Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Robert Finnamore, Keith Iddon and Rosie Russell.

To confirm the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Task Group – Play and Open Spaces Strategy meeting held on 14 November 2013 (enclosed)

RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Overview and Scrutiny Task Group – Play and Open Spaces Strategy meeting held on 14 November 2013 be held as a correct record for signing by the Chair.

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

If you have a pecuniary interest you must withdraw from the meeting. Normally you should leave the room before the business starts to be discussed. You do, however, have the same right to speak as a member of the public and may remain in the room to enable you to exercise that right and then leave immediately. In either case you must not seek to improperly influence a decision on the matter.

There were no declarations of any interests.

The draft final report of the review will be presented at the meeting for the consideration of the Committee (enclosed)

The Chair and Vice Chair of the Group presented the draft final report of the review for Members consideration.

The Task Group had reviewed the Health Impact Section of the Council’s Integrated Impact Assessment to ascertain if its current arrangements were adequate when considering the health and wellbeing of its residents.

The Task Group had focused on the emerging Play, Open Spaces and Play Pitch Strategy as a way of testing the current health impact arrangements contained within the Integrated Impact Assessment tool.

The report gave some background to the purpose of the review and outlined the methods of investigation that the Task Group had undertaken.

The Group agreed for the following recommendations to be considered by the Executive Cabinet:

1. That the Health Impact Section of the Councils Integrated Impact Assessment that is used across all services be reviewed to provide a set of objectives that are more detailed and fit for purpose to ensure that any future health and wellbeing opportunities can be maximised to their full potential.

2.  That any Integrated Impact Assessment fully considers and links into the super output areas of the borough.

3.    That partnership working be fully explored at every stage to ensure greater collaboration and engagement and build on existing experience.

4.    That the profile of the Integrated Impact Assessments, particularly in relation to the section on Health Impact be raised with both officers and Elected Members of the Council

5.    That training be provided to all Elected Members and officers of the Council that will provide:

•    Greater understanding of the context of the Integrated Impact Assessments.

•    An understanding of its principles and methods

•    Awareness of the different tools and ways of using Health Impact Assessments

•    The importance of involving stakeholders and service users in the process at every stage development.

6.    Following the end of the consultation the Health Impact Section of the Councils Integrated Impact Assessment be applied to the draft Play, Open Spaces and Playing Pitch Strategy 2013 – 2018 and that potential impacts are clearly identified within the final report to Executive Cabinet.

7.    That improved processes/projects that the Integrated Impact Assessment is used for be regularly monitored and reviewed.