Agenda and minutes

To authorise the Chairman to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 4 February 2022 (copy attached).

RESOLVED – That the Chairman be authorised to sign, as a correct record, the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 04 February 2022.

To receive declarations by Members of interests in respect of items on this Agenda.

Members are reminded that, in accordance with the revised Code of Conduct, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests or other registrable interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests.  (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting.)

Members may, however, also decide, in the interests of clarity and transparency, to declare at this point in the meeting, any such disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, as well as any other registrable or other interests.

If a Member requires advice on any item involving a possible declaration of interest which could affect his/her ability to speak and/or vote, he/she is advised to contact the Monitoring Officer at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

No declarations of interest were raised.

In accordance with Rule 17 of the Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, any Member who is subject to a party whip on any item must declare the existence and nature of the whip.

No declarations of the party whip were raised.

To consider whether the items, if any, in Part II of the Agenda should be considered in the presence of the press and public.

There were no excluded items on the Agenda.

Any member of the public who wishes to ask a question, make representations or present a deputation or petition at this meeting should apply to do so by no later than 0:01am (one minute past midnight) two working days before the meeting.  Information on how to make the application can be obtained by viewing the Council’s Website www.southlakeland.gov.uk or by contacting the Committee Services Team on 01539 733333.

(1)        Questions and Representations

To receive any questions or representations which have been received from members of the public.

(2)        Deputations and Petitions

To receive any deputations or petitions which have been received from members of the public.

No questions, representations, deputations or petitions have been received in respect of this meeting.

To agree the Overview and Scrutiny Committee’s Work Programme for 2022-23.

the Director of Strategy, Innovation and Resources introduced the report, noting that a light draft work programme was included at Appendix 1.

Referencing the previous meeting of 4 February 2022, he reminded Members that the Chair and Vice-Chair had agreed to meet with Officers to consider an item for the Work Programme centred around Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) and noted that this had taken place prior to the current meeting.

Before speaking on this further, the Director of Strategy, Innovation and Resources reminded Members that the Local Government Association was holding an LGR training session on 9^th March and that any Member could sign up to attend.

Moving on to LGR and its relation to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the Director of Strategy, Innovation and Resources provided Members with an overview of the expected transition arrangements, noting that South Lakeland District Council would remain responsible for all of its services right up until the vesting day of the new unitary council. He further explained that the shadow authorities would likely set up their own Overview and Scrutiny arrangements and that those shadow authorities would be responsible for the development of the new unitary council.

However, he informed Members that there was an opportunity for South Lakeland District Council members to input, and to ensure that the corporate knowledge built up over many years was not lost in the transition. He continued by noting to Members that any contribution from the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee would need to be focused so as to offer a clear message to be taken forward as part of the transition.

He informed Members that following a discussion with the Chair/Vice-Chair of Overview and Scrutiny Committee, the initial proposal was to form a task and finish group and hold a short series of sessions, including a scoping session, to look at the distinctive aspects of South Lakeland District Council’s delivery of functions and influencing the policy development of the new unitary council. It would be desirable for these sessions to be held in the first quarter of the new municipal year, following which a report would be presented to the Committee. Progress would also be reported on throughout the 2022/23 municipal year.

He concluded by reminding Members that the LGR process was rapidly progressing, and that there might be a need to adjust timescales accordingly should things change.

Members welcomed the idea of a task and finish group, and reiterated the importance of ensuring that corporate knowledge, including aspirations, aims and good practice, was not lost. Members also acknowledged the need for a balanced approach given the depth of the topic and the timeframe available.

In responding to a request for clarification of the timescales, the Director of Strategy, Innovation and Resources informed Members that the sessions ideally would need to be held in April, May and June with a report on the findings to be presented during the July Overview and Scrutiny committee meeting.

Members also sought clarity on South Lakeland  ...  view the full minutes text for item O&S/48

To consider the Draft Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2021-22.

The Case Management Officer briefly introduced the report, noting that it was a summary of the work carried out by the Committee over the last year.

Members noted that given the circumstances it was positive to see how much the committee had achieved throughout the year.

The Chair echoed these comments, thanking officers and the Vice-Chair for stepping in in her absences.

