05 08 2004

 

Councillors Allen (P), Carr (P), Mrs Champion (P), Farr (P), Foster (P), Langdon, Philpott (P), Redrup (P), Mrs Salter and Train (P)

 

Apologies for inability to attend the meeting were received on behalf of Councillors Langdon and Mrs Salter.

 

 

There were no declarations of interest.

 

 

RESOLVED: That the Minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 23 March and 1 July 2004 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a true and correct record, subject to it being noted that Councillor Train was present at the meeting in July.

 

 

The Committee considered the progress of the working groups undertaking scrutiny on the following issues:

 

(i)  Anti-Social Behaviour

 

The action plan and progress showing areas of investigation and action to be taken by the Anti-Social Behaviour Working Group had been circulated with the agenda.

 

Members discussed the various areas of investigation of the Anti-Social Behaviour Working Group and it was agreed that the Working Group would consider how these matters would be progressed at their next meeting.

 

RESOLVED: That the Anti-Social Behaviour Working Group continues on a 1:1:1 basis and comprises Councillors Carr, Philpott and Redrup.

 

 

The action plan and progress showing areas of investigation and action to be taken by the Travellers in Gosport Working Group had been circulated with the agenda.

 

Members discussed the various areas of investigation of the Travellers in Gosport Working Group and it was agreed that the Working Group would consider these matters at their next meeting.

 

RESOLVED: That the Travellers in Gosport Working Group continues on a 1:1:1 basis and comprises Councillors Mrs Champion, Langdon and Train.

 

 

 

The Committee received the report of the Allotment Working Group, which outlined the background and methodology of the scrutiny process.

 

An updated Appendix “A” was circulated to Members giving more up to date information on allotment use within the borough. Members asked that clarification be given as to why the numbers did not appear to add up and were assured that this would be clarified by the time the report was passed to the Community and Environment Board for consideration of the recommendations.

 

Concerns were expressed about how the monies generated by the sale of the Camden allotment would be spent. Members were informed that this was not part of the Working Group’s remit.

 

Councillors expressed their thanks to Officers for their helpful co-operation in providing background information and to the allotment holders and members of the Gosport Allotment Holders and Gardeners Association for their enthusiastic co-operation during the scrutiny process.

 

RESOLVED: That –

 

a. the report of the Working Group on the Borough Wide Review of Allotments be noted; and
 
b. the Community and Environment Board be advised that following a scrutiny on Allotments the  Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee recommended that –

 (i) the Council reviews its administration and management arrangements for allotments and, in particular, considers establishing a ‘one-stop shop’;
 (ii) further work is undertaken to identify and prioritise works to improve conditions, security and facilities of allotments as highlighted in the report;
 (iii) the Council recognises the importance of the role of wardens at allotment sites and continues to promote recruitment;
 (iv) a promotion and marketing strategy for all allotment gardening is produced, including making greater use of the Council’s website;
 (v) a strategy for exploring and bidding for external funding for allotments is developed;
 (vi) access arrangements and ease of use of plots for people with disabilities  and mobility difficulties is reviewed, including any statutory requirements;
 (vii) the use of outside agencies to clear, and assist with maintenance of, vacant plots is explored;
 (viii) the Council consider setting up a stakeholders consultative group to facilitate greater understanding of the needs and resources of the Council and the allotment holders and to work together to secure improvements to allotment gardening throughout the Borough; and
 (ix) the benefits of allotment gardening be recognised in all relevant Council policies.

 

 

The Committee considered the following request for scrutiny:

 

 

Members were informed that at the Policy Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 27 July 2004 it had been agreed that a review of public toilets would be undertaken as part of the Strategic Improvements Plan and the required improvements highlighted by C.P.A. would now be considered by the C.P.A. Working Group.

 

 

In accordance with Standing Order 5.4.2 the Leader of the Council had submitted a request for Scrutiny to the Committee on the Deregulation of Hackney Carriages.

Members were informed that the correct phraseology was actually Delimitation of Hackney Carriages as it was the numbers of Hackney Carriages that would not be regulated.

 

It was reported that it was necessary for the Council to comply with Government guidelines, make its decision and publish that decision by 31 March 2005.

 

To do this it would be necessary to investigate the demand for hackney carriages in the borough. Members expressed concern over how much a survey of demand would cost, but were assured that a proper tender process would be followed and the best price found.

 

RESOLVED: That a Delimitation of Hackney Carriages Working Group be established on a 1:1:1 basis, comprising Councillors Allen, Carr and Redrup.

 

 

Members were informed that at their meeting held on 13 October 2003 the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee had requested the Food Service Plan for 2004/2005 and the Health and Safety Service Plan for 2004/2005 be passed to them for consideration. Members were informed that these documents had been combined.

 

RESOLVED: That an Environmental Health (Commercial) Service Plan Working Group be established on a 1:1:1 basis, comprising Councillors Farr, Foster and Mrs Salter.

 

 

The Committee considered its work programme and revised it as follows:

 

 

Topic	Detail	Timescale	Action by
Travellers in Gosport	To investigate the problems arising from incursions in	By the November cycle	Councillors Mrs Champion, Langdon and Train
Anti-social Behaviour	To consider the protocols, policies and enforcement to deal with anti-social behaviour.	On going	Councillors Carr, Philpott and Redrup
Environmental Health (Commercial) Service Plan	To consider a review of the policy	By the end of the month	Councillors Farr, Foster and Mrs Salter
Delimitation of Hackney Carriages	To investigate the delimitation of Hackney Carriages in	To be determined	Councillors Allen, Carr and Redrup
Contract Procurement	To be involved in a review of contract procurement	To be determined in consultation with the Chairman	To be advised

 

 

 

Members were informed that at the Policy Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 27 July 2004 the Chairman had requested that the Member Report on the Scrutiny Network meeting be passed to the Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee for information.

 

RESOLVED: The report on the Elected Members Scrutiny Network be noted.

 

The meeting commenced at 6.45pm and concluded at 7.48pm