Issue - meetings

A verbal update will be provided at the meeting from the Leader of the Council with the recommendations of the scrutiny topics made at the Cabinet meeting held on 3 September 2024.

Cabinet

3 September 2024

Members considered the report that was submitted bythe Overview and Scrutiny Committee and stated that the recommendations were worthy of wider consideration. It was suggested that the Deputy Leader chair a working group to give consideration to the recommendations. Furthermore, the remit would include contextual issues of items such as the future of Kimberley Depot, the adequacy of disabled facilities across the estate, including toilet provision, while ensuring that there was consultation with the unions.

     RESOLVED that:

1.     The Deputy Leader chair a working group to consider the recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in addition to subjects including the adequacy of toilet facilities in Council buildings, the future of Kimberley Depot and a selection of personnel issues.

2.     The Overview and Scrutiny Committee be requested to consider the topic of the Democratic Arrangements at the East Midlands Combined Counties Authority at a future meeting before reporting its findings to Cabinet.

Reasons

1.     The appointment of a working group will provide the flexibility necessary to undertake further review into the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

2.     To enable a review into the Democratic Arrangements at the East Midlands Combined Counties Authority.

It was further recommended at the meeting that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be requested to consider the topic of fines in relation to Environmental Enforcement.

RESOLVED to set up a Task and Finish Group to scope the topic of Environmental Enforcement fines. 

Members noted the update from the Leader of the Council of the decision from the recommendations presented to 3 September 2024 Cabinet meeting from the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. A task and finish group would be arranged shortly and be chaired by the Deputy Leader. This group would meet twice a year. The Leader further discussed the issues with the democratic arrangements with the East Midlands Combined County Authority and requested to the Committee they consider the issues as a scrutiny topic. The Chief Executive had proposed to update all Members of the arrangements at a date to be confirmed and the Committee decided to hold the request until further information was made available.

The Leader felt that the current fines issued for fly tipping offences were very small considering the environmental impact and resources required to clean up and prosecute. He wanted the Committee to consider writing to the Secretary of State for Environment to look at the current environmental legislation and increase the penalties issued. The Committee unanimously agreed to add the item to the work programme and look at scoping the topic within a Task and Finish Group. It was proposed that Councillor E Winfield would be Chair and Vice Chair Councillor S Webb. Councillor A W G A Stockwell would also support the group.

          RESOLVED to set up a Task and Finish Group to scope the topic of Environmental Enforcement fines.