To receive the report and to consider any recommendations to Council arising from the meetings held on 13 June and 16 July 2008.

The Chairman of the Strategic Monitoring Committee (SMC), Councillor PJ Edwards presented the report of the meetings held on 13 June and 16 July 2008.  He drew Members particular attention to on going work on the following; Review of Service Delivery Partnership, Office Accommodation Strategy and Herefordshire Connects.

In response to a question regarding the Office Accommodation Working Group, Councillor Edwards stated that the membership of the group was made up, in the main, by Members from SMC.  The working group had met and had reported back to the Committee.

Councillor RH Smith raised with the Chairman of SMC the point that a one day review of the ESG Project was to take place, arranged by the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, however he was concerned that no terms of reference had been drafted and no information had been released as to its focus or content.

As Chairman of the Community Services Scrutiny Committee, Councillor James responded to the issue regarding the scrutiny review of the ESG Project.  Councillor James clarified that the authorisation of the Chairman of SMC to an individual scrutiny review was not required and that this particular review had been agreed by the Director of Regeneration and the Chief Executive of ESG Ltd.  The Councillor further stated that the ESG project was a major public issue, which concerned a vast number of businesses in the locality.  An invitation was extended to Members to attend.

The Cabinet Member Corporate and Customer Services, and Human Resources suggested that in the future the committee should consider terms of reference prior to the commencement of a scrutiny review.  This would provide an opportunity for constructive comments to be considered at the start of any process.

Councillor B Hunt referred to the proposed expansion to radiotherapy services which was outlined on page 145 of the Agenda.  He expressed his dismay that the information to date seemed to be favouring Worcester, and urged SMC and the Health Scrutiny Committee to be vociferous in their campaign to expand the provision to Hereford.

Councillor JK Swinburne, Chairman of the Health Scrutiny Committee, was invited to update the Council on this important issue.  The Councillor advised Council that the provision of additional radiotherapy services were vital to both Herefordshire and Worcestershire, as well as Wales, and that an enormous amount of work had been undertaken behind the scenes.  A delay in the decision had occurred due to the fact that Worcestershire insisted on additional consultation on the location of any service; however a decision was due to be taken on 28 July 2008 by the Board for the three Counties.  The Council was informed that neighbouring authorities in Wales were in support and had stated that they would use radio therapy provision should it be available within Herefordshire.  Sincere thanks were expressed to colleagues within the PCT who had worked valiantly to produce comprehensive reports and financial analyses.

The Leader advised the Council that he had been in contact with the Leader of Powys Council.  The Leader expressed his appreciation to Councillor Swinburne and Members of the Health Scrutiny Committee for their efforts.

In response to a comment that the Alliance Group was the only group to be excluded from the SMC, Councillor Edwards reminded Members that the meetings were held in public session and that no Member was excluded from attending, he added that all Members were invited to speak in the SMC meetings if requested.

RESOLVED:   That the report of the meetings of the Strategic Monitoring Committee held on 13 June and 16 July 2008 be received.