Agenda and minutes

None.

There were no members of the public present.

The protocol has been developed on a multi-agency basis following a scrutiny workshop held earlier in the year. The Committee felt instigated work on this following several cases in Monmouthshire. Recent cases of large scale modern day slavery have highlighted this is a growing national problem. Having a protocol allows the council to be proactive in fulfilling their ‘first responder’ duty.

Scrutiny Outcome:

Ø Short Presentation to full council on Modern Day Slavery as soon as possible.    Awareness raising of the protocol and the future training that will take place.

Ø  Protocol to be taken forward for Individual Cabinet Member Decision.

Ø  Full training to be provided for elected members.

Ø  Member champion to be designated.

Ø  Workshop to be arranged on County Lines (during autumn).

Ø  Letter drafted to Cabinet Member on scrutiny outcome.

The Committee heard that demand is outstripping supply of electric vehicles, whilst the market for hydrogen fuel based vehicles is growing, but at a slower pace.  There is a need to consider the barriers, one of which is funding ~ this would need financial investment, as hydrogen powered fuel based vehicles are approximately twice as expensive. Whilst, vehicles are more expensive, it has sustainability benefits over the long term given that hydrogen is an infinite source, with options to generate power through wind, tidal power. There would be a need for the infrastructure - hydrogen power refuelling stations and the Cardiff Capital Region City Deal are exploring whether regional or national infrastructure could be delivered.

Scrutiny Outcome:

Ø  Ask officers to keep a watching brief on others who may be implementing this, to consider the implications and to continue discussions with Welsh Government. If opportunities were to present themselves, the Committee would support Monmouthshire becoming a demonstrator.  

Ø  Request increased publicity on the existence of the Abergavenny hydrogen power refuel station ~ to discuss with the Communications Team.

Ø  Letter drafted to Cabinet Member on scrutiny outcome.

The Committee discussed the report and were satisfied with the explanations given on the budgetary position. Members agreed that the reports are complex and very detailed in nature. Whilst appreciating the rationale for providing such detailed information, they would like to request a brief single page summary to accompany the reports to capture the key points, such as the directorate’s planned expenditure for the year, their actual expenditure, reasons and future pressures and mitigations.

Scrutiny Outcome:

Ø  Discuss the inclusion of a summary for budget monitoring reports with the finance team.

Ø  Schedule financial scrutiny training for members (during autumn).

Previous scrutiny had been undertaken and further information had been sought from the officer on the number of graduate and intern placements in the Council prior to the adoption of this policy, particularly given financial expenditure incurred with travel and other expenses. Conversations had been held with the University of South Wales on how to market this 3 year strategy and if adopted, a future review of its success would be undertaken.

Scrutiny Outcome:

Ø  Policy was supported, recommendation for the revised report to be taken forward for decision.

The minutes of the special meeting of Strong Communities Select Committee dated 21^st May 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

The minutes of the Strong Communities Select Committee dated 6^th June 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

The minutes of the special meeting of Strong Communities Select Committee dated 1^st July 2019 were confirmed and signed by the Chair.

Members were content that actions had been implemented.  Actions outlined in today’s meeting will be taken forward.

Agreement was given to scheduling a special meeting in early September 2019 to scrutinise the Corporate Plan and the Speed Management policy.

Members queried the timescale for the decision on Mounton House School and were advised that a decision will be taken at by Cabinet at a special meeting of Cabinet provisionally earmarked for the 18^th September 2019.  The Children and Young People Select Committee who have discussed this at several meetings will offer its final view at their committee meeting on 17^th September 2019. 

Thursday 26^th September 2019 at 10.00am.

The next ordinary meeting of the Strong Communities Select Committee will be held on Thursday 26th September 2019 at 10.00am. The special meeting will be arranged for early September.