To approve as a correct record the minutes of the last meeting held on 22 June 2010 (copy attached).

RESOLVED

that the Minutes of the meeting of the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 22 June 2010 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

To receive from Members declarations and the nature thereof in relation to:

(a)       Personal Interests in any agenda item.

(b)       Personal and prejudicial Interests in any agenda item.

(c)        Any political whip in relation to any agenda item.

To receive any announcements from the Chairman and any matters of communication.

None.

To receive petitions from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

No petitions were received from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 2 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

To receive any questions, statements or deputations from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 1 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

No questions, statements or deputations from members of the public were received in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 1 of Part A4 of the Constitution.

Members are advised that, under Procedure Rule 10.2 of Part D2 of the Constitution, the following matter has been called in for consideration by the Committee:

the delegated decision taken by the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles at the Traffic Management Meeting held on 6 July 2010 to approve an Order under the Cycle Tracks Act 1984 on the footpath that extends from Saxons Close to Hockcliffe Road Service Road, Leighton Buzzard.

Members are further advised that Procedure Rule 10.19 of Part D2 of the Constitution sets out the response options available to the Committee.

(documents attached)

Members were aware that, under Procedure Rule 10.2 of Part D2 of the Constitution, the following matter had been called in for consideration by the Committee:

the delegated decision taken by the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles at the Traffic Management Meeting held on 6 July 2010 to approve an Order under the Cycle Tracks Act 1984 on the footpath that extends from Saxons Close to Hockcliffe Road Service Road, Leighton Buzzard.

Members had before them copies of the Call-In request form, the report of the Assistant Director for Highways and Transportation presented to the Traffic Management Meeting and an extract from the Decisions Digest setting out the Portfolio Holder’s delegated decision to assist them in their deliberations.

The Committee noted that the Member who had submitted the Call-In was unable to attend the meeting so the matter was introduced by the Chairman.

The Portfolio Holder stated that, although the Order had already been made, he was willing to re-examine the decision in view of the comments which had been submitted by the public.

RESOLVED

that the decision of the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles to make an Order under the Cycle Tracks Act 1984 on the footpath that extends from Saxons Close to Hockcliffe Road Service Road, Leighton Buzzard be referred back to the Portfolio Holder with a request that he reconsider the suitability of the route of the cycle track due to the nature of the concerns raised by residents.

To consider any items referred to the Committee at the request of a Member under Procedure Rule 3.1 of Part D2 of the Constitution.

No items were referred to the Committee for consideration at the request of a Member under Procedure Rule 3.1 of Part D2 of the Constitution.

To receive and consider the recommendations of the Development Strategy Task Force arising from its consideration of the Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document and how it should progress following the abolition of the Regional Spatial Strategy.

Members considered a report by the Development Strategy Task Force which set out its recommendations following consideration of the Gypsy and Traveller Development Plan Document (DPD) and how it should progress following the Government’s abolition of the Regional Spatial Strategy (RSS).

The Committee was aware that the Task Force had recommended:

• the adoption of a local pitch requirement of 26 in comparison to the pitch requirement figure of 40 which had originally been included in the RSS;
• a suggested revised distribution for the 26 pitches;
• the provision of two additional pitches for transit use by Gypsies and Travellers;
• the provision of four pitches for use by Travelling Showpeople.

Before proceeding the Chairman of the Committee sought comments from the Task Force.  In response a member of the Task Force stated that he welcomed the change in Government policy and he felt the resulting lower pitch requirement was more acceptable.  He added that although differences existed between the members of the Task Force regarding the allocation of pitches he supported the recommendations submitted to the Committee. 

In accordance with the Public Participation Procedure, as set out in paragraph 2 of Annex 1 of Part A4 of the Constitution, the Chairman of the Committee then invited those members of the public who had registered to speak on this item to address the Committee.  Each speaker was allowed a maximum of three minutes.  A statement was received from one speaker on the provision of pitches on land to the rear of 197 Hitchin Road, Arlesey who set out reasons against the development of the site; statements were received from three speakers on the provision of pitches at Oak Tree Nursery & Magpie Farm, Upper Caldecote who set out reasons against the development of the site; and statements were received from three speakers on the provision of pitches on land east of Hitchin Road, Henlow who set out reasons against the development of the site.  In addition to the above a statement was received from one speaker querying the absence of any allocation to the site at Woodside Caravan Park, Hatch, Sandy and seeking a written explanation as to why this decision had been made.

With regard to comments made by the speakers the Chairman stressed that whilst the previous government’s guidance relating to Gypsy and Traveller sites had been removed a Government Green Paper had made clear that the provision of sites should continue.  As such the obligation on local authorities had not been removed.  He next explained that the Council was not planning to give land to Gypsies and Travellers to use but it would consider entering into the long term lease of land to members of those communities so that they would become the landlords of those sites with the associated responsibilities. 

