The Chair Councillor Mohammed Pappu welcomed everybody to this evening’s meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee. Members noted that in line with current requirements, this meeting was being held in person, with some Scrutiny Members along with key participants present in the meeting room, whilst others are joining remotely with only those Scrutiny Members present in the meeting room able to vote.

Members noted that although national restrictions have eased, the Council recognises that rates of Covid-19 infection continue to cause concern.  Therefore, to help keep everybody safe, it has been agreed to take the precaution of restricting non-essential physical attendance, retaining a limited public gallery, and are retaining health and safety practices such as social distancing and encouraging use of masks for all attendees, when not seated.