Agenda and minutes

Venue: Crompton Suite, Civic Centre, Oldham, West Street, Oldham, OL1 1NL. View directions

Items
No. Item

1.

Apologies For Absence

Minutes:

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Sheldon and Taylor.

2.

Declarations of Interest

To Receive Declarations of Interest in any Contract or matter to be discussed at the meeting.

Minutes:

There were no declarations of interest received.

3.

Urgent Business

Urgent business, if any, introduced by the Chair

Minutes:

There were no items of urgent business received.

4.

Public Question Time

To receive Questions from the Public, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

Minutes:

There were no public questions received.

 

5.

Minutes of Previous Meeting pdf icon PDF 153 KB

The Minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Board held on 24th July 2018 are attached for approval.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Board held on 24th July 2018 be approved as a correct record.

 

6.

Minutes of the Performance and Value for Money Select Committee pdf icon PDF 129 KB

The minutes of the Performance and Value for Money Select Committee meeting held on 28th June 2018 are attached for noting.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Performance and Value for Money Select Committee held on 28th June 2018 be noted.

7.

Minutes of the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee pdf icon PDF 201 KB

The minutes of the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee held on 20th March 2018 are attached for noting.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee held on 20th March 2018 be noted.

8.

Minutes of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Economy, Business Growth and Skills Scrutiny Committee pdf icon PDF 469 KB

The minutes of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Economy, Business Growth and Skills Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 13th July 2018 are attached for noting.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the GMCA Economy, Business Growth and Skills Scrutiny Committee held on 13th July 2018 be noted.

9.

Minutes of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Housing, Planning and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee pdf icon PDF 428 KB

The minutes of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Housing, Planning and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 12th July 2018 are attached for noting.

 

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the GMCA Housing, Planning and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 12th July 2018 be noted.

10.

Minutes of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Corporate Issues and Reform Overview and Scrutiny Committee pdf icon PDF 57 KB

The minutes of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) Corporate Issues and Reform Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 19th June 2018 are attached for noting.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the minutes of the GMCA Corporate Issues and Reform Overview and Scrutiny Committee held on 19th June 2018 be noted.

11.

Who Put That There?: A Street Charter for Oldham pdf icon PDF 297 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Board gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the implementation of the street charter and the implementation plan.  Work had been taking place since the agreement by Council in March 2017 for the adoption of a “Who Put That There” Street Charter for Oldham which sought to make Oldham more accessible for the blind and partially sighted.

 

The requirement of the Charter were outlined in the report.  A draft ‘A Board’ policy was also being prepared in consultation with the working group.  The policy would be reported separately to a later Overview and Scrutiny Board.

 

A working group had been formed to progress the implementation of the Street Charter.  The group had met over the last 12 months and prioritised key areas within the street charter which included general awareness raising, regeneration specifically through the Town Centre Master planning team and obstructions on the highway – specifically overhanging bushes and bins.  An implementation plan aimed to track the actions identified by the group and those within the charter.

 

Members were advised of the work that had been undertaken and of the positive response received. Parking hotspots had been highlighted to the Enforcement Team and action taken. Obstructions could be dealt with by the police.

 

Members asked about issues which arose as part of building development and link to planning issues. Members were advised that when new schemes were considered the group be consulted on those schemes as well as highways schemes. Members also sought and received confirmation that the language used in the implementation had been agreed.

 

Members also sought and received clarification on how issues could be reported which included telephone.

 

Members were informed that the “A” board strategy would include a more general approach to street furniture.

 

Members asked about the maintenance of crossing lights. This would be investigated and reported back.

 

Members raised the fact that overhanging branches and obstructions affected all residents. Members were advised that there was a standard letter sent to homeowners to rectify any issues. After a set period of time, action would be taken by the Council.

 

Members were advised that the working group had ceased.

 

RESOLVED that:

1.    The progress made and the final conclusions of the working group on the implementation of the street charter be noted.

2.    It be agreed the street charter is embedded within all relevant responsible service areas.

3.    It be agreed that service areas should utilise the working group as a network for any relevant issues which were undergoing consultation, which would potentially have an impact on blind and partially sighted residents and visitors to Oldham.

4.    A further report led by the Licensing Team in respect of “A” Board and Street Furniture be reported to the Overview and Scrutiny Board separately.

 

12.

Land Value Taxation pdf icon PDF 200 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Board gave consideration to a report of the Assistant Director of Finance which was in response to a motion entitled “Land Value Taxation” which had been referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Board by Full Council on 28th March 2018.