The Committee considered whether the local pitch requirement figure from the end of 2010 to the end of 2015 should be 9 or 10 pitches, the meeting noting that should a figure of 10 be adopted this would increase  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28.

To consider proposals to change the operation of the CCTV service provided by the Council.

The Committee considered the report of the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles which sought Members’ support for recommended changes to the operation of the CCTV service provided across Central Bedfordshire.  Members had before them a number of possible options for the future of the service, including the financial implications.

The Portfolio Holder took Members though each of his recommendations explaining the reasons for the proposals and, in particular, the efficiency savings which would arise.

Discussion took place regarding the levels of financial support received from the Police Authority and town councils.  In response to queries the Portfolio Holder stated that an approach would be made to the Police Authority for a financial contribution mindful of the operational benefits the police gained from the CCTV system.  Following further discussion, and in response to concerns regarding an apparent downgrading of service provision, the Portfolio Holder explained that any reduction in active monitoring and a reliance on recording would only be implemented at times where this was considered acceptable in terms of public safety.  He assured the meeting that crime ‘hotspots’ would continue to be monitored.

Further discussion followed during which Members noted the constraints placed on the use of Section 106 monies in relation to the possible expansion of the system.

The Portfolio Holder stated that further opportunities to increase income from the service whilst reducing costs were on-going and he hoped to submit further recommendations to the Committee in the future.

RECOMMENDED to Executive:

1          that the revenue savings of £95,000 (as set out within Appendix E to the report of the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles) are implemented to achieve a full year saving in 2011/12;

2          that cameras operating via the Hertfordshire CCTV Partnership be integrated into the Dunstable CCTV control room and the whole CCTV service operated as one from Dunstable;

3          that the Council seek a financial contribution from Bedfordshire Police and those town councils where cameras are located;

4          that further research is undertaken to consider the longer term options for CCTV.

To consider proposals to provide a co-ordinated approach in the undertaking of statutory duties under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 and associated legislation.

The Committee considered a report by the Portfolio Holder for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles which sought Members’ support for changes to existing practices to provide a co-ordinated approach to undertaking statutory duties under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005 and associated legislation across Central Bedfordshire.

The Portfolio Holder stressed that it was not proposed to change to the level of service provided only the manner in which it was delivered.  He added that adopting a co-ordinated approach would enable the Council to fulfil its statutory duties in a more effective way.

Concern was expressed by some Members that the adoption of a ‘softer’ style of dress would dilute the authority of officers and discussion took place regarding this aspect of the service as well as the general approach which officers should adopt when dealing with the public.

RECOMMENDED to Executive:

1          that the development of a visible presence approach to addressing local environmental issues in Central Bedfordshire using a phased introduction, beginning with the proposed changes to the Envirocrime Team, be approved;

2          that consideration be given to the introduction of a suitable uniform for that visible presence team so that it enables residents to clearly recognise the authority that these persons exercise on behalf of the Council.

(Note: The Committee adjourned at 13.40 p.m. for lunch and reconvened at 14.15 p.m.)

To note the financial performance to the end of June 2010 and the latest forecast outturn position.

(Note: Following consideration of this item the Committee will adjourn for lunch.  The Committee will reconvene at 2.00 p.m.)

The Committee considered a report by the Portfolio Holders for Safer Communities and Healthier Lifestyles, Economic Growth, Skills and Regeneration and Sustainable Development which outlined the actual financial performance and full year forecast as at 30 June 2010.  In addition to this report the Director commented that the end year forecast position for the Directorate budget was now projected to be in balance.

In response to queries regarding the robustness of the current reduction in the projected overspend the Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Skills and Regeneration emphasised that the overspend had only been a projected figure and that action had been taken to rectify this.  The Director of Sustainable Communities stated that the Quarter 2 report would contain further explanatory detail.  He stressed that budgetary pressures did vary and the amount of data available when composing the Quarter 1 report had been limited.  The Director added that the revised overspend had been brought about as a result of both a reduction in overspend coupled with action to ensure budget compliance.

RESOLVED

that the efforts of the Director of Sustainable Communities and his staff with regard to Directorate budget management be commended.

NOTED

that the year end forecast position for the Sustainable Communities budget was that it would be in balance.

To consider and comment on the proposed adoption of a draft interim strategy for supporting local bus and community transport services.

Members considered a report by the Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities which sought the Committee’s approval for recommendations to the Executive relating to a draft interim strategy for supporting local bus and community transport services.

The Committee discussed various issues in detail including the following:

• the number of other local authorities that restricted the time before which national concessionary pass holders may board a local bus service and travel without payment. 
• serious concerns relating to the accuracy of the information contained in the bus service evaluation toolkit and the use of this information as a basis for formal public consultation on poorer performing local bus services;
• the importance of discussing opportunities with the third sector and major retailers to provide funding for some local bus services.

