Agenda and minutes

The Committee noted the evacuation and housekeeping procedure.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 6 November 2023.

AGREED the minutes of the meeting held on 6 November 2023 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive a progress update on the Scrutiny Review of Disability Inclusive Borough.

The Select Committee considered a progress update including assessments of progress following implementation of the recommendations from the Scrutiny Review of Disability Inclusive Borough. The aim of the review was to explore how Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council could contribute to a more disability inclusive Borough.

This was the second time the update had been presented to the Committee. There were five outstanding recommendations.

AGREED that the Progress Update be noted and the assessments of progress be confirmed.

To receive evidence from internal and external contributors as part of the Scrutiny Review of Cost of Living Response.

The Select Committee received a report on the Cost of Living work of the Council’s Customer Services and Digital teams from the Assistant Director of Customer Services and Digital which included responses to the following key lines of enquiries:

•           How has Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) responded to the ongoing cost of living crisis both internally and by working with external partners and agencies?

•           How has advice and support been communicated to residents and SBC staff? Can this be improved?

•           What are the main ‘cost of living’ issues facing residents? How have these changed over time?

•           In what ways has the cost of living crisis impacted on staff retention and recruitment?

•           How have SBC staff been supported if they are struggling financially and mentally as a result of the cost of living crisis?

The main issues highlighted from the report and discussed were as follows:

•           There had been a 30% turnover in Customer Services staff over the past year.

•           The Committee commended the valuable work of the Customer Services team and recognised the importance of training and supporting staff sufficiently.

•           The Committee was pleased to learn that Customer Services staff were entitled to additional breaks at present when dealing with increasing pressures.

•           It was confirmed that a stress risk assessment had been undertaken for the Customer Services team.

The Select Committee received a presentation on the Council’s employee benefits and support, from the Assistant Director for HR which included responses to the following key lines of enquiries:

•           How has Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (SBC) responded to the ongoing cost of living crisis both internally and by working with external partners and agencies?

•           How has advice and support been communicated to residents and SBC staff? Can this be improved?

•           In what ways has the Cost of Living crisis impacted on staff retention and recruitment?

•           How have SBC staff been supported if they are struggling financially and mentally as a result of the cost of living crisis?

The main issues highlighted from the presentation and discussed were as follows:

•           The Committee congratulated Council staff on their recent LGC Award achievement and thanked staff for their work on the Vivup benefit scheme.

•           It was noted that several staff members had sought additional help following the Community Services health and wellbeing sessions. These sessions were held over a year with 7 compulsory sessions that were built into the working day.

•           Members raised concerns about cases of agency staff struggling to obtain permanent contracts. Officers responded that agency workers were eligible to apply for internal vacancies and permanent contracts were offered to agency staff where possible.

The Select Committee received evidence from the Regional Officer, Unite the Union which included:

•           It was noted that there had been an increase in signposting to mental health services.

•           There had also been an increase in enquiries regarding loans over the past few years.

•           It had been reported that lower paid workers,  ...  view the full minutes text for item PEO/25/23

Consideration was given to the Work Programme.

The next Committee meeting would be held on Monday 8 January 2024. This would be an informal summary of evidence session held via Teams.

AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.