Meeting documents

Regeneration & Housing Overview & Scrutiny Panel
Monday, 19th November, 2012 10.00 am

Agenda Item No

 

 

 


Agenda Item No: 8

Date: 19th November 2012

 

To the Chair and Members of the

Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel

 

REGENERATION AND ENVIRONMENT OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY PANEL WORK PLAN REPORT 2012/13

 

Relevant Cabinet Member(s)

Wards Affected

Key Decision

The Mayor

Councillor B Hoyle

Councillor P Coddington

Councillor C Ransome

All

None

 

          EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

1.       This report provides an update on progress against the Panel’s work plan.

 

          EXEMPT INFORMATION

 

2.       Not exempt

 

          RECOMMENDATIONS

 

3.       The Panel is asked to:

 

i.        Comment on the revised work plan detailed in Appendix A.

ii.        Note the Annex to Appendix A which details outcomes and impacts of the Panel’s work.

iii.       Receive an update on activities undertaken since the meeting held on 3rd September 2012.

iv.       Note the correspondence between the Executive and the Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel in Appendix B to F including the Environment Strategy and Work and Skills Update.

v.       Note the scoping form for the joint review being undertaken by Members from the Regeneration and Environment and Schools, Children and Young People ‘To Understand And Address Careers Advice And Guidance To Children And Young People Within Doncaster Pre And Post 16’ to be circulated at the meeting.

vi.       Note the agenda for the last Enterprising Doncaster meeting that was held on the 29th October 2012 in Appendix G.

 

 


BACKGROUND

 

4.       The Panel agreed its 2012/13 work plan at its meeting on 15th June 2012. This report provides an update on key issues relating to the work programme following that meeting, this is attached at Appendix A. Members are reminded that the work plan is a live document to be regularly reviewed and updated. Annex 1 to Appendix A provides an ongoing summary of issues considered together with the impacts and outcomes resulting from the Panel’s work and this will also be updated on a regular basis.

 

Progress on the Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Work Plan

 

Environmental Strategy Working Group

 

5.       As part of the Panel’s workplan, it was agreed that a working group be set up to look at the Environmental Strategy.  A meeting of the working group therefore took place on the 10th August 2012 at which Members met with Officers and reviewed the Themes and Priorities of the draft Environmental Strategy.

 

6.       A copy of the correspondence regarding the recommendations made as a result of that meeting can be found in Appendix B, C and D. The final version of the strategy will be circulated outside of the formal Panel meeting to Panel Members for comment prior to it being taken to Cabinet on the 5th December 2012.

 

Work and Skills

          

7.       At its meeting on the 3rd September 2012, the Panel considered a report updating them on the work of the Work and Skills Partnership.  As part of the recommendations made, the Panel agreed that a joint working group should be formed with Members from the Regeneration and Environment and Schools, Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel.  Please refer to Appendices E and F regarding correspondence on this topic.

 

8.       Members have been since identified from both Panels and a scoping meeting has been held.  As a result of that meeting a scoping form has been produced which outlines the purpose and proposed arrangements for the review.  This form will be circulated to the Panel at the meeting for ratification.  A meeting for the review has been arranged to take place on the 11th December 2012.

 

Housing Topic

 

9.       At its meeting on the 3rd September 2012, as part of the workplan discussion the Panel agreed that a working group is established to consider the following piece of work, ‘‘How can we improve access to finance for developers to meet our housing target and to assist buyers to purchase their own homes within Doncaster?”.  Members of the Panel were appointed to the working group and further scoping work will be undertaken in the near future with a view to undertaking the review early 2013.

 

OPTIONS CONSIDERED

 

10.     There are no specific options to consider within this report as it provides an opportunity for the Panel to receive an update on its 2012/13 work plan.

 

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDED OPTION

 

11.     This report provides the panel with an update on its 2012/13 work programme.

 

          IMPACT ON COUNCIL’S KEY OBJECTIVES

 

Priority Theme

Mayor’s Priorities for 2011/12

Implications of this initiative

1. Creating a strong, connected and inclusive economy

·   Drive forward the Doncaster economy

·   Get the balance of public and private transport right

·   Promote Doncaster as a tourist destination

·   Regenerate Doncaster's town centres 

The Overview and Scrutiny function has the potential to impact upon all of the council’s key objectives by holding decision makers to account, reviewing performance and developing policy through robust recommendations, monitoring performance of council and external partners services and reviewing issues outside the remit of the council that have an impact on the residents of the borough.

