To receive apologies for absence.

No apologies for absence were received.

To receive details of any councillor nominated to attend the meeting in place of a member of the committee.

There were no named substitutes.

To receive declarations of interest in respect of items on the agenda.

No declarations of interest were made.

To receive the minutes of the meeting held on Tuesday 8 July 2025.

The minutes of the previous meeting were received.

Resolved: That the minutes of the meeting held on 8 July 2025 be confirmed as a correct record and be signed by the Chairperson.

To receive any written questions from members of the public.

Documents containing questions received from members of the public and the responses given, plus supplementary questions and their respective responses were published as an appendix to the minutes.

To receive any written questions from members of the council.

No questions had been received from councillors.

To seek the views of the Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee on the draft Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP), prior to its consideration by Cabinet. The committee is invited to scrutinise the plan, provide feedback, and endorse its strategic direction. The report also outlines key findings from the public consultation and proposes next steps for refining and implementing the LCWIP.

The committee considered a report on the Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP).

The principal points of the subsequent discussion are summarised below:

1. The Transport Planning Services Manager presented that:

2. In response to a question about what the political imperative is for driving the LCWIP forward, the Cabinet Member Transport and Infrastructure noted that there is no political imperative of it than if there is any need or want to move forward infrastructure projects, there has to be the basis of a plan to draw down the evidence to support any bids or applications made. It was noted that without these plans, bids will be unlikely to be successful for grant funding.

3. The Transport Planning Services Manager noted that the five most popular improvements that the public are asking for are: quiet lanes, highway route upgrades, junction safety upgrades, traffic calming, and footway improvements. Accordingly, these priorities are taken into account when determining the allocation of funding.

4. The Chief Operating Officer – Resident Services noted that active travel funding is already available. With an LCWIP in place, the council is hopeful that its grading will improve, thereby increasing the likelihood of securing additional funding.

5. In response to a question about other LCWIPs and whether it would have been good practice to have had an implementation strategy at this stage, Rhiannon Evans (Active Travel England) noted that it is helpful to have one in relation to a capability assessment which is calculated on three things: 1. Leadership; 2. Network plans; and 3. Delivery.

6. In response to a question regarding the rating system, Rhiannon Evans (Active Travel England) explained that all local authorities in England are assessed on a scale from 0 to 4, with Herefordshire currently rated at level 1.

To agree the terms of reference for a task and finish group.

The committee considered a report on Public Involvement in Housing Development Task and Finish Group – Terms of Reference.

The principal points of the subsequent discussion are summarised below:

1. The Statutory Scrutiny Officer introduced the proposal to agree a terms of reference for a task and finish group, noting that housing development is a matter of high public concern and that the group would provide an opportunity for scrutiny to contribute positively to policy development.

2. The group will comprise 5–7 councillors, excluding Cabinet Members. Membership will be open to all councillors, not limited to committee members.

3. Expressions of interest will be invited following agreement of the terms of reference, with work to take place over approximately nine months and a final report expected by May 2026.

4. Concerns were raised about the relationship between the emerging local plan and NDPs, with members emphasising the need to ensure NDPs retain a meaningful role. The Statutory Scrutiny Officer acknowledged this and agreed to make reference to NDPs within the objectives of the group.

Resolved

That:

a)    The committee agree the terms of reference for the proposed task and finish group.

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

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. It was noted that the task and finish group would be the committee’s primary piece of work over the coming months.

2. It was suggested that the committee allow time to shape the group’s programme of work before finalising the wider work programme.

3. A review of the work programme in mid-October was suggested, to be followed by confirmation of priorities at the committee’s scheduled November meeting.

Resolved that:

That:

a)    The committee agree the draft work programme for Connected Communities Scrutiny Committee contained in the work programme report attached as appendix 1, which will be subject to ongoing review, as the basis of their primary focus for the remainder of the municipal year.

b)    The committee note the forward plan attached as appendix 2 and identify any opportunities for collaboration or alignment of work.

The date of the next meeting is Tuesday 4 November 2025, 14:00 pm

The date of the next meeting is Tuesday 4 November 2025, 14:00 pm