To receive any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillors Ellahi, Nisa, Place, Rana, Taylor and P. Williams.

To determine whether there are any additional items of business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chair decides should be considered at the meeting as a matter of urgency.

There were no items of urgent business.

Members are required to declare any disclosable pecuniary, personal or personal and prejudicial interests they may have and the nature of those interests relating to items on this agenda and/or indicate if S106 of the Local Government Finance Act 1992 applies to them.   

There were no declarations of interest.

To determine any items on the agenda, if any, where the public are to be excluded from the meeting.

There were no items for exclusion of the public and press.

To consider the minutes of the meeting held on 21^st May 2024.

 Resolved - That the minutes of the Communities, Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 21^st May 2024 be approved as a correct record.

Resolved - That the minutes of the GMCA Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting held on 20^th March 2024 be noted.

Resolved - That the minutes of the GM Police Fire and Crime Panel meeting held on 14^th May 2024 be noted.

To consider the Public Health and Communities Directorate Plan 2024-25 Quarter One Performance Update.

Consideration was given to the Public Health and Communities Directorate Plan 2024-25.

The Assistant Director, Public Protection and Customers introduced the Plan and reported that all (11) actions were currently ongoing.

The Chair then opened the meeting to comments and questions from the Committee. A discussion ensued, during which the following points were raised:

·          In relation to point 5.6 ‘The action regarding developing and embedding a customer service strategy is 50% complete’ it was reported that the action was currently 20% and not 50% complete.

·          In relation to Ref. PH2402.B ‘Work towards being a food secure borough by developing a sustainable food plan plus a planned approach to ‘move on’ from our network of food banks and food clubs’  - Members requested details about how they could get involved in the ‘Boro full of Beans’ programme.

·          Concerns were raised in relation to the proliferation of hot food takeaway premises on the high street and it was asked if any planning controls could be used to restrict the number of empty shops being converted into takeaway outlets.  In response, it was advised that essentially it was not a planning enforcement matter and was difficult to control. It was noted that the Council’s Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) allocated areas for particular uses. It was agreed to circulate information regarding current policies to the Committee.

• In relation to the development of policies, officers were urged to consider the Council’s poverty plan, the intersectionality of socio-economic factors, and to engage in co-production with residents.
• Concerns were raise regarding sweet shops selling American confectionery containing additives that were banned in the U.K. In response, the Assistant Director, Public Protection and Customers agreed to circulate additional information to the Committee.
• In view of the Government’s announcement that winter fuel payments would be restricted to those on pension credits or other means-tested benefits – Members asked if the Council had any plans to ‘fill the gap’ and support vulnerable residents.  The Assistant Director, Public Protection and Customers advised that the implications of the new policy were currently being considered and an update would be provided to the Committee.
• It was noted that as a result of the Covid pandemic many local authorities had a backlog of food hygiene inspections – it was asked if Rochdale Council was in a similar position.  In response, the Committee was advised that Rochdale Borough Council was in a better position than many other councils and that an annual report detailing the Council’s position would be submitted to Cabinet in August 2024. 

·         In relation to community safety, it was highlighted that each Township now had a Community Safety Lead Officer, and it was requested that an update regarding impact, progress, and future learning be provided to the Committee.

·         In addition, it was requested that an update be provided, in relation to the latest Safety Community Partnership report, which had highlighted failings, including insufficient Council dedicated resource.

Resolved –

1. That the Public Health and Communities Directorate Plan 2024-25: Quarter 1 Performance Update  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

To consider the Economy and Place Directorate Plan 2024-25 Quarter One Performance Update.

Consideration was given to the Economy and Place Directorate Plan 2024-25, Quarter 1, performance update.

It was reported that that all (11) actions were currently ongoing and on track to be completed by the target date.

The Chair then opened the meeting to comments and questions from the Committee. 

