Agenda and minutes

The Chairman requested nominations for Vice-Chair of the Committee.

It was proposed by Councillor Patricia Heath, seconded by Councillor Stephie Barber and unanimously agreed:

“That Councillor Stewart Scothern be appointed Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the Municipal Year.” 

Resolved:

That Councillor Stewart Scothern be appointed Vice-Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for the Municipal Year. 

Minutes of the Meeting held on 11^th March, 2020.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 11^th March 2020, were agreed by the Chairman as a correct record.

There were no items of Urgent Business.

To receive declarations by Councillors of interests in respect of items on this Agenda. 

Councillors are reminded that, in accordance with the Localism Act 2011, they are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which have not already been declared in the Council’s Register of Interests. (It is a criminal offence not to declare a disclosable pecuniary interest either in the Register or at the meeting). 

Whilst not a legal requirement, in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 9 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Councillors should declare any disclosable pecuniary interests which they have already declared in the Register, at this point in the meeting. 

In accordance with Part B Section 2 of the Code Of Conduct, Councillors are required to declare the existence and nature of any other interests as defined in paragraphs 8(1) or 9(2) of the Code of Conduct. 

There were no Declarations of Interest.

Report of the Chief Executive.

The Committee was requested to make the following appointments:

·       Scrutiny Champion

·       Pre- Scrutiny Champion

·       Also to appoint to the following bodies:

·       Homelessness Forum

·       Lancaster, Morecambe and District Fairtrade Group

Resolved:

(1)            That Councillor Patricia Heath be appointed Scrutiny Champion for the Municipal Year. 

(2)            That Councillor Stephie Barber be appointed the Pre-Scrutiny Champion for the Municipal Year. 

(3)            The following appointments were agreed to outside bodies:

·       Homelessness Forum – Councillor Mandy King

·       Lancaster, Morecambe & District Fairtrade Group - Councillor David Whitaker

Report of the Chief Executive. 

The Committee was requested to consider a report detailing the progress on suggestions for the Work Programme for the forthcoming year. It was reported that all Councillors had been emailed requesting ideas and a media release had been produced.  

Resolved :

(1)            That the Committee notes the report and the processes for considering current and future scrutiny Work Programme topics and agenda items. 

(2)        That the Committee notes that a report on any suggestions for the Work         Programme will be provided at the next meeting.  

The Committee is recommended to pass the following recommendation in relation to the following item :- 

 “That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act, 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that they could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act.” 

 Members are reminded that, whilst the following item has been marked as exempt, it is for the Committee itself to decide whether or not to consider the item in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraph of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and also whether the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.  In considering their discretion Members should also be mindful of the advice of Council Officers.

It was proposed by Councillor Stewart Scothern, seconded by Councillor Stephie Barber and resolved unanimously:

Resolved :-

That, in accordance with Section 100A(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business, on the grounds that it could involve the possible disclosure of exempt information as defined in paragraphs 3 of Schedule 12A of that Act. 

The press and public were excluded from the meeting at this point.

A request to Call-in the Cabinet decision in relation to the Property Investment Strategy – Investment Proposal Phase 3 Business Case.  The report was exempt from publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972.

Further details are set out in exempt minute 8.