Agenda and minutes
Venue: Committee Room 4, Brent Town Hall, Forty Lane, Wembley, HA9 9HD. View directions
Contact: Toby Howes, Senior Democratic Services Officer, 0208 937 1307, Email: toby.howes@brent.gov.uk
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Declarations of Personal and Prejudicial Interests Members are invited to declare any relevant financial or other interest in the items on this agenda. Minutes: None declared. |
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The minutes are attached. Minutes: RESOLVED:-
that the minutes of the meeting held on the 13th October 2009 be received and approved as accurate record, subject to the inclusion of Councillor Motley as present at the meeting as an alternate for Councillor Leaman. |
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Matters Arising (if any) Minutes: Cricklewood Library Children’s Centre Project and Archive Move
The Chair repeated her request that clarification be provided concerning the covenant on Cricklewood Library. Councillor Castle queried whether this issue could be discussed at Area Consultative Forums. Members noted that Legal Services would respond to these requests. |
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Review of Representation of Political Groups on Committees PDF 102 KB This report updates members on the impact of the change in membership of the political groups on the political balance of committees and sub committees and advises on the need to consider changes to the allocation of seats on committees.
At the last Council meeting on 23rd November 2009 it was agreed to reduce the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee from eight members to seven and to refer to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to consider whether it wishes to reduce the membership of its’ sub committees accordingly. Minutes: Members received a report on a review of representation of political groups on committees and noted that the Council had agreed to reduce the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Children and Families Overview and Scrutiny Committee from eight to seven members. The Committee then agreed to Councillor Motley’s suggestion that the membership of the Forward Plan Select Committee, Health Select Committee and Performance and Finance Select Committee be reduced from eight to seven members, with the Labour Group members for or each of these committees reduced from three to two Members accordingly.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the report on Review of Representation of Political Groups on Committees be noted;
(ii) that the Council’s decision to reduce the membership of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Children and Families Overview Scrutiny Committee from eight to seven members be noted;
(iii) that the membership of the Forward Plan Select Committee, Health Select Committee and Performance and Finance Select Committee be reduced from eight to seven members; and
(iv) that the Labour Group representation on the Forward Plan Select Committee, Health Select Committee and Performance and Finance Select Committee be reduced from three to two members. |
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Appointments to Sub-Committees (if any) Minutes: RESOLVED:-
that the changes to the membership of the Forward Plan Select Committee, Health Select Committee and Performance and Finance Select Committee be confirmed by the Labour Group Whip. |
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Tubbs Road Councillor Call for Action PDF 73 KB At its meeting in October 2009, the Overview and Scrutiny Committee agreed to look in more detail at the councillor call for action submitted by Councillor James Powney in relation to the traffic issues at Tubbs Road, Kensal Green Ward. A report on the site visit undertaken by Members and officers from Transportation is attached and Members are asked to consider whether they wish to make recommendations to the Executive. Additional documents:
Minutes: Councillor Powney addressed the Committee on the matter, stating that he felt the response detailed in the briefing note from Transportation Unit lacked positive proposals. He suggested that there be further consideration of the suggestions made at the site visit on 24th November 2009, in particular preventing right turns out of Furness Road into Harlesden High Street and left turns out of Tubbs Road into Old Oak Lane. Councillor Powney also felt that the briefing note’s assertion that the various measures proposed would result in unacceptable journey times for the residents of Tubbs Road and Nightingale Road was unproven and he asked that residents be consulted on this. With regard to the officer’s observation in the briefing note that the suggested measures would impact adversely on other parts of the road network, including Harlesden Town Centre, Councillor Powney asserted that many roads were already heavily used and large volumes of traffic were to be expected.
