Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies received at this meeting.

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interests and/or other interests, not already on their register of interests, in any item on the agenda and withdraw from the meeting at the appropriate time.

There were no declarations declared at this meeting.

To approve as a correct record and the Chair to sign the Minutes of the Growth Scrutiny Committee held on 27 February 2020.

RESOLVED – That the Minutes of the meeting of the Growth Scrutiny Committee held on 27 February 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair. 

The Overview and Scrutiny Manager detailed a number of key points in relation to Scrutiny at North East Derbyshire District Council (NEDDC).  Members were provided with the Terms of Reference for the Growth Scrutiny Committee, Communities Scrutiny Committee, Organisation Scrutiny Committee, and the Audit and Corporate Governance Scrutiny Committee. Members were reminded that the Committee’s Terms of Reference provided the basis for the Committee’s remit.

The Committee noted that the Overview and Scrutiny Manager was responsible for three Scrutiny Committees at the Council, and that on some occasions, particular issues could fall within the functions of two or more Scrutiny Committees.  It was stated that at this point, it would be up to the Chairs’ to decide which Committee would be best suited to review that particular topic.  Members heard that, for example, Housing Managementwas within the remit of the Communities Scrutiny Committee, but Housing Strategy was within the remit of the Growth Scrutiny Committee. 

Members were informed that Scrutiny was a mechanism in which Council performance could be monitored.  That included monitoring performance, monitoring action plans, being alerted to service information, and monitoring Cabinet decisions.  The Committee heard that following a Scrutiny Review it could make a series of recommendations to Cabinet. It was stated, however, that Scrutiny could not make decisions or policies. 

Members heard that the Work Programme was not a set document, but a work in progress.  The Overview and Scrutiny Manager explained that it was usual practice for the Committee to choose a review topic, which would make the basis for the Work Programme.  This would be an in-depth review, and evidence would be gathered for the majority of the municipal year.  There was also the option for spotlight reviews. 

At this point, Councillor P Antcliff joined the Virtual Meeting.

To discuss and select a topic for the Committee’s Scrutiny Review.  (Please fill in the attached sheet if you have any suggestions which we can discuss at the meeting).

Members had a wide ranging discussion on a variety of possible review topics.  The Committee discussed a previous review by the Communities Scrutiny Committee on Homelessness and enquired about the recommendations and the progress being made on them. 

The Overview and Scrutiny Manager informed the Committee that the Coronavirus Pandemic had disrupted progress on those recommendations and that a Director was due to report back to the Committee in due course. 

Members discussed the Growth Strategy and welcomed the newly appointed Director of Growth and Economic Development.  The Director of Growth and Economic Development agreed to bring further information about the progress of the Growth Strategy back to the next meeting. 

Members agreed that it was vital the Committee had a focus on the local economy, so that there could be a bounce back following the Coronavirus Pandemic.  The Committee discussed the importance of the District’s tourist hotspots, such as the 5 Pitts Trail and the National Cycle Route, and hoped that all neighbouring Councils would work together to improve tourism. 

Members agreed that it was vital the Committee scrutinised the economic of the Pandemic, and the Overview and Scrutiny Manager informed Members on a number of ways that this could be done. There was a consensus that there should be a particular focus on the recovery of tourism and non-tourism business.

To consider the attached draft Work Programme of the Growth Scrutiny Committee 2020/21 and make any suggestions for items.

The Overview and Scrutiny Manager reminded Members that there had been a number of comments in regards to the previous review into Business Centres and Industrial Units.  Members were asked if they wanted to continue this work.  The Overview and Scrutiny Manager agreed to send out a summary of questions and answers that was submitted in regards to the previous review topic.  Members requested that a copy of the original report and recommendations be sent to the Committee, and that a discussion would take place with the Chair outside of the meeting. 

AGREED – That the Draft Work Programme be noted.

To consider the attached Forward Plan of Executive Decisions – 13 March to 9 April 2020.

AGREED – That the Forward Plan of Executive Decisions – 13 March to 9 April 2020 be noted. 

To consider any other matter which the Chair of the Committee is of the opinion should be considered as a matter of urgency.

There were no urgent items to be discussed at the meeting.

The next meeting of the Growth Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to take place on Monday, 6 July 2020 at 1.00 pm.

Members were informed that due to scheduling issues the next meeting due to take place on Monday, 6 July 2020 at 1.00 pm had been cancelled. 

It was hoped that the meeting could be held at 10.00 am on the same day but if necessary an alternative date and time would be communicated to Members through the Governance Team.