Agenda item

To consider a report from the Head of Scrutiny and Member Development presenting draft terms of reference for the Board’s forthcoming Inquiries.

The Head of Scrutiny and Member Development submitted a report presenting draft terms of reference for the Board’s forthcoming Inquiries.

Appended to the report were copies of the following documents for the information/comment of the meeting:-

·  Inquiry into Street Cleaning – Draft Terms of Reference (Appendix A refers)

·  Inquiry into Older People’s Housing – Draft Terms of Reference (Appendix B refers)

At the request of the Chair, the Principal Scrutiny Adviser also circulated additional information on the draft terms of reference for the Private Rented Sector Housing Inquiry for consideration.

In summary, specific reference was made to the following issues:-

Inquiry into Street Cleaning

·  the need to make particular reference to the enforcement of dog fouling within the Inquiry

·  the need for the Street Cleaning Inquiry Working Group to be convened before the October Board meeting

·  clarification of the grass cutting contract and performance

(The Principal Scrutiny Adviser responded and it was agreed that this matter would be taken up separately as part of the performance management and recommendation tracking items in October 2008)

·  the need to address the issue of park maintenance

(The Principal Scrutiny Adviser responded and it was agreed that this matter should be referred to the Chair of the Scrutiny Board (City Development) for action)

Inquiry into Older People’s Housing

·  the need to include the comments received from the Director of Adult Social Services

·  the need to explore the implications of the increasing older people population on housing related services and the identification of future planning needs

·  the need to ensure that older people have a safe and secure environment to live in, with a sense of belonging to and participating in communities

·  the need to add Connect Housing and the Older People’s Forum to the witness list

·  the need to forward the final terms of reference to the Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Care) for any further comments and to await nominations from its Board Members to take part in the potential joint Inquiry.

·  the need to look into a possible Board visit to Sheffield to observe its new retirement village at Woodhouse

(The Principal Scrutiny Adviser responded and agreed to investigate this matter further with a report back at the October meeting)

Inquiry into Private Rented Sector Housing

·  the need to add the Tenants Federation and Students Unions to the witness list

RESOLVED –

(a)  That the contents of the report and appendices be noted.

(b)  That, subject to those amendments referred to above, the terms of reference for the Inquiry into Street Cleaning be approved and that the Principal Scrutiny Adviser be requested to arrange a meeting of the Working Group before the next Board meeting.

(c)  That, subject to those amendments referred to above, the terms of reference for the Inquiry into Older People’s Housing be approved and that the Principal Scrutiny Adviser be requested to forward a copy to the Scrutiny Board (Adult Social Care) for comments.

(d)  That, subject to the addition of the Tenants Federation and Student Unions to the list of witnesses, the terms of reference for the Inquiry into Private Rented Sector Housing be approved.