Agenda and minutes

Decision: The Minutes of the meeting Thursday, 28 January 2021 were approved as a correct record.

Decision: The minutes of the meeting, Thursday, 4 March of the Overview and Scrutiny Performance Panel were approved as a correct record.

Members are reminded of their responsibility to declare any pecuniary interest in respect of matters contained in this agenda.

As this is a virtual meeting if a Member has a pecuniary interest they are requested to leave the call completely rather than just mute their microphone. The Member can re-join the call following the completion of the item in question.

No declarations of interest were made.

There were no public questions submitted.

To consider the Executive Cabinet minutes of the meeting held on 21 January and 25 February 2021 (enclosed)

To consider the Executive Cabinet minutes of the meeting held on 21 January 2021.

Decision: The minutes of the meeting Thursday, 21 January 2021 of Executive Cabinet were noted.

To consider the Executive Cabinet minutes of the meeting held 25 February 2021

Decision: The minutes of the meeting Thursday, 25 February 2021 of Executive Cabinet were noted.

To view the latest notice of Executive Decisions click here: .

https://democracy.chorley.gov.uk/mgListPlanItems.aspx?PlanId=918&RP=115

The document is also attached and correct as of 10 March 2021.

Decision: The notice of Executive Decisions was noted.

Verbal Update to be provided at this meeting.

Matthew Pawlyszyn, Democratic and Member Services Officer provided the Committee an update from Councillor Margaret France.

It was highlighted that the proposal to close Chorley’s A and E Department had been withdrawn and it was currently open 12 hours a day from 8am to 8pm, while children were able to be seen at Chorley Urgent Care Centre which was open 24 hours a day, 7 days week.

The new Health Infrastructure Plan 2 was in development, but like Our Health Our Care it will be a long process before any changes are implemented.

To receive and consider the report of the Director of Communities.

Laura-Jean Taylor, Public Protection Team Leader (Early Intervention) presented the Clean Air Strategy.

Current measurements of air quality did not exceed the acceptable limits of nitrogen dioxide or particulate matter 2.5, although it was believed that the acceptable levels and limits were likely to be amended by the Government.

The Council’s strategy was split into four key areas,

-       The Council’s internal actions

-       The revision of policies and guidance documents

-       Communication, education, and engagement

-       Research projects.

Implications of not adopting the Clean Air Strategy could result in the failure of the Council to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by 2030.

The aims and objectives of the strategy were highlighted, these included engagement with residents and businesses, to have low or zero emissions from commercial, industrial and domestic sources, and for all council decisions to consider the impact on air quality.

In response to a question by the Chair, Laura explained that it was likely that Clean Air would be considered and incorporated into the Local Plan and planning applications. 

Relating to taxi’s and private hire converting to green and zero emission vehicles, the Council’s approach was to provide incentives and ensure that it was a viable and sustainable option for operators.

The Chair, upon advice from Chris Moister, Director of Governance suggested that the Clean Air Strategy returned following the consultation in the new municipal year.

Decision: The report was noted

To receive and consider the report of the Deputy Chief Executive (to follow).

Zoe Whiteside, Service Lead - Spatial Planning, Planning and Development provided the update.

The final report of the Task Group was presented to Cabinet in March 2020. Sally Green, Climate Change Programme Officer was recruited to the post this month.

The first meeting of the member led Climate Change Working Group took place inFebruary. The main objective of the Working Group was to monitor the activity of the green agenda, to ensure the Council was on course to meet the zero net emissions target by 2030, in addition to monitoring all other targets and ambitions set by the Council and from the upcoming Environment Bill.

It was recommended that future updates to Overview and Scrutiny were accompanied by the minutes of the Working Group. The scope of the Working Group was broad and expansive. For the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in September, a more detailed report would be presented to members.

The Green Agenda had been allocated £500,000.

Ruth Rimmington, Democratic Services Team Leader. suggested that Sally Green conducted a Member Learning Session to allow all Members to access updates relating to the Green Agenda in the new municipal year.

Decision: The report was noted

Verbal Update to be provided at this meeting.

Laura-Jean Taylor, Public Protection Team Leader (Early Intervention) provided an update from Jennifer Mullin, Director of Early Intervention

“Jennifer Mullin and Angela Barrago met with Jigsaw and Place for People regarding the introduction of a Housing Standards Charter. Both organisations are open and receptive to working with the Council to develop a Charter but are conscious that the standards and reforms proposed within the Social Housing white paper published last year will require them to adopt many of the principles that have been suggested by Chorley Council to be included within the Charter. They have asked if we can allow them the time to understand and plan how they are going to incorporate the proposed white paper changes and then mutually agree any outstanding areas that would need to be accommodated through the agreement of some local arrangements. We have agreed to revisit the conversation with the registered providers later in the year to establish progress and moving the development of the Charter forward.”

Decision: The update was noted.

Overview and Scrutiny Sustainable Public Transport Task and Finish Group

To receive and consider the final report

Councillor Kim Snape provided a brief overview of the Task Group’s Final Report. Upon reflection more input from the public and community groups was desired but it was understood that due to the pandemic, obtaining views had to be achieved via social media. It was acknowledged that cycling was not explored but was recommended to be its own future Task Group.

It was concluded that the resolution to issues raised was not within the power or control of the Council, but there was the potential for the Council to push for change and to improve cooperation, communication and consultation with both the County Council as the Transport Authority and the transport providers.

In response to the price of fares, Stagecoach acknowledged that they needed to improve their promotion of the different tickets and offers available, but it was unlikely for a decrease due to the impact the pandemic had on the company.

It was believed that the Council could benefit and assist Dial-a-Ride in spreading awareness, to promote volunteer opportunities, dispel misinformation, and invite them to meetings of Town and Parish Councils. 

It was accepted that the challenge after the Covid-19 pandemic was promoting and encouraging the use of public transport.

Decision: The report was noted.

To consider the Scrutiny Work Programme for 21/22.

The Chair indicated that he would like to have Neighborhoods on the Work Programme for the next municipal year, and acknowledged that within the meeting it was raised that Cycling was also to be explored.