Decision

Overview & Scrutiny Board comments to
Cabinet

 

Using its Constitutional powers under the Overview
and Scrutiny Procedure Rules, the Overview and Scrutiny Board has
made a number of recommendations to Cabinet.

 

Cabinet is recommended to respond to
these.

 

·       
Havering Volunteer Centre (HVC)

 

Cabinet agreed to consider the recommendations
listed during upcoming strategic meetings.

 

1.    
That the HVC be given a longer term lease on their
current location.

2.    
The Council should not ask the HVC to leave their
current premises for a period of at least 18 months.

3.    
Whilst noting the remedial action taken by senior
officers, the Board condemns as unacceptable the previous poor
treatment and language used by some Council officers when
communicating with HVC staff.

4.    
Further detail should be given on the specific level
of the rent increase to be applied. This should be at a lower level
than current market rents.

5.    
Details of the proposed alternative site for the HVC
that has been identified by the Council, including levels of
associated costs, should be supplied to the HVC as a matter of
urgency. The Board finds it unacceptable that the HVC should have
been given four weeks’ notice to leave without a costed
alternative being provided. The Board notes that this position has
now been addressed.

6.    
The possibility of a charitable donation of premises
to HVC should be explored.

7.    
Any underspend in the community engagement budget
should be passed to the HVC.

8.    
Cabinet should make clear its vision for
volunteering/the voluntary sector in Havering and where the HVC
sits within this.

9.    
The Council should make proactive efforts to obtain
increased funding and support for the voluntary sector from local
businesses and partner organisations. Page
4

10. Cabinet should commit to continue current funding (as a minimum)
for the HVC.

11. Information should be provided as to whether any other tenancies
of voluntary organisations are at risk due to the position with the
HVC premises.

12. If
Council funding arrangements allow, certainty of funding for the
HVC should be given for a period of at least three
years.

13. The
Council should explore the introduction of a neighbourhood plan for
Romford as this would allow a Neighbourhood Community
Infrastructure Levy to fund the HVC.
14. Cabinet is
asked to support the view of the Board that the HVC provides good
value for money.
 
·       
Scrutiny Process and Related
Issues
 Cabinet agreed to recommendations 2,
3, 4, 6 & 7
1.    
The relevant Cabinet Member should be
required to attend each meeting of the Board or Sub-Committees
where there is an item relevant to their portfolios. Not agreed
2.    
All Cabinet responses to scrutiny
recommendations or comments should be included as an agenda item at
the next scrutiny meeting. Agreed
3.    
Comments and recommendations to Cabinet
should be presented at the Cabinet meeting by the Chairman and
Vice-Chair of the Board or relevant Sub-Committee. Agreed
4.    
Cabinet responses to scrutiny comments on
called-in decisions should be circulated to all members of the
Overview and Scrutiny Board as well as other Members supporting the
call-in. Agreed
5.    
Cabinet supports the Board’s
request for scrutiny reports to be received two weeks ahead of
publication as this will facilitate earlier pre-meets and general
consideration of the material. Not
agreed
6.    
That Cabinet commends the Overview and
Scrutiny Board reviewing the work it undertook over the past year,
and its ongoing efforts to make the scrutiny process as effective
as possible for residents. Agreed
7.    
That a protocol be developed for working
practices between Cabinet and the Overview and Scrutiny Board
including, but not limited to, the issues outlined in the
recommendations above. Agreed