Minutes:
David Farnsworth introduced himself to the Select Committee and advised that his questions related to the Community Engagement Review.
· The first question asked was whether the review had defined the term “the community” and who “the community” refers to, as it suggests engaging with partners but does not give a sense that it is reaching out to residents.
· The second question asked related to the mechanisms for the public to engage with the Council. Mr Farnsworth highlighted that the public need clarity on the mechanics of how to engage with the Council, but also on how they can participate in key projects and matters that affect their communities. He suggested that the public need to be able to input into issues that will affect them in an accessible way and that very detailed reports can make it difficult for the public, who are unlikely to be able to engage in significant policy issues at that level.
The Chair thanked Mr Farnsworth for his highly relevant questions and suggested the answers would arise from discussion of the review. She invited Mr Farnsworth to remain for the presentation and discussion on the review and for the duration of the meeting if he wished. It was recognised that discussions today would take place on the strategic direction and that the mechanics of the future clusters would need further consideration, taking into account the issues raised.
Peter Sutherland, representing Llanbadoc Community Council, asked for an update on Llanbadoc speed limits since the last meeting. The Head of Operations updated Mr Sutherland on progress since they met to discuss speeding in the Usk and Llanbadoc area and advised that a design suitable for this area has been commissioned and will be consulted upon. Mr Sutherland queried if there would be any involvement from Llanbadoc Community Council and local residents in view of the significant delays and local frustration about the matter and was reassured that the proposed scheme would be consulted upon. The chair reaffirmed that the role of the Road Safety Task and Finish Group is to consider a county wide road safety policy that would include speed management and not to consider specific instances and cases in any depth. She reminded members that the Task Group was due to meet the following week and highlighted that a public workshop would be organised during October to consider the views of the public to inform the policy and that when a date was agreed, Mr Sutherland would be invited to attend and participate in the development of the policy.
Secondly, it was queried if there would be any involvement from Llanbadoc Community Council and local residents in view of the significant delays and local frustration about the matter.
The Chair announced that there would be a public meeting on speeding for Town and Community Council and members of the public to attend in September.
A Member, who is a member of the Community Health Council, referred to the Health and Care White Paper “Services Fit for the Future” and sought the support of the Select Committee, and the Adult Select Committee, to ensure the continuation independent patient voice and circulated a summary of concerns.
The Chair thanked the Member for his work on the Community Health Council and expressed her wish to hold a Joint Select meeting to discuss this important matter.