Agenda and minutes

Approved as correct records.

To confirm the items of buisness marked Part I will be considered in public and that the items marked Part II will be considered in private.

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

Discussion took place on possible review topics for the Committee for the forthcoming Municipal Year.

The Chairman of the Committee informed Members of two areas which would be interesting areas for reviews; the Council's Corporate Complaints Procedure and Members' Enquiries. Both topics would enable Members to examine the effectiveness of both these important areas and to propose any improvements or enhancements to the processes, to improve the service to residents.

Reference was made to the area of Enforcement and anti-fraud activities which was within the Committee's remit and discussion took place on a possible review around Public Sector Fraud. Members were informed that this was topical with the Audit Commission reporting that Public Sector Fraud had increased by 20% in the last two years. Areas included the sub-letting of Council homes, abuse of the 'Single Person' Council Tax Discount, the underperformance of contractors etc.    

The Chairman asked that officers assess the appropriateness of these suggested review areas and that after consultation with the Chairman, a draft scoping report and background paper be prepared for the next meeting on the Committee's first review.

The Committee agreed that for the Municipal Year two major reviews be undertaken, together with, if appropriate, two single meeting reviews.   

RESOLVED –

1.    That the report be noted and officers be asked to submit a draft scoping report and a background paper on the Committee's first review topic, after consulting with the Chairman.

2.   That consideration of the Committee's second review topic be discussed later in the Municipal Year, together with topics for single meeting reviews.

Noted. The Committee asked that the July meeting be re-arranged to enable the Chairman to be in attendance.

The Committee agreed that for the next meeting a presentation be given on the agreed review topic.  

To note at the Council meeting held on 5 June 2014 that Councillors Richard Mills and John Riley were appointed to the Hillingdon Safer Neighbourhood Board.

It was noted that at the Council meeting on 5 June 2014 that Councillors Richard Mills and John Riley had been appointed to the Hillingdon Safer Neighbourhood Board.

Noted.