2. Developing stronger communities

·   Encourage community harmony and cohesion.  Treat people as individuals, not by reference to labels and artificial groupings

3. Increasing and improving housing  

·   Raise housing standards

4. Protecting and improving all our children’s lives

·   Continue to improve education and skills

·   Build on a strengthening Children's Service

5. Improving health and support for independent lives

·   Encourage attitudes of self-reliance, self-improvement and mutual respect within Doncaster communities

6. Tackling crime and anti-social behaviour

·   Reduce crime and all forms of anti-social behaviour

7. Creating a cleaner and better environment

·   Continue to protect the environment from developers, decay and architectural vandalism

8. Internal Transformation

·   Ensure local people get value for money from council services

 

          RISKS AND ASSUMPTIONS

 

12.   To maximise the effectiveness of the Overview and Scrutiny function it is important that the work plan devised is manageable and that it accurately reflects the broad range of issues within its remit.  Failure to achieve this can reduce the overall impact of the function.

 

          LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

 

13.   The Council’s Constitution states that subject to matters being referred to it by other parts of the Full Council, OSMC or the Executive and any timetables laid down by those references the Regeneration & Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel will determine its own work programme (Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 6c).

 

14.   Overview and Scrutiny Panels Terms of Reference – 3, states that the Panel is empowered to establish ad hoc working groups from within its membership, to undertake project and policy development work, to meet the objectives and targets of its annual work plan.

 

15.   Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 15 (a) states that where, in the opinion of the Chair of an Overview and Scrutiny Panel, the matters under discussion are relevant to matters referred to other Scrutiny Panel(s) he/she shall consider to what extent to invite the participation of the Chair and/or other Members of the other Panel in the deliberations.

 

16.   Specific legal implications and advice will be given with any reports when Overview and Scrutiny have received them as items for consideration.

 

          FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

17.   The budget for the support of the Overview and Scrutiny function 2012/13 is not affected by this report however, the delivery of the work plan will need to take place within agreed budgets.  There are no specific financial implications arising from the recommendations in this report.  Any financial implications relating to specific reports on the work plan will be included in those reports. 

 

          CONSULTATION

 

18.     A work planning event was held on the 22nd May 2012 with Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Members with a view to developing a draft work plan.

 

BACKGROUND PAPERS

 

19.     None

 

          CONTACT OFFICER AND REPORT AUTHOR

 

Caroline Martin

Scrutiny Officer

01302 734941

caroline.martin@doncaster.gov.uk

 

 

Peter Dale

Director of Regeneration & Environment


.Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Workplan 2012/2013

 

 

22nd May 2012, 3:30pm

15th June 2012,  10am

29th June 2012, 10am

3rd September 2012, 2pm

17th October 2012, 10am

19th November 2012, 10:00am

22nd January 2012, 10:30am

18th March 2012, 10am

Policy Review/

Development

SMC Options

Local Development Framework - Next Steps

Gypsy and Traveller Review

Work and Skills

 

Tenure Strategy/Tenancy Policy

Sites and Policies Development Plan Document

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adoption of the Doncaster Council Statement of Policy (Gambling Policy 2013)

Gypsy and Traveller Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Place Marketing

(Enterprising Doncaster)

 

Performance

 

St Leger Performance 2011/2012

(Qtr 4)

 

R&E Performance 2012/13 (Qtr 1)

St Leger Performance 2012/13

(Qtr 1)

 

St Leger Performance 2012/13 (Qtr 2)

 

R&E Performance 2012/13 (Qtr 3)

St Leger Performance 2012/13

(Qtr 3)

Information Updates

 

 

 

 

Work, Skills And Enterprise Programme Going Forward And Update On Opportunity Centres

 

 

 

Scrutiny

(Holding to Account)

 

Cabinet Members Portfolio Updates: -

 

Peter Davies, Mayor of Doncaster

 

Cabinet Members Portfolio Updates:

 

Councillor C Ransome

Cabinet Members Portfolio Updates: -

 

Councillor P Coddington

 

Cabinet Members Portfolio Updates:-

 

