Agenda item

The Policy Development Group will set its work programme for the 2011/12 municipal year.

The Strategic Director gave Members a brief summary of the services covered by the Group (economic development, housing, environmental services and planning). From these service areas, a number of potential work streams had been identified. Suggestions were invited from officers and Members.

Any work programme suggestions would be considered by the Policy Development Co-ordinating Group, comprising chairmen and vice-chairmen of all the PDGs, together with Portfolio Holders, for approval and addition to the work programme.

Broadband – Looking at broadband provision across the district in conjunction with the Engagement Policy Development Group

Car parking – Carrying out a full review of car parking in Grantham, in conjunction with the Resources Police Development Group

Carbon Management Plan – The Carbon Management Plan needed refreshing and developing to fit in with the climate change agenda. It would focus on how the council works as a business, how the council could act as an exemplar to businesses in the district and how the council could influence and guide members of the public

Health and well-being boards – the government had consulted on proposed changes to the delivery of health. Health and well-being boards would oversee delivery. South Kesteven District Council had already submitted a response to consultation however future input would be required. It was suggested the group invite a representative to attend and provide a full briefing on the proposed changes, to which all other members could be invited.

Localism Bill – The Localism Bill proceeding through Parliament included a provision for the production of Neighbourhood Plans. The Council would need to look at how it could support these and how it would work with local communities in the development of the plans. The Bill also proposed changes to the way private sector housing is managed, which could lead to a further piece of work for the Group. To address the impact of the changes, the group might also choose to look at job creation.

Supporting People Policy – Reviewing South Kesteven District Council’s Policy to reflect any changes coming from the supporting people board at Lincolnshire County Council. This work could include a review of the delivery of care services in the district.

Decriminalisation of parking – Work was underway on the decriminalisation of car parking, with a view to its implementation in June 2012.

The Chairman stated that the work of the Policy Development Group should include a public focus, and suggested that Members could seek permission to hold informal drop-in sessions in public places. They could ask members of the public for their suggestions of policies that should be developed. Suggestions could be discussed with the Cabinet and proposals considered to have merit could be tasked to the relevant Policy Development Group for further work.

Members supported the idea of involving the public more. Given the number of items that were already proposed for the work programme, some concerns were expressed about capacity for additional items. Other suggestions included experimenting with the time and venue of meetings.

There was no consensus amongst Members, and it was suggested that it might not be the right moment to test them however they could be considered at a later date.