Democracy | Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel

Children and Young People Scrutiny Panel – 7 February 2011

PRESENT: Councillor Wilson in the chair.

Councillors Mrs Bromby, Cawsey, C Sherwood, Simpson, P Vickers and Whiteley.

Statutory Co-opted Members: Mr N Craven and Mrs A Dunkerley (Parent Governor Representatives) and Mr W Egan.

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

204 DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – The following member declared a personal interest in the following matter:

Member	Subject and Nature of Interest
Councillor D Whiteley	Governor at Oakfield Primary School

No whip was declared.

205 MINUTES – Resolved – That the minutes of the proceedings of this panel held on 24 January 2011, having been printed and circulated amongst the members, be taken as read and correctly recorded and signed by the chair.

206 PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – There were no public requests received.

207 SCRUTINY OVERVIEW – Safeguarding Children and Young People during election days on school premises – The chair introduced the panel members and welcomed the headteachers from the following schools to the meeting – Bowmandale Primary, Holme Valley Primary and Castledyke Primary.

Discussions were held with the headteachers who are affected by elections being held on their school premises during polling days.The panel was informed of the concerns the headteachers have and that it was a disruptive day for children and parents, especially when the school has to close to ensure the safety of the pupils. The heads would prefer if alternative premises could be found in the same district that would alleviate the problems of disruption and safeguarding.

Members of the panel asked questions on the issue and took part in the discussions, and the chair explained that all their concerns and ideas would be taken into consideration when drafting the panels report.

Resolved – (a) That the headteachers be thanked for their attendance, and (b) that an invitation be sent to all the Elected Ward members who are affected by school closures due to elections.

208 (23) THE DECENTRALISATION AND LOCALISM BILL – The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated a briefing paper and attended the meeting to discuss the Decentralisation and Localism Bill and its potential impact on local democracy and governance (overview and scrutiny) in North Lincolnshire.

Resolved – (a) That the report be noted, and (b) that the officer be thanked for his attendance.

209 (24) LEADER OF THE COUNCIL’S FORWARD PLAN – FEBRUARY TO MAY 2011 – The Service Director Legal and Democratic circulated the Leader of North Lincolnshire Council’s Forward plan for February to May 2011.

The plan contained details of all matters and issues likely to be 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 February to May 2011 be noted.

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