Agenda and minutes

Apologies of absence were received from Councillors David Carter, Manny Doku and Maggie Hulcoop.

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 3 December 2013.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 3 December 2013 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Further to Minute 31 – Apologies for Absence and Substitutions – Councillor Muriel Jolles advised that she had been unable to attend the meeting due to a conflicting engagement and apologised for failing to send her apologies of absence.

The Committee received a scoping report, from Lynn Seward, Head of Community Wellbeing, on the Review of the Integration of non-British Nationals. Lynn explained that, whilst she understood that this review would be Councillor-led, the findings of recent research carried out by the Council’s Policy and Performance Team, which drew on interviews conducted by Integrated Support Services (ISS), into integration of migrants in Harlow, would be useful for steering the Review. Lynn agreed to supply members of the Committee with the draft report from this research.

The Committee felt that the provision of courses for English as a second language should be central to the review, though the focus should be on provision for adults or those not in full-time education, as it was felt young children find it easier to adapt to a second language and have sufficient opportunity to improve their English language at school.

Several suggestions were made for voluntary sector groups whose input would be useful. Members of the Committee agreed to forward suggestions for the review’s methodology after considering the Harlow migration integration research findings.

RESOLVED that:

A     The scoping report is noted.

B    Members of the Committee will forward any additional suggestions to the Chairman or to the Corporate and Governance Support Team, following consideration of research evidence into integration of migrants in Harlow.

The Committee received a report, from the Head of Community Wellbeing, on the Review of Drug use in Harlow. Marysia Rudgley, Community Safety Team Manager, introduced the report. Marysia explained that this item comprised the second of two reports on the Review. This report focussed on agencies providing education, rehabilitation support and recovery in Harlow.

Marysia explained that some of the support groups referred to in the report were not well-known, and would likely benefit from additional publicity. She also explained that the Review had pointed to a lack of communication between agencies carrying out an enforcement role, and those carrying out a rehabilitation role. Marysia also outlined work undertaken by the Council to educate children and young people about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse.

Marysia explained that some of the specific tasks on the Drugs and Substance Misuse Action Plan (Appendix 1 to the report) were dependent on the success of bids for external funding. Lynn Seward, Head of Community Wellbeing, explained that the recently created Harlow Wellbeing Partnership is expected to produce a multi-agency wellbeing strategy, part of which may focus on tackling drugs and alcohol abuse in Harlow. It is hoped this will help to identify any gaps in service provision and suggest how they might be addressed.

MarrisaHolliland, Westminster Drug Project, was in attendance to explain how the Project helps those affected by drug and alcohol abuse. The Project has a 24/7 helpline: 0808 1000 110.

RESOLVED that the report is noted.

The Committee received a report, from the Head of Community Wellbeing, on the Review of the Inter-Authority Waste and Recycling Agreement (IAA). Michael Pitt, Environment and Licensing Manager, introduced the report.

Michael explained that Essex County Council was unable to send a representative to the meeting, but had sent correspondence that indicated support for the recommendations contained in the report.

The Committee felt that a future Councillor visit to the Mechanical Biological Treatment site in Basildon could prove informative.

RESOLVED that the Committee recommends to Cabinet:

A     That the Council continues to participate in the Inter Authority Agreement.

B    That the broad options presented at paragraphs 36 and 38 of the report submitted be developed to enhance performance and seek cost efficiencies in domestic waste and recycling collection services.

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

The Committee agreed to remove two work plan items from the March 2014 meeting, to allow more time for detailed consideration of the remaining 2013/14 items.

RESOLVED that:

A     The Review of Affordable Social Housing and RSLs, and the Review of the Impact of the University Technical College work plan items are removed from the March 2014 meeting (dates of consideration to be confirmed at a future meeting).

B    The work plan is noted, subject to the changes above.