RESOLVED – That the draft Overview and Scrutiny Annual Report 2021/22 at Appendix 1 be approved and referred to Full Council, subject to any relevant updates following the meeting.

To consider the annual Review of Effectiveness and an update on progress made by Cabinet in implementing the adopted recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

The Chair asked the Committee if there were any comments on the report.

No comments were raised.

RESOLVED – That:

(1)       the findings of the Review of Effectiveness, as attached at Appendix 1 be noted; and

(2)       the progress made by Cabinet in implementing the recommendations of the Committee be noted.

To consider the 2021-22 Annual Review of the Call-in and Urgency Provisions.

The Chair asked the Committee if there were any comments or concerns on any of the items listed in Appendix 1 of the report.

No comments or concerns were raised.

RESOLVED – That:

(1)       the contents of the 2021-22 Annual Review of the Call-in and Urgency provisions be noted; and

(2)       it be noted that the report will be considered by Full Council.

To consider an update to the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy.

The Operation Lead (Places and Environment) introduced the report, passing on apologies from the Principal Specialist who could not attend the meeting.

He noted that the purpose of the report was to inform Members that a review of the policy had taken place as required by legislation. He reminded Members that the policy formed part of the Council’s Corporate and Budget Policy Framework, and noted that the existing policy had been extended to March 2022.

He continued by highlighting that the policy had been subject to a six week consultation from November 2021 to January 2022, and following the consultation no amendments had been necessary to the draft policy.

He concluded by informing Members that the Licensing Committee had approved the policy at their meeting of 7^th February 2022 and noted that he would do his best to answer questions in the absence of the Principal Specialist and would revert with written answers to more detailed queries, where needed.

In responding to a question on pavement licences and whether they were referenced in the policy, the Operational Lead noted that pavement licenses were a part of new legislation introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and that the legislation had since been updated. He noted that he would need to confirm with the Principal Specialist, but believed that it was picked up in a separate policy that would be updated in future.

A question was raised regarding air quality across the district, in response the Director of Customer and Commercial Services noted that air quality had been steadily improving across the district and that only one air quality management area had been established. He confirmed that air quality was constantly monitored across the district and that similar decreases in air pollution were being seen elsewhere as a result of improved technology.

Members requested that, in relation to future reports regarding updates to policy,  any amendments to existing policy be clearly highlighted so as to assist members in identifying and considering the proposed changes. The Operational Lead noted the comment and confirmed that he would pass it on to the relevant officers.

RESOLVED – That:-

(1)       the consultation undertaken with stakeholders during the period of 29^th November 2021 to 9^th January 2022 be noted;

(2)       the recommendation from the Licensing Committee that the Policy proceed to Council for adoption be noted; and

(3)       the revised Statement of Licensing Policy be recommended to Full Council for adoption.

To consider an update to the Council’s Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy.

The Operation Lead (Places and Environment) introduced the report, passing on apologies from the Principal Specialist who could not attend the meeting.

He noted the Gambling Act 2005 required local authorities to prepare a policy statement, and that the policy had been updated to reflect changes in national guidance. He continued noting that the policy revision also aimed to strengthen the three main priorities, these being Crime and Disorder, Fairness and Openness and Protecting Children and Vulnerable individuals.

The Operational Lead concluded by noting that the revised policy was currently subject to formal consultation which would close on the 9^th March 2022, following which the policy would be presented to Licensing Regulatory Committee and then Full Council for approval.

Members again requested that the specific changes to the policy be clearly highlighted in future updates. The Operational Lead noted the comments and confirmed he would pass them on to the relevant officers.

RESOLVED – That:-

(1)       the approval from Licensing Regulatory Committee that the revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy proceed to public consultation be noted;

(2)       the on-going public consultation, due to conclude on 9^th March 2022, be noted; and

(3)       the revised Statement of Gambling Licensing Policy (Appendix 1) be recommended to Licensing Regulatory Committee and Full Council for adoption following the public consultation, and consideration of any comments received.

To consider the annual report from the Customer and Locality Services Portfolio Holder on the progress made within the portfolio area and their plans for the future.

Note – The Chair agreed for this item to be considered after the Climate Action and Biodiversity Portfolio Holder report (O&S/55).

