Agenda item

A report of the Strategic Director, Environmental and Corporate Services.

Considered a report of the Strategic Director, Environmental and Corporate Services to assist the Committee in determining its work programme (item 10 on the agenda filed with these minutes)

Assisting with the consideration of the report: Strategic Director, Environmental and Corporate Services.

Reference was made by the Chair to a discussion held with the Chair of Scrutiny Commission regarding the most appropriate scrutiny committee to review the Community Safety Partnership.  It had been agreed to keep the scrutiny of this matter within the remit of this committee as it was performance related. 

The Chair also indicated that the Scrutiny Commission welcomed suggestions by this Committee of topics for scrutiny to further balance the work carried out by both committees.  Members indicated that it wished the Commission to further scrutinise KI 11 - % rent loss from void properties including a review of its project plan and timelines for delivery.

Summary, key points of discussion:

·         inclusion of small contingency for overspend in the Shepshed Project – noted that any contingency agreed would be approved by Cabinet and be highlighted in the Capital Monitoring report, of which this Committee scrutinised on a regular basis.

·         raising car parking fees to raise income and mitigate savings to protect front line services – noted if this was considered, public transport availability should also be included.  Many factors to consider for each car park, concern that raising fees in residential areas could push residents to park elsewhere.  Reference was made to previous Car Parking Scrutiny Panel whose remit differed and included need for additional multi storey car parking.  Review of car parking fees in Loughborough underway, but wider car parking review would take officers approx. 9 months to research.  Need to understand wider impact of raising fees.

·         alternative uses to be sought, for example to create carbon capture area / solar farms, helping Charnwood Borough Council to meet their carbon reduction targets – members considered the review of the Climate Change Strategy Action Plan scheduled for its meeting in September would be sufficient.

RESOLVED

1.    That the Committee’s work programme as set out in the report and with any amendments made at this meeting, be agreed:

2.    That the Committee notes the continuance of its scrutiny of the Community Safety Partnership;

3.    That the Scrutiny Commission be asked to schedule further scrutiny of the Key Performance Indicator KI 11  - % rent loss from void properties

4.    That a report regarding the raising of car parking fees in Loughborough including an overview of fees across the Borough be provisionally scheduled to the Committee’s meeting in June 2022;

Reasons

1.    To enable the Council’s scrutiny arrangements to operate efficiently and effectively.

2.    To note the Committee’s remit continued to include acting as the Crime and Disorder Committee.

3.    Members were concerned that this matter was note being given significant priority and wished for further detailed scrutiny on this topic.

4.    To scrutinise matters relating to the raising of car parking fees if the information was available by its June meeting, and if, after reviewing the matter, enabling the Committee to initiate further scrutiny.