Councillor B Hoyle

Cabinet Members Portfolio Updates:

 

Peter Davies, Mayor of Doncaster

 

Cabinet Members Portfolio Updates: -

 

TBC


 

May

June

July

August

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

March

April

Briefing Notes

 

 

Performance Information – 2011/2012 Quarter 4

 

 

 

Performance Information – 2012/13 Quarter 2

 

Environmental Strategy circulated for comment

 

 

 

 

 

Reviews/

Working Groups: -

 

 

 

Environmental Strategy Working Group

Report to R&E O&S – Work & Skills

 

Report to R&E O&S – Environmental Strategy

 

Work & Skills

LMI/Careers & Guidance Working Group

Careers & Guidance Review Meeting

Housing Topic Review Meeting

 

Draft Report to R&E O&S on Careers & Guidance Review

 

Draft Report to R&E O&S on the Housing Topic Review

 

Members Workshops/

Seminars

Local Development Framework – Next Steps (PD)

 

CCQ Progress

 

Key Principles of Allocations Policy Review

 

New Tenancy Strategy

 

Housing Allocations Follow Up

 

 

 

 

 

 


Regeneration & Environment Outcomes and Impacts 2012/13 (November Update)

 

````

ISSUE/ OUTCOME

COMMENT

WHO

WHEN

IMPACT

22nd May 2012

SMC Options

Opportunity for the Panel to consider and comment on a range of options (including a preferred option) for the future management of the Keepmoat Stadium. 

 

The Panel supported the preferred option and made further recommendations including that: -

 

1.      The Athletics club are encouraged to consider being set up as a trust and in the event that this was to occur, that Elected Members are included as representatives on the board of that trust.

2.      That the Chief Executive of Doncaster Rovers attends meetings of the Regeneration & Environment Overview and Scrutiny  to present on a quarterly basis a progress report including relevant feedback and performance information.

To understand the options being taken forward and have the opportunity to comment on them and make recommendations.

Panel

Cabinet 1st August 2012

 

Quarterly updates from the Chief Executive of Doncaster Rovers to commence January 2013 subject to availability

Cabinet agreed the final proposals as outlined in the report.

 

The Chief Executive of Doncaster Rovers to attend meetings of the Panel to present on a quarterly basis a progress report including relevant feedback and performance information.

 

 

 

15th June 2012

Local Development Framework - Next Steps Opportunity for the panel to consider the proposed approach for consultation on the sites and policies development plan document/draft process for dealing with neighbourhood planning and the proposed prioritisation of support for those areas identified within the core strategy as being suitable for most growth and ongoing work to consider community infrastructure levy.

To understand the ongoing work and proposed consultation and approaches being taken forward in relation to the LDF.  To have the opportunity to comment on the report and its recommendation and make before a decision is made at Cabinet.

Panel

Decision taken at Cabinet 4th July 2012

The Panels supported the recommendations being put forward to Cabinet and made a number of comments which were incorporated into the report which included the proposed approach to consultation.  This included the need to ensure that communities in the renewal towns were consulted via parish /town councils (reflected in paragraph 21) and that it was important that members were aware of the potential housing and employment sites in their wards, in advance of the public consultation (officers will ensure this happens).  

Cabinet Members Portfolio Outline: Peter Davies, Mayor of Doncaster  Development; Transport; Equalities and Cohesion; the Council's Change Programme              

To understand priorities and review progress later in year. During the course of the year continue to measure aspects through Quarterly Performance reports.

Panel

June 2012 meeting and quarterly performance reports

 

Update early 2013

To provide accountability for improvement and improve transparency.

29th June 2012,

Gypsy and Traveller Review

To comment and note on a report and  recommendations considered by Mayor and Cabinet on 4th July in relation to findings of the gypsy and traveller accommodation needs assessment and the strategy to meet those needs and the progress of the refurbishment scheme at the gibbons lane site and the extension scheme at land’s end.

To be informed about the Gypsy and Traveller Review.  To have the opportunity to comment on the report and its recommendations and make before a decision is made at Cabinet.

Panel

Decision taken at Cabinet 4th July 2012

Revised recommendations were made at Cabinet which took into account comments made by the R&E O&S Panel.

 

Agreed at Cabinet that recommendations, following consultation and the cost/benefit analysis to be brought back to Cabinet for a decision as soon as possible to enable compliance with the HCA’s timelines. 

3rd September 2012

Work and Skills Update

