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 19 February 2024

AGREED the minutes of the meeting held on 19 February 2024 be confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive an initial 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 Home Efficiency and Green Jobs for the Future. This was the first time the update had been presented to the Committee, and members received a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Employment & Training Hub’s work to support the green agenda and green skills.

Key issues discussed were as follows:

·       There were 130 apprenticeship opportunities available from a range of employers and colleges at the Energy Event

·       The solar panels on Municipal Buildings would remain on the building and new solar panels would be installed on Dunedin House

·       Water meters were being installed in buildings if this was feasible, e.g. in Tees Active buildings, and investigations would take place regarding harvesting rain water on a number of sites.

·       The report to cabinet on 15 February 2024 reported a 61% overall reduction in CO2 since 2010 and 89% of the Council’s actions were either established or progressing.  

AGREED that Progress Update be noted and the assessments of progress be confirmed with all actions signed off as fully complete.

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. This was the third time the update had been presented to the Committee, and there were two outstanding recommendations.  

It was noted that recommendation 11 (lessons learnt from the junior/toddlers play area at Preston Park be used to inform future play provision designs), was assessed as “2 – on track”. Although feedback suggested that these play areas had been well received by users, further work needed to be carried out from completed projects for inclusivity and accessibility and therefore one more update would be presented to the Committee in six months time.

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

Consideration was given to the Work Programme.

The next meeting would be held on Monday 13 May 2024. The scope and project plan for the next review, Disabled Facilities Grant, would be presented to the meeting along with a background presentation.

AGREED that the Work Programme be noted.