To consider the draft work programme for the Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee until September 2025.

The Statutory Scrutiny Officer presented the draft work programme for the Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee for the municipal year 2024/25.

The principal points of the subsequent discussion are summarised below:

1. The Statutory Scrutiny Officer added that after meeting with the Transport Planning Services Manager, there has been some changes around funding arrangements for active travel. Officers have asked whether they can consider as a priority to bring the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) to the committee’s work programme for September.

2. Members agreed that the LCWIP should be prioritised for the September meeting, reflecting both the urgency created by new funding opportunities and the need for robust scrutiny. Concerns were expressed that the plan must not be rushed and should properly reflect the needs of Herefordshire.

3. Tourism and Destination Management was also identified as a key topic for September, complementing previous discussions on culture.

4. Other items originally listed for September, including the Hereford City Masterplan, UK Shared Prosperity Fund, and broadband, were considered less well developed. Members agreed that these may be better shaped in a separate work programme meeting before being scheduled.

5. It was suggested that if items such as the Hereford City Masterplan are delayed, accountability should still be maintained by officers explaining the reasons for delay in public, rather than issues being indefinitely postponed.

6. The committee also considered the establishment of a task and finish group to examine the impacts of significant housing growth in Herefordshire. The proposal focused on ensuring that community infrastructure and essential services are delivered in step with housing development, and on engaging residents proactively in the process.

7. Suggested lines of enquiry included community infrastructure readiness, planning with people, growth equity and resilience, and monitoring and accountability. The group could gather evidence from officers, developers, parish councils, NHS and education providers, as well as through citizen panels and community workshops.

8. The committee recognised the scale of the work and acknowledged the need to manage timing carefully, given officer resources and other scrutiny committees also planning task and finish groups. Members agreed to consider the proposal further and revisit it at the September meeting.

The committee unanimously agreed the draft work programme for Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee.

Resolved that:

1. The committee agree the work programme for Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee contained in the work programme report attached as appendix 1.