Issue - meetings

Should the Committee agree to establish a Task and Finish Group, then its terms of reference and membership will be agreed following the workshop on 4 June and tabled at this meeting.

The Chairman referred Members to the Terms of Reference and Scoping Document in relation to the establishment of a Task and Finish Group to evaluate the outcomes of the Council’s approach to parking in East Herts, with reference to the Council’s Climate Change principles. 

The Democratic Services Officer explained that Members’ comments were being sought on the document and of the need to nominate Members to serve on the Task and Finish Group.  Members’ views were also being sought as to whether the scoping document and approach to parking in East Herts delivered any benefits in terms of sustainable transport and climate change.

The Head of Communications Policy and Strategy provided background information into the development of the scoping document. 

Councillor H Drake suggested that document should be expanded to include a review of residents’ parking zones, especially where policy was not being applied.  Councillor M Brady suggested that the remit be widened to include parking on grass verges outside of homes.  

Councillor D Hollebon suggested that the impact of air quality and air pollution on residents be an issue for further review.  Members’ suggestions were supported. 

In response to a query from Councillor Ward-Booth, the Head of Communications, Policy and Strategy provided background information around the development of a parking policy. 

The Chairman sought Members’ views regarding the timing of Task and Finish Groups and sought nominations from those Members who wished to participate on the work of the Task and Finish Group.  Members supported the suggestion that they be held on an evening and that the T&F Group comprise five Members. 

Councillors S Bell, I Devonshire, H Drake, M Stevenson and J Wyllie  indicated their wish to be included  on the Task and Finish Group.

It was moved by Councillor J Wyllie and seconded by Councillor I Devonshire that the scoping document, as amended, be approved and that the membership of the Task and Finish Group include those Members who wished to participate, as detailed.  After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the scoping document, as amended, be approved as the basis of the Task and Finish Group’s Terms of Reference;

(B)   the membership of the Task and Finish Group be determined by the Chairman, to include Councillors S Bell, I Devonshire, H Drake, M Stevenson and J Wyllie and any other Members of the Council where they have a particular interest or expertise to bring to the work of the Group; and

(C)   Meetings of the Task and Finish Groups be held during the evening.