Agenda item

Report of the Director of Transformation and Partnerships.

The Chairman asked the Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Diane Close to speak to Members in relation to the Council Plan 2016-2019 – Refresh of the Work Programme (for copy see file of minutes).

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer explained that the report highlighted work that had been undertaken by the Committee within the past year and also looked forward to seek suggestions from Members to be included within the Committee’s work programme for the forthcoming year.   Members were reminded that the aims and objectives were aligned to those of the Council Plan and associated plans, as well as the Altogether Wealthier priority theme.  It was explained that the work programme for 2017/18 would need to include further updates on a number of items considered in 2016/17, systematic reviews of recommendations in previous scrutiny review reports, focused scrutiny meetings and additional areas of overview activity.

The Overview and Scrutiny Officer noted possible areas for review, however, a further report would come back to Committee in June for Members’ consideration.

The Chairman thanked the Overview and Scrutiny Officer and noted it was good to see all of the work that the Committee had undertaken, with a lot of achievements in respect of some difficult topics.  She added that the new Committee after the County Council elections would decide on a finalised work programme, however, asked Members for any comments they may have.

Councillor J Armstrong noted that he felt the topic of the County Durham Plan (CDP) was one that would need to be looked at by the new Committee.  Councillor H Nicholson noted that the recent Housing White Paper on the issue looked to consult further and this would have a knock on effect.  The Principal Overview and Scrutiny Officer, Stephen Gwillym reminded Members of the recent update in terms of the White Paper and Industrial Strategy Green Paper and that Officers would report back periodically with updates as further information was received.

Councillor J Clare noted that he was delighted that retail was set out within paragraph 11 of the report and added that broadband provision was an important issue, with Councillor J Armstrong adding especially in rural areas.

Councillor C Kay noted he was looking forward to the information coming forward in terms of the performance of the new County Durham Housing Group (CDHG) and how this would compare in terms of the performance of the previous providers. 

Councillor E Tomlinson, Portfolio Holder for Assets, Strategic Housing and Rural Issues noted that bungalows were being built for the first time in Crook and that the stock programme was ahead of schedule.  Councillor H Nicholson added that there were issues in terms of properties, for example some in Eldon, where there were groups of empty properties that were being sold of individually rather than developed as an area or demolished. 

Councillor E Tomlinson commented that north east will be strongly lobbying Government in terms of housing and funding for demolition to enable regeneration.

Resolved:

(i)            That the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee note the information contained in the Altogether Wealthier priority theme of the Council Plan 2016 -2019.

(ii)          That the Economy and Enterprise Overview and Scrutiny Committee at its meeting on 29 June 2017, receive a further report detailing the Committee’s Work Programme for 2017 -2018.