Issue - items at meetings - Links with the Older People's Council

Report of the Director of Strategy & Governance (copy attached).

RESOLVED -

(1)   That the information in the report be noted; and

(2)   That the actions set out in paragraph 3.4.1 of the report be recommended to the Cabinet and the Chairmen of the Overview & Scrutiny Committees.

49.1       The Committee considered a report of the Director of Strategy & Governance, concerning the links and working relations between the Council and the Older People’s Council (OPC), and how these could be improved by building on existing good practice (for copy see minute book).

49.2       The Chairman introduced the report and stated that she hoped the recommendations could be taken forward and that stronger working relations could be developed between the two bodies.

49.3       Councillor Mears informed the Committee that as Leader of the Council she had met with the Chair of the OPC to discuss matters and a number of issues that had been raised had been taken on board within the report.  She also noted that the Chair was very happy with the report and its recommendations.

49.4       Councillor Mitchell stated as the Chairman of the Overview & Scrutiny Commission she welcomed the report ad supported the recommendations.  She believed it was appropriate to have a co-opted member on the Health Overview & Scrutiny Committee and that other scrutiny committees and ad-hoc panels should take account of the need to involve the designated OPC member for the area in question.  She felt that it would be helpful for the Overview & Scrutiny Commission to monitor the situation and would raise it with the Chairmen of the scrutiny committees.

49.5       Councillor Taylor referred to the OPC priorities listed in paragraph 3.3.4 and expressed his concern over the contradiction with the promotion of human civil rights, and the fact that a member of the OPC had been told they would have to stand down if they put their name to a political publication.

49.6       Councillor Mears stated that the OPC was an independent body and had the authority to determine how it should operate.  The council recognised that independence and was seeking to build working relations with the OPC so that both organisations could work together effectively for the benefit of the city.  

49.7       RESOLVED -

(1)   That the information in the report be noted; and

(2)   That the actions set out in paragraph 3.4.1 of the report be recommended to the Cabinet and the Chairmen of the Overview & Scrutiny Committees.