The Scrutiny Select Committee – Resilient Council of Chesterfield Council discussed emergency planning and business continuity, the development of the 'My Chesterfield' portal, and the performance against the Climate Change Delivery Plan for 2023/24. Key decisions included noting the reports presented and requesting further updates in 12 months.

Emergency Planning & Business Continuity

The Strategic Health, Safety and Risk Manager presented the annual update on emergency planning and business continuity for 2023/24 and outlined planned activities for 2024/25. Key activities included:

• Two reviews of the Council’s Emergency Plan.
• Updates to the Universal Contact List.
• A comprehensive review of the Council’s winter plans and protocols.
• Administration of the Chesterfield Snow Warden Scheme.
• Review of the Council’s flood plan before Storm Babet.
• Support for public events such as Chesterfield Pride and the Christmas lights switch-on.
• Collaboration with Chesterfield Football Club on emergency planning.

The major incident of Storm Babet on 20 October 2023 was highlighted as the worst recorded flood event in the borough’s history. The response involved cross-department teamwork and coordination with the Derbyshire Resilience Partnership. Notable events included:

• A flood-related death at Tapton Terrace.
• Large-scale power outages.
• Activation of a rest centre at Queens Park Sports Centre.
• Administration of central government flood grants and council tax relief.

Members raised questions about the Section 19 report on the flooding, the Council’s responsibility for Chesterfield Football Club’s health and safety, and lessons learned from the flood event. The Service Director - Digital, HR and Customer Services reported that more staff are needed to cover the emergency planning role, leading to a planned service restructure.

The report was noted, and it was resolved that the officer would return in 12 months with an annual update or sooner if the Section 19 report is available.

My Chesterfield Update

The Service Director – Digital, HR and Customer Services presented a report on the development of the 'My Chesterfield' portal, launched in late 2020. The portal allows residents and businesses to access digital services securely. Key points included:

• 52,916 registered users with 87% living within the borough.
• Positive channel shift for services like missed bins and bulky waste.
• Development of a staff caution list to identify risks during visits.
• Mixed digital take-up for new services like green waste charging.

Members questioned support for cash payments, the governance of the staff caution list, and the inclusion of mobile phone numbers for ease of contact. The officer noted that payment machines would be installed in Customer Services, and the Monitoring Officer reviews all incidents on the caution list.

The report was noted, and it was resolved that the officer would return in 12 months with an update.

Climate Change Quarter 4 Update

The Policy and Partnerships Manager presented a report on the performance against the Climate Change Delivery Plan 2023/24. Key achievements included:

• Completion of 62% of activities in the Buildings and Energy Use theme.
• Installation of 17 charging points at the depot.
• Securing external funding for tree planting.
• Establishment of the Climate Change Forum.

Members praised the officers for their comprehensive report and acknowledged the difficulty of delivering the plan with no budget. Questions were raised about the size of the fleet compared to the number of electric vehicles, the potential rise in fly-tipping due to green waste charges, and the feasibility of solar canopies for car parks.

The report was noted, and it was resolved that a further update would be provided in November.

Scrutiny Project Groups Progress Updates

The Chair shared feedback on a discussion with the Service Director – Corporate and the Chair of the Scrutiny Select Committee – Economic Growth & Communities about the split of responsibilities for each committee as detailed in the Council Plan. Members were encouraged to contact the Chair with any requests for scrutiny.

Scrutiny Monitoring

The Chair shared feedback on the Statutory Guidance Update, which would be circulated to all members. A working group was agreed to develop a Scrutiny Protocol.

Forward Plan

The Committee considered the Forward Plan for the period 1 June to 30 September 2024.

Work Programme for the Scrutiny Select Committee - Resilient Council

The Work Programme for the Scrutiny Select Committee – Resilient Council was considered. Members queried the inclusion of Staveley 21 on their Work Programme, which was clarified to be based on budgetary issues and procurement responsibilities.

The minutes of the previous meeting on 7 March 2024 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

For more details, you can refer to the Public reports pack 27th-Jun-2024 17.00 Scrutiny Select Committee Resilient Council.