006 (venue to be advised).

Robert Daniels Court

Attendee: Councillor Perry

Councillor Perry’s report is attached to these notes. Noted that the average resident age was early to mid 70’s.

Other Visits

Attendee: Councillor Cooper

Councillor Cooper reported that she had visited a number of the sheltered schemes. Residents had raised a number issues with her which would require reference to the appropriate council officer for response. Issues included: scooter facilities, window condensation problems, provision of incontinence pads, Yale key access, fencing of sites (Parsonage Court), movement of bus stops, poor pavements in Epping (Leonard Davis House), issues with vandals (Hyde Mead House).

Councillor Cooper reported that residents had raised issues about feelings of isolation, lack of transport. Councillor Cooper also suggested that staff support and training/communication could also be looked at and cited an example of a recent Arts project “A sense of place” aimed at the elderly which wardens did not seem aware of.

Members of the Panel were requested to ensure that reports of future visits were made in writing to provide an evidential base to the achievement of the Panels Aims and Objectives.

To note the attached schedules and to identify any areas where the panel would like further information:-

Annex 1            Environmental Services

Annex 2            Financial Services

Annex 3            Housing Services

Annex 4            Leisure Services

Annex 5            Supporting People Briefing Note

These annexes are available from Committee Section for none members of the Panel.

Members received reports on services provided the District Council as follows.

(1)            Environmental Services

(2)            Financial Services

(3)            Housing Services

(4)        Leisure Services

(5)            Supporting People (Briefing Note)

A revised sheet on some services provided by Environmental Services is attached to these notes for information.

Agreed that having received services details it was important at future meeting to identify any gaps in provision.

Review of services provided by voluntary action Epping Forest and other previous suppliers via the council’s grant aid scheme.

To note the attached schedule (Annex 6 for Panel members) and to identify any areas where the panel would like further information.

Review of services provided by voluntary action Epping Forest and other previous suppliers via the council’s grant aid scheme noted.

J Scott undertook to provide Councillor Cooper with details of the Waltham Abbey Day Centre.

To be agreed.

Next meeting 2 November 2006 at 7.00 p.m. in Committee Room 2.