BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL
OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY(COMMUNITY SERVICES) COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY (COMMUNITY SERVICES) COMMITTEE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, COUNCIL OFFICES, CORKS LANE, HADLEIGH ON TUESDAY, 26 MAY 2009
PRESENT: Mr J A B Long – Chairman
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Mr D M Busby
Mrs M O Munson
Mr M Newman
Mr A F D W Osborne |
Mr J R A Sayers
Mrs C A Todd
Mr A J Ward
Mr D L Wood |
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1 Substitutes And Apologies,
2 Election Of Vice-Chairman,
3 Declaration Of Interests,
4 Minutes,
5 Petitions,
6 Questions From Members,
7 Benefits Service - Processing Claims,
8 Councillor Call For Action,
9 Babergh Community Safety Partnership - Annual Review,
10 Work Plan,
It was noted that, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 5, substitutes were in attendance as follows:-
Mr D M Busby (substituting for Mrs S P Clarke)
Mr A J Ward (substituting for Mr B D Hurren)
RESOLVED
That Mr D L Wood be elected Vice-Chairman of the Committee for the ensuing year.
Mr D L Wood declared a personal interest in the items referred to in Minute Nos. 8 and 9 below by virtue of the fact that he is a Member of the Suffolk Police Authority, but indicated that he was able to speak and vote on the matters concerned.
RESOLVED
That the Minutes of the meeting held on 31 March 2009 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.
None received.
None received.
Members were aware that, at its meeting on 24 March 2009, the Overview and Scrutiny (Stewardship) Committee had considered the Council’s Finance and Performance Management Quarterly Monitoring report which indicated that the time taken to assess Housing and Council Tax Benefit applications was below target. Consequently, the Overview and Scrutiny (Stewardship) Committee had asked for a report to be submitted to this Committee detailing how the time taken to process benefit claims is being managed.
The Head of Customer Services submitted a report (Paper J27 (PDF 26Kb)) outlining the position in more detail, and highlighting what steps are being taken to manage the issue. He then answered various questions from Members.
During the course of the discussion it was noted that visits were planned to Suffolk Coastal (and South Norfolk) District Councils with a view to transferring best practice. Members noted the action being taken but requested that the Committee be kept informed if any concerns on delivering, or improving, the current level of service were to emerge as it is essential that the Council has a robust, effective and efficient Benefits Service.
RESOLVED
That the action being taken to maintain Benefits performance be noted.
The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report (Paper J25 (PDF 119Kb)) to enable the Council to adopt a process and protocol for dealing with a Councillor Call for Action (CCfA).
It was noted that Paper J25 had also been considered by the Overview and Scrutiny (Stewardship) Committee at its meeting on 19 May 2009, and that recommendations would be made to the Council as detailed in paragraphs 2.1 and 2.2 of Paper J25.
RESOLVED
That the position be noted.
The Head of Community Development submitted a report (Paper J28 (PDF 309Kb)) detailing the work of the Babergh Community Safety Partnership (CSP) for 2008/09, along with details of reported crime levels in comparison to the previous year.
It was noted that Inspector Crick had been due to attend the meeting for this item but had been unable to due to an unforeseen personal matter.
Nick Ridley, Chairman of the CSP and Paul Little, Community Safety and Leisure Manager presented the report and answered detailed questions from Members on various issues including engagement with and the provision of facilities for young people.
It was requested that future reports include explanations for the acronyms used in the Action Plan and that relevant key partners be invited to attend future meetings.
RESOLVED
That the report be noted.
The Director of Corporate Services submitted a report (Paper J29 (PDF 16Kb)) which provided details of the Committee’s anticipated work for 2009/10, including any items that may be the subject of call-in procedures.
It was noted that the date given for the February meeting should read 2 February 2010.
RESOLVED
That the Work Plan submitted as Paper J29 be noted.
The business of the meeting was concluded at 11.10 a.m.
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Chairman
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