Opportunity to receive information of the private sector led Work & Skills board.

To receive an annual update on the work of the Private Sector-led Work & Skills Board in attempting to improve the Skills our residents have in order to support economic growth across the Borough. To consider undertaking a further piece of work around this area.

Panel

Cabinet 5th December 2012

As part of the recommendations made, the panel agreed to undertake that a joint working group is formed with members from the schools, children and young people overview and scrutiny panel (subject to the agreement of chair of that panel).  this group will include members from both the regeneration & environment and schools, children and young people overview and scrutiny panel

Performance 2012/13

(Qtr 1)- DMBC

Continue to monitor.

 

Panel

Through quarterly report & review

 

To hold relevant Directors and Cabinet Members to account. Focus on key areas of overspend & underperformance and consider actions for improvement. Identify issues for future consideration.

 

Ensure concerns identified continue to be monitored.

Performance 2012/13

(Qtr 1) – St Leger

Cabinet Members Portfolio Outline:

Councillor C Ransome

To understand priorities and review progress later in year. During the course of the year continue to measure aspects through Quarterly Performance reports.

Panel

September 2012 meeting and quarterly performance reports

 

Update early 2013

To provide accountability for improvement and improve transparency.

17th October 2012

Cabinet Members Portfolio Outline:

 

Councillor P Coddington

To understand priorities and review progress later in year. During the course of the year continue to measure aspects through Quarterly Performance reports.

Panel

October 2012 meeting and quarterly performance reports

 

Update early 2013

To provide accountability for improvement and improve transparency.

19th November 2012

Cabinet Members Portfolio Outline:

 

Councillor B Hoyle

To understand priorities and review progress later in year. During the course of the year continue to measure aspects through Quarterly Performance reports.

Panel

November 2012 meeting and quarterly performance reports

 

Update early 2013

To provide accountability for improvement and improve transparency.

Adoption of the first Council Environment Strategy

It was agreed that a working group be set up to look at the Environmental Strategy.  Following a meeting of the working group on the 10th August 2012 recommendations were made by the working group which were accepted and have been incorporated into the final version of the strategy.

 

Going to Cabinet 5th December 2012

 

Adoption of the Doncaster Council Statement of Policy (Gambling Policy 2013)

Statutory Plan

 

Going to Cabinet 19th December 2012

 

Tenancy Strategy, Tenancy Policy & Allocations Policy

 

Panel

 

 

Performance 2012/13

(Qtr 2) – St Leger

Continue to monitor.

 

Panel

Through quarterly report & review

 

To hold relevant Directors to account. Focus on key areas of overspend & underperformance and consider actions for improvement. Identify issues for future consideration.

 

Ensure concerns identified continue to be monitored.


 

 

 

 

 Councillor for Edenthorpe, Kirk Sandall & Barnby Dun

 

Home Tel: 01302 880242

Email: Tony.Revill@doncaster.gov.uk

 

 

10th September 2012

 

Peter Davies

Mayor of Doncaster

Floor 1

The Council House

College Road

Doncaster

DN1 3AJ

 

 

Dear Peter

 

Environmental Strategy

 

At the Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel Meeting held on the 3rd September 2012, the Panel received feedback and ratified recommendations made by a working group established by the Panel to feed into the development of the Environmental Strategy.

 

Therefore, please find outlined below the recommendations and observations made by the working group by theme and priority: - 

 

Theme 1. Managing our environmental resources and services

 

P1. Waste minimisation - Minimise the creation of waste in the Borough and reduce the amount of waste that is created from going to landfill.

 

The group agreed that they were satisfied with this priority and therefore there are no recommendations to be put forward.

 

P2. Deliver more energy efficient housing - Improve the energy efficiency of social and private rented households and ensuring the efficiency of new developments.

 

It was acknowledged that within the Local Development Framework Core Strategy there is a requirement for new housing to be built to Code for Sustainable Homes Level 3, and to generate 10% of its power from renewable energy.  It was also acknowledged that to raise the level too high could discourage developers.

Page 1. 


Page 2. Continued.

 

 

The following recommendations were therefore made: -

 

Recommendations:-

 

1.               That the use of renewable energy could be further promoted through the planning system. 

2.               That more positive wording within this section of the strategy could be considered which would encourage the use of more renewable energy.

