Meeting Details

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 26 February 2015
[Copy Minutes in Minute Book Volume 41(6)]

To note the minutes of the meeting held on 9 April 2015
[Copy Minutes herewith]

Riverside Carlisle

Pursuant to Procedure Rule 10, the Director of Governance to report the receipt of the following questions to the Chairman which have been submitted on notice by Mr Barker, Secretary of the Carlisle and Rural Tenants' Federation.

Any views or opinions expressed in the questions set out in this Agenda paper are those of the person submitting the question and do not necessarily reflect the position, views or opinions of the Council.



QUESTION ONE

At the last meeting of the Panel (April 9), the Riverside Housing Association representatives were asked about the composition of the Riverside Tenants' Scrutiny Panel.  The representatives said that this panel comprised tenants and also representatives of Riverside and was considered independent of Riverside.

The view was then expressed by the council panel chairman that because of the inclusion of Riverside representatives, the Riverside tenants' panel could not claim to be independent and by implication have the power to hold Riverside effectively to account.

Does the panel agree with the view of its chairman and if so, does the panel feel that representations should be made to Riverside about this absence of independence?

QUESTION TWO

Following serious criticisms of the working practices and of other aspects of Riverside Housing Association's activities, made at this panel's meetings and at other places, there had subsequently recently been a praiseworthy involvement of the council in attempting to address what apparently are complaints made by Riverside tenants and leaseholders which cannot be resolved.

For at least three years this unsatisfactory situation has been causing real distress and hardship to Riverside tenants and leaseholders, particularly in Longtown.

What further steps does the panel consider necessary to end this unsatisfactory situation?

(Economy, Enterprise and Housing Portfolio)

The Director of Economic Development to submit a report presenting the draft Low Cost Home Ownership Policy for consideration.

The Policy had been considered by the Executive at their meeting on 1 June 2015.
(Copy Report ED.26/15 herewith.  Minute Excerpt to follow)

(Cross Cutting)

The Policy and Communications Manager to submit a report that updates the Panel on the Council's service standards that help measure performance and updates on key actions contained within the Carlisle Plan.
(Copy Report PC.07/15 herewith)

(Cross Cutting)

To consider a report providing an overview of matters related to the work of the Community Overview and Scrutiny Panel, together with the latest version of the Work Programme and details of Key Decisions items relevant to this Panel as set out in the Notice of Executive Key Decisions
(Copy Report OS.11/15 herewith)

FOOD LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICE PLAN
(Copy Report LE.16/15 herewith.  Minute Excerpt to follow)

(Culture, Leisure and Young People Portfolio)

This report is not for publication by virtue of paragraph 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, as the report contains exempt information relating to the financial or business affairs of any particular person (including the authority holding that information)

The Deputy Chief Executive to submit a report in respect of Leisure Facilities Development
(Copy Report SD.07/15 herewith)

Conservative – Ellis, Mrs McKerrell (Vice Chairman), Mrs Vasey, Bainbridge (sub), Bloxham (sub), Mrs Mallinson (sub)

Labour – Burns (Chairman), Osgood, Scarborough, Mrs Stevenson, Ms Williams, Caig (sub), Ms Franklin (sub), Harid (sub)

     Enquiries, requests for reports, background papers,
      etc to Committee Clerk:  Sheila Norton - 817557