northlincs.gov.uk

PRESENT: –   Councillor Glover in the chair.

Councillors Wilson (Vice-Chair), Bainbridge, Eckhardt, Marper and Rowson.

Councillor Whiteley attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.37 (b).

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

29  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. 

30  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK– There were no requests received.

31  COUNCILWIDE TRAINING PROVISION INCLUDING MEMBER DEVELOPMENT – The Director of Corporate and Community Services informed the meeting that the Assistant Director Human Resources was currently undertaking a review into the aforementioned subject.  Therefore, to avoid duplication with the review, it would be advisable for the scrutiny review to refrain from conducting their own review into the issue until the current review was completed.

The members then engaged in a discussion as to how to proceed.

Resolved – That once the internal review into ‘councilwide training provision and member development’ was completed, the Assistant Director Human Resources be invited to a future meeting to update members on the findings from the review.

32  PROGRESS ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE WORKSMART INITIATIVE – The Chairman welcomed the council’s Chief Executive and Head of Asset Management to the meeting, namely Simon Driver and Chris Ellerby respectively.  Mr Driver and Mr Ellerby had been invited to the meeting to update members on the progress being made in implementing Worksmart.

Mr Driver provided an update on the following –

• Accommodation
• Information Technology
• Business Process
• Customer Contact
• Document Management, and
• Change Management

Following the conclusion of the presentation, the Chairman invited members to question Mr Driver and Mr Ellerby.

Resolved – (a) That members receive a further update on the implementation of the worksmart initiative in six months time, and (b) that Mr Driver and Mr Ellerby be thanked for their attendance and for answering member’s questions.

33  LOCALISM BILL – The Chairman invited the council’s Chief Executive to update members on the progress and implications for North Lincolnshire Council on the Localism Bill

Mr Driver explained how the main measures of the Localism Bill would impact on the council, namely –

• New freedoms and flexibilities for local government
• New rights and powers for communities and individuals
• Reform to make the planning system more democratic and more effective
• Reform to ensure that decisions about housing are taken locally.

Following the presentation, the Chairman invited members to question the Chief Executive. 

Resolved – That the update from the Chief Executive be received with thanks.

34  (9)  PROCUREMENT SERVICES – Further to Minute 26, the Director of Corporate and Community Services provided members with details of the savings achieved by the council between 1 April and 31 October 2011 as a result of procuring services differently.

Resolved – That the information be noted.

35  (10)  CONSIDERATION OF WORK PROGRAMME – Members discussed their future work programme and priorities for the 2011/12 municipal year.

Resolved – That consideration of the item be deferred to the next meeting of the panel.

36  ADDED ITEM – There was no added item for consideration at the meeting.