Agenda and draft minutes

Members are requested to declare the existence and nature of any disclosable pecuniary interest and/or other interest in any item on the agenda.

There were no declarations of interest.

The Committee is asked to confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting held on Thursday, 26 June 2025.

The minutes of the previous meeting on Thursday, 26 June 2025 were confirmed and signed as a correct record.

To consider any matter referred to the Committee for a decision in relation to the call in of a decision.

There were no call-ins to be considered.

To provide Overview and Scrutiny Committee with up-to-date information relating to ICT Services performance, and recent security upgrades and improvements.

The Committee considered a report updating members on the performance of ICT Services, with members commenting on difficulties that they have experienced with their email accounts and security measures, and noting that they find officers in ICT to be very helpful.

It was stated that further training sessions on specific technical topics would be arranged for members. The Committee noted the report.

To provide an update on the environmental enforcement pilot project, which was approved by Cabinet on 3 September 2024.

Members considered a report on the performance of the council’s contractor WISE in issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) to help mitigate littering and fly-tipping. Members noted the preponderance of fly-tipping cases in Awsworth, Cossall and Trowell, touching on the number of cases at Trowell Service Station. It was noted that there could be more attention in town centres, and officers spoke of work to be done in educating members of the public who hire tradespeople.

Members were encouraged to report cases of fly-tipping to officers to aid enforcement. It was confirmed that officers had reviewed bodycam footage in cases of alleged aggressive behaviour by enforcement officers and can state that this has not occurred in the cases reviewed. The Committee noted the report.

To provide an update on the ten recommendations made following the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 28 November 2024, regarding Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity across the Borough's parks.

Members considered a report detailing progress made in improving accessibility and inclusivity in council parks. A member noted one small clarification to be made in the papers.

Members made various comments for officers to consider, such as regarding choices of material, the order of planned works, and queries relating to specific sites. Members commended the work already completed in improving accessibility to parks across the borough. Members welcomed another update in 12 months’ time. The Committee noted the report.

The report outlines progress on the recommendations of the overview and scrutiny review of the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.

Officers presented a report that updated on the status of the museum after its transfer back into Council control in 2023. Members noted opportunities to engage with local bookshops, the reduction in the rate of council subsidy per visitor, and cost-effective forms of outreach used with local schools. The Committee noted the report.

The report outlines progress on the recommendations of the overview and scrutiny review of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at the D.H. Lawrence Birthplace Museum.

Members considered a report updating members on progress made against recommendations from this Committee on improving accessibility at the museum.

Reaching out to other museums that face similar challenges was suggested.

The Committee noted the report.

For the Committee to consider the recent recommendation of the 21 July 2025 meeting of the Governance, Audit & Standards Committee that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee consider undertaking a review of the Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour procedure, following a determination of maladministration by the Housing Ombudsman. This Committee will consider adding this as an item to its work programme.

The report before the committee detailed the recent recommendation of the Governance, Assurance and Standards Committee that this Committee consider whether it should review the Council’s Antisocial Behaviour (ASB) procedures.

It was noted in the discussion that different council departments have different ASB procedures as they are not all governed by the same legislation. The Committee noted the report.

RESOLVED that the Committee would add an item on the Housing department’s antisocial behaviour policies and procedures to its work programme.

To inform the Committee of items on the Cabinet’s work programme, from which items for scrutiny may be identified.

The Committee noted the Cabinet Work Programme.

Committee is asked to approve its Work Programme, including identifying topics for scrutiny, that will help to achieve the Council’s key priorities and associated objectives.

The Committee considered the Work Programme, noting previous additions, and considered future scrutiny of Houses of Multiple Occupancy (HMOs) within the borough, as long as this would not duplicate the work of Cabinet.

RESOLVED that:

1.     The Overview and Scrutiny Work Programme, as amended, be approved.

2.     The next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee be brought forward to the 20^th November 2025, to allow for scrutiny of the council’s final submission to government on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

This report is intended to accompany the completed draft scoping document that sets the terms of reference, remit and intended reporting timescale of the scrutiny task and finish group considering the subject of unauthorised cemetery memorials in borough cemeteries.

The Committee considered a brief report on the work of the task and finish group and noted the group’s scoping document.