With the agreement of the Chair, Beatrice Barleon addressed the Committee. Beatrice Barleon expressed her disappointment that no specific solutions had been suggested and she responded to the comments made in the briefing note. She agreed with the findings of the traffic surveys carried out in July 2009 that the volume of traffic, as opposed to speeding, was the main concern and this had also been observed during the site visit. In her view, Beatrice Barleon felt that the introduction of road humps in September 2001, subsequently replaced by 85 millimetre high sinusoidal speed humps in December 2007 were unnecessary and had not helped ease traffic flow. Furthermore, proposals to introduce pedestrian crossing facilities at the junction of Station Road and Tubbs Road would exacerbate congestion. The assertion that the measures suggested by residents would result in undesirable actions by drivers in other parts of the road network, such as executing ‘u’ turns to avoid banned turns, she felt had been exaggerated and in view of the fact that these were busy roads, such actions would be difficult and in any case could be addressed through increased enforcement. Beatrice Barleon also disagreed with the suggestion that it would impact adversely on Harlesden Town Centre. Members heard that residents’ views had not been sought with regard to the measures leading to unacceptable journey times for residents of Tubbs Road and Nightingale Road. Beatrice Barleon added that residents wanted reduced access to Tubbs Road and Nightingale Road and in her view residents would be prepared to expect extended journey times along Harlesden High Road as a result of this.
Andrew Davies (Policy and Regeneration Officer, Policy and Regeneration Unit) added that at the site visit a number of vehicles had been observed turning right from Furness Road into Harlesden High Street then left into Tubbs Road which suggested Tubbs Road was being used as a cut through towards the A40. It had also been observed that some vehicles including lorries experienced problems passing along the narrowed section of Tubbs Road where only vehicles under 6 feet ... view the full minutes text for item 6. |
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Update on the Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy 2010 - 2015 PDF 65 KB The Overview and Scrutiny Committee considered a report on the scope of the Voluntary and Community Sector Strategy at its meeting in June 2009. At that meeting members asked for an update on the development of the strategy and information on the council’s relationship with the voluntary sector to be presented to them in December 2009. A briefing note has been provided by officers from Housing and Community Care and this is included as an appendix to this covering report. Additional documents: Minutes: Linda Martin (Head of Service Development and Commissioning, Housing and Community Care) introduced the report which summarised progress to date on the Voluntary and Community Sector strategy. She explained that there had been an agreement over what areas the Voluntary and Community Strategy would cover, a broad understanding of how these areas would be addressed and what groups would look at specific areas. The draft strategy had also been approved by the Project Board and work would continue on developing the strategy in January 2010. A 12 week consultation period would commence and a survey was to be sent to all stakeholders to seek further input and engagement. Future events would be held to allow respondents to discuss the findings of the survey and there would be further consultation on the draft strategy in the spring of 2010. Members noted that it was intended to launch the finalised strategy in the summer of 2010.
Jacqueline Carr (Brent Citizens Advice Bureau) was invited to address the Committee. Jacqueline Carr stated that the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) had not been involved in development of the strategy up to this point and she highlighted the need for greater communication and for more engagement. Members noted that CAB had learnt about the Council’s Main Grant Programme the previous week and Jacqueline Carr added that CAB would be interested in running a scheme under this programme in future. She commented that the Funders Fair event had been a useful exercise.
Keith Lunn (Oxford Kilburn Youth Trust) welcomed the move to three year grants under the Main Grant Programme which he felt offered significant benefits to participants, including providing greater stability. He also felt that the Council was engaging more with voluntary sector organisations through a number of different service areas and through various means. However, Keith Lunn commented that one of the difficulties was the Council knowing what voluntary organisations there were in the various areas of the Borough and what knowledge voluntary organisations had of what areas the Council was involved in. He stressed the importance of spreading information widely and he felt a long term objective would be for the Council to able to filter information to all voluntary sector organisations in the Borough. The use of electronic information and through locality-based work and a cascading information system was suggested as a way forwards to achieve this, whilst the Voluntary Sector Unit could also be provided with the funds to help circulate and cascade information.
