northlincs.gov.uk

PRESENT:  Councillor Wilson in the chair.

Councillors Mrs Bromby (vice-chair), Cawsey, C Sherwood, Sidell and Whiteley.

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

Statutory Co-opted Members: Mrs A Dunkerley and Mr P Bacon (Parent Governor Representatives), Mrs W Witter and Mr W Egan (Church Representatives)

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

40  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.

41  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no requests received

42  POLICY REVIEW – Presentation on play areas and open spaces in North Lincolnshire from Paul Crompton and Maureen Moore, Sport, Play and Community Development Managers, North Lincolnshire Council – The Chair welcomed Paul Crompton and Maureen Moore to the meeting and explained that the panel had asked them to attend to provide an overview of the play areas and open spaces available within North Lincolnshire.

The panel received a visual presentation outlining ‘Play is Everybody’s Business’ and how the play strategy correlated with every aspect of the ‘Every Child Matters’ agenda, and also fell into the remit of the Obesity Strategy for North Lincolnshire.

Paul Crompton, Recreation/Play Development Officer highlighted the difference between structured and free play and the benefits obtained from enabling children to engage in free play. He also highlighted the effects that play deprivation had on children, how barriers to play such as lack of and poor quality provision, busy roads, bullying, disapproving adults and parents fears had lead to a dramatic decline in the number of children allowed outside to play.  The panel was advised that 71%  of adults played outside in their childhood compared to only 21% of children today.

The panel received further information into the play strategy that had been developed for North Lincolnshire aimed at 0-19 year olds.  It was to be reviewed in 2009. Members were advised that if the strategies were to succeed then they needed to be  supported by all partners, agencies and council services.

Resolved – (a) That Paul Crompton and Maureen Moore be thanked for their attendance at the meeting and their valuable contribution, (b) that the work already undertaken by the Sport, Play and Community Development team be acknowledged and, (c) that information on the number of play areas/spaces and also age demography be supplied to the Scrutiny Officer in attendance for consultation at the next scheduled meeting of the panel.

43  TO DISCUSS AND REVIEW THE SCRUTINY REVIEW ACTION PLAN FOR THE ‘EVERY CHILD MATTERS – COMMON ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK (CAF)’ SCRUTINY REPORT APPROVED BY FULL COUNCIL IN OCTOBER 2006 – The Service Director Legal and Democratic suggested to the panel that the review be conducted by a sub group and members were invited to become involved with this review.  It was agreed, that not only would the Service Directors be asked to provide an update, but that it would be beneficial to speak to groups that are dealing with the CAF in everyday work.

Resolved – (a)That the following members be appointed to the sub group, Councillors Mrs Bromby, Cawsey and Sidell and Mr P Bacon (parent governor) and, (b) that a scoping meeting be arranged for the sub group to meet and discuss how to proceed with this review.        

44  NEXT STAGES OF THE REVIEW – The Chair concluded that a planning and evaluation meeting would be arranged for all panel members, prior to the next scheduled meeting, to scope the review on play provision within North Lincolnshire.

Members engaged in further discussion and it was agreed that Neighbourhood Services would be invited to attend the next scheduled meeting of the panel, and that information be obtained on the new national performance indicator 199 and reported at the same meeting.

Resolved – That the position be noted.

45  (1) LEADER OF THE COUNCIL’S FORWARD PLAN – JUNE TO OCTOBER 2008 – The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council’s Forward Plan for June to October 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 position be noted.

46  NOMINATED STAKEHOLDER FOR NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE PRIMARY CARE TRUST (PCT) FEEDBACK SURVEY – The Service Director Legal and Democratic Services advised members that both the Healthier Communities and Older People Scrutiny panel and the Children and Young People Scrutiny panel had been approached by Allison Cooke, Chief Executive North Lincolnshire PCT, and asked whether the panel members would be willing to be a nominated stakeholder.

It was explained that if members agreed, they would be required to complete the PCT Feedback Survey as part of the World Class Commissioning Assurance Process.  Discussions took place over questions that had been initially presented and it was agreed that the results be reported back to the PCT in conjunction with those given by the Healthier Communities and Older People Scrutiny Panel

Resolved – That it be confirmed to the PCT, that the panel accept the proposal of becoming a nominated stakeholder.