To consider the findings of the scrutiny task and finish group and to recommend the report to the Executive for consideration.

The Chairman introduced the report of the Task and Finish Group: Balfour Beatty Living Places - Public Realm Services for consideration by the committee prior to its submission to the Executive.  The Chairman said that a thorough review had been undertaken and he thanked the contributors, members and officers involved, particularly the Head of Commercial Services and the Interim Procurement Manager.

The Head of Commercial Services reported that the group had held discussions with a number of stakeholders, including Balfour Beatty Living Places (BBLP), and he considered that the report recommendations supported the approach that had been taken by the authority.  He added that the recommendations were already being considered, with the intention of providing committee members with the Executive response prior to the pre-election period.

A committee member noted that the group had explored issues in relation to the handover from Amey to BBLP and commented on the need to ensure that the learning points were not lost.  The committee member commented on the potential for locality stewards to become overworked and overburdened, particularly with statutory inspections, and recommended the following additional wording to recommendation 8 “That the work of the locality stewards should be monitored closely for signs of slippage in programmes and, if this occurs, that BBLP and Herefordshire Council should discuss a way of reducing the pressure on locality stewards to enable programmes to proceed”.

A number of members commended individual locality stewards on their personal and technical abilities.

In response to a question from a committee member, the Chairman suggested that a briefing note be provided to the committee on the uptake of the lengthsman scheme by town and parish councils.  A committee member suggested that councils that had implemented the scheme could share positive experiences with others.

Referring to recommendation 9 about members’ requests, a committee member noted that the locality stewards did not have the ability to authorise works, with decisions made by other BBLP teams, and he considered it essential that a transparent appeal process was introduced.  He also commented that the relevant cabinet member should maintain an overview of significant dispute issues.

The Cabinet Member Transport and Roads noted the continuing need for robust contract management and for issues to be addressed as they arose.

A committee member suggested that there was a need to understand why some parish councils did not wish to take up the lengthsman scheme and to address any concerns that they might have. 

Another committee member commented that:

i.           parish councils should not be put at a disadvantage should they choose not to engage in the scheme and alternative arrangements should be accommodated;

ii.          it was disappointing that the enhanced lengthsman scheme had not been in sync with the budgeting timetable for many parish councils, as this might have increased uptake; and

iii.         referring to recommendation 7, in relation to insurance claims, it was considered that assurance was needed that inspections were being undertaken and defects were being rectified within appropriate timescales.  In response, the Head  ...  view the full minutes text for item 62