During discussion by Members, Councillor Clues expressed concern that CAB had not been involved in the strategy to date and not been aware of the Main Grant Programme until recently. He sought clarification with regard to Brent Association for Voluntary Action (BrAVA) role and its relationship with voluntary organisations. He felt that the strategy could benefit by taking an Area Consultative Forum (ACF) approach to reach out to the relevant local organisations, particularly those in more deprived areas of the borough. Councillor Clues added that good ... view the full minutes text for item 7. |
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Safeguarding Adults Annual Report 2008/09 PDF 84 KB This is the fifth annual report of the Brent Safeguarding Adults Committee and covers the period April 2008 – March 2009. It outlines national developments, the progress made in Brent (including the priorities set in last year’s annual report) and also identifies key issues and future plans for growth and improvement. The report also covers the outcome of the Commission for Social Care Inspection on Independence, Wellbeing and Choice and the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor Colwill (Lead Member for Adults, Health and Social Care) introduced the report which included details of the outcome of the Commission for Social Care Inspection on Independence, Wellbeing and Choice and the implementation of the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards. The Council was taking a leading role amongst its partners in ensuring safeguarding of adults and Brent NHS and Brent Mencap were amongst other organisations involved. Funding was equally split between the Council and NHS Brent and awareness training on this issue had been provided to Members.
Keith Skerman (Interim Assistant Director of Community Care, Housing and Community Care) then addressed the Committee. He explained that the Adult Safeguarding Committee had been replaced by the Safeguarding Adults Board last year which would focus more on supporting people in care. The Commission for Social Care Inspection had raised concerns with regard to quality assurance and the need to ensure thorough auditing. An action plan had been produced as a result of the Inspection’s conclusions and a quality assurance framework was in place, including expanding the Safeguarding Adults Team to include a senior practitioner and support officer for mental capacity/deprivation of liberty safeguards which would bring excellence and expertise to the Team. The Committee noted that there had been a 20% increase in referrals in 2008/09 from the previous year, although the increase was lower than that recorded from the year before and the majority of referrals related to alleged abuse in a client’s own home.
During discussion by Members, Councillor H B Patel sought further details as to the situations which led to safeguarding referrals and whether action was taken by those who had committed the abuse. With regard to direct payments, he enquired what monitoring took place of those who had been chosen to provide the service. He also sought reasons for the low attendance of training in 2008/09. Councillor Clues commented that the increased monitoring of victims seemed to be working effectively.
The Chair commented that there still seemed to be an issue concerning attendance of Safeguarding Adults Board and its’ sub-group meetings. She sought views regarding the impact of the move to more direct payments and opportunities for respite services available for carers. In noting the relatively large proportion of unsubstantiated cases, she enquired whether monitoring of such cases would cease or whether attempts would be made to seek more evidence.
In reply to the issues raised, Councillor Colwill advised that court action could be taken where there had been evidence of financial abuse. He cited a case of an adult who had regained the ability to talk after securing direct payments with the help of Brent Mencap to be able to live on their own and select their own choice of care. Councillor Colwill informed the Committee that safeguarding training was free to all councillors and that it offered useful guidance.
Anne O’Neil (Brent Mencap) was invited to respond to some of the issues raised. Anne O’Neil advised that Brent MENCAP carried out ... view the full minutes text for item 8. |
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Climate Change Final Task Group Report PDF 68 KB The final report of the Climate Change Task Group is attached. Additional documents: Minutes: Councillor H B Patel the Chair of the task group introduced the report and informed Members of the task group’s purpose of reviewing the Council’s Carbon Management Strategy and Implementation Plan. The projects were reviewed under the following themes:-
· Energy efficiency in Council office buildings · Contribution of IT Unit · Energy management in school buildings · Planning · Raising awareness of climate change and sustainability amongst Brent residents
Councillor H B Patel then referred to the recommendations of the task group as set out in the report.
Councillor Clues spoke of the need to engage schools, and children in particular, in helping to achieve the objectives of the Carbon Management Strategy. He commented that rather than focusing on training on climate change champions, that it would be more effective to have an ‘Environmental Implications’ section on Council reports.
