northlincs.gov.uk

PRESENT: Councillor Clark in the Chair.

Councillors Ali, Armitage, Ellerby, T Foster, Jawaid MBE and N Sherwood.

Councillor Davison attended the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 37(b)

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

95 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) –

No whip was declared.

96 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of this panel held on 16 June and 26 August 2008, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and signed by the chair.

97 PUBLIC SPEAKING – There were no requests from members of the public to address the Scrutiny Panel.

98 WORK PROGRAMME FOR THE MUNICIPAL YEAR 2008-09 – The Chair confirmed that following completion of the review into Domestic Violence – Service provision and areas of vulnerability within North Lincolnshire, it was necessary to make a decision as to what would be the next subject for review.

The Service Director Legal and Democratic was invited to address the panel. Members were advised that a representative from the Humberside Police Authority had recommended the following as possible future topics for review by the panel:

• Alcohol Abuse – focusing on offender and anti social behaviour
• Mental Health – and its relationship with violent crime

Following discussion and due consideration, it was decided that the next topic for the Safer and Stronger Communities scrutiny panel would be to review the Neighbourhood Action Teams within North Lincolnshire. It was agreed that a sub group would be arranged to scope the review and that the Head of Safer Neighbourhoods and an accompanying officer would be invited to attend the next scheduled meeting of the panel.

Members asked that a letter of thanks be sent to Humberside Police Authority for their suggestions, and provide assurance that these would be considered as possible future topics, incorporating joint work with the Healthier Communities and Older People Scrutiny Panel.

Resolved – (a) That the position be noted, (b) that a sub group be arranged and members of the panel be notified accordingly, and (c) that a letter of thanks be sent on behalf of the Chair and Members of the panel to Humberside Police Authority.

99 (4) IMPROVING LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY: A COMMUNITIES IN CONTROL CONSULTATION – The Service Director Legal and Democratic delivered an oral update on the consultation document. This outlined proposals that would develop and strengthen overview and scrutiny and enhance its overall effectiveness.

Concerns were raised over certain aspects of the legislation, specifically how this would be implemented and delivered.

Resolved – (a) That the document be noted, and (b) that a response be sent to Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) requesting that safeguards be put in place for officers in certain decision-making roles.

100 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE – Service Provision and Areas of Vulnerability – The Chair advised the panel that the report had been circulated to all consultees, and positive feedback had been received. The Chair invited the Service Director Legal and Democratic to address the panel.

Members were advised that concerns had been raised over one of the recommendations. It had been agreed, following consultation with the Chair/ Vice-Chair, that this could be amended accordingly on the action plan. The panel agreed this would be the best course of action.

Following further discussion it was agreed that all members be invited to comment on the report at the next meeting of the council.

Resolved – That the position be noted.

101 (5) LEADER OF THE COUNCIL’S FORWARD PLAN – SEPTEMBER TO DECEMBER 2008 – The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council’s Forward Plan for September to December 2008.

The plan contained details of all matters and issues likely to be the subject of key decisions for a period of the next four months, updated on a monthly basis. Members discussed various items on the Forward Plan.

Resolved – That the Leader of the Council’s Forward Plan for September to December 2008 be noted.

102 ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for discussion at this meeting.