 

The report explained the history of Land Value Taxation (LVT) and its bases in economic theory along with the advantages and disadvantages associated with this form of taxation.  The motion had suggested that LVT could replace taxation levied through Council tax and business rates.  The report also considered the implications for tax administration at local authority level and highlighted issues for the Local Government Finance System which may arise on transition from current forms of local taxation to LVT.

 

The history, advantages and disadvantages of LVT were outlined.  Liability for paying LVT rested with the landowner (landlord or freeholder) rather than the tenant.  If LVT replaced Council Tax and Business Rates, many aspects of the billing and collection arrangements currently in place would have to be changed.  As well as significant changes for bill payers, switching to an LVT based system carried significant implications for the financing of local authority activities. The local government finance system would need to be rebalanced to ensure more funds were distributed from London to the regions and would highlight the major disparity in land values between London and the South East and the rest of the country.

 

Members were informed of present funding arrangements from Council Tax, Business Rates and Central Government. Members were informed that a Fair Funding Review was being undertaken which was looking at distribution of funding to Local Authorities. The Authority would need to look at the outcome which would include retention of 75% business rates and understand the impact on Oldham. Members were asked that the outcome of current reviews be investigated and the LVT not be supported at this time. Members were advised that there would be winners and losers moving to Land Value Taxation and that transition time would be required. It was noted that it had been 20 years since the last significant change.

 

Members sought clarification on the letters that were requested to be sent and were advised that when motions were referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Board, no other actions were taken that were outlined in the motion until the board has determined a response.

 

Members asked about who would be responsible for tax for properties liable under ground rent. Members were advised that it was the land owner who was liable for tax which shifted liability. This would be a radical shake up as to the way land and property was taxed. There was a crisis in funding Local Authorities at the moment. The Fair Funding Review was being undertaken but had not yet been completed. There would be a need to understand what the outcomes and if the funding would be fairer.

 

Members asked if it would be possible for Oldham to introduce Land Value Taxation on its own.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

13.

Single Use Plastics pdf icon PDF 211 KB

Minutes:

The Board were provided with an update on progress in responding to the Council motion referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Board on 28th March 2018 related to Single Use Plastics.  A strategy and supporting action plan was being developed.

 

A project team had been established with representatives from a number of services.  The issue of single-use plastics and how to reduce, reuse and recycle them had been a part of the authority’s work around waste reduction for many years.  The Project team were now looking at key areas of focus for an effective strategy and opportunities for the Council to engage and leverage change through its processes, partners and relationships with both businesses and residents.

 

Key issues had been identified in respect of procurement, recycling and communications which required further work.

 

Members asked if there had been any progress in recycling technology for items called ‘single use’. Members were informed that equipment used in GM Waste would not be changed soon and could only collect plastic bottles which could be converted into new uses. Other non-recyclable plastics would be sent to an “energy from waste plant”.

 

Members commented positively on the achievements of Unity Partnership. Members asked about the coffee drinks supplier. The current cups could not be recycled and asked if the supplier could be changed.

 

Members raised the issue of complicated recycling and asking a representative who sits on the GM Waste and Recycling Committee to discuss. Members also suggested setting up a recycling plant.

 

Members commented that every public body had a problem and was not being investigated in isolation. Members queried work ongoing in other Authorities as well as GMCA. The Mayor of Greater Manchester had raised the issue and wished to make Greater Manchester single use plastic free by 2020.

 

The strategy and action plan would be developed by the end of 2018 with the objective to reduce single use plastic, increase plastic that could be recycled, explore options with procurement and explore what would be feasible.

 

Members asked what could the Council influence. Members commented on speaking with businesses and promoting the issues through the Mayor, Youth Mayor and possibly a sticker to display saying “I am helping to reduce plastic”.

 

Members asked how soon they may be able to see any progress which could be reviewed. Members asked if the strategy could be brought to the board before the end of the year.

 

Members asked if an audit had been made on what plastics are used by schools. Members were advised that schools were being contacted and asked what they were doing.

 

RESOLVED that:

1.    The report on Single Use Plastics and the work undertaken to date be noted.

2.    The draft strategy and action plan be brought back to the Overview and Scrutiny Board meeting in November.

 

14.

Oldham Cares pdf icon PDF 172 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Board gave consideration to an update on Oldham Cares which had come into being on 1st April 2018.  This included a description of the aims of Oldham Cares, a summary of the change programme and the utilisation of the £21.3 million transformation fund.

