Corporate Scrutiny Panel – 29 May 2014

PRESENT: – Councillor Robinson in the chair.

Councillors Ellerby, P Vickers and Wardle.

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

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

251 DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – There were no declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests and personal or personal and prejudicial interests –

No whip was declared.

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

253 (1) TERMS OF REFERENCE – The Director of Policy and Resources briefed members on the Places Scrutiny Panel terms of reference and panel membership which were agreed by council at its Annual Meeting on 13 May 2014.

254 (2) MEETINGS OF THE SCRUTINY PANEL – The Director of Policy and Resources circulated dates of future scheduled meetings.  The Chairman invited comments regarding moving the times of future meetings.

Resolved – (a) That the position be noted, and (b) that the panel remain flexible regarding dates and times of future meetings.

255 REVIEW OF IT – The Chairman welcomed Dave Morton, Digital Services Manager, to the meeting.  The Chairman explained to the panel that Dave had been invited to the meeting to discuss the council’s website and associated technology that was designed to be ‘public facing’.

Dave gave an oral presentation outlining the ongoing development of the council’s website, the aims of the site, and how it had been designed to be as easy to navigate as possible.  Members asked questions on a number of issues related to the discussion, including accessibility options for those with disabilities or with English as a second language, security, and ‘channel shifting’ customers away from traditional methods of contacting the council towards online.

Resolved – (a) That the situation be noted, and (b) that Dave Morton be thanked for his attendance.

256 FUTURE WORK PROGRAMME – The Chairman explained that members had previously expressed a wish to examine the council’s regeneration practices.  Members of the panel were asked to put forward other ideas for inclusion in the 2014/15 work programme.

Resolved – That the panel begin planning a review into the impact of regeneration projects across North Lincolnshire in recent years.

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