3.               That incentives should be provided to encourage the use of more renewable energy through the grants system, use of solar panels and ground source heat pumps.

 

P3. Effective flood mitigation - Promotion of flood mitigation and further developing local resident’s knowledge of flood risks in order to increase personal flood resilience.

 

The group agreed that they were satisfied with this priority and therefore there are no recommendations to be put forward.

 

Theme 2. Ensuring a quality environment

 

P4. Protect our air and water quality and address contaminated land issues - Effective monitoring of air and water Quality and sites with contaminated land, taking remedial action when required.

 

The Panel agreed that regarding air quality there were no recommendations to be made. 

 

When considering water quality there was a discussion about contaminated land and the fact that although the person causing the contamination is responsible for addressing the problem in the event that they can’t be found, the new owner will take on that responsibility.  In light of this ruling, it was noted that lenders are reluctant to lend money as any defaults on mortgage payments mean that the provider will take on the responsibility in the event that the land becomes theirs.  It was raised that as a local authority this is an issue that should be addressed in the future.

 

The following recommendations were therefore made: -

 

Recommendations:-

 

4.               That there needs to be further publicity and communication to address land contamination issues, in particular those caused by farmers and industry.

 


Page 3. Continued

 

5.               That further consideration should be given about the issue of ownership and responsibility to address land contamination and what it could mean to Doncaster MBC.

 

P5. Create a more attractive street-scene - Improve the look and attractiveness of the borough’s Street Scene to support inward investment and to create places that people can be really proud of.

 

Following a brief discussion about work being undertaken within the Borough, the following recommendations were made:-

 

Recommendations:-

 

6.               That there could to be further publicity undertaken to encourage members of the public to take responsibility and to promote good practice in order to create places that people can be proud of.

7.               That further work is undertaken working with fast food outlets to ensure that they have an understanding about their legal responsibilities.

8.               That there could be further discussions about the use of Dog Exclusion Zones.

9.               That reference could be made within the document to S131 orders alongside a clear explanation of what they mean for residents and business within Doncaster.

10.           That the wording explaining the process of reporting others could emphasise the fact that reporting can be undertaken in confidence, in order encourage members of the public to undertake more.

 

Theme 3. Valuing our environmental assets

 

P6. Protect and promote our historic environment  - Increase public understanding of the value of our environment by promoting their social, cultural and economic benefits, whilst protecting its intrinsic value

 

The group agreed that they were satisfied with this priority and therefore there are no recommendations to be put forward.

 

P7.  Protect and promote our natural environment 

 

It was acknowledged that a Local Nature Partnership has been established which will help develop a more co-ordinated approach.  Concerns were raised about the Borough’s trees stock and how sustainable it is.  It was suggested that perhaps we need to be more proactive as a local authority in maintaining sufficient stock.  A member of the group stated that it was his belief that when new trees are planted they should be species which are traditionally native to the Doncaster area. 


Page 4. Continued

 

It was expressed that as a local authority we need to know what we have got and that there is a Green Space Audit that it is need of updating which is planned to be undertaken in the near future. 

 

The following recommendations were therefore made: -

 

Recommendations:

 

11.           That an inclusion could be made in the Strategy to tree planting within the Borough. 

12.           That future tree planting could be undertaken to reflect the natural environment, enable trees to grow to maturity without causing problems for local residents and also for more trees to be planted where this would reduce flooding.

 

P8.     Ensure access to high quality green spaces and the countryside - Effective management of our public parks and woodlands and improve access to our public right of way network

 

The group agreed that they were satisfied with this priority and therefore there are no recommendations to be put forward.

 