 

Oldham Cares brought together services from across the local authority, health partners and voluntary organisations into a single system to share knowledge, resources and skills to deliver a better health and social care experience to residents.  A new health and social care commissioning function had brought staff together from Adult Social Care, MioCare and Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust to work as one team.  At neighbourhood level, teams which included Primary Care would work together in geographical clusters servicing populations of 50,000.  There were five clusters and there was a plan to include elected members in these leadership teams.

 

The following was also highlighted to the Board:

·         Newly established Alliance Board;

·         Outcomes Framework which had been agreed by the Health and Wellbeing Board

·         Greater Manchester Transformation Fund monies which supported Oldham Cares ambitions.

 

An Investment Review and Assurance Process had been in place since November 2017 which enabled robust and fully costed transformation proposals to be developed.  Thriving Communities Business Case was also highlighted whereby the enabler funding had been pooled to ensure co-ordination and best value from the transformation fund.  The Start Well – Avoidable Admissions programme proposal was also highlighted in the report which aimed to work with partners to support Oldham’s parents and carers so the wellbeing and chances for children and young people were enhanced. Mental Health had developed two options with funding allocated at the pilot stage to ensure an evidence base as previously issues had been highlighted related to sustainability.

 

Members referred to the integrated community care and the analysis under point 2.5. Health and social care clusters was a most radical change. Clusters were piloting elements which could be brought forward to ease pressures especially in winter. The five clusters had different populations. New ways of working were being tried in the different areas. This was linked to “Thriving Communities”. The integration of the adult and social care teams was highlighted which was a real practical change.

 

Members commented that the Sure Start centres were not listed. Members were informed that the Sure Start Centres were central to what was being done. Members also commented that linking St. James with Saddleworth had caused confusion to some residents. Members commented on work that could be done at district level. Members were informed of events for Councillors with GPs and other professional staff.

 

Members commented on the views of GPs towards elected Members on nonmedical issues and services being developed in a way to work differently.

 

Members commented on the difficulty in understanding the changes which had evolved quickly. If Members were confused, the wider community would also be confused. A discussion was needed on simplifying the message for Councillors and communities.

 

Members commented on receiving a presentation at a  ...  view the full minutes text for item 14.

15.

Council Motion: Restricting New Hot Food Takeaways Near Schools pdf icon PDF 144 KB

Minutes:

The Board gave consideration to an update on a response to the Motion referred to the Overview and Scrutiny Board at the Council held on 28th March 2018 related to the restriction of new hot food takeaways near schools.

 

Health Scrutiny had agreed a draft response received at its meeting on 3rd July 2018 be referred to the Board and that consideration be given to the possibility of incorporating the issue of obesity into the proposed workshop related to Urgent Care.

 

RESOLVED that:

1.    The proposal to incorporate the issue of obesity in the proposed workshop on Urgent Care be agreed.

2.    An update be provided to Council on the Council Action Report.

 

16.

General Exceptions and Urgent Decisions

The Board is requested to note decisions that have been taken under Rule 16 or 17 of the Council’s Constitution since the last meeting of the Overview and Scrutiny Board held on 24th July 2018.  The Board is requested to note that there were no decisions taken under Rule 16 or 17 since the last meeting.

 

Minutes:

There were no General Exception or Urgent Decisions to be noted.

 

17.

Overview and Scrutiny Board Work Programme pdf icon PDF 178 KB

The Board is requested to comment on and note the Overview and Scrutiny Board Work Programme for the 2018/19 Municipal Year.

 

Minutes:

The Overview and Scrutiny Board gave consideration to the latest Work Programme.

 

The ownership of the programme was explained to the board. An update was provided on progress of some items on the work programme. Clarification was also provided on the various sections of the work programme which included Part A – The Work Programme; Part B – One-Off Meetings and Workshops; Part C – Outstanding Issues which were awaiting a confirmation date; and Part D – Actions Arising from Previous Meetings.

 

RESOLVED that the Overview and Scrutiny Board Work Programme be noted.

 

18.

Key Decision Document pdf icon PDF 181 KB

The Board is requested to note the latest Key Decision Document.

Minutes:

The Overview and Scrutiny Board gave consideration to the latest published Key Decision Document.

 

RESOLVED that the Key Decision Document be noted.

19.

Date and Time of Next Meeting

The date and time of the next Overview and Scrutiny Board meeting will be Tuesday, 16th October 2018 at 6.00 p.m.

Minutes:

RESOLVED that the date and time of the next Overview and Scrutiny Board to be held on 16th October 2018 at 6.00 p.m. be noted.