People Scrutiny Panel – 13 June 2012

PRESENT:  Councillor Marper in the Chair.

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

Statutory Co-opted Members: Mrs A Dunkerley (Parent Governor Representative).

Councillor Whiteley attended the meeting in accordance with the provisions of Procedure Rule 1.36 (b).

The panel met at the Civic Centre, Scunthorpe.

98  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.

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

100  REVIEW OF PLAY, PLAYGROUNDS AND OPEN SPACES IN NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE – The Chairman welcomed Nolan Bennett, BSF Programme Director, Tom Coburn, Assistant Director Sport Leisure and Culture, Maureen Moore, Sport, Play and Community Development Manager, Barry Hutchinson, Neighbourhood Services Manager, and Michelle Button, Neighbourhood Services Manager, to the meeting.

The officers gave a detailed presentation on progress on the former scrutiny panel’s recommendations, and on developments in sport and leisure generally.  Members asked a range of questions, including on funding, equipment, the council’s various schemes, consultation with children and young people, and take-up.

Resolved – that a draft report be presented to the panel’s next meeting, setting out progress and further recommendations based on the above discussion.

101  CONSIDERATION OF WORK PROGRAMME AND FUTURE PRIORITIES – The Chairman updated the panel on work undertaken to scope the three possible review topics that had previously been identified by members.   These were:

  • Performance at Key Stage 2,
  • Ensuring education links to regeneration and employability, and
  • Falls

Following a discussion, it was agreed to conduct a review into ensuring education links to regeneration, by ensuring that children and young people gain the necessary skills to compete in the job market.

Resolved – that a scrutiny brief and timetable be drafted, setting out how the review will be planned, and that interviews with all key partners be scheduled.

102  DEVELOPMENTS IN CHILDREN’S AND ADULT SERVICES – Members received a short, verbal update on developing issues relevant to the panel’s terms of reference.  This included a recent report from Ofsted / the Care Quality Commission on safeguarding and looked after children in North Lincolnshire.  The report was very encouraging, with 12 outstanding results and 10 areas of good practice.

Resolved – that the panel’s Chairman write to the Director of People, copied to relevant partners and individuals, acknowledging the excellent result and services for local children and young people.