The Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses were noted.

DECISION

1.    To note the scrutiny report of Housing Open Spaces (to improve health, environmental quality, economic and social outcomes through Housing Open Spaces) and agree the action plan in response to the report recommendations.

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, PLACE (A. SUTCLIFFE)

(Strategy and Policy Manager (A. Kamali)

Councillor Sirajul Islam, Statutory Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Housing, introduced the report. He welcomed the review scrutiny had undertaken and highlighted the importance of open spaces in the health and wellbeing of residents and he committed to taking the agreed recommendations forward.

Councillor Andrew Wood, Leader of the Conservative Group, welcomed the report but challenged why there wasn’t a complete commitment not to build on open spaces.

The Mayor welcomed the report. He highlighted that the borough generally lacked open spaces and that it was vital those that existed were used in the best way possible. He thanked scrutiny and officers for their work. He noted the Pre-Decision Scrutiny Questions and officer responses and agreed the recommendation as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To note the scrutiny report of Housing Open Spaces (to improve health, environmental quality, economic and social outcomes through Housing Open Spaces) and agree the action plan in response to the report recommendations.