To notify the Chairman of any items that appear later in the agenda in which you may have an interest.

No declarations of interest were received.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the meeting held on:-

The Minutes of the meetings held on 24^th June, 2008 and 1^st July, 2008 were confirmed as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

To consider the attached action plan detailing progress against recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Review of Regeneration of Older Private Sector Housing.

Consideration was given to a report detailing progress to date on Cabinet’s response and action plan following consideration of its recommendations arising from the Regeneration of Older Private Sector Housing Review (for copy see file of Minutes).

It was explained that Graham Wood, Corporate Policy and Regeneration Manager, was present at the meeting to outline progress.

Members were reminded of the background to review and recommendations provided by the review group, the actions that had been drawn up and suggested timescales.

Details on progress/action was outlined and members were informed that actions had been implemented or would be ongoing for a number of years.

During discussion of this item reference was made to Compulsory Purchase Orders and the process of valuation of properties.  It was noted that statutory and discretionary assistance could be given in relation to relocation.

A query was also raised regarding affordable housing and maintaining the interest of developers bearing in mind the recent dip in the housing market.  It was explained that consideration was given to a fair proportion of affordable housing including intermediate housing which made it easier for developers.  A balance of tenure made it possible to keep the interests of developers.

Reference was also made to the renewals programme under the new authority.  It was explained that the programme was for ten years or more.  It was anticipated that the new authority would be delivering such schemes.  The Council was also working through the Durham Coalfields Renewals Partnership and the County Council in relation to renewals throughout the County.  Funding was to be secured with English Partnerships for programmes.

AGREED :                 That the Committee is satisfied that the actions following  the Overview and Scrutiny Review for Regeneration of Older Private Sector Housing have been implemented or are ongoing and that no further reports are required.

To consider the attached action plan detailing progress against recommendations from the Overview and Scrutiny Review of Tourism within the Borough.

Consideration was given to a report detailing progress to date on Cabinet’s response and action plan following consideration of its recommendations arising from the Tourism within the Borough Review Group (for copy see file of Minutes).

Lucy Wearne Tourism Officer attended the Committee to give a presentation regarding progress.

Members were reminded of the background and recommendations provided by the review group, the action plan which that had been drawn up and suggested timescales.

Details on progress on each action were outlined and Members were satisfied that the actions from the Review had been implemented or were ongoing.

A query was raised regarding membership on the County Durham Tourism Partnership.  It was later explained that the Tourism Partnership had its own selection process which included formal application and interview.

AGREED :              That the Committee is satisfied that the actions following  the Overview and Scrutiny Review for Tourism within the Borough have been implemented or are ongoing and that no further reports are required.

To consider the minutes of the meetings held on:-

Consideration was given to the Minutes of the meetings held on 11^th March, 2008 and 7^th April, 2008 (for copies see file of Minutes).

AGREED :     That the Minutes be received.

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To consider the attached report of the Chairman of the Committee.

Consideration was given to the Work Programme for the Healthy Borough with Strong Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee (for copy see file of Minutes).  An update was given on progress on the Committee’s two Review Groups Healthy Borough Review Group and Strong Communities Review Group.

AGREED :     That the report be noted.