On behalf of the Panel, I would like to thank Stephen Butler, Planning Policy Manager (Natural Environment), Ian Kellett, Environment and Education Officer and Richard Ward, Drainage Engineer for taking the time to meet with Members as part of the working group.  The Panel looks forward to receiving the final draft at its meeting on the 19th November 2012 and to receive an update on the progress of the recommendations made.  I therefore look forward to receiving a response from you no later than 10th October 2012 on the recommendations and comments outlined above.

 

Kind regards,

pict0.jpg

 

Councillor A Revill

Chair – Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel

 

cc.  Jo Miller, Chief Executive

     Chair/Vice Chair of O.S.M.C.

     Cabinet

     Peter Dale, Director of Development

     Gill Gillies, Assistant Director of Environment

     Stephen Butler, Planning Policy Manager (Natural Environment)


PD/JB

 

5th October 2012

 

 

Councillor Tony Revill

Chair of Regeneration and Environment O&S Panel

Scrutiny Offices

2 Priory Place

Doncaster

DN1 1BN

 

 

Dear Tony

 

Environmental Strategy

 

Thank you for your letter dated 10th September 2012 setting out the recommendations of the Regeneration & Environment Overview & Scrutiny Panel meeting, held on 3rd September, in relation to the above strategy.

 

I welcome the comments made, and the support of you and your colleagues in moving this strategy forward.  I have discussed the recommendations with officers to consider the best way of reflecting them in the strategy; some have resulted in new actions, others in amendments to existing actions, and others will be key considerations in how the actions within the strategy are implemented.

 

Please find attached a table summarising my initial response to each recommendation, and these will be reflected in the external consultation version currently being finalised.  I look forward to receiving the comments of external partners and partnerships, prior to seeking further comments from Scrutiny colleagues in November.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter Davies

Mayor of Doncaster


Insert Env Strat Recommendations Action Plan


Councillor for Edenthorpe, Kirk Sandall & Barnby Dun

 

Home Tel: 01302 880242

Email: Tony.Revill@doncaster.gov.uk

 

 

10th September 2012

 

Peter Davies

Mayor of Doncaster

Floor 1

The Council House

College Road

Doncaster

DN1 3AJ

 

 

Dear Peter

 

Update on Work and Skills Partnership

 

At the Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel Meeting held on the 3rd September 2012, the Panel received a report providing an ‘Update on Work and Skills Partnership’. The Panel noted the report and considered the effectiveness of what is proposed to improve skill levels across the borough.

 

Following the discussion, members of the Panel agreed on the following recommendations: -

 

1.               That a joint working group is formed with members from the Schools, Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel (subject to the agreement of Chair of that Panel).  This group will include the following Members from the Regeneration & Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel:

 

·                 Councillor Richard Cooper-Holmes

·                 Councillor Nuala Fennelly

·                 Councillor Yvonne Woodcock

·                 Councillor Monty Cuthbert

 

Please note that it is the intention that the Chair and Vice Chair of both Panels meet informally with officers in the near future to discuss this in more detail.

 

2.       That members of the Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel receive the Labour Market Information Survey at a future meeting and invite members of the Schools, Children and Young People Overview and Scrutiny Panel for that meeting.

 

Page 1.

Continued
Page 2.

 

3.       That members of the Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel receive further information at a future Panel meeting on new ways of working within the Council to maximise local job opportunities.  This information will outline to the Panel the process in place in the Planning Team for planners to flag up to the Investment Team where job opportunities could occur following contact with developers submitting planning applications. This process ensures that once such job opportunities have been identified to the Investment Team, Officers will try to ensure that we have a local labour force match to meet the new supply.

 

The Panel also raised the following comments: -

 

·                 That the role of the Voluntary and Community Sector as part of the work carried out by the partnership needs further clarification.  It was felt by one member of the Panel that this sector has a great deal to offer, particularly in providing low level basic skills training.

 

·                 Regarding the involvement of schools and academy schools, Members believe that utilising governors are essential in enabling the partnership to become more engaged with them.

 

Overall, the Panel expressed that they were pleased that action is being taken to address the work and skills issue within Doncaster and are interested in receiving relevant updates on the initiatives in place and the delivery of the actions outlined in the report.

 

