From Councillor Wainwright
“Would the Chairman of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee please update Members on the work of that Committee?”
“Would the Chairman of the Commissioning Board please update Members on the work of that Committee?”
Minutes:
Councillor Wainwright submitted the following question:
“Would the Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee please update Members on the work of that Committee?”
Councillor Mrs Shields replied:
“The last meeting of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee was held on 16 December 2010 and, in spite of the difficult weather conditions at the time, most Members were able to be present.
We welcomed Alistair Lince from Deloittes, Gary Housden (Head of Planning) and Phil Long (Head of Environmental Services) who were dealing with their relevant agenda items.
After checking the Minutes of the previous meeting, the Annual Audit Letter was introduced by Alistair Lince and comments made by Members were noted. The Head of Planning dealt with the Service Risk Register and, once again, satisfaction was expressed for the very clear way in which the different aspects of Risk were set out in the report.
The Corporate Director (s151) introduced the Treasury Management Mid-Year Review and Members had the opportunity to comment and ask questions. The report was, like the previous one, received and the management of both in-house and external funds noted. Mr Cresswell also presented the Internal Audit report which was noted by all Members.
The Head of Transformation, Clare Slater, reported on the Risk Management Strategy, a copy of which was included with her introduction. This was a very informative document and Members commented on the clearly detailed sections of the report, which made it both easily comprehensible and interesting. Clare next described the progress achieved in respect of the two reviews currently being undertaken by the Committee. Terms of reference were set out and details provided on the way forward with each topic. The Task Group on Healthy Weight had subsequently met with Mr Greg McGrath, Health Improvement Manager for the NHS North Yorkshire and York, who covered several widely differing areas of the subject and the focus of the next meeting will be to determine on which particular aspects to concentrate.
Our last item was to receive decisions from other Committees. Following this, as I had no further business, the meeting closed at 8.30pm.
As a postscript may I add that, subsequently, the Task Group reviewing Post office closures and the consequent effects in our District, had a very interesting discussion with the Rillington Postmaster. He explained some of the advantages as well as the problems encountered in rural areas, this was most enlightening and was a fascinating and extremely useful session. I would also like to record here our thanks to Mr Molloy for his time and indeed his commitment to the service that he provides for the community.”
Councillor Wainwright submitted a further question:
“Would the Chairman of the Commissioning Board please update Members on the work of that Committee?”
Councillor Mrs Cowling replied:
“The Board has been busy through its working parties progressing the two commissioning projects. The last meeting of the Board received feedback from the tourism stakeholder consultation event in October. This was an informal focus group attended by 43 tourism businesses and has enabled the Board to agree a set of principles for the future operation of the service. A further event will be held with tourism services providers this month which will help to inform a set of service delivery options for agreement at the next meeting of the Board on 27 January. The Board also heard how this year’s “Where to Stay Guide” has been successful for the first time by the local association (TANY).
Councillor Mrs Arnold replied:
“The Active and Environment Group has met to progress work on the development of the Sport and Active Leisure Strategy. The Board were advised that the scope of this project will cover Active Living, Active Recreation and Sport.
The Board also agreed the final North Yorkshire Housing Strategy, options for children’s play and the Health and Safety Action Plan. Recommendations were made to Policy & Resources Committee in relation to the relocation of Malton Museum and the introduction of kerbside plastics recycling, both of which are to be considered tonight as Part B items.”