Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Steve Tuckwell with Councillor Henry Higgins substituting.

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED: That the minutes from the meeting on 14 November 2023 be agreed.

It was confirmed that all items would be heard in Part I.

The Committee considered its third and final witness session on its review into the Council’s Road Safety Initiatives and Activities Around the Borough’s Schools.

Witness testimony from local resident

Mr Rakesh Kumar, a local resident who lived in close vicinity of a school, addressed the Committee. The Committee was informed that on Wood End Green Road there were several education establishments all near each other.

Concerns were expressed about the traffic and safety issues caused by school-related activities in the area. It was noted that the proposed development at the school would cause even further issues with traffic congestion and road safety. Issues highlighted included chaotic road conditions during drop-off and pick-up times, lack of bus stops, disregard for parking rules, and the need for better traffic management and safety measures. The school days started early from 7.30am and activities went on until 6pm where local residents were impacted by school related parking violations and traffic. There was often anti-social behaviour including beeping, swearing and near miss fatal accidents with children crossing roads. The traffic on the road was described as ‘horrendous’ with ‘wild west’ driving tactics.

Solutions such as improved infrastructure, increased awareness through multilingual communication, and the possibility of bringing certain services like CCTV monitoring in-house to enhance community involvement. It was also suggested that students become involved in addressing parent behaviour and parking enforcement was undertaken more regularly. There was an overall concern for the safety and well-being of children, residents and the community.

During Member discussions it was noted that there were similar school and road safety  issues across the borough. Schools, parents and the Council all had a responsibility to put measures in place to uphold road safety particularly near schools. 

The Committee was keen to receive data from the Enforcment team.

The Committee thanked the witness for attending and their frank account.

Witness testimony from  a teacher and representatives from Youth Travel Ambassadors (YTA), Guru Nanak Sikh Academy

The Committee heard from Ms Marina Botros, a teacher at Guru Nanak Sikh Academy and a number of Youth Travel Ambassadors who all provided an insight into the different activities undertaken to increase road safety and suggestions for improvements.

It was noted that there had already been a lot of work undertaken between the school, Transport for London and the Council to encourage sustainable methods of school drop offs and pick ups.

Members heard about the YTA’s experience with zebra crossings, cycle lanes and walking groups. It was noted that there were issues with the right turn junction on Springfield Road and concerns were raised regarding abandoned vehicles in the area which were sometimes left for months.

It was suggested that staggered drop offs and pick ups, better signage and working with local businesses to manage traffic congestion in the area could improve the situation. The Committee was informed that the YTA hosted competitions to encourage students to ride and walk to school. 

In terms of how parents were being engaged with, it was reported that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 49.

The Heard of Strategic Finance and Head of Finance for Place introduced the report detailing the draft revenue budget and capital programme for the services within the remit the Committee.

Key points from the report were highlighted, including details of the financial pressures generated by the ongoing inflation, growing demand for services and a lack of certainty over Government funding beyond 2024/25, with the budget taking a prudent approach to support financial resilience over the medium term..  It was reported that the balanced budget was set to be achieved through a combination of efficiency savings and increases in Council Tax and Fees and Charges.

Budget proposals for 2024/5 had been prepared in the context of a wider strategy addressing the five-year MTFF period.        The latest monitoring position for the 2023/24 financial year reported a net underspend of £2k which would leave uncommitted General Balances at £26,848k entering the 2024/25 financial year.

The Committee noted that Cabinet would consider the budget proposals on 15 February 2024 and the report would include comments from Select Committees. Members were informed that Council would meet to agree the 2024/25 budgets and Council tax levels on 22 February 2024.

The Committee considered that this was a sound balanced budget in comparison to other local authorities and the Council was still delivering services for residents.

In response to clarification about zero based reviews, it was explained that this was the process involved with building from the ground up analysing factors such as service requirements, service objectives, contract outsourcing, costs and levels of demand. This was a good way to ensure an accurate budget.

Members discussed the further £117k savings to be delivered from reviewing staffing vacancies. It was noted that this was not intended to include a reduction in staff but a review of budgets, analysis on vacancies and recruitment generally.

Officers were thanked for their hard work and the report.

RESOLVED: That the Committee:

1.    noted the budget projections contained in the report.

2.    delegate to the Democratic Services Office in conjunction with the Chairman (and in consultation with the Opposition Lead) to agree comments to be submitted to Cabinet.

RESOLVED: That the Committee noted the Forward Plan.

It was agreed that Democratic Services would liaise with officers to identify what information was available in respect of the West Drayton leisure centre. The Chair would be provided with an update.

RESOLVED: That the updates and work programme be noted.