During the discussion the following points were raised:

• In response to queries, the Head of Planning Services agreed to circulate an update regarding the development of Warwick Mill, Middleton to Ward Councillors.  The Managing Director, Rochdale Development Agency reported that scaffolding was currently in place and investigative works were being undertaken to consider options for the building.
• Members’ attention was drawn to actions being taken in response to the housing emergency. It was explained that a B&B Elimination Plan had been agreed, and it was a corporate priority to reduce the use of bed and breakfast for statutory homeless households and the length of stay exceeding six weeks.
• An update was sought in relation to the regeneration of Middleton Town Centre, and concerns were raised regarding the increasing number of empty shops in the high-street and the declining condition of the public realm.  It was requested the Council provide some communication to Middleton residents to allay frustrations.  It was suggested a press release be published in relation to the appointment of a new Town Centre Manager for Middleton.
• Concern was raised regarding the use of micro-asphalt to repair potholes and resurface roads.  In response, it was explained that pothole repairs were carried out in accordance with the Council’s adopted policy, and any variation to practice would need to be agreed by the Council.  The Assistant Director, Place encouraged councillors to report details of any particular areas of concern.
• In response to a question regarding the Council’s Planning Enforcement Team, the Head of Planning Services explained there were currently two permanent officers and two agency officers in post.  The department had been unable to fill the two agency posts due to the lack of applicants.  Work was underway to ensure the service remained sustainable and a backlog of enforcement cases did not build up. 
• The Committee commended the Council’s work to deliver the inclusive play parks project across the Borough.  It was asked if the park in Nixon Street, Rochdale would be designed to be inclusive for all children.  The Assistant Director, Place agreed to circulate further details to the Committee.
• It was noted there was currently a vacancy on the Rochdale Development Agency Board, and it was suggested the Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing be appointed to the post.
• Concerns were raised in relation to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing environmental management, including lawn mowing, litter picking, and maintenance of open spaces.  It was requested the relevant Director be asked to attend a future scrutiny committee meeting.
• It was noted that work with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority to prepare an Early Evening Economy Strategy was underway and due to be completed by the end of July 2024.  The Chair requested  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

To consider the draft work programme 2024/25.

Resolved – That the Senior Governance and Committee Officer, in consultation with the Chair be requested to incorporate the following items into the Communities, Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee Work Programme:

• Planning enforcement update
• Public Health and Planning - hot food takeaway premises, to include details regarding Council powers and public health implications.
• Rochdale Town Hall Business Plan
• Places for Everyone, including timescales and consultation with councillors.
• Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, director responsible for Environmental Management to be invited to attend a Committee meeting.
• Homelessness and Mental Health Report
• Early Evening Economy Strategy
• Community Safety Update, to include an update in relation to the Township Community Safety Lead Officer and the Safer Communities Partnership.

To consider that the press and public be excluded from the remaining part of the meeting pursuant to Section 100(A)4 of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that discussions may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the provisions of Part 1 of Schedule 12A Paragraph Three to the Local Government Act 1972 and public interest would not be served in publishing the information.

Resolved - That the press and public be excluded from the remaining part of the meeting pursuant to Section 100(A)4 of the Local Government Act 1972 on the grounds that discussions may involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in the provisions of Part 1 of Schedule 12A paragraph three to the Local Government Act 1972 and public interest would not be served in publishing the information.

To consider a report of the Director of Economy and Place / Cabinet Member for Communities and Cooperation

Consideration was given to a report of the Director of Economy and Place / Cabinet Member for Communities and Cooperation that provided an update relating to operations of Rochdale Town Hall since the re-opening in March 2024.

The Chair thanked officers for the report and then opened the meeting to comments and questions from Members.

During the discussion the following points were raised:

• Clarification was sought regarding the value of volunteer in-kind contributions and how this was calculated.  In response, it was explained that a skilled volunteer daily rate was valued at £150 per day and it was necessary to calculate and submit details of volunteer contributions to The National Lottery.
• It was reported that the Town Hall restaurant was due to open in September 2024.  The newly appointed chef had been involved in the design and procurement of the kitchen facilities.  It was explained that there had been challenges in relation to recruitment to specialist restaurant roles. 
• The importance of ensuring all residents were represented in the Town Hall was highlighted.

Resolved –

1. That the Rochdale Town Hall: First Quarter Overview after Re-Opening report be noted.

2. That a copy of the Rochdale Town Hall Business Plan be circulated to the Communities, Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

3. That details in relation to the Town Hall’s financial model (expenditure, (including maintenance costs) income and volunteer hours) be circulated to the Communities, Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.