Agenda and minutes

Minutes of meeting held on 7^th September 2012 (previously circulated). 

The minutes of the previous meeting were agreed as a correct record.

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

Members 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 10 and in the interests of clarity and transparency, Members 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, Members 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.

The Chairman advised that there was one item of urgent business, regarding Complaints Handling Arrangements, which had been authorised as a decision was required prior to the next meeting of the Committee (Minute 13 refers).

 It was agreed to consider this as the last item of business on the agenda.

Report of the Head of Health and Housing.

The Head of Health and Housing introduced a report on a recent review of corporate health and safety.

The review incorporated the views of the Safety Officer, Service Heads, meetings with key corporate functions, and an examination of corporate safety in other local authorities.  It was noted that the findings would be progressed through a corporate safety strategy and action plan, and that the council’s Safety Policy would be completed shortly for consideration at Management Team and Personnel Committee.

During the course of debate, councillors discussed the merits of member representation on the council’s safety committee.  It was noted that whilst a degree of scrutiny and oversight would be beneficial, it was not necessarily appropriate to play a role in the operational aspects of the safety committee.

An amendment to the recommendation was moved by Councillor Smith and seconded by Councillor Hill:

“That Personnel Committee should seek to appoint an elected member to the council’s Safety Committee”

Six members voted in favour, one voted against, and the amendment was carried.

Following the amendment, there was agreement that the Chairman would meet with the Head of Health and Housing, Environmental Health Manager, and Human Resources Manager to discuss how the amendment could be incorporated into the new health and safety structures.

Resolved:

(1)        That the report be noted;

(2)        That Personnel Committee should seek to appoint an elected member to the council’s Safety Committee;

(3)        That the Chairman of Personnel Committee would meet with the Head of Health and Housing, Environmental Health Manager, and Human Resources Manager to discuss how the views expressed above could be factored into the council’s new health and safety arrangements.

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 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.”

Members are reminded that, whilst the following items have been marked as exempt, it is for the committee itself to decide whether or not to consider each of them in private or in public.  In making the decision, Members should consider the relevant paragraphs of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, and should balance the interests of individuals or the committee itself in having access to information.  In considering their discretion members should also be mindful of the advice of council officers.

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 1 and 2 of Schedule 12A of that Act.

The Committee considered a request for early retirement.

Resolved:

The resolution is set out in a minute exempt from publication.

In accordance with Section 100B (4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Chairman agreed to consider this report as an item of urgent business, as there was a need to consider the matter before the next scheduled meeting of the committee.

Resolved:

The resolution is set out in a minute exempt from publication.