To consider Report OSC/260. This is Enclosure C.
Minutes:
Members reviewed report OSC/260 presented by the Chair of the Commission. The report contained the findings from the Commission’s Workshop which had been examined and discussed in depth.
The Commission reviewed each of the topics:
Town Centre Parking -
The information already obtained would be circulated imminently however other material was available on the WSCC website.
Review of Outside Bodies and Organisations –
There were mixed views regarding whether to proceed with a scrutiny review. The topic had been heavily debated at the OSC Workshop. Some Members again thought that there would be benefit in clarifying roles, communications, reporting arrangements in addition to being able to survey Members, Link Officers, outside organisations and assess the current administrative process to identify improvements. However other views were voiced that perhaps information could be gained via alternative methods (Members’ seminar or officer’s report) as opposed to a full scrutiny panel.
It was moved by Councillor Lunnon, seconded by Councillor Irvine that a vote be taken on whether to approve the topic for a scrutiny review. As a result of the vote, the Overview and Scrutiny Commission approved ‘Review of Outside Bodies and Organisations’ for a scrutiny review.
New Town Hall Reception –
It was acknowledged that Commission Members would be in receipt of a presentation and update report prior to the end of the calendar year.
Identifying and Monitoring HMOs –
Members noted that the update report would be programmed into the OSC Work Programme, provisionally set for early 2018.
Housing Associations –
Members noted that the update report would be programmed into the OSC Work Programme, provisionally set for early 2018. This would allow Members to seek additional information and gain further information on the work of Crawley Homes and Housing Associations.
RESOLVED
1. That the following was agreed following the OSC Workshop for each of the proposed topics:
Town Centre Parking –
· That the Overview and Scrutiny Commission does not proceed with a full scrutiny review.
· That a ‘one-off’ update report on the original recommendations and actions to-date/so far to be provided to OSC on the Town Centre Parking Scrutiny Panel.
· That further information be obtained on the Chichester and Crawley road space audits, with particular relation to the scope.
Review of Outside Bodies and Organisations –
· That the Overview and Scrutiny Commission approves the topic for a scrutiny review.
· That nominations are sought (via Democratic Services) for the membership for the Panel, based on 5 Members (i.e. 3 Labour and 2 Conservative Group Members in accordance with political proportionality).
· That a Chair for the new Scrutiny Panel be established.
New Town Hall Reception –
· That the Overview and Scrutiny Commission defers a full scrutiny review due to the information and evidence already in place.
· That the OSC receive a report or presentation from the Head of People and Technology setting out the setting out the research, information and survey results together with feedback from Town Hall WG site visits which would allow members to ‘scrutinise’ the information available allowing members to ‘scrutinise’ the information available. This can be programmed into the 2017-2018 work plan once the lectern trial approach has been completed.
Identifying and Monitoring HMOs –
· That the Overview and Scrutiny Commission does not proceed with a scrutiny review on Identifying and Monitoring HMOs as this is an area governed by legislative requirements that the Council has to operate within.
· That a ‘one off’ report is provided to OSC by the Head of Strategic Housing and Planning Services setting out the legislation and how the Council responds.
· That non-Commission Members be invited to attend the relevant meeting of the OSC (with particular reference to members of the Planning Committee given the nature of the suggestion proposed).
Housing Associations –
· That the Overview and Scrutiny Commission defers a full scrutiny review on Housing Associations.
· It is recommended that the OSC receive an update on the work within Crawley Homes and further information on Housing Associations at one of its meetings. This would allow Members to seek additional information.
2. That the Overview and Scrutiny Commission Work Programme for 2017-2018 be agreed as set out in report OSC/260 with an acknowledgement that it would remain flexible to consider other items throughout the year.