Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel – 8 February 2010
PRESENT: Councillor Wilson in the chair.
Councillors C Sherwood (vice-chairman), Mrs Bromby, Cawsey, Simpson, P Vickers and Whiteley.
Statutory Co-opted Members: Mr P Bacon and Mrs A Dunkerley (Parent Governor Representatives) and Mr W Egan and Mrs W Witter (Church Representatives)
The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.
103 DECLARATIONS – OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.
No whip was declared.
104 PLAYGROUNDS AND OPEN SPACES – ACTION PLAN AS A RESULT OF RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE SCRUTINY PANEL – The Chair welcomed Phil Hotchin, Head of Streetscene and Landscapes to the meeting and invited him to provide an update.
Phil confirmed that all the recommendations made within the scrutiny panel’s report had been adopted and had been included within the Play Alert document. The panel was advised that Phil had the overarching responsibility to ensure that all recommendations were put in place.
Further discussions centred around budget availability, the work that was currently ongoing throughout North Lincolnshire and that the 11 Playbuilder spaces were on track to be completed by the proposed deadline date of May 2010.
In addition, members were informed that a park keeper had been appointed and a further appointment was expected imminently. The two park keepers would be responsible for the cleaning of parks and reporting of any maintenance works that were required. A suggestion was made that the park keepers routes be made public so that members of the public were aware when their local park would be attended to.
The panel received a brief update on the developments in Central Park, Scunthorpe on how the building of the Pod’s was progressing, the new playground features planned for the area, the proposed outdoor ampitheatre, the possibility of incorporating a modern band stand into the plans and also the maintenance and upgrade of the fountain and surrounding area.
Resolved – (a) That Phil Hotchin be thanked for his attendance at the meeting, and (b) that the position be noted.
105 (11) LEADER OF THE COUNCIL’S FORWARD PLAN – FEBRUARY TO MAY 2010 – The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council’s Forward Plan for February to May 2010.
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 position be noted.
106 OUTSTANDING EXECUTIVE ACTION PLANS – The Chair highlighted concerns over the number of outstanding executive action plans relating to recommendations arising out of previous scrutiny reviews. The issue was raised at the last meeting of the Scrutiny Coordinating Panel and members were informed that this would be a topic for discussion at April’s Cabinet meeting.
It was suggested that Officers/Partners be invited to attend the next scheduled meeting to advise the panel of what stage they were at with acting upon the recommendations made.
Resolved – That the position be noted.