Decision details

The final report and recommendations from the Independent Poverty Commission will be presented to Cabinet.

Cabinet NOTED:

1.         The comments circulated to members in advance of the meeting from Councillor Ketan Sheth as Chair of the Joint Community & Wellbeing and Resources & Public Realm Scrutiny briefing, held to present the Poverty Commission report to scrutiny members in advance of its consideration by Cabinet.  Scrutiny members had welcomed the Commission’s report and highlighted a number of proposals, which had been detailed in Appendix 2 of the report.  These included (as highlighted in Councillor Sheth’s submission) proposals relating to public health, housing, financial exclusion and local welfare and the need to ensure clear metrics to monitor progress against implementation of the recommendations.

2.         The comments from Councillor Kennelly, who had requested to speak on the item.  In welcoming the Commission’s report and findings, Councillor Kennelly highlighted the need to ensure adequate challenge around inequalities in both public health and the environment, especially in relation to oral and mental health, air quality and regeneration of the boroughs high streets.  Whilst recognising the work undertaken to date, he highlighted a need to ensure the report was subject to full scrutiny in order to enable all stakeholders to engage in the process with a clear set of measureable objectives and targets to be set and presented to Full Council for consideration.

Having noted the comments received and report from the Commission, Cabinet RESOLVED to

(1)     accept all the recommendations within the Commission’s report and the steps outlined within the report for their implementation.

(2)     agree publication of a Council response to the Commission’s report and development of a delivery plan for implementation of the recommendations.