Issue - meetings

To receive the latest version of the Committee’s work programme and the Council’s Forward Plan in order to identify and set priorities for current civic year.

7.1       The Chair introduced the latest version of the City Council’s Forward Plan and a discussion ensued about what should be carried forward on the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme. The Chair asked Members to consider the Committee’s priorities and direction over the coming months. He explained that the Overview and Scrutiny Committee was not governed solely by the City Council Forward Plan and invited suggestions from Members on areas they would like to cover over the months ahead. The Chair informed Members that the Group Leads had already requested an update on the Gloucester Culture Trust Report at the next meeting. The Chair also suggested that the Committee examine the 2020-21 Financial Outturn Report at the July meeting.

7.2       Councillor Hilton asked whether the City Forward Plan would be refreshed in due course as he felt that the Committee needed some clarification on what the Cabinet would be looking at over the next 12 months. It was agreed that the Committee would receive an update on the 2021-22 Gloucester City Council Forward Plan, along with the Financial Monitoring Quarter 1 Report and Performance Monitoring Quarter 1 report during the meeting on 6^th September 2021.

7.3       The Chair referred to the Transition of the Waste Street Scene and Grounds Maintenance Services contract which was due to expire in Spring 2022. He suggested that the Committee examine this during the Overview and Scrutiny meeting on 4^th October. Members decided that the Committee would request an update from Cabinet as to where the Council is on the contract, any progress which is being made and what still needs to be done ahead of the transfer of services in April 2022. It was agreed to add this item to the agenda for the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting on 4^th October, alongside the City Council Energy Costs and Reduction Projects Annual Report at the suggestion of the Chair.

7.4       Councillor Wilson referred to the Report by the Gloucester City Commission to Review Race Relations and noted that this is an important piece of work which the Overview and Scrutiny Committee should examine. It was agreed that this item be added to the Work Programme and agenda for the O&S meeting on 29^th November 2021. Supporting officers resolved to update the Work Programme and circulate it to Members following the meeting. The Chair thanked Members for attending the meeting.

RESOLVED – 1) That the Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme be amended to reflect the above and     

2) To NOTE the Work Programme.