People Scrutiny Panel – 4 July 2012

PRESENT:  Councillor Marper in the Chair.

Councillors Collinson (Vice-Chair), Godfrey, Wardle and Wells.

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

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

103  DECLARATIONS OF DISCLOSABLE PECUNIARY INTERESTS AND PERSONAL OR PERSONAL AND PREJUDICIAL INTERESTS AND DECLARATIONS OF WHIPPING ARRANGEMENTS (IF ANY) – The following members declared a personal interest –

Member

Minute

Nature of Interest

Councillor J Collinson

Councillor J Evison

Mrs A Dunkerley

Mrs W Witter

 

105

105

107

105

Partner employed by Children’s Services

Partner is employed as a teacher, and has children at a local school.

Partner is employed by Leisure Services

Related to the presenting officer, and minute 107 – interest in an agricultural business that maintains open spaces

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

105  REVIEW OF ENSURING YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE THE RELEVANT SKILLS TO MOVE INTO EMPLOYMENT – The Chairman welcomed Marcus Walker, the council’s Assistant Director Planning and Regeneration, to the meeting and explained that the panel wished to learn more about the regeneration work that was planned or underway locally, before exploring how local young people could best be equipped to move into these employment opportunities.  Marcus explained that a number of key developments were underway or going through the planning processes.  There was therefore an urgent need to inspire and upskill young people to meet the demand for engineers and associated disciplines.  Marcus also outlined work that was underway with the local schools, colleges, universities and large employers in the sub-region.

Members engaged in a detailed discussion on related issues, including apprenticeships, the possible effects on population, linking regeneration activity with local education and training, and promotion of the area.

Resolved – (a) That Marcus Walker be thanked for his presentation, and (b) that the position be noted.

106  THE TROUBLED FAMILIES INITIATIVE – Susan Twemlow, the council’s Assistant Director Commissioning & Localities, and Viv Siviter, Strategic Co-ordinator – Troubled Families, were welcomed to the meeting.  Susan and Viv had been invited to update the panel on progress on the government’s programme to tackle troubled families.  It was explained that the Troubled Families Initiative was a national programme aimed at supporting families with significant, multiple problems including truancy and poor educational attainment, offending behaviour and anti-social behaviour and worklessness.  A local target had been set to work with 365 families in North Lincolnshire over the next three years, and work was now underway to identify and engage with 122 in the current year.

Members discussed the initiative in more depth, asking questions on related issues such as sources of data, costs, strategy, and links with the third sector.

Resolved – (a) That Susan Twemlow and Viv Siviter be thanked for their presentation, and (b) that the position be noted.

107  REVIEW OF PLAY, PLAYGROUNDS AND OPEN SPACES IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE – The Chairman introduced the draft report, before asking for comments and suggestions from amongst the members of the panel.  A number of issues were raised, including on equipment, bullying and dogs.

Resolved – That the issues raised by members of the panel be added to the draft report prior to resubmission to the panel’s next meeting.

108  DEVELOPMENTS IN CHILDREN’S AND ADULT SERVICES – Members received a short, verbal update on developing issues relevant to the panel’s terms of reference.

Resolved – That the situation be noted.

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