Agenda item

This report provides introductory information on the possible topics for scrutiny review in this municipal year, for Members consideration.

Members received a report which included introductory information, along with comments from the Council Leader and Cabinet Members, on possible topics for scrutiny review in the new municipal year.

Some of the discussion on the proposed topics took place whilst the Cabinet Member for Transport was in attendance.

‘Supporting Elderly People’ Corporate Review

Discussion took place on what area the Committee could examine to support the overarching Corporate Review set by Corporate and Scrutiny Management Committee (CSMC).

It was felt that a focus on employment for older people would be beneficial as it was recognised that there was a large increase in an elderly working population and that a review could examine the economic contribution and the effect on the health and wellbeing of elderly people in the workforce.

Bulk Buying of Energy

It was felt that this could be re-examined by the Committee in October.

Public Transport Provision

Some Members felt this was a worthwhile topic as retail and leisure patterns were changing in the city, for example venues such as the Vangarde Retail park which was located on the outskirts of the city were attracting more visitors. Therefore these Members felt that there would merit looking at cross city travel routes as a result of this. It was added that a review could also examine whether bus routes should take into account traffic pinch points. The Cabinet Member was concerned that there may be duplication of work if the Committee carried out a review as there were plans for a bus review.

Low Emissions Strategy

Some Members questioned what measures had been taken since proposals for a Low Emission Zone and Air Quality Strategy had been suggested in 2012.

The Cabinet Member responded that two reports had been submitted to the Government and would be put on the Council’s website.

Lendal Bridge

Some Members supported conducting a review into the Lendal Bridge trial mainly as it would allow for the Committee to look at the implementation of a controversial decision to see if lessons could be learnt. Other Members felt that the move was purely for political reasons, that the proposal had not been evidenced, that the Independent Transport Commission could go deeper into the process in the autumn. Some also felt that scrutiny of the trial by a small Task Group would not add any value and could be used as a forum for attributing blame.

Councillor Watt moved the suggestion to examine Lendal Bridge in a scrutiny review. Councillor Cuthbertson seconded the motion. On being put to the vote this was lost.

The Chair moved to have a topic on accessible housing for review. On being put to the vote this was lost. [As amended at the meeting on 23 July 2014]

Resolved: That the following topics be progressed to review;

·        Employment for older people as part of the Committee’s contribution to the ‘Supporting Elderly People’ Corporate Scrutiny review.

·        Bulk Buying of Energy

·        To reconsider Public Transport Provision and Low Emissions Strategy [As amended at the 23 July 2014 meeting]

Reason:   To keep Members informed of suggested topics for review in the new municipal year.