Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors David Carter and Shona Johnson.

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 September 2019.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 3 September 2019 are agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair subject to the addition of Councillor Joel Charles to the list of those present.

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.

Jean Atkin, Paul Greatorex, and Graham Jones (all Leisure and the Environment) gave a presentation which gave an overview of the findings from the community consultation on Harlow’s paddling pools. A copy of the presentation is appended to the minutes.

Jane Greer, Head of Community Wellbeing, said that the final report was due at the meeting on 3 December. This would include costings for any options.

RESOLVED that the presentation was noted.

The Committee considered a scoping report on a review of youth club provision within Harlow. It was agreed that a comparison with neighbouring councils such as East Herts District Council would be included within the scope of the review.

RESOLVED that the scope of the review of youth club provision, as set out in the report, was agreed subject to the addition of a comparison with neighbouring councils.

The Committee considered a report which recommended that a Working Party was established to conduct a review of the Council’s overview and scrutiny functions. It also recommended that the process for adding items to the Committee’s work plan was amended as an interim measure.

RESOLVED that the Committee:

A     Set up a Working Party (with the terms of reference attached as Appendix A to the report) to carry out a review of the Council’s overview and scrutiny functions. The Working Party’s membership would be Councillors David Carter, Bob Davis and Tony Edwards.

B    Amended its process for determining its work plan to take into account the suggestions in paragraphs 9 to 17 of this report, pending any alternative proposals from the review.

C    Recommended to Cabinet that the Cabinet Overview Working Group’s Work Plan is developed in line with paragraph 17 of the report.

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

The Committee received a report summarising its work plan for 2019/20. The Committee agreed to remove the Review of Educational Provision from the Work Plan.

RESOLVED that:

A     The Review of Educational Provision be removed from the work plan.

B    The work plan be noted.

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.