Agenda and minutes

The Chair welcomed Members to the first meeting  of the Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee for the 2023-24 Municipal Year.

Apologies of absence were received from County Borough Councillors J. Barton and R. Yeo.

To receive disclosures of personal interest from Members in accordance with the Code of Conduct

Note:

1.    Members are requested to identify the item number and subject matter that their interest relates to and signify the nature of the personal interest: and

2.    Where Members withdraw from a meeting as a consequence of the disclosure of a    prejudicial interest they must notify the Chairman when they leave.

In accordance with the code of conduct, there were no declaration of interest pertaining to the agenda.

To approve, as an accurate record, the minutes of the meeting held on the 22^nd March 2023.

The minutes of the 22^nd March 2023 were approved as an accurate record.

A scrutiny research facility is available within the Council Business Unit to support Members’ scrutiny responsibilities and their roles as Elected Members.  Such research strengthens Scrutiny Committee work programmes to ensure outcome-based topics are identified. For any scrutiny research requirements please contact scrutiny@rctcbc.gov.uk

The Members’ Researcher and Scrutiny Officer referenced the research facilities that were available to Members within the Council Business Unit. Members were advised that if they have any specific queries to email them to Scrutiny@rctcbc.gov.uk.

Information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee.

The Members’ Researcher & Scrutiny Officer referenced the consultation links, which were available through the ‘RCT Scrutiny’ website.  Members were reminded that information is provided in respect of relevant consultations for consideration by the Committee, which are circulated on a monthly basis and updated on a fortnightly basis.  

To consider and agree the Climate Change, Frontline Services & Prosperity Scrutiny Committee Work Programme for 2023-24.

The Members’ Researcher and Scrutiny Officer presented the Forward Work Programme 2023-24 to Members and sought Members approval of the work programme and invited any suggestions from Members.

Following this, discussions ensued.

A Member queried whether grass cutting could referenced in the Tree and Hedgerow item and another Member questioned if the Public Rights of Way report could reference barbed wire and the relevant legislation surrounding it. The Members’ Researcher and Scrutiny Officer confirmed that these items would be passed on to the relevant Officers.

Following discussion, Members RESOLVED to approve the Forward Work Programme 2023-24.  

To consider any items, which the Chairman, by reason of special circumstances, is of the opinion should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency

There was no urgent business to report.

To reflect on the meeting and actions to be taken forward.

The Chair thanked Members for attending and emphasised that the next meeting will be in October, where the Committee can start to utilise the Forward Work Programme.