Councillor Nathalie Bienfait

Extraordinary Meeting, Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 30th September, 2024 6.30 p.m.

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met to consider a call-in of the Cabinet's decision to award new contracts for the provision of domiciliary care services in the borough. Following a lengthy discussion, in which concerns were raised about a lack of transparency in the decision-making process, the Committee ultimately voted to uphold the Cabinet's decision.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 10th September, 2024 6.30 p.m.

The meeting discussed the council’s first quarter budget monitoring report and heard a spotlight presentation on business rate risks. It also heard a presentation about the new transport strategy and was asked to consider the local government ombudsman’s decision about a complaint made against the council. Lastly, the committee agreed the final version of its work programme for 2024/25 and were asked to consider this year’s scrutiny annual report, which will be tabled at the next full council meeting.

Call in: - Approval of the council’s revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy, Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Monday, 2nd September, 2024 6.00 p.m.

The committee voted to reject a call-in of the Mayor's decision in July to approve a revised Homelessness Accommodation Placement Policy[^1]. The meeting was dominated by a discussion of the controversial changes to the policy, particularly the removal of the 90-minute travel time limit, which now permits the council to place homeless families into temporary accommodation anywhere in the country.

Cabinet - Wednesday, 24th July, 2024 5.30 p.m.

The Cabinet agreed all of the items on its agenda. The most significant decisions were to progress a new draft Local Plan and to begin consultation on a Public Space Protection Order for dogs and their owners. The Cabinet also agreed to extend the contract for the Barkantine Heat and Power Company for two years, and to grant permission for five schools to become academies.

Overview & Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday, 23rd July, 2024 6.30 p.m.

The committee discussed the council's performance on recycling, the Strategic Asset Management Plan, and the proposed Target Operating Model. The Strategic Asset Management Plan was adopted by the council, while the committee noted the recycling and Target Operating Model reports and will consider them again after a further round of consultation by the council.