Agenda and minutes

The evacuation procedure was noted.

Prior to the continuation of the agenda, thanks were given to the previous Committee Chair who had relinquished the role in early-April 2024. The new Committee Vice-Chair was welcomed to the group.

There were no interests declared.

To approve the minutes of the last meeting held on 21 March 2024.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the Crime and Disorder Select Committee meeting which was held on 21 March 2024 for approval and signature.

AGREED that the minutes of the Committee meeting held on 21 March 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider and agree the draft final report.

Cllr Mrs Ann McCoy (Billingham), Cllr John Coulson (Yarm), Cllr Richard Eglington (Thornaby) and Cllr Sylvia Walmsley (Thornaby) wished it to be recorded for transparency purposes only that they were currently members of their respective Town Councils as well as Ward Councillors.

Consideration was given to the draft final report for the Committee’s Scrutiny Review of Outdoor Play Provision. Specific attention was drawn to the following draft recommendations:

·         Recommendation 3: Following feedback from SBC Planning Services, it was proposed to extract element ‘a)’ and include this as a standalone recommendation that was not linked to developer proposals:

o   SBC considers support of existing play areas before any additional outdoor play spaces are agreed / approved.

The second element of this recommendation would be retained, though the reference to ‘b)’ would be removed.

·         Recommendation 7: Again, following feedback from SBC Planning Services, it was proposed to add ‘for information only’ to the end of this recommendation.

The Committee supported the proposed amendments as presented and was informed that the updated version of the final report would be presented to Cabinet in May 2024.

AGREED that the Scrutiny Review of Outdoor Play Provision final report, including the amendments identified, be approved for submission to Cabinet.

Chair’s Update

The Chair had no further updates.

Work Programme 2024-2025

Consideration was given to the Committee’s current work programme (2024-2025). The next meeting was due to take place on 23 May 2024 where the next update on progress of outstanding actions in relation to the previously completed Tree Asset Management review was scheduled. It was also anticipated that the draft scope and plan for the Committee’s next in-depth review of Welcoming and Safe Town Centres would be presented for approval.

AGREED that the Community Safety Select Committee Work Programme 2024-2025 be noted.