Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Lynne Allen declared a personal interest as a member of the Licensing Committee and remained in the meeting whilst the item was discussed.

The minutes of the meeting held on the 15 December 2009 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

It was confirmed that all items of business would be considered in public.

Officers gave a brief outline of the key issues contained within the budget report.

The committee asked for a briefing note/information on the following issues:-

• What saving had been made as a result of the temporary closure of the Rigby Lane Civic Amenity Site
• What had the cost been on providing the special weekends.
• Information on the timescales for Town Centre Improvements.

The Chairman asked officers to clarify the fees and charges on page 68 of the report in relation to the hire of Winston Churchill Hall.  Officers reported that the cost set out in the report was hourly rate.

The committee raised concerns at the part year saving of one post in the Local Development Framework as this was an important part of the Councils work.

The Chairman thanked the officers for attending the meeting and they were given the opportunity to leave.

Resolved – That members noted the Budget Proposals Report and asked for their concerns at the part year saving by the reduction of 1 post from the Local Development Framework Team to be noted.

Members were given a brief summary of the Quarterly Performance Information report for Environment and Consumer Protection and Planning and Community Services.

The committee asked for an update on a previous request made that where possible consideration should be given to the co-ordination of refuse collection and road sweeping.  Officers were unable to give an update but agreed to provide a written response to the enquiry.

The committee asked for further information to be provided on the following issues:-

• Reward Grants in relation to the Local Area Agreement (LAA) stretch targets that are likely to be awarded to the Council and where they are incorporated into the Corporate Budget for future years (these grants are not payable until the end of the financial year). 
• More detailed breakdown of the complaints received within the Environment and Consumer Protection Department. (including details on whether there had been an increase in complaints on fly tipping).
• What the relationship is between officers in the Sports and Leisure Team and the Leisure contract, what control the Council has and what penalty clauses are contained within the contract.

The committee asked whether consideration could be given on moving the time of year that cycling proficiency was provided in schools to preferably the warmer months of the year.  

A presentation of the Planning and Community Services Group Plan will be given at the meeting.

The committee received a presentation on the Group Service Plans / Priorities for the year ahead.

The Chairman advised officers that the introduction of outdoor gym equipment alongside play equipment had already been a success in Ruislip and would like to see this added to the list.

The committee also raised concerns about the Corporate Landlord role and asked officers to provide a briefing not to clarify this.

Resolved –  

(i)         That officers give consideration to adding to the list of priorities for the forthcoming year the provision of outside gym equipment alongside children’s play areas.

(ii)        A briefing note be provided to committee members clarifying the role of the Corporate Landlord.

The Committee considered extracts of items in the Forward Plan for the Cabinet meeting on 21 January 2010.  The committee asked for the reports on the Winter Service Plan and Rights of Way Improvement Plans to be circulated to them when available.

Resolved – That items on the Forward Plan be noted and members be provided with the reports on the Winter Service Plan and Rights of Way Improvement Plans when available.

The Chairman asked members of the committee whether they would agree to the meeting on the 10 March being moved to the 17 March 2010.

Resolved – That the meeting scheduled to take place on the 10 march 2010 be moved to 17 March 2010 and the Work Programme as amended be noted.