To receive and, if so determined, to agree as a correct record the Minutes of previous meetings:

RESOLVED:  That the Minutes of the meeting held on 17 July 2013, and of the Special Meeting also held on 17 July 2013 be approved as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

Members to give notice of any interest and the nature of that interest relating to any item on the agenda in accordance with the adopted Code of Conduct.

No declarations were made.

To receive a report of the Executive Member for Economic Growth and Prosperity.

[Note: The Executive Member and Corporate Director will be in attendance.]

Councillor Hyman, Executive Member Economic Growth and Prosperity, and Andy Prideaux, Head of Property and Development were in attendance to brief the Committee on the implementation of the agreed proposals and progress to date following the Scrutiny Topic Group meeting on 16^th May 2013.

An opportunity was provided for Members to ask questions, this led to a discussion on the wording of the Rent Grant Questionnaire which will be sent out to community organisations.  Members agreed that they would welcome the opportunity to review a copy of the covering letter in advance and make any comments on its content. The Committee requested a schedule of all assets held by the Council, and it was agreed that this could be provided.  It was noted that the list of community assets presented to the Committee was out of date, and a revised, updated list was requested.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the content of the report and progress made to date be noted and welcomed.

(2)       That a copy of the covering letter that will accompany the Rent Grant Questionnaire be given to Members.

(3)       That a copy of the schedule of all assets held by the Council be made available to Members.

(4)       That a revised updated list of community assets be made available to Members.

To receive a report of the Executive Member for Finance and Director of Finance.

The Committee received a joint report from Councillor Anstee, Executive Member for Finance, and Ian Duncan, Director of Finance outlining the Executive response to recommendations arising from the review of the 2013/14 budget.  Members considered the planned actions in response to the recommendations and discussed how the information may help towards the scrutiny of the 2014/2015 budget proposals.

A specific query was raised, centering on concerns of the impact of the HR savings, particularly regarding the support available for managers in undertaking disciplinary proceedings.  In this regard, it was agreed that some further information would be sought on how delivery from the AGMA contract works in practice at a local level.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the content of the report be noted.

(2)       That an assurance is given with regard to the support available for managers in undertaking disciplinary proceedings, and that further information on how delivery from the AGMA contract works in practice at a local level be given to Members.

To receive a report of the Executive Member for Highways and Environment.

The Committee received a joint report from Councillor Mitchell, Executive Member for Highways and Environment, and Aidan Flynn, Head of Highways, in response to requests made from Members for additional actions to be considered on the proposed investment in streetlighting.

The Committee welcomed the fact that the Executive was taking the proposed suggestions into account, including the subsequent suggestion which the Committee supported, about pursuing the proposals on a wider basis than just this Council.  Members commented that it could be beneficial to pursue potential advantages of economies of scale, and avoidance of duplication via this route.  The Committee expressed the hope that this approach will be reflected in any future report which is presented for the Executive’s consideration in due course.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the content of the report be noted.

(2)       That a letter be sent to the Executive Member for Highways and Environment thanking him for providing the updated report which was welcomed by the Committee.

To receive a report of the Executive Member for Highways and Environment.

The Committee received a joint report from Councillor Mitchell, Executive Member for Highways and Environment, and Graeme Levy, Public Protection Manager, in response to the request for an update on the recommendations from the Scrutiny Topic Group.

Specific reference was made in support of the involvement of the Communications Team, and a request that the opportunity be taken to maximise publicity and dissemination of the iCan system.

The Committee welcomed the work with Trafford Housing Trust in support of a bid to expand the initiative to deter rogue traders.  Acknowledging that the bid will include Trafford Housing Trust properties, the Committee expressed the hope that partnership working would allow the initiative to be expanded on a community wide basis across the Borough.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the content of the report be noted and welcomed.

(2)       That opportunities to maximise publicity and dissemination of the iCan system be identified.

(3)       That dependant on the success of the bid to Trafford Housing Trust  the Committee would support the expansion of the initiative on a community-wide basis across the Borough.

To consider a report of the Strategic Manager, Crime and Antisocial Behaviour.

The Committee received an introductory report from David Boulger, Strategic Manager – Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, setting out the background to the Partnership’s work, and its key priorities.

Following a discussion by the Committee on the anti-social behaviour, and acquisitive crime information in the report, Members requested that a future report or presentation should make a specific reference to any statistical data that would relate it to drug crime incidents.  An area of concern was noted with reference to the issues of illegal activity associated with match day car parking in Stretford and surrounding areas, and it was agreed that Members would be pleased to receive information associated with this subject as part of any future referral to this Committee.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the content of the report be noted and welcomed.

(2)       That the Committee would welcome a presentation from the Strategic Manager of Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour, and Greater Manchester Police at a future Scrutiny Meeting.

(3)       That the Committee would welcome a future briefing on both drug related crime incidents, and illegal activity associated with match day parking in Stretford and surrounding areas.

To consider a report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Committee received for information a report of the Democratic Services Manager setting out proposed arrangements for the forthcoming scrutiny review of the Executive’s Budget Proposals for 2014/15. Members endorsed the broad principles and processes underpinning the proposed budget scrutiny exercise, but expressed some reservations regarding timing issues. The officers were requested to review this aspect of the proposals in the light of key Members’ availability, and bring forward alternative suggestions for consideration by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Members agreed the service divisions and Topic Group chairmen who would lead the relevant Scrutiny sessions, namely: CWB Adults, Councillor Holden, CBB Children’s, Councillor Mrs. Young, ETO / EGP, Councillor John Reilly, and T&R, Councillor Chilton. The Committee was asked for, and agreed, a delegated arrangement in order that the budget scrutiny report could be finalised as promptly as possible and referred to the Executive in a timely fashion.

            RESOLVED:

(1)       That the content of the report be noted.

(2)       That the officers review timing aspect of the proposals in the light of key Members’ availability, and bring forward alternative suggestions for consideration by the Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

(3)       That Scrutiny Members identify which directorate-based topic groups they would wish to participate in, and notify the officers and respective Chairmen accordingly.

(4)       That authority to finalise the Budget Scrutiny Report be delegated to the Democratic Services Manager in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of this Committee.

To receive oral updates from the Topic Group Chairmen on the progress of the reviews undertaken by Topic Groups.

Councillor Chilton advised the Committee of progress to date on the Cycling project, including key areas of focus and stakeholders. Further meetings were planned, and an update would be made to the Committee’s next meeting. He also briefed the Committee on the forthcoming meeting, to be held at the request of the Executive, to allow Scrutiny input into the proposed consultation on school places sufficiency. It was noted that this would provide an opportunity to seek education co-opted members’ views on the broader Scrutiny work programme.

            RESOLVED: That the content of the update report be noted.