To receive an oral update from each of the Scrutiny Lead Members.

Scrutiny Lead for Adult Health and Well-being - Councillor Asma Begum

·           Context, objectives and elements of methodology for challenge session (CS) “Support for Carers” outlined in Tabled scoping paper, a copy of which would be interleaved with the minutesTo be completed in 12 weeks. Scrutiny Lead for Communities, Localities and Culture - Councillor John Pierce

·           Scoping underway with Officers for scrutiny review (SR) “Drug enforcement” and CS “Improving cycling safety”, update to next meeting

Scrutiny Lead for Resources - Councillor Abjol Miah

·           Context and objectives for SR of “Customer satisfaction and value for money of leisure centres” outlined: broadly to hold leisure industry to account and establish resident views of leisure provision to ensure the service currently provided reflect needs of community. Also to examine good practice, value for money and high standards elsewhere with a view to replication at LBTH.

·           Clarified that the Veolia contract would be looked at as an element of examination of the value for money of council contracts.

Chair - Councillor Joshua Peck - Conservation areas and Town Centre Policy

·           Context and objectives for CS “The implications of conservation areas for the extension of family homes” outlined: broadly to examine the scope for a negotiated solution between stakeholders in protection of heritage and families needing a bigger home. To be completed before Christmas.

·           Context and objectives for SR “Town centre policy and delivery” outlined, broadly that town centres were centres for local economic growth and this provided local employment and generated business rates and examining whether these were being nurtured and if not how to do so. To be completed in the New Year.

Scrutiny Lead for Children's Services - Councillor Denise Jones

·           Context, objectives and elements of methodology for SR “Effectiveness of literacy and numeracy on outcomes for children & families” outlined. Broadly achievement had fallen and there was a cohort of children falling below standard. Why was this? Could they be identified earlier? What was impact of interventions? What were correlations between illiteracy and parents with low income? Young people would be interviewed.

Scrutiny Lead for Development and Renewal - Councillor Dave Chesterton

·           Update to next meeting

Scrutiny Lead for Law Probity and Governance - Councillor Peter Golds

·           Outlined that there would be an examination of governance and election processes incorporating liaison with the Electoral Commission, a comparative review with other boroughs eg LB Southwark and examination of the template used by John Williams (SH Democratic Services), with an update to next meeting. The chair commented that this matter was to be the topic of a spotlight later in the Municipal Year. Frances Jones undertook to liaise with John Williams with regard to scheduling the spotlight on this matter in the OSC Work Programme 2014/15.

The Chair proposed and it was agreed that Old Ford Housing Association and therefore the Chief Executive of Circle Anglia (the owning group) be invited to attend the November or December OSC for a spotlight on housing providers. He also concurred with a Member proposal that if there was time in the work programme Tower Hamlets Community Housing be invited to attend with a focus on their good practice. A member commented that the advice sought on minimum standards and levers of influence would be helpful for these sessions.

Dr Phillip Rice (CofE Rep) sought an update on grant funding of refurbishment of historic places of worship. The Chair suggested this be included later in the year, if possible, as a spotlight or incorporated within a Lead Member spotlight.

Reverend Olanipekun (Parent Governor Rep) enquired if co-opted OSC members would be asked to serve on the proposed SRs and the Chair responded they would be asked to do so and other Councillors too.

The Chair Moved and it was:-

Resolved

That the verbal updates be noted.

Action by:

Angus Taylor (Principal Committee Officer, Democratic Services, LPG)

Mark Cairns (Senior Strategy Policy & Performance Officer, Corporate Strategy & Equality Service, LPG).