In addition the Committee discussed the importance of assessing viable alternatives to delivering bus services in instances where local bus services were removed and alternatives that could be delivered without cutting services completely.

RECOMMENDED to the Executive:

1          that it note the work being undertaken by the Transforming Transport team on the Council's support for local bus and community transport service provision;

2          that it note a report setting out the results of the consultation will be prepared, along with definitive options, for consideration at the Executive meeting on 7 December.

3          that a document be prepared for public consultation between 1 October and 15 November setting out the following principles:

(i)                 to restrict the time before which national concessionary pass holders may board a local bus service and travel without payment;

(ii)        to restrict the use of concessionary passes on dial-a-ride services and/or introduce charges for their use.

4          that the information contained in the Bus Service Evaluation Toolkit is inaccurate and insufficient on which to base a public consultation. The Executive should not agree to withdraw support from any of the identified poorer performing local bus services until more reliable data is made available on which to base this decision.

5          that major retailers in Central Bedfordshire should be contacted during the consultation period to assess whether they would be willing to support funding for relevant local routes.

6          that a report be provided to the Sustainable Communities OSC when the results of the consultation are reported that details options in relation to restricting the use of concessionary passes on dial-a-ride services and/or introducing charges for their use detailing the impact of these restrictions on current services and definitive alternative options for the delivery of these services.

To consider and comment on the proposed consultation process for developing highways schemes in the context of the emerging Local Transport Plan.

The Committee considered a report by the Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities and Healthier Lifestyles which outlined the consultation process for developing highways schemes over the coming year in the context of the emerging Local Transport Plan (LTP).

Members’ comments were sought and discussion took place on ensuring Member input into prioritising the works that were undertaken.  Reference was made to the use of the Member Advisory Group which had originally been proposed by the Committee to be used for consultation purposes on proposed highway works (minute 09/18 refers).

RESOLVED

1          that consultation regarding Local Improvement Schemes be included within the remit of the Member Advisory Group (MAG) set up for the purpose of consultation on proposed programmes of highway works;

2          that the Members Advisory Group be composed of the following Members:

            Cllrs   Bastable

                        Gale

                        Jamieson

                        Kane

                        Ms Maudlin

                        Williams

                        Young

To consider the problems experienced as a result of last winter’s bad weather conditions and the proposed changes to the Council’s Winter Service Operational Plan.

The Committee considered a report by the Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities and Healthier Lifestyles which examined the problems experienced as a result of the poor weather conditions experienced last winter and proposed changes to the Council’s Winter Service Operational Plan in response.

Members considered a range of related issues including the gritting of school routes, the possible location and use of salt bins and the consultation on this, the Council’s own requirements for salt storage and its policy towards the salting and clearance of footpaths.   Members also emphasised the need for full Member input so that officers were fully aware of local knowledge and experience.

The Assistant Director Highways and Transport reminded the meeting of the budgetary implications associated with some of Member’s suggested changes.   He also explained that consultation letters had been sent to all town and parish clerks regarding the proposals for salt bin provision and asked Members to contact him if they became aware that this had not occurred.

RECOMMENDED to Executive:

1          that the Priority 1A network be amended so that a gritted route is also provided to the majority of upper and middle schools subject to the officers first circulating any proposed amendments to all elected Members in order to provide the opportunity for the Ward Members to comment on the suitability of the proposed amendments and subject to the approval of the Assistant Director Highways and Transport with regard to the associated logistical requirements; 

2          that those routes on the amended Priority 1A network that are gritted solely to provide access to upper and middle schools be identified so that they are not gritted during periods of school holiday;

3          that the letter seeking Town and Parish Council views on the new salt bin initiative for Central Bedfordshire be recirculated to all elected Members of the Council;

4          that the outcomes of the consultation on the salt bin policy be presented to the Sustainable Communities OSC  for comment prior to the policy being adopted by the Executive;

5          that Central Bedfordshire Council continue to search for suitable Council owned land for additional salt storage and contact private land owners to see if land can be made available.

To consider and agree the work programmes for the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Development Strategy Task Force and note the latest Executive Forward Plan.

The Committee considered a report by the Overview and Scrutiny Officer which asked the meeting to consider the Committee’s current work programme for the 2010-2011 municipal year and beyond and sought any comments and amendments.  In addition Members were asked to consider the Executive Forward Plan and an indicative work programme for the Development Strategy Task Force for the same period.  The meeting was aware that the Member Advisory Group (MAG) was to be consulted on the proposed programme of highways works (minute 10/33 refers).

RESOLVED

that the work programmes for both the Sustainable Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Development Strategy Task Force be approved.

NOTED

The Executive Forward Plan.