The Customer and Locality Services Portfolio Holder introduced the report and then briefly covered the key portfolio news from within the report before passing over to Members for any questions or comments.

In response to a question on the presence of Locality officers, the Portfolio Holder noted he would speak with the Locality team and suggested that officer attendance at Parish meetings at least once a year would be welcomed.

It was noted that the new minimum limits for the locality grants available for members to distribute to various groups meant members could support fewer groups with the allowance. The Portfolio Holder noted that he agreed with the sentiment, but added that the matter had been considered and agreed at the Member Support Steering Group and would stay the same for the time being.

In responding to a question on potential food waste collections, the Portfolio Holder noted that the Council was awaiting the latest waste management strategy from central government and that local government would see the harmonisation of waste collection across the relevant areas. He noted that weekly household food waste volumes may not be high enough to warrant regular collections. The Director of Customer and Commercial Services supported the response, further noting food waste volumes were historically low.

Members raised a question on the funding sources for the electrical charge points noted in the report. The Director of Customer and Commercial Services responded by informing Members that the project was government funded and had no direct impact on the Council’s resources. He added that the project was a trial approach to provide electric vehicle charging in certain locations.

Members expressed their delight that the Legal team had been nominated for in-house team of the year by the Law Society. Further adding that more should be done to acknowledge the work and achievements of the Council’s teams and officers.

Members also praised the work of the emergency planning team, noting that social media updates had been a great help for residents.

In response to a comment made by the Portfolio Holder, Members expressed their support for the idea of Human Resources access for Councillors, noting that the work of a Councillor could often be very stressful.

In responding to a question on the potential for electric road sweepers, the Portfolio Holder noted that they had been trialled but did not meet the required standard at present. He concluded noting that the Council could not commit to a fleet of electric sweepers until the technology was perfected.

ReSOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To consider the annual report from the Climate Action and Biodiversity Portfolio Holder on the progress made within the portfolio area and their plans for the future.

The Climate Action and Biodiversity Portfolio Holder introduced the report, noting it was comprehensive and showed the volume of work going on within the portfolio.

The Portfolio Holder informed Members that the council had been credited by the Ashton Institute, Friends of the Earth and UK100 for the work it was doing within the portfolio.

In response to a question on whether climate action protocols would need to be compromised as a result of rising energy costs, the Portfolio Holder acknowledged the challenges to come but told Members that she saw them as an opportunity for central government to invest and speed up the development of greener technology. She continued, noting that ultimately the Council did not have a great deal of power to influence these decisions but needed to be responsive to any decisions taken by central government.

In response to discussions on tidal power and the potential of Morecambe Bay, the Portfolio Holder noted that investment into tidal power had been raised by MP Tim Farron, but responses had not been positive.

Members queried whether grants were still available to support carbon reduction. The Portfolio Holder responded to note that it was being looked at and that she would expect grants to be available for climate and biodiversity matters.

Members noted that particular focus was given within the report to developments and schemes in Kendal, and it was requested that, in future, members would like to see more mention of other areas also, in order to praise the good work being done across the district. The Portfolio Holder noted the request and acknowledged that there was a great deal of work being done across the district, led independently by local groups. Members followed up with a suggestion that parish councils be invited to speak on such projects.

ReSOLVED – That the contents of the report be noted.

To receive an update on the work of the Cumbria Health Scrutiny Committee from the Council’s representative or substitute.

Cllr Wilson provided an update from the recent Health Scrutiny Committee which he had attended with Cllr Jama.

Cllr Wilson opened by noting that the University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust (UHMBT) had reported a significant backlog of operations, which would take an estimated 4 years to clear. However, he noted that UHMBT had learned lessons from the pandemic for example in the provision of online services.

He continued by informing Members that UHMBT was looking at a new model for emergency stroke care, and that public engagements on clinical policies and a new maternity task force were either underway or upcoming.

Cllr Wilson noted that he would be happy to circulate the minutes from the previous meeting, and suggested that a representative from UHMBT be invited to speak to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

In response to queries and concerns regarding local NHS dentistry, Cllr Wilson noted that he would pass the feedback on to the Health Scrutiny Committee.

RESOLVED – That the update be noted.