Agenda and minutes

To note the attendance at this meeting of any duly appointed Reserve Members.

RESOLVED:  To note the attendance at this meeting of the following duly appointed Reserve Members:-

To receive declarations of interest (if any) from Members of the Committee arising from business to be transacted at this meeting.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no declarations of interests made by Members in relation to the business transacted at this meeting.

To consider whether any of the items listed on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded on the grounds that it is thought likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that there would be disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence or of exempt information as defined in the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.

RESOLVED:  That all items be considered with the press and public present.

That the signing of the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2004 be deferred until the next Ordinary meeting of the Sub-Committee.

RESOLVED:  That the signing of the minutes of the meeting held on 11 March 2004 be deferred until the next ordinary meeting of the Sub-Committee.

Report of the Executive Director (Organisational Development).

(Note: For ease of reference, the report on the above matter which was submitted to the Sub-Committee at its meeting on 11 March 2004 will be circulated again to Members of the Sub-Committee under separate cover).

The Chair explained to the Members of the Sub-Committee that the Special meeting had been called to enable the Sub-Committee to consider the three recommendations set out in the report of the Executive Director of Organisational Development.

Consider and agree a provisional work programme for 2004-05

The Chair explained to the meeting that the Sub-Committee had been asked to agree a provisional work programme for 2004-05 and had consequently been given a matrix assessing potential topics to be included in this work programme. The Sub-Committee then turned to discussion, carefully considering each item.

(i)                  Waste Management

Members considered this to be an issue of concern due to the Borough’s increasing costs in waste management. The Chair suggested that a report on this matter be submitted to the Sub-Committee in September along with an officer’s briefing as the West London Waste Authority’s strategy should have been agreed by then. This was agreed.

(ii)                Performance of Planning Service

The Scrutiny Manager reported that the improvement plan would be going to the next Cabinet meeting so an update on the Planning and Development Improvement Plan would be referred to the Sub-Committee’s meeting in June.

(iii)              Preparation of Local Development Framework

It was agreed that an update be submitted to the meeting in June.

(iv)               Local transport Implementation Plan

Members of the Sub-Committee would consider this item as part of the Sub?Committee’s role of considering statutory plans prior to their approval by Council.

(v)                 Flooding

The Members of the Sub-Committee noted that this was an important issue in some areas of the Borough. Members felt that more information was required before a decision was taken on whether to undertake an in-depth review. It was agreed that officers be requested to submit a report on flooding to the September meeting.

(vi)               Development of/support for Small Businesses

The Members of the Sub-Committee felt that this item should be left to the Best Value Advisory Panel to consider.

(vii)             Affordable housing

The Members of the Sub-Committee felt that, as there was limited opportunity to influence matters in this area, the issue would not be included within the work programme.

(viii)           Availability of Quality Private Sector Rented Accommodation

The Members of the Sub-Committee had already agreed to see an update report on Renewal Grants Policy at the November meeting following which further action might be agreed.

(ix)              Performance of ALMO

The scheme was scheduled to start in September and the Sub-Committee felt an update could be provided in November following which further action might be considered.

(x)                Changes to Liquor Licensing

The Sub-Committee agreed that the item be reconsidered at a future date pending the adoption of a local authority licensing policy. The Chair recommended Members attend a training course in autumn and noted that this might be an area for review in the longer term.

(xi)              Green Belt Management Policy

Members felt that this was an area where there was an opportunity to influence policy development. It was also an issue in which there was likely  ...  view the full minutes text for item 89.