Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the apologies of Councillor Whitbread. 

To approve and sign as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings held on 15th August, 2019 and to deal with any matters arising, attached.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the 15^th August, 2019 Overview and Scrutiny Management Committee be approved and signed as a correct record. 

The Committee considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Green City and Environment detailing an update on the adoption and implementation of the Green City Charter and subsequent development of the Green City Delivery Plan. 

The Cabinet Member for Green City and Environment, Councillor Leggett, was present and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting.  Representations were also received from Extinction Rebellion, Airport Expansion Opposition, the Green Party and other interested parties.

RESOLVED that:

i)  whilst recognising that Planning was a regulatory function of the Council, consideration was given to the Council holding a meeting of the Planning and Rights of Way Panel to establish the Council’s position with regards to an application to expand Southampton airport;

ii)  a record of the actions taken by signatory organisations that contribute to the objectives within the Green City Charter was developed and updated on a regular basis;

iii)  the Council ensured that the development of policies that were  designed to influence planning applications and decisions relating to air quality was incorporated into Council policy as soon as possible, and, that the target implementation date was provided to the Committee;

iv)  the Cabinet Member clarified the position with regards to whether the 2030 carbon neutral target applies to the Council or the City and what was meant by carbon neutral; and

v)  the Committee were provided with an explanation of the proposed Social Value Procurement Policy and Framework and how this differs from the existing ethical and sustainable procurement policies.

The Committee considered the report of the Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture detailing an update on the current approach for Estate Regeneration within the programme to deliver 1000 Council homes.   

The Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture, Councillor Kaur, was present and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting.  Representations were also received from SO18 Big Local, residents from Townhill Park, the Head Teacher and Governor of Townhill Park Infant School and interested parties. 

RESOLVED that:

i)  a briefing note was circulated to the Committee outlining the actions being developed by the Council in response to the difficulties being experienced by Townhill Park Infant School due to the estate regeneration programme; and

ii)  elected Members were kept appraised of developments, estate regeneration proposals were circulated to ward councillors when they were presented to residents forums.

THE FUTURE OF ST. MARY’S LEISURE CENTRE

The Committee considered and noted the report of the Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture.  Councillor Kaur, Cabinet Member for Homes and Culture, was present and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting. 

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY INVESTMENT FUND

The Committee considered and noted the report of the Cabinet Member for Resources.  Councillor Barnes-Andrews, Cabinet Member for Resources, was present and with the consent of the Chair addressed the meeting.