On behalf of the Panel, I would like to thank Lee Tillman, Head of Strategy and Programmes, Jayne Vose, Head of Service for Learner Engagement for presenting the report and answering questions.  I would also like to thank Nigel Brewster, Managing Director, Brewster McBride (and Skills Chair for the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership) and Dan Fell, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Doncaster Chamber for attending the meeting and responding to questions from members of the Panel.  I therefore look forward to receiving a response from you no later than 10th October 2012 on the recommendations and comments outlined above.

 

Kind regards,

pict0.jpg

Councillor A Revill

Chair – Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Panel

 

cc.  Jo Miller, Chief Executive

     Chair/Vice Chair of O.S.M.C.

     Cabinet

     Peter Dale, Director of Development

     Scott Cardwell, Director of Development

     Lee Tillman, Head of Strategy and Programmes

     Jayne Vose, Head of Service for Learner Engagement


 

 

PD/JB

 

1st October 2012

 

 

Councillor Tony Revill

Chair of Regeneration and Environment O&S Panel

Scrutiny Offices

2 Priory Place

Doncaster

DN1 1BN

 

 

Dear Tony

 

Update on Work & Skills Partnership

 

Thank you for your letter dated 10th September 2012 regarding the update you received in relation to our Work & Skills Partnership.  I am pleased that the Panel recognised the work being undertaken on this vital issue in order to improve the Borough’s wider economy. 

 

Taking each of the points you raise in turn:-

 

1.   I believe that a joint working group between members of the Schools, Children & Young People Panel and the Regeneration & Environment Panel is a good idea.  I will ask both Lee Tillman and Iain Thomson from our Strategy & Programmes Team to facilitate this.

 

2.   The Labour Market Information Survey results should be available in report form in November, and this will be presented by officers at a future Panel meeting.  This report should give members a clear idea on the skills requirements and experiences of businesses across the Borough, and will guide the Partnership’s future work to meet these needs.

 

3.   I will also ensure that the Panel receives the information requested on maximising local job opportunities through linking future Planning schemes to our Business Support functions.  I am extremely keen that the Council actively supports appropriate new schemes in the Borough, and that it works with Partners to ensure we have a local labour force that can take advantage of the job opportunities these new schemes will bring.


 

4.   In addition, I would like to confirm to Members from the Panel that the Voluntary and Community sector does play an active role within the Work & Skills Partnership, and is represented at Board level through the Doncaster Association of Training Managers (DATM). 

 

5.   Finally, I agree with the Panel that the involvement of Schools & Academies within this work is absolutely essential.  As a result, I expect Governors to be kept informed of the work of this Partnership through existing lines of communication from the Council, for example, the Quarterly Newsletter distributed to all Schools from our Assistant Director for Education. 

 

I trust the above is helpful.  I would like to thank you and the Panel once again for considering this important work in detail, and for raising these recommendations with me to improve what we offer.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

 

 

 

 

Peter Davies

Mayor of Doncaster


ENTERPRISING DONCASTER AGENDA

 

8:30 am Monday 29th October 2012,

Venue: ProAcktive Offices, House Sidings Court, White Rose Way, Doncaster DN45NU

 

 

1.

 

Welcome, Apologies and Introductions

Apologies:

Tracey Harwood, Interim Assistant Director Strategic Housing; Peter Dale, Director of Regeneration and Environment; Jo Miller, Managing Director of DMBC

 

 

Jon

Whiteley

 

8:30

Items for Discussion

2.

Enterprising Doncaster’s Role:

 

 a) Agreement of Revised Structure

 b) City Region Governance

Jon Whiteley/

Nigel Brewster

 

8:35

 

3.

Doncaster’s Key Challenges:

 

 a) Local Economic Assessment Key Messages (Evidence Base)

 b) Stocktake Feedback

 

 

Scott Cardwell

 

8:45

 

4.

Current Activity/Champion Lead Update

  a) Economy

  b) Skills

  c) Housing

  d) Transport – Champion Interviews 29th October

 

Q: Is the current focus of activity correct in light of the LEA/Stock Take?

Jon Whiteley/

Nigel Brewster/

Jim Wren

 

9:15

 

5.

Economic Portfolio Holder Updates

Peter Davies

 

9:30

6.

Business Doncaster Offer

Jon Whiteley

 

9:45

7.

 

Place Marketing

Malcolm Cowing

 

10.00

8.

 

Partners – Updates by exception

 

 

9.

AOB

Agreement of 2012/13 proposed meeting dates:

  • 4th May 2012, 8am
  • 3rd August 2012, 8am
  • 2nd November 2012, 8am
  • 1st February 2013, 8am

 

10.25

9.

End of meeting

 

10.30