Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Joel Charles, Shona Johnson and Edna Stevens.

To receive Councillors’ declarations of interest (if any) in relation to any matters on the agenda.

None.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 16 October 2018.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 16 October 2018 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

None.

To receive any questions from members of the public in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 10.

None.

To receive any questions from Councillors in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 11.

None.

To consider responses (if any) of the Cabinet to reports and recommendations from the Committee.

None.

The Chair welcomed Andrew Geldard, Dr Rob Gerlis and Ian Tomkins of the West Essex CCG to the meeting and invited them to give a presentation on health care service provision in the area. They explained that NHS England was responsible for the commissioning of care and that the CCG was responsible for procurement. The CCG worked closely with the County Council. There was a need to work closely with district councils.

They then gave an overview of the CCG’s governance structure. One of the CCG’s main aims was to promote integration between its services and to encourage its neighbourhoods, of which there were three in Harlow, to work closely together. The Council and Councillors would be invited to attend future neighbourhood meetings.

The CCG was currently consulting on the business case for Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH). This business case would demonstrate how PAH would work with the health care provision in the surrounding area. The CCG then explained the Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP) which would look at the integration of West Essex services with other neighbouring CCG areas.

The CCG then outlined their communications strategy. They wanted to work closely with councillors and councils. They explained the methods in which the CCG attempted to communicate with young people.

In response to questions by Councillors, the CCG explained that part of its approach was to identify people before they became more seriously ill. It had the data necessary to identify geographical areas where there were specific issues.

It was understood why there was some scepticism surrounding STPs, however the CCG were confident that funding would be made available to invest in PAH. Harlow was a growing area and would reach the critical mass necessary to ensure funding was not adversely affected. The CCG used the organisation Represent, as well as online facilities and peer support to deal mental health services for young people. There was no new surgery planned for the developments at Gilden Way and Newhall, but the existing nearby surgeries will expand to accommodate the increase in patients.

The Chair thanked the CCG for their attendance and welcomed the future dialogue between the CCG and the Council

The Committee considered a scoping report for the review of paddling pools in the town.

Jane Greer, Head of Community Wellbeing, outlined the work which had already taken place. This included a new health and safety assessment being commissioned. It was hoped that an interim report would be brought to the Committee’s next meeting. This would include an assessment of the options available and a model of potential works to the paddling pool in Staple Tye.

The Committee discussed the report. They agreed that other methods of advertisement were added for the consultation, such as the Harlow Times. They also agreed that the school councils be consulted and that the organiser of the petition considered by Full Council be invited to present to the Committee, along with the Youth Council.

RESOLVED that the scope of the review of the Paddling Pools, as set out in the report, was agreed subject to the addition of the following:

A     The methods of advertising the consultation included the Harlow Times.

B    School councils be added to the list of those consulted.

C    The organiser of the petition to Full Council, and the Youth Council be invited to the next meeting of the Committee.

To review the Committee’s work plan for the current year.

The Committee received a report summarising its work plan for 2018/19. Further to Minute 46 above, the Committee agreed that an interim report of the Review of Paddling Pools would be considered at the meeting on 13 February 2019. The Committee also agreed that scoping reports for the Review of Educational Provision and the Review of Youth Club Provision at the meeting on 19 March 2019.

RESOLVED that:

A     The work plan be noted.

B    An interim report of the Review of Paddling Pools be considered at the meeting on 13 February 2019.

C    Scoping reports on the Review of Educational Provision and Review of Youth Club Provision be considered at the meeting on 19 March 2019.

None.

Such other business which, in the opinion of the Chair, should be received as a matter of urgency by reason of special circumstances to be specified in the minutes.

None.