The Chair enquired how providing more parking spaces at the Civic Centre would tie in with the Green Travel Plan. Details were also sought regarding the Sustainability Forum.
In reply, Councillor H B Patel commented that school buildings were responsible for 27% of carbon emissions in the Borough and was increasing, which could be attributable to schools’ longer opening hours. He felt that increasing parking spaces at the Civic Centre to 179 was within the Carbon Management Strategy, especially in view that use of electric cars may increase in the future. In addition, competitors who could host events as well as the Council could be handed an advantage if parking spaces at the Civic Centre were not increased. He advised that the Sustainability Forum met quarterly.
Cathy Tyson (Assistant Director – Policy, Policy and Regeneration) added that the Sustainability Forum was part of the LSP structure and composed a broad range of community groups focusing on six different projects. She stated that the intention of climate change champions was to raise awareness of environmental issues, although she acknowledged that this did not address practical implications. Cathy Tyson advised that each service area was required to show how it would reduce carbon emissions in the strategy.
The Chair thanked task group members for the work that had been undertaken. She concurred with Councillor Clues suggestion regarding report and Members agreed that any formal reports to Members should include an ‘Environmental Implications’ section where relevant.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the Climate Change Final Task Group report be noted;
(ii) that the Climate Change Final Task Group recommendations be agreed and to include an additional recommendation that an ‘Environmental Implications’ section be included on all formal reports to Members where relevant; and
(iii) that the report be passed to Executive for approval. |
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Proposals to Enhance Local Democracy - Motion Referred From Council PDF 72 KB At the full Council meeting on 12th October 2009 members discussed a motion put forward by Councillor Ann John on proposals to enhance local democracy. Council carried the motion, with an amendment from Councillor Paul Lorber. One of the things that Council resolved to do was “to set up an all party/group scrutiny task group to investigate how local democracy can be improved, with a view to increasing the debate at Full Council meetings, improving the public’s access to local democracy and encouraging more young people to take part”.
The motion has been included on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee agenda for members to decide how it wishes to respond to this issue. Additional documents:
Minutes: Members discussed the motion that had been referred to the Committee by Council. Councillor Motley emphasised the need for more representation for non-Executive members and to engage the public more in local democracy matters. The Chair concurred that there should be a focus on engaging the public more widely.
Members then agreed to the Chair’s suggestion that a task group be formed to consider the matter further, of which the scope was to be considered at the next meeting of the Committee, with the task group to commence work in the municipal year 2010/11.
RESOLVED:-
that a task group be formed to consider proposals to enhance local democracy, the scope of which is to be considered at the next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 9th February 2010 and the task group to commence work in the municipal year 2010/11. |
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Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme PDF 124 KB This document, for the Committee’s information, sets out the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme. Minutes: Andrew Davies (Policy Officer, Policy and Regeneration Officer) advised Members of an opportunity to attend half day training workshop for councillors on scrutiny transformation of services in adult social care at the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham Town Hall on Friday, 8th January 2010, organised by the London Borough of Ealing.
The Chair commented that answers were still being sought to questions on the Town Centre Regeneration Task Group. Members agreed to the Chair’s request that a task group be formed to review alleygating schemes, with the scope to be considered at the next meeting and the task group to begin work in the next municipal year.
RESOLVED:-
(i) that the Work Programme be noted; and
(ii) that a task group on Reviewing Alleygating Schemes be added to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee work programme, the scope of which is to be considered at the next meeting of the Committee on 9th February 2010 and to commence work in the municipal year 2010/11. |
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Date of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, 9th February 2010. Minutes: It was noted that the next meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was scheduled for Wednesday, 9th February 2010. |
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Any Other Urgent Business Notice of items to be raised under this heading must be given in writing to the Democratic Services Manager or his representative before the meeting in accordance with Standing Order No 64. Minutes: None. |