Scrutiny Co-ordinating Panel (Special Meeting) – 28 July 2010

PRESENT:  Councillor Davison in the chair.

Councillors Waltham (vice-chair) Barker, Cawsey, P Vickers, Jawaid MBE, C Sherwood, Wells and Wilson.

Councillor Regan, Highways, Planning and Energy Cabinet Member attended the meeting as decision maker.  Councillors L Foster, Kirk, and Swift attended the meeting in accordance with Procedure Rule 1.37 (b)

The panel met at Pittwood House, Scunthorpe.

118  DECLARATIONS OF PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS – There were no declarations of personal or personal and prejudicial interests.

No Whip was declared.

119  PUBLIC REQUESTS TO SPEAK – A request to speak had been received from Brigg Town Council.  Cllr Tom Glossop, member of the Town Council, addressed the panel and raised its concerns on certain aspects of the Cabinet Member’s decision (minute 120 refers) and the accompanying report.  Specifically, Cllr Glossop raised concerns about a perceived lack of consultation, differences in the application of the daily administration charge, and potential unbudgeted costs to the Town council when using contractors to erect Christmas lights.

120  (11)  ITEM REQUESTED FOR CALL-IN IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 22 OF PART D RULE 5 (OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PROCEDURE RULES) OF THE COUNCIL’S CONSTITUTION – Minute 96 of the Highways, Planning and Energy Cabinet Member meeting held on 20 July 2010.  Parking Dispensations and Suspensions.

The chair invited a nominee of the members who had requested the call-in to speak on the above decision and to question the Cabinet Member.

Members then outlined their areas of concern, many of which were previously stated by Cllr Glossop (minute 119 refers).  In addition, members engaged the Cabinet Member in discussions around relevant legislation, civil parking enforcement, local people’s knowledge of the dispensation scheme and the potential impact on town and parish councils.

Following discussion of the above issues, the Cabinet Member was invited to respond to the concerns and reasons for the decision being called-in, and was held to account for the decision that was taken.

Resolved – (a) That, in accordance with the council’s constitution (Part D Para D5:22 (g)), the decision be referred back to the decision-maker for reconsideration within five working days, and (b) following further consideration, the decision-maker may confirm the original decision, or agree to change the decision having considered the representations made by the Scrutiny Co-ordinating Panel.