Issue - meetings

To receive the latest version of the Committee’s work programme and the Council’s Forward Plan.

138.1              The Committee considered the Work Programme. The Chair brought to Members’ attention that the Matson and Podsmead Estate Regeneration Draft Supplementary Planning Document for Consultation would be considered at the February meeting of the Committee. Members discussed and agreed to hear from residents and the relevant ward councillors.

138.2              The Chair advised that, while Universal Credit would have been in place for a year at the end of February, it was necessary for Officers to be afforded time to collate relevant information to contribute to the review. As such, it was agreed that the meeting would be held when the relevant information was available which was likely to be from April onwards.

138.3              Councillor Haigh raised the matter of Task and Finish groups. It was noted that the High Strength Alcohol group had concluded and was due for review. Councillor Haigh suggested that there should be consultation with Officers and the public with regard to what topic to explore by way of a Task and Finish Group.

138.4              Members noted that the group on Homelessness had not met for some time and that such matters and the context had changed significantly. Members also stated that it was necessary for further Task and Finish groups to have a precise scoping and forensic focus. It was agreed that the Homelessness group be closed and that a consultation on a new group would take place.

138.5              In respect of the Gloucester Railway Station being on the Forward Plan, Councillor Hilton asked that a briefing on the design and the project as a whole be provided when the project was at such a stage.

138.6              RESOLVED that:- (1) The implementation of Universal Credit in the City review take place when information for the year has been collated and is available; (2) The homelessness Task and Finish Group be closed and a consultation take place seeking topics for a new Task and Finish Group; (3) A briefing on the Gloucester Railway Station project design be provided to the Committee when the project has progressed to the appropriate stage and; (4) The Overview and Scrutiny